Morphometric study of normal acetabulum on computed tomography scan in adults at a tertiary care center.

Background: The introduction provides an in-depth understanding of the acetabulum's anatomical structure and its significance in hip joint biomechanics. It highlights the variability in acetabular morphology among normal individuals, emphasizing the importance of establishing normal ranges for accurate diagnosis of acetabular deformities. The section also underscores the role of geographical, racial, and anatomical factors in influencing acetabular parameters, crucial for orthopedic interventions and surgical outcomes like total hip arthroplasty. Furthermore, it discusses the limitations of traditional imaging methods and the necessity of advanced techniques like computed tomography (CT) scans for precise evaluation and preoperative planning in hip surgeries. Materials and methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design at a tertiary care center, enrolling 94 participants using purposive sampling for CT evaluation of acetabular morphology. Morphometric parameters including center edge angle of Wiberg, acetabular angle of Sharp, acetabular version, acetabular depth, and joint space width were measured using CT scans, while BMI categorization and statistical analyses were conducted to explore gender-based and side-based differences and correlations with BMI and age. Results: The study included 94 patients with ages ranging from 20 to 82 years (mean age: 49±15 years), predominantly in the 41-50 years age group. Female participants slightly outnumbered males. The mean BMI was 23.5±3.2 kg/m2, with variations across different age and BMI categories. Most morphometric parameters showed no significant differences between sexes or sides but did correlate with age and BMI, notably the center edge angle positively correlating with BMI in males. Conclusions: The study found correlations between morphometric parameters of the acetabulum and both age and BMI. Specifically, the center edge angle demonstrated a positive correlation with BMI in males and a weak positive correlation with age. Acetabular angle showed a negative correlation with BMI, highlighting potential implications for understanding hip joint health and conditions related to BMI changes.

Multiple intra-abdominal splenosis with imaging correlative findings: A case report and review of literature.

We present a case of a 31-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with a history of abdominal pain localized to the lower abdomen. The patient had undergone splenectomy 2 years ago for splenic injury following a road traffic accident. Computerized tomography showed multiple well-defined, homogeneously enhancing soft tissue density nodules of varying sizes distributed throughout the abdomen and pelvis. A diagnosis of splenosis was made based on imaging findings and history. Abdominal splenosis is an uncommon entity of which radiologists need to be aware, and this case serves to shed further light on this condition.

A multi-provincial Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Canada associated with exposure to pet hedgehogs, 2017-2020.

Background: In October 2020, an investigation began in Canada on an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections of the same strain as a concomitant outbreak in the United States (US) that was linked to pet hedgehogs. The objective of this article is to identify the source of the outbreak, determine if there was a link between the Canadian and US outbreaks and identify risk factors for infection to inform public health interventions. Methods: Cases were identified through whole genome sequencing of S. Typhimurium isolates. Information was collected on case exposures, including animal contact. Hedgehog and environmental specimens were tested for S. Typhimurium and a trace back investigation was conducted. Results: There were 31 cases in six provinces, with illness onset dates from June 1, 2017, to October 15, 2020. Median case age was 20 years and 52% were female. Isolates grouped together between 0-46 whole genome multi locus sequence typing allele differences. Of 23 cases with available exposure information, 19 (83%) reported contact with hedgehogs in the seven days prior to symptoms; 15/18 (83%) reported direct contact and 3/18 (17%) reported indirect contact. Trace back investigation did not identify a common source of hedgehogs but uncovered an industry with a complex distribution network. The outbreak strain was detected in samples collected from a hedgehog in one case's home and from a hedgehog in a Québec zoo. Conclusion: Direct and indirect contact with hedgehogs was identified as the source of this S. Typhimurium outbreak. Public health communications aimed to increase awareness about the risks of zoonoses from hedgehogs and shared key hygienic practices to reduce disease transmission.

Surveillance for Lyme disease in Canada, 2009-2019.

Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a multisystem infection that can affect the skin, heart, joints and nervous system. In Canada, the incidence of LD cases has increased over the past decade making this a disease of public health concern. The objective of this study is to summarize the epidemiology of LD cases reported in Canada from 2009 through 2019. Methods: Incidence over time, case classification (confirmed and probable), seasonal and geographic distribution, demographic and clinical characteristics of reported LD cases were determined. Logistic regression was used to explore potential demographic risk factors for the occurrence of LD. Results: During 2009-2019, a total of 10,150 LD cases were reported by the provinces to the Public Health Agency of Canada, of which 7,242 (71.3%) were confirmed and 2,908 (28.7%) were probable cases. The annual count increased from 144 in 2009 to 2,634 in 2019, mainly due to an increase in locally acquired infections, from 65.3% to 93.6%, respectively. The majority of cases (92.1%) were reported from three provinces: Ontario (46.0%); Nova Scotia (28.0%); and Québec (18.1%). Most of the locally acquired cases (74.0%) were reported in the summer months of June (20.0%), July (35.4%) and August (18.6%). The highest incidence rates (cases per 100,000 population) were in children aged 5-9 years (45.0) and in adults aged 65-69 years (74.3), with 57.3% of all reported cases occurring among males. The most common presenting symptoms were single erythema migrans rash (75.1%) and arthritis (34.1%). The frequency of reported clinical manifestations varied among age groups and seasons with erythema migrans and arthritis at presentation reported more frequently in children than older patients. Conclusion: The results of this report highlight the continued emergence of LD in Canada and the need for further development and implementation of targeted awareness campaigns designed to minimize the burden of LD.

An outbreak of salmonella chester infection in Canada: rare serotype, uncommon exposure, and unusual population demographic facilitate rapid identification of food vehicle.

Salmonella Chester infection has rarely been reported in the literature. In 2010, 33 case patients were reported in 2 months in four Canadian provinces. We conducted an outbreak investigation in collaboration with public health agencies, food safety specialists, regulatory agencies, grocery store chains, and the product distributor. We used case patient interviews, customer loyalty cards, and microbiological testing of clinical and food samples to identify nationally distributed head cheese as the food vehicle responsible for the outbreak. The rare serotype, a limited affected demographic group, and an uncommon exposure led to the rapid identification of the source. Control measures were implemented within 9 days of notification of the outbreak.