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.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis; the first reported case in Yemen

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare, chronic lung disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis, characterized by deposition of minute calculi in the alveolar spaces throughout both lung parenchyma. There are few clinical signs and almost no laboratory abnormalities, and most patients are asymptomatic at time of diagnosis. No definitive therapy exists and patients with advanced lung disease may benefit from lung transplantation. The authors report the first case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in Yemen; A 38-years-old female has complained of dry cough and shortness of breath for more than two months. Her chest radiograph revealed the characteristic sandstorm appearance of diffuse lung micronodular infiltration particularly marked in the mid and lower zones, while the chest computed tomography showed diffuse distribution of micronodular calcific densities most prominent in the middle and lower lung zones with greatest concentration in the subpleural parenchyma and along the broncho-vascular bundles. The corresponding literature was thoroughly reviewed.