Sonographic evaluation of abdominal organs is an important work up in managing sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. This study aimed at evaluating abdominal organs by sonography among SCD patients.A cross-sectional study was carried out in Maiduguri, Nigeria from April 2014 to July 2015. Two hundred and fifty-two patients participated in the study, with 126 controls and 126 SCD patients. There were 131 (52%) males, and 121 (48%) females, with age range 3-38 years. Measurements were done using ultrasound machine with probe frequencies ranging from 1-4MHz and 4-9MHz in supine, right and left oblique positions for optimum visualization of the abdominal organs.Participants within the age range of 10-15 years had the highest frequency with 88 (34.9%), followed by those within the age group of 17-23 years with 86 (34.1%), and the least were those within the age group of 30 years and above with 8 (3.2%). Hepatomegaly was found in 53 (75.7%), and increased echogenicity of the liver was found in 50 (94.3%) of the SCD patients, P = 0.000. Gallstones were found in 45 (17.9%), gallbladder sludge was found in 51 (21.4%) and thickened gallbladder wall was found in 84 (33.3%) of the SCD patients, P = 0.000. Autosplenectomy was found in 45 (17.9%), splenomegaly in 63 (24.9%), and calcified spleen in 18 (8.7%) of the SCD patients, P = 0.000. Enlarged kidneys in SCD patients were found in 61 (98.4%) and 63 (98.4%) on the right and left kidneys, respectively. Shrunken kidneys were found in 5 (2.0%) and 4 (1.6%) of the SCD patients on the right and left kidneys, respectively, P = 0.000.Abdominal sonography in SCD patients revealed varied remarkable changes in the size, echotexture, intraluminal deposits and wall thickness in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen.
Title : The Practice of Universal Precautions against Body Fluid Borne Infections among Radiology Staff in Some Teaching Hospital in Northern Nigeria. Objectives ; The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice of universal precaution against fluid borne infections among radiology staff in northern Nigeria teaching hospitals to elicit responses to questions regarding their knowledge and practice of universal precaution. Methods : A prospective cross sectional study using structured questionnaire was conducted among radiology staff practicing in teaching hospitals in northern Nigeria. The questionnaire was sent out by post and the response rate over a period of two months period was 52.5%, (n=63). Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentages were generated using statistical package for social sciences (spss) version 14.0. Result ; Results show that 95.3%, (60) of the radiology staff come in contact with body fluid in their work while 87.3%, (55) have good knowledge of universal precaution. There were 72.7%, (46) of the studied staff who practice universal precaution. Only 41.3%, (26) of the staff use the incident reporting system when exposed to patients body fluid. It also found managements laxity in providing all necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves, mask, goggles, and aprons. Conclusion : This study found radiology staff of teaching hospitals in northern Nigeria have satisfactory knowledge of universal precaution which is not matched by practice. Keywords : Universal Precautions, Fluid-borne Infection, practice, Radiology, Knowledge
Sonography has proven to be valuable diagnostic imaging equipment in the work-up of patients infected with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. An extensive literature search was conducted between 1994 and 2021 for original peer-reviewed articles in the English language on ultrasound application in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), ultrasound application in infectious diseases in resource-constrained settings, point-of-care ultrasound in resource-scarce settings among others, across various electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, POPLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar, among others and some gray literature were also retrieved. Emerging themes were identified by their recurrence in literature. Ultrasound imaging is a rapid diagnostic tool and can accurately identify and characterize pathologic findings in patients infected with HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection, such as enlarged lymph nodes, pericarditis, and pleural effusion, among others for prompt patient management. Ultrasonography is cheaper and portable; interfacing software has become more users friendly and image quality significantly improved, making it possible for the provision of imaging services in an increasing number of clinical settings in resource-limited settings where access to diagnostic imaging is scarce. The use of focused assessment with sonography for HIV (FASH) for prompt diagnosis of EPTB in regions with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection will aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients with undifferentiated TB, thus impacting on morbidity and mortality. The training and deployment of sonographers in endemic regions with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection, to diagnose EPTB using FASH protocol is a viable option that is in line with the global drive for intensified case finding and treatment algorithm, with a view to meeting the sustainable development goals target of ending HIV and TB epidemics and achieving universal health coverage.
Introduction Chronic liver disease is a public health burden worldwide. Portal hypertension is a major portosystemic abnormality in chronic liver disease. This study aimed to determine the main, right, and the left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, northeastern Nigeria from December 2018 to September 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 200 subjects were recruited comprising 100 patients with chronic liver disease and 100 age-matched controls, aged 18 years and above. A transabdominal ultrasound scan was carried out measuring the main, right, and left portal vein diameter while lying supine and/or in the right anterior oblique position after overnight fasting, or 6 hours before the scan. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson’s correlation were used. Results There were 106(53%) males and 94(47%) females, aged between 18 and 73 years with a mean age of 46.79 ± 15.43. The main, right, and left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease was 14.51 ± 0.78 mm, 6.83 ± 0.81 mm, and 6.26 ± 0.74 mm, which were higher than those of their control. The portal vein diameter positively correlated (weak) with age and respiratory phases among participants ( P < 0.05). Conclusion This study found the main, right, and left portal vein diameter among patients with chronic liver disease to be larger than those of the controls. Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating portosystemic pathologies.
To assess the level of inconsistency in replicating sonographic kidney size measurements in a population of healthy Nigerian children.In this prospective cross-sectional study, convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of Nigerian children. Both consent from participants and ethical approval from the local authority were obtained before the study commenced. Three radiologists carried out the replicate sonographic measurements using a DP-1100 mechanical sector scanner with a 3.5 MHz convex probe. All examinations were done with subjects in the supine oblique position. Longitudinal and transverse scans were performed. Renal lengths and widths were measured from the longitudinal scans while thickness was measured from the transverse scans. Renal volumes were calculated with the ellipsoid formula. Analysis of variance, Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and z-test were used to test the statistical significance of results. SPSS version 17.0 was used in the analysis of results while statistical significance of all results was tested at p < 0.05.Mean intra-observer measurement errors in replicate sonographic measurements of kidney sizes ranged from 0.36-0.43 cm, 0.22-0.63 cm, 0.37-0.52 cm and 5.93-9.62 ml for kidney length, width, thickness and volume, respectively. Mean inter-observer measurement errors were in the range of 0.29-0.48 cm, 0.18-0.23 cm, 0.34-1.82 cm and 5.92-7.28 ml for length, width, thickness and volume, respectively. Mean intra-observer errors were not statistically significant (p < 0.05) but mean inter-observer errors were (p < 0.05). Differences in all measurement errors of right and left kidney length, width, thickness and volume were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Measurement errors correlated weakly with kidney sizes. Observer errors in renal length were not significantly different from what was reported among Caucasians (p > 0.05) whereas that of volume was (p < 0.05).Errors in replicate sonographic kidney size measurements obtained by a single observer were less than errors in the same measurements by different observers; therefore, replicate sonographic measurements by a single observer were more consistent in this population.
Accurate prediction of ovulation is important in the management of female infertility.To determine the sonographic sensitivity of reduction in follicular size and disappearance of ovarian follicle as predictors of imminent ovulation.This was a longitudinal study involving 100 women between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Transvaginal sonography with 6.5 MHz probe frequency was performed with a General Electric (RT 2800) ultrasound machine. Dominant follicles were identified and measured in both the longitudinal and transverse planes and their disappearance was monitored prior to ovulation. Laboratory luteinizing hormone test strips were used to test serum samples collected daily from each patient to confirm the time of ovulation.Pre-ovulation follicular size among the subjects was in the range of 18-36 mm while the mean follicular size was 26.78 ± 4.03 mm. Prior to ovulation, disappearance and reduction in follicular size was noted in 59% and 41% of subjects, respectively. Luteinizing hormone test was also positive and peaked prior to ovulation in 92% of the subjects among whom follicles disappeared in 37% while their size reduced in 55%. There was no statistically significant difference between sonographic and laboratory findings (p > 0.05). Age, height, weight and body mass index do not have significant influence (p > 0.05) on follicular size and ovulation.Sonographic observation of complete disappearance of a dominant follicle and reduction in follicular size of surrogate follicles after follicular rupture appeared to be a reliable predictor of imminent ovulation.
Background: Uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy could cause obstetric complications.Objectives: To assess sonographically the frequency of occurrence and effect of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted during a period of 23 months. A convenience sample of 816 consecutive consenting pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria was evaluated during routine prenatal ultrasound scan. The women were referred for prenatal sonography. One hundred of the subjects who had myoma co-existing with pregnancy and another 100 subjects without myoma were selected for follow-up. These groups were followed up till delivery and obstetric complications and outcomes were documented. Any changes in size and growth rate of myoma were documented.Results: Subjects with myoma co-existing with pregnancy were 12.3%. This was commoner with increasing maternal age. An increase was observed in myoma mean size from 60mm to 63mm from the 1st scan sequence to the 2nd scan sequence and a reduction from 63mm to 59mm in the 3rd scan sequence. Myoma growth rate was 0.667mm per week. Myomas inpregnancy especially large ones caused more complications during delivery when compared to pregnancies without myomas.Conclusion: Routine sonography is important in pregnancy management of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.Keywords: Routine sonography; uterine myoma, pregnancy, obstetric complications.