The distribution of Hyalomma spp. ticks from domestic ruminants in Iran.

The distribution of Hyalomma species on domestic animals was studied in four zoogeoghraphical zones. Nine hundred and ninety-two Hyalomma ticks were collected from sheep, goats, cattle and camels. A total of seven tick species consisting of: Hyalomma anatolicum Koch, 1844 (28.93%), H. excavatum Koch, 1844 (12.5%), H. asiaticum Schulze & Schlottke, 1930 (13.5%), H. marginatum Koch, 1844 (27.01%), H. detritum Schulze, 1919 (9.67%), H. schulzei Olenev, 1931 (4.03%) and H. dromedary Koch, 1844 (4.33%) were recorded. The results indicated that H. anatolicum, H. asiaticum, H. marginatum and H. detritum were present in all zones whereas H. excavatum was absent in Zone I. The result also showed that H. dromedari was presented in Zones III and IV whereas H. schulzei was present in Zones II and III. During this study, the tick species collected are candidates for investigation as vectors of pathogenic organisms in Iran.

Diagnostic accuracy of body coil MRI in describing the characteristics of perianal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of synergic body coil MRI using SPIR technique without contrast, in the determination of fistula characteristics in patients with clinically positive signs. METHOD AND SUBJECTS: This was a case-series prospective study including 29 consecutive patients with clinically suspected fistulas-in-ano. The standard synergic body coil was used and all patients had T2-weighted SPIR sequences. One radiologist, without prior knowledge of the clinical examination, analysed images and noted the presence of the fistula, its classification and the presence and number of any collections or extensions. The surgeon noted the MRI findings and looked for lesions suggested on MRI. The results of the MRI and surgical assessments were then compared. Results of surgical exploration while the surgeon was aware of MRI results were considered as the gold standard of surgical anatomy. RESULTS: Twenty-three (79.31%) of 29 fistula tracks were seen on MRI which correctly determined the type of all fistulas. In the six cases where the fistula was not seen on MRI, five were low trans-sphincteric and one was rectovaginal. MRI identified 8 of 10 collections. CONCLUSION: The synergic body coil MRI with SPIR sequencing without endoanal coils had a high accuracy in the diagnosis of high fistulas collections, complex fistulas and extensions.