Background: Concurrent chemo-radiation therapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer, as most patients in Bangladesh present at an advanced stage. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) provides improved planning, conformityand precision compared with conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT), which may reduce treatment-related toxicity. Methods: This comparative study included 60 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (stages IB3–IVA), equally divided into two groups. Arm A received EBRT by 3DCRT and Arm B by 2DRT. Both groups received 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks with weekly platinum-based chemotherapy, followed by three-dimensional brachytherapy. The objective of the study was to compare acute toxicities, treatment time, quality of life and socio-demographic characteristics between 3DCRT and 2DRT with concurrent chemo-radiation therapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Result: Significant differences were found between the two groups in educational level (p=0.017) and economic status (p<0.001). During EBRT, significantly higher dermatological, genitourinary, haematological and lower gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in the 2DRT arm compared with the 3DCRT arm (p=0.01, 0.002, 0.011 and 0.011, respectively). Upper gastrointestinal showed no significant difference. Mean EBRT treatment time and treatment interruptions were significantly lower in the 3DCRT arm (p<0.001). Conclusion: Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy was associated with fewer acute toxicities and shorter treatment duration when compared to conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma.
Due to protean presentations, poor sensitivity of radiographs and variable reliability of synovial fluid analysis, diagnosis of Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) is a challenge. This study addressed the diagnostic performance of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-USG) in identifying CPPD features in hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, tendon, and synovial fluid. We compared ultrasound findings in CPPD to those in osteoarthritis (OA) and gout and healthy control. In this retrospective exploratory study, MSK-USG performed between February 2022 and July 2023 were reviewed. Patients retrospectively fulfilled the ACR/ EULAR classification criteria 2023 (score ≥ 56) were included (n = 16). Clinical phenotypes included acute CPP arthritis (44
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a prime instance of a technological breakthrough that has widespread medical applicability at present as well as future. This technology has multi-dimensional progression. Modern medical service became vibrant with the use of this technology. AI has its rich history of development which has been contributed by genius people around the globe. History of AI is important to realize its potentiality by analyzing its past, which helps in forecasting future. AI is becoming popular in different arena of medical science. It is now applied in cardiovascular diseases, Pulmonary Medicine, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Oncology, Radiology, Surgery and also in Telemedicine. Algorithms like Aidoc’s detect pulmonary embolism in chest CT scans with 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity. AI based (deep-learning model) mammography and skin cancer diagnosis performs at or above human specialist level. It is the need of time to train medical man power in this field. Enhancing the skill of medical professional in this regard will develop a new generation of doctors to fulfill the need of future. It should be noted that the ethical dilemmas, privacy, data protection, informed consent, social gaps, medical consultation, empathy, and sympathy are various challenges in using AI. We should be aware that its negative aspects might not outweigh its benefit. Introduction of AI and machine learning in medicine helped health professionals to improve the quality of care. It has the potential to improve even more in near future and beyond.
Abstract not available Pulse Vol.17, 2025 P: 3-5
Dose estimation and quality control in computed tomography (CT) scanners are useful in controlling the dose of radiation given to patients while tests are carried out. The study was performed in a 16-slice Computed Tomography (CT) system of LightSpeed RT16 Xtra CT scanner. Quality control was done using a vendor-provided QA Phantom, and the six aspects of image quality were measured. For CT dosimetry, Computed Tomography Dose index volume (CTDIvol) was performed using Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) Phantom. CTDI Phantom consists of three parts: Pediatric Head, Adult Head, and Adult Body Phantom. A 10 cm long pencil ion chamber DCT-10 was used to measure the dose at different positions inside the CTDI Phantom. Data were collected using MagicMax Universal software. For dose estimation of the CTDIvol Report of AAPM Task Group, 96 and 111 formalisms were used. For Pediatric Head, Adult Head, and Adult Body Phantom the measured CIDIvol was 61.04 mGy, 48.11 mGy, and 18.08 mGy respectively. The study has shown deviations of 7%, 15%, and 19% between estimated and console-displayed doses for Pediatric Head, Adult Head, and Adult Body scan techniques respectively. The six aspects of image quality measured by QA Phantom were found to be compatible with the specifications of the machine and CTDIvol measured by CTDI Phantom were found within a tolerance limit of ±20%. Hence, the QC and dosimetry of the mentioned machine are within the limit.
