Association between Facial Types and Handedness among Students of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Bayero University, Kano

Background: Generally, a person's dominant hand is a simple and precise determinant of his preference for hand use in fine manual tasks. The main tools used in forensics are derived from the relationships between anthropometric features with important physical and /or biological traits. Objective: This study was to determine the association between facial types and handedness among students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Bayero University, Kano. Methodology: Cross-sectional study design with a consecutive sampling of 400 (180 males and 220 females) students (aged 18 and above) of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Bayero University, Kano was carried out. Facial height (FH) and facial width (FW) were measured using established landmarks and the facial index (FI) was calculated from them. The dominant handedness of each participant was determined using the writing component of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. This procedure involved asking the participants to mention which of their hands was dominant. The participant was then asked to write a sentence regarding the activitieshe/she was carrying out at the point of recruitment to ascertain the claim made by the participants. The sentence was written separately using each hand. All the data obtained were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version 20.0). Results: The study population was relatively young (21.76 ± 2.77 years). Right-handedness was the commonest hand dominance observed in both males (90.7%) and females (91.7%). The commonest types of face were the hypereuriproscopic 2 (0.5%), Euriproscopic 41 (10.3%), Mesoproscopic 78 (19.5%), Leptoproscopic 127 (31.8%) and Hyperleptoproscopic 152 (37%) facial types. The majority of the participants were right-handed and this was regardless of gender. The prediction of handedness based on facial types (ꭕ2 = 1.39, Df =3, P = 0.85) or facial index (P = 0.92, OR=0.99, CI = 0.82 ­ 1.19) was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The facial types identified among the study population were not associated with their handedness and thus it was not a good predictor of handedness

Diagnostic Lacunae and Implications of an Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation in a Child with Type 3 Long QT (LQT3) Syndrome

A diagnosis of congenital long QT interval syndrome based on history and electrocardiogram was made in a child in the absence of readily available genetic testing. A genotype 3 (LQT3) was suspected after exclusion of other variants as the child was non?responsive to beta?blocker and sodium channel blocker medication. As the child continues to show episodic bradycardia, polymorphic ventricular ectopy, and T?wave alternans, a single?chamber automated implantable cardioverter?defibrillator implantation was done successfully. This report highlights how the diagnosis of LQT3 was arrived at as well as the anesthetic challenges in the management of patients with LQTS.

The efficacy of GABAergic precursor cells transplantation in alleviating neuropathic pain in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background@#Current therapies are quite unsuccessful in the management of neuropathic pain. Therefore, considering the inhibitory characteristics of GABA mediators, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of GABAergic neural precursor cells on neuropathic pain management. @*Methods@#Search was conducted on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A search strategy was designed based on the keywords related to GABAergic cells combined with neuropathic pain. The outcomes were allodynia and hyperalgesia. The results were reported as a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). @*Results@#Data of 13 studies were analyzed in the present meta-analysis. The results showed that administration of GABAergic cells improved allodynia (SMD = 1.79;95% CI: 0.87, 271; P < 0.001) and hyperalgesia (SMD = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.26, 2.32; P = 0.019). Moreover, the analyses demonstrated that the efficacy of GABAergic cells in the management of allodynia and hyperalgesia is only observed in rats. Also, only genetically modified cells are effective in improving both of allodynia, and hyperalgesia. @*Conclusions@#A moderate level of pre-clinical evidence showed that transplantation of genetically-modified GABAergic cells is effective in the management of neuropathic pain. However, it seems that the transplantation efficacy of these cells is only statistically significant in improving pain symptoms in rats. Hence, caution should be exercised regarding the generalizability and the translation of the findings from rats and mice studies to large animal studies and clinical trials.

The Adverse Effect Reporting for the Most Commonly Used Antibiotics

Aim:Antibiotics save lives, but the excess use of antibiotics leads to more side effects. Patients benefit from medications but also complain about their adverse effects. This study aims to explore the reports of the adverse effects for the most commonly usedantibiotics in Saudi Arabia.Methodology:The Data regarding the adverse events reports were collected from The National Pharmacovigilance Centerin Saudi Arabia. The data include the major allergic reactions and gastrointestinal side effects for the most commonly used antibiotic classes.Results:The total number of allergic and gastrointestinal adverse effects in 2017 and 2018 for the included antibiotic drugs is 583 reports. The majority of the reports were for penicillin antibiotics (39.96) particularly Amoxicillin/Clavunate Conclusion:The most common adverse effects of antibiotics are allergic and gastrointestinal effects. It is important to report any adverse drug reactions either by health care providers or patients to the Saudi Pharmacovigilance Center

Capillary hemangioma of the gingiva in an adult: a rare case report

Objective: We report a case of a 40-year-old female with gingival overgrowth in the right maxillary anterior region which has been excised at a peripheral hospital that caused displacement, mobility of associated teeth and lip incompetency. Case description: A case of recurrent gingival overgrowth in the right maxillary anterior region in a 40-year-old female with associated teeth displacement and mobility and lip incompetency. There was a radiologic evidence of bone loss. Excisional biopsy was carried out and the histologic diagnosis was Capillary Hemangioma. Conclusion: Capillary Hemangioma should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in cases of gingival overgrowth ofmaxillary anterior region, which mimics pyogenic granuloma

Oxidative stress and lipid profile among hypertensive patients at a tertiary centre in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension as a global public health challenge is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary heart diseases (CHD) because of its chronic sequelae. It is accompanied by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to increase in lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to measure the fasting serum lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) and determine the atherogenic index as well as the cardiovascular risk ratio among hypertensive patients in Kano, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Two hundred subjects (100 hypertensive patients vs. 100 normotensive controls) were recruited for the study. The fasting serum lipid profile and MDA were assayed using routine laboratory methods. Lipid ratios that predict and identify an individual's increased risk for cardiovascular diseases were then determined from the results of the profile. Results: The serum total cholesterol (7.0±0.5 vs 4.1±0.4 mmol/L), triglycerides (2.9±0.2 vs 2.0±0.3 mmol/Lg/dl), LDL cholesterol (3.8±0.4 vs 2.6±0.4 mmol/L), VLDL cholesterol (3.0±0.2 vs 2.1±0.2 mmol/L) and MDA (TBARS) (9×10-5±1.4×10-5 vs 3×106±0.9×10-6 mol/l) were significantly (p<0.05) increase in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive controls. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher (p<0.05) in normotensive controls compared to hypertensive patients (31.4±8 vs 23.9±6 mg/dl). A statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation was observed between LDL cholesterol and MDA only. Both the atherogenic index (AI) ratio and the CardioRisk ratio were significantly higher in Hypertensives than Normal controls (10.4 vs 4.1; 11.7 vs 5.1 respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increased occurrence of atherogenic lipid profile and oxidative stress among hypertensive patients. It further showed a strong correlation between dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress. Therapeutic lifestyle changes and use of statins should be considered an integral part of the treatment for hypertensive patients in Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance activity and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates in Tripoli Central Hospital, Libya

Background: Nosocomial infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococci could lead to increased morbidity and mortality, but little is known about the prevalence of infections with these organisms in healthcare facilities and in the community in Tripoli. This study investigated the in vitro susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCNS) to antimicrobial agents, and determined the molecular characteristics of MRSA.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study aiming at determining the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of (MRSA) and (MRCNS) isolated from non-duplicated clinical specimens in Tripoli Central Hospital (TCH) between June 2013 and June 2014. Isolates were identified using standard laboratory procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out by disk diffusion method and automated systems. DNA of the MRSA isolates was used for PCR to determine the molecular analysis.Results: 218 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained, 71.6% were coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS) and 28.4% were coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS). 39.7% of CPS were MRSA, while 75.8% of CNS were MRCNS. The rates of hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) among MRSA isolates were 61.3% and 38.7% respectively. A similar trend was detected among MRCNS isolates, where 74.5% were HA-MRCNS and 25.5% were CA-MRCNS. All the MRSA and MRCNS isolates were susceptible (100%) to vancomycin, tigecycline, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin and moxifloxacin. Generally, hospital-acquired strains showed higher resistance rates than community-acquired ones to the most commonly tested non-beta-lactam antibiotics. 35.5% of all staphylococcal isolates exhibited mecA+ gene and 12.9% expressed mecC+. Meanwhile, 38.7% of MRSA isolates harbored both mecA and mecC. However, 12.9% of MSSA isolates were negative for both mecA and mecC. The mecA gene was detectable in 59.1% and 40.9 % of HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA isolates respectively.Conclusion: Hospital-acquired MRSA and MRCNS isolates had higher resistance rates to non-beta lactam antimicrobial drugs than the respective community-acquired isolates. This was shown by early detection of mecC gene among MRSA isolates

Sequence analysis of the VSXI and SODl genes in families with Keratoconus and a review of the literature

Objective: Keratoconus [KC] is a non-inflammatory disorder of the cornea in which the cornea becomes thin and conical, inducing myopia and irregular astigmatism and resulting in mild to marked impairment of vision. The present study was designed to screen two candidate KC genes to identify pathogenic sequence variants responsible for KC in Saudi families

Methods: Peripheral blood samples from members of five Saudi families with KC from the Northern region were collected. Genomic DNA was isolated, and bidirectional sequencing was performed of all coding exons of VSX1 and SOD1 genes using Sanger sequencing

Results: All five of the KC families showed a pattern of autosomal recessive inheritance. Phenotyping of these families was performed by a senior ophthalmologist. Sequence analysis of the VSX1 and SOD1 genes failed to reveal any pathogenic sequence variant that could account for KC in the affected individuals

Conclusion: Our failure to detect sequence variants in two of the known KC associated genes triggers an interest in other known KC candidate genes, including miR-184, DOCK9, IL1RN and SLC4A11. Future genotyping with dense SNP arrays followed by exome sequencing in these families will be a useful approach to identify the gene[s] underlying KC in this Saudi cohort, which may be different from those reported elsewhere.

Preventing nerve damage during total thyroidectomy or total lobectomy surgeries

Background and objective: Thyroidectomy is an operation that involves surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The main postoperative complications of thyroidectomy are hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. This study aimed to find out the main postoperative complications particularly nerve damage during total thyroidectomy or total lobectomy

Methods: The medical records of patients who were diagnosed with thyroid disease and underwent surgery between January 2[nd], 2013 and December 30[th], 2014 in Teaching, Shar, Soma and Zhian hospitals in Sulaimaniyah were retrospectively reviewed

Results: All patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or total lobectomy surgeries were discharged within 24 hours of the operation. During the average follow-up of 24 months, no case of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was registered. Vocal cord paralysis was considered to be present, when there was absent or markedly reduced movement of the affected vocal cord

Conclusions: Meticulous hemostasis and a delicate technique are required to prevent nerve injury. We recommend dissection and division of all the vessels flush with the thyroid capsule at the anterior and peripheral aspect of the gland. Separate ligation of anterior and posterior branched of the superior thyroid artery will preserve the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves

Giant lipoma of breast: A rare case report

Malignant Lymphoma is uncommon in female genital tract. A rare presentation of Malignant Lymphoma of the vagina has been reported here. A 61 years old woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding of 10 days duration. On examination per vaginum, the patient had firm nodular infiltrative growth involving entire posterior vaginal wall and full thickness of recto-vaginal septum. Bleeding ulcer was seen at the superior part of the growth which is extending up to introitus. Cervix was free. Per rectal examination showed infiltration of anterior rectal wall. There was no lymphadenopathy or hepato-splenomegaly. C.T. Scan of abdomen revealed a large malignant soft tissue tumor involving the walls of vagina and infiltrating the rectum. Histopathology of the tumor revealed Diffuse Histiocytic lymphoma

Anomalous left anterior descending coronary artery arising from pulmonary artery in a 63 year?old male patient: case report and literature review

To present a case of a rare congenital coronary anomaly in an adult patient, which was not reported before in Palestine, review the literature, and compare with previously reported cases

Sirenomelia and severe caudal regression syndrome

To describe cases of sirenomelia and severe caudal regression syndrome [CRS], to report the prevalence of sirenomelia, and compare our findings with the literature. Retrospective data was retrieved from the medical records of infants with the diagnosis of sirenomelia and CRS and their mothers from 1989 to 2010 [22 years] at the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A perinatologist, neonatologist, pediatric neurologist, and radiologist ascertained the diagnoses. The cases were identified as part of a study of neural tube defects during that period. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE. During the 22-year study period, the total number of deliveries was 124,933 out of whom, 4 patients with sirenomelia, and 2 patients with severe forms of CRS were identified. All the patients with sirenomelia had single umbilical artery, and none were the infant of a diabetic mother. One patient was a twin, and another was one of triplets. The 2 patients with CRS were sisters, their mother suffered from type II diabetes mellitus and morbid obesity on insulin, and neither of them had a single umbilical artery. Other associated anomalies with sirenomelia included an absent radius, thumb, and index finger in one patient, Potter's syndrome, abnormal ribs, microphthalmia, congenital heart disease, hypoplastic lungs, and diaphragmatic hernia. The prevalence of sirenomelia [3.2 per 100,000] is high compared with the international prevalence of one per 100,000. Both cases of CRS were infants of type II diabetic mother with poor control, supporting the strong correlation of CRS and maternal diabetes.

Genetic, chromosomal, and syndromic causes of neural tube defects

To ascertain the incidence, and describe the various forms of neural tube defects [NTDs] due to genetic, chromosomal, and syndromic causes. We carried out a retrospective analysis of data retrieved from the medical records of newborn infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with NTDs and their mothers spanning 14 years [1996-2009] at the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cases were ascertained by a perinatologist, neonatologist, geneticist, radiologist, and neurologist. The literature was reviewed via a MEDLINE search. Only liveborn babies were included. Permission from the Educational Committee at the Security Forces Hospital was obtained prior to the collection of data. Out of 103 infants with NTDs admitted during this period, 20 [19.4%] were found to have an underlying genetic syndromic, chromosomal and/or other anomalies. There were 5 cases of Meckel-Gruber syndrome, 2 Joubert syndrome, one Waardenburg syndrome, one Walker-Warburg syndrome, 2 chromosomal disorders, 2 caudal regression, one amniotic band disruption sequence, one associated with omphalocele, one with diaphragmatic hernia, and 4 with multiple congenital anomalies. There is a high rate of underlying genetic syndromic and/or chromosomal causes of NTDs in the Saudi Arabian population due to the high consanguinity rate. Identification of such association can lead to more accurate provisions of genetic counseling to the family including preimplantation genetic diagnosis or early termination of pregnancies associated with lethal conditions.

Obesity and gastric balloon

The obesity epidemic, which is among the most common nutritional disorders, is rising rapidly worldwide. It leads to several health problems such as metabolic disorders, stroke, and even cancer. Efforts to control obesity with exercise and diet have a limited value in obese patients and different approaches to do this have been tried. In this paper, we share our experience with bioenteric intragastric balloon [BIB] in treating obesity: Its safety, tolerability, and its efficacy in weight reduction. From January 2009 to September 2012, a total of 190 gastric balloons was inserted on patients at the endoscopy unit in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar. This is an evaluation of the first 100 patients. All the patients had a body mass index of over 30 kg/m[2] and were within the age range of 17-55 with a mean age of 32 years. After consent, preballoon investigation tests and anesthesia evaluation, BIB was inserted under monitored anesthesia care sedation in the endoscopy suite. The balloon was filled with 500-700 mls of stained saline. All patients' were given an analgesic and antiemetic for a week and antisecretory proton pump inhibitor's for 6 months. Diet and the importance of the exercise were part of the preballoon insertion phase and protocol. The balloon was removed after 6-12 months. The weight loss response to BIB in the 100 patients are classified into four groups: In the uncooperative, noncompliant patients - the maximum weight loss was 7 kg, while in the most compliant patients the weight loss reached up to 39 kg. In addition, there was significant improvement into diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and fatty liveras. Its safety and tolerability were extremely acceptable. Our data indicates that in well-selected patients, BIB is an effective device, which with minimum complications helps to achieve body weight loss and resolve many obesity related morbidities in cooperative and dedicated obese patients

Histological study of hysteroscopy guided endometrial biopsy from secondary infertile patients after removal of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device

The intrauterine device [IUD] is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. Copper T380 IUD is a copper-wrapped T-shaped IUD containing no hormones. Although the IUD has been a contraceptive method for about 50 years, the possibility of causing subsequent secondary infertility remains controversial. This work was conducted to study the endometrial structure in patients suffering from secondary infertility after copper IUD removal. Thirty secondary infertile patients aged between 20 and 35 years were classified into two groups: the control group [10 patients], with no past history of IUD insertion, and the IUD group [20 patients], with a history of copper IUD insertion for 6 months to 3 years [subgroup B1] or for more than 3 years [subgroup B2]. Preovulatory hysteroscopy-guided endometrial biopsies were obtained and processed for light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens from subgroup B1 showed focal loss of surface epithelium, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and small dark nuclei in surface epithelial cells. The stroma showed extravasated red blood cells, wide empty spaces, and cellular infiltration. In addition, the uterine glands of subgroup B2 appeared irregular and dilated with accumulated secretion and cellular debris as well as epithelial stratification. Ultrastructurally, focal loss, distortion and swelling of microvilli, indented nuclei, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and secondary lysosomes were observed in the surface epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed focal loss of microvilli, irregular surface, and mushroom-like protrusions in subgroup B1. These changes were more prominent in subgroup B2 with the appearance of fissures and corrugation of the surface. Copper IUD could induce different degrees of structural changes in the endometrium, which were directly proportional to the duration of IUD insertion. These changes could explain the secondary infertility that may occur in some cases after IUD removal

Intestinal parasitic infections among expatriate workers in Al-Madina Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has one of the largest number of expatriate workers. Most of them are from Sri-Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Bangladesh. These countries are considered as endemic areas for intestinal parasites. A total of 2732 stool samples were screened for intestinal parasites. Positive cases were recorded among 407 stool samples (14.9%). The common parasitic infections were encountered among 20-29 age groups (18.5%) while, the lowest infection rate was among individual > 50 years (11.8%). According to the nationality, the highest infections were recorded among Pakistanis (23.2%), followed by Philippines (22.2%), Sudanese workers (18.7%), and the lowest infection rates were recorded among Bangladeshi individuals. The infected persons were farmers, food handlers and shepherds. The detected intestinal parasites were Giardia lamblia (21.9%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba coli (17.8%), Trichuris trichiura (16.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (15.8%), hookworm (13%), Hymenolepis nana (8.9%), Strongyloides sterocoralis (3.5%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.2%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.43%). In conclusion, the high prevalence of parasites among expatriates may produce health problem among the Saudi society due to the nature of the expatriates’ work.

Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil.

Lindane (-hexachlorocyclohexane, -HCH), a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide is neurotoxic at acute doses and has been reported to induce oxidative stress in cells and tissues. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa seed oil (N.O) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3) against -HCH-induced oxidative hepatic and renal damage in male rats serum. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of -HCH (12 mg/kg, 24 h prior to decapitation), while N.O (0.3 ml/kg) and 3 (20 mg/kg) were given every 48 h for 20 days single or together, or also combined with -HCH. -HCH caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides by 49, 61 and 30% respectively, while HDL-cholesterol decreased by 45% compared to control group. Pretreatment with 3 and N.O prior -HCH administration re-established the altered biochemical features and alleviated the harmful effects of g-HCH on lipid profile. The concentration of serum total protein and albumin was significantly decreased by 35 and 45% respectively in rats treated with -HCH compared to control. -HCH also caused hepatic and renal damage, as observed from the elevated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid contents and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Co-administration of 3 and N.O reversed the hazardous effects induced by -HCH on the liver and kidney and also protected acetylcholinesterase from the inhibitory action of -HCH as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation. Thus, the results show that 3 and N.O might prevent oxidative stress and attenuate the changes in the biochemical parameters induced by -HCH in male rats.

Knowledge and practice of jordanian women towards breast cancer and breast self-examination: a cross-sectional study in 2006

To determine the knowledge of Breast cancer and practices of Breast Self-Examination among Jordanian women aged 20 years and above. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Jordanian women's knowledge and practices about Breast Cancer and Breast-Self Examination. A sample of 5,230 women aged 20 years and above was recruited in proportion to size of the population in the different governorates. Systematic sampling method was used to select the subjects from the attendees to the Comprehensive Health Centers during the period from September 1st and November 30th 2006. A specially designed questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data and knowledge about Breast Cancer and Breast-Self Examination. The interviewers were trained for consistent data collection during the interviews. The questionnaire was tested on a pilot sample of 150 women, who were excluded from the study. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 13. Simple descriptive statistics: frequencies, means, and percentages were used to describe the study findings. Of 5230 women, 87% knew that breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer among women, 71% knew what a Breast-Self Examination is. About 48% were practicing Breast-Self Examination and 58% had got the information about Breast-Self Examination from the media. There is a need for developing health education programs about symptoms and early signs of breast cancer with emphasis on the importance of early breast cancer detection. Breast-self examination should be encouraged. Additionally, the role of the media regarding awareness about prevention and early detection of Breast Cancer needs to be increased. The health education programs and mass media education should be targeted towards females in the age group between 20 years and above, ideally those 35 years of age and above. Further research regarding knowledge and practice of Jordanian women towards breast cancer is recommended

Patterns of thyroid cancer in southwestern Saudi Arabia

To examine the pattern of thyroid cancer, assess the magnitude of the problem, and evolve a management plan for such malignancies. This is a retrospective cohort study of all thyroid cases operated at Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January 1998 and December 2007. Clinical presentations, management regimens, and recurrence were reviewed. Five hundred and sixteen patients were operated for different thyroid lesions. Ninety-two [17.8%] were malignant [20 males and 72 females]. Mean age for males was 41.35 +/- 15.52 years compared to 36.59 +/- 13.28 years for females. Papillary carcinoma constituted 50%, while follicular carcinoma formed only 4.3% of malignant cases. Lymphoma ranked third with only 1.1% of all malignant thyroid lesions. No cases of medullary carcinoma were found. Of 92 patients, 75 reported for follow-up. The recurrence rate for follow-up patients was 29 [31.5%]. High resolution neck ultrasonography and image-guided fine needle aspiration cytology should be considered as routine investigative tools in patients with suspicious thyroid swelling. Total thyroidectomy and removal of all lymph nodes in the central compartment of the neck seem to be the ideal management plan, until such trials emerge. Residual thyroid tissues, following surgery, should be ablated using radioiodine [I131] isotope