Noor Ul-Ain Baloch

Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Complicated by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Peritonitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic disorder resulting from ovulation induction. Although the occurrence of this disorder is rare, it can be potentially life-threatening in its most severe forms. We herein present the case of a young nulliparous woman who presented with features of abdominal compartment syndrome and was subsequently diagnosed with severe OHSS. All physicians, in particular critical care doctors, must be aware of this rare, but potentially life-threatening iatrogenic disorder.

Accuracy of 99mTechnetium-labeled RBC Scintigraphy and MDCT With Gastrointestinal Bleed Protocol for Detection and Localization of Source of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Background: Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) with gastrointestinal (GI) bleed protocol is a novel diagnostic technique for detecting and localizing LGIB. Being rapid and noninvasive, it may be useful as a first-line modality to investigate cases of acute LGIB. Goals: To assess and compare diagnostic accuracy of 99mTechnetium (Tc)-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy and multidetector row CT with GI bleed protocol for detection and localization of source of acute LGIB. Study: Requirement of informed consent was waived for this retrospective study. Seventy-six patients had undergone either RBC scintigraphy, CT with GI bleed protocol, or both, followed by conventional angiography for evaluation of acute persistent LGIB between January 2010 and February 2014 at our institution. Accuracy of both modalities was assessed using conventional angiography as reference standard and compared using the 2-tailed, Fisher exact test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Fifty-one, 20, and 5 patients had undergone RBC scintigraphy only, CT with GI bleed protocol only, and both modalities, respectively. Fourteen of 25 patients in the CT group had angiographic evidence of active bleeding as compared with 32 of 56 patients in the scintigraphy group. CT with GI bleed protocol had higher accuracy (96%) than 99mTc-labeled RBC scintigraphy (55.4%, P<0.001). Conclusions: CT with GI bleed protocol was more accurate in detecting and localizing the source of acute LGIB as compared with 99mTc-labeled RBC scintigraphy.

Evaluation and management of recurrent urinary tract infections in children: state of the art

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent an important cause of febrile illness in young children and can lead to renal scarring and kidney failure. However, diagnosis and treatment of recurrent UTI in children is an area of some controversy. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and European Society of Paediatric Radiology differ from each other in terms of the diagnostic algorithm to be followed. Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux and antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of recurrent UTI are also areas of considerable debate. In this review, we collate and appraise recently published literature in order to formulate evidence-based guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent UTI in children.

Multiplanar imaging of inferior vena cava variants

Inferior vena cava (IVC) variants are rare and are usually detected incidentally. Even though, these variants are by themselves asymptomatic, they can have important clinical, radiological, and surgical implications. In this pictorial essay, we sensitize the reader to various IVC variants by presenting reports of actual patients. A succinct description of the embryological development of these anatomic variants is also provided.

Prevalence of subarachnoid haemorrhage among patients with cranial venous sinus thrombosis in the presence and absence of venous infarcts

Introduction In patients with cranial venous sinus thrombosis, the occurrence of subarachnoid haemorrhage in association with haemorrhagic venous infarcts is a well described phenomenon. However, the presence of subarachnoid haemorrhage in patients with cranial venous sinus thrombosis in the absence of a haemorrhagic venous infarct is exceedingly rare. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts and scans of all patients who had cranial venous sinus thrombosis confirmed by magnetic resonance venography at our hospital between September 2004 and May 2015. The presence of subarachnoid haemorrhage was ascertained on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, susceptibility-weighted imaging and/or unenhanced computed tomography scans by a single experienced neuroradiologist. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Differences in the proportion of haemorrhagic venous infarcts among patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage versus those without subarachnoid haemorrhage were compared using the chi-square test. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 138 patients who had cranial venous sinus thrombosis were included in the study. Seventy-three (52.9%) were women and the median age of subjects was 35 (interquartile range 22–47) years. Venous infarcts and haemorrhagic venous infarcts were noted in 20/138 (14.5%) and 62/138 (44.9%) cases, respectively. Subarachnoid haemorrhage was present in 15/138 (10.9%) cases and, in three cases, subarachnoid haemorrhage occurred in the absence of a venous infarct. Haemorrhagic venous infarcts were more prevalent (P = 0.021) among patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (11/15) than in those without subarachnoid haemorrhage (51/123). Conclusion In patients with cranial venous sinus thrombosis, subarachnoid haemorrhage can occur even in the absence of a haemorrhagic venous infarct. The recognition of cranial venous sinus thrombosis as the underlying cause of subarachnoid haemorrhage is important to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate management.

Multiplanar Computed Tomography of Vascular Etiologies of Acute Abdomen: A Pictorial Review

Acute abdomen is a common presentation in the emergency department and radiologic imaging plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of such patients. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is the most commonly utilized radiologic investigation in such patients as it can be performed fairly rapidly and has excellent accuracy for diagnosing various causes of an acute abdomen. Additionally, MDCT may also reveal clues towards an alternative diagnosis that was not even suspected on the basis of a history and physical examination. Consequently, it is indispensable for radiologists to be able to accurately and efficiently recognize imaging features of disorders that may present as an acute abdomen. While gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and genitourinary causes account for most cases of acute abdomen, vascular etiologies may also be implicated in a small—but significant—proportion of cases. Therefore, in this pictorial review, we describe the typical MDCT imaging features of various vascular etiologies that may present as an acute abdomen.

Idarucizumab: A novel antidote for reversal of dabigatran

© 2016 Asian Journal of Neurosurgery | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‐ Medknow Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Awais, Noor Ul-Ain Baloch Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Sindh, Pakistan Address for correspondence: Dr. Abdul Rehman, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Sindh, Pakistan. E‐mail: jsmawais@yahoo.com References

Vibration-induced multifocal carpal osteonecrosis in a 31-year-old man

Hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is common among lumberjacks, riveters and pneumatic drillers.1 This syndrome encompasses a group of vibration-induced vascular and neurological disorders, which commonly manifest as Raynauds phenomenon, peripheral neuropathy and muscular weakness.2 However, vibration-induced bone and joint disorders are less common and mild in most cases.3 We recently encountered a patient with multifocal carpal osteonecrosis that was most likely attributable to prolonged vibration exposure. A 31-year-old construction worker presented with severe right-sided wrist pain for the past 3 weeks. He reported working with pneumatic drills for the past 12 years with an average vibration exposure of 5 h per day for 5 days a week. On physical examination, the range of movement of …

Congenital Absence of Portal Vein With Cecal Varices.

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Gossypiboma diagnosed fifteen years after a cesarean section: A case report

Gossypiboma, a retained surgical sponge, is a rare complication following any surgical procedure and is primarily a result of human error. Such patients often have vague clinical presentations and the diagnosis often comes as a surprise. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman who had a long-standing history of lower abdominal discomfort. She was diagnosed with a gossypiboma fifteen years after a cesarean section. All general physicians, surgeons and radiologists must be aware of this rare but clinically significant entity.