Role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in learning anatomical variations in pancreatic duct.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of anatomical variations of pancreatic duct through magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography. . METHODS: The cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from May 2011 to December 2012 at the Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS), Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, in collaboration with the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The study comprised diagnosed cases of pancreato-biliary disease booked for magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography. Images were obtained using 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and information of anatomical variations visualised on the imaging film was assessed and documented. RESULTS: Of the 377 subjects, 196(52%) were females and 181(48%) were males. Pancreas divisum was found in 21(5.6%) subjects; 13(62%) females and 8(38%) males. . Duct of Santorini was detected in 3(0.8%) subjects; 2(66.6%) females and 1(33.3%) male. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in pancreatic duct could be identified by using the simple, non-invasive method of magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography.

The oncological outcomes of small cell carcinoma of the bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SmCC) is a rare and aggressive genitourinary malignancy. The paucity of clinical trials and outcome data provide no standard treatment guidelines. Accordingly, patient prognosis is poor. Our goal was to present the first comprehensive in-depth analysis of SmCC in a tertiary Canadian centre. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with primary SmCC at the London Regional Cancer Program between January 1990 and 2016. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). We examined a number of secondary outcomes and baseline characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 15 men and six women (median age 72 years) with a SmCC diagnosis (median followup 11.33 months). Median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-10) and 15 patients had a smoking history. Most common presentation was gross hematuria (18 patients, 86%), and pT2 stage at transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) (n= 7/21, 33%), although five patients had cT4 (24%). Pure SmCC was found in nine individuals (43%), whereas 12 had mixed differentiation (57%). From initial staging, 15 patients had extravesical disease (71%), 10 had positive pelvic lymphadenopathy (48%), and distant metastases occurred in six (29%). In our series, five individuals (24%) underwent cystectomy, 18 (86%) received radiation, and 14 (67%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median OS was 15 months (two-year OS was 19%). CONCLUSIONS: SmCC is a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer. Despite multimodal therapy, prognosis remains guarded, with little improvement seen over the study's 25-year duration. An understanding of study limitations is warranted in interpretation of results.

Late Relapse of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumour.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumours typically require multimodal therapy including surgery and systemic platinum-based chemotherapy. Most patients are cured, with survival rates exceeding 95%. CASE: This report describes an unusual case of ovarian germ cell tumour (GCT) recurring 15 years after surgery and manifesting as metastatic disease to the liver, lung, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Thymic hyperplasia was a confounding finding in this case, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass in heavily treated patients with GCT.

Dengue knowledge and its management practices among physicians of major cities of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge and practices related to dengue management among physicians. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi between June and December 2012Physicians from public and private sectors filled a self-administered questionnaire about dengue knowledge and its management practices. A maximum score of 100 was assigned to the knowledge portion. Data was analysed using SPSS 15. RESULTS: A total of 400 subjects participated in the study; 200(50%) each from public and private hospitals. Of them, 223(56%) were males; 268(67%) were in the 21-30 years age bracket. The highest score was recorded in Quetta 67 followed by 65 in Karachi, 62 in Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar and 59 in Islamabad. Of the total, 200 (50%) were not aware that leucopenia is a criterion for diagnosing probable dengue. Similarly 140 (35%) did not know the criteria for diagnosing dengue haemorrhagic fever and warning signs of severe dengue. Total of 204 (51%) were not aware of the criteria for discharging of the admitted cases. There was no significant difference between dengue knowledge of the physicians belonging to public and private sectors (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Quite a large number of physicians lacked knowledge of probable diagnosis of dengue and appropriate time to discharge the patients.

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus with aplastic anaemia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder, which has a rare association with aplastic anaemia. A young 26 years old lady who presented with a history of intermittent fever, microcytic anaemia, joint pains and mild degree of splenomegaly was investigated. Bone marrow examination showed aplasia. Serological tests revealed positive antinuclear antibody and anti double-stranded DNA tests. Patient was diagnosed as having aplastic anaemia with Systemic lupus erythematosus, managed with steroids and being followed up for monitoring the response.