Leiomyosarcoma of the bladder in a 16-year-old girl with a history of cyclophosphamide therapy for bilateral retinoblastoma during infancy

A 16-year-old female with bladder leiomyosarcoma had a history of bilateral retinoblastoma at 6 months of life. She received cyclophosphamide chemotherapy after surgical enucleation. In this report, we discussed the possible role of retinoblastoma or cyclophosphamide as a target for the development of bladder leiomyosarcoma

Selection of medical students and its implication for students at King Faisal university

The appropriate selection of medical students is a challenging task. It requires that important assessment criteria principally based upon cognitive skills that include the matriculation and admission test scores of the applicants be fulfilled. Non-cognitive skills are also important, but used to a lower degree include intellectual flexibility, inquisitiveness, critical reasoning, logical thinking, tolerance, ability to cope with uncertainty and problem solving. Other criteria that are also considered important for selection include personal qualities and attitudes of the applicants that reflect directly on doctor-patient relationship. In contrast, such demographic factors as age, gender, race, religion, socio-economic status and schooling should not influence the selection process. The admission criteria adopted at King Faisal University Medical College focus basically on cognitive criteria. Other criteria whether non-cognitive or personal quality assessment are also taken into account through interviews and completed questionnaires

Study of pelvicaliceal anatomy by helical computerized tomography. Is it feasible?

To evaluate the role of 3-dimensional images produced by computerized tomography [CT], using intravenous contrast to study pelvicaliceal anatomy. This might be of help in endourological procedures. The study was conducted in King Fahd Hospital of the University, King Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study took place from July 2002 through to October 2002. Helical CT was carried out for patients who were investigated using excretory urography for any reason, after obtaining a written consent. A CT was carried out to the kidneys only within 10 minutes [between the 5 and 15 minute films of excretory urography]. Images were reprocessed by 3-dimension construction after subtracting all structures except for the pelvicaliceal system. Thirty-six normal kidneys were studied. The upper pole was drained by a single caliceal infundibulum in all 36 [100%] kidneys. The middle segment of the kidney was drained by 2 infundibula in 32 [89%] kidneys. Four [11%] kidneys had no middle caliceal infundibula. The lower pole was drained by 2 caliceal infundibula in 23 [64%] and a single infundibulum in 13 [36%] kidneys. The minor calices draining each renal segment were seen clearly. Three-dimensional images derived by helical CT are feasible for evaluating the anatomy of pelvicaliceal system, and, can be of help in endourological procedures

Prostate specific antigen reference ranges in Saudi men

The aim of this study is to find out the age-specific and population-specific values of prostate specific antigen [PSA] among Saudi men. Normal values for different age groups between 40 and 89 years will be obtained. The study was conducted in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total free and% free PSA were measured for Saudi men who were free of prostate cancer by digital rectal examination [DRE] and with PSA value of <4ng/ml. Transrectal ultrasonography and needle biopsy were performed in those with suspicious DRE or PSA >4ng/ml. A total of 567 cancer free Saudi men were included in this study. All men were divided into 5 groups; each 10 years interval starting from the age of 40 years. The mean values of total PSA were 0.87 for men 40-49 years, 1.36 for men 50-59 years, 1.81 for men 60-69 years, 2.32 for men 70-79 years and 2.36 for men 80-89 years. The percent free PSA was >30% in all age groups. When those with PSA <4ng/ml were considered, the percent free PSA was the same and only 16.6% of them had a ratio of < / =18%. The upper limit of normal PSA was near to that of Chinese and Korean. Normal mean PSA values for Saudi men are lower than the reported values. The percent free PSA for men having PSA <4ng/ml is applicable. Racial variations of PSA values were observed