Spec. MD. Ayse Sanem Ucar

A 72-year-old retired olive oil producer from rural Tire arrived with progressive difficulty swallowing. Initial endoscopy was inconclusive. Dr. Ucar conducted a dynamic swallowing study using real-time MRI, identifying a previously undiagnosed cricopharyngeal bar combined with early-stage Zenker's diverticulum. Her detailed imaging report enabled targeted endoscopic surgery rather than open procedure, with the patient returning to solid foods within three weeks.

A 7-year-old refugee child from Syria presented with developmental delay and recurrent infections. Multiple doctors had dismissed concerns. Dr. Ucar identified subtle findings on abdominal ultrasound suggesting asplenia, then confirmed it with contrast-enhanced CT. Further investigation revealed heterotaxy syndrome with complex congenital heart disease that had been missed for years. Her comprehensive imaging report initiated urgent cardiac intervention.

A 45-year-old female ceramic artist from Urla developed progressive hand weakness and sensory changes. Neurological exams were normal. Dr. Ucar performed high-resolution MRI of the brachial plexus, identifying bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome with fibrous band compression, exacerbated by the patient's years of working at a pottery wheel. Imaging-guided the surgical approach, allowing the artist to return to modified work within months.

An 81-year-old retired sea captain with early dementia presented after a fall. Routine X-ray showed a hip fracture, but Dr. Ucar noticed incidental findings on the pelvic view. She recommended dedicated sacral MRI, revealing an extensive sacral insufficiency fracture that explained his persistent pain post-surgery. Her intervention prevented inappropriate neurological workup and guided appropriate pain management.

A 28-year-old competitive freediver from Foça presented with recurrent episodes of transient neurological symptoms after deep dives. Dr. Ucar performed a specialized cerebral MRI with susceptibility-weighted imaging, revealing multiple micro-bleeds in the frontal lobes, a rare presentation of decompression sickness in an elite athlete. She coordinated with hyperbaric medicine to develop a personalized imaging protocol for post-dive assessment, allowing the athlete to continue competing with modified depth limits.