Ultrasound prevalence of gallstone disease in diabetic patients at Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Gallstones (GS) in the gallbladder (GB) can be responsible for a whole spectrum of disease entities which may lead to a surgical emergency with high mortality. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a debilitating disease that affects all systems in the body, and literature documents a higher incidence of gallstone disease (GSD) and its complications in diabetics than in the non-diabetic population. Most local studies on the association between GS formation and DM have focused on type 2 diabetics. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of GS in both type 1 and type 2 DM and elucidate the demographic and social factors associated with formation of GS in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred diabetic patients aged between 15 and 82 years had abdominal ultrasound to diagnose or exclude the presence of GS. RESULTS: GS was found in 70 (17.5%) of the 400 patients. Positive cases had a male to female ratio of 3:4 and 59 (51.92%) were above the age of 40 years with type 2 DM. Body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m 2 was seen in 56 (48.3%) patients; smoking and alcohol intake were insignificantly implicated. Jaundice was recorded in 8 (11.4%) while abdominal pain was in 24 (34.3%) patients, and 52 (74.3%) patients of those with GSD had had diabetes for more than 4 years. CONCLUSION: GSD in DM is influenced significantly by age, BMI, and duration of the disease, while gender, social factors, and parity do not influence as strong associated factors.

Experience with three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography in Ibadan, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The latest versions of spiral CT scanners have provided the radiologist with unparalleled capabilities for vascular imaging. Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) has the potential of revolutionizing vascular imaging and with evolving improvements may replace conventional angiography in the near future OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with CTA in Nigeria; highlighting its usefulness as a non invasive modality and its clinical applications in diagnosis of vascular abnormalities of various parts of the body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 62 patients who had CTA between December 2003 and September 2005.. The studies were performed using a spiral technique with GE CT/e single-slice scanner (General Electric Medical Systems) having a gantry rotation period of one second. Details of techniques of data acquisition, methods of 3-D reconstruction and clinical applications are discussed. RESULTS: Vascular abnormalities were demonstrated in 26 (42%) patients including 5 cranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 3 intracranial aneurysms, 1 spinal AVM, 3 aortic aneurysms, 5 carotid artery stenosis, and 2 traumatic peripheral aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Correlations between CTA and surgical findings were good. CT angiography has enhanced our practice of vascular radiology in Ibadan as it has done in the west and other parts of the world.

Frontotemporal dementia in a Nigerian woman: case report and brief review of the literature.

Frontotemporal lobal degeneration (FTLD) is a clinically heterogeneous group of sporadic and familial neurodegenerative diseases characterized by dementia, alteration in language and/or behaviour, loss of executive skills and sometimes Parkinsonian features resulting from degeneration predominantly affecting the anterior frontal and temporal regions of the brain. Three main clinical subtypes including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), semantic dementia (SD) and progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) have been described depending on the clinical phenomenology, the areas of the brain where the disorder begins and where the most extensive degeneration occurs. We describe a case of frontotemporal dementia in a 58 year old Nigerian woman and also review the current literature. Recent genetic studies have expanded the frontiers of knowledge about FTD while the search for appropriate drug treatments continues.

Superior vena cava obstruction: diagnosis, management and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To document our experience with superior vena cava obstruction in a black African population. DESIGN: A retrospective study of clinical data collected from cancer registry, patients case noted, cardiothoracic surgical unit's and operating records between June 1975 and May 1999. SETTING: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria which hosts a major cancer centre in the West African sub-region and also serves community clinics. PATIENTS: All patients with superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction referred for evaluation and treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients who had clinical features related to SVC obstruction and full investigation including tissue diagnosis were collated. Methods of treatment of acute episodes, definitive treatment and outcome of SVC obstruction were studied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty nine consecutive patients with SVC obstruction were treated. There were 100 males and 29 females. Mean age was 36 +/- 15 years. The annual incidence increased from 2.3 patients per year during the first 12 years to 8.4 patients per year during the second 12 years. The most common symptoms were swelling of face, arms and chest-wall (87.6%) with associated venous congestion over these areas. Majority of the patients (73.8%) presented within 1 to 12 months of onsets of symptoms. Patients with benign diseases had longer duration of symptoms before presentation (mean 3 months) than those with malignant disease (mean 6 months). Majority of the patients (82.2%) had malignancy as the underlying cause of the SVC obstruction and 47.2% of the malignancy was bronchogenic carcinoma. Symptomatic relief and outcome was best in benign disease (7 out of 8 patients, 87.5%). Lymphomas had better outcome than bronchogenic carcinoma among the patients with malignant diseases. CONCLUSION: Patients with SVC obstruction should be carefully evaluated before treatment. This will enhance application of specific therapy.

Sonographic correlations between intravesical prostatic protrusion and bladder outlet obstruction in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in Ibadan, Nigeria

Evaluating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with prostatic enlargement may reflect the severity of the disease and aid in predicting the treatment outcome. Objectives: To determine the sonological correlation between intravesical prostatic protrusion and bladder outlet obstruction in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over one year at the Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan. A transabdominal ultrasound scan of the urinary bladder and prostate gland was carried out on patients with prostatic enlargement and BOO. The intravesical prostatic protrusion, pre-and post-void urine volumes, prostate volume and bladder wall thickness were measured. Results: A total of 132 men aged 43 to 90 years (mean age: 63.8±8.64 years) were studied. The median size of the intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) was 7.25 mm (IQR: 0.00 mm; 14.9 mm). The mean prostate volume was 63.3ml±36.0ml. Most subjects (55; 41.7%) had a prostate volume above 60ml, and most patients (101, 77.2%) had bladder wall thickness less than 5mm. The mean bladder wall thickness was 4.26mm±1.54mm. There was a statistically significant correlation between IPP and pre-void urine volume and prostate volume (p = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). Patients over 70 years had increasing IPP and post-void urine, which lacked statistical significance (p =0.15). Conclusion: The severity of bladder outlet obstruction was reflected in the pre-void urine volume, which correlated with the size of IPP

Factors influencing visual and clinical outcome in Nigerian patients with cranial meningioma.

We retrospectively analysed the impact of selected clinicopathological factors on visual and clinical outcome in patients with histologically verified cranial meningioma. The 60 patients analysed for tumour characteristics consisted of 32 females and 28 males (sex ratio 1.1:1) aged 9-77 years (mean 40 years) seen between 1977 and 1999 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The patients for whom sufficient clinical data was available (n=35) presented within 2-60 months (mean 18 months) of symptom onset with large tumours (mean size 52 mm), and perifocal oedema (26/35), poor vision, focal neurological deficits, seizures and clinical evidence of intracranial hypertension. The most common tumour site was the convexity. There was loss of vision in 30/35 (85.7%) patients. Loss of vision was significantly related to tumour site and tumour size as well as perifocal oedema, (P<0.05). The case-mortality rate was 11.4% at 1 month and 20% at 6 months post-operation and was significantly correlated with intracranial hypertension. Neither age nor sex affected the outcome (P>0.05).

Bilateral congenital cystic adenomatiod malformation of the lungs: a case report.

A six weeks old infant presented with scalp ulcer and fever. and on examination was found to have resonant percussion notes bilaterally. The initial chest radiograph revealed multiple lucencies which were initially thought to be due to diaphragmatic hernia, but the dilemma was resolved by Computerised tomography which revealed the lucencies to be multiple cysts characteristics of Congenital Cystic Adenomatiod Malformation (CCAM) type II.

Computed tomographic pattern of stroke in children with sickle cell anaemia in Ibadan.

We present the findings in 14 paediatrics patients with SCA who had CT examination at the University College Hospital Ibadan on account of stroke between 1993 and 2000. There were 8 female and 6 male with a mean age of 11.25 years and SD of 3.66. Cerebral infarction was the most common finding occurring in 57% of the patients while intracerebral bleed was seen in 21%. Two patients had a mixed lesion and atrophy was seen in one patient. Five patients (36%) had their lesion on the right hemisphere while eight (57%) had their lesions on the left side. The frontal and parietal lobes were mainly affected. Prompt CT screening of the brain in a child with sickle cell anaemia who presents with symptoms and signs suggestive of stroke can help identify the particular type of lesion and this may influence mode of therapy given as well as prognosis

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: Ibadan experience.

Our experience using the teflon method in carrying out transhepatic cholangiography is described. A teflon needle (20 gauge) was used instead of the conventional Chiba needle. The number of successful examinations and their complication rate are comparable with examination carried out with Chiba needle. The ease of the procedure with the teflon needle and its relative cheapness make this technique preferable, although not without risks, especially in the developing countries where inadequate funds are available for health care.

Trans-hiatal oesophagectomy as palliative treatment for carcinoma of the oesophagus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of palliation with trans-hiatal oesophagectomy in Nigerian patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus. DESIGN: Prospective case series. The first series was from February 1986 to September 1987 (Series A) while the second series was from March 1989 to November 1996 (Series B). SETTING: Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit (CTSU) of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: First series consisted of 10 consecutive operable patients with carcinoma of oesophagus seen over the period of study. The second series consisted of 21 consecutive patients with same disease. INTERVENTION: All patients had transhiatal oeosphagectomy by a two team approach and immediate placement of the freed stomach in the posterior mediastinum and cervical oesophagogastrostomy. RESULTS: Patients in both series had a comparable age range of 43 - 80 years for series A and 40 - 82 years for Series B. The duration of symptoms were 2 - 6 months and 2 - 12 months respectively, for series A and B. In series A, nine patients had carcinoma of the middle-third (M1/3) of the thoracic oesophagus and one patient had carcinoma of lower-third (L1/3) of the thoracic oesophagus. In series B, 18 patients had M1/3 and three patients had L1/3 lesions. Average blood loss in series A was 1,067 mls, corresponding value for series B was 852 mls. Postoperatively, all cases were classified as stage III or stage IV disease. There were 18 complications in eight patients in series A and 22 complications in 10 patients in series B. The commonest complications in series A were pleural enteries in six patients, haemorrhage four patients (three intraoperative, one post-operative) and respiratory failure (two patients). The commonest in series B were pleural enteries in nine patients, anastomotic leaks and stenosis in four patients and respiratory failure in three patients. Hospital mortality was 50% in Series A and 14.3% in series B. The causes of death were haemorrhage and respiratory failure in series A, respiratory failure in series B. Survival period in series A of the five patients discharged was for a median of 84 months, for series B, four patients were alive at 18 months post-operative, one patient attended follow-up clinic 24 months after surgery. No other adjunctive therapy was offered to the patients. CONCLUSION: Trans-hiatal oesophagectomy is a procedure suitable for patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus and affords palliation at an "acceptable price" among carefully selected patients with advanced carcinoma of the oesophagus.

Presentation of primary mediastinal masses in Ibadan.

OBJECTIVES: To determine clinical features, anatomic location and histological types of primary mediastinal masses diagnosed and treated in a black African population. DESIGN: A retrospective study of clinical data collected from patients case notes, the cardiothoracic unit's and pathology records between June 1975 and May 1999. SETTING: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria which hosts a major cancer center in the West African sub-region, and serves community clinics. PATIENTS: All patients with primary mediastinal masses referred for evaluation and treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Excluded metastatic, oesophageal and vascular-lesions. All patients had radiological evalulation and tissue biopsies. The anatomic subdivision of the mediastinum into anterosuperior, middle and posterior section was used. RESULTS: One hundred and five consecutive patients were evaluated and treated. The mean age was 34.0 +/- 20.4 years. There were 75 males and 30 females. Eighty one (77.1%) were symptomatic, 24 (22.9%) were asymptomatic. Thirty seven (45.7%) of the symptomatic patients had malignant disease while 44 (54.3%) had benign disease. Forty five patients (43%) and 60 patients (57%) had malignant and benign diseases respectively. Incidence of symptoms, was 82.2% for malignant and 73.3% for benign diseases. This difference in incidences is statistically insignificant (p=0.283). Majority of asymptomatic patients (70.8%) had benign disease while 29.2% of patients with malignancy were asymptomatic. This difference in incidence was statistically significant (p=0.0039). The frequency of mediastinal masses were anterosuperior, in 67 patients (63.8%), posterior mediastinal, 24 patients (22.9%) and middle mediastinal in 14 patients (13.3%). Lymphoma 23 (21.9%), thymus glands tumours 19 (18.1%) and endocrine tumours (goiters) 18 (17.1%) were the commonest types of primary mediastinal masses treated. CONCLUSION: Majority of our patients with mediastinal masses (whether benign or malignant) are symptomatic and the absence of symptoms is more associated with benign disease. Majority of lesions are situated in the anterosuperior mediastinum. Lymphoma is the most frequent primary mediastinal mass.

Comparison of entrance surface doses of some X ray examinations with CEC reference doses.

Entrance surface dose (ESD) measurements have been carried out in Nigeria as part of the ongoing dose reduction programme. Thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLD) were used to measure skin entrance doses for four common radiographic views in three hospitals. The mean ESD for the PA chest examination in all the participating hospitals was in the range 0.12 - 4.46 mGy. The mean ESD for the AP skull. PA skull and LAT skull were 8.55, 5.17 and 6.97 mGy respectively. The mean ESD values are greater than the CEC reference doses, except for rooms 1 and 2 in UCH where the entrance surface doses for PA chest examination are below the CEC reference dose. The QA test results show non-compliance of the accuracy of tube voltage with acceptance limit in three rooms. The timer accuracy is also not within the acceptance limit in two rooms. The reproducibility of both the kVp and timer in all the rooms is good.

Vicarious excretion of intravenous diatrizoate (Urograffin) in renal insufficiency: report of two cases.

Two cases of hepato-biliary excretion of intravenous sodium and meglumine diatrizoate (Urograffin 76%) are presented. One of these patients showed specification of of the gallbladder and colon while in the other case only the gallbladder was specified. In both cases there was marked deterioration of renal function. A brief review of the literature on hepatobiliary excretion of intravenous sodium and meglumine diatrizoate is given.

Computerised tomographic detection of intracranial complications of paranasal sinus infections.

Ninety-four patients were referred for CT examination of the paranasal sinuses within a five year period. Only 11 (11.7%) of them had intracranial complications. These include cerebral, subdural and epidural abscesses, frontal bone osteomyelitis. The maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses were mostly involved and can be implicated as the sinogenic causes of intracranial infections. Sphenoidal sinus was not involved in any of the patients.

Radiological evaluation of head trauma by computer tomography in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The computed tomography (CT) findings of 419 patients with head injury were reviewed. 254 (60.62%) showed abnormal CT findings while 165 (39.38%) had a normal CT examination. Pathological states, which were easily demonstrated by CT, include traumatic haemorrhages (i.e. intracerebral bleed 67 cases (26.3%), Subdural haematoma 73 cases (28.7%), cerebral oedema and other cerebral sequelae of trauma such as porencephalic cysts, cerebral infarction and leukodystrophy. Patients with focal neurological deficit showed more positive findings than those without. A total of 73 (17.42%) patients had fractures demonstrated on CT. 39 (23.2%) of the 168 patients with traumatic haemorrhages had associated fractures. Fractures were detected more in patients with intracerebral and epidural haemorrhages than subdural haemorrhages. Plain skull radiography alone is therefore not sufficiently valuable in investigating patients with head injury. Computed tomography, no doubt, offers an excellent method of investigating the patient with head injury in that it demonstrates intracranial or cerebral lesions that may or may not be associated with fractures; and which might be missed if CT is not done. CT examination should be obtained where it is available if clinical indication warrants it and when CT is to be done, plain films are irrelevant since CT with bone window settings and with 3D reformation would show fractures.

Computed tomographic evaluation of TB spine in Ibadan.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis still remains a major problem in the developing countries. The involvement of the spine is also of increasing importance, because of the resurgence of TB in association with AIDS. This paper is designed to evaluate the applicability of CT in the diagnosis and definition of tuberculosis of the spine in Ibadan. METHOD: A restrospective study of the Computed Tomographic examination of 22 cases of spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) over a four-year period at the Radiology Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. RESULTS: There was a male prevalence in the study. The mean age of respondents was 41.2 years. Neurological symptoms and back pain were the most common presentations. The thoracic spine was mostly involved while the cervical spine was least involved. Most lesions 77.3 % were demonstrated in two contiguous vertebral bodies. The vertebral bodies were destroyed in all the patients while the posterior elements were involved in 59%. The other CT findings were paravertebral soft tissue shadow in 40.9%, narrowed irregular disc spaces in 27.3% and fusion of vertebral bodies in 13.6%. The frequent bony destruction was osteolytic in nature, and was present in 64% of patients. CONCLUSION: CT is an adequate modality for thorough imaging and diagnosis of Pott's disease especially in patients with non specific or ambiguous presentations. It offers a unique opportunity of demonstrating clearly the various component of the spine, it also defines the pattern and extent of the destructive process.

Misdiagnosis of stroke--a computerised tomography scan study.

Misdiagnosis of stroke has significant implication for definitive therapy. This study assessed the frequency of misdiagnosis of stroke using computerised tomography (CT) scan of the brain. One hundred and fifty-six patients admitted over a five year period (1991-1996) with clinical features suggestive of stroke had their CT brain scan reviewed. Only 89 (57%) had neuroradiological features consistent with stroke, of which 59 (66%) had cerebral infarction while 30 (34%) had cerebral haemorrhage. In 67 (43%) of the cases, there were no features of cerebro-vascular accident (CVA) on the CT scan. In this group, cerebral atrophy was the commonest radiological abnormality (21/67), followed by brain tumor (10/67) and subdural haematoma (9/67). The CT scan was normal in 25 patients. The misdiagnosis of surgically treatable conditions in as many as 21 (13.5%) of the 156 patients calls for better neurological evaluation of patients admitted for stroke in tertiary and non-tertiary hospitals. Where available, patients with clinical diagnosis of stroke should have CT scan evaluation to ensure that patients who can be helped surgically are identified early and appropriately treated.

Computed tomography and childhood seizure disorder in Ibadan.

BACKGROUND: Computed Tomography (CT) is an important tool for neuroimaging, it offers an opportunity to investigate structural lesions as a cause of seizures with little morbidity. This study is designed to evaluate it's applicability in children with epileptic seizures. METHOD: It is a descriptive study of the CT scans of the 103 consecutive children who were referred to the CT suite of the University College Hospital on account of seizure disorders over a 5 year period (1997--2001). RESULTS: Only 103 (4.6%) of the subjects who had cranial scans done in five years were children with seizures disorders. The CT scans were abnormal in 53 (51.5 %). Hydrocephalus was the most common finding in 14 (13.6%). Cerebral atrophy and infarct were reported in 10.6% and 8.7% respectively. The outlined cranial fractures found in 6.8% were all depressed. A high incidence (74.4%) of abnormal scans was reported in the children with partial seizures. Thirty-three (62.3%) of the abnormal scans were amenable to surgery. The presence of neurologic deficit increased the yield of abnormal CT features. CONCLUSION: CT scans are of extreme value in the screening and definitive evaluation of seizures in children. It is advocated for excluding treatable conditions and monitoring progression of the disorder.

Routine pre-operative chest radiographs in non-cardiopulmonary surgery.

The routine pre-operative chest radiographs of 203 consecutive patients scheduled for elective non-cardiopulmonary surgery were reviewed. There were 122 abnormal findings, 27 (22%) of which were significant, 95 (77.8%) insignificant. Of the former, 74% were due to cardiomegaly, while the latter included such findings as aortic unfolding (87%), pleural thickening (5.26%) and cervical ribs (2.11%). No abnormalities were found in subjects below 30 years of age, and there were no significant abnormal findings in subjects aged less than 40 years. This study shows that routine pre-operative chest radiographs in patients undergoing elective noncardiopulmonary surgery should be limited to patients with clinical symptoms, and high-risk patients, especially individuals aged greater than or equal to 50 years. Such radiographs are unnecessary in asymptomatic patients less than or equal to 30 years of age.

HIV-assocated lymphoma: a case report.

We report the case of a 3(1/2) year old boy who presented with sudden onset of headache. Fever and swelling of the left eye. He had complete opthalmoplegia of the left eye and 6th cranial nerve paralysis in the right eye. He was thought to have cavenous sinus thrombosis but CT findings suggestive of lymphoma led to the correct diagnosis of HIV associated Lymphoma It view of the rising incidence of HIV infection and the protein clinical manifestations, it is advised that all patients with disseminated tumour masses should be screened for the HIV virus, and CT examination should be made available to patients.