Transthoraco-abdominal sonographic findings in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thoraco-abdominal sonographic findings in dengue hemorrhagic fever and its usefulness in evaluating the severity of the disease. During the last outbreak of dengue fever in Al-Mukalla City capital of Hadhramout [Yemen], 70 patients with suspected dengue fever were referred to Dar Al-Shifa Medical Center between 1st February 2010 to 30th June 2010. All the referred patients had transthoraco-abdmoinal sonography done by a consultant radiologist. The diagnosis of dengue fever was continued by ELISA test for Ig M and Ig G in 50 out of the 70 patients. The sonographic features detected in patients with positive serology tests for DF included, a thickened gallbladder wall in 49 patients [98%], ascites in 46 patients [91%], Right pleural effusion in 41 patients [83%], and hepatomegaly in 35 patients [70%].Transthoraco-abdominal sonography can be used as an adjunct first-line imaging modality in patients with suspected dengue fever to detect early signs suggestive of the disease prior to obtaining serological confirmation test results, especially in a dengue fever epidemic area and it also a useful tool to evaluate the severity of the disease.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: a rare cause of upper intestinal obstruction in infants

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly seen in infants. We recorded superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a 10 months old infant. He was suffering from vomiting, since birth. Investigations proved that the cause was pressure of the superior mesenteric artery on the third part of the duodenum. After failure of medical treatment, surgery was carried out by joining the upper jejunum to the first part of the duodenum