Cognitive Dysfunction in Unipolar Depression.

Background: Cognitive dysfunctions play a critical role in the psychopathology of depression. They regulate various psychosocial and functional outcomes and affect workplace functionality, productivity, and relapses. An objective evaluation of affected cognitive domains is germane in understanding the relapses and functional recovery in depression.

Two cases of pancreatic tuberculosis in immunocompetent individuals presenting as diabetes mellitus: An overview of clinical features, diagnosis and management.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) disease is a major global health problem affecting 10.6 million people worldwide, and India alone contributes 28% to this burden. Pancreatic TB is considered an extremely rare entity which closely mimics pancreatic carcinoma.

Trabeculectomy with Ologen implant versus trabeculectomy with P 50 Ex-PRESS shunt in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Background: This is the first randomized controlled trial of trabeculectomy with Ex-Press Shunt versus Ologen implant in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Indian eyes.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of patients of POAG treated with two different methods of augmented trabeculectomy. Group A with Ex-PRESS shunt (P50 model) and Group B with Ologen implant.

Clinical Analysis of Propofol, Etomidate and an Admixture of Etomidate and Propofol for Induction of General Anaesthesia.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcome following induction of general anaesthesia with intravenous (IV) injection of propofol (P), etomidate (E) or a 50% admixture of propofol and etomidate (PE).

Methods: In this prospective, randomised, double-blind controlled study, patients 18-60 years of age who were undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia were randomised to receive either propofol 2.5 mg kg IV (group P; n=30), etomidate 0.

Tubercular spondylitis: A review of MRI findings in 80 cases.

Background: Tuberculosis of spine is known as tubercular spondylitis or Pott's spine. The vertebral involvement leads to various pathological processes such as abscess formation, cord compression, and gibbus deformity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice which not only helps in diagnosing a case of Pott's spine but also gives valuable information about its impending complications, thereby, aiding in management of these cases.

Clinical mimics of acute appendicitis: Is there any role of imaging?

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common surgical emergency. Accurate and timely diagnosis of AA is essential for successful outcome. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, exclusion of AA as well as diagnosing alternative clinical conditions which can closely simulate AA.

'Empty sella' on routine MRI studies: An incidental finding or otherwise?

Background: Empty sella (ES) has been regarded as an incidental finding. Recently, there have been studies documenting association of ES with hormonal and non-hormonal abnormalities. To detect the prevalence of empty sella in routine MRI brain study and to find associations with other diseases.

Virtual bronchoscopy in the era of multi-detector computed tomography: Is there any reality?

Virtual bronchoscopy, in conjunction with axial and MPR MDCT images, can enhance diagnostic accuracy of tracheo-bronchial endoluminal pathologies. We describe a few cases highlighting the utility of virtual bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of varied tracheo-bronchial pathologies encountered in the setting of a tertiary care Armed Forces Hospital of India.

Continuous positive airway pressure for spontaneously breathing premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: To analyze the outcome of inborn preterm neonates with respiratory-distress-syndrome (RDS), using the approach of administering nasal-continuous-positive-airway-pressure (CPAP) alone and administering surfactant only if they require mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods: All preterm neonates diagnosed as RDS from 01-May-2006 to 10-July-2010 were prospectively enrolled for the study at a referral centre in India. Nasal-CPAP alone was administered to all spontaneously breathing neonates.

Impact of Protective Footwear on Floor and Air Contamination of Intensive Care Units.

Background: Use of protective footwear before entering the intensive care units is enforced with the assumption that it lowers the incidence of bacterial floor colonization. The present study was carried out to find the efficacy of protective footwear on bacterial floor colonization.

Methods: The study was carried out in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.

Outbreak of Pneumococcal Pneumonia among Military Recruits.

Background: Between 04 Mar 2002 to 21 Mar 2002, 31 cases of pneumonia were admitted at a military hospital in South India. Most of these cases were young recruits. The out break was investigated to ascertain the cause and suggest preventive measures.