BackgroundThough the major target of the HIV-virus is the immune system, the frequency of abdominal disorders in HIV/AIDS patients has been reported to be second only to pulmonary disease. These abdominal manifestations may be on the increase as the use of antiretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. Ultrasonography is an easy to perform, non invasive, inexpensive and safe imaging technique that is invaluable in Africa where AIDS is most prevalent and where sophisticated diagnostic tools are not readily available. Purpose: To describe the findings and evaluate the clinical utility of abdominal ultrasonography in HIV/AIDS patients in Ibadan, NigeriaMethodsA Prospective evaluation of the abdominal ultrasonography of 391 HIV-positive patients as well as 391 age and sex-matched HIV-negative patients were carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.ResultsOf the 391 cases studied, 260 (66.5%) were females; the mean age was 38.02 years, (range 15–66 years). The disease was most prevalent in the 4th decade with an incidence of 40.4%. Compared with the HIV-negative individuals, the HIV+ group of patients had a significantly higher proportion of splenomegaly (13.5% vs. 7.7%; p < 0.01), lymphadenopathy (2.0% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.70), and renal abnormalities (8.4% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.02). There were no differences in hepatic and pancreatic abnormalities between the HIV+ and HIV- groups. There were significantly fewer gallstones in the HIV+ group (1.4% vs. 5.1%; p < 0.01).ConclusionAIDS is a multi-systemic disease and its demographic and clinical pattern remains the same globally. Ultrasonography is optimally suited for its clinical management especially in Africa. Its accuracy and sensitivity may be much improved with clinico-pathologic correlation which may not be readily available in developing countries; further studies may provide this much needed diagnostic algorithms.

A case of thanatophoric dysplasia with sudden death at term is hereby presented. Thanatophoric dysplasia is an uncommon, lethal skeletal dysplasia which is associated with mutation in the extracellular region of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). It is an autosommal dominant condition that has sporadic occurrence and early ultrasound scan has not been of great benefit in its detection. Diagnosis is mostly made in the third trimester. The fetal death is usually due to severe respiratory insufficiency from a reduced thoracic capacity and hypoplastic lungs and/or respiratory failure due to brainstem compression. In view of the autosomal dominance of TD, it will be advisable for a woman with previous history to have prenatal screening to relieve parental anxiety and prevent late detection.

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Introduction atherosclerosis develops insidiously, offering time and opportunities for early detection. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis via structural wall changes and flow velocities among apparently healthy adults using carotid ultrasonography may help its early detection, offer timely intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods a cross-sectional study of 100 participants with a mean age of 56.1 ± 6.9 years, were enrolled from a community population. Both carotid arteries were examined for plaques, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and flow velocities - peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) using 4-12MHz linear array transducer. Visceral obesity, serum lipids, and blood glucose were also evaluated and correlated with ultrasound findings. Results the mean CIMT was 0.07 ± 0.02cm and 15% of the participants had increased CIMT. Statistically significance but weak correlations were observed between CIMT and FBG (r = 0.199, p = 0.047), EDV (r =0.204, p= 0.041), PI (r = -0.287, p = 0.004) and RI (r = -0.268, p =0.007). Statistically significance with modest correlations were observed between EDV and PSV (r = 0.48, p = 0.000), PI (r = -0.635, p = 0.000) and RI (r = -0.637, p = 0.000). The PI and RI showed strong correlation with statistical significance (r= 0.972, p = 0.000). Conclusion statistical significance in the flow velocities, derived flow indices and increased CIMT may be an early indication of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, ultrasonography may facilitate its early detection and possible prevention of complications.