Bedside Ultrasonography as an Alternative to Computed Tomography Scan for the Measurement of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter

Background: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as measured by optic nerve sheath ultrasonography (ONSU) is used as a surrogate marker of intracranial pressure (ICP), especially in resource-limited settings. There is a growing interest in the use of ONSU in emergency and high-altitude setups. Notwithstanding multiple studies done on this subject, there is a paucity of data regarding standardization of techniques and comparison of ONSU with computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with a diagnosis of high-altitude cerebral edema were enrolled in the study. ONSD was measured in all patients using ONSU, along visual and coronal axis, and CT scan. We repeated ONSU in these patients on days 3, 7, 10, and 15 (day of discharge). Correlation between visual and coronal axis as well as CT scan was analyzed. Results: The correlation of visual to coronal and coronal to visual was equally significant (both correlation coefficients being R 2 = 0.983). Correlation of ONSD by visual axis to CT scan was better than coronal axis (correlation coefficient R 2 = 0.986 vs. 0.96, respectively). Conclusion: In our study, we found a strong correlation between the visual and coronal axes. Thus, either of the two axes can be used for monitoring ICP. However, it has been found that measurements along the coronal axis are challenging, especially in the emergency setup. ONSD measured along visual axis correlated better with CT scan as compared to the coronal axis

Resistant thyrotoxicosis: A case of sarcoidosis of thyroid

Autoimmune endocrinopathies and, less commonly, thyroid autoimmune disease have been reported in patients with sarcoidosis. Similarities exist in the pathogenesis of these two conditions. Concomitant sarcoidosis in the thyroid gland in patients with Graves′ disease may contribute to the resistance to antithyroid drugs and radioiodine therapy. We present the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathologic findings of a patient with Graves′ disease who was unresponsive to medical management. This 37-year-old man presented with thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid hormone assays and 99m Technitium findings were consistent with Graves′ disease. He was also found to have hilar lymphadenopathy. Patient failed to achieve remission with high doses of antithyroid drugs and 2 sessions of radioiodine ablative therapy.Histopathology of lymph nodesdisclosed noncaseating granulomas, consistent with sarcoidosis. Patient′s thyrotoxicosis subsided only following steroid administration. The histopathology of the thyroid gland on aspiration and the subsidence of symptoms with steroids reiterate the possibility of thyroid sarcoidosis. This diagnosis needs biopsy for confirmation, which our patient didn′t consent for

Ogilvie's syndrome in a case of myxedema coma

Ogilvie's syndrome [acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO)] presents as massive colonic dilatation without a mechanical cause, usually in critically ill patients due to imbalanced sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The initial therapy remains conservative with supportive measures (correction of metabolic, infectious or pharmacologic factors) followed by neostigmine and decompressive colonoscopy. Surgery is reserved for patients with clinical deterioration or with evidence of colonic ischemia or perforation. A 60-year-old lady presented with fever, altered sensorium, obstipation, bradycardia and abdominal distension. Investigation revealed hyponatremia and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Supportive measures and decompressive colonoscopy were not of great benefit. Thyroid profile was suggestive of primary hypothyroidism. Colonic motility was restored only on starting thyroxin. The case is illustrative of the need to consider hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, in the differential diagnosis of Ogilvie's