En Etebu

Pathology of firearm mortalities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria : a study of 136 consecutive autopsies

A prospective autopsy study of firearms-related death was carried out by the authors in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the pattern, frequency, and anatomical sites of wounds, also the cause of death and the age and sex distribution of victims. The autopsies were performed after being served with the coroners inquest forms. In all cases standard autopsy procedures were adopted and reports issued. A total of 136 consecutive firearm deaths were autopsied. There were 122 (89.7%) males and 14 (10.3%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 8.7:1. The highest number of deaths, 95 (69.8%), occurred in the age group of 10–39 years with a peak of 51 (37.5%) deaths at 20–29 years. In 112 (82.4%) cases death occurred from homicidal gunshot wounds. The commonest targets of gunshot wounds were the head, 58 (42.6%); multiple anatomical sites, 30 (22.1%); chest, 16 (11.8%); abdomen, 11 (8.1%) and neck, 10 (7.4%). Haemorrhagic shock was the cause of death in 131 (96.3%) cases. Significant causes of traumatic death in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are gunshot wounds and associated complications. Stringent laws on illegal firearms handling should be passed and enforced by the government to reduce the frequency of such deaths.

Adipose tissue tumours in Port Harcourt: (a ten year review)

Background : A ten year (January 1990 – December 1999) retrospective study of 160 adipose tissue tumours was carried out by the authors made up of 153 benign and 7malignant tumours occurring at various anatomical sites of the body. These tumours occurred in both sexes of ages between 36-69 years. Methodology : All the histological slides previously stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains and diagnosed as lipoma or liposarcoma were retrieved to confirm previous diagnosis. Special stains like Oil-Red-O was also used for the confirmation of some cases. Variables considered include tumour location, age and sex which were extracted from the request forms and daily specimen record books. Results : Adipose tissue tumours accounted for 2.4% of total tumours diagnosed during the study period. Majority (82=51.3%) occurred in females and 78 (48.7%) occurred in males giving a gender ratio of 1.1:1. Benign and malignant tumours accounted for 95.6% and 4.4%, respectively giving a ratio of 22:1. The ages vary from 36 to 69 years and the highest frequency of occurrence was the upper arm. Conclusion : Adipose tissue tumours are some of the commonest soft tissue tumours in this environment. Though not given much attention in medical practice and in literature, they pose cosmetic problems. The location and size of the tumour determined the symptoms which range from dyspnea to a feeling of fullness and discomfort in motion. Keywords : lipoma, liposarcoma, age, gender, site, cosmetics Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(4) 2005: 92-94