Search

Introduction. Computed tomography is more accurate than excretory urography in evaluation of renal stones due to its high sensitivity and temporal resolution; it permits sub-millimetric evaluation of the size and site of calculi but cannot evaluate their chemical composition. Dual-energy computed tomography allows evaluating the chemical composition of urinary calculi using simultaneous image acquisition at two different energy levels. The objective of the research was to determine renal stone composition using dual-energy multidetector computed tomography, and its correlation with post-extraction chemical analysis of stones. Materials and Methods. This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging from September 2017 to March 2019. A total of 50 patients with urolithiasis at the age of 18-70 years were included in the study. Dual-energy computed tomography ratios of various stones were noted, and preoperative composition of calculi was given based on their colour and dual-energy computed tomography ratio. These results were compared with the post-extraction chemical analysis of stones (using Fourier infrared transform spectroscopy as the standard comparative method.) Results. The most common type of calculi in our study population was calcium oxalate stones (78%) followed by uric acid stones (12%), cystine stones (6%) and hydroxyapatite stones (4%). The dual-energy ratio of calcium oxalate, uric acid, cystine and hydroxyapatite stones ranged from 1.38-1.59, 0.94-1.08, and 1.20-1.28 and 1.52-1.57, respectively, with the mean dual-energy ratio of 1.43, 1.01, 1.25 and 1.55, respectively. Dual-energy computed tomography was found to be 100% sensitive and specific for differentiating uric acid stones from non‑uric acid stones. The sensitivity and specificity in differentiating calcium oxalate calculus from non‑calcium oxalate calculus was 97.5% and 90.9%, respectively, with 96% accuracy and kappa value of 0.883 suggesting strong agreement. Conclusions. Dual-energy computed tomography is highly sensitive and accurate in distinguishing between various types of renal calculi. It has vital role in management as uric acid calculi are amenable to drug treatment, while most of non-uric acid calculi require surgical intervention.

Bovine babesiosis is an infectious protozoan disease and causes significant economic losses in terms of production loss and mortality. The genus Babesia belongs to the family Babesiidae order piroplasmida and is transmitted by ticks globally. The signs of disease are particularly prominent in old or immuno-compromised animals. The spleen plays a vital role in defence against hemoparasites like Babesia. A young cross-bred cow calf of about 3 months of age was splenectomised to propagate Babesia in vivo experimentally. Prior to splenectomy, the calf was examined through microscopy and PCR analysis and was found negative for any kind of piroplasms including Babesia. The calf was completely splenectomised, but the calf was naturally infected during its postoperative period. The calf expired after naturally acquiring Babesia bigemina and Theileria annulata during the 11 th day of postoperative period owing to increased parasitaemia, exhibiting typical mixed parasitic infection stigmata e.g. reddish urine, elevated temperature up to 41.38°C. This study concluded that complete splenectomy along with dexamethasone administration in the postop period caused exceptional increase in parasitaemia. This parasitaemia couldn't be countered by any symptomatic treatment because of the absence of spleen and greatly reduced immunity of the animal.

In recent years, lumpy skin disease virus has extended its geographical range outside of endemic sub-Saharan countries to the Middle East and Asia indicating transboundary spread. Recently, lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks have been reported in Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and for the first time and represent a cause of serious concern for their livestock and dairy industries. This report summarizes information on the recent outbreaks of LSD in southern Asia and emphasizes the threat it poses to neighbouring countries. Various strategies and actions needed to control outbreaks of this emerging disease in Asia are also suggested.

Background: In view of the fact that Brightness (B)-mode ultrasound findings in patients with renal parenchymal disease are profoundly non-specific, this study was carried out to determine the efficiency of color Doppler sonography for assessing renal function. In this series, the relationship between the resistive index (RI) of renal interlobar artery and serum creatinine level was analyzed for any relevant association of this color Doppler index with the serum creatinine level.Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 40 patients with renal parenchymal disease having serum creatinine level >1.4 mg/dL were chosen midst routine revisits. The control group comprised of 40 normal subjects with serum creatinine levels

Background: Intussusception being the leading cause of acute abdomen in childhood, its timely and accurate diagnosis assumes utmost significance in reducing the morbidity and mortality. Childhood intussusceptions are still managed surgically in our region; however, non-operative reduction has now become the gold standard of treatment worldwide. In this study, authors desired to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of hydrostatic reduction of intussusception under ultrasound (USG)-guidance and to scrutinize the factors affecting the successful outcome.Methods: Ours was a prospective study carried out at a tertiary care centre in central Kashmir. All except those with clinical features of bowel gangrene, intestinal prolapse and peritonitis underwent ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (USGHR). A maximum of three attempts were allowed.Results: Mean age of the patients was 11.2±8.8 months with age range of 3-50 months. 69.1% (n=38) of the patients presented within 24 h of being symptomatic while 30.9% had delayed presentation (>24 h). The success rate of USGHR was 81.8% (n=45). Late presentation, age and gender of the patients had no influence on successful outcome of the procedure, p >0.005. The duration of hospital stay between those who had successful hydrostatic reduction and those who afterwards underwent operative reduction or resection achieved statistical significance, p=0.0015. Authors attained a 66.2 % (45/68) reduction in operative management using USGHR as the main modality of treatment.Conclusions: USGHR is a simple, safe and effective non-operative method of treating intussusceptions in children in a limited resource setting.

Background: Acute abdominal pain is a common chief complaint in patients examined reporting to emergency department. The sensitivity of CT is 96% in acute abdomen. In order to decrease the mortality and morbidity rate, an efficient and correct diagnosis should be given for these patients. When investigations, like USG examinations are inconclusive, in such cases, multi-detector computer tomography is a widely accepted primary investigation of choice in patients coming with intense abdominal pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT in diagnosis of acute abdomen; document the sensitivity and specificity of MDCT; the incidence of different pathologies presenting as acute abdomen.Methods: Prospective study on 64 subjects with acute pain abdomen was subjected to MDCT in GMC Srinagar. The duration of this study was from January to May 2019.Results: About 36 patients were females and 28 were males. Youngest patient had an age of 7 years to eldest patient having age of 79 years. Most common causes of acute abdomen were acute pancreatitis in 21.8, acute appendicitis in 15.6% and bowel obstruction in12.5%. In our study the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictable values of MDCT were 95.0%, 75%%, 98.3% and 60% respectively.Conclusions: We conclude that MDCT has high sensitivity and accuracy rate. In inconclusive cases, MDCT is recommended to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. The results obtained in the study were comparable to pioneer studies conducted worldwide.