Donatus Sabageh

Right atrial myxoma as a possible cause of hemorrhagic stroke and sudden death

Right atrial myxomas are rare primary tumors of the heart. They may remain asymptomatic or eventually cause constitutional signs and symptoms. Less frequently, obstruction of the tricuspid valve occurs, resulting in exertional dyspnea, syncope, or sudden death. Neurological manifestation as initial presentation of atrial myxomas is rarely, if ever, associated with right atrial myxomas and may be secondary to cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and, more rarely subarachnoid hemorrhage. We review the case of a previously unknown, middle-aged Nigerian man who presented to hospital with severe headache and sudden loss of consciousness. A clinical diagnosis of hypertensive hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident was made. The patient died suddenly a few hours after presentation. Post-mortem examination revealed a small intracerebral hemorrhage in the left superior temporal lobe as well as a large right atrial myxoma, a ventricular septal defect in the muscular septum, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The liver showed fatty change while the kidneys showed evidence of benign nephrosclerosis. Right atrial myxomas may, therefore, be remotely considered as a cause of intracranial hemorrhage, especially in the presence of predisposing cardiac anomalies such as a ventricular septal defect. Similarly, being a known cause of right heart failure, sudden death, and other constitutional derangements, it may contribute significantly to disease outcome. Hence, it should be given due consideration in the differential diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents.

Tuberculous mastitis simulating carcinoma of the breast in a young Nigerian woman: a case report

Tuberculous mastitis is an uncommon disease even in countries where tuberculosis is highly endemic. It typically presents a diagnostic challenge masquerading as carcinoma or other primary disease of the breast. We report the case of a young multiparous Nigerian woman who presented with a tender left breast lump and enlargement of the left axillary lymph nodes for which a provisional diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast was made after clinical and radiological evaluation. The mass was pathologically diagnosed as tuberculous mastitis and anti-tuberculous therapy was instituted although she later absconded. This case shows that TM may present a diagnostic challenge on clinical, radiologic and microbiological investigation. Therefore, a high index of suspicion as well as FNAC and/or histological evaluation of tissue samples remain very important its diagnosis.

Autopsy-certified maternal mortality at Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Aim Maternal mortality is a major health problem, especially in Nigeria, where accurate autopsy-based data on the prevalent causes are not readily available. The aim of this study was therefore to accurately determine the causes of maternal death as seen in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Materials and methods This was a descriptive, retrospective review of the postmortem autopsy findings from cases of maternal death at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria over a 5-year period. Analyses were performed for differences in proportions using PEPI computer programs for epidemiologists (P is significant at <0.05). Results A total of 84 cases of maternal deaths were used for the study. Approximately 71.4% of the maternal deaths were due to direct causes and 28.6% were due to indirect causes. The mean age at the time of death was 27.9±7.5 years. Overall, the three leading causes of death were obstetric hemorrhage (30.9%), complications of abortion (23.8%), and nongenital (nonobstetric) infections (14.2%). Of the direct causes of maternal death, obstetric hemorrhage (43.3%) was the leading cause, with postpartum hemorrhage accounting for most (65.0%) of such deaths; other causes included complications of unsafe induced abortion (33.3%) and of labor (11.7%). Of the indirect causes, nongenital infections (50.0%), anemia (25.0%), and preexisting hypertension (20.8%) accounted for the majority of the maternal deaths. There was disparity between the clinical and autopsy diagnoses in 34 of the 84 cases (38.1%). Conclusion The leading causes of maternal death in this study are similar to those in other developing countries. Autopsy is an invaluable tool in accurately determining the cause of maternal death.

A review of the clinicopathologic characteristics of intestinal metaplasia in gastric mucosal biopsies

Introduction Although it is a well recognized premalignant lesion of the stomach, there is a dearth of information on the clinicopathologic features of gastric intestinal metaplasia in Nigerians. It is, therefore, necessary to study these features and their possible contribution to the development of gastric carcinoma in Nigerians. Methods All gastric biopsies with the histo-morphologic features of intestinal metaplasia diagnosed at the department of morbid anatomy and forensic medicine, Obafemi Awolowo university teaching hospitals complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between January 2006 and December 2010 were used for the study. Results A total of 165 biopsies (21.3% of all gastric biopsies within the study period) with background chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were reviewed. The mean age of patients with intestinal metaplasia was 50.3 years ± 17 standard deviation (SD) while the ages of the patients ranged from 10-100 years. There were 83 males (50.3%) with a mean age of 48.1 ± 18.2 SD years and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 44.1-52.1 years. There were, however, 82 females (49.6%) with a mean age of 52.5 (± 15.8 SD) years and a 95% CI of 49.0-56.0 years. There was no significant association between the histologic type of intestinal metaplasia and the patients’ sex, age groups, severity of chronic gastritis, disease activity or degree of gastric glandular atrophy. Conclusion There are no statistically significant differences in the clinicopathologic characteristics of the subtypes of intestinal metaplasia. In majority of patients, progression from intestinal metaplasia to gastric adenocarcinoma probably takes an average of about 7 years.

Incidental detection of microfilariae in a lymph node aspirate: A case report

Lymphatic filariasis is a global health problem endemic in Nigeria. Peripheral blood smears are frequently negative for microfilariae in a significant number of infected patients in whom conventional diagnostic methods may also fail to identify the disease. In such cases, fine needle aspiration cytology may play an important role in disease identification. A 49-year-old South-western male Nigerian farmer, presented with a one-year history of a right groin swelling, which became painful 2 weeks before coming to the hospital. A clinical assessment of lymphogranuloma venereum was made to rule out a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Initial laboratory investigations only showed mild eosinophilia and haematuria. However, fine needle aspiration cytology performed on the swelling showed microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti for which appropriate treatment was instituted with excellent outcome. This case demonstrates that lymphatic filariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymph node swellings in the groin and that aspiration cytology may play an important role in its diagnosis, especially in an endemic resource poor country.

Sexual behavior of in-school adolescents in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria: a comparative study.

Abstract Objectives: The sexual and reproductive health of adolescents is of utmost importance in many nations (especially in developing countries). Sexual behavior varies from location to location and the outcome (when negative) creates great concerns mainly due to the consequential impact on health and development. This study aimed at comparing sexual behavior of in-school adolescents in rural and urban areas of Osun state. Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted. A total of 760 in-school adolescents were recruited using multistage sampling technique. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered after ethical considerations. Data were analysed and p-value was placed at 0.05. Results: A total of 380 rural and 380 urban adolescents participated in this study with a mean age of 14.90±2.44 and 14.34±2.31 years, respectively. About one-fifth (20.1%) had experienced their first sex (66% of rural and 34% of urban). The mean age at first sex was 14.05 years±2.3 years (13.89±2.3 years for rural and 14.37±2.3 years for urban). Only 76 (49.7%) sexually experienced respondents had used condom in the past (45.5% of rural, 57.7% of urban). Half of the urban respondents used condom during their first sex while only a quarter of their rural counterparts had done so (p=0.003). Conclusion: Sexual behavior was commoner among the rural respondents than their urban counterpart. There is an urgent need for sexuality education especially among rural adolescents in the study area.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in Osogbo Metropolis, Southwest Nigeria

Introduction High maternal mortality is a major problem in Nigeria. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness will ensure that women can have professional delivery thus reducing obstetric complications. This study assessed the birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in Osogbo metropolis, a south western community in Nigeria. Methods A community based descriptive cross sectional survey was used. A total of 180 women were selected using multistage sampling technique. Pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit information about previous obstetric history, knowledge of the danger signs of pregnancy and level of birth preparedness. Composite score and mean were computed. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. P-value was set at < 0.05. Results The mean age was 26.11 ± 3.63 years. A total of 51.1% were carrying their 2nd or 3rdpregnancies. A total of 70.8% were aware of danger signs in pregnancy and the commonest danger sign mentioned was bleeding per vagina. In all, 82.1% were well prepared for birth. Being in the younger age group (p = 0.026), being more educated (p < 0.0001) and being aware of danger signs in pregnancy (p < 0.0001) was more significantly associated with being well prepared. Conclusion The respondents were well prepared for birth with the younger women, educated ones and those knowledgeable of danger signs being better prepared. Continuous education about the Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness should be sustained in order to maintain and improve womens preparedness.

An autopsy review of abdominal injuries resulting from road traffic accidents: The Ile-Ife experience

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of blunt force trauma to the abdomen. They remain an important cause of death globally and especially in Nigeria. Aims: The aim was to review the autopsy findings of victims with abdominal injuries following RTAs. Subjects and Methods: The autopsy records and case notes of victims of RTAs fatalities who sustained abdominal injuries over a 10-year period were reviewed. This was carried out at a tertiary health institution in Sub-Saharan Africa. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.0. Results: Seventy-six cases were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 4.1:1. The mean age of the victims was 34.2 years while the age range was from 4 to 85 years. The 30–40-year age group accounted for 34.2% of cases. About 53.9% of the victims died at the accident scene, whereas 34.2% died while on hospital admission. About 42.1%, 32.9%, and 21.1% of the victims were passengers, drivers, and pedestrians, respectively. The spleen was injured in 67.1% of cases while the liver and intestines were injured in 22.4% and 15.8% of cases, respectively. Death was due to the combined effects of multiple injuries in 67.1% of cases, whereas 26.3% of victims died as a result of severe hypovolemia. Conclusions: Abdominal injuries in RTAs fatalities are more common in males and the most productive young adult population. The spleen is the most frequently injured intra-abdominal organ. The majority of deaths in this group of patients are due to the combined effects of multiple injuries in various body structure. Rapid management of patients with abdominal injuries is essential and particular consideration must be placed on those injuries involving other body parts.

A comparative study of the relevance of digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and prostate-specific antigen in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with advanced carcinoma of the prostate in a resource poor environment

Aims: To compare the diagnostic yield of digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scan, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in diagnostic evaluation of advanced carcinoma of the prostate (CAP). Subjects and Methods: A comparative study of sensitivity and specificity of DRE, TRUS, and PSA in the evaluation of advanced CAP. This was done over a 3-year period (January 2010 to December 2012) in a tertiary health institution in Sub-Saharan Africa. All patients presenting with symptoms of prostatic enlargement were recruited, DRE, TRUS, and PSA findings were compared to the histological diagnosis. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 16.0. Results: One hundred and eight cases were analyzed. Histological diagnosis revealed that 52 (48.1%) were CAP whereas 56 (51.9%) were benign. All the patients presented with lower urinary tract symptoms. Surprisingly, some patients with advanced CAP had PSA values in the normal range (0-4 ng/ml) while some with the benign disease also had PSA values above 50 ng/ml. PSA was noted to have the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity. Conclusions: Limitations of PSA are not only seen in screening for early disease, but also in the diagnosis of advanced CAP, and no value of PSA can be considered safe to declare a patient CAP free.

Biopsy-proven renal disease in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: A histopathologic review

Although various patterns of renal diseases have been reported from different renal biopsy registries worldwide, data from Nigeria remain scanty. A 10-year retrospective review of renal biopsies was conducted in our tertiary health care facility. All cases were reclassified based on their light microscopic features after the application of standard histochemical stains. A total of 165 cases were reviewed with a male:female ratio of 1.8:1 and a mean age of 15.4 ± 12.0 years. About 69.7% of the cases were below the age of 16 years, while only 2.4% were older than 50 years. The most common indications for biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (72.1%) and acute renal failure of unknown etiology (11.5%). Overall, glomerulonephritis (80%) was the most common histologic category and occurred only in individuals younger than 50 years old. Minimal change disease (22.9%) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (21.9%) were the most common varieties in children, while membranous glomerulonephritis (30.6%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (27.8%) were the commonest among the adult population. The initial histologic diagnosis was revised in 18 cases while a diagnosis was arrived at in seven cases initially adjudged as inadequate for assessment. This study showed that renal biopsy was predominantly performed in children and adolescents. Although glomerulonephritis was the predominant disease, the predominant histologic patterns varied with the patient age. Despite the scarcity of advanced diagnostic tools in resource-poor environments, routine use of histochemical stains is helpful in the evaluation of renal biopsies.