Browsing by Author "Meric, Kaan"

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Dynamic Quantitative Imaging of the Masseter Muscles in Bruxism Patients with Myofascial Pain: Could It Be an Objective Biomarker
(MDPI, 2023) Aydin Aksu, Sibel; Kursoglu, Pinar; Turker, Izim; Baskak, Fulya; Ozen Sutuven, Elifnaz; Meric, Kaan; Cabbar, Fatih
We aimed to investigate whether the collaboration of shear wave elastosonography (SWE) and B-mode ultrasonography (US) could be offered as diagnostic tools to assess the presence, severity, and progress of bruxism, as well as a biomarker for the effectiveness of treatment in daily clinical practice. The study was designed as a quantitative evaluation of the masseter muscles (MMs) of the clinically diagnosed bruxism patients suffering from myofascial pain and MMs of the healthy individuals. Clinical examinations were made according to the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD), and pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Painful MMs with VAS scores >= 4 were assigned to Group A, and healthy MMs were assigned to Group B. Also, the MMs of the painful bruxers were analyzed based on wearing occlusal splints. Group A was divided into two subgroups as splint users (Group AI) and non-users (Group AII). All the participants were scanned with dynamic US and SWE to quantify the size and stiffness of the MMs. Measurements of each muscle pair while the jaw is in a resting position (relaxation) and clenching position (contraction) were recorded. The significant differences in stiffness and thickness became visible in the relaxation state. Bruxism patients with myofascial pain had significantly harder and thinner MMs than healthy individuals. During the relaxation, the mean thickness and elasticity values were 9.17 +/- 0.40 mm and 39.13 +/- 4.52 kPa for Group A and 10.38 +/- 0.27 and 27.73 +/- 1.92 for Group B, respectively. Also, stiffer MMs were measured in Group AII (38.16 +/- 3.61 kPa) than in Group AI (26.91 +/- 2.13 kPa). In conclusion, the combination of SWE and US using a dynamic examination technique has the potential to be a valuable tool for the management of bruxism patients suffering from myofascial pain.
The Effectiveness of Three-Dimensional (3D) PCASL MR Perfusion Imaging in Assessing Cognitive Status in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
(Reial Acadèmia de Medicina de les Illes Balears, 2024) Comert, Sinem; Meric, Kaan; Pekar, Recep Bilhan; Aksu, Sibel Aydin
Objective: we aimed to evaluate the relationship between CBF values obtained through PCASL MRI imaging and scores from MMSE, CDR, and CDS tests in patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Materials and methods: The study encompassed four groups: Control (Group 1), Mild cognitive impairment (Group 2), Moderate cognitive impairment (Group 3), and Severe cognitive impairment (Group 4). we collected CBF values derived from Pseudo Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling Manyetik Rezonans (PCASL MRI) imaging. Additionally, for patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, scores from MMSE, CDR, and CDS tests were meticulously documented. Results: Significant differences were observed across the groups based on measures like MMSE, CDR, and regions of the brain such as the Frontal, Temporal, Hippocampus, PCC, Precuneus, Occipital, and Cerebellum (p<0.001 for each comparison). MMSE was significantly correlated with CDR (r= -0.736, p<0.001), Frontal (r= 0.464, p<0.001), Temporal (r= 0.325, p=0.017), Hippocampus (r= 0.509, p<0.001), PCC (r= 0.399, p=0.003), and Precuneus (r= 0.286, p=0.036). However, there was no significant correlation between MMSE and Occipital (p=0.113) or Cerebellum (p=0.535). Conclusions: PCASL MR imaging detects neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's and its milder forms, supplementing neuropsychiatric evaluations like the mini-mental test. When contrasted with FDG-PET imaging, ASL MR perfusion stands out due to its non-invasive nature, absence of radiation exposure, and cost-effectiveness. Its easy applicability further underscores its prominence as a preferred diagnostic tool in assessing dementia.
Of the Manuscript: Predictive Value of Renal Parenchyma and Pelvic Urine Density on Preoperative Non-Contrast CT in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) After Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy
(Springer, 2025) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak
To evaluate the predictive value of preoperative NCCT (Non-Contrast Computed Tomography) measured renal parenchyma and pelvic urine densities for the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following URS. 1262 patients underwent semi-rigid URS due to ureterolithiasis between January 2008 and August 2023 were screened and 286 patients were included. Patient demographics and NCCT findings (stone size, location, density, hydronephrosis, renal parenchymal density, pelvic urine density) were collected retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups based on SIRS development after URS. Pelvic urine and parenchyma densities of the obstructed kidney were compared. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of SIRS. The median obstructed kidney cortex mean density was significantly lower in the SIRS (+) group compared to the SIRS (-) group (26.67 [22.33-29.50] vs. 33.33 [27.24-37.75]). Obstructed kidney medulla mean density was also significantly lower in patients with SIRS (24.00 [22.33-27.50] vs. 31.50 [26.24-36.75], p = 0.001). Pelvic urine density was significantly higher in the SIRS-positive group. Stone density (OR = 1.35, % 95 CI: 1.09-1.67, p = 0.006), proximal ureteral location (OR = 5.21, % 95 CI: 1.84-14.7, p = 0.002), cortex mean density (OR = 0.91, % 95 CI: 0.87-0.95, p = 0.001) and pelvic urine density (OR = 1.07, % 95 CI: 1.02-1.12, p = 0.010) were stated as significant predictors. Renal parenchyma and pelvic urine density on pre-operative NCCT can predict SIRS after semi-rigid URS.
Predictive Impact of PI-RADS 3 Lesion Volume/Total Prostate Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naïve Patients Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naive Patients
(TÜBİTAK Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2025) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak
Background/aim: To assess the potential of the ratio between PI-RADS 3 lesion volume and total prostate volume as a predictive parameter for guiding the decision to perform a biopsy in patients presenting with PI-RADS 3 lesions on multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Materials and methods: A total of 749 patients who underwent mpMRI due to suspected prostate cancer between January 2014 and August 2023 were scanned. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 308 patients were included. Age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate volume measured in mpMRI, mpMRI result, PI-RADS 3 lesion volume, and biopsy results were collected. The PI-RADS 3 ratio was calculated as PI-RADS 3 lesion volume/total prostate volume. PSA density (dPSA) was calculated. The patients were categorized according to their biopsy results as benign or malignant (subclassified by Gleason group grade), and the two groups were compared. Results: The average PI-RADS 3 ratio was 0.032 +/- 0.002. There were 230 (74.7%) patients in the benign group and 78 (25.3%) patients in the malignant group. There was a statistically significant difference detected in average prostate volumes (p < 0.001), dPSA values (p = 0.001), and PI-RADS 3 ratios (p < 0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis of PI-RADS 3 ratio indicated an area under the curve of 0.643 +/- 0.037. The optimal cut-off point was 0.026 with a sensitivity of 58.97% and a specificity of 66.96%. A positive, albeit weak, statistically significant relationship was found between PIRADS-3 ratios and dPSA values (rs rho = 0.261 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: PI-RADS 3 ratio may serve as an auxiliary clinical parameter alongside age, dPSA, and lesion volume alone in identifying more refined candidates for biopsy in the goal of patient care individualization.
Predictive Value of Renal Parenchyma and Pelvic Urine Density on Preoperative Non-Contrast CT in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) After Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy (Vol 54, 15, 2025)
(Springer, 2026) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak