CT features with histopathological correlation in inflammatory versus benign & malignant neoplastic appendiceal mucoceles: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background & Objectives: Differentiation of histologic subtypes of appendiceal mucoceles may prove to be difficult on computed tomography (CT). The main objective of this study was to identify the CT features of mucocele of the appendix and correlate the imaging findings with histopathology in inflammatory, benign, and malignant neoplastic lesions, and whether these entities can be accurately differentiated on CT imaging.

Materials And Methods: CT scans of 31 patients with diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele were retrospectively reviewed and compared with histopathology.

Hepatitis B virus infection and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: Rising pandemic with complex interaction.

Due to sedentary lifestyle and rising prevalence of obesity, patients with general population and those who are infected with chronic hepatitis B are found to have metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Both chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and MASLD can damage hepatocytes in their own way, but concomitant HBV-MASLD has its own clinical implications. Cherry on top is the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension or obesity which added more chances of unfavorable outcomes in these patients.

The burden of cutaneous fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Objective: In Pakistan, the real extent of fungal infection is unknown. Our objective was to estimate the burden of major fungal diseases here to emphasize their public health importance.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records (January 2019 - December 2019) of 863 patients diagnosed with superficial fungal infection (SFI) were reviewed at the dermatology department of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi.

Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy and Puerperium: Assessing Maternal and Fetal Impact, Etiologies, and Clinical Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.

Introduction The association of acute pancreatitis with adverse obstetric outcomes remains subject to great controversy. Outcomes are affected by the standard of care available, and hence, will be better in developed countries than in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and treatment of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) and its associated maternal and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Smokeless tobacco: knowledge, attitudes and usage in Pakistan.

Background: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) encompasses products that are not burnt but instead consumed orally or nasally. One-third of tobacco is consumed in the smokeless form in South Asia. Despite its widespread usage, there has been limited empirical research on the prevalence and factors influencing SLT consumption in Pakistan.

Risk Factors for Delayed (>30 Days) Readmission Following Rectal Cancer Surgery.

Introduction: Unplanned, delayed readmissions (>30 ds) following oncologic surgeries can increase mortality and care costs and affect hospital quality indices. However, there is a dearth of literature on rectal cancer surgery. Hence, we aimed to assess the risk factors associated with delayed readmissions following rectal cancer surgery to improve targeted interventions, patient outcomes, and quality indices.

Perspectives of medical students on the implementation of sub-internship rotation in year 5 surgical clerkship: A brief report from a private medical college in Pakistan.

This study aims to explore the perspectives of medical students on the newly introduced Surgical Sub-internship (SI) rotation in year 5 Surgical Clerkship. This cross-sectional study was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from September 2022 to September 2023. A self-designed 5-point Likert scale-based evaluation form was created to explore students' perspectives regarding their one-week Surgical SI rotation.

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care in Africa and Quality of Life, Symptoms, Patient Experience, and Caregiver Distress Among Patients With Cancer.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care (ECHO-PC; ECHO Model-Based comprehensive educational and telementoring intervention) for health care professionals (HCPs) and change in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]) among patients with advanced cancer. We also examined the association between ECHO-PC and changes in symptom distress (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), patient experience and satisfaction, and caregiver distress scores.

Methods: ECHO-PC Clinic sessions were conducted twice a month for 1 year by an interdisciplinary team of PC clinicians at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with participation of experts in PC in sub-Saharan Africa, using standardized curriculum on the basis of PC needs in the region.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Hyperdense Artery Sign in Early Detection of Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Validation Study.

Background: Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on a non-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan is considered an important radiological marker in detecting acute arterial thrombotic occlusion, and it is one of the earliest signs of ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This finding has been observed within 90 min of symptom onset. Modern approaches to patients with cerebral infarction emphasize early diagnosis and management.

Medulloblastoma Molecular Subgrouping and Outcomes Data of a Single Center From a Low- and Middle-Income Country.

Introduction: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. Molecular subgrouping of MB has become a major determinant of management in high-income countries. Subgrouping is still very limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and its relevance to management with the incorporation of risk stratification (low risk, standard risk, high risk, and very high risk) has yet to be evaluated in this setting.

Association between procedure duration and adverse events in congenital cardiac catheterization.

Background: Procedure duration is an important predictor of patient outcomes in surgery. However, the relationship between procedure duration and adverse events in congenital cardiac catheterization is largely unexplored.

Methods: All cases entered into the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes from 2014 to 2017 were included.

From Pixels to Prognosis: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Models in Brain Tumour Mutation Prediction.

Brain tumours are a leading cause of death and disability, impacting individuals across all ages, genders, and ethnicities. They are primarily diagnosed using MRI but a precise diagnosis is dependent on the molecular biology of the tumour studied on the pathological specimen. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are forging new paths through diagnostic obstacles, offering the intriguing benefits of non-invasive diagnosis, pattern recognition, and outcome prediction from imaging data.

Biobanking of human teeth for stem cell storage: Preserving stem cells for future needs.

Human teeth serves as a potential reservoir for postembryonic mesenchymal dental stem cells. Researchers have identified and isolated seven types of dental stem cells from pulp and periodontal ligament tissues. These cells have a wide range of clinical applications across the fields of medicine and dentistry due to their increased proliferative nature.

Tele-Dermatology during crisis, comparison of patients' perspective between tele and onsite clinics.

Objective: To assess patients' satisfaction with tele-dermatology versus face-to-face visits, and to identify their attitude toward the new modality.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2021 at the Department of Dermatology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patients of either gender. Those who opted to personally visit the outpatient department were placed in group A, while those opting for tele-dermatology were placed in group B.

Teaching and Learning During the Time of Turbulence: Faculty and Residents Perspective.

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Pattern of Referral of Patients with COVID-19 for Psychiatric Consultation: Experience at a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine referral patterns for psychiatric consultations among COVID-19 patients encompassing both the in-patient and Emergency Department of a multidisciplinary hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review. Place and Duration of the Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from March 2020 to December 2021.

A rare case of endo-bronchial lipoma presenting with vague cardiac symptoms.

Endobronchial lipoma is an extremely rare benign tumor, accounting for 0.1%-0.5% of all lung tumors.

Frequency and Impact of Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Patients With High-Grade Glioma, a Retrospective Analysis of 7 Years in Pakistan: an IRRDC Study.

Purpose: Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome among children and young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of CMMRD among patients with pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) in a single tertiary care center in Pakistan, a country with high consanguinity rates.

Patients And Methods: We reviewed the data of patients age <18 years with pHGG, anaplastic astrocytoma, and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) with CMMRD testing between 2016 and 2023.

Outcomes following CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas-a large single-centre study.

Introduction: The role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in pituitary adenomas (PAs) is evolving especially considering its safety. Existing literature is hampered by limited sample sizes and short-term follow-ups, impeding its preeminence in the clinical and radiological outcomes. We propose a comprehensive, single-centred study to evaluate the outcomes following CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (CK SRS) for PAs in a larger patient population, incorporating meticulous clinical and radiological follow-up.

Precision medicine and patient outcomes in intensive care unit: Culture sensitivity, antibiotics, and APACHE score IV.

Background: In the intensive care unit (ICU), complex medical conditions require specialized care; the threat of antibiotic resistance is significant due to frequent antibiotic use. This study investigates the pivotal role of culture sensitivity testing in shaping antibiotic prescription practices and patient outcomes in ICUs.

Materials And Methods: By using a prospective observational-analytical design, medical data from 640 patients at a Karachi hospital for one year in 2022 were utilized.

Comparison of opportunities and perceptions towards neurosurgery between the public and private sector in Pakistan: a national survey of medical students and recent graduates.

Public and private medical institutes must adhere to the same standards of quality set by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC). However, studies have noted varied learning environments. The current study aims to assess opportunities and compare the differences in perceptions between the two sectors.

Formulation of Quality Improvement Methodology for Risk Mitigation in Congenital Cardiac Catheterization.

The C3PO collaborative, with a history of successful quality improvement (QI) initiatives, leveraged registry participants to develop a multi-center QI initiative to reduce adverse events (AEs) in congenital cardiac catheterization. A 32-person, interdisciplinary working group analyzed audited data for all congenital cardiac catheterization cases from 2014-2017. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any high-severity (level 3/4/5) AE.