ABSTRACT
Hydatid cyst disease still is a serious public-health problem in endemic areas. It is a tissue infestation caused by the larval stage of a parasite, Echinococcus granulosus. Although liver and lung are the most commonly involved organs, hydatid disease can occur in all viscera and soft tissues. In 10% of cases, hydatid disease arises in the viscera: mainly in the spleen (0.9-8%), but also in kidney, bone, heart and peritoneal cavity (0.5-5%). Other rare locations such as muscles have been described in less than 1% of cases of hydatid disease. We report magnetic resonance imaging findings of a case of diffuse abdominal hydatidosis.
Subject(s)
Abdomen , Echinococcosis/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Adult , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The continuous demand for sanitary care from the imprisoned patients to the general public hospitals has carried to the creation of dedicated structures like the Complex Protected Medicine Structure (SCMP) at the Hospital Sandro Pertini of Rome. Aim of this study was to present the preliminary epidemiologic-clinical data gathered from July 26th 2006 to March 1st, 2006 in our SCMP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is based on an observational retrospective protocol. Patients characteristics included sex, age, alcohol, smoke and drug abuse, serology for viral hepatitis and AIDS, and treatment with benzodiazepine. RESULTS: The records of 200 consecutive patients (18 F, 182 M; median age 46 years; range: 20-84 years), attending our Unit were analyzed retrospectively. Out of these patients, 40 (20%) were foreigners, 43 (21.5%) alcohol abusers, and 141 (70.5%) smokers. Forty-eight patients (24%) had a recent or last history of drug addiction (heroin and/or cocaine). The HIV antibodies have been assayed only on 28 patients, turning out positive in 10 (35.71%). Twenty-five patients were positive for HBsAg (12.5%) and 57 (28.5%) for HCV. A consumption of benzodiazepine (BZD) was present in 71 (35.5%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The essential elements of medical attendance of our structure are described in the article. We present the initial report of our working experience. The present data are in keeping with previous studies of the literature. We hope that our experience coul be extended to all italian Countries.
Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Hospital Departments/organization & administration , Hospitals, Public/organization & administration , Prisoners , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , RomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Intravenous drug use (10 V) is a primary transmission route for HIV and other blood borne disease. A criminal approach to illicit drug use leads to aggressive attitudes towards drug users and forces them underground, thus hindering their access to Health Service outlets. A 6-month pilot Needle Exchange Programme was set up in Catania, with the aim of reducing the negative effects and consequences of drug use, preventing the spread of blood borne diseases by encouraging the use of clean needles and reduction of needle sharing. To establish contact with the hidden population of the city's, intravenous drug users (IDUs) and promote condom use and safer sex. METHOD: An equipped camper was parked daily in two of the city's main public squares according to a preset timetable, morning and afternoon. A flexible needle exchange policy, i.e. free clean needles given out regardless of those returned, was adopted as a strategy considered necessary in order to, ensure maximum user-friendliness. Safer shooting information leaflets were given out alongside material for the correct use of the condom and condoms. RESULT: The number of IDUs, contacted who had previously been referred to a National Health Service Drug Unit (Ser.T.) and not, and number of syringes exchanged were low but increased month by month. CONCLUSION: Future projects should be undertaken after building up, a collaborative network between Street Unit and local courts; the city police force; social service outlets; hospitals and other health outlets; Ser.T. units and local pharmacies. In the light of our current experience, the one to one strategy instead to the flexible strategy could lead to stricter adherence to harm reduction strategies amongst IDUs.
