Search

HIV/AIDS is a new epidemic in current century. Predominant route of transmission is sexual. Virtually all systems are affected either directly by virus or by oppurtunistic infections or by malignancy. Neurological complications may occur at any stage of disease. Clinical manifestations may be acute, subacute or chronic. Presentation and diagnosis are often confusing. Central nervous system toxoplasmosis and tuberculous meningitis are commonest opportunistic infections in advanced HIV patients. Patients frequently present with focal neurodeficit. Mortality is high i.e., 13 (54%) out of 24 cases of opportunistic infectious in the study carried out at the SSKM Hospital during the period January 2005 to December 2006.

A case of a 45-year-old lady presenting with symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis is described. Initially the findings on Imaging were ambiguous while the enzyme studies were against the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Recurrence of symptoms and with Increased intensity prompted repeated imaging and further investigations. Finally, by a combination of CT scan, MR imaging and muscle biopsy the rare diagnosis of pyomyositis was established. The fact that this case was difficult to diagnose because of its rarity and its mimicking pencreatitis is discussed.

Stroke is the third commonest cause of mortality after heart disease and cancer. It is generally the disease of the aged. Prevalence rates of stroke very from one study to another. However, there has been a definite increase in the prevalence and incidence of stroke disorder in India over the last 30 years. Diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension are some of the risk factors found in stroke. To curb the rising trend of stroke in India, the two principal risk factors ie, hypertension and diabetes mellitus need to be strictly brought under control. The change in dietary habit to reduce intake of solid fat and complete cessation of smoking and chewing tobacco need also to be encouraged. Public awareness campaigns and health educations are most important part to combat increasing trend of stroke.