Sonographic Evaluation of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hospitalized Neurosurgical Trauma Patients in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized trauma patients. Ultrasonography (US) has replaced venography as the initial diagnostic tool for DVT. AIMS: The study aimed to determine the incidence of lower limb DVT in hospitalized neurosurgical trauma patients in hospitalized neurosurgical patients. It also aimed to determine the effect of combined thrombo-prophylaxis on the incidence of lower limb deep DVT relative to a single regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 154 adult neurotrauma patients who consecutively had lower limb Doppler ultrasound, initially within 72 hours of admissions and subsequently weekly or when DVT was suspected for the first 3 weeks of admission. The study spanned a 12-month period. The data generated were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software version 20, Chicago IL. Inc. Chi-square test was used to compare the outcome (DVT incidence) between single and combined prophylaxis groups. RESULTS: The study participants consisted of 116 (75.3%) and 38 (24.7%) cases of head and spine injuries, respectively, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 6.3 years and 85.1% being males. A total of four cases of DVT were detected during the study period, with the majority of the cases (3) detected within the first week of admission, giving an incidence of 2.6%. All four cases of DVT were detected in patients on single thrombo-prophylaxis (4/55 = 7.3%), while none was found in those on a combined regimen (0/34, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Most cases of DVT developed in the first week of hospitalization. Combined thrombo-prophylaxis was more effective than single regimen at reducing rate of DVT in neurosurgical trauma patients. Routine Doppler ultrasound DVT surveillance should be part of the management protocol for neurosurgical trauma patients on admission to increase DVT detection and prevent possible fatal pulmonary embolism.

Carotid doppler ultrasonography in patients with co-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Nigeria

Background:The co-existence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) has been rising globally with subclinical atherosclerotic complications. These vascular changes can be detected using carotid ultrasonography. Objectives: To determine and compare the carotid arterial structural wall changes and blood flow velocities of adults with co-existing DM and HTN with age-and sex-matched non-diabetic, non-hypertensive controls. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study of 300 participants comprising 200 adults with co-existing DM and HTN and 100 age-and sex-matched controls was done. Their carotid arteries were examined bilaterally for plaques, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and flow velocities ­peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) using 4­12MHz linear array transducer. Visceral obesity and serum lipids were also assessed. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 56.13 ± 6.93 years; they comprised 38% males and 62% females. The subjects' CIMT was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.001) with a three-fold mean increase (45.5%) compared to the controls (13.7%). Lower flow velocities but higher indices were also observed in the subjects. Strong and significant correlations were observed between EDV and PI r =-0.663, p=>0.001), EDV and RI (r = -0.661, p=>0.001) and PI and RI (r =0.988, p= >0.001)among the subjects. Conclusion: Significant reduction in flow velocities with increased CIMT may be an early indication of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, carotid ultrasonography should be mandatory in individuals at risk for early detection and possible prevention of atherosclerotic complications.

Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin-Nisin Based Poly Lactic Acid Nanoparticle on Myocardial Infarction in Guinea Pigs.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most prevalent cause of cardiovascular death. A possible way of preventing MI maybe by dietary supplements. The present study was thus designed to ascertain the cardio-protective effect of a formulated curcumin and nisin based poly lactic acid nanoparticle (CurNisNp) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced MI in guinea pigs. Animals were pretreated for 7 days as follows; Groups A and B animals were given 0.5 mL/kg of normal saline, group C metoprolol (2 mg/kg), groups D and E CurNisNp 10 and 21 mg/kg respectively (n = 5). MI was induced on the 7th day in groups B-E animals. On the 9th day electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded, blood samples and tissue biopsies were collected for analyses. Toxicity studies on CurNisNp were carried out. MI induction caused atrial fibrillation which was prevented by pretreatment of metoprolol or CurNisNp. MI induction was also associated with increased expressions of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) which were significantly reduced in guinea pig's pretreated with metoprolol or CurNisNp (P < 0.05). The LC50 of CurNisNp was 3258.2 µg/mL. This study demonstrated that the formulated curcumin-nisin based nanoparticle confers a significant level of cardio-protection in the guinea pig and is nontoxic.

Ruptured uterus and bowel injury from manual removal of placenta: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Retained placenta is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity throughout the developing world. 'Though, intestinal injury may arise as a complication of induced abortion following instrumentation through the genital tract, the involvement of the large bowel in complicated manual removal of placenta is a very rare occurrence CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 28 year-old Para 3+0, 3 alive woman who had attempted manual removal of placenta in a basic emergency obstetric care facility that resulted in lower uterine segment rupture with evisceration of bowels through the laceration outside the introitus. She subsequently had right hemi- colectomy with ileo-transverse anastomosis and repair of uterine rupture with bilateral tubal ligation. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the risk of exposing parturients to inexperienced attendants at delivery and emphasises the need for intensification of manpower training to attain the 5th MDG enunciated by the United Nations.

Widespread endometriosis mimicking ovarian malignancy: a case report.

A 26 year old Nigerian nulliparous woman who presented in the medical emergency unit of a teaching hospital was referred after two weeks of management to the gynecology casualty with a diagnosis of malignant left ovarian cyst, because of the ascites, massive haemorrhagic pleural effusion, a left ovarian mass and an elevated C-125 marker. However, exploratory laparotomy, cytologic and histological examination of the pleural fluid and biopsied specimens revealed endometriosis. We present a case of intra and extra-pelvic endometriosis which simulated a malignant ovarian lesion and was histologically confirmed by cytology of the haemorrhagic pleural effusion and biopsy of the ovarian mass and peritoneal deposits obtained at laparotomy. This is to draw the attention of clinicians to endometriosis as a cause of pleural effusion, ascites and groin swelling which can simulate ovarian cancer.

Delayed diagnosis of intersex state: surgical outcome of cases seen and review of current concepts.

BACKGROUND: Sexual ambiguity is said to occur when the gender of the baby cannot be determined at birth. The gender of an individual is in question because the genitals do not appear clearly as that of male or female. It is traumatizing to the family. It also causes confusion and problems in determining the sex, in which a child would be reared. The abnormality is relatively uncommon. Disorders of sexual differentiation can arise from abnormalities in chromosomes, gonadal development or hormonal production or activity. The orderly development process may also be affected by various environmental factors. Some of these factors may ultimately lead to the development of ambiguous external genitalia. CASE PRESENTATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: Three of such patients with ambiguous genitalia are presented, in which the initial diagnosis proved to be incorrect. The various investigations that were carried out and surgical management are discussed. CONCLUSION: Arguments which led to the ultimate choice of the sex of a child ranged from strict medical, to psychosocial and even cultural considerations. Expert examination shortly after birth would allow an early and definite decision, avoiding more serious problems with sexual ambiguity in later life.

Swollen Forearm in an 11 year Old Nigerian Boy

The diagnostic challenges in an 11 year old boy with a swollen forearm in a resource limited country; Nigeria; is discussed; with a brief review of literature of the causes of forearm swelling in a child and vascular malformations. This case is presented because of the rarity of arteriovenous malformation and the difficulty in making a diagnosis due to its low level of suspicion as a differential diagnosis. In this country where there is paucity of vascular surgeons; the challenges of management of arteriovenous malformations and the various imaging modalities are discussed

Pattern of genital tract abnormalities on hysterosalpingography in infertile patients in ikeja, Nigeria.

Structural abnormalities of the female genital tract, whether congenital or acquired could result in infertility or reproductive failure. This study retrospectively analysed the structural abnormalities found in patients who had hysterosalpingography in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. A descriptive analysis of structural abnormality of the uterine cavity, fallopian tube and the cervical canal in two hundred and fifty patients, who were referred from the gynaecology clinic to the Radiology Department of LASUTH, from January to December 2005, is presented. The commonest abnormality seen was tubal blockage (56.8%) whether unilateral or bilateral. Filling defects (16%) were seen within or outside the uterus, causing irregularity of its wall. These could be due to fibroids, endometrial polyps or fibrous tissue causing adhesions. Cervical canal (19.8%) abnormalities were also noted. Only two cases of congenital anomalies were seen. We found that hysterosalpingography is a relatively cheap and easy mode of diagnosing structural anomalies of the genital tract such as fibroids and tubal pathologies.

Mohan's valvotome for the ablation of posterior urethral valves.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of posterior urethral valves (PUV) is now most commonly by endoscopic valve ablation, but this is not readily available in our environment. We describe our experience with Mohan's valvotome for the ablation of PUV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with PUV who underwent Mohan's valvotomy over a 28-month period from June 2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 35 patients. The median age was 1.5 years (mean age 3.0 years, range 11 days to 14 years). Eleven (31.4%) and 24 (68.6%) patients received the treatment under local and general anaesthesia, respectively. Adequate relief of obstruction was achieved in all patients with marked improvement in the urinary stream. Complications were recorded in two (5.7%) patients; one was re-operated because of recurrent urinary retention, and the other had urinary incontinence which resolved after 3 months. At follow-up of 1-28 months (median 14 months), three (8.6%) patients had died from sepsis and malnutrition. The 32 (91.4%) surviving have good urinary stream, normal renal function (serum creatinine level <1.5mg/dl) and resolution of hydronephrosis as demonstrated on ultrasound. There was no mortality resulting directly from the use of Mohan's valvotomy. CONCLUSION: Mohan's valvotome is an effective instrument for the ablation of PUV. It is invaluable in the developing world where paediatric endoscopes are not readily available.

Clinical and radiological characteristics of Nigerian boys with posterior urethral valves.

Posterior urethral valve (PUV) obstruction is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in boys. Currently, the diagnosis of PUV is commonly made prenatally. In our environment, however, prenatal diagnosis is rare and the diagnosis is usually made postnatally from the clinical and radiological features. This study therefore examines the clinical and radiological spectrum of boys with PUV in our environment. We examined the clinical presentations, ultrasonographic and the micturating cystourethrographic (MCUG) features of boys with PUV in our institution over a 22-month period from June 2006. There were 28 patients with PUV over this period. The age at presentation ranged from 11 days to 11 years (mean age = 2.7 years). Although prenatal ultrasound scan was done in 23 (82.1%) patients, no prenatal diagnosis was made in any of the patients. The diagnosis was made after infancy in 16 (57.1%) patients. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common mode of presentation occurring in 14 (50.0%) patients with 7 (50.0%) of the patients with UTI presenting with septicaemia. Voiding dysfunctions, which occurred in all the patients, were the primary mode of presentation in 12 (42.9%) patients. Three (10.7%) patients presented with renal insufficiency, which was significantly associated with the age at presentation (P = 0.026). Ultrasound scan done in the postnatal period strongly suggested the diagnosis of posterior urethral valves in 22 (78.6%) patients in whom the posterior urethra was found to be dilated, associated with thick-walled urinary bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis. Trabeculations of the bladder was a constant feature on MCUG. Other features on MCUG included dilatation of the posterior urethra in 26 (92.8%), bladder diverticuli in 15 (53.6%) and unilateral and bilateral vesicoureteric reflux in 3 (10.7%) and 1 (3.6%) patient(s), respectively. The diagnosis of PUV obstruction which is often made late in our environment, is mainly by clinical, sonographic and MCUG features in the postnatal period. A majority of patients present late, with recurrent UTI.

Aortic aneurysm in a young Nigerian man.

A 22year old man with aortic aneurysm is presented. The diagnosis was incidental on abdominal ultrasound, as the pathology was not suspected. This case is presented because of the rarity of this pathology in this age group and race. The significance of ultrasound scan in the diagnosis of aortic aneurysm is emphasised. The various modalities of investigation and diagnostic difficulties in developing countries are highlighted.

Multiple neurofibrosarcoma in a patient with Neurofibromatosis-1 : a case report

Neurofibromatosis-1 is a multi-systemic; genetic and progressive disease. The patients have an increased risk of malignant transformation. Neurofibrosarcoma is rare but when it occurs; may pursue an aggressive course. This case report is of a 30-year-old female patient who first presented at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in November 2004 with a neurofibrosarcoma of the right foot complicating a neurofibroma of the same foot first noticed 27 years earlier. She had a right below knee amputation. Fourteen months later she presented with a huge tumour involving the right lower and middle lobes for which a right lower and middle lobectomy was done. The histology of the specimen confirmed neurofibrosarcoma. In the developing world late presentation is common with increased risk of malignant transformation. Early diagnosis and follow-up; genetic coun- selling of patients and relations on early presentation would improve outcome

Angiomyolipoma : a report of two cases

Objective: We report two cases of unusual renal tumours in two Nigerian adults. The first case was in a 45 year old female; who presented with an insidious onset of right upper abdominal pain with right abdominal swelling. The second case was a 33 year old pregnant lady; presenting with three week history of right lumbar pain and an accompanying mass. The various modes of radiological investigations and their significance in making a prompt diagnosis are highlighted. Method: Abdominal ultrasound scan; intravenous urography and CT scan confirmed the presence of renal masses in both cases and the suspicion of renal malignancies were raised clinically. They both had nephrectomy. Results : Histology report of the masses revealed angiomyolipoma (AML). Conclusions: In a period of three years; out of twenty four solid renal tumours operated upon in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH); two were unusual. All the others were renal cell carcinoma. All diagnosis were confirmed histologically