Histopathological spectrum of 364 prostatic specimens including immunohistochemistry with special reference to grey zone lesions.

Purpose: Prostatic lesions on routine staining sometimes cause a diagnostic dilemma, especially when malignant tissue is limited and is mixed with benign prostatic glands or because of the presence of benign mimickers of carcinoma. The application of immunohistochemistry contributes a valuable differential diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate a complete spectrum of various prostatic lesions and to supplement the histopathological diagnosis with immunohistochemistry in suspicious or atypical cases.

Role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy and utility of bronchial washings and brushings in the diagnosis of lung diseases.

Transbronchial lung biopsy via fiberoptic bronchoscope is an extremely useful technique by which bronchial as well as lung biopsies along with brushings and washings can be easily and safely taken. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) was performed and biopsies were done in 250 patients. In addition, bronchial brushings and washings were also taken in 140 and 115 cases, respectively.

Histopathological analysis of chronic gastritis and correlation of pathological features with each other and with endoscopic findings.

Chronic gastritis is a very common disorder which is commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori. Histopathological examination is the mainstay of the diagnosis. We evaluated 300 gastric antral biopsies using revised Sydney system and concluded that it helps to analyse gastric biopsies in a very comprehensive manner.

Comparison of smear cytology with histopathology of the CT guided stereotactic brain biopsy.

The study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of cytological diagnosis of CNS lesions by comparing it with the final histopathological diagnosis of CT guided stereotactic brain biopsy. Squash preparations were prepared from 25 cases of CNS lesions operated in two years. These included 18 astrocytomas, 1 metastatic deposits, 1 epidermoid cyst, 1 Toxoplasmosis, 1 granulomatous inflammation and 3 cases showing normal brain parenchyma.

Pattern of ocular manifestations in patients with sarcoidosis in developing countries.

Purpose: Sarcoidosis is increasingly diagnosed in developing countries, although it was earlier thought to be uncommon. We describe the pattern of ocular manifestations in sarcoidosis in India.

Methods: A total of 48 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed sarcoidosis, referred to a teaching university hospital, underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination, irrespective of whether they had eye symptoms or not.

Invasive fungal sinusitis of isolated sphenoid sinus in immunocompetent subjects.

Invasive fungal sinusitis of the paranasal sinuses in a healthy immunocompetent person is uncommon. Isolated involvement of any paranasal sinus, particularly sphenoid sinus is rare. In this study, five immunocompetent patients who had no nasal complaints but obscure symptoms of headache and orbital symptoms such as diplopia, retro-orbital pain and loss of vision were diagnosed to be having fulminant fungal sinusitis of the sphenoid sinus.

Chronic hepatitis C in northern India--the pathological and clinical spectrum.

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse the morphology, clinical presentation and predisposing factors for chronic hepatitis C infection.

Methods: Clinical presentation of 220 patients who presented with hepatitis C virus infection over five years period (January 1996 to December 2000) were recorded. Liver biopsy specimens from 80 adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus were evaluated using a semiquantitative scoring system.

Adult celiac disease in northern India.

Objective: To study the presentation of adult celiac disease in a northern Indian hospital.

Methods: Case records of all patients diagnosed as having adult celiac disease in the Gastroenterology unit of this hospital during January 1996 till December 2001 were reviewed. Celiac disease was diagnosed according to the revised ESPGAN criteria.

The beneficial effect of azathioprine on maintenance of remission in severe ulcerative colitis.

Background: The search is on to find more effective drug regimens for patients with severe ulcerative colitis, as conventional drugs such as sulfasalazine and its congeners fail to prevent relapse in a significant number of patients. Azathioprine has also been reported to be useful as a steroid-sparing drug in patients who suffer from frequent relapses. As these drugs when used individually fail to sustain remission in a significant number of patients, we evaluated the combination of these two drugs.