Rare association of Visceral leishmaniasis with Hodgkin's disease: A case report

We present here a case of young male with complaints of fever and swelling in the neck for eight months. History of progressive weakness associated with weight loss was present. Physical examination revealed pallor, multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. Investigations showed pancytopenia, hyperglobinemia and Leishman-Donovan bodies on bone marrow aspiration. Serological test confirmed diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. However, cervical lymph node aspiration and biopsy were suggestive of Mixed cellularity Hodgkin's disease. This made it a very rare case of Leishmaniasis as an opportunistic infection in a patient of pre-chemotherapy Hodgkin's disease. There was marked improvement in haematological profile and regression of hepatosplenomegaly with Amphotericin B treatment followed by favourable response to chemotherapy. The case emphasizes the suspicion for leishmaniasis as a masquerader and as an opportunistic infection in haematological malignancies

Estimating the density of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in the tropical forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India

To determine population status of wild animal using reliable sampling techniques forms an important component of conservation effort and effective wildlife management.  We estimated the density of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus using distance sampling, a quantitatively robust technique, in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, eastern India during September 2012 to May 2013.  We laid 27 transects and walked seven to eight times for a total of 390km to obtain the distance sampling data.  We used DISTANCE software for analysis. We estimated per km2 Red Junglefowl group density as 4.99 and density as 7.64 birds in the intensive study area.  Mean group size of Red Junglefowl was 1.48.  Our results may prove helpful in planning better management needs and strategies for the survival and conservation of Red Junglefowl in different protected areas. </div

Endoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: An Experience with 77 Patients

Background: We evaluated short‑ and long‑term results of endoscopic drainage (a minimally invasive nonsurgical treatment) of pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs) and factors associated with its success at a multilevel teaching hospital in Northern India, as such data are scanty from India. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of records of consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of PPC from January 2002 to June 2013 was undertaken. Results: Seventy‑seven patients (56 males), median age 36 years (range, 15–73), underwent endoscopic drainage of PPC with 98% technical success. Pseudocysts drained were symptomatic (duration 11 weeks, range, 8–68), large (volume 582 mL [range, 80–2706]), located in head (n = 32, 46%), body and tail (n = 37, 54%), and infected (n = 39, 49%). Drainage procedures included cystogastrostomy (n = 54, 78%), cystoduodenostomy (n = 9, 13%), transpapillary drainage (n = 2, 3%), and multiple route (n = 4, 6%), with additional endoscopic nasocystic drainage (ENCD) in 41 (59%). Sixty‑nine patients were followed up (median 28 months, range 2–156; other eight lost to follow‑up). Complications (n = 21, 30%) included stent occlusion and migration (13), bleeding (5), perforation (2), and death (1). Endoscopic procedure had to be repeated in 19 patients (28%; 16 for sepsis, 3 for recurrence). The reasons for additional nonendoscopic treatment (n = 8, 12%) included incomplete cyst resolution (3), recurrence (2), bleeding (1), and perforation (2). Overall success rate of endoscopic drainage was 88%. Whereas infected pseudocysts were associated with poorer outcome (odds ratio [OR] 0.016; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001–0.037), placement of ENCD led to better results (OR 11.85; 95% CI 1.03–135.95). Conclusion: Endoscopic drainage is safe and effective for PPC