Clinico-radiologic features of four cases of ameloblastoma

Ameloblastomas are jaw tumors that are locally aggressive with a high capacity for recurrence. It arises from the epithelium of the dental lamina. Radiograph remains the first and an essential investigation, despite the development of various cross-sectional imaging modalities. Aim: This article intends to describe the clinical findings and orthopantomograph (OPG) supported by computed tomography scan (CT scan) and MRI of four cases of ameloblastomas in the hospital University Sains Malaysia. Materials and methods: Data concerning the patients' ages, sex, tumor locations, and surgical treatment history, as well as the radiographic findings, were analysed. Results: The patients' ages ranged from 23 to 41 years (mean, 30.5 years). The gender of patients were two male (50%) and 2 (50%) females. Three cases (75%) of ameloblastomas located in the mandible and only one case found in the maxilla. The swelling was the most common symptom and experienced by all patients. Radiographically, two cases were unilocular with a well-demarcated border, and the remaining 2 cases were multilocular. Typical features of unicystic ameloblastoma appeared in case 1. This case previously presented with a lesion in the same area diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst. The other 3 cases showed variant types of ameloblastoma. These were Plexiform, Acanthomatous and Granular cell type; follicular and plexiform type; and follicular and plexiform type in case 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Conclusion: In conclusions, determination the location and density of jaws lesion and its margin relation to the tooth using radiological tool accompanied with clinical data, aids in the narrowing of the differential diagnosis and it is necessary for early diagnosis of ameloblastoma. A Long-term follow-up at regular intervals after surgery is recommended for all ameloblastomas cases

All the Vice Chancellor’s Neuroscientists: Unity to Achieve Success in Solving Malaysia’s Diseases via Upgrading Clinical Services and Neuroscience Research

President Obama of the United States of America announced this April the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN for short) investment, while Professor Henry Markram’s team based in the European Union will spend over a billion euros on the Human Brain Project, breaking through the unknowns in the fifth science of the decade: Neuroscience. Malaysia's growth in the same field needs to be augmented, and thus the Universiti Sains Malaysia’s vision is to excel in the field of clinical brain sciences, mind sciences, and neurosciences. This will naturally bring up the level of research in the country simultaneously. Thus, a center was recently established to coordinate this venture. The four-year Integrated Neuroscience Program established recently will  be a sustainable source of neuroscientists for the country. We hope to establish ourselves by 2020 as a global university with neurosciences research as an important flagship.

A Puzzling Case of Biliary Stricture with Calcified Liver Nodules

Tuberculous (TB) biliary stricture with calcified liver nodules rendering obstructive jaundice is a rare clinical phenomenon. Recently, we encountered a young patient with obstructive jaundice who was investigated in a general hospital. He was sent to our hospital for subsequent management after undergoing a series of investigations and biliary stenting. The radiological imagings performed revealed multiple calcified lesions in the liver with proximal bile duct strictures. Blood investigations, tumor markers and tuberculous work up were not remarkable. Subsequently, he underwent laparotomy and biliary reconstruction. Postoperatively, he was discharged well. Histopathological examination of the hepatoduodenal nodes showed chronic infections and granulomatous lymphadenitis, suspicious of a mycobacterium infection.

Outcome of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) in the management of snoring in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

To determine the outcome of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for the management of patients with snoring in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM). A retrospective review of patients who underwent LAUP with or without tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy under general anaesthesia between December 2003 to December 2006. Data was obtained from admission and follow-up records in the otorhinolaryngology clinic of USM Hospital (HUSM). A total of nineteen patients underwent procedure for the treatment of snoring. Majority of these patients presented with symptoms of loud snoring and daytime somnolence. The main operations performed were LAUP with or without tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The justification for LAUP were overhanging and excessive uvula or soft palate, whereas for adenotonsillectomy were the hypertrophied adenoids and tonsils. On follow-up, most of the patients claimed improvement of snoring within the first 2 months post-operation. However, majority of them defaulted follow-up after that. One patient (AHI preoperatively was mild) was reviewed up to 8 months with no snoring. One patient (AHI was severe preoperatively and normal post operatively) remained in our follow-up was satisfied with the operation. Two patients continued to experience snoring post LAUP despite trial of non-surgical methods. The outcome of LAUP in our patients showed variable results. This showed that patient selection is very important to achieve good result in LAUP. Long-term follow-up is also essential to document the success for LAUP.