Publications by authors named "Hilda Makungu"

Background: Epilepsy contributes to high morbidity among children and adolescents in developing countries. A quarter of all children with epilepsy will be resistant to anti-seizure medications (ASMs), with associated neurocognitive impairments and risk of higher mortality. This study aimed to estimate and characterize drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) (defined as failure to achieve sustained remission after adequate trials of two tolerated and appropriately chosen ASMs) and its associated factors among children and adolescents with epilepsies attending the pediatric neurology clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

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The aim of this study was to determine the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) in adult patients during digital radiography and to evaluate the optimisation potential in five common X-ray examinations in Tanzania. Based on a sample of 240-610 patients, ESAK was estimated using X-ray tube output measurements, patient information and backscatter factors. The results show that the mean ESAK values were higher or comparable to data from the literature.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study aimed to assess the optimization of common computed tomography (CT) procedures by measuring the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) during various examinations.
  • - Results indicated that variations in CTDIvol and DLP were primarily due to differences in the techniques employed, with specific values established for different CT procedures across multiple hospitals.
  • - The findings, including key CTDIvol values (40.9, 9.0, 9.4, and 16.2 mGy) and corresponding DLP values (900, 360, 487, and 721 mGy.cm), provide a foundation for enhancing the optimization of CT procedures in the country.
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Dissemination of the cysticerci throughout the body with cardiopulmonary involvement represents a very rare occurrence and an uncommon form of cysticercosis manifestation. We report a rare case of a 48-year-old African male from urban Tanzania who was, at first, referred to our radiology department for a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), but incidentally on further evaluation of the patient revealed a history of recurrent convulsions, loss of consciousness, a single episode of temporary loss of vision and recent skin nodules. The value of a full clinical and radiological evaluation of the patient presenting with adult-onset seizures cannot be overemphasized for the diagnosis of this disease.

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Background: Pulmonary artery aneurysms constitute <1% of aneurysms occurring in the thoracic cavity. Congenital cardiac defects are responsible for the majority (>50%) of cases, however, pulmonary artery aneurysm is a rare sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis reported in about 5% of patients with chronic cavitary tuberculosis on autopsy. The natural history of this potentially fatal condition remains poorly understood and guidelines for optimal management are controversial.

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Background: Holoprosencephaly is a rare spectrum of cephalic disorders resulting from a failure or incomplete division of the embryonic forebrain into distinct cerebral hemispheres. It is the most common brain malformation with an incidence of 1:250 during embryogenesis; however, owing to the associated high rates of spontaneous abortion the incidence is 1:16,000 among live deliveries. Pathogenesis of holoprosencephaly is complex and heterogeneous involving genetic abnormalities, teratogenic exposures, and syndromic associations.

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