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Background and Objective: Among Zambian women, uterine fibroids are the most common benign gynaecological tumours, causing significant morbidity and infertility. There is inadequate information demonstrating a link between the sonographic features of uterine fibroids and blood oestrogen levels, despite theories suggesting oestrogen as the main risk factor. The study aimed to explore the relationship between the profiled sonographic characteristics of uterine fibroids and oestrogen hormone levels in women of reproductive age (15-49 years) at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH), Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study. One hundred and forty-two reproductive-age women confirmed to have uterine fibroids on ultrasound were recruited. An ultrasound was performed, followed by a laboratory test for oestrogen levels. A questionnaire was also used to obtain participants' demographic, uterine fibroid sonographic characteristics and oestrogen hormone levels. Descriptive and inferential statistics were run for the analysis. Results: The median age was 33years (IQR 29-38), and the BMI median was 30 (IQR 24.6-35). The majority of the participants were either overweight or obese (61.1%). Furthermore, the majority were nulliparous (35%) and had a positive family history of fibroids (61%). The prevalence of elevated oestrogen levels among uterine fibroid participants was 61.3% (N=87/142). There was a statistically significant association between the size of UFs and oestrogen level (r = 0.844, p = 0.001), statistically significant positive relationship between submucosal UFs and oestrogen hormone level (r= 0.513, p = 0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between hypoechoic fibroids and oestrogen hormone level was observed (r=0.290, p = 0.001), the number of UFs against oestrogen level showed a strong positive relationship (r=0.710, p= 0.001). Conclusion: The study reviewed that there is a correlation between oestrogen

ABSTRACT
Primary vertebral bone lymphoma is a rare malignant tumor, representing less than 5% of primary bone tumors and about 2-3% of all lymphomas [2-4]. It more commonly affects middle-aged and older adults (with a median age around 50-60 years), with a slight male predominance [1-5]. Its clinical and radiological presentation is non-specific and highly suggestive of other infectious, inflammatory, or tumoral pathologies of the spine, making it a true diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic delay is common and impacts prognosis. This review aims to synthesize the main differential diagnoses of vertebral lymphoma, focusing on the clinical, biological, and imaging elements that help guide the diagnosis. Histological analysis remains the cornerstone of the definitive diagnosis. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal management

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Background: Digitisation in medical imaging – the process of converting analogue images to digital formats – has transformed healthcare by enabling improved data management, storage and sharing. However, data regarding its implementation in Chad are lacking. Objective: To assess the current state of medical imaging digitisation in major public and private hospitals in N'Djamena, Chad. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to July 2024 across the medical imaging departments of 16 hospitals (7 public, 9 private). Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire administered to department heads, technologists and coordinators. Consecutive, non-probabilistic sampling was employed. Variables included personnel, equipment type and age, digital image sharing, archiving, file formats, maintenance, challenges and benefits. Statistical analysis was performed using Sphinx software. Results: Radiologists constituted 6.3% of respondents. The majority of hospitals used digital equipment (direct digital: 46.8%; indirect digital: 48.8%). Key obstacles to digitisation were the high cost of equipment (41.9%) and equipment obsolescence (29%). Perceived benefits included immediate image viewing/film savings (34.2%) and data transmission (29.8%). However, 93.8% of facilities lacked a Hospital Information System (HIS) or PACS. The main causes of equipment failure were electrical power fluctuations (46.2%) and incorrect use by staff (42.3%). Conclusion: Whilst digital equipment is prevalent, its full potential in N'Djamena is hampered by a critical shortage of radiologists, the absence of integrated IT infrastructure (PACS/HIS), maintenance issues and an ageing equipment fleet. Strategic investment in specialist training, resilient technical and IT infrastructure, and preventive maintenance programmes are essential to harness digitisation for improved diagnostic care.

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Background: Repeated blood transfusion remains a cornerstone in the management of chronic hematological disorders but is associated with significant biochemical and hematological alterations, including iron overload, hepatic dysfunction, and electrolyte imbalance. Objective: To assess biochemical and hematological changes associated with repeated blood transfusion among patients attending a tertiary hospital. Methods: This hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study involved 120 participants comprising 80 patients who had received ≥3 blood transfusions in the preceding 12 months and 40 age- and sex-matched controls with ≤1 transfusion. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, while biochemical assays were performed using standard spectrophotometric methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were applied. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Repeatedly transfused patients had significantly higher mean serum ferritin (486.3 ± 162.5 ng/mL vs 168.4 ± 72.1 ng/mL; p<0.001), ALT, AST, bilirubin, and potassium levels compared to controls. Serum calcium was significantly lower in transfused patients (p=0.02). Serum ferritin showed a strong positive correlation with transfusion frequency (r=0.64, p<0.001). Conclusion: Repeated blood transfusion is associated with significant biochemical and hematological alterations, particularly iron overload and hepatic dysfunction. Routine laboratory monitoring is recommended for early detection and prevention of transfusion-related complications.

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Background: Modic changes (MCs) are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal alterations in the vertebral endplates and adjacent bone marrow, classified into types 1 (inflammatory), 2 (fatty), and 3 (sclerotic). Their prevalence and clinical significance, particularly in sub-Saharan African populations, are not well characterized and may be influenced by local demographic and biomechanical factors. Objective: To determine the prevalence, distribution, and demographic associations of Modic changes in patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine disease at the Garoua Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Out of 418 lumbar MRI scans performed between January 2023 and June 2025, 121 patients with degenerative pathology were included. MCs were evaluated on T1- and T2-weighted sagittal images and classified according to the standard Modic system. Associations with age, sex, and occupation were analyzed using Chi-square tests in SPSS 20.0. Results: The overall prevalence of MCs in our symptomatic cohort was 48.3% (59/121). Modic type 2 was the most common subtype (25.7%), followed by type 1 (16.5%) and type 3 (6.1%). A highly significant gender-specific distribution was observed: Modic type 1 changes were significantly more prevalent in males (25.9% vs. 9.0%; p=0.005), while Modic type 3 changes showed a strong female predominance (11.9% vs. 1.9%; p=0.002). The most affected occupational groups were female traders and housewives. Conclusion: This study provides novel data on Modic changes in a West African population. Nearly half of symptomatic patients exhibited MCs, with a clear and significant gender disparity: an inflammatory pattern (Modic 1) associated with males and a sclerotic pattern (Modic 3) associated with females. These findings suggest potentially distinct pathophysiological pathways or risk factor exposures influenced by gender, possibly related to occupational biomechanics and hormonal factors. Rec

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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.

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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.