Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Histopathological diagnosis of bronchial tissue biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of lung tumors. The study aims to determine the spectrum of lung lesions and compare the diagnosis by cytological study of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histopathological study of cell block preparation, with histopathological study of bronchial biopsy in suspected lung lesions. The study was carried out in the Pathology department, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, for a period of 3 years. Comparison of diagnoses made by cytological study of BAL fluid, histopathological study of cell block preparation, and histopathological study of bronchial biopsy in suspected lung lesions was done, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of each method were calculated. Out of 72 cases which were included in the study, a diagnosis of malignancy was given in 42(58.33%) cases by histopathological examination of lung biopsy, the cytological diagnosis of malignancy was given in 19(26.39%) cases in BAL fluid, and histopathological diagnosis of malignancy was given in 25 (34.72%) cases in cell block. The maximum number of cases was found in the age group of 51-60 years and in males. The gold standard method for the diagnosis of lung lesions is histopathological examination. Though the BAL fluid and cell block method was inferior to bronchial biopsy in diagnosing lung lesions, BAL fluid is more effective in peripheral lung lesions.
Leprosy can present with subtle or atypical symptoms, particularly involving the upper respiratory tract, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, and overlapping nasal symptoms may distract clinicians from considering Hansen’s disease. We report a 37-year-old male who was repeatedly treated for allergic rhinitis due to chronic nasal obstruction, episodic sneezing, and persistent watery rhinorrhea. Despite treatment with antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and saline irrigation for five months, his symptoms did not improve. Further evaluation revealed a xerotic patch, ear lobe infiltration, and thickened peripheral nerves. Slit-skin smear from the ear lobe demonstrated abundant acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy. Multidrug therapy was initiated, resulting in marked symptomatic improvement. This case highlights that leprosy should be considered in patients with chronic or atypical rhinitis unresponsive to standard therapy, and that thorough cutaneous and neurological examination remains critical for early diagnosis.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder with varied motor, sensory, and musculoskeletal impairments. Patients with CP are at high risk for low bone mineral density due to poor nutrition, reduced mobility, and antiepileptic drug (AED) use, contributing to vitamin D deficiency. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify associated risk factors to improve bone health and overall outcomes in patients with CP. This prospective analytical study included 150 patients with CP aged 1-12 years, conducted at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, from October 2022 - September 2024. Detailed clinical assessments, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scoring, laboratory tests (including serum vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase), and relevant imaging were performed. Vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient. Data were analyzed using Excel and statistical tests like Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. This study included 150 patients with CP, predominantly male (62%). The most common age group was 3-5 years, with spastic quadriplegia as the most frequent CP type (51.8%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 52% of patients, significantly higher in non-ambulatory patients. Common co-morbidities included microcephaly, epilepsy, and global developmental delay. This study emphasizes the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with CP, particularly non-ambulatory types, highlighting the need for early supplementation, screening, nutritional support, and comprehensive management.
