ABSTRACT
Pneumomediastinum is not an uncommon manifestation of lung toxicity in acute paraquat ingestion. The condition is almost invariably seen with other lung parenchymal abnormalities such as consolidations, ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening. The diagnosis may be challenging in cases with no history of toxin exposure, presentation with a subacute illness and/or absence of typical local or systemic features of paraquat toxicity.
Subject(s)
Mediastinal Emphysema , Organizing Pneumonia , Pneumonia , Poisoning , Humans , Paraquat , Mediastinal Emphysema/diagnosis , Mediastinal Emphysema/diagnostic imaging , LungABSTRACT
Background: A point-of-care diagnostic test for acute pancreatitis could help in early triage and management of this condition. Materials & methods: Urine trypsinogen dipstick test (UTDT) was performed in consecutive cases suspected to have acute pancreatitis and diagnostic accuracy calculated. Results: Of 187 patients, 90 were have acute pancreatitis and UTDT was positive in 61 (67.7%). In the 97 non pancreatitis cases, UTDT was positive in nine (9.3%). The sensitivity and specificity of UTDT for acute pancreatitis was 67.8% and 90.7%, respectively. In patients presenting within 3 days of abdominal pain, sensitivity and specificity were 72.7% and 91.8%, respectively. Discussion: While offering the possibility of a point of care diagnosis, the low sensitivity of UTDT could be a concern with its routine use.