Radiological evaluation of neonatal thoracic lesions in 118 neonates.

Background: within 48 – 72 hours, most common disorder that occurs in neonate is respiratory distress. Post natal respiratory distress is the most important indication for chest X- ray. Clinically it is very difficult to distinguish between pulmonary and extra pulmonary causes. Aim: To show the radiographic appearances of various causes of neonatal respiratory distress, and varied appearances of each pathology. Material and methods: This was a prospective observational study that was conducted in Dhiraj General Hospital. Antero-posterior chest radiograph in supine position of (118) neonates were taken, presented with a chief complaint of respiratory distress. Chest X-ray was taken presented with a chief complaint of respiratory distress. Chest X-ray was taken with the help of portable X-ray machine in NICU department. Chest X-ray were taken on first day of admission and then follow up chest X-rays were taken. Results: The commonest cause of respiratory distress in neonates which presented with respiratory distress was transient tachypnoea of new born, which was (32.20%), followed by hyaline membrane disease (20.33%) , neonatal congenital pneumononia (16.94%), meconium aspiration syndrome (11.86%), cardiac causes (5.08%), trachea-oesophageal fistula (4.23%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (2.54%), aspiration pneumonia (2.54%), idiopathic persistent pulmonary hypertension (1.69%), eventration of diaphragm (1.69%) followed by pneumoperitonium (0.84%). Conclusion: Any sign of respiratory distress is an indication for roentgenogram of the chest which should be taken as early as possible.

Estimation of role of CT scan and MRI in diagnosis of tuberculosis of brain and spine.

Background: Tuberculosis of the brain and spine is a very severe disease and causes increased rate of mortality and morbidity. Its diagnosis is a challenge for physicians worldwide. Patients of different age groups and having varied socio-economic status suffer from neurotuberculosis which need to be evaluated successfully to help the physician with further management of the condition. Aim: To estimate role of CT scan and MRI in diagnosis of tuberculosis of brain and spine. Material and methods: Patients referred to the Radiology Department with any kind of neurological symptoms, coincidental finding of neurotuberculosis or even those with already diagnosed cases of neurotuberculosis which needed follow up radiological investigations were evaluated with either CT or MRI or sometimes both (These were performed on 1.5 T Philips MRI and Seimens 16 Slice MDCT machine). Results: Patients with intracranial tuberculosis mainly presented with tuberculous meningitis and tuberculomas. Most patients suffering from spinal infection presented with Pott’s spine. Most of the lesions were paradiscal with involvement of the articular discs. MRI is more sensitive than CT scan in the diagnosis of intracranial tuberculosis. MRI is also very sensitive in the diagnosis of intracranial. tuberculosis as compared to CT. CT had no significant role in the diagnosis of Spinal tuberculosis. Hence, MRI is the preferred choice of investigation while evaluating neurotuberculosis.

Radiological analysis of interstitial lung diseases.

Aims and objectives: To diagnose interstitial lung diseases using HRCT and chest X-Ray and to study and compare the different radiography patterns evident in both conventional chest radiography and HRCT. Material and method: The present study was a prospective and observational (non interventional) type of study. This study aimed evaluating patients coming to the Radiology Department of Dhiraj General Hospital, by using X-RAY and CT scan so as to achieve aims and objectives outlined. Results: Of the 48 patients, 28 patients were males (58.33%) and 20 (41.67%) were females. The age of the patients ranged from 39 years to 80 years. The common diseases included in the study were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (25%), idiopathic NSIP (16.5%), rheumatoid arthritis (14.5%), lymphangitis carcinomatosis (8.33%). Conclusion: In our study, 48 patients were radiologically evaluated with X - ray and CT-Scan. Chest X is a primary modality used to screen patients with lung pathologies, being cheap, easy to perform and requires less radiation. HRCT is the modality of choice for diagnosis of interstital lung diseases.

Evaluation of knee joint by MRI in 65 patients.

Aim: To evaluate the features, pattern and extension of the different pathologies affecting the knee joint with help of MRI scans Materials and methods: This study was performed using MRI scan 1.5 tesla of knee joint in 65 patients. Routine blood investigations were documented in all patients. Results: Distribution of pathologies according to patient's age,sex, site of environment and etiology was observed and p-value of knee joint tears by using MRI as gold standard was calculated. Conclusion: MRI scans have proved to be successful modality in evaluating the knee joint; MRI results increased the physician’s confidence in the diagnosis. MRI is an excellent noninvasive modality in imaging of the knee and a noninvasive replacement for arthrography and non-theapeutic arthroscopy.

Estimation of various color doppler indices in low and high risk preterm pregnancies.

Background: Fetal arterial and venous doppler studies help in identification of the foetuses at risk for perinatal complications and may help in prediction of the fetal acid base status or neonatal complications. Aim: To estimate various color doppler indices in low and high risk preterm pregnancies. Material and methods: Study comprised of 60 patients which was an observational,descriptive hospital based study. The study was divided into 2 groups: High risk group (n=30) and Low risk group (n=30). Color doppler scanners (Philips envisor HD7, HD9 and GE logic P5 ultrasound machine), wasused with 3.5 Mhz curvilinear array and following Doppler Velocimetry were assessed- Uterine artery, Umbilical artery, Middle cerebral artery, Umbilical vein, Uterine vein and Ductus Venosus. Results: Gestational age (in weeks)at examination was (31.89+2.69) in low rsk group as compared to (29.25+1.96) in high risk group. Gestational age (in weeks) at delivery was (36.2+1.78) in low risk group as compared to (29.83+1.86) in high risk group. In low risk group uterine artery doppler show decrease in PI, RI and S/D ratio with increasing gestation as compared to increasing PI,RI and S/ratio were seen (p<0.001). Conclusion: Doppler investigation of the fetal circulation play an important role in monitoring high risk pregnancies and thereby help to determine optimal time for delivery. Hence, the use of doppler provides information that is not readily obtained from more conventional test for fetal wellbeing. Therefore it has a role to play in management of high risk pregnancies.