The Impact of Inoculation of Two Strains of Rhizobacteria on Radionuclide Transfer in Sesbania Grandiflora

Transfer factors of some naturally-occurring and artificial radionuclides from an agricultural soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora, a small leguminous tree, were studied. Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (SCR17 and PCE2) were used to carry out an agricultural experiment in pots in semi-arid region (Syria). The results showed the bacterial strain (SCR17) increased the transfer and accumulation of 238U and 40K in Sesbania grandiflora, while both bacterial strains showed no effect on the accumulation of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb in the treated plants. The transfer factor of 137Cs from soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora was negligible. The values of the transfer factors of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 40K were found to be within the global values, while the values of the transfer factors of 238U and 210Pb were found to be relatively higher. This study highlights the importance of using Phytoremediation by PGPR strains for radionuclides-contaminated soils. Therefore, this method is a promising technique for the restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated sites with radionuclides, as it is low cost, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Safety Aspects and Procedural Characteristics of Ambulatory Diagnostic Cerebral Catheter Angiography

PURPOSE

Diagnostic cerebral catheter angiography is used to assess a variety of neurovascular pathologies especially in patients before and after endovascular neurointerventional treatment. In many centers diagnostic cerebral angiographies are performed with the patient staying for one night in the hospital because there are not yet sufficient data on the safety of ambulatory cerebral angiography. At the same time hospitals face a growing demand to perform ambulatory medical procedures.

METHODS

A total of 426 ambulatory diagnostic cerebral angiographies were retrospectively analyzed. Technical details of the angiographies were analyzed to identify procedural risk factors.

RESULTS

Out of 426 patients 14 (3.3%) had some form of complication, 3 developed minor transient neurological symptoms, 1 patient developed Quincke's edema probably as an adverse reaction to contrast agent, 1 patient had an asymptomatic carotid dissection and 1 had a fall of unknown etiology. Of the 14 complications 8 were puncture site complications with 1 re-bleeding, 1 dissection, and 6 minor complications, 421 punctures were femoral, 3 radial and 2 brachial. Out of 333 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after angiography 21 showed focal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions but none of these lesions were symptomatic. The rate of DWI lesions was significantly higher in selectively angiography territories than in other territories. The use of a Simmons 2 catheter significantly increased the rate of DWI lesions (p = 0.047), whereas 3D rotational angiography did not (p = 0.55). The rate of DWI lesions per selectively accessed vessel was 4.6% with a higher rate in the anterior than in the posterior circulation.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic cerebral catheter angiography can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting.

Leadership in Interventional Radiology - Fostering a Culture of Excellence

This invited article reviews the current status of Interventional Radiology (IR), in terms of its status as a speciality, and outlines the conditions needed for IR to function optimally within healthcare settings. Guidance is offered in terms of developing an IR department, ensuring high-quality practice, dealing with administrative and political challenges, dealing with industry and creating a legacy.

[Characteristics of effusive pericarditis in N'Djamena (Chad)]

INTRODUCTION

Pericarditis is a commun cause of hospitalisation in cardiology and internal medicine wards.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of effusive pericarditis at the Department of cardiology of the National Referral Teaching Hospital of N'Djamena, Chad.

METHODS

We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional study from January 2017 to December 2019. Patients presenting with effusive pericarditis and who consent to participate were consecutively enrolled during the study period.

RESULTS

Overall, 1805 patients were hospitalized at the department of cardiology during the study period with effusive pericarditis accounting for 4.3% of all cases (n = 78). Patients' mean age was 35.84 ± 14 years, [range 16 and 73 years]. The sex ratio was 0.89. Exertional dyspnea, chest pain, poor general condition and fever were main symptoms reported in 90%, 89%, 81% and 51% of the cases respectively. Pericardial rub was found in 51% of the study patients. Eighteen patients (26%) were HIV positive and 97% of the study patients had cardiomegaly. ECG demonstrated low QRS voltage (97%) and diffuse abnormalities of repolarisation (96%). Pericardial effusion was found abundant in 57% of the cases. Etiologies of effusive pericarditis were mainly tuberculosis (47%), idiopathic (21%) and HIV infection (13%). Thirty patients (43%) benefited from pericardiocentesis. The in-hospital mortality rate of the disease was 17%.

CONCLUSION

Effusive pericarditis is frequent and associated with poor outcome. Treatment depends on etiology dominated by tuberculosis in Chad.

"Killing two birds with one stone": endoscopic management of PUJ and VUJ obstructions with a renal stone in a congenital solitary kidney

We report on the diagnosis and management of a 25-year-old female with a congenital solitary kidney associated with simultaneous pelviureteric (PUJ) and vesicoureteric (VUJ) junction obstructions complicated by a lower pole renal stone. The patient was successfully managed completely endoluminally over two procedures with the use of double-J stents and a laser fibre to incise the VUJ and perform endopyelotomy at the PUJ followed by extraction of the stone. This case demonstrates the efficacy and minimal invasive endoscopic urological surgery even in the face of numerous pathologies, which traditionally required more invasive procedures.

Urethral obstruction from Cobb's collar in association with VACTERL

Cobb's collar is a rare intraluminal congenital cause of bulbar urethral obstruction that is commonly mislabelled congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane (COPUM) but may be distinguished from this endoscopically as it has no connecting folds to the verumontanum. In this report, Cobb's collar is described for the first time in association with the VACTERL syndrome. The abnormality was diagnosed and treated by diathermy and dilatation at the time of endoscopic evaluation, with improvement of vesicoureteric reflux on micturating cystourethrogram and renal ultrasound.

Consensus Guidelines for the Definition of Time-to-Event End Points in Image-guided Tumor Ablation: Results of the SIO and DATECAN Initiative

There is currently no consensus regarding preferred clinical outcome measures following image-guided tumor ablation or clear definitions of oncologic end points. This consensus document proposes standardized definitions for a broad range of oncologic outcome measures with recommendations on how to uniformly document, analyze, and report outcomes. The initiative was coordinated by the Society of Interventional Oncology in collaboration with the Definition for the Assessment of Time-to-Event End Points in Cancer Trials, or DATECAN, group. According to predefined criteria, based on experience with clinical trials, an international panel of 62 experts convened. Recommendations were developed using the validated three-step modified Delphi consensus method. Consensus was reached on when to assess outcomes per patient, per session, or per tumor; on starting and ending time and survival time definitions; and on time-to-event end points. Although no consensus was reached on the preferred classification system to report complications, quality of life, and health economics issues, the panel did agree on using the most recent version of a validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire. This article provides a framework of key opinion leader recommendations with the intent to facilitate a clear interpretation of results and standardize worldwide communication. Widespread adoption will improve reproducibility, allow for accurate comparisons, and avoid misinterpretations in the field of interventional oncology research. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Liddell in this issue.

1302 Ratio of Adenoma Detection Rate to Polyp Detection Rate

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK. The higher Adenoma Detection Rate during colonoscopy is associated with reduction in the mortality incidence of colorectal cancer. Endoscopists with less than 20% ADR is directly proportional to higher risk of the development of an interval Colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to calculate the Adenoma Detection Rate and Polyp Detection Rate for each endoscopist to assess the performance of the unit as well as individuals.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who had colonoscopy in a period of 3 consecutive months at a primary care hospital in England. This study included collecting the data through patient’s histology reports and medical records. The primary outcome was total Adenoma Detection Rate and Polyp Detection Rate and its ratio for each endoscopist.

Results

913 colonoscopies were done by 16 different endoscopists out of which 279 patients with polyps were considered for the study. It was observed that half of the total endoscopists were found to have ADR more than 20%. 4 endoscopists had ADR between 15-20% whereas below minimal rate (less than 15%) ADR was recorded by the other 4 endoscopists.

Conclusions

Lower ADRs are associated with higher rates of interval cancers. An improvement of the ADR of 1% prevents 3% people from colon cancer which can be achieved by maintaining the aspirational adenoma detection rate more than 20%.

Urethral obstruction from Cobb's collar in association with VACTERL

SUMMARY Cobb's collar is a rare intraluminal congenital cause of bulbar urethral obstruction that is commonly mislabelled congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane (COPUM) but may be distinguished from this endoscopically as it has no connecting folds to the verumontanum. In this report, Cobb's collar is described for the first time in association with the VACTERL syndrome. The abnormality was diagnosed and treated by diathermy and dilatation at the time of endoscopic evaluation, with improvement of vesicoureteric reflux on micturating cystourethrogram and renal ultrasound. Supplementary video available online: http://sajs.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/sajs/article/view/3527 Keywords: Cobb's collar, VACTERL association, posterior urethral valves, Moormann's ring, COPUM

"Killing two birds with one stone": endoscopic management of PUJ and VUJ obstructions with a renal stone in a congenital solitary kidney

SUMMARY We report on the diagnosis and management of a 25-year-old female with a congenital solitary kidney associated with simultaneous pelviureteric (PUJ) and vesicoureteric (VUJ) junction obstructions complicated by a lower pole renal stone. The patient was successfully managed completely endoluminally over two procedures with the use of double-J stents and a laser fibre to incise the VUJ and perform endopyelotomy at the PUJ followed by extraction of the stone. This case demonstrates the efficacy and minimal invasive endoscopic urological surgery even in the face of numerous pathologies, which traditionally required more invasive procedures. Keywords: solitary kidney, pelviureteric junction obstruction, vesicoureteric junction obstruction, renal calculus, endoscopy

Isolated coronal urethral duplication in an adolescent presenting with enuresis

This report describes an isolated urethral duplication in the coronal plane in a child referred with primary 'enuresis'. This presentation is unique because duplications usually occur in the sagittal plane. In patients with suspected urethral duplication, magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with catheterisation of the distal duplicate opening accurately delineates the abnormality, so that individualised treatment strategies can be considered.

Large bowel obstruction from advanced prostate cancer in a 41-year-old: the role of genetic testing

We report a rare presentation of an advanced prostate cancer (Gleason 10) in a 41-year-old man with complete large bowel obstruction relieved by loop colostomy. His young age prompted a search for a cause and genetic testing confirmed chromosome 10 PTEN deletion. His immediate family members were screened and counselled appropriately. This case outlines the role of genetic testing in young males with prostate cancer.

Management of forearm bone loss with induced membrane technique

There are very few published studies describing the treatment of segmental bone defects of the forearm using the induced membrane technique. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the time to bone union, the function of the joints above and below the treated bone segment and the patients' quality of life over the long-term. We performed a retrospective study in all patients treated by the induced membrane for a forearm bone defect over at 13-year period. Demographics, bone union, complications, functional outcomes and occupational status were collected. Six patients were included: 2 posttraumatic injuries, 1 osteomyelitis, 1 septic arthritis, 1 aseptic nonunion, 1 tumor. The average defect length was 64mm (48-110). All defects were treated with internal fixation. Bone graft was harvested from the iliac crest in two patients, the femur (using the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator technique) in three patients and the radius in one patient. Five patients achieved bone union after a mean of 4months (3-6). Three complications were observed: 1 radioulnar instability, 1 infection of the fixation device, 1 abscess. At an average 8½ years' follow-up, the pain level on the VAS was 0.6 (0-3), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 98 (90-100), the Herzberg score was 108 (85.6-140) and the QuickDASH was 14.9 (2.7-35). All patients returned to work. Using the induced membrane technique avoids the complications associated with vascularized autograft and yields good functional outcome and quality of life.

Tuberculous prostatitis: a condition not confined to the immunocompromised

Tuberculous (TB) prostatitis is rare; usually occurring in immunocompromised men. It can mimic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis or prostate cancer. This report in an immunocompetent 72-year-old man adds to the clinical spectrum of the five prior reported cases. A low threshold for prostatic biopsy led to a histological evaluation and subsequent microbiological confirmation of TB. This attests to the value of such an approach in arriving at the correct diagnosis and the institution of appropriate anti-tuberculous therapy even amongst immune-competent men.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - screening in patients who misuse alcohol and tobacco in Switzerland: a prospective pilot study

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is preceded by early asymptomatic lesions which, if identified early enough and removed, would prevent malignant transformation or avoid delaying diagnosis to advanced stages. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a screening programme for SCC of the head and neck in a group of high-risk patients, and to investigate their addiction profile. Patients admitted to an inpatient alcohol addiction centre (n=101) were prospectively enrolled and asked to fill in a questionnaire about their use of tobacco and alcohol, and the presence of warning symptoms for SCC of the head and neck from 23 June 2014 to 21 January2016. Participants in the study had a physical examination by an alcohol addiction physician followed by a full examination of the head and neck by an otorhinolaryngologist to rule out premalignant or malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. Of the 101 patients, 62 (60%) had at least one warning symptom. Alcohol addiction physicians identified leukoplakia in six (6%) and erythroplakia in two. No pre-malignant or malignant lesions were confirmed on examination by the otolaryngologist. We were unable to draw conclusions about the cost-effectiveness or the yield of the screening programme. Despite our negative findings, we may need further investigation to clarify the relevance of such a programme on health-related outcome given the high compliance rate and minimal delay that was achieved by taking advantage of an in-patient alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children-a roundtable discussion

The investigation, management and follow-up of paediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction is not standardized. The Young Pediatric Urology Committee of the European Society of Pediatric Urology interviewed five experts in the field on various aspects of management and compared this with published literature.

Abstract P5-07-05: Obesity, adipose inflammation, and race in patients with early stage breast cancer

Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer. Mechanistically, most individuals with elevated BMI have breast white adipose tissue inflammation (WATi) which confers increased breast cancer risk, particularly in those with existing benign breast disease. Individuals with WATi have elevated in-breast expression of aromatase and several systemic changes that increase breast cancer risk, including hyperinsulinemia and higher levels of C-reactive protein. However, women with normal BMI but high levels of body fat are also likely to harbor WATi and are at increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The accuracy of BMI for assessing adiposity and predicting obesity-related disorders, including cancer, varies across race and ethnicity. Whether the association between BMI and WATi varies by race is unknown. Here we aimed to characterize relationships among breast WATi and clinicopathologic features in a racially diverse cohort undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment.

Methods: Non-tumorous breast tissue and fasting blood were collected from women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or prevention at a single center serving a racially diverse patient population. Breast WATi was detected by the presence of crown-like structures in the breast (CLS-B), which are composed of a dead/dying adipocyte surrounded by CD68+ macrophages. Clinicopathologic data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Associations among categorical variables were examined using Fisher's exact test. Relationships between continuous variables were examined using the Spearman correlation.

Results: As of May 18, 2018 62 patients have been accrued; median age 55 (range 32 to 84). Self-reported race distribution was: 36 (58%) Asian, 5 African American (8%), 20 (32%) Caucasian, and 1 (2%) unknown. Breast tissue has been analyzed for WATi in 60 cases thus far. Clinicopathologic features stratified by the presence or absence of breast WATi are presented in. Breast WAT inflammation was associated with obesity (P=0.02) and a trend to association was observed with dyslipidemia (P<0.09).

VariableBreast WATi Absent (n=25)Breast WATi Present (n=35)Age, years  Median (range)51 (32 to 71)59 (36 to 80)BMI, kg/m2  Median (range)22.5 (18.1 to 35.3)28.0 (19.2 to 38.9)BMI Category  Underweight1 (4%)0 (0%)Normal16 (64%)10 (29%)Overweight5 (20%)18 (51%)Obese3 (12%)7 (20%)Race, n (%)  Asian15 (60%)19 (54%)African American2 (8%)3 (9%)Caucasian8 (32%)12 (34%)Unknown0 (0%)1 (3%)Menopausal Status, n (%)  Pre10 (40%)12 (34%)Post15 (60%)23 (66%)Hypertension, n (%)7 (28%)16 (46%)Diabetes mellitus, n (%)0 (0%)5 (14%)Dyslipidemia, n (%)1 (4%)11 (31%)

Conclusions: Breast adipose inflammation is associated with elevated BMI and possibly metabolic syndrome disorders in a racially diverse population. These findings are consistent with observations from predominantly Caucasian cohorts. Race-specific characteristics will also be examined. Study accrual is ongoing and updated results will be presented.

Citation Format: Iyengar NM, Siegel B, Malik M, Giri DD, Tsai J, Hughes M, Adam A, Williams S, Zhou XK, Rodgers W, Ginter P, Patel A, Yong F, Cherian A, August P, Dannenberg AJ. Obesity, adipose inflammation, and race in patients with early stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-05.

Associations between maternal socioeconomic position and psoriasis: a cohort study among the offspring of the Danish National Birth Cohort

BACKGROUND

The socioeconomic determinants of paediatric-onset psoriasis have not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether a social gradient exists for paediatric-onset psoriasis, using measures of maternal socioeconomic position.

METHODS

Data on paediatric-onset psoriasis from 36 003 Danish National Birth Cohort offspring were cross-linked with nationwide registry data on maternal age and three measures of maternal socioeconomic position: maternal educational attainment, maternal labour market attachment and equivalized household income. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of psoriasis in the offspring, in cohort analyses for data from the year of enrolment and cross-sectional analyses from the year of the 11-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Maternal age at birth, maternal educational attainment and equivalized household income were inversely associated with psoriasis in the offspring. Low maternal educational attainment was associated with offspring psoriasis [adjusted OR 1·62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·20-2·18] after adjusting for maternal psoriasis and age in the cohort analysis. The crude OR of psoriasis in offspring of mothers in the highest quartile compared with mothers in the lowest quartile of equivalized household income was 0·57 (95% CI 0·43-0·76), and the adjusted OR was 0·59 (95% CI 0·44-0·80) after adjusting for maternal psoriasis and age. Similar results were observed for data on maternal socioeconomic position at enrolment and at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A steep social gradient in paediatric-onset psoriasis was observed. Maternal socioeconomic position may play a role in early-life exposure to modifiable risk factors for psoriasis. Future studies may help to elucidate which biological factors mediate the social gradient observed in our study.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Bleeding Peptic Ulcers: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicenter study, which investigated all patients who underwent TAE for the treatment of severe upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from peptic ulcers in five European centers, between January 1, 2012 and May 1, 2017. All patients had undergone failed endoscopic hemostasis. Forty-four patients (male; mean age 74.0 ± 11.1 years, range 49-94), with bleeding from duodenum (36/44; 81.8%) or gastric ulcer (8/44; 18.2%) were followed up to 3.5 years (range 2-1354 days). In 42/44 cases, bleeding was confirmed by pre-procedural CT angiography. In 50% of the cases, coils were deployed, while in the remaining glue, microparticles, gel foam and combinations of the above were used. The study's outcome measures were 30-day survival technical success (occlusion of feeding vessel and/or no extravasation at completion DSA), overall survival, bleeding relapse and complication rates.

RESULTS

The technical success was 100%. The 30-day survival rate was 79.5% (35/44 cases). No patients died due to ongoing or recurrent hemorrhage. Re-bleeding occurred in 2/44 cases (4.5%) and was successfully managed with repeat TAE (one) or surgery (one). The rate of major complications was 4.5% (2/44; one acute pancreatitis and one partial pancreatic ischemia), successfully managed conservatively. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis survival was 71.9% at 3.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE for the treatment of PUB was technically successful in all cases and resulted in high clinical success rate. Minimal re-bleeding rates further highlight the utility of TAE as the second line treatment of choice, after failed endoscopy.

Is there a role for perfusion imaging in assessing treatment response following ablative therapy of small renal masses-A systematic review

Aims

Ablation therapies are an innovative nephron-sparing alternative to radical nephrectomy for early stage renal cancers, although determination of treatment success is challenging. We aimed to undertake a systematic review of the literature to determine whether assessment of tumour perfusion may improve response assessment or alter clinical management when compared to standard imaging.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists performed independent primary literature searches for perfusion imaging in response assessment following ablative therapies (radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy) focused on renal tumours.

Results

5 of 795 articles were eligible, totaling 110 patients. The study designs were heterogeneous with different imaging techniques, perfusion calculations, reference standard and follow-up periods. All studies found lower perfusion following treatment, with a return of ‘high grade’ perfusion in the 7/110 patients with residual or recurrent tumour. One study found perfusion curves were different between successfully ablated regions and residual tumour.

Conclusions

Studies were limited by small sample size and heterogeneous methodology. No studies have investigated the impact of perfusion imaging on management. This review highlights the current lack of evidence for perfusion imaging in response assessment following renal ablation, however it suggests that there may be a future role. Further prospective research is required to address this.

Interventional radiology in breast cancer

Molecular profiling of metastatic disease may greatly influence the systemic therapy recommended by oncologists and chosen by patients, allowing treatment to be more targeted. Comprehensive care of patients with advanced breast cancer now includes percutaneous image-guided biopsy if this has the potential to influence systemic treatment [1]. Interventional radiologists can contribute significantly to the care of patients affected by breast cancer, in diagnostic and supportive procedures and importantly also in treatment. Interventional radiologists carry out image guided percutaneous biopsies not only of the primary tumour but also of metastases. They insert percutaneous ports and tunnelled central venous catheters. They ablate painful bone metastases, and can treat or prevent pathological fractures. Most importantly they can ablate liver metastases in patients with limited or oligometastatic disease. The inhomogeneity and variety of cell populations in metastatic tumours from breast cancer, which is an important consideration in systemic therapy, is not an important consideration in the treatment of metastatic tumours using percutaneous ablative techniques, which are the major focus of this article. The treatment of primary tumours in the breast is also being explored, but is considered in its infancy at this stage.

Prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in Northern Ghana

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) which affects approximately one in every thousand pregnancies. The estimates, however, varies from country to country with countries implementing national programmes on folic acid fortification recording lower estimates. Neural tube defects are a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low-middle income countries such as Ghana. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in the only tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. This was a 4-year retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2014. Data regarding the age, sex, clinical diagnosis, and treatment outcomes were all retrieved from the registry of medical records using a simple data form designed for this study. During the study period, there were 35,426 deliveries at the facility with 57 cases of neural tube defects, thus giving a prevalence of 1.6 per 1000 births. They were more males than females with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1. All cases were diagnosed at birth. All the cases reported in this study were open neural tube defect (NTD). The most common defect was hydrocephalus occurring in 33 patients representing 57.9%, with spinal bifida occurring in 21 patients representing 38.6%. Encephalocele or cranium bifida occurred in only 5.3% (3 patients). Among the spinal bifida cases, myelomeningocele occurred in 13 patients (59.1%), with meningocele occurring in 8 patients (40.9%). Case fatality was about 15% of diagnosed cases. The prevalence of NTDs in this study is relatively high compared to earlier studies but, is consistent with other findings in the subregion. Prenatal screening and diagnosis are highly recommended since most women undergo routine ultrasonography as part of antenatal service.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(1), 18-23Keywords: neural tube defect, prevalence, spinal bifida, Northern Ghana