Subdural effusion associated with COVID-19 encephalopathy: A case report

BACKGROUND The precise mechanism by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)impacts the central nervous system remains unclear,with manifestations spanning from mild symptoms(e.g.,olfactory and gustatory deficits,hallucinations,and headache)to severe complications(e.g.,stroke,seizures,encephalitis,and neurally demyelinating lesions).The occurrence of single-pass subdural effusion,as described below,is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male patient presented with left-sided limb weakness and slurred speech as predominant clinical symptoms.Through comprehensive imaging and diagnostic assessments,he was diagnosed with cerebral infarction complicated by hemorrhagic transformation affecting the right frontal,temporal,and parietal regions.In addition,an intracranial infection with SARS-CoV-2 was identified during the rehabilitation process;consequently,an idiopathic subdural effusion developed.Remarkably,the subdural effusion underwent absorption within 6 d,with no recurrence observed during the 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Subdural effusion is a potentially rare intracranial complication associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Subxyphoid Pericardial Drainage for Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion in Antananarivo

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of pericardial effusion in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnosis and the surgical management of tuberculous pericardial effusion in low-income country. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study performed at Vascular Surgery Unit for 10 years-period (from January 2012 to December 2021), including all cases of drainage of pericardial effusion due to tuberculosis. Results: Sixty-seven cases were recorded, including 38 males (56.71%) and 29 women (43.28%). The average age was 35.47 years old. Patients lived in urban areas in 67.16% of cases. Thirteen patients (13.43%) had a previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The most common risk factors for tuberculosis infection were malnourishment (80.59%), indoor air pollution (77.61%) and close contact with tuberculosis patient (40.29%). The commonest symptom were dyspnea, (95.52%), chest pain (89.55%), fever (67.16%), tachycardia (95.52%) and cough (80.59%). Twenty-seven patients (39.02%) presented clinical signs of cardiac tamponade. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia (97.53%) with microvoltage (39.02%). Chest-X-ray showed cardiomegaly (100%) and pleural effusion (56.71%). Echocardiography showed moderate (43.28%) and large (56.71%) pericardial effusion. All patients underwent subxiphoid pericardial drainage. Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection via GeneXpert test of pericardial effusion were positive in 38.80% of patients. Pericardial biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis in 41.79%. The mortality rate was 8.95%. Conclusion: Subxiphoid pericardial drainage reduced thr risk of cardiac tamponade in patients with massive pericardial effusion. Histopathology of pericardial biopsies made a definitive diagnosis for tuberculosis.

Comparison of efficacy of lung ultrasound and chest X-ray in diagnosing pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients: A single centre, prospective, observational study

Background and Aims While chest X-ray (CXR) has been a conventional tool in intensive care units (ICUs) to identify lung pathologies, computed tomography (CT) scan remains the gold standard. Use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in resource-rich ICUs is still under investigation. The present study compares the utility of LUS to that of CXR in identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients. In addition, consolidation and pneumothorax were analyzed as secondary outcome measures. Material and Methods This is a prospective, single centric, observational study. Patients admitted in ICU were examined for lung pathologies, using LUS by a trained intensivist;and CXR done within 4 hours of each other. The final diagnosis was ascertained by an independent senior radiologist, based on the complete medical chart including clinical findings and the results of thoracic CT, if available. The results were compared and analyzed. Results Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 95%, 94.4%, 94.67% for pleural effusion;and 98.33%, 97.78%, 98.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 48.33%, 76.67%, 65.33% for pleural effusion;and 36.67%, 82.22% and 64.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 91.30%, 96.85%, 96.00% for consolidation;and 100.00%, 79.02%, 80.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 60.87%, 81.10%, 78.00% for consolidation;and 71.3%, 97.20%, 96.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Conclusion LUS has better diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of pleural effusion and pulmonary edema when compared with CXR and is thus recommended as an effective alternative for diagnosis of these conditions in acute care settings. Our study recommends that a thoracic CT scan can be avoided in most of such cases.

Pleural effusion in critically ill patients and intensive care setting

Pleural effusion usually causes a diagnostic dilemma with a long list of differential diagnoses.Many studies found a high prevalence of pleural effusions in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients,with a wide range of variable prevalence rates of up to 50%-60%in some studies.This review emphasizes the importance of pleural effusion diagnosis and management in patients admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU).The original disease that caused pleural effusion can be the exact cause of ICU admission.There is an impairment in the pleural fluid turnover and cycling in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients.There are also many difficulties in diagnosing pleural effusion in the ICU,including clinical,radiological,and even laboratory difficulties.These difficulties are due to unusual presentation,inability to undergo some diagnostic procedures,and heterogenous results of some of the performed tests.Pleural effusion can affect the patient’s outcome and prognosis due to the hemodynamics and lung mechanics changes in these patients,who usually have frequent comorbidities.Similarly,pleural effusion drainage can modify the ICUadmitted patient’s outcome.Finally,pleural effusion analysis can change the original diagnosis in some cases and redirect the management toward a different way.

Development of subdural empyema from subdural effusion after suppurative encephalitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic subdural effusion is very common in the cranial imaging of middle-aged and older people.Herein,we report a patient misdiagnosed with subdural effusion,who was eventually diagnosed with chronic subdural empyema(SDE)caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man was brought to our emergency room with a headache,vomiting,and disturbed consciousness.Computed tomography(CT)revealed a bilateral subdural effusion at the top left side of the frontal lobe.Cerebrospinal fluid examination after lumbar puncture indicated suppurative meningitis,which improved after anti-infective therapy.However,the patient then presented with acute cognitive dysfunction and right limb paralysis.Repeat CT showed an increase in left frontoparietal subdural effusion,disappearance of the left lateral ventricle,and a shift of the midline to the right.Urgent burr hole drainage showed SDE that was culture-positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae.His condition improved after adequate drainage and antibiotic treatment.CONCLUSION Patients with unexplained subdural effusion,especially asymmetric subdural effusion with intracranial infection,should be assessed for chronic SDE.Early surgical treatment may be beneficial.

Combined aqueous misdirection and persistent choroidal effusions following implantation of a Preserflo Micro Shunt

AIM:To describe a case of aqueous misdirection complicated by subsequent persistent choroidal effusions following implantation of a Preserflo Micro Shunt(PMS)device to treat advanced closed angle glaucoma.METHODS:A 67-year-old caucasian female with advanced primar y angle-closure glaucoma on four medications with an intraocular pressure(IOP)of 26 mm Hg was listed for a PMS insertion with mitomycin C(MMC).RESULTS:Past ocular history was significant for pseudophakia and previous yttrium aluminum garnet(YAG)peripheral iridotomy.Surgery was uneventful but on the first postoperative day,she developed aqueous misdirection complicated by subsequent development of persistent uveal effusions.Conventional treatment strategies including atropine drops,YAG hyaloidotomy and choroidal effusion drainage proved ineffective.A combination of oral steroids and pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)along with an irido-zonulohyloidectomy(IZH)proved efficacious.CONCLUSION:To the best of the author’s knowledge,this is the first published case of aqueous misdirection complicated with the presence of significant,unresolving choroidal effusions,highlighting the possibility and sequelae of comorbid pathology in nanophthalmic eyes.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for pleural effusions induced by viral pleurisy:A case report

BACKGROUND Viral pleurisy is a viral infected disease with exudative pleural effusions.It is one of the causes for pleural effusions.Because of the difficult etiology diagnosis,clinically pleural effusions tend to be misdiagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy or idiopathic pleural effusion.Here,we report a case of pleural effusion secondary to viral pleurisy which is driven by infection with epstein-barr virus.Viral infection was identified by metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old male with a history of dermatomyositis,rheumatoid arthritis,and secondary interstitial pneumonia was administered with long-term oral prednisone.He presented with fever and chest pain after exposure to cold,accompanied by generalized sore and weakness,night sweat,occasional cough,and few sputums.The computed tomography scan showed bilateral pleural effusions and atelectasis of the partial right lower lobe was revealed.The pleural fluids were found to be yellow and slightly turbid after pleural catheterization.Thoracoscopy showed fibrous adhesion and auto-pleurodesis.Combining the results in pleural fluid analysis and mNGS,the patient was diagnosed as viral pleuritis.After receiving Aciclovir,the symptoms and signs of the patient were relieved.CONCLUSION Viral infection should be considered in cases of idiopathic pleural effusion unexplained by routine examination.mNGS is helpful for diagnosis.

Pleuro-Pericardial Inflammation and Effusion: A Rare Acute Initial Presentation of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory arthritis characterized by joint pain and morning stiffness. The affected joints are typically symmetrically affected, and given the inflammatory nature of this condition, patients often present with warmth and erythema around affected joints as well as fatigue. Extra-articular manifestations, especially pleuro-pericardial inflammation, are rare initial presentations, although may be seen in advanced or undertreated disease. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a rheumatoid arthritis presenting atypically in a middle-aged male who came to the emergency department complaining of diffuse muscle pain and swelling in the distal extremities. Cardiac ultrasound revealed pleuro-pericardial inflammation and effusions. Myositis and infectious causes were ruled out and bilateral hand x-rays did not show erosions or any evidence of arthritic changes. All rheumatological auto-antibodies were negative except for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made. The patient was started on prednisone with excellent response. Conclusions: This case highlights that rheumatoid arthritis can uncommonly present initially with extra-articular manifestations that are often manifested in advanced disease. Typically, extra-articular manifestations, especially those as severe as this patient’s, occur with untreated, advanced disease and could accompany extensive arthritic joint changes. Thus, it is important to have an understanding of rare, atypical presentations of rheumatoid arthritis so that a high index of suspicion can be maintained to make the diagnosis and initiate treatment in a timely manner.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma in a HIV-1/2-Infected Patient

Background: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a lymphoid proliferation related to Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus 8/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV8) that affects mainly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals but can also occur in other immunodeficiency settings. It is characterized by lymphomatous effusions in different serous body cavities without the presence of a detectable tumor mass. The diagnosis is challenging and the clinical outcomes are poor. Aim: The aim of this paper is to report a rare case of PEL in a man who have sex with women (MSW) with HIV-1/2 infection, history of visceral Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and the development of a seronegative arthritis previous to the lymphoproliferative disease diagnosis. PEL presented with ascites, was treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, with a good clinical outcome. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a 48-year-old HIV-1/2-infected patient from a high HHV8 seroprevalent country, hospitalized following a three-month history of increased abdominal volume and general constitutional symptoms. Laboratory data revealed normocytic normochromic anemia and a high level of lactate dehydrogenase. A diagnostic paracentesis was performed with cytology compatible with high-grade B-cell lymphoma. Peritoneal fluid cytology showed large lymphoid cells expressing leucocyte-common antigen CD45 without expression of the CD20 antigen (B-lymphocytes) and positivity for HHV8 by immunocytochemical staining, compatible with the diagnosis of PEL.

Ultrasound Value in the Management of Parapneumonic Pleural Effusions in a Limited-Resource Setting: A Case Report

Pleural effusion is a common complication of acute lung infection, with rising morbidity and mortality. If poorly treated, parapneumonic effusion evolves to the fibrino-purulent stage wherein antibiotic therapy alone becomes inadequate. Chest CT is the gold standard diagnostic imaging tool, however, in a resource-limited context, it may not be performed. Chest ultrasound can therefore be an alternative for drainage and intermittent follow-up of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions. We report the case of a 4-year-old child who presented with cough, breathing difficulties and fever for over two weeks and in whom an initial chest X-ray revealed a left hemithorax white-out with an air-fluid level. Chest ultrasound revealed a left pleuropulmonary massive fluid collection with an encysted empyema. It also allowed ultrasound-guided pleural effusion drainage of a fibrino-purulent liquid which tested positive for Kocuria kristinae, a bacterium sensitive to gentamycin, vancomycin, norfloxacin and clindamycin. The next follow-up ultrasound checks showed improvement and the control chest X-ray performed one month later demonstrated pulmonary functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of ultrasound in the management and follow-up of this chest pathology in resource-limited settings.

A Pleural Effusion Secondary to Unusual Dual Pathology: A Case Report

Pleural effusion is a commonly encountered respiratory disorder. In the majority of cases, a single causative agent is responsible. Pleural effusions resulting from simultaneous involvement of the membranes by two different pathologic processes are unusual.

经鼓室口咽鼓管球囊扩张术的疗效及咽鼓管功能的影响

目的探讨经鼓室口咽鼓管球囊扩张(balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty,BET)联合腺样体消融术对慢性分泌性中耳炎(chronic secretory otitis media,CSOM)患儿的疗效及咽鼓管功能的影响。方法选取2020年6月~2022年12月间在中山市小榄人民医院就诊的CSOM患儿82例作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组41例。对照组接受腺样体消融术+鼓膜切开置管术治疗,观察组接受腺样体消融术+鼓膜切开置管术+BET术。比较两组手术相关指标及住院时间、临床症状、咽鼓管功能、临床疗效及随访6个月并发症及复发情况。结果两组术中出血量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),与对照组相比,观察组手术时间更长,住院时间更短(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,观察组中耳积液消失时间、耳鸣消失时间、鼓膜愈合时间、听力恢复时间均更短(P<0.05)。与治疗前相比,治疗后两组咽鼓管评分(Eustachian tube score,ETS)升高、咽鼓管功能障碍评分量表(Eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7,ETDQ-7)评分降低(P<0.05),观察组ETS评分高于对照组,ETDQ-7评分则低于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组临床总有效率高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(14.63%vs.9.76%,P>0.05),与对照组相比,观察组复发率更低,差异具有统计学意义(21.95%vs.2.44%,P<0.05)。结论经鼓室口BET联合腺样体消融术有助于提高CSOM患儿的临床疗效,改善咽鼓管功能,促进术后恢复,减少复发率,且并发症发生率低。

耳内窥镜下鼓膜置管联合腺样体切除术与鼓膜穿刺治疗分泌性中耳炎患儿的临床疗效比较

目的探讨耳内窥镜下鼓膜置管联合腺样体切除术治疗分泌性中耳炎(OME)患儿的临床疗效。方法选取2021年1月~2022年3月SOM患儿120例,按术式分为穿刺组(n=60)和置管组(n=60),穿刺组给予耳内窥镜下鼓膜穿刺联合腺样体切除术,置管组给予耳内窥镜下鼓膜置管联合腺样体切除术,比较两组积液消退时间、听觉脑干诱发电位(ABR)阈值、ABRⅠ波潜伏期、干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、治疗效果以及并发症。结果置管组积液消退时间显著低于穿刺组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);穿刺组和置管组术后ABR、ABRⅠ波潜伏期、IFN-γ、IL-6和TNF-α均显著低于术前(P均<0.05);置管组术后ABR、ABRⅠ波潜伏期、IFN-γ、IL-6和TNF-α均显著低于穿刺组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05);置管组治疗有效率显著高于穿刺组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);置管组并发症发生率显著低于穿刺组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论耳内窥镜下鼓膜置管联合腺样体切除术可有效改善SOM患儿听力及炎症,有利于提高疗效,且可减少并发症,值得临床推广。

Otitis media with effusion in children: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.A review

Otitis media with effusion(OME)is a frequent paediatric disorder.The condition is often asymptomatic,and so can easily be missed.However,OME can lead to hearing loss that impairs the child's language and behavioural development.The diagnosis is essentially clinical,and is based on otoscopy and(in some cases)tympanometry.Nasal endoscopy is only indicated in cases of unilateral OME or when obstructive adenoid hypertrophy is suspected.Otitis media with effusion is defined as the observation of middle-ear effusion at consultations three months apart.Hearing must be evaluated(using an age-appropriate audiometry technique)before and after treatment,so as not to miss another underlying cause of deafness(e.g.perception deafness).Craniofacial dysmorphism,respiratory allergy and gastro-oesophageal reflux all favour the development of OME.Although a certain number of medications(antibiotics,corticoids,antihistamines,mucokinetic agents,and nasal decongestants)can be used to treat OME,they are not reliably effective and rarely provide long-term relief.The benchmark treatment for OME is placement of tympanostomy tubes(TTs)and(in some cases)adjunct adenoidectomy.The TTs rapidly normalize hearing and effectively prevent the development of cholesteatoma in the middle ear.In contrast,TTs do not prevent progression towards tympanic atrophy or a retraction pocket.Adenoidectomy enhances the effectiveness of TTs.In children with adenoid hypertrophy,adenoidectomy is indicated before the age of 4 but can be performed later when OME is identified by nasal endoscopy.Children must be followed up until OME has disappeared completely,so that any complications are not missed.

Pericardiocentesis with cisplatin for malignant pericardial effusion and tamponade

AIM:To evaluate the role and outcome of pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer. METHODS:We retrospectively studied 7 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis with intrapericardial cisplatin instillation for malignant pericardial effusion resulting from esophageal cancer.After pericardiocentesis,we performed catheterization of the pericardial space under ultrasonogram guidance.Malignant etiology of the pericardial fluid was confirmed by cytological examination.Subsequently,cisplatin(10 mg in 20 mL normal saline) was instilled into the pericardial space. RESULTS:The mean total volume of the aspirated effusion fluid was 782±264 mL(range,400-1200 mL) . The drainage catheter was successfully removed in all patients,and the mean duration of pericardial drainagewas 7.7±2.7 d(range,5-13 d) .No fluid reaccumulation was observed.Mean survival time was 120±71 d(range,68-268 d) . CONCLUSION:Pericardiocentesis along with catheter drainage appears to be a safe and effective for pericardial malignant effusion and tamponade,and cisplatin instillation prevents recurrence.

Evaluation of serum and pleural levels of endostatin and vascular epithelial growth factor in lung cancer patients with pleural effusion

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of endostatin(ES),vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and careinoembryonie antigen(CEA) in both serum and pleural effusion of lung cancer patients.Methods:Levels of ES,VEGF and CEA in 52 malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer and 50 patients with non-malignant disease were measured by using sandwich enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and microparticle enzyme immunoassay.Results:The ES.VEGF and CEA levels in pleural effusion and serum,and their ratio(F/S) were higher in lung cancer group than that in benign group,and the differences were statistically significant(P【0.05).The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGF for lung cancer was superior to either single detection.The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGK+CEA was superior to either ES+VEGF or ES+CEA.Conclusions: The results suggest that ES,VEGF and CEA might be useful in the differentiation between benign and malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer.In comparison with either single determination of concentration in serum or pleural fluid,the couiljined detection of two or three markers is of important clinical significance in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Diagnosis and management of pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion is a common finding in everyday clinical practice.The first challenge to the clinician is to try to establish an etiologic diagnosis.Sometimes,the pericardial effusion can be easily related to a known underlying disease,such as acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery,end-stage renal disease or widespread metastatic neoplasm.When no obvious cause is apparent,some clinical findings can be useful to establish a diagnosis of probability.The presence of acute inflammatory signs(chest pain,fever,pericardial friction rub) is predictive for acute idiopathic pericarditis irrespective of the size of the effusion or the presence or absence of tamponade.Severe effusion with absence of inflammatory signs and absence of tamponade is predictive for chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion,and tamponade without inflammatory signs for neoplastic pericardial effusion.Epidemiologic considerations are very important,as in developed countries acute idiopathic pericarditis and idiopathic pericardial effusion are the most common etiologies,but in some underdeveloped geographic areas tuberculous pericarditis is the leading cause of pericardial effusion.The second point is the evaluation of the hemodynamic compromise caused by pericardial fluid.Cardiac tamponade is not an"all or none"phenomenon,but a syndrome with a continuum of severity ranging from an asymptomatic elevationof intrapericardial pressure detectable only through hemodynamic methods to a clinical tamponade recognized by the presence of dyspnea,tachycardia,jugular venous distension,pulsus paradoxus and in the more severe cases arterial hypotension and shock.In the middle,echocardiographic tamponade is recognized by the presence of cardiac chamber collapses and characteristic alterations in respiratory variations of mitral and tricuspid flow.Medical treatment of pericardial effusion is mainly dictated by the presence of inflammatory signs and by the underlying disease if present.Pericardial drainage is mandatory when clinical tamponade is present.In the absence of clinical tamponade,examination of the pericardial fluid is indicated when there is a clinical suspicion of purulent pericarditis and in patients with underlying neoplasia.Patients with chronic massive idiopathic pericardial effusion should also be submitted to pericardial drainage because of the risk of developing unexpected tamponade.The selection of the pericardial drainage procedure depends on the etiology of the effusion.Simple pericardiocentesis is usually sufficient in patients with acute idiopathic or viral pericarditis.Purulent pericarditis should be drained surgically,usually through subxiphoid pericardiotomy. Neoplastic pericardial effusion constitutes a more difficult challenge because reaccumulation of pericardial fluid is a concern.The therapeutic possibilities include extended indwelling pericardial catheter,percutaneous pericardiostomy and intrapericardial instillation of antineoplastic and sclerosing agents.Massive chronic idiopathic pericardial effusions do not respond to medical treatment and tend to recur after pericardiocentesis, so wide anterior pericardiectomy is finally necessary in many cases.

Factors related to pleural effusion following hepatectomy for primary liver cancer

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion frequently complicates hepatectomy and multiple factors contribute to its development following hepatectomy for primary liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these factors. METHODS: From March 2003 to May 2005, 228 consecutive patients with primary liver cancer underwent hepatectomy in our department were evaluated retrospectively to identify factors related to postoperative pleural effusion. RESULTS: Among the 228 patients, postoperative pleural effusions arose in 58 (25.4%). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in postoperative ascites, subphrenic collection, Pringle manoeuvre length, drainage amount on postoperative day 1, albumin level on postoperative day 7, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level on postoperative days I and 3, prealbumin level on postoperative days 3 and 7, and tumor size (P<0.05). Ordinal regression analysis revealed that subphrenic collection, drainage on postoperative day I and ALT plus prealbumin on postoperative days I and 3 were statistically significantly related to postoperative pleural effusion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Subphrenic collection and operative injury to the liver appeared to be significantly related to pleural effusion after hepatectomy for primary liver cancer.

Clinical Value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Combined with Interferon-γ in Diagnosing Malignant Pleural Effusion and Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

In order to investigate the clinical value of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） combined with interferon-γ （IFN-γ） in diagnosing malignant pleural effusion and tuberculous pleural effusion, 42 cases of malignant pleural effusion and 45 cases of tuberculous pleural effusion in Tongji Hospital, from March 2004 to May 2005, were included, The carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA）, VEGF and IFN-γ levels of pleural effusion were detected by using ELISA, and adenosine deaminase （ADA） activity was determined by using enzyme kinetic analytical method. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve （AUCR^ROC） of CEA and VEGF, VEGF/IFN-γ ratio, ADA and IFN-γ were measured by receiver operating characteristic curve （ROC）, The results showed that CEA, VEGF levels and VEGF/IFN-γ ratio were significantly higher and the ADA and IFN-γ levels were significantly lower in malignant group than those in tuberculous group （P〈0,01）, The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUCR^ROC of VEGF/IFN-γ ratio （88,7%, 99,8%, 94,4%, 0.96 respectively） were higher than those of CEA （67.8%, 96.1%, 82,4%, 0.78 respectively） and VEGF （81,5%, 84,3%, 82.9%, 0.79 respectively）. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUCR^ROC of IFN-γ （85.7%, 96,4%, 90.9%, 0.94 respectively） were higher than those of ADA （80,2%, 87,6%, 83.8%, 0,81 respectively）. It was concluded that VEGF/IFN-γ ratio and IFN-γ could be used as valuable parameters for the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and tuberculous pleural effusion.

Association of asymptomatic otitis media with effusion in patients with adenoid hypertrophy

Objective: Clinical symptoms of otitis media with effusion are rarely brought forward to the guardians of young children who the disease is most prevalent in. This often leads to poor scholastic performances and difficult social interactions. The objective of this study was to identify asymptomatic cases of otitis media with effusion present in individuals with adenoid hypertrophy. Material and Methods: In a cross sectional study advocated in Justice K.S.Hegde Hospital, Karnataka India we evaluated one hundred patients above the age of three from August 2016 to December 2017. Candidates who presented with an adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio of more than 0.5 were selected for the study. Individuals who complained of otological symptoms were not considered for the study. Patients cleared of other pathological otological conditions were underwent audiological evaluation with pure tone audiometry and tympanometry for evaluating the middle ear status and hearing loss. Results: The study showed a total of 36% of patients evaluated presented with asymptomatic otitis media with effusion. In candidates who presented with a bilateral B tympanogram, 40% had significant conductive hearing loss of more than 25dB. Conclusion: An objective test such as impedance audiometry in all patients with adenoid hypertrophy would aid in the diagnosis of fluid in the middle ear, so that timely intervention can be done and possible complications be averted.