Comparison of international guidelines for CT prior to lumbar puncture in patients with suspected meningitis.

Purpose: To compare the performance of multiple international guidelines in selecting patients for head CT prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in suspected meningitis, focusing on identification of potential contraindications to immediate LP.

Methods: Retrospective study of 196 patients with suspected meningitis presenting to an emergency department between March 2013 and March 2023 and undergoing head CT prior to LP. UK Joint Specialist Society Guidelines (UK), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines were evaluated by cross-referencing imaging criteria with clinical characteristics present at time of presentation.

Ureteroinguinal herniation complicated by obstructive uropathy and pyelonephritis.

Herniation of the ureters into the inguinal canal is a rare but recognized phenomenon. It may be noted incidentally on cross-sectional imaging, or when it presents with complications such as obstruction or infection. It is important to highlight the finding when present, as surgical intervention will be required in the majority of cases.

Endoscopy training through the COVID-19 pandemic: maintaining procedural volumes and key performance standards.

Objective: Endoscopy departments have experienced considerable challenges in the provision of endoscopy services since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several studies have reported a reduction of procedures performed by trainee endoscopists during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on colonoscopy training and quality in an academic centre throughout successive waves of the pandemic.

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Diabetic Retinopathy: Good, Bad, or Both?

Bariatric surgery, initially intended as a weight-loss procedure, is superior to standard lifestyle intervention and pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. Intensive medical management of hyperglycemia is associated with improved microvascular outcomes. Whether or not the reduction in hyperglycemia observed after bariatric surgery translates to improved microvascular outcomes is yet to be determined.