Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging technique in diagnostic radiology, providing highly sensitive and specific information. While its use has increased dramatically in recent years, the quantity and associated risks of radiation from CT scans present major challenges, particularly in paediatrics. The fundamental principles of radiation protection require that radiation quantities be as low as reasonably achievable and CT use must be justified, particularly for paediatric patients. CT radiation knowledge is a key factor in optimising and minimising radiation risk. The objective of this study was to analyse knowledge level, expertise, and competency regarding CT radiation dose and its hazards in paediatrics among radiologists in Saudi Arabian hospitals. A self-reported, multiple-choice questionnaire assessed the attitudes and opinions of radiologists involved in imaging studies using ionising radiation. Among the total respondents, 65% ± 13.5% had a good comprehension of the dangers of carcinogenicity to the patient resulting from CT scans, with 80% presuming that cancer risks were elevated. However, only 48.5%, 56.5%, and 65% of the respondents were aware of specific radiation risks in head, chest, and abdominal paediatric examinations, respectively. Regular, frequent, and specific training courses are suggested to improve the fundamental knowledge of CT radiation among radiologists and other physicians.
Acute appendicitis it a quite common abdominal disorder and considered as a difficult diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent any complication from delayed surgical intervention. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in acute appendicitis cases in Saudi Arabia compared with histopathology. Moreover, to determine whether there is a correlation between the accuracy of ultrasound in acute appendicitis and the sonographers’ expertise. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, including patients who admitted to the emergency room with clinical symptoms of suspected acute appendicitis and underwent ultrasound examinations. Diagnostic features, including diameter of the appendix ≥7 mm, free fluid, lack of compressibility, no appendix seen, normal appearance, and thick wall, were recorded for each patient. Results: Only 61 of the 132 patients in the study were accurately diagnosed with the use of ultrasound. Just 44 of them were diagnosed with appendicitis (true positives) and 17 without appendicitis (true negatives). However, 69 patients who had positive histopathologic results received a negative ultrasound diagnosis (false negatives), and 2 patients with negative histopathologic findings had a positive ultrasound diagnosis (false positives). There was no significant association between the accuracy of the ultrasound diagnosis and the years of experience of the sonographers. Conclusion: a low level of diagnostic accuracy was demonstrated when utilizing ultrasound to diagnose cases of acute appendicitis. In addition, no association was found between the years of experience of the sonographer conducting the examination and the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Aspergillus species are the main causing agents of invasive apergillosis chest disease. Eighty isolates of Aspergillus species, A. flavus (20), A. fumigatus (15), A. niger (30) and A. terreus (15 isolates), previously isolated and identified from aspergillosis suspected patients at our lab in Assiut university hospitals, were assayed for their enzymes and toxins profile. The results revealed that, all of the tested isolates were able to utilize calf lung tissue and produce catalase and peroxidase enzymes. Meanwhile, 82.5-90% of the fungal isolates had the ability to produce protease, lipase, urease and phospholipase, whereas, 70% of isolates exhibited hemolytic activities. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the cleaned extracts of the tested isolates exhibited the ability of all A. flavus isolates assayed to produce aflatoxins B1 and G1, 53%, moreover, A. fumigatus isolates produced fumagillin and gliotoxin. On the other side, 43.3% and 23.3% of A. niger isolates produced ochratoxins and gliotoxin respectively. Virulence assay of 10 µl of gliotoxin standard and cleaned extracts of A. fumigatus toxic isolates showed necrotic area on Guinea Pigs lungs compared to the control. Thus, opportunistic fungi isolated from aspergillosis patients possess high enzymatic and toxic profile that might play an important role in their mycopathy.
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