Empty sella syndrome

An Empty Sella occurs due to herniation of the arachnoid throughan incompetent diaphragma sellae. Over time, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] pulsations may enlarge the sella and compress the gland against the floor of the sella. Empty Sella Syndrome is a considered a less common entity and is usually asymptomatic and an incidental finding. However, it can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure and can be occasionally severe. Compression of the pituitary gland may affect function, or traction on the optic chiasm and nerves may cause visual symptoms. An empty sella may be classified as primary when this occurs in persons who have not received pituitary radiation or pituitary surgery, while an empty sella discovered following such procedures is classified as secondary empty sella. We had a 41 year old patient who came to us with symptoms of headache and left sided hemi-sensory disturbance. An evaluation revealed multiple comorbid illnesses with MRI showing features of Empty Sella

case of optic nerve hydrops with tolosa hunt syndrome: a case report

A 36-year old female patient presented with complaints of discomfort in left eye associated with mild morning pain since 3 days duration. Patient had history of facial nerve paresis in the right side, few year back that recovered spontaneously. On examination, the visual acuity was 6/6 in the right eye and 6/6P in the left eye. Anterior segment of both eyes was normal in both eyes. Fundus examination of the right eye was normal while of the left eye showed mild disc oedema. Patient was kept under observation and was reviewed in two days. She complained of persistent discomfort in the left eye and double vision. On examination the visual acuity, color vision was normal. She developed abduction weakness and elevation deficit in the left eye. The disc oedema had increased in the left eye. She underwent MRI of Brain and orbit, which showed optic nerve hydrops in the left side. Neurological examination was normal except for the findings noted above. With consultation with neurologist and internist she was started on tablet acetazolamide 250 mg thrice a day and intravenous methylprednisolone IgM daily for 3 days. The initial MRI features were suggestive for Optic nerve hydrops due to Benign Intracranial Hypertension when a follow up MRA / MRV showed features of optic nerve hydrops with Tolosa Hunt Syndrome. The optic nerve hydrops presenting with Tolosa Hunt Syndrome is unusual in our case

Students' and faculty's perceptions of early patient contact [EPC] program in a university teaching hospital in United Arab Emirates

The Early Patient Contact [EPC] program was introduced as an elective posting for the first year MBBS students in the University in 2010. The objective of the study was to determine the perceptions of medical students and faculty about EPC program. The study sample included 50 first year MBBS students of GMU, Ajman in the academic year 2010-11 and 2011-12 and who consented for EPC posting and faculty members of GMC Hospital. Faculty and Student's feedback were obtained through separate questionnaire's at the end of EPC posting based on Likert scales [SA, A, U, D, SD]. Analysis of responses showed that students perceived EPC program increased their motivation to pursue medical profession [98%], realize the importance of documentation [94%], helped them understand the practical challenges [96%] and helped realize the importance of professional conduct [94%]. Students opined that EPC program made classroom teaching more relevant [80%]. Majority of students recommended EPC to be a part of regular curriculum [76%]. All the faculty felt that EPC makes classroom teaching of communication skills more relevant and makes student's realize the importance of professional conduct. They emphasized the importance of documentation [86%]. The faculty was satisfied with the conduct of the program. Students and faculty had positive perceptions about EPC program due to its influence on student motivation, professionalism and better communication skills

Prevalence of dry eye in GMCHRC Ajman, UAE

The present study was to determine the prevalence of dry eye and its risk factors. In this cross-sectional study of a hospital-based population, there were 309 participants, 48% males and 52% females; 33% students and 68% employees. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included sociodemographic variables, medical history, daily activities and questions for Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]. Of the participants 89 were randomly selected, and Schirmer's test was done on the same day morning and evening, recording their day time activities. Data were analyzed using PASW 17.0, to compare between means paired t-test was done. Chi square test was done to test the association. Prevalence of dry eye was 17.8% by Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] score, and 21.3% among Schirmer's test participants. Former was relatively higher in the 15-34 age group, while by the latter it was higher in the 35-44 age group [33.3%]. 18% females and 17.6% of males had dry eye. Prevalence of dry eye with refractive error is 25.5%. There was a significant association of dry eye with eye problems [p<0.001], usage of glasses [p<0.006] and medication for eye diseases [p<0.002]. Dry eye was significantly higher using OSDI among computer users [p<0.045]. Other activities, contact lens use, family history, work environment, associated medical conditions, and personal habits did not show any significant association with dry eye. There is a high prevalence of dry eye among the students and employees of the hospital under study, more so among those with eye problems, dryness of nose, mouth and throat and computer users. Other activities and factors showed no influence on tear reduction