The Role of Necropsy in Diagnostic Dilemmas as Seen in a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Background. Necropsy (autopsy) has helped medical science and law. It has given rise to numerous diagnostic surprises as it explains cause of death, pathogenesis of diseases, and circumstances of death. It also explains reasons for most therapeutic failures. In spite of its usefulness, the rate has dropped worldwide and Africa is worse hit. This work aims to highlight the role autopsy (Necropsy) plays in demystifying diagnostic dilemmas and to encourage its patronage by medical practitioners, law enforcement agents and society. Methods. This is a retrospective review of autopsy and clinical reports of cases seen by pathologists and physicians in the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, North central Nigeria. Results. A total 166 cases were studied out of which 52 had same diagnosis for both attending physician and pathologist, 106 had different diagnoses and in eight cases diagnoses remained unknown even after autopsy was performed. Conclusions. Autopsy remains an important tool for obtaining definitive diagnosis, determining cause of death to explain pathogenesis of diseases, medical auditing and a vital source of data for health statistics and planning

Persistent alveolar soft-part sarcoma with liver metastasis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Alveolar soft-part sarcomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that metastasize commonly via vascular routes to the lungs, bones, lymph nodes and brain, causing morbidity and mortality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case describing metastasis to the liver reported from Nigeria.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 57-year-old man of the Urhobo ethnic group of Nigeria presented with a persistent mass in his left calf. It was initially diagnosed as soft-tissue sarcoma, and its associated systemic effects lead to his death before a histological diagnosis could be obtained.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Alveolar soft-part sarcoma with metastasis to the liver can occur in our region (northeast Africa), and a high index of suspicion is required to make an early diagnosis, followed by prompt surgical excision with clear margins in order to prevent mortality.</p

Buccal soft tissue lipoma in an adult Nigerian: a case report and literature review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Lipomas are benign mesenchymal neoplasms composed of mature adipocytes, usually surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. They are uncommon intra-oral tumors with 1% to 4% occurring in this region. The literature is scanty on lipomas occurring in the buccal soft tissue, especially in our environment.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of a 35-year-old woman of the Tiv ethnic group of Nigeria who presented with a slow growing left cheek swelling that was treated by intra-oral local excision.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The purpose of this report is to highlight the existence of this rare but not uncommon disease even in our environment and to emphasize that a high index of suspicion is needed in making a diagnosis. Surgical excision as treatment is associated with an excellent outcome.</p