Arjit Agarwal

Microdeletion of Y chromosome as a cause of recurrent pregnancy loss.

CONTEXT: In majority of couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), etiology is still unknown. Two genetic factors have been suggested to underlie miscarriage in a subset of patients, namely skewed X chromosome inactivation in females and Y chromosome microdeletions in their partners. In males, microdeletions of the Y chromosome are known to cause spermatogenetic failure and male infertility. AIMS: The aim of the study was to find out the role of Y chromosome microdeletion in male partners of couples experiencing RPL. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: University hospital and genetic laboratory. Prospective case–control study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 59 couples with a history of RPL and 20 fertile controls (FC) with no miscarriage were included in the study. The study subjects were divided into male partners of RPL couples with abnormal semen parameters (AS) (n = 8), and couples with normal semen parameters (NS) (n = 51). Fertile controls with normal semen parameters were (FC) (n = 20). Y chromosome microdeletion was performed on 40 male partners of RPL and 20 FC. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test. P <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 13 of the 40 RPL cases showed deletion in three azoospermia factor loci on the long arm of Y chromosome. The P value was significant with Y chromosome microdeletion in RPL cases as compared to 20 FC where no Y chromosome microdeletion was present. CONCLUSIONS: Y chromosome microdeletion may be an important hidden cause of recurrent pregnancy miscarriage and can be offered to couples with the undiagnosed cause of miscarriage.

Wolffian system agenesis with contralateral ejaculatory duct stenosis: First case in the literature

Congenital agenesis of seminal vesicles and vas deferens is rare and its co-existence with structural abnormality on the contralateral side is even rarer. We report a case of an adult male presenting with infertility due to obstructive azoospermia, in which transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the agenesis of Wolffian derivatives on the left side with stenosis of the ejaculatory duct on the contralateral side. This dual combination of uncommon anomalies is the rarest phenomenon and poses as a diagnostic dilemma for the radiologist. Emphasis is given to MRI as a one-stop shop modality in the evaluation of complete genitourinary system; as well as on the importance of TRUS as a screening tool in patients with infertility due to obstructive azoospermia.

Role of acoustic radiation force impulse and shear wave velocity in prediction of preterm birth: a prospective study

Background Preterm birth is one of the important causes of neonatal morbidity where we rely on subjective criteria such as modified Bishop’s scoring and contemporary sonographic measurement of cervical length. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a technological advancement in elastography that can be employed in prediction of cervical softening and preterm labor. Purpose To evaluate the role of ARFI technique and shear wave velocity (SWV) estimates as a predictor of preterm birth and its comparison with other clinical and sono-elastographic measures. Material and Methods Thirty-four pregnant women (gestation age = 28–37 weeks age) showing features suggestive of preterm labor were included and evaluated with modified Bishop’s score, cervical length by ultrasound (US), ARFI to derive Elastography index (EI), and SWV of the cervix. The patients were later divided into two groups, using the clinical outcome of preterm or term delivery. Results Twenty patients delivered at term (gestational age > 37 weeks) and 14 were preterm. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves showed SWV with highest sensitivity and specificity (93% and 90%, respectively) for the prediction of preterm birth at a cutoff value of 2.83 m/s. EI and modified Bishop’s score were comparable to each other, but were less sensitive techniques. Conclusion Elastographic assessment of antenatal cervix is a novel technique of virtual palpation of internal os and can be utilized as an objective criterion for preterm birth prediction.

Swyer Syndrome With Gonadoblastoma: A Clinicoradiological Approach

Primary amenorrhea is a common diagnostic challenge in the gynecology department, wherein there are numerous causes that need to be approached in a systematic manner. However, when a case with a pelvic lump or a solid pelvic mass presents to a gynecologist or a radiologist, the approach becomes difficult to justify amenorrhea and pelvic mass as a single entity. We present the case of a 36-year-old female with the complaints of primary amenorrhea with a pelvic mass. The case was approached keeping in view the diagnostic possibilities and applying the role of clinical, radiological, and laboratory analyses. The final diagnosis of Swyer syndrome with gonadoblastoma was made, and she was further subjected to operative resection and hormonal therapy. This study stresses on the approach to a case, wherein the diagnosis was based only on the clinician’s acumen and the radiologist’s expertise, providing a way to simplify the protocol in the evaluation of such types of cases.

A Case Report of Metronidazole Induced Neurotoxicity in Liver Abscess Patient and the Usefulness of MRI for its Diagnosis.

Metronidazole is a very widely used drug for the treatment of multiple ailments caused by anaerobic bacteria as well as some protozoan parasites. Though its usual side effects are not very serious, yet sometimes it may cause profound adverse effects like neurotoxicity. We present here a case of liver abscess. The patient was treated for a long time with metronidazole and developed sudden onset neurotoxicity which was diagnosed by MRI. The present case also highlights the need of vigilant monitoring of patients on metronidazole for symptoms of neurotoxicity and the usefulness of MRI for diagnosis of the same.

Comparative Role of Sonourethrography (SUG) and Magnetic Resonance Urethrography (MRU) in Anterior Male Urethral Strictures

Anterior urethral stricture is a common clinical condition encountered in day-to-day urological practice affecting predominantly males. Retrograde urethrography (RGU) is a common investigation done to determine the future course of management. But with increasing use of plastic surgery and other endoscopic procedures, information regarding presence of spongiofibrosis and other associated conditions, in addition to length of stricture is being demanded from radiologist for deciding the mode of management. Sonourethrography (SUG) has started gaining acceptance over RGU in last few decades for determining periurethral spongiofibrosis which at the same time obviates radiation to gonads. In recent years, magnetic resonance urethrography (MRU) has also been advocated for evaluation of anterior urethral strictures due to its excellent soft tissue contrast and lack of operator dependence. Besides, MRU can delineate posterior urethra simultaneously, affecting further management obviating the need for micturating cystourethrogram (MCU). Hence, in this article we evaluate the comparative role of SUG ad MRU in the evaluation of male anterior urethral strictures.

Hirayama Disease: Escaping From the Quotidian Imaging

Hirayama disease is a rare type of neurological disease commonly manifesting as brachial monomelic amyotrophy in young males of Asian origin, easily understood as juvenile non-progressive cervical amyotrophy. The first case was reported by Hirayama in 1959. The pathogenesis is attributed towards chronic compression of cervical spinal cord during flexion movements of neck in cases where there is detachment of posterior dura mater. This chronic event, invariably leads to features of cord atrophy along with other MRI features. We report a case of 21-year-old male who presented with atrophy of distal muscles of his right hand and was sent for MRI of cervical spine which revealed prominent posterior epidural venous plexus without significant cord atrophy. Clinico-radiologic profile of the patient leads toward the diagnosis of Hirayama disease which was considered as borderline because of asymmetrical cord atrophy which is a not a routine imaging feature of the entity.

Multicentric giant cell reparative granuloma with extragnathic involvement: Panoramic and computed tomography

Giant cell reparative granuloma is also known as central giant cell granuloma with predilection for the mandible. It is a benign bone tumor, which creates a diagnostic dilemma for radiologist due to their rare occurrence and sometimes aggressive nature. We report a case of young male presenting with a fast growing, large right sided mandibular lump that was bony hard on palpation. There was nasal obstruction along with neck pain. The case was sent for panoramic radiography that revealed multiple radiolucent lesions involving the mandible and the maxillary bone. Further evaluation was done using cross-sectional imaging modality, that is, computed tomography that lead to an elaborate involvement of the mandible and maxilla with incidental lytic involvement of the hyoid bone as well as the C2 vertebral body. Tissue diagnosis was done where diagnosis of giant cell reparative granulomas was confirmed.

Three neglected cases of minor trauma to the craniovertebral junction with potentially disastrous consequences

Os odontoideum is a rare congenital anomaly predisposing to atlantoaxial instability. It may rarely present with a history of trivial trauma followed by slow progressive features of compressive myelopathy. Dens fractures, though not uncommon, may also remain undiagnosed and present later on with nonunion. Hence, it is very important for these patients to undergo proper clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging.