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Biomedical subjects

N Krishnani

Publications and source records attributed to N Krishnani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Arthritis as presenting manifestation of pure neuritic leprosy--a rheumatologist's dilemma.

OBJECTIVES: Leprosy classically presents with cutaneous and neurological manifestations. In diagnosed cases of leprosy, rheumatological involvement varies from 1% to 70%. A primary articular presentation without cutaneous manifestations is not yet known. Herein, we present our experience of five cases of leprosy that presented with predominant articular involvement in the absence of cutaneous manifestations. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, one of the nine endemic states in India. Case records of patients with a definite diagnosis of leprosy were screened for the presenting manifestations, pattern of articular involvement, tenosynovitis, neurological signs and symptoms. Reports of nerve conduction study (NCS), nerve and synovial biopsy and other diagnostic tests were retrieved from laboratory records. Available radiographs were examined for evidence of juxta-articular osteopenia and erosions. RESULTS: Case records of 11,740 patients were screened, of which 28 had a diagnosis of leprosy. Twenty patients had presented with rheumatological complaints primarily. Five of the patients who presented with inflammatory arthritis with/without tenosynovitis (n = 4) and tenosynovitis alone (n = 1) had pure neuritic leprosy. All of these patients had thickened peripheral nerves and abnormal NCS. Sural nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of leprosy in all these cases. CONCLUSION: A combination of tenosynovitis and thickened nerves in association with symmetric polyarthritis should raise a suspicion of leprosy even in the absence of cutaneous features.

Adult↗

MUC 1 core protein as a marker of gallbladder malignancy.

AIM: The significance of MUC 1 expression in the gallbladder tissues in relation to cancer and non-cancer disease is not well understood. The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of MUC 1 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A monoclonal antibody (CA 15--3; DF 3) was applied to stain MUC 1 core protein in surgical specimens. RESULTS: MUC 1 expression is significantly higher (p<0.0001) in gallbladder cancer (69/88) compare to non-cancerous tissue, while, very trace in normal and inflammatory tissues. The expression rate was significantly lower (p<0.0001) when the cancer did not penetrate the mucosal layer than when cancers did penetrate this layer. The MUC 1 expression rate was (4/14) in T1 tumours, (11/14) in T4, (40/45) in T3, and (14/15) in T2, respectively. Every cell of normal and inflammatory mucosa, and T1 cancers had the polarized pattern. The depolarized pattern was dominant in cancer cells from the advanced tumours of T2, T3 and T4. That is, (45/74) of cancer cells from the mucosal layer and (58/74) of penetrating cancer cells in submucosal layer had the depolarized pattern. There was no significant correlation of MUC 1 expression rate and staining pattern with cancer differentiation and microscopic venous invasion. On the other hand, lymphatic vessel invasion was significantly correlated with the staining pattern but not with expression rate. CONCLUSION: MUC 1 core protein expression rate and pattern are suggesting that MUC 1 core protein would be a marker of malignant transformation of gallbladder epithelium and its depolarized expression would also be a marker of invasion of gallbladder cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Correlation of esophageal pH and motor abnormalities with endoscopic severity of reflux esophagitis.

Motility abnormalities, common in gastroesophageal reflux disease, are likely to be related to endoscopic esophagitis. We studied pH and manometry parameters in relation to the severity of esophagitis. Forty-seven patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease for > 3 months were evaluated by: (i) endoscopy (grading of esophagitis by Savary-Miller classification); (ii) mucosal biopsy; (iii) manometry; and (iv) 24-h pH-metry. We found Savary-Miller's grades of: 0 (9 patients out of 47), I (16/47), II (16/47), III (4/47), IV (2/47). Distal esophageal contraction amplitude was lower in severe (grade II to IV) as compared with mild (grade 0 and I) esophagitis (49 [7-182] versus 83 [27-196] mmHg [P = 0.001]). The length and pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), duration and velocity of contraction in the body, number of episodes of reflux and long-duration reflux, longest reflux, median pH, per cent of time with pH < 4 and DeMeester scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The area under pH 4 showed a negative correlation with LES pressure and amplitude of distal esophageal contractions. We conclude that higher endoscopic grades of esophagitis are associated with lower amplitude of contraction in distal esophagus. Lower LES pressure and distal esophageal contraction amplitude are associated with greater area under curve for pH below 4.

Adolescent↗

Primary Sjogren's syndrome: rarity in India.

OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is rarely reported from India. We have studied the clinical spectrum and immunological profile of patients with primary SS. METHODS: A prospective analysis of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome fulfilling San Francisco criteria, seen at our clinic in the last 10 years was carried out. RESULTS: The study included 26 patients, 21 being women. The presenting symptoms included dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis/arthralgia. Extra-glandular manifestations were glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, renal tubular acidosis and peripheral neuropathy. The important laboratory abnormalities were hypergammaglobulinaemia (16/20), antinuclear antibodies (18/26), anti-La (11/19) and anti-Ro (10/19). Minor salivary gland provided a definitive diagnosis in 16/26 (60%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of primary Sjogren's syndrome is rare even in tertiary care rheumatology clinics. The clinical and immunological profile as seen here is similar to that reported in Western countries.

Adult↗

Autoimmune liver disease in children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) in children progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure if not diagnosed and managed in time. We prospectively analyzed our patients with liver disease for autoimmune etiology and their outcome with treatment. METHODS: All patients with liver disease were evaluated with liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography, endoscopy, liver biopsy, viral markers and investigations for Wilson's disease. Immunoglobin (Ig)M hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus (HEV) and IgM hepatitis B core antibody were tested if acute viral hepatitis was suspected. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), antismooth muscle antibody (SMA), and liver kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM-1) were done in all cases. Autoimmune liver disease was diagnosed when one or more autoantibodies tested positive (> 1:40), and no other etiology of liver disease was identified. We also applied criteria proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. Cases diagnosed to have AILD were treated with immunosuppressive drugs. RESULTS: Autoimmune liver disease constituted 3.9% (6/153; median age and duration of illness 8.5 years and 3 months, respectively) of chronic liver disease cases. Four patients had acute hepatitis-like presentation. Of the six cases, two each were ANA and SMA +; one was anti-LKM-1 +, and the other was positive for both SMA and anti-LKM-1. Three of the patients achieved remission with combination therapy of oral prednisolone (OP) and azathioprine (AZT), and one with only OP. The other two patients were not treated. Two of the patients in remission have been weaned off from immunosuppressive therapy, and one is in a withdrawal phase. Another patient, while in biochemical remission developed superimposed anicteric acute HEV infection. CONCLUSION: Although AILD is uncommon in children, its search is rewarding, as remission is achieved with immunosuppressive therapy. Superimposed acute viral hepatitis can occur in endemic areas.

Adolescent↗

Spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two pediatric patients (4 and 5 years of age) with spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts located at the cervical and dorsal cord are reported here. One patient was admitted with subtle signs, while the other had disabling spastic quadriparesis. In both patients, MRI depicted a well-demarcated, localized, nonenhancing intramedullary lesion isointense with CSF on T(1)- and T(2)-weighted images. Total excision of the covering membrane of the cyst was not possible in either case. The child with spastic quadriparesis had a remarkable recovery, while the subtle signs of the other patient regained normalcy at the follow-up of 4 and 5 months, respectively.

Child, Preschool↗

Squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid gland.

We present the clinical manifestation, management and outcome in two cases of squamous cell cancer arising in the thyroid gland which is a rare entity. Both cases had advanced disease invading adjacent structures. At the followup of three to six months, one patient developed recurrence and died.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Coeliac disease in Indian children: assessment of clinical, nutritional and pathologic characteristics.

Coeliac disease is an important cause of chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive, and anaemia in children. Little information on the disease is available in India. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, clinical, anthropometric and histological profiles of coeliac disease in patients attending a tertiary referral centre in India. Coeliac disease was diagnosed in 42 (16.6%) of 246 children with chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive, and anaemia. The mean ages at onset of symptoms and at diagnosis were 2.4 (range 0.5-10) years and 8.3 (range 3-14) years respectively, and a mean period of delay in diagnosis was 5.9 (range 1-13.5) years. Of the 42 cases, history of failure to thrive was observed in 38 (90%), chronic diarrhoea in 37 (88%), and anaemia in 6 cases. Short stature, under-nutrition, anaemia, oedema of feet, rickets, clubbing of fingers, features of vitamin A deficiency, and B-vitamin deficiency were found in 42, 26, 38, 9, 8, 6, 3, and 2 cases respectively. Onset of symptoms, such as, chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive, was earlier in children with subtotal villous atrophy than in those with partial villous atrophy (mean +/- SD; 2.00 +/- 1.46 years vs 3.30 +/- 2.72 years; p < 0.05). Results of the study suggest that coeliac disease is not uncommon in Indian children. Coeliac disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in children without any symptoms of diarrhoea.

Adolescent↗

Parathyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare tumor with an incidence of 0.5 to 4%. Preoperative differentiation from benign adenoma is very difficult. Several features, though nonspecific, have been used in differentiating parathyroid carcinoma from the adenoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis during the period of nine years, four cases of parathyroid carcinoma were diagnosed on the basis of per-operative local invasion and on histological evidence of capsular invasion and vascular invasion. RESULT: We have different observations to make. Diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma which was done on the basis of intra operative suspicion only. One patient died on 6th post operative day due to development of pancreatitis. At the follow-up of two years there was no local recurrence or distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: It is preferable to have a high index of suspicion for parathyroid carcinoma when these features are present than to miss the opportunity for surgical cure by failing to consider it in the differential diagnosis.

Adenoma↗

Cyclooxygenase expression in the gallbladder.

The COX expressions were evaluated separately in the epithelium and in the stroma of gallbladder cancer, chronic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and the normal gallbladder. In normal gallbladder COX-2 expression rate was significantly higher in the epithelium than in the stroma. The COX-2 expression rate in the epithelium of non-cancerous adjacent epithelium to cancerous lesion was significantly lower than those not only of cancer, but also chronic cholecystitis, XGC and normal gallbladder. In stroma, the COX-2 expression rate in cancer, chronic cholecystitis and XGC were significantly higher than that of the normal gallbladder. The rate in non-cancerous adjacent stroma to cancer is significantly lower than that of cancer and XGC. However, the difference of rate between of normal and of chronic cholecystitis was not significant. The COX-2 expression rates were significantly higher in both the epithelium and the stroma in the well and moderately differentiated cancer group than in the poorly and undifferentiated cancer group. Our results suggest that COX-2 expression in the gallbladder may be regulated by various factors and not directly related to carcinogenesis. The significance of its repression in the non-cancerous adjacent tissue to cancer lesion should be re-evaluated.

Cholecystitis↗

Infected Ewing's sarcoma of spine.

An unusual case of extradural, intraspinal Ewing's sarcoma with significant extraspinal extension is reported. In view of associated constitutional symptoms, suggestive signs, leucocytosis, elevated ESR and operative findings, the initial diagnosis of Pott's spine was entertained. The lesion however turned out to be infected Ewing's sarcoma on histopathology and bacteriological examination.

Child↗

Duodenogastric reflux after choledochoduodenostomy.

Duodenogastric reflux (DGR) has been implicated in several disease processes. The present study was carried out to document the incidence and evaluate the clinical significance of DGR after choledochoduodenostomy (CDD). A total of 13 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy with a standard side-to-side CDD for choledocholithiasis or chronic pancreatitis were studied by symptom evaluation, scintigraphy, endoscopy, and gastric mucosal histology at least 6 months after surgery. The scintigraphic findings were then compared with those of 10 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy alone. Only two patients (15%) had mild dyspeptic symptoms. The incidence of DGR after CDD was 69% compared to 20% in the cholecystectomy alone group (P < 0.05). In the majority of patients the DGR was only mild to moderate and the severity correlated well with the degree of endoscopic gastritis, but not with the clinical symptoms or histological findings. These results indicate that while CDD is associated with a high incidence of DGR, its occurrence does not produce significant clinical symptoms.

Adult↗

Multiple infected extradural parasellar hydatid cysts.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hydatid disease constitutes 1%-2% of all cases of hydatid disease. Multiple, infected, extradural, parasellar hydatid cysts in a patient constitutes an extremely rare presentation. CASE REPORT: This 21-year-old man presented with a progressive left supraclavicular swelling of 3 years duration and raised intracranial pressure of 6 months duration with a past history of left-sided chronic suppurative otitis media that had resolved with antibiotics. On neurologic examination, he had bilateral deterioration of vision with optic atrophy; right temporal field defect; left III, IV, VI, VI, and V2 cranial nerves palsy; and left ear conductive deafness. The patient's E.S.R was raised. His computed tomography (CT) scan showed a hypodense, lobulated lesion in the middle cranial fossa with a hypodense, nonenhancing rim, septations, and focal calcification without perifocal edema. A purulent fluid was aspirated from the left supraclavicular swelling, which did not reveal any organism on staining and culture. Aspiration of the left temporal swelling showed whitish watery fluid, the cytology of which revealed an infected hydatid cyst. Excision of the left temporal extradural, hydatid cysts was done, except the portion of the capsule adherent to the dura, and albendazole was started. One month later, the supraclavicular hydatid cysts were removed. Six months later, a left mastoidectomy was performed for chronic suppurative otitis media. A repeat CT scan showed complete resolution of the hydatid cysts. There was no recurrence at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A rare case of multiple infected extradural hydatid cysts of the parasellar region is reported. The unusual CT picture of a hypodense lobulated mass with septations and a hyperdense rims is presented. The difficulties in its complete excision and successful management with long-term albendazole therapy are discussed.

Adult↗

Problems in distinguishing spinal tuberculosis from neoplasia on MRI.

We reviewed MRI studies of 60 patients presenting with extradural compressive myeloradiculopathy secondary to vertebral disease to assess the imaging features which may help in differentiating tuberculous from neoplastic disease. Spin-echo T1-, proton density-and T2-weighted images were available for all patients and fast low-angle shot images with a low flip angle for 21 patients. Contrast-enhanced images were available for 28 patients. There were 41 patients with tuberculosis and 19 patients with neoplastic disease (metastases 11, lymphoma 6, plasmacytoma 1, and giant cell tumour 1). Discovertebral disease with or without involvement of the posterior arch was a feature not only of tuberculous spondylitis (30 patients) but also of metastases (6). The remaining 11 patients with tuberculosis had "atypical" involvement (vertebral body with or without posterior arch in 8 and posterior arch alone in 3) described as typical of neoplasms. This "typical" involvement was seen in metastases (5), lymphoma (6) and the 2 primary bone tumours. The presence of an abscess helped in differentiating tuberculosis from neoplasia in 22 of the 41 patients with tuberculosis and was absent in all with neoplasms. The presence of bone fragments in 16 patients (8 with and 8 without an abscess) was found to be specific for tuberculosis. In the absence of an abscess or bone fragments, image-guided biopsy is essential to establish the diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗