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The efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorhent assay (ELISA) was evaluated in the sera of 215 individuals as a diagnostic aid in abdominal tuberculosis. The subjects had abdominal tuberculosis (group 1), intestinal disorders other than tuberculosis (group 2), cirrhosis of the liver (group 3), and peritoneal malignancy (group 4). Sera from patients of pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy volunteers (group 5) were also analyzed for enzyme activity and served as positive and negative controls. In patients with abdominal tuberculosis, the absorbance (OD) values were significantly higher than for the other groups and healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). OD values were similar in abdominal and pulmonary tuberculosis (p > 0.05). Level above 0.7 (OD) in serum suggests tuberculosis with a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 88%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 84%. These results suggest that ELISA may be used for the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis and in differentiating it from other nontuberculous abdominal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma is reported. Added to the 42 cases of retroperitoneal lymphangioma found from the English literature, this brings up the total of cases reported to date to 43. A critical review of the clinical picture and management of this condition is presented on the basis of these reported cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out at the Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, New Delhi, between January 1982 and October 1984. Clinical diagnosis of acute cholecystitis was confirmed by ultrasound scanning or Tc labelled HIDA Scan. Group I (n=24) comprised patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy while Group II (n=23) comprised patients who were managed conservatively, and had an elective cholecystectomy performed 6-12 weeks later. There was no mortality or wound infection in either group. The incidence of other complications was 8.3 per cent and 8.6 per cent in Groups I and II, respectively. Emergency cholecystectomy (Group I) reduced the total hospital stay of a patient by approximately 70 per cent and post cholecystectomy syndrome was seen in Group II patients only. We thus recommend emergency or early cholecystectomy during the acute stage of cholecystitis, as it is safe, effective and economical, provided it is done by an experienced surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed information on the various aspects of saffron is provided. Physiological requirements of the plant are stressed. It is hoped that this short report will lead to extension of saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir and in the adjoining areas of the neighboring states of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with angiosarcoma of the gallbladder is presented. Occasionally, this rare malignancy is found within the abdominal cavity. However, this is only the third reported case of angiosarcoma of the gallbladder. Etiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 50 year old man with a two month history of upper abdominal pain and a one month history of anorexia and weight loss, presented with icterus and evidence of peritonitis. Laparotomy revealed biliary peritonitis which had been caused by a rupture of the fundus of the gallbladder. The common bile duct was dilated and there was a large growth in the head of the pancreas with multiple hepatic metastases. A cholecysto-jejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy were done and the patient had an uneventful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of liver cell carcinoma in an eight-month-old male infant is presented, with a review of the literature. Radical surgery is recommended in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]