Comparative evaluation of knee osteoarthritis: radiography vs. ultrasonography in Nepalese population: a cross-sectional study.

Background and objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and long-term debilitating disease with rising prevalence, predominantly involving larger joints including the knee joint. While radiography has traditionally been the primary modality for joint evaluation, there is a growing trend towards using ultrasonography (USG) for musculoskeletal disorders, including joint assessment. This study aimed to find the role of USG in the evaluation of OA of knee joints with comparison to the radiographs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done on patients with signs and symptoms of OA of the knee who visited the radiology department for knee radiographs. Kellgren and Lawrence system was used for grading OA in radiographs. USG of knee joints was done with high-frequency probes and searched for joint space width, articular cartilage thickness, marginal osteophytes, meniscal extrusion, and other articular/ extra-articular abnormalities. The USG findings were correlated with findings in anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Results: The mean number of osteophytes was higher in USG compared to the radiographs (P<0.001). Mean joint spaces were comparable in both modalities. Meniscal extrusion was seen with USG, which significantly correlated with joint space width and cartilage thickness (P<0.005). USG also detected synovial changes, effusion, and Baker's cyst. Conclusion: Although radiography is the standard first-line radiological investigation for the diagnosis of OA of the knee joint, USG can be an adjunct as it well correlates with the radiograph findings and can provide more useful information.

Pericardial hydatid cyst: A comprehensive case report on diagnosis and multidisciplinary intervention in a young patient.

Pericardial hydatid cysts, although rare, present unique diagnostic challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. This parasitic infection, caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, typically affects the liver and lungs but can manifest in the pericardium, leading to potentially life-threatening complications if untreated. The 22-year-old female's escalating dyspnea posed diagnostic challenges despite inconclusive echocardiography. Employing a multidisciplinary strategy, including preoperative albendazole therapy and surgical excision, effectively managed the condition. This case highlights the intricate diagnostic nature of pericardial hydatid cysts, emphasizing the importance of heightened clinical awareness, especially in endemic regions. The detailed clinical trajectory, imaging methodologies, and therapeutic interventions contribute significant insights to the medical community. The study aims to deepen comprehension and guide clinicians in refined diagnostic and treatment approaches for pericardial hydatid cysts, ultimately improving patient outcomes. It underscores the imperative for continued research in this niche to enhance medical understanding and optimize clinical practices.

Angiodysplasia simulating variceal bleeding: a challenging case report of diagnosis and intervention.

Introduction and importance: Angiodysplasia, a prevalent vascular anomaly in the gastrointestinal tract, often presents with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, sharing symptoms with gastric varices. The diagnostic challenge arises due to overlapping clinical features. This case report highlights the importance of considering angiodysplasia in the differential diagnosis, especially when variceal bleeding is less likely, and emphasizes the role of various diagnostic modalities in accurate identification. Case presentation: A 52-year-old male presented with severe hematemesis and melena, mimicking variceal bleeding. Despite initial management, bleeding persisted. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed dilated vascular channels, raising suspicion for both gastric varices and angiodysplasia. Endoscopy confirmed an angiomatous lesion, inadvertently disrupted during the procedure, necessitating angiography. The angiographic findings supported the diagnosis of angiodysplasia, and successful interventions included temporary glue embolization and argon laser coagulation during endoscopy. The patient was discharged with stable hemoglobin; a 2-year follow-up showed no recurrence. Clinical discussion: The case discusses the challenges in differentiating angiodysplasia from varices, emphasizing the role of imaging and endoscopic modalities. It highlights the need for a tailored approach to treatment, including argon plasma coagulation, and underscores the significance of meticulous follow-up for recurrence. Conclusion: This case report elucidates the diagnostic and therapeutic journey in managing a patient with angiodysplasia masquerading as variceal bleeding. It emphasizes the importance of considering vascular anomalies without typical signs and the significance of individualized interventions for optimal patient outcomes. The 2-year follow-up without recurrence signifies the successful management of the case.

Rare encounter: Adult-onset temporal lobe schizencephaly with septo-optic dysplasia - a case report on comprehensive diagnosis and management.

This case report presents a 21-year-old male with recurrent seizures attributed to isolated temporal lobe closed-lip schizencephaly coexisting with septo-optic dysplasia. Despite adult-onset seizures, the patient lacked motor deficits, maintaining normal developmental milestones. Comprehensive diagnostic modalities, including MRI revealing temporal lobe atrophy and associated abnormalities, contributed to the unique identification of schizencephaly. The classic triad of septo-optic dysplasia further complicated the clinical spectrum. Financial limitations influenced the predominantly conservative management, highlighting healthcare challenges. This case enhances our understanding of the rare congenital disorder, emphasizing the importance of tailored diagnostics and management strategies for diverse presentations of schizencephaly, particularly in the context of associated congenital anomalies.

Lipoma arborescens in the dorsum of the hand: a case report and a comprehensive review.

Introduction and importance: Lipoma arborescens is a rare synovial disorder, typically affecting the knee joint, with limited reports of atypical presentations. The study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach and discusses the genetic and signalling factors associated with its pathogenesis. Case presentation: A 50-year-old male presented with a painless swelling in the dorsum of the right hand, a rare extra-articular manifestation of Lipoma arborescens. Comprehensive clinical, imaging, and histopathological evaluations confirmed the diagnosis, revealing unique features on MRI and frond-like fatty tissue infiltration on excisional biopsy. Clinical discussion: The case underscores the distinct clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and differential considerations associated with atypical Lipoma arborescens presentations. Extra-articular manifestation of Lipoma arborescens involving the dorsum (extensor aspect) of the hand is rare. Imaging techniques, including MRI and ultrasound, play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis, differentiating it from other joint pathologies. The MRI findings include intra-articular fat deposits and villous proliferation of the synovial membrane. At the same time, the histopathological analysis includes frond-like infiltration of sub-synovial tissue with mature adipocytes which helps in confirming the diagnosis. Conclusion: Successful surgical excision of the extra-articular lesion highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic strategy for managing this uncommon condition. The study contributes valuable insights into understanding, diagnosing, and treating atypical presentations of lipoma arborescens.

Post-traumatic jejunal branch of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm in paediatrics: a compelling case report highlighting early diagnosis and successful endovascular embolization.

Introduction and importance: This manuscript underscores the critical significance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in cases of post-traumatic gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysms. Such occurrences, particularly in the paediatric population, are rare but potentially life-threatening complications following abdominal trauma, necessitating heightened clinical awareness. Despite their rarity, the devastating consequences of delayed recognition and management emphasize the necessity for advanced imaging modalities and individualized treatment strategies. Case presentation: A 17-year-old male presented with severe epigastric pain following a football fall. Despite initial stability, persistent symptoms prompted further investigation. Conventional screening methods proved inconclusive, leading to a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan that revealed a jejunal branch of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) pseudoaneurysm. The subsequent fluoroscopy-guided angiography and successful embolization using glue exemplify the importance of timely intervention in such cases. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early recognition and appropriate intervention in post-traumatic jejunal branch of SMA pseudoaneurysms. The successful outcome achieved through endovascular embolization underscores the necessity for vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies in similar clinical scenarios.

Prospective quantitative study: Doppler ultrasound in the evaluation of chronic renal allograft disease and correlation with histopathological finding.

Background and Objectives: Renal allograft biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic allograft nephropathy, but noninvasive methods are needed to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Doppler ultrasonography, particularly the resistive index (RI), correlates with renal allograft dysfunction. This study aims to assess the relationship between renal sonographic parameters and biochemical parameters in diagnosing graft interstitial fibrosis. Methods: The study evaluated 60 renal allograft recipients for sonographic renal morphological features and Doppler indices. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, and cortical fibrosis after the biopsy was determined using the Banff score. Continuous variables like mean and SD were calculated, and categorical variables were reported using frequencies and proportions. Associations were examined using independent sample t-tests, χ 2tests, and multivariate regression analysis. Results: The mean eGFR was 75.23±25.45 ml/min/1.73 m2. A significant correlation of eGFR with RI (r=0.341, P=0.008) was seen. A significant difference in mean RI (F=10.167; df=2,57; P<0.001) was seen among the histological grades of fibrosis. Among the histological grades of fibrosis, significant differences in RI among mild and moderate (S.E. 0.033, P=0.043), mild and severe (S.E. 0.026, P=0.001) as well as moderate and severe (S.E. 0.036, P=0.029) was seen. Conclusion: Doppler was able to noninvasively predict allograft fibrosis and could be used as a complementary imaging tool during the follow-up of renal allograft patients. Future research is needed to improve evidence, diagnostic criteria, guidelines, and long-term impact.

Metastatic Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes among Patients with Lung Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Metastatic spread of lung cancer to supraclavicular lymph nodes is considered distant metastasis for treatment purposes. Detection of supraclavicular lymph node metastasis in patients with lung cancer serves for tissue diagnosis by itself and also helps avoid more invasive biopsy from the primary lung mass itself. Ultrasonography of the lower neck can detect supraclavicular lymph nodes before they are palpable and can also be used for safe sampling of these lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of metastatic supraclavicular lymph nodes among patients with lung carcinoma in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study done in a tertiary care center, carried out from 15 September 2019 to 14 September 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 84(611)E2/076/077). The study was done among 92 patients with biopsy-proven lung cancer (lung mass or supraclavicular lymph node biopsy) who were referred for evaluation, and/or percutaneous transthoracic biopsy. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 92 patients with proven lung cancer, metastatic supraclavicular lymph nodes were seen in 13 patients (14.10%) (8.17- 19.73, 90% Confidence Interval). Among 13 patients with metastatic lymph nodes, 9 (69.23%) had palpable supraclavicular lymph nodes. The majority 11 (84.61%) had round-shaped lymph nodes. All metastatic lymph nodes showed loss of echogenic fatty hilum. A total of 12 (92.30%) metastatic lymph nodes showed a peripheral disorganized pattern of vascularity. Conclusions: The prevalence of metastatic supraclavicular lymph nodes was lower than in similar studies done in international settings. Keywords: lung cancer; malignancy; ultrasonography.

Pregnancy in an isthmocele: A rare case from Nepal.

An infrequent form of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy in an isthmocele can be hazardous due to hemorrhage or uterine rupture. With no clear guidelines for the management of this condition, surgery is the preferred option.