The Value of Ultrasound in Characterizing and Determining the Etiology of Ascites.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of transabdominal ultrasonography in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites in comparison with laboratory ascitic fluid analysis and other methods used to establish the final diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 61 patients with ascites attending outpatient department (OPD) or admitted to wards of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and referred to radiology department for imaging from June 2017 to November 2017. Data were collected following the internationally recommended scanning technique in consecutive bases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The comparison of ultrasound and laboratory findings with final clinical diagnosis was analyzed using Chi-square test (X2). RESULTS: Of 61 patients with ascites enrolled in this study, females were 35(57.4%) with age range of 16 to 75 and mean age of 43.2±14.11. The cause of ascites was established in 59 cases using a combination of clinical, pathological, imaging evidences and tumor markers. However there were two cases who had ascites with indeterminate cause. US suggested the diagnosis in 54(91.5%) patients. Excluding mixed and indeterminate cases, ultrasound characterized ascites correctly as exudate and transudate in 95% cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has significant accuracy to distinguish transudate and exudate ascites and in suggesting the underlying cause. It can be a valuable method of investigation of ascites in places where CT and MRI are not available, and it is the best complement for laboratory investigations on ascites in suggesting the etiology based on ascitic fluid texture and ancillary findings.

The value of ultrasound in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of transabdominal ultrasonography in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites in comparison with laboratory ascitic fluid analysis and other methods used to establish the final diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 61 patients with ascites attending outpatient department (OPD) or admitted to wards of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and referred to radiology department for imaging from June 2017 to November 2017. Data were collected following the internationally recommended scanning technique in consecutive bases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The comparison of ultrasound and laboratory findings with final clinical diagnosis was analyzed using Chi-square test (X2). RESULTS: Of 61 patients with ascites enrolled in this study, females were 35(57.4%) with age range of 16 to 75 and mean age of 43.2±14.11. The cause of ascites was established in 59 cases using a combination of clinical, pathological, imaging evidences and tumor markers. However there were two cases who had ascites with indeterminate cause. US suggested the diagnosis in 54(91.5%) patients. Excluding mixed and indeterminate cases, ultrasound characterized ascites correctly as exudate and transudate in 95% cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has significant accuracy to distinguish transudate and exudate ascites and in suggesting the underlying cause. It can be a valuable method of investigation of ascites in places where CT and MRI are not available, and it is the best complement for laboratory investigations on ascites in suggesting the etiology based on ascitic fluid texture and ancillary findings

Knowledge about Radiation Related Health Hazards and Protective Measures among Patients Waiting for Radiologic Imaging in Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Radiologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using ionizing radiation carry potential health risks. Hence, clients' knowledge about radiation would play a key role in reducing unnecessary imaging and its impacts. However, information on client's knowledge in low income countries specifically in the Ethiopian context has been was limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge about radiation related hazards and protective measures among patients waiting for radiologic imaging. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study design was employed on 388 patients waiting for radiologic imaging in Jimma University Hospital from Dec.25/2014 to Jan. 10/2015. Eligible participants were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. A descriptive analysis was conducted to get summary values of clients' radiation related knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 386 clients were included to the analysis.Two hundred and three (52.6%) participants had ever heard radiation related health hazards. Among these, 74.9% mentioned infertility, 64.0% indicated cancer followed by 26.6% who mentioned cataract as radiation related health hazards. A large number of clients (75.6%) had no idea about radiation protective measures, whereas 22% of them mentioned not entering examination room unless ordered by health professionals and 10.6% indicated covering sensitive body parts with lead (pb). The majority (85.8%) of the clients did not support unjustified repeated radiation imaging for diagnostic or other purposes. CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge of clients about radiation imaging seems inadequate. Thus, comprehensive awareness raising programmes targeted at different settinsg and levels should be designed and implemented.

Mean Normal Portal Vein Diameter Using Sonography among Clients Coming to Radiology Department of Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Mean portal vein diameter is considered as the best indicator for portal hypertension. However, the cutoff point differs from study to study (above 10-15 mm) despite the existence of normal mean portal vein diameter between 10-15 mm in different settings.This implies the existence of limited evidence on normal portal vein diameter for all populations in all countries prior to setting the cutoff points. Therefore, the aim of this study was sonographic assessment of normal mean portal vein diameter among patients referred to The Department of Radiology in Jimma University Hospital. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2014 at Jimma University Hospital on a total of 195 clients. Data about portal vein diameter for eligible clients were collected by radiologists using Sonography. Data were edited manually, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. RESULT: Data were collected from a total of 195 participants. Among these, 121(62.1%) were males and the median age of the participants was 35 years. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter of 10.6 mm ±1.8 SD with a respirophasic variation of 25.6%. Likewise, the normal mean portal vein diameter seemed to have varied significantly by age and sex. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter ranging below 13 mm. Hence, decisions made in clinical settings should base on these findings. Besides, there is a need for large scale study to determine portal vein diameter variation by age and sex, controlling other confounders.