ABSTRACT
Introduction: Maternal death (MD) is defined as deathof a woman occurring while pregnant or within 42 days oftermination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration or itsmanagement. Accidental or incidental causes are not included.Maternal mortality rate (MMR) of the region indicates thequality of maternal health care, availability of health carefacilities and overall socio-economical status of the populationin general. It is essential to know the exact cause responsiblefor maternal death which is possible by detailed autopsy andcareful pathological study under expert guidance.Material and Methods: Autopsy study was performed in100 consecutive cases of maternal deaths, over a period of22 months. Detailed gross and microscopic examination ofthe visceral organs that included uterus, placenta was carriedout in all cases of maternal deaths. Analysis of pathologicalfindings was done in the light of available clinical data.Results: Out of the 100 cases of maternal deaths 87%belonged to age group of 21 to 30 years. There were 52%deaths in antenatal period. Direct causes were responsible formaternal deaths in 52% cases, indirect causes in 43% casesand in 5% cases the causes were coincidental.Conclusion: Direct causes of MD were more frequent thanindirect causes in the present study. Haemorrhage beingthe most common direct cause of MD. Lesser accessibilityto health care facilities at peripheral health centres for theprospective mothers is highlighted by the present study.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Computed tomography guided fine needleaspiration cytology is a safe and well established technique forthe diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. This study wascarried out in the department of pathology in the tertiary healthcare and teaching institute where radiology department is wellestablished. The aim was to study the cytomorphology of thespectrum of the lung and mediastinal lesions and to correlatethe cytological diagnosis with the radiological diagnosis.Material and methods: Computed tomography guided fineneedle aspiration cytology was done in 90 pateints after takingwritten consent of the patient. Patients were explained thebenefits and risks of the procedure. The results were analysed.Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study.There were 81 patients of lung lesions and nine patients ofmediastinal lesions. There were 63(70%) males and 27(30%)females. Adequate aspirate was obtained in 77 patientsgiving the adequacy rate of 85.55%. Adenocarcinomawas the most common type of lung malignancy and NonHodgkins Lymphoma was the most common malignancyin the mediastinum. Inflammatory lesions were seen in 13cases. Granulomatous lesions were found in six patients. Oneinteresting case of hydatid with aspergillosis was diagnosedon cytology smears, which on radiology was diagnosed asneoplastic. Pneumothorax was seen in three patients. Nopatient required chest tube insertion.Conclusion: Computed tomography guided fine needleaspiration cytology is a safe and reliable method for thediagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. It can help inearly diagnosis and initiation of the treatment avoiding majorsurgical procedures.