ABSTRACT
Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto; Nigeria; from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number; 156 (61.9) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant; P = 0.0209 (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle
Subject(s)
Hospitals , Retrospective Studies , Teaching , Third Ventricle , TomographyABSTRACT
Background: Though the epidemiologic profile of patients with acute stroke has been described in the sub Sahara African region, little is known about predictors of mortality in patients with acute stroke. This study aimed to determine the predictors of 30-day mortality of acute stroke so that early therapeutic measures could be instituted to improve functional outcome.Methods: Case records of patients admitted from January 2007 to December 2009 with clinical diagnosis of stroke were retrieved. Relevant clinical data were extracted using structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 370 case files with clinical diagnosis of stroke were traced but only 260 had complete information.The mean age of patients was 55.7±14.3 years; Hypertension was the most common modifiable risk factor for stroke followed by diabetes mellitus. The 24-hour and 30-day case fatalities were 11.9% and 38.4%, respectively. Predictors of 30-day mortality were admission blood glucose, level of consciousness and age at stroke. Conclusion: The 30-day case fatality of acute stroke was high and predictors of outcome included old age reduced level of consciousness and elevated blood glucose at presentation