Fatal mediastinal biopsy: how interventional radiology saves the day

This was a case of a 35-year-old man with mediastinal mass requiring computed tomography [CT]-guided biopsy for tissue diagnosis. A posterior approach with an 18-gauge biopsy needle was used to obtain tissue sample. Post biopsy, patient condition deteriorated and multiphase CT study detected active bleeding in arterial phase at the biopsy site with massive hemothorax. Subsequent angiography showed arterial bleeder arising from the apical branch of the right pulmonary artery. Selective endovascular embolization with NBCA [n-Butyl cyanoacrylate] was successful. Patient survived the complication. The case highlighted a rare complication in a common radiology procedure and the value of the interventional radiology unit in avoiding a fatal outcome

comparative trial of ultrasound-guided superovulation using human menopausal gonadotropins and clomiphene citrate versus menopausal gonadotropins in an assisted conception program

One hundred and sixty infertile women were superrovulated. One hundred and two patients [group 1] were treated by human menopausal gonadorrophin [HMO] and cloniphene citrate [CC]. Fifty eight aptients [group 2] were treated by HMG. Both groups had natural intercourse after pregnyl [HCG] injection. A significantly greater pregnancy rate in group one [P< 0.005] was achieved than that in group two. [31.3 versus 15%]. The live birth rate was also significantly higher in group one than that in group two [P<0.005]. Pregnancy loss was significantly lower in group -tcompared to group two [17% versus 33%]. It was concluded from the results of this study that the use of CC+HMG rather than HMG- alone gives better pregnancy rate in the program of assisted conception

comparative study of the effectiveness of mefenamic acid, aspirin, paracetamol and placebo in relieving post-endodontic treatment pain among Iraqi patients

Postendodontic treatment pain has an annoying problem in endodontics. In this study, a comparison of the pain relief action of mefenamic acid, aspirin, paracetamol and placebo was made on 320 Iraqi patients receiving endodontic treatment. Results indicated that mefenamic acid showed superior action on relieving postendodontic pain than other medications tested. No statistical significant differences were recorded regarding aspirin, paracetamol and placebo. Under the conditions of this study. mefenamic acid can be considered as the drug of choice for controlling pain following endo dontic treatment