Chemokine and Chemokine Receptor Polymorphisms in Bipolar Disorder

ObjectiveBipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating psychiatric disease with unknown etiology. Recent studies have shown inflammation as a potential contributing factor of BD pathogenesis. However, potential associations between chemokine and chemokine receptor polymorphisms and BD have been fundamentally understudied. To identify participation of chemokines in BD pathogenesis, we examined genetic variants of several chemokine and chemokine receptor genes.MethodsThe study population comprised 200 patients with BD and 195 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Genotyping of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) A2518G, CCR2 V64I, CCR5 Δ32, CCR5 A55029G, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) 3''A, and CXCR4 C138T polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion.ResultsWe found that CCR5-Δ32 II and CXCR4-C138T C+ genotype frequencies contributed to an increased risk for BD. However, no statistical significance could be obtained with these genotypes after Bonferroni correction. A significant asssociation was only found with MCP-1 GG and G+ genotypes, which were markedly more prevalent in patients with BD and these genotypes seemed to significantly increase the risk for BD even after Bonferroni correction.ConclusionOur findings indicate an association between genetic variants of certain chemokine and chemokine receptor (especially MCP-1) genes and BD. The exact mechanisms by which these variants contribute to BD pathogenesis and their clinical implications need to be further investigated.     

Evaluation of labyrinthine fistula by MR cisternography

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can develop after trauma and determination of its etiology is crucial for treatment planning. Computed tomography (CT) is the first-line imaging method in evaluation of trauma victims; however, its value is limited in visualization of perilymphatic fistula or in assessment of cochlear implant candidates. Herein, we present imaging findings of a patient with traumatic bilateral transverse fractures of temporal bones and resultant SNHL. This patient had a fistula between inner ear and subarachnoid space which was detected at non-contrast-enhanced MR cisternography (NCE-MRC) and contrast-enhanced MR cisternography (CE-MRC) scans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature. In conclusion, in patients with transverse fractures of temporal bone, in presence of otic capsule involvement at CT images, the inner ear structures and surrounding organs should be carefully evaluated via NCE-MRC. In case of a suspicion of a fistula, CE-MRC can help in early diagnosis and can also help to visualize the leakage location, which is of paramount importance for correct treatment and management of such cases.     

Evaluation and Management of Antrochoanal Polyps

Antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) are benign polypoid lesions arising from the maxillary antrum and they extend into the choana. They occur more commonly in children and young adults, and they are almost always unilateral. The etiopathogenesis of ACPs is not clear. Nasal obstruction and nasal drainage are the most common presenting symptoms. The differential diagnosis should include the causes of unilateral nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scans are the main diagnostic techniques, and the treatment of ACPs is always surgical. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and powered instrumentation during FESS for complete removal of ACPs are extremely safe and effective procedures. Physicians should focus on detecting the exact origin and extent of the polyp to prevent recurrence.     

Laparoscopic Excision of a Scar Pregnancy and Isthmocele Repair

Study Objective

Laparoscopic excision of a scar pregnancy and isthmocele repair with a barbed suture.