Multi-time point imaging in 99m Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy of ectopic gastric mucosa in duplication cysts: value-added services.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to describe the scintigraphic patterns of 99m Tc-pertechnetate uptake in patients who were referred to the department of nuclear medicine for evaluating and diagnosing ectopic gastric mucosa in foregut and midgut duplication cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This hospital-based, retrospective cum prospective research spans a period of 8 years from April 2014 to January 2022. Previous hospital medical records were analyzed and subsequently, a database was prepared which included the age, sex, clinical indication of a 99m Tc-pertechnetate scan, and the planar and SPECT-computed tomography (CT) imaging findings. Postoperative histopathological reports were available for 21 patients. Dynamic and planar static imaging was performed. We included SPECT-CT in suspected duplication cysts to increase the sensitivity and specificity which is a tradeoff for a small amount of additional radiation exposure. A total of 69 patients were subjected to a 99m Tc-pertechnetate scan for suspected foregut or midgut duplication cysts. All were subjected to dynamic planar and delayed static images up to 24 h or until focal uptake of radiotracer was noted which corroborated the anatomical findings, whichever was earlier. SPECT-CT was performed along with the planar study in 31 patients which confirmed the findings. Previously performed CT scans were used for anatomical correlation in the remaining ones. RESULTS: Duplication cysts were localized in a total of 28 patients (19 foregut duplication cysts and 12 small bowel duplications - 3 patients had dual duplication cysts, both foregut, and midgut). Forty-one patients had no scintigraphic evidence of ectopic gastric mucosa. Of these 69 patients, histopathological diagnosis was available for 21 patients (22 lesions). The report was concordant with the scan findings in 15 patients (16 lesions) and 6 patients showed discordance in histopathological diagnosis and scan findings. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, multi-time point imaging is the key to diagnosing ectopic gastric mucosa of various sizes and in various locations. An abnormal radiotracer uptake in dynamic sequences, even before the appearance of the stomach in the region of the small bowel is indicative of intestinal duplication, and delayed radiotracer visualization in the region of the thorax is characteristic of intrathoracic foregut duplication cyst.

Role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Gastrointestinal Malignancies: A Brief Review and Pictorial Essay.

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly becoming a mainstay in diagnosis and management of many malignant disorders. However, its role in the assessment of gastro-intestinal lesions is still evolving. The aim of this review was to demonstrate the areas, where PET/CT is impactful and where it has limitations. This will allow for us to reduce unnecessary investigations and develop methods to overcome the limitations.

Dimensional measurement accuracy of 3-dimensional models from cone beam computed tomography using different voxel sizes.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the geometric accuracy and measurement reliability of 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed models of the mandible created from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained with 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm voxel sizes with the reference standard model and compare the accuracy of the CBCT-based models to each other. STUDY DESIGN: The reference standard 3D model of a dry human mandible was obtained using a white light scanner. The mandible was scanned with CBCT 10 times at each voxel size. The models created from the CBCT data were compared with the reference standard by using a point-based rigid registration algorithm where the distance differences between the superimposed CBCT models and the reference standard model were recorded. The measurements derived from the 2 CBCT-based scans were also compared. RESULTS: Mean deviations from the reference standard for 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm voxel scans were 0.4342 mm and 0.4580 mm, respectively (P ≥ .16). The CBCT scans with both 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm voxels produced good measurement reliability and did not significantly differ from each other (P ≥ .20). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT scans with 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm voxel sizes delivered similarly accurate models. Larger voxels can be used to minimize radiation exposure.

Yoga therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A case series from India.

Yoga is an ancient science which has been found to be helpful in the management of several psychiatric disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Yoga as add-on treatment in OCD may help address issues like partial response and adverse effects of medications. However, research in this area is sparse, which led us to explore it through this case series. In this case series we have described the benefits of 1 month of yoga as add-on treatment in patients with OCD. All patients were on stable doses of medications prior to and during yoga practice. Pre-post assessments for the core symptoms of obsession/compulsions as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms were done. The assessments showed significant improvement in Y-BOCS and HAM-D scores after 1 month of yoga. Yoga therapy could be an effective add-on therapy for the treatment of OCD.

Guided endodontic therapy: Management of pulp canal obliteration in the maxillary central incisor.

This is a case report of the management of pulp canal obliteration of maxillary central incisor using guided endodontic therapy. Patient reported with discolored and proclined 11. Intraoral periapical (IOPA) Radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed periapical radiolucency. The canal was obliterated till the middle third and was patent in the apical 7 mm. Root canal treatment (RCT) was planned using guided endodontics. Information of CBCT and digital surface scan were integrated using Blue Sky Bio software. A transparent three-dimensional (3D) model of the tooth and stent, designed with a sleeve for insertion of bur, was 3D-printed using clear resin. After orientation was found satisfactory on the 3D model, access opening was initiated with the orientation of round bur through the stent. IOPAs were taken after preparation of every 3 mm. The canal was located in the apical third. Cleaning and shaping were performed, and RCT completed successfully. Guided endodontic therapy is useful in the management of calcifications in anterior teeth.

Photobiomodulation therapy in neuroischaemic diabetic foot ulcers: a novel method of limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation therapy, PBMT) promotes accelerated healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), thereby preventing the risk of future complications and amputation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PBMT, with structured, graded mobilisation and foot care, on DFU healing dynamics. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and presenting with a chronic neuroischaemic DFU, were treated with PBMT using scanning and non-contact probe methods. The DFU was clinically observed and the area measured every seven days until complete healing. Neuropathic parameters were also measured. The PBMT was administered until complete closure of the DFU and patients also undertook a programme of graded mobilisation. RESULTS: A total of 17 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 69±8 years, and a mean duration of diabetes of 13±5 years. Mean complete closure time was 26±11days. In addition, a mean reduction of the semi-quantitative vibration pressure threshold from 49±2 volts to 20±4 volts was observed in all participants. CONCLUSION: PBMT can be effectively used as a treatment mode for neuroischaemic DFUs in patients with type 2 diabetes. Graded mobilisation with focused foot care could improve the function of people living with type 2 diabetes with a chronic DFU.

Smokeless Tobacco-associated Lesions: A Mobile Health Approach.

AIM: Globally, India accounts for the highest number of oral cancer cases. The survival rates are about 30% lower than those in developing countries. The main reason for these dismal figures is the late presentation of patients. In order to downstage oral cancer in such a scenario, screening and diagnosis at an early stage is warranted. A pragmatic approach is needed for an oral cancer screening program, hence a mobile health (mHealth) approach was used. In this approach, health workers were empowered with mobile phones with decision-based algorithm. Risk stratification of tobacco habit enables us to identify lesions associated with particular habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A specific cohort of factory employees who predominantly had pure tobacco chewing habit was chosen to examine the effect of pure tobacco on oral mucosa. One thousand three hundred and fifty-seven subjects were screened in two phases. In the first phase, habits and oral lesions were identified and photographed. The photographs were remotely diagnosed by an oral medicine specialist and those subjects requiring biopsy were recalled for phase II. Cytology and biopsy were performed in phase II. RESULTS: The predominant habit was smokeless tobacco (SLT), in 582 subjects. The most commonly encountered lesion was tobacco pouch keratosis seen in 397 subjects. Biopsy was performed for 71 subjects, most cases showed hyperkeratosis and mild dysplasia. One subject had moderate dysplasia. CONCLUSION: There was minimal alteration of tissues in our study subjects, which can be considered as low-risk. Use of mHealth empowered frontline healthcare workers to identify subjects with lesions and enabled remote diagnosis by specialist in resource-constrained settings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of mHealth enabled us have an electronic record of subject details. This data shall be used for a planned follow-up of the same cohort after 3 years.

Comparative evaluation of surface hardness and depth of cure of silorane and methacrylate-based posterior composite resins: An in vitro study.

AIM: This in vitro study was carried out to compare the effect of LED light curing system on polymerization and hardness of silorane-based and methacrylate-based posterior composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 samples, 20 of silorane-based composite Filtek P-90 and 20 of methacrylate-based composite Heliomolar HB measuring 2 mm thickness and 8 mm diameter were prepared using Teflon molds and cured using LED curing light. The samples were polished and tested in Knoop hardness tester using a 50-gram load and dwell time of 15 seconds on top and bottom surfaces. The percentage depth of cure was calculated, and statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA test and Student t- test. RESULTS: Higher statistically significant values were seen for both the top and bottom surface hardness in silorane-based resins than methacrylate-based resins on LED light curing. CONCLUSION: Greater depth of cure was achieved in silorane-based posterior composite than in methacrylate-based posterior composite resins with a statistically significant difference.

Use of quartz fiber post for reattachment of complex crown root fractures: A 4-year follow-up.

Dental hard tissue trauma is among the most common cases encountered in dental practice. Simple tooth fractures, which occur due to sharp blows, are widely seen in all age groups, especially in young adults. If in case of complex fractures the fractured tooth fragments are available to the dentist in a clean and hydrated state, reattachment of the tooth fragment is the most conservative and biological treatment option possible. Cases of enamel and dentin fractures not involving pulp are treated by reattaching the fragment with adhesives and composite resin. However, fractures involving the pulp require reinforcement by quartz fiber posts and resin luting cement. In cases of fractures extending subgingivally, an envelope flap helps to achieve the desired isolation and visibility. This article presents 2 case reports of reattachment of fractured tooth fragments. The first case showing a 4-year success was treated without raising a flap. The second case with a subgingival fracture was treated by raising a flap. Reattachment is the most economical, biologically acceptable and esthetic restorative option for dental trauma.

Association of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a south Indian population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Serotonin transporter polymorphisms, 5-HTTVNTR and 5-HTTLPR, have been found to be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and particularly with neurotic characteristics. In the present study we looked for an association between OCD and these polymorphisms in OCD patients and controls of south Indian origin. METHODS: 5-HTTVNTR and 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 were genotyped in 93 OCD patients and 92 healthy controls. The allelic distribution and genotype frequency in cases and controls were compared using chi square test. In order to test for the effects of genotype on heterogeneity of the illness, linear regression analysis was undertaken for co-morbid depression status and YBOCS score (severity index). RESULTS: There was no significant association with the 5-HTTVNTR or the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. No significant association of OCD with the 5-HTTLPR genotype was found even on inclusion of the rs25531 locus, which is part of the transcription factor binding site as reported in earlier studies. However, severity of the illness showed a modest association with the dominant model. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that genetic variation in the SLC6A4 gene regulatory region may not have a significant effect on OCD in the present population. Further replication in a large and independent cohort with an equal number of female subjects would help to ascertain if the absence of association in this cohort is due to the nullifying effect of the larger proportion of male subjects in our sample population. The marginal effect of the 5-HTTLPR (A/G) genotype obtained on linear regression with disease severity is suggestive of a potential role for this locus in the disease process.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a clinical, histopathological and genetic study at a neurology tertiary care center in Southern India.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy that affects young boys and the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome has been found to be associated with the disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 112 clinically diagnosed DMD patients had muscle biopsy and were tested for exon deletions. Genotyping was also carried out at STR44, STR45, STR49 and STR 50 markers in 15 families. RESULTS: Of the 112 clinically suspected DMD patients, the diagnosis of DMD was confirmed by histopathology and/or genetics in 101 patients. The mean age of onset was 3.1+/-1.44 years (1-6 years) and the mean age at presentation was 8.0+/-3.1 years (1.1-18.0 years). Delayed motor milestones were present in 63 (62.3%) patients. The mean creatine kinase value was 11822.64+/-8206.90 U/L (1240-57,700). Eighty-four patients had muscle biopsy and immunohistochemistry was done in 60 muscle samples, all of which demonstrated absence of dystrophin staining. Of the 60 dystrophin-negative cases, 73% showed deletion of at least one exon. Single exon deletion was found in 20.4%. Distal hotspot Exons 45, 47, 49 and 50 were the commonly deleted xenons and the deletion rates were 36%, 35%, 33.7% and 38.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population in south India the deletion rate was 73% and were more frequent in the distal end exon. With the availability of genetic analysis, the first investigation of choice in DMD should be genetic studies and muscle biopsy should be considered only if the genetic tests are negative or not available.

Paternal inheritance or a de novo mutation in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy pedigree from South India.

A six year old boy presented with classical features of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and was confirmed by absent dystrophin staining on muscle biopsy. In the paternal line there were 5 affected individuals across two generations with classical DMD. There was no family history of the illness in the maternal line. Molecular genetics analysis by PCR of the exons showed a deletion in exon 45 in two affected individuals. Microsatellite analysis showed that though the deletion was observed in the same locus in exon 45 it is a new independent mutation.