ABSTRACT
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic auto antibodies are directed against antigens in the neutrophil granules. Their detection by the indirect immunofluorescence clearly divides them into two distinct types, namely c-ANCA (Classical antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody) and the p-ANCA (Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody). These antibodies have been found to be useful as non-invasive markers to help establish the diagnosis in patients with systemic vasculitides. The antibodies also help in monitoring disease activity in some patients with systemic necrotising vasculitides. This study was aimed at demonstrating the utility of these auto-antibodies in the management of our patients presenting with systemic vasculitides. Fifty-six patients presenting with features of systemic vasculitides were examined over a six month period out of whom eight were found positive for these antibodies. The detection of these antibodies helped in early diagnosis and the institution of specific treatment. Six months follow-up in one patient with Wegener's granulomatosis, the disease activity related closely with the ANCA levels.
Subject(s)
Autoantibodies/blood , Neutrophils/immunology , Vasculitis/immunology , Biomarkers , Follow-Up Studies , Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis/diagnosis , Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis/immunology , Humans , Pakistan , Predictive Value of Tests , Vasculitis/diagnosisABSTRACT
Three patients with urinary difficulty were cured by surgical removal of a viaginal fibromyoma. The appearance of this benign tumor on an intravenous cystogram and cystoscopy as well as the clinical response to surgical removal bears similarity to the hypertrophied prostate in men. The best surgical technique for its removal is enucleation via a vaginal incision.
Subject(s)
Leiomyoma/complications , Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction/etiology , Vaginal Neoplasms/complications , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Leiomyoma/diagnostic imaging , Leiomyoma/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Radiography , Vaginal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Vaginal Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
A case of retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with retroperitoneal abscess is reported. The causation and treatment of idiopathic and nonidiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are discussed.
