M.D. Selahattin Özen

A 24-year-old competitive freediver from the Aegean coast presented with unexplained episodes of confusion after deep dives. Initial neurological workup was normal. Dr. Özen received a muscle biopsy sample showing rare, previously undocumented mitochondrial inclusions in type II muscle fibers. His analysis connected these to extreme pressure-induced metabolic shifts, leading to a new safety protocol for extreme sports athletes and complete symptom resolution with modified training.

A 78-year-old retired Byzantine art restorer from a modest Istanbul neighborhood was admitted with mysterious skin lesions resembling gold leaf patterns. Dermatology suspected contact dermatitis, but biopsy revealed cutaneous deposition of a zinc compound used in historical restoration glues. Dr. Özen's meticulous tissue analysis traced systemic absorption from decades of unprotected work, allowing targeted chelation therapy and full recovery.

A 7-year-old girl from a Syrian refugee family presented with recurrent abdominal pain. Multiple imaging studies were inconclusive. Dr. Özen examined an appendix specimen removed during exploratory surgery and identified microscopic schistosome eggs of a strain not endemic to Turkey, revealing an undocumented parasitic infection from her early childhood, leading to targeted antiparasitic treatment and full resolution.

A 42-year-old commercial beekeeper from rural Thrace developed unusual neurological symptoms. Brain biopsy showed crystalline structures in neural tissue. Dr. Özen identified these as propolis-derived compounds that had crossed the blood-brain barrier—a phenomenon never documented in humans. His findings led to occupational modifications and a novel detoxification regimen with gradual neurological improvement.