Orientation program for first year undergraduate medical students: collecting evidence from student feedback

Background: Orientation programs are globally common and conducted in medical schools. This study was conducted to assess students' perceptions and to quantify students' feedback

Methods: This study was conducted at Rai Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan. Students' feedback was sought related to the organization of orientation program, topics covered and the material presented to them, benefits gained by them and logistics. Being on the Likert scale, Median scores were calculated for each response. Suggestions were asked at the end using open ended questions

Results: Response Rate was 100% [n=97]. When asked about the organization of the entire week, topic preparations, and speakers' presentations, students agreed that it was good, with the median score of 4 out of 5. Students also agreed regarding their better orientation towards what they would be taught during their 5 year MBBS course, with median scores of 4. Regarding logistics arrangement, the score was 3.5

Conclusion: Assessment of feedback obtained from students helps in analyzing the effectiveness of the program and shows that conducting orientation sessions gives clarity to the students and alleviates their anxiety

Diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasonography in detection of malignancy in cold nodule thyroid gland

Objectives: to determine the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasound in the detection of malignancy in cold nodules in thyroid gland at Nishtar Hospital Multan, taking histopathology as gold standard

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Diagnostic Imaging in Nishtar Hospital, Multan during May, 2012 to May, 2013. 81 patients with solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study. Ultrasonography including gray scale and color Doppler ultrasound was performed in each patient with high resolution probe. Findings suggestive for malignancy like microcalcifications, irregular margins, marked hypoechogenicity, shape taller than wider and intranodular vascularity on color Doppler ultrasound were noted. Nodules were labeled as malignant, if one or more positive findings were present. Sonographic findings were compared with histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated

Results: total 81 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. 58.02% [n=47], were male and 41.08% [n=34] were female. Mean age and SD was calculated as 35.67+/-4.78.Frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules [on histopathology] was recorded in 22.22% [n=18] while 77.78% [n=63] were benign. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV] and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography were 83.33%, 88.89%, 68.18%, 94.92% and 87.65% respectively

Conclusion: ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique having high diagnostic accuracy in detection of malignancy in cold nodules thyroid gland

Disk degeneration in adolescence and young adults: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study

To investigate the frequency and patterns of Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI] for disk degeneration in adolescence and young adults, in lumbosacral spine. Cross-sectional study. This study was carried out at Department of Diagnostic Imaging in Nishtar Hospital, Multan during January 2012 to December 2012. One hundred patients presented with low back pain and were advised MRI, participated in the study. Demographics were assessed by using a questionnaire and their lumbar disk T2 maps were quantified via sagittal imaging protocols at 1.5T.MRI was reported by two radiologists separately. Data was analyzed by using SPSS [v. 16] as well as manually. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The frequency of disk degeneration was found to be 44%. Mean age of the patients was 19.47 +/- 2.19 years. Mean duration of pain was 6.93 +/- 1.49 months. Most patients [53%] have multilevel involvement with 3l% having disease at L4-L5 level. Other significant MRI findings included disc bulge [central 46%, paracentral 29%], thecal sac compression 75% and exiting nerve root compression in 54% along with ligamentus hypertrophy 19%. The statistically significant association [p < 0.009] between desicatory changes and nerve root compression and between Pfirrmann grades and radiculopathy [p < 0.01] were noted. Frequency of disco-vertebral degenerative disease is significant in juveniles presenting with low back pain. So, any patient especially with chronic low back pain should undergo MRI spine for early diagnosis of degenerative disease. Moreover multilevel involvement and signs of radiculopathy are also significant

Comparative study of non-contrast-enhanced spirat CT scan to ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute renal colic

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of noncontrast spiral CT scan in ureteric colic with comparative evaluation of ultrasonography. Prospective comparative study. This study was conducted at the Dept. of Radiology, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Multan from June, 2010 to June 2011. 62 patients with flank pain were examined with both ultrasonography and non contrast enhanced 16 slice spiral CT scan over a period of one year. Both techniques were used to determine the presence, size, and location of ureteric stone, and the presence or absence of secondary signs like ureteral and calyceal dilatation, stranding of perinephric, periureteric fat and soft tissue rim sign. 43 of the 62 patients were confirmed as having ureteric calculi based on stoned recovery or urological intervention. Ultrasound showed 93% sensitivity and 95% specificity in the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis. CT scan showed 91% sensitivity and 95% specificity respectively. hydronephrosis was seen in all patients that were positive for ureteric calculi. Most common site of calculus was distal ureter. Perinephric fluid was demonstrated in three patients. Perinephric stranding was seen in 26 cases, and periureteric stranding in three patients on CT scan. Pathology unrelated to urinary stone disease was demonstrated in six patients. Although both modalities were excellent for detecting ureteric stones, consideration of cost and radiation lead us to suggest that ultrasound be employed first and CT scan be reserved for when ultrasound is unavailable or non-diagnostic

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a rare and severely disabling disease-case report and review of literature

Fibrodysplasia ossaficans progressive is an extremely rare and severely disabling, autosomal dominant condition that effects 1 in 2 million people. We report a 3 years old female child referred to radiology department from pediatric orthopedic clinic with complaints of multiple painful swellings over the back and inability to sleep due to discomfort. Radiological investigations that include - X-Rays and C.T Scan were done that revealed heterotopic ossifications in muscles, facia and in ligaments. X-Rays revealed bilateral hallus valgus deformity with microdactyly that is characteristic of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive