Demonstration of direct immunofluorescence on three substrates in a case of pemphigus.

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) on skin is considered as the gold standard in the diagnosis of pemphigus. However, alternate substrates can be used. We demonstrate DIF on three substrates, skin biopsy specimen, anagen hair and scrapings of oral erosions. Collection of alternative substrates can be more acceptable to young patients as it is less invasive. It may also be used to detect relapses in cases of pemphigus.

Histopathological Analysis of Brain Tumours- A Seven Year Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India.

INTRODUCTION: Tumours of central nervous system constitute 1%-2% of tumours in adults. The incidence of brain tumours has been reported to be around 3.9 and 3.0/one lac/year in males and females respectively. A few studies are available from India which show a lower incidence of brain tumours compared to the developed countries. Not much is known about the epidemiology of brain tumours in the population from South India. AIM: To identify the age groups, gender distribution, topography and different histological types of brain tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 510 cases of brain tumours were identified over a period of seven years which were included in the present study. We retrieved the slides of these cases and reviewed them. Immunohistochemistry in required cases were done. Age and gender distribution, clinical presentation, site of tumour and histopathologic patterns with grade were noted and the data was analysed with SPSS software version 17.0. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that most of the brain tumours occur between 40-60 years of age, with a male to female ratio of 0.9:1. Majority of cases involved dura and cerebral lobes except for the occipital lobe, and meningioma and glial tumours were the most common broad histological types. WHO grade IV tumours and metastasis were common in males compared to females. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the distribution of brain tumours in patients attending our institution. The results obtained were comparable with available worldwide data.