Kimura's disease: A case presentation of postauricular swelling

Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of subcutaneous tissues and occurs predominantly in head and neck region. It is seen primarily in young Asian males. Typical clinical presentations are painless subcutaneous masses, regional lymph node enlargement, blood and tissue hypereosinophilia, and increased serum IgE levels. Here, we present a case of a 27-year-old female who presented with unilateral single nodular swelling in the right postauricular region. The diagnosis of KD was done based on characteristic histopathologic finding in conjunction with peripheral eosinophilia and increase in serum IgE levels.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Central mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are extremely rare tumors, comprising 2-3% of all MECs reported in the literature. We report a rare case of clear cell variant of central MEC with calcifications occurring in the left posterior mandible in a 37-year-old male patient.

Vascular malformations of central nervous system: A series from tertiary care hospital in South India

Aims and Objectives:

To describe clinicopathological features of surgically resected vascular malformations (VMs) of central nervous system (CNS).

Materials and Methods:

Histologically diagnosed cases of VMs of CNS during April 2010–April 2014 were included. Demographic data, clinical and radiological features were obtained. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed along with Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG), Masson's trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, and Perls' stains. Morphologically, cavernomas and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were distinguished on the basis of vessel wall features on VVG and intervening glial parenchyma.

Results:

Fifty cases were diagnosed as VMs of CNS with an age range of 14–62 years. These included 36 cavernomas, 12 AVMs, 2 mixed capillary-cavernous angiomas. Most of the cavernoma patients (15/36) presented with seizures, whereas AVM patients (8/12) had a headache as the dominant symptom. Twenty-nine patients were reliably diagnosed on radiological features. Microscopic evidence of hemorrhage was seen in 24/36 cavernomas and 6/12 AVMs, as opposed to radiologic evidence of 10 and 4, respectively. Reactive gliosis was seen in 16 cavernomas.

Conclusions:

Histological features are important for classifying the VMs of CNS as there are no specific clinical and radiological features. Type of VM has a bearing on management, prognosis, and risk of hemorrhage.

Evaluation of palatal rugae pattern in establishing identification and sex determination in Nalgonda children

BACKGROUND

Establishing individual identification of a decedent only by dental means is a mammoth task in forensic odontology. Palatal rugae's uniqueness, its resistance to heat, and stability throughout life have been proved by its use as an alternative aid in individual identification where comparison of fingerprints and other records is difficult.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of palatal rugoscopy in personal identification and sex determination of Nalgonda pediatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 100 children having mixed dentition within the age range of 8-11 years, residing in Nalgonda district. Palatal rugae pattern, shape of the incisive papillae, length of the median palatal raphae, and shape of the dental arches were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests between males and females.

RESULTS

Wavy and curved patterns appeared to be most prevalent in both males and females but with no significant difference. The number of primary rugae in females and secondary rugae in males, on left side of the palate, was significantly more than their counterparts (P < 0.05). When rugae unification was observed, diverging type was significantly more in males than in females. Parabolic dental arch form, elliptical type of incisive papilla, and medium length of median palatal raphae was observed in majority of the subjects.

CONCLUSION

The present study hypothesizes the uniqueness of the rugae in personal identification as no two palates showed similar type of rugae in either of the genders. The rugae pattern also contributes minimally towards sex determination as there was no significant difference observed between the two variables.

Is Abdominal Fat Distribution Measured by Axial CT Imaging an Indicator of Complications and Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is an important risk-stratifying co-morbidity for many pathological conditions. Controversy exists about its influence in outcomes after acute pancreatitis (AP). This study assessed abdominal fat distribution (subcutaneous, retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal) measured using computer tomography (CT) images and related it to outcomes in patients with AP.

METHODS

The case notes of patients admitted with AP were identified from computerised records from 2008 to the 2013. Image analysis software was used to assess the individual abdominal fat distributions from CT images.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients were included. There was no relationship between fat distribution and either severity of, or mortality from, AP. Fat distribution was not found to be an independent risk factor on multivariate analysis. There was, however, a positive correlation between retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal fat with APACHE II scores, Ranson and Glasgow score and Multiple Organ Dysfunction score (MODS) on various days following admission (r = 0.421, p = 0.0008; r = 0.469, p < 0.0001; r = 0.398, p = 0.007; r = 0.336, p = 0.011, respectively). On multiple logistical regression analysis, the only variables associated with mortality were Balthazar Severity Index, MODS and EWS with a p value of <0.0001, 0.0019 and 0.0481, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese patients have worse predicted outcomes as measured by the EWS, MODS and Ranson scores. Abdominal fat distribution, however, was not shown to be directly related to AP severity or mortality. The addition of fat parameters may be of use in prognostic CT severity index models, but from this data, it does not appear to be an independent risk factor of adverse outcome.

Dielectric Relaxation of NiFe2O4/Gd2O3 Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Gd2O3 encapsulated NiFe2O4 core-shell nano-particles (CSNPs) have been synthesized by chemical route. The phase formation of the materials is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The average particle size is found to be 60 nm by transmission electron microscope. The band gap of NiFe2O4/Gd2O3 CSNPs is obtained by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The observed band gap of 4.38 eV lies in between the individual band gap of Gd2O3 and NiFe2O4. The frequency-dependent dielectric relaxation of the material is investigated in the temperature range from 303 K to 543 K. The temperature dependent relaxation times are found to obey Arrhenius law having activation energy of 0.3 eV. The Nyquist plots of impedance data are analyzed by the RC equivalent circuit having a constant phase element. The dielectric relaxation is modelled by Havriliak-Negami technique in the electric modulus formalism. The frequency dependent conductivity spectra follow the double power law.

Mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst associated with cemento-ossifying fibroma - a case report

Aneurysmal bone cyst is an uncommon bone lesion which rarely occurs in craniofacial region. Among all the cystic lesions occurring in the jaws, aneurysmal bone cyst is infrequent and it more commonly occurs in the mandible. Most of the cases occur in the first two decades of life, with no gender predilection. Here, we are presenting a case of an aneurysmal bone cyst which occurred in the mandible of a twelve year old female patient.

In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Pineapple Extract (Bromelain) on Periodontal Pathogens

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease resulting in the destruction of periodontal tissues. Various treatment modalities have been tried in the form of mechanical therapy and surgical therapy. Antimicrobial agents have been used as a monotherapy and as an adjunct with mechanical debridement. Various plant extracts have been used as antibacterial agents. Pineapple extract (bromelian) is one such agent. Hence this study was conducted to assess the antibacterial efficacy of bromelain on both aerobic and anaerobic periodontal microorganisms. The aim was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of bromelain on both aerobic and anaerobic periodontal microorganisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bromelain was tested on isolated strains of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus fecalis Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) using serial dilution broth method.

RESULTS

S. mutans showed sensitivity at the lowest concentration of 2 mg/ml as compared to E fecalis (31.25 mg/ml) while Pgingivalis showed sensitivity at the lowest concentration of 4.15 mg/ml as compared to Aa (16.6 mg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Bromelain exerts an antibacterial effect against potent periodontal pathogens; hence, it may be used as an antibacterial agent. However, further trial has to be conducted to validate this result.

Traumatic rupture of arachnoid cyst with subdural hygroma

Intracranial arachnoid cysts developing in relation to the cerebral hemispheres and middle cranial fossa are usually incidental or asymptomatic. However, most of the clinically active cysts present with seizures because of chronic compression. Presentation as raised intracranial pressure due to cyst rupture into the subdural space is a rare clinical entity. We herein present a case of an asymptomatic arachnoid cyst with rupture into the subdural space bilaterally and presenting as raised intracranial pressure.

Infections and infestations of the gastrointestinal tract. Part 1: bacterial, viral and fungal infections

The purpose of this article is to review the imaging findings of various infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Barium examinations, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography all play an important role in the diagnostic workup of gastrointestinal tract infections. Knowledge of differential diagnosis, sites of involvement, and typical imaging features of different infections can help in accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.

Infections and infestations of the gastrointestinal tract. Part 2: parasitic and other infections

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of various parasitic infestations and other miscellaneous infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Barium examinations play an important role in the diagnostic workup of parasitic intestinal infections. Knowledge of differential diagnosis, sites of involvement, and imaging features of different infections and infestations can help in accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.

Pancreaticogastric fistula secondary to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia: a case report and review of the literature

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are benign cystic lesions of the pancreas with recognised premalignant potential. An occasional feature of IPMNs is fistula formation to surrounding organs. This report describes a case of a pancreaticogastric fistula from a main duct IPMN that produced the complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.

Microbiological spectrum of brain abscess at a tertiary care hospital in South India: 24-year data and review

Intracranial abscesses are life-threatening infections that pose a diagnostic challenge not only to the neurosurgeon but also to the microbiologists. Detailed studies documenting the spectrum of infecting agents involved in brain abscesses are limited from India. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of 352 samples from 1987 to 2010 analyzed at a tertiary care hospital in South India from 1987 to 2010, to document the changing trends with time. Results. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 80 years, a larger number of males being affected. Otogenic infections were the most common cause while cryptogenic abscesses were 20%. Gram stain and culture positivity were 78% each. Gram-positive and negative facultative aerobes and obligate anaerobes were also on the rise. Unusual organisms, like Burkholderia pseudomallei, Salmonella typhi, Nocardia species, Cladosporium bantiana, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Entamoeba histolytica, and Acanthamoeba were also isolated and/or detected from the brain abscesses aspirate or resected tissue. Summary. New and emerging pathogens associated with brain abscess, especially in immunosuppressed individuals, have renewed the necessity of an early detection, and it will be of great value in appropriate management of patients with brain abscess.