Role of HRCT Chest in Post Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Suspected of Pulmonary Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cell transplantation is today's procedure of choice for management of various hematopoietic malignant and severe immunogenic disorders. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a common technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in stem cell transplant recipients. There are a large number of complications which can complicate the post-transplant period. AIM: To study the role of HRCT chest in stem cell transplant patients developing pulmonary complications, detect any evidence of infection, detect clinical signs of lung infections, Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) or other regimen related toxicities outlined earlier, detect any evidence of GvHD and correlate these clinical signs with radiological changes in the lungs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective study of 52 participants with indication of stem cell transplantation. The study included recipients of HSCT transplant and the exclusion criteria was patients who failed for engraftment and having an associated history of pulmonary embolism. Patients were screened for pre-transplant chemotherapy, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including blood and biochemical examinations, imaging by ultrasound, chest radiography, baseline HRCT and a follow-up for post-transplant infections and complications with 16 slice Siemens CT scan. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: Four patients among the total 56 were excluded due to non-engraftment. The most common associated findings in decreasing order are (these patients died): consolidation, pancytopenia and gastrointestinal tract symptoms with VOD (Veno-Occlusive Disease). These findings were seen on HRCT as consolidation, cavities, ground glass opacities, fibrotic changes, bronchiectatic changes and tree in bud appearance. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant positive findings on the HRCT which were missed on routine chest radiograph and can be used for early diagnoses. Thus, HRCT helped in decreasing the mortality. The abnormal vitals and TLC counts showed a significant relation between the numbers of death in the study.

Embolization of a deep orbital varix through endovascular route.

We report a case of the primary deep orbital venous varix treated by endovascular coil embolization procedure by transfemoral catheterization. This method of treatment has the advantage of image-guided localization of the pathology, real-time management and confirmation of the success of the procedure in the sitting.

Breeding habitats and larval indices of Aedes aegypti (L) in residential areas of Rajahmundry town, Andhra Pradesh.

Entomological studies on relative prevalence and distribution of adults and immatures of Aedes aegypti were conducted in Rajahmundry town of Andhra Pradesh from December 1998 to November 1999. Adults and immature stages of Aedes aegypti were found in all the 22 localities viz; posh area (8), mixed area (8) and slum area (6) of the town. Larval indices were found to be higher in slum areas as compared to mixed or posh areas of the town. However, the larval habitats were observed to be similar in all localities. The larval indices were highest during monsoon and post-monsoon months. The breeding preference ratio (BPR) was highest for cement tubs followed by discarded tyres and barrels. The high larval indices of Aedes aegypti in these areas warrant intensification of vector surveillance activities along with source reduction and health education.