ABSTRACT
Background: Buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma poses a significant public health burden in Bangladesh, with over 7,000 new cases annually. The accuracy of MDCT in preoperative staging and its correlation with histopathological TNM staging remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between MDCT findings and histopathological TNM staging in patients with buccal malignancy. Methods: This cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study at the Departments of Radiology and Imaging, Otolaryngology and Head–Neck Surgery, and Pathology, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital (March 2020–February 2022) included 65 histopathologically confirmed buccal malignancy patients who underwent punch biopsy, contrast-enhanced MDCT, and surgical resection for TNM staging. MDCT findings were compared with histopathology, data were analyzed using SPSS v23, and ethical approval with informed consent was obtained. Results: Among 65 patients (mean age 52.8 ± 11.1 years; 67.7% male), MDCT detected retromolar trigone involvement in 42 (64.6%) and masticator space in 28 (43.1%), with bone involvement in 16 (24.7%) and ipsilateral lymph nodes in 50 (77.0%). Histopathology showed Stage IVB in 27 (41.5%) and IVA in 20 (30.8%). Radiological staging concordance was highest for Stage IVB (96.3%), and MDCT demonstrated high sensitivity (75–96.3%), specificity (94.5–98.2%), and accuracy (>92%) across stages. Conclusion: MDCT reliably correlates with histopathological TNM staging and accurately guides preoperative assessment in buccal malignancy.

ABSTRACT
Background: Spinal dermoid cysts are rare congenital tumours, accounting for approximately 1% of spinal tumours. Rupture of these lesions is uncommon, and dissemination of lipid material typically occurs into the subarachnoid or intraventricular spaces. Isolated rupture with lipid spread into the central canal is exceptionally rare. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 20-year-old male who initially presented with bilateral lower limb weakness and urinary disturbances. Baseline MRI revealed a heterogeneous conus mass without evidence of rupture. During follow-up, the patient developed progressive neurological deficits over two years. Repeat MRI demonstrated multiple lipid droplets within a dilated central canal, consistent with rupture of the conus dermoid. Discussion: While ruptured spinal dermoid cysts have been described, dissemination of lipid material confined to the central canal is exceedingly uncommon. This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up, as delayed rupture can result in progressive neurological deterioration. MRI plays a crucial role not only in identifying the primary lesion but also in tracking unusual dissemination patterns. Conclusion: Ruptured conus dermoid cysts with lipid dissemination into the central canal are rare. Early recognition and vigilant follow-up are essential for timely intervention and prevention of irreversible neurological deficits.

ABSTRACT
A 44-year-old-woman presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of abdominal pain. Her temperature was 38.8°C. On physical examination, there was tenderness in the right upper quadrant of her abdomen and yellow skin. Two days before presentation, she had noted the appearance of tea color urine, Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones (CBD) and findings consistent with cholangitis. A diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and cholangitis secondary to CBD stones was made. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed.

ABSTRACT
Background: Hypothyroidism has well-documented systemic effects, including alterations in renal hemodynamics and metabolism. These changes may lead to a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), potentially mimicking chronic kidney disease. Evidence from North-Eastern Nigeria remains limited. Objective: To assess the impact of hypothyroidism on estimated glomerular filtration rate among adults in North-Eastern Nigeria. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study included 150 adults comprising 75 patients with hypothyroidism and 75 euthyroid controls. Serum creatinine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured. Estimated GFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI creatinine equation. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariable linear regression. Results: Mean eGFR was significantly lower in hypothyroid participants compared with euthyroid controls (74.9 ± 21.6 vs. 94.3 ± 18.9 mL/min/1.73 m²; p < 0.001). Serum TSH showed a significant inverse correlation with eGFR (r = −0.45, p < 0.001). Hypothyroidism remained an independent predictor of reduced eGFR after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is associated with significantly reduced estimated GFR among adults in North-Eastern Nigeria. Thyroid function testing should be considered in patients with unexplained reduction in eGFR to avoid misclassification of chronic kidney disease.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Rapid clinical and radiological evaluation provides the foundation for the immediate treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA), which are medical emergencies. In order to diagnose the etiology of AIS/TIA and aid establish the best course of treatment, there are international recommendations for performing head computed tomography (CT) scans. However, these researchers noticed that the radiographers, at the study sites in Zambia, employ the traditional plain pre-set brain CT scan imaging parameters. This research demonstrated the need to adjust these pre-set imaging parameters, so as to improve the resultant images. Aim: The aim of this study was to improve CT image quality for AIS/TIA patients. Methods: This study used a quantitative, comparative research design. The first step involved a quantitative, retrospective assessment of patient files to determine the current head CT scan parameters used in imaging patients with AIS/TIA. The reconstruction and implementation of the international criteria for the imaging of these patients constituted the subsequent prospective quantitative phase. Adjusted CT imaging parameters were applied after the retrospective and prospective data statistical analysis. The sample (N=202 images) was purposefully selected. Results: The study improved the ability to enhance the contrast of diagnostic images at lower radiation dose index output. Following the intervention, the average image contrast increased from 4.28 to 5.22Hu (21.96% increase) and the CT dosage index output was reduced by 72.42%. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the modified imaging system can be more effective than the traditional AIS/TIA imaging systems currently in use in Zambia

ABSTRACT
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, at the Regional Medical Imaging Center of Ngaoundéré (CRIMN), Cameroon, evaluating the diagnostic utility of obstetric ultrasound in identifying causes of third-trimester metrorrhagia (vaginal bleeding ≥28 weeks of gestation). From May to October 2021, 30 women with metrorrhagia among 302 obstetric ultrasound referrals were included. The prevalence of third-trimester bleeding was 9.93%, with retroplacental hematoma (30%), intrauterine fetal death (23%), and premature rupture of membranes (20%) as leading causes. Placenta previa accounted for 10%. Notably, 60% of bleeding episodes in viable pregnancies had no identifiable ultrasound etiology—a rate higher than in high-resource settings. Sociodemographic analysis revealed younger women (18–25 years) were disproportionately affected by fetal death and membrane rupture, while placental abruption predominated in older women (26–35 years). Urban residence (63%) suggested potential referral bias, whereas rural representation (37%) highlighted gaps in prenatal care access. The study underscores obstetric ultrasound’s crucial role in diagnosing life-threatening conditions (e.g., abruption, previa) in low-resource settings. However, its limitations in detecting subtle etiologies emphasize the need for complementary diagnostics and improved operator training. These findings advocate for enhanced prenatal monitoring and targeted interventions to reduce maternal-fetal morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Strengths included standardized imaging protocols and ethical rigor, while limitations involved sample size constraints and the single-center design.

ABSTRACT
Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and the tenth leading cause of death in Tanzania. Minimally invasive lung biopsy procedures using CT or bronchoscopy are now available in Tanzania. There is paucity of data on imaging outcomes of individuals referred for imaging with suspected lung malignancy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review individuals referred for imaging with suspected lung malignancy from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2024. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on adult individuals that were referred for imaging with suspected lung malignancy. Data was retrieved from the Multi-national Lung Cancer Control Program in the Lake Zone research database. Frequencies or proportions were used for categorical variables. Pearson’s chi square test and logistic regression analysis was used to determine association factors of malignancy. Results: Around 512 individuals were enrolled with median age (IQR) of 56 (43 – 67) years. About 55.6% (273 out 495) presented with a mass on imaging. Of which, 87.2% (238 out 273) underwent biopsy based on visualization of a mass on imaging. Majority of the biopsied masses were malignant (62.6%) while the rest were benign (28.2%) and indeterminate (9.2%) lesions. On regression analysis, a mass on imaging had the highest likelihood on being malignant (aOR (95% CI) =14.0 (8.5 – 23.1). Conversely, features of tuberculosis on imaging had the least likelihood on being malignant (aOR (95% CI) = 0.59 (0.01 – 0.27). Conclusion: Visualization of a mass on imaging was highly predictive of malignancy, especially in the absence of features of tuberculosis. Indeterminate lesions posed diagnostic challenges due to lack of advanced imaging and molecular testing in our settings.