Role of serological rapid antibody test in the management of possible COVID-19 cases.

Background: Although the detection of viral particles by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard diagnostic test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the false-negative results constitute a big challenge.

Aim: To examine a group of patients diagnosed and treated as possible COVID-19 pneumonia whose multiple nasopharyngeal swab samples were negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by RT-PCR but then serological immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) antibody against SARS-CoV-2 were detected by rapid antibody test.

Methods: Eighty possible COVID-19 patients who had at least two negative consecutive COVID-19 RT-PCR test and were subjected to serological rapid antibody test were evaluated in this study.

Importance of pulmonary artery to ascending aorta ratio in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Recent articles revealed that an increased main pulmonary artery to ascending aorta ratio (PA/A) in thorax computed tomography (CT) correlated with pulmonary hypertension, and might be linked to a high probability of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations.

Objectives: In this study, our aim was to evaluate the clinical importance of PA/A in patients with exacerbations of COPD and investigate its relationship with the number of exacerbations in 1 year or short/long-term mortality after hospital discharge.

Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study.

Spontaneous Mediastinal Emphysema Associated with the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoid (Bonsai).

Spontaneous Mediastinal Emphysema (SME), which is a rarely seen case is defined as the detection of free air in the mediastinum without any trauma. Although rare, some cases secondary to drug use have been reported. In this study, two SME cases that developed due to the use of a synthetic cannabinoid known as "bonzai", which has recently become widespread in Turkey, are presented.