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Optimal evaluation of aortic diameter is possible on computed tomography. Measurement outside the normal range is a sign of aneurysm or hypoplasia.

Renal lymphangiomatosis is a very rare disorder, with only a few reported cases. We present a case of bilateral renal lymphangiomatosis, manifested by bilateral flank pain, that was falsely diagnosed as hydronephrosis. Excretory urographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic urographic findings are described.

Studies suggest that determination of the TSH reference intervals may differ due to environmental influences or due to age, gender, and race. It is suggested that the lower limit of normal TSH for the adult Turkish population would be 0.38 mIU/L and the upper limit similar to the traditional value of 4.2 mIU/L. If each clinician uses their population-specific reference interval for TSH, thyroid function abnormalities can be accurately estimated.

ObjectiveWe aim to investigate a possible relationship between acute pancreatitis (AP) and body fat and muscle parameters in computed tomography (CT).MethodsComputed tomography images of 107 patients with AP were scored in terms of AP severity using the modified CT severity index. Muscle mass, muscle mass index, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue area, multifidus muscle/fat attenuation ratio, total psoas index (TPI) and Hounsfield units average calculation (HUAC) values were performed.ResultsTotal psoas index and HUAC of mild AP cases were significantly higher than those with moderate and severe AP. The TPI of patients with severe pancreatic necrosis were found to be significantly lower than those without necrosis. Hounsfield units average calculation of cases without necrosis were significantly higher than those with severe necrosis in the pancreas.ConclusionsOur study indicated that lower volume and density of psoas muscle associated with worse CT severity score and larger pancreatic necrosis in patients with AP.

Hemodialysis catheters are vital for chronic renal failure patients. Permanent tunneled dialysis catheters may be inserted through the jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins. In this paper, we aimed to present the computed tomography findings of a chronic renal failure patient who had referred our clinic with abdominal pain and dyspnea symptoms. This patient had a formerly inserted hemodialysis catheter for chronic renal failure and her catheter was found to be extending towards the middle hepatic vein with the tip leaning onto the parenchyma. Hemodialysis catheters can provide instant vascular access and can also be used for the consecutive procedures. Permanent hemodialysis catheters are ideal for long-term use when placing an arteriovenous fistula is contraindicated or is no longer possible under conditions like advanced heart failure, peripheral artery disease or short life expectancy. The internal jugular, subclavian, the femoral veins, and the inferior vena cava can be used for catheter insertion. The tip of the catheters inserted in the neck or the thorax must extend to the vena cava superior. Catheter malposition may both lead to fatal outcomes and ineffective dialysis. It is important to obtain chest X-rays after the procedure, particularly to detect catheter malposition.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESIn this study, it was aimed to investigate thyroid functions, sonographic characteristics of thyroid gland, relation of thyroid functions, and cardiovascular risk factors in adult population living in northern Turkey.DESIGN AND SETTINGSThe study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat in northern Turkey from 2005 to 2006.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included about 530 000 inhabitants of 18 years and older. Demographic characteristics and thyroid sonographic findings were noted for each subject, and blood samples were collected for measuring serum lipids and thyroid function tests.RESULTSA total of 1095 subjects (541 males, 554 females) were included, and their mean age (SD) was 41.4 (17) years. Mean thyrotropin (TSH) and free T4 levels (SD) were 1.5 (1.6) μIU/mL and 1.2 (0.1) ng/dL, respectively, in males, and 2.2 (6.6) μIU/mL and 1.2 (0.3) ng/dL, respectively, in females (P<.05). According to mean TSH levels, the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism was detected as 1.6%, 0.5%, 2.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. Nodular goiter, multinodular goiter, and thyroid heterogeneity were determined as 13.8, 32.1, and 15.6%, respectively. The correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and serum TSH levels was not statistically significant (P>.05). The age was independently and significantly associated with serum TSH levels (P<.0001).CONCLUSIONIn terms of high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and nodular goiter, thyroid diseases must be concluded as a public health problem, and accurate and effective strategies must be identified.