Morphological Variation of Third Ventricle Using Computerized Tomography among Different Gender and Age Groups: A 5-Year Retrospective Study in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto; North - West Nigeria

Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto; Nigeria; from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number; 156 (61.9) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant; P = 0.0209 (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle

Accessory right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery: report on three cadaveric cases from Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria and review of literature

Background: The superior mesenteric artery may be the source of the common hepatic; gastroduodenal; accessory right hepatic; accessory pancreatic or splenic arteries.Objective: To present three cases of accessory right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery in black African cadavers as found during routine cadaveric dissections.Materials and Method: The abdomens of 8 adult male black African cadavers were dissected according to the description and guidance by Romanes (1996). The superior mesenteric arteries; liver (especially the visceral surfaces); gall bladders; cystic ducts; portal veins and gastroduodenal arteries were exposed.Results: Three cadaveric cases of the accessory right hepatic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric arteries were observed. One of the cases was noticed to give a cystic branch.Conclusion: Since there are no Nigerian studies on the accessory right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery; these reports might contribute useful data to the literature regarding the same

A review of preterm admissions into special care baby unit, in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital: a four year experience.

There is little or no report of preterm (babies born less than 37 completed weeks of gestation) admission from this part of Sahel Savannah of Nigeria. This study of four-year period is presented to identify areas that require improvement, such as in the Labour ward and neonatal care. The case files of the 428 preterm newborns admitted into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Preterms constituted 54.9% of the overall admissions, 53.4% being Low birth weight newborns (=2500 gm). Premature rupture of membrane, previous preterm deliveries, twin gestation and pregnancy induced hypertension were some of the common maternal factors that were associated with preterm deliveries. Birth asphyxia, Apnoea, Small for gestation age 9weight less than 10th centile), respiratatory distress were the main problem observed among the preterm newborns. Neonatal mortality rate was 349/1000 live birth; 62.1% of the death were preterm infants. Mortalities were common among babies weighing 1000 gm or less and also of babies of lower gestational age. We can improve on this, by implementing simple common measures such as educating our mothers on the need for good antenatal care and hospital deliveries, so that those with pregnancy induced hypertension, premature rupture of membrane, previous preterm delivery can be detected early and institute proper management.

From low-lying implantation to placenta praevia: a longitudinal ultrasonic assessment.

A study of 895 consecutive pregnant women studied by transabdominal ultrasound scan showed an incidence of 14.6% of low-lying placenta at 12-14 weeks' gestation. Longitudinal follow-up of those with low-lying placenta showed that 85% of them had normally situated placenta at term. However, for those with partial or total placenta praevia at 30 weeks' gestation, 60% and 75%, respectively, persisted as major placenta praevia at term. A total of 45% of those with low-lying placenta at recruitment had threatened abortion while 15.7% had antepartum haemorrhage. The caesarean section rate was as high as 26% among the study population compared with 8.4% among the general population (P < 0.005). It is recommended that all antenatal women should have at least one ultrasound scan in the second or third trimester for placental localisation. Those found to have major placenta praevia in the third trimester should be closely followed-up.