Search

Aim: The aim is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory investigations and ultrasonography (USG) in distinguishing complicated appendicitis (C-AA) from uncomplicated appendicitis (UC-AA). Materials and Methods: Forty-six children who underwent appendicectomy at our center between November 2018 and July 2020 were included. Based on intraoperative findings, they were divided into two groups – complicated (perforated, gangrenous, or associated with fecal peritonitis; n = 18) and UC-AA (n = 28). USG findings and inflammatory markers were compared in both groups at admission. Results: At admission, the mean values for total leukocyte count (TLC) (16090.56 vs. 11739.29 per mm3), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (35.8 vs. 31.62 mg/L), and procalcitonin (PCT) (3.83 vs. 1.41 ng/mL) were significantly higher in C-AA. Visualization of a blind tubular aperistaltic structure was the only sonographic sign showing statistical significance – significantly lower in C-AA (50% vs. 90%). Independent predictors of C-AA were – duration of symptoms >48 h (odds ratio [OR] 6.3), free fluid/loculated collection in right iliac fossa (OR 3.75), TLC >11000/mm3 (OR 3.6), hsCRP >35 mg/L (OR 6.0), PCT >0.6 ng/mL (OR 4.02), and nonvisualization of appendix on USG (OR 8.33). Biochemical factors were sensitive (89%) and specific (55%) in differentiating C-AA from UC-AA but the addition of sonological parameters significantly improved the specificity of predicting complicated AA to 61% (P = 0.0036). Conclusion: Combining laboratory data with sonological findings significantly improves the predictive value for differentiating C-AA from UC-AA and can help decide operative approach and prognosticating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) has been used for studying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in various CSF related disorders at aqueduct of Sylvius.Objective: To analyze the CSF flow dynamics qualitatively and quantitatively using PC-MRI across the aqueduct of Sylvius in diagnosed patients of tuberculous meningitis.Methods: Thirty patients, clinically diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis and mean age of 24 years (range: 12-60 years) were taken up to study the changes in CSF flow dynamics using PC-MRI with retrospective cardiac gating. Thirty age and sex matched healthy volunteers were also included for comparison and reference values. Flow quantification was done by through-plane scans acquired in the axial plane perpendicular to the aqueduct. For qualitative examination, in-plane phase contrast scans were acquired in the mid-sagittal plane. Encoding velocity was kept in craniocaudal direction. Calculated parameters were peak velocity (cm/s), average velocity (cm/s), average flow (mL/s), net forward volume (mL), and stroke volume (μL).Results: Qualitatively, loss of normal sinusoidal waveform of CSF flow was noted in two cases of hydrocephalus with exaggerated flows. Quantitatively, CSF flow parameters showed marked numerical difference in tuberculous meningitis patients with hydrocephalus on comparison with healthy volunteers and with cases without hydrocephalus.Conclusion: PC-MRI is a sensitive technique to analyze altered CSF flow dynamics in tuberculous meningitis patients. This is a useful adjunct in imaging these patients to extract both the qualitative and quantitative information about CSF flow for comprehensive evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain tumors are the second most common malignancy and the most common solid tumors in the pediatric population. Most brain tumors in the pediatric population are primary in origin contrary to the adult population. The various factors useful for establishing the diagnosis include the age of the patient, imaging characteristics, and location of the tumor. Infratentorial tumors are more common between 4 and 10 years of age, whereas supratentorial tumors are common in neonates and infants up to 3 years. Conventional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are of paramount importance in the diagnostic evaluation of these tumors which help in their characterization and allow accurate assessment of their extent. The updated World Health Organization classification of brain tumors has incorporated various genetic and molecular parameters. It is essential for the radiologists to be familiar with the imaging features of genetic tumor subtypes as it plays a role in patient management and prognostication. Advanced neuroimaging provides additional information regarding the metabolism and physiology of these lesions, thereby aiding in their diagnosis and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRU) in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Methods: Thirty-seven adult diabetic patients with clinically diagnosed DPN and 45 healthy adult volunteers were included in the study. HRU of the right medial, ulnar, common peroneal, and posterior tibial nerves was done. The mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of the involved nerves was measured in the two groups at identical positions. The CSA was compared between the two groups, and Student t-test was applied to assess statistical significance.Results: There was a significant increase in the CSA of the median, ulnar, common peroneal, and posterior tibial nerve in DPN patients as compared to healthy volunteers. Sonographic findings were compared with nerve conduction study (NCS) for all the nerves studied except common peroneal nerve (CPN), as the NCS of CPN is not routinely done. DPN was classified as mild or moderate to severe on the basis of latency and velocity assessed by NCS. The mean CSA in all the examined nerves was higher in moderate to severe DPN than the mild DPN, but this was not statistically significant except for ulnar nerve with a P value of < 0.0001.Conclusion: HRU demonstrates a morphological change in patients with DPN in the form of an increase in CSAs, which was statistically significant. HRU can objectively complement other diagnostic investigations such as NCS. High resolution ultrasonography of peripheral nerves has the potential to become the investigation of first choice for the evaluation of DPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]