Optimization of sentinel lymph node identification techniques in the Indian setting: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION: The recommended technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer is a combination of blue dye and radiotracer. In the Indian scenario, SLNB is still not routinely practiced due to lack of nuclear medicine facilities and unavailability of isosulfan blue or patent blue violet (PBV). This study was conducted for optimizing SLN identification techniques by comparing the identification rate using PBV and methylene blue (MB) in combination with radiotracer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-blinded two-arm parallel design randomized control trial was conducted at an apex teaching and research medical institute in India. Patients with axillary LN–negative breast cancer were included. Blue dye and radio tracer were injected preoperatively, and SLNB was performed using a combination technique. Frozen section was performed. Demographic, clinical, radiological, operative, and histopathological data were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to represent patient characteristics. Baseline characteristics for entire cohort and between groups were compared using Student's t-test for quantitative variables and Chi-square test for qualitative variables. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were randomized for mapping with MB and 118 patients with PBV between 2011 and 2015. SLN was identified in 116 patients with MB and 115 with PBV. SLN identification proportions were 97.4% (MB) and 96.6% (PBV). In patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection, concordance with SLNB was 98.5% and 96.61% in MB and PBV, respectively. False-negative proportion for MB was 2.56% and 7.69% for PBV, respectively. The cost of MB is about INR 15 per ~10-mL vial. The cost of PBV is approximately ~$91 per ampoule (equivalent to approximately INR 8190). CONCLUSION: SLNB using MB can be recommended as the technique of choice in low-resource settings.

Biliary Ascariasis: Our Experience and Review of Literature.

Background/Aim: Ascariasis is endemic in the tropics especially amongst those living in poor sanitary conditions. Although most commonly it infests the small intestine, it can sometimes migrate to the biliary tract. We herein aimed to study the clinical manifestations, complications, diagnostic modalities and the most appropriate treatment modality for this condition. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases of hepatobiliary ascariasis presenting over a period of 1.5 years were studied. All the patients were adults and presented to the emergency with acute biliary symptoms. Results: In this study, biliary ascariasis was found to be more common in middle aged females. The common presentations included upper abdominal pain and jaundice. Complications observed included acute pancreatitis and cholangitis. Ultrasonography could establish the diagnosis in 86.67% cases. Medical management could successfully treat 86.67% patients with ERCP being required in the remainder. Conclusion: In endemic countries, ascariasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute biliary symptoms. Ultrasonography is a useful non invasive test to diagnose the condition and medical management remains a reasonable first line treatment option.

Human cadaveric study of the morphology of the basilar artery

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Nourishment for the brain, a highly vascular organ, is derived from a unique structure called the 'circle of Willis', which is formed by the terminal branches of the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and basilar arteries (BAs). The circle of Willis forms an anastomotic link between the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems in the arterial supply of the brain, while the BA forms an important component of the brain's posterior circulation and supplies its many vital parts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A study was performed on 20 brain specimens used for routine dissections at the Anatomy Department, Kasturba Medical College, in order to examine the morphology of BAs in the brain.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In most specimens, the position of the termination of BA was normal, although variations were present in the mode of termination. In one specimen, the BA terminated by dividing into two superior cerebellar arteries. The posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) arose from ICAs on both sides in this specimen, and a communicating branch was present between the terminal point of the BA and PCA on the left. In another specimen, unilateral variation was seen, with the PCA arising from the ICA on the right and a posterior communicating artery arising from the PCA, connecting it with the BA. The anatomy on the left side was normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We highlight the morphological aspects of the BA, the knowledge of which would help neurosurgeons safely diagnose, as well as plan and execute vascular bypass and shunting procedures for the treatment of stenosis, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations in the posterior cranial fossa.</p>