Defining Normal Reference Range For The Cross Sectional Area Of The Median Nerve At The Wrist And Forearm Using High-Resolution Ultrasonography In Asymptomatic Pakistani Adults.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be diagnosed easily on ultrasonography (USG); which is a cheap, non-invasive and readily available modality. However, there is wide normal variation in the normal values of cross-sectional area (CSA) of median nerve among different populations; therefore, its necessary to establish a normal range of variability in median nerve dimensions in different populations. METHODS: A total of 500 asymptomatic patients i.e., 1000 median nerves were evaluated at the distal wrist crease and mid-forearm by 3 expert radiologists independently. All patients having a positive nerve conduction study or history of carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist trauma were excluded. Ultrasound was performed with a 7.5-15 MHz high-frequency linear probe. SPSS v 20 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The study population had a mean age of 31.40±10.11 years with a female-to-male ratio of 1.36:1. Mean BMI was 22.15±4.34 Kg/m2 . The mean cross section area of the median nerve at the right wrist was calculated to be 6.8±1.96 mm2 and the left wrist was 6.6±1.96 mm2 . The mean median nerve cross-section area at the right mid-forearm was 5.3±1.46 mm2 and the left mid-forearm was 5.2±1.50 mm2 . A decrease in mean median nerve cross-section areas was noted by moving from wrist to forearm. Similarly, males showed higher median nerve CSA than females. CONCLUSIONS: Mean median nerve cross-section area was found to be different from Western countries. This warrants the utilization of the data of the Pakistani population to establish our own normal reference range for median nerve cross-sectional area to avoid misdiagnoses.

Progression and Resolution of COVID-19 Pneumonia on Chest Radiograph.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the temporal changes on serial chest radiographs (CXRs)of hospitalised COVID-19 positive patients till their outcome(discharge/death); to determine the severity of CXR score and its correlation with clinical outcome (hospital stay, chest intubation and mortality). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Shifa International Hospital (SIH), Islamabad from March to June 2020. METHODOLOGY: After IRB approval, 112 patients were consecutively enrolled, having laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalised in SIH. Patients' demographics and clinical data were retrieved from Radiology Information System (RIS). Chest radiographs (CXR) were retrieved from picture archive and communication system (PACS). CXR severity scoring was determined by three radiologists, and results were analysed. RESULTS: Lung opacities (98.2%), involvement of both lungs (96.4%), both peripheral and central region involvement (62.5%) and upper/mid/lower zone distribution (61.6%) were the most frequent findings. Males affected more than females with a mean age of 58.9 ± 13.1 years. Zonal involvement, density and extent of opacities peaked on 10-13th day of illness. In the last CXR, opacities showed decrease in extent as well as density, reduction in zonal involvement, and few having mixed interstitial thickening/fibrosis. One hundred and five out of 112 (93.8%) patients had residual radiographic abnormalities on discharge. CONCLUSION: Serial chest radiography can be used to monitor disease progression and temporal changes after initial HRCT. Patients who have CXR severity score of 4 or more at the time of admission, is a red flag for prolonged hospital stay and possible intubation. Severity of CXR findings peaked at 10-13 days. It is recommended to repeat CXRs every 3-4th day during hospital stay. Majority of the patients has residual radiographic abnormality on discharge. Key Words: COVID-19, Radiography, Thoracic, Pandemic, Chest X-ray.

Radiological Assistance In Managing Workflow In Medical And Surgical Indications At Shifa International Hospital In COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Novel Corona Virus took the world by storm under the name of COVID-19, metamorphosing the whole health care structure and alienating what we the medical community considered normalcy. The sudden unexpected need for social distancing resulted in dire dependency on imaging for expert diagnosis and management. The purpose of the present study is to describe in-depth strategies that were taken by radiology department at our hospital as a part of a coordinated hospital system-wide response in managing workflow of patients presenting to our hospital for various medical and surgical semi-urgent/urgent indications requiring hospital admission. This article may assist and provide guidance for preparation and management for other radiology departments in the early stages or in dire need of providing services in a secure environment, especially in low-income countries such as ours, while maintaining the quality of radiological reports, dealing with increased workloads. It was a descriptive qualitative study, conducted at Shifa international hospital, Radiology Department, from 28 March to 5 June 2020. METHODS: After approval from IRB, a descriptive qualitative study was carried out, which included all patients regardless of age or gender who underwent radiological imaging including CT and radiograph chest, at our department from 28 March to 5 June, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, on a yearly basis, the number of CT scans decreased 30% (total), 53.4% (OPD), and 0.61% (IPD), respectively, in 2020 when compared with figures in 2019. However, no. of HRCTs performed were significantly increased compared to 2019, in same months 568 (0.09%), compared to 2020 where a majority of total CTs performed were HRCTs for COVID alone. CONCLUSION: The radiology department plays a central role in streamlining the patient inflow admitted for surgical or medical indications and thus needs to be prepared for patient surges and increased volumes, with large influxes of patients to the emergency department that will require diagnostic imaging and interventional services.

Laparoscopic Management of Primary Segmental Omental Infarction Mimicking Acute Appendicitis.

Primary Segmental Infarction (PSI) of the greater omentum is rare. It usually presents as acute appendicitis and the diagnosis is made per operatively. We report a case of 22 years male who presented with history and clinical features suggestive of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was planned but during diagnostic laparoscopic phase, omentum was found infarcted in the right lower abdomen and the appendix was normal. Laparoscopic omentectomy of the infarcted segment was done and the patient had smooth recovery.

Parietolith: A Late Complication of Spilled Gallstones.

Sub-costal port site abscess and sinus formation secondary to spilled gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is extremely rare, however such complications at umbilical port site has been described in literature. We present one such case in an elderly diabetic female. Spilled stones migrating to the port site should be kept in mind in a patient presenting with chronic discharging sinus at any of the laparoscopic port sites after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Severe thalassaemia intermedia with multiple fractures: role of transfusion therapy.

Thalassaemia intermedia includes thalassaemias with clinical severity intermediate between asymptomatic thalassaemia minor and transfusion dependent thalassaemia major. By definition patients of thalassaemia intermedia maintain a haemoglobin level of 7-10 g/dl and do not, or only occasionally, require blood transfusion. An eight-year-old girl who was a known case of thalassaemia intermedia and had been occasionally transfused presented with fever, pain and swelling over the wrists, ankles and above the right knee joint. Radiographs showed medullary widening, cortical thinning and; multiple, recent and old, partially healed fractures of metadiaphseal regions of long bones. Her fractures have been immobilized by means of back slabs. In view of her recurrent fractures and growth retardation we advised a regular transfusion-chelation regimen to our patient to suppress her ineffective dyserythropoiesis. The treatment is expected to prevent further bone fragility and fractures, as well as improve her life quality.