Population-Level Access to Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis in Nigeria.

PURPOSE: Mammography, breast ultrasound (US), and US-guided breast biopsy are essential services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis. This study undertook a comprehensive evaluation to determine population-level access to these services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis in Nigeria using a previously validated geographic information system (GIS) model. METHODS: A comprehensive list of public and private facilities offering mammography, breast US, and US-guided breast biopsy was compiled using publicly available facility data and a survey administered nationally to Nigerian radiologists. All facilities were geolocated. A cost-distance model using open-source population density (GeoData Institute) and road network data (OpenStreetMap) was used to estimate population-level travel time to the nearest facility for mammography, breast US, and US-guided biopsy using GIS software (ArcMAP). RESULTS: In total, 1,336 facilities in Nigeria provide breast US, of which 47.8% (639 of 1,336) are public facilities, and 218 provide mammography, of which 45.4% (99 of 218) are public facilities. Of the facilities that provide breast US, only 2.5% (33 of 1,336) also provide US-guided breast biopsy. At the national level, 83.1% have access to either US or mammography and 61.7% have access to US-guided breast biopsy within 120 minutes of a continuous one-way travel. There are differences in access to mammography (64.8% v 80.6% with access at 120 minutes) and US-guided breast biopsy (49.0% v 77.1% with access at 120 minutes) between the northern and southern Nigeria and between geopolitical zones. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer detection and diagnostic services in Nigeria, which demonstrates geospatial inequalities in access to mammography and US-guided biopsy. Targeted investment is needed to improve access to these essential cancer care services in the northern region and the North East geopolitical zone.

The African Research Group for Oncology: A decade fostering colorectal cancer research in Nigeria.

The African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) was formed in 2013 to undertake methodologically rigorous cancer research in Nigeria, and to strengthen cancer research capacity in the country through training and mentorship of physicians, scientists, and other healthcare workers. Here, we describe how ARGO's work in colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved over the past decade. This includes the consortium's scientific contributions to the understanding of CRC in Nigeria and globally and its research capacity-building program.

Clinicopathologic Profile and Psychosocial Experiences of Nigerian Breast Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer survivors are a distinct category of patients with unique characteristics and needs. The population of survivors is expected to increase, given the rising incidence of breast cancer in Nigeria, and the improvements in breast cancer outcomes. This study evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics and the psychosocial experiences of a cohort of Nigerian breast cancer survivors. METHODS: From an institutional breast cancer database, patients managed between January 2010 and December 2016 were evaluated. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment details, and survival estimates were assessed. These were compared with nonsurvivors managed during the same period. Survivors were defined as those who have been alive for at least 5 years from the date of presentation. Qualitatively, a purposive sample of 20 survivors was evaluated using one-on-one in-depth interviews to assess their experiences and coping mechanisms after treatment. RESULTS: Of the 355 patients in the database during the study period, there were 163 survivors (45.9%), while 192 (54.1%) died. Age, stage at presentation, tumor size, and receipt of multiple treatment modalities were significantly associated with survival. Five themes were identified in qualitative analysis: initial reaction to the diagnosis, experiences during treatment, social support, coping strategies, and advocacy. Strong family support and spirituality were prominent coping strategies identified in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Despite obvious infrastructural and manpower limitations, Nigerian patients who present early and receive multimodal therapy and different breast cancer treatments have better odds of survival. Survivors have some unmet psychosocial and physical needs requiring intervention.

Improving access to breast cancer screening and treatment in Nigeria: The triple mobile assessment and patient navigation model (NCT05321823): A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, breast cancer incidence is rising, late presentation is common, and outcomes are poor. Patient-related factors such as lack of awareness and misperceptions in addition to health system deficiencies such as lack of a clearly defined framework for breast cancer screening and referral are some of the major drivers of this poor outlook. Guidelines for breast cancer screening in high-income countries have limited applicability in low-middle-income countries, hence the need for innovative, resource-compatible strategies to combat the negative trend. This manuscript presents our study protocol which aims to evaluate the impact of a novel breast cancer early detection program developed to address delayed presentation and lack of access to diagnostic and treatment facilities in South-West Nigeria. This entails the use of mobile technology (innovative handheld iBreast Exam [iBE] device, mobile breast ultrasound, and mobile mammography) and patient navigation as interventions at the community level. METHODS: The study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05321823) will adopt a randomized two group clinical trial design with one local government area (LGA) serving as an intervention arm and another serving as the control. Both LGAs will receive breast cancer awareness education but only one will receive the interventions. In the intervention arm, asymptomatic (40-70 years) and symptomatic (30-70 years) women will be invited for breast evaluation which will be performed by trained Community Health Nurses using Clinical Breast Exam (CBE), and iBE. Those with positive findings will proceed to imaging using mobile mammography and ultrasound brought to the LGA every month. Symptomatic women with negative findings on CBE and iBE will be scheduled for repeat clinical evaluation on a short-term basis (one month). The Radiologist will obtain core needle biopsies as indicated and transfer them for prompt pathological assessment. Women presenting to the Primary Healthcare Centers in the control LGA will be referred directly to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex as per the current standard of care. Records of all breast cancer cases seen in the two LGAs during the study period will be obtained. The program metrics will include screening participation rate, cancer detection rate, stage at diagnosis, and timeline from detection to initiation of treatment. The stage at diagnosis and timeline from detection to treatment compared between the two LGAs will be used to assess the impact of the intervention. The study is proposed for 2 years; however, a descriptive analysis will be carried out at 1.5 years to evaluate the retention of the study participants. STUDY SIGNIFICANCE: It is anticipated that this study will provide vital data to support wider breast cancer screening efforts in Nigeria.

Pseudoaneurysm of the breast following blind palpation-guided core needle biopsy: a case report and literature review.

Core needle biopsy is currently the most widely used basic diagnostic method for the diagnosis of breast masses; it is a minimally invasive procedure with excellent specificity and sensitivity and negligible complication rates, particularly when image-guided. However, complications tend to be higher when performed blindly. Hematoma remains the most common complication resulting from this procedure. Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication with no previous report in Nigeria. In this report, we present a case of breast pseudoaneurysm occurring after 2 blind, palpation-guided core needle biopsies in a 51-year-old known hypertensive woman at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Spontaneous thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm occurred over three months after the second blind biopsy.

Developing a Technology Acceptability and Usage Survey (TAUS) for mHealth Intervention Planning and Evaluation in Nigeria: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Technology acceptability and usage surveys (TAUS) are brief questionnaires that measure technology comfort, typical daily use, and access in a population. However, current measures are not adapted to low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot study was to develop a TAUS that could be used to inform the implementation of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention in Nigeria. METHODS: A literature review of validated technology comfort and usage scales was conducted to identify candidate items. The draft measure was reviewed for face validity by an expert panel comprised of clinicians and researchers with cultural, methodological, and clinical expertise. The measure was piloted by radiologists at an oncology symposium in Nigeria. RESULTS: After expert review, the final measure included 18 items organized into 3 domains: (1) comfort with using mobile applications, (2) reliability of internet or electricity, and (3) attitudes toward using computers or mobile applications in clinical practice. The pilot sample (n=16) reported high levels of comfort and acceptability toward using mHealth applications in the clinical setting but faced numerous infrastructure challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot results indicate that the TAUS may be a feasible and appropriate measure for assessing technology usage and acceptability in LMIC clinical contexts. Dedicating a domain to technology infrastructure and access yielded valuable insights for program implementation.

The iBreastExam versus clinical breast examination for breast evaluation in high risk and symptomatic Nigerian women: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The iBreastExam electronically palpates the breast to identify possible abnormalities. We assessed the iBreastExam performance compared with clinical breast examination for breast lesion detection in high risk and symptomatic Nigerian women. METHODS: This prospective study was done at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in Nigeria. Participants were Nigerian women aged 40 years or older who were symptomatic and presented with breast cancer symptoms or those at high risk with a first-degree relative who had a history of breast cancer. Participants underwent four breast examinations: clinical breast examination (by an experienced surgeon), the iBreastExam (performed by recent nursing school graduates, who finished nursing school within the previous year), ultrasound, and mammography. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of the iBreastExam and clinical breast examination for detecting any breast lesion and suspicious breast lesions were calculated, using mammography and ultrasound as the reference standard. FINDINGS: Between June 19 and Dec 5, 2019, 424 Nigerian women were enrolled (151 [36%] at high risk of breast cancer and 273 [64%] symptomatic women). The median age of participants was 46 years (IQR 42-52). 419 (99%) women had a breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) assessment and were included in the analysis. For any breast finding, the iBreastExam showed significantly better sensitivity than clinical breast examination (63%, 95% CI 57-69 vs 31%, 25-37; p<0·0001), and clinical breast examination showed significantly better specificity (94%, 90-97 vs 59%, 52-66; p<0·0001). For suspicious breast findings, the iBreastExam showed similar sensitivity to clinical breast examination (86%, 95% CI 70-95 vs 83%, 67-94; p=0·65), and clinical breast examination showed significantly better specificity (50%, 45-55 vs 86%, 83-90; p<0·0001). The iBreastExam and clinical breast examination showed similar NPVs for any breast finding (56%, 49-63 vs 52%, 46-57; p=0·080) and suspicious findings (98%, 94-99 vs 98%, 96-99; p=0·42), whereas the PPV was significantly higher for clinical breast examination in any breast finding (87%, 77-93 vs 66%, 59-72; p<0·0001) and suspicious findings (37%, 26-48 vs 14%, 10-19; p=0·0020). Of 15 biopsy-confirmed cancers, clinical breast examination and the iBreastExam detected an ipsilateral breast abnormality in 13 (87%) women and missed the same two cancers (both <2 cm). INTERPRETATION: The iBreastExam by nurses showed a high sensitivity and NPV, but lower specificity than surgeon's clinical breast examination for identifying suspicious breast lesions. In locations with few experienced practitioners, the iBreastExam might provide a high sensitivity breast evaluation tool. Further research into improved specificity with device updates and cost feasibility in low-resource settings is warranted. FUNDING: Prevent Cancer Foundation Global Community Grant Award with additional support from the P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748).

Practice, Perceptions, and Prospects of Mammography Screening in Nigeria: Insights From a National Survey of Female Health Workers.

BACKGROUND: Mammography, the most preferred tool for breast cancer screening, has very poor uptake in Nigeria, even among health workers. No nationwide study has been done to ascertain this. This study sought to determine the current perceptions and practices of Nigerian female health care practitioners on mammography screening across different types and levels of health care institutions in the country's 6 geopolitical zones. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted using Google Forms distributed among Nigerian female health workers via online professional associations and networks. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 562 respondents, with mean age of 41.30 ± 9.8 years, were surveyed. About half (50.3%) were doctors, with majority practicing in southern Nigeria. A mammography screening utilization rate of 15.4% was found, with majority having their first mammography long after attaining the age of eligibility. As of the time of the survey, only 24.8% of tertiary health workers had access to functional mammography machines at their place of work. Majority of female doctors (78%) never refer eligible patients for mammography, although nearly all (98.6%) were willing to do so. About 54% of those who have had a previous mammography screening vs. 17% who have not had 1 would recommend it to others. Majority of respondents recommended annual mammography from the age of forty at a subsidized cost. CONCLUSION: Nigerian female health workers have limited access to mammography and consequently do not screen often. Efforts must be made to make 'charity begin at home'.

COVID-19: Challenges and coping strategies in radiology departments in Nigeria.

Context: COVID-19 came suddenly, bringing to the fore the challenges inherent in the health system. In a developing country, such as Nigeria, which already had myriad problems with funds and equipment in the health sector. Aims: This study aims to examine the challenges encountered by the staff in Radiology facilities and how they combated the challenges. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study of radiology facilities in Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Radiologists from nine government and four private facilities who attended to COVID-19 patients were asked to fill questionnaires on challenges faced and their coping strategies. Responses were sent through E-mail. Statistical Analysis Used: Data from the responses were analyzed using Microsoft excel for Mac 2011 and presented as figures and tables. Results: Majority of the government 7 (77.8%) and private facilities 4 (100%) had no equipment dedicated only to COVID-19 patients. Seven (77.8%) government facilities complained of inadequate staff, poor availability of personal protective equipment (PPEs) 8 (88.9%), and lack of technology for remote viewing 7 (77.8%). Fear of cross-infection was a challenge in one of the facilities 1 (11.1%). Coping strategies adopted include ensuring less traffic in the department by discouraging walk-in patients and canceling non-emergent cases, booking suspected/confirmed cases for lighter times, using old film for face shields and cloth for facemasks, staff education on COVID-19 and preventive measures, and sending reports to physicians through E-mail. Conclusions: There were a lot of challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, with government hospitals experiencing more challenges than private facilities. The challenges included among others inadequate staff strength and lack of technology for remote viewing. Some were overcome using education and by production of facemasks/shields production using recycled materials.

RésuméLe contexte: COVID-19 came suddenly, bringing to the fore the challenges inherent in the health system. Dans un pays en développement, comme Le Nigeria, qui avait déjà une myriade de problèmes de fonds et d'équipements dans le secteur de la santé. Objectifs : Cette étude vise à examiner les défis rencontrés par le personnel des établissements de radiologie et comment ils ont relevé les défis. Paramètres et conception: une section descriptive étude des installations de radiologie au Nigeria. Sujets et méthodes: Radiologues de neuf établissements publics et de quatre établissements privés qui ont participé aux patients COVID-19 ont été invités à remplir des questionnaires sur les défis rencontrés et leurs stratégies d'adaptation. Les réponses ont été envoyées par courrier électronique. Analyse statistique utilisée: Les données des réponses ont été analysées à l'aide de Microsoft Excel pour Mac 2011 et présentées sous forme de figures et de tableaux. Résultats: La majorité des établissements publics 7 (77,8 %) et privés 4 (100 %) ne disposaient d'aucun équipement dédié uniquement aux patients COVID-19. Sept (77,8 %) établissements publics se sont plaints d'un personnel inadéquat, d'une faible disponibilité des équipements de protection individuelle (EPI) 8 (88,9 %), et le manque de technologie pour la visualisation à distance 7 (77,8 %). La peur d'une infection croisée était un défi dans l'un des établissements 1 (11,1 %). Faire faceles stratégies adoptées comprennent la réduction de la circulation dans le service en décourageant les patients sans rendez-vous et en annulant les cas non urgents, en réservant les cas suspects/confirmés pour des périodes plus légères, en utilisant un vieux film pour les écrans faciaux et un tissu pour les masques faciaux, la formation du personnel sur COVID-19 et mesures préventives et l'envoi de rapports aux médecins par courrier électronique. Conclusions: Il y a eu beaucoup de défis pendant la COVID-19 crise, les hôpitaux publics étant confrontés à plus de défis que les établissements privés. Les défis comprenaient entre autres l'insuffisance la force du personnel et le manque de technologie pour la visualisation à distance. Certains ont été surmontés grâce à l'éducation et à la production de masques faciaux/boucliers utilisant des matériaux recyclés. Mots-clés: défis, les stratégies d'adaptation, COVID-19, Nigeria.

Carotid and Vertebral Atherosclerosis in West African Stroke Patients: Findings from the Stroke Investigative Research and Education Network.

Background: We evaluated the characteristics of carotid and vertebral atherosclerosis in indigenous West Africans with stroke. Methodology: Of the 3778stroke patients recruited between 01/2014 and 08/2017, 1070 (28.3%) received carotid and vertebral artery evaluation with B-mode Ultrasound. Carotid and vertebral intima-media thickness (IMT) using multiple site technique were measured bilaterally and plaque frequency was determined. Descriptive and comparative analyses between stroke types and vessels were carried out. Results: There were 809 (75.6%) patients with ischemic stroke. The prevalence of intima-media thickening in the study population was 84.0% (898/1070) [95% CI: 81.7-86.1], being higher in the ischemic stroke (688/809, 85.0%) [95% CI: 82.4-87.3] than in the hemorrhagic stroke group (211/261, 80.8%) [95% CI: 75.6-85.2]. Overall prevalence of plaques which was 26.1% [95% CI: 23.5-28.8], was found also to be higher in ischemic than hemorrhagic stroke (29.8%[95% CI: 26.7-33.0] vs. 14.6% [95% CI: 10.8-19.4], p < 0.05). The mean IMT (carotids: 2.01+1.33 mm; vertebrals: 0.96+0.54mm, p<0.001) and prevalence of plaques (carotids: 8.8%; vertebrals: 1.7%,p<0.001) were higher in carotid than vertebral arteries. Age, hypertension, level of formal education, history of smoking, average monthly income, and family histories of hypertension and stroke were associated with intima-media thickening in the carotids (all p< 0.05) in the ischemic stroke patients while family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and level of formal education were independently associated with intima-media thickening in the carotids (all p< 0.05) in the hemorrhagic stroke patients. No CVRF showed an independent association with the presence of plaque in the carotid and vertebral arteries both stroke types. Conclusions: One off our stroke patients in our cohort had atherosclerotic plaques, with ischemic patients being twice as likely to have this burden compared to hemorrhagic patients, and carotid atherosclerosis being five times as frequent as vertebral atherosclerosis.

Molecular and phenotypic profiling of colorectal cancer patients in West Africa reveals biological insights.

Understanding the molecular and phenotypic profile of colorectal cancer (CRC) in West Africa is vital to addressing the regions rising burden of disease. Tissue from unselected Nigerian patients was analyzed with a multigene, next-generation sequencing assay. The rate of microsatellite instability is significantly higher among Nigerian CRC patients (28.1%) than patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 14.2%) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC, 8.5%, P < 0.001). In microsatellite-stable cases, tumors from Nigerian patients are less likely to have APC mutations (39.1% vs. 76.0% MSKCC P < 0.001) and WNT pathway alterations (47.8% vs. 81.9% MSKCC, P < 0.001); whereas RAS pathway alteration is more prevalent (76.1% vs. 59.6%, P = 0.03). Nigerian CRC patients are also younger and more likely to present with rectal disease (50.8% vs. 33.7% MSKCC, P < 0.001). The findings suggest a unique biology of CRC in Nigeria, which emphasizes the need for regional data to guide diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients in West Africa.

Opportunities for Improvement in the Administration of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for T4 Breast Cancer: A Comparison of the U.S. and Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is an integral component of T4 breast cancer (BCa) treatment. We compared response to NAC for T4 BCa in the U.S. and Nigeria to direct future interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis included all patients with non-metastatic T4 BCa treated from 2010 to 2016 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, New York) and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (Ile Ife, Nigeria). Pathologic complete response (pCR) and survival were compared and factors contributing to disparities evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred and eight patients met inclusion criteria: 157 (51%) in the U.S. and 151 (49%) in Nigeria. All U.S. patients received NAC and surgery compared with 93 (62%) Nigerian patients. Fifty-six out of ninety-three (60%) Nigerian patients completed their prescribed course of NAC. In Nigeria, older age and higher socioeconomic status were associated with treatment receipt. Fewer patients in Nigeria had immunohistochemistry performed (100% U.S. vs. 18% Nigeria). Of those with available receptor subtype, 18% (28/157) of U.S. patients were triple negative versus 39% (9/23) of Nigerian patients. Overall pCR was seen in 27% (42/155) of U.S. patients and 5% (4/76) of Nigerian patients. Five-year survival was significantly shorter in Nigeria versus the U.S. (61% vs. 72%). However, among the subset of patients who received multimodality therapy, including NAC and surgery with curative intent, 5-year survival (67% vs. 72%) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (48% vs. 61%) did not significantly differ between countries. CONCLUSION: Addressing health system, socioeconomic, and psychosocial barriers is necessary for administration of complete NAC to improve BCa outcomes in Nigeria. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This cross-sectional retrospective analysis of patients with T4 breast cancer in Nigeria and the U.S. found a significant difference in pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (5% Nigeria vs. 27% U.S.). Five-year survival was shorter in Nigeria, but in patients receiving multimodality treatment, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery with curative intent, 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival did not differ between countries. Capacity-building efforts in Nigeria should focus on access to pathology services to direct systemic therapy and promoting receipt of complete chemotherapy to improve outcomes.

Contemporary management of breast cancer in Nigeria: Insights from an institutional database.

High-quality data are needed to guide interventions aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. We present data from an institutional breast cancer database to create a framework for cancer policy and development in Nigeria. An institutional database was queried for consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2010 and December 2018. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, histopathologic, treatment and outcome variables were analyzed. Of 607 patients, there were 597 females with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.2 years. Most patients presented with a palpable mass (97%) and advanced disease (80.2% ≥ Stage III). Immunohistochemistry was performed on 21.6% (131/607) of specimens. Forty percent were estrogen receptor positive, 32.8% were positive for HER-2 and 43.5% were triple negative. Surgery was performed on 49.9% (303/607) of patients, while 72% received chemotherapy and 7.9% had radiotherapy. At a median follow-up period of 20.5 months, the overall survival was 43.6% (95% CI -37.7 to 49.5). Among patients with resectable disease, 18.8% (57/303) experienced a recurrence. Survival was significantly better for early-stage disease (I and II) compared to late-stage disease (III or IV) (78.6% vs 33.3%, P < .001). Receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy after systemic chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with locally advanced disease (68.5%, CI -46.3 to 86 vs 51%, CI 38.6 to 61.9, P < .001). This large cohort highlights the dual burden of advanced disease and inadequate access to comprehensive breast cancer care in Nigeria. There is a significant potential for improving outcomes by promoting early diagnosis and facilitating access to multimodality treatment.

Designing Participatory Needs Assessments to Support Global Health Interventions in Time-Limited Settings: A Case Study From Nigeria.

Social scientists have advocated for the use of participatory research methods for Global Health project design and planning. However, community-engaged approaches can be time and resource-intensive. This article proposes a feasible framework for conducting a participatory needs assessment in time-limited settings using multiple, triangulated qualitative methods. This framework is outlined through a case study: a participatory needs assessment to inform the design of an ultrasound-guided biopsy training program in Nigeria. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Nigerian women and most cases in Nigeria are diagnosed at an advanced stage; timely diagnosis is impeded by fractious referral pathways, costly imaging equipment, and limited access outside urban centers. The project involved participant observation, surveys, and focus groups at the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Through this timely research and engagement, participants spoke about diagnostic challenges, institutional power dynamics, and infrastructure considerations for program implementation.

Endoscopic management and clinical outcomes of obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at evaluating the endoscopic management and clinical outcomes in patients with obstructive jaundice undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within a newly established apprenticeship teaching model at an academic centre in a resource-limited setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed an apprenticeship-style model of ERCP training with graded responsibility, multidisciplinary group feedback and short-interval repetition. We collected sociodemographic and clinicopathologic data on consecutive patients who underwent ERCP from March 2018 to February 2020. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were referred, of which 146 patients had an ERCP performed for obstructive jaundice and 31 excluded during the study period. The median age was 55 years, age range from 8 to 83 years. The most common referral diagnosis was pancreatic head cancer 56/146 (38.1%), followed by choledocholithiasis 29/146 (19.7%), cholangiocarcinoma 22/146 (15.0%) and gall bladder cancer 11/146 (7.5%). In all, 102 patients had a malignant indication for ERCP. The cannulation rate was 92%. The most common site for malignant biliary obstruction was proximal bile stricture in 31/102 (30.4%), followed by distal bile strictures in 30/102 (28.4%), periampullary cancer 20/102 (19.6%) and mid bile duct stricture in 9/102 (8.8%). The common benign obstructive etiology includes choledocholithiasis in 33/44 (75%) and mid duct obstruction from post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury in 3/44 (2.9%) while 2/44 (2.0%) patients had choledochal cyst. Overall complications were post-ERCP pancreatitis (8/146 patients), cholangitis (3/146 patients), stent migration and post-sphincterotomy bleeding (one patient each). Peri-procedural mortality was 5/146 (3.4%). CONCLUSION: ERCP is an effective and safe method of treatment of patients with benign and malignant biliary obstruction. The low morbidity and mortality and its immediate therapeutic benefits, together with the short duration of hospitalization, indicate that this procedure is an important asset in the management of such patients.

Multistakeholder Needs Assessment to Inform the Development of an mHealth-Based Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Training Program in Nigeria.

PURPOSE: The incidence of breast cancer is rising in Nigeria, and one major barrier to care is the lack of affordable and appropriate breast cancer diagnosis by ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy. The prohibitive cost of US devices limits their availability in low- and middle-income countries. The emergence of mobile health (mHealth) imaging devices may offer an acceptable low-cost alternative. The purpose of this research was to perform a comprehensive needs assessment to understand knowledge, use, training needs, and attitudes as regards image-guided biopsy in Nigeria to inform the development of an mHealth-based US-guided biopsy training program. METHODS: A multistakeholder needs assessment was conducted at the Sixth Annual African Research Group for Oncology Symposium. Voluntary anonymous surveys were administered to all attendees. A subset of attendees (ie, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses) participated in six focus groups. Survey items and interview guides were developed collaboratively with local and international input. RESULTS: Surveys focusing on use, training needs, and attitudes regarding US-guided biopsies were completed with a 55% response rate (n = 54 of 98) among participants from 22 hospitals across Nigeria. Respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the way breast biopsies were currently performed at their hospitals and high interest in having their institution participate in a US-guided biopsy training program. Focus group participants (n = 37) identified challenges to performing US-guided procedures, including equipment functionality and cost, staff training, and access to consumables. Groups brainstormed the design of an mHealth US-guided biopsy training program, preferring a train-the-trainer format combining in-person teaching with independent modules. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary needs assessment of local stakeholders identified a need for and acceptability of an mHealth-based US-guided biopsy training program in Nigeria.

Sonographic soft tissue arthritic changes associated with post-stroke hemiplegic knee pain: utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in a resource-limited setting.

PURPOSE: Post-stroke arthritic changes that may compromise rehabilitation have been described in the upper and lower limbs. We aimed at evaluating the soft tissue arthritic changes associated with pain in hemiplegic knees of stroke patients in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of 48 stroke patients as well as both knees of 26 apparently healthy controls were evaluated with a 7.5-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe. History of knee pain, and socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were recorded for all study participants. Muscle tone and power as well as functional ambulatory category (FAC) were graded for the stroke patients. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Pain was reported more often in hemiplegic than non-hemiplegic knees (n = 16 vs. n = 6, p = 0.021). The frequencies of soft tissue arthritic changes found, which included reduced lateral and medial femoral cartilage thickness, suprapatellar effusion, and irregular cartilage-bone margin, were similar between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees (p > 0.05). Suprapatellar effusion and reduced lateral femoral cartilage thickness were more prevalent in the hemiplegic knees compared to the healthy control knees (p < 0.05). Stroke patients with pes anserinus tendinosis had greater risk of hemiplegic knee pain (HKP) when compared to stroke patients without this lesion (OR = 10; 95% CI: 1.7-61). FAC, muscle tone, and power showed no association with HKP. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue arthritic changes associated with knee pain are comparable between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of stroke patients. The risk of knee pain in stroke is higher in the presence of pes anserinus tendinosis.

Treatment of colorectal cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a prospective Nigerian hospital registry.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Mortality for CRC is improving in high income countries, but in low and middle income countries, rates of disease and death from disease are rising. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the ratio of CRC mortality to incidence is the highest in the world. This study investigated the nature of CRC treatment currently being offered and received in Nigeria. METHODS: Between April 2013 and October 2017, a prospective study of consecutively diagnosed cases of CRC was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical features, and treatment recommended and received was recorded for each case. Patients were followed during the study period every 3 months or until death. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were included in our analysis. Seventy-one percent of patients received a recommended surgical operation. Of those that didn't undergo surgery as recommended, 37% cited cost as the main reason, 30% declined due to personal reasons, and less than 5% absconded or were lost to follow up. Approximately half of patients (50.5%) received a chemotherapy regimen when it was recommended, and 4.1% received radiotherapy when this was advised as optimal treatment. With therapy, the median overall survival for patients diagnosed with stage III and stage IV CRC was 24 and 10.5 months respectively. Overall, we found significantly better median survival for patients that received the recommended treatment (25 vs 7 months; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A number of patients were unable to receive the recommended treatment, reflecting some of the burden of untreated CRC in the region. Receiving the recommended treatment was associated with a significant difference in outcome. Improved healthcare financing, literacy, training, access, and a better understanding of tumor biology will be necessary to address this discrepancy.

Sonographic Evaluation of the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia of Type 2 Diabetics in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the Achilles tendon (AT) thickness (ATT) and plantar fascia (PF) thickness (PFT) of diabetics with and without peripheral neuropathy (PN) to that of a control population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: B-mode sonography of the AT and PF was done. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between ATT and PFT with demographic data such as body mass index, duration of diabetes, and presence of PN. A multivariate regression was used to construct models for determining the thicknesses. RESULTS: Eighty type 2 diabetics were recruited and categorized into groups based on the presence or absence of PN (Groups A and B, respectively). Group A constituted 57 participants while there were 23 in Group B. Eighty controls constituted Group C. Mean values of 6.08 ± 0.65, 5.08 ± 0.48, and 4.57 ± 0.57 mm (P < 0.001) of the right ATT were obtained in Groups A to C while values of 1.95 ± 0.35, 1.88 ± 0.39, and 1.44 ± 0.20 mm (P < 0.001) were obtained for the right PFT. CONCLUSION: The presence of PN and factors such as diabetes duration can affect the thickness of AT and PF.

Relationship between sonographically measured median nerve cross-sectional area and presence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed. AIM: To evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography (USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians. METHODS: Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus (DM) and 85 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy control (HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile (FLP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to (5cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel (CATL) by high-resolution B-mode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5cmCATL (P < 0.01) and at the CATL (P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL (P < 0.05) but not at 5cmCATL (P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the MN CSA at 5cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at 5cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.