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Abstract Background Apert syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by coronal craniosynostosis, ex-orbitism, midface hypoplasia as well as symmetric syndactyly of both feet and hands. Apert syndrome is linked by autosomal dominant inheritance to fibroblast growth factors receptor gene alteration. Case presentation We present the case of a 20-month-old African boy who exhibited the characteristic facial features of Apert syndrome. Additionally, the child presented with syndactyly of both the fingers and toes. He was born to non-consanguineous parents, with the father being 33 years old at the time of the child's birth. A skull X-ray revealed an increased anteroposterior diameter of the skull, consistent with the cranial abnormalities associated with Apert syndrome. Further imaging of the hands and feet confirmed the pathognomonic syndactyly characteristic of the condition. The patient successfully underwent a series of surgeries to release the syndactyly in both his right and left hands. These surgical interventions have significantly improved the functionality of his hands. Conclusions There is a paucity of information about Apert syndrome in Africa. Therefore, in order to enhance strong advocacy of this condition in Africa, more cases should be reported.

Abstract Background The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA-PS) classification system are two commonly used tools for preoperative risk assessment. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of RCRI compared to the ASA-PS classification system in preoperative risk assessment for pulmonary and cardiac problems among non-cardiothoracic surgery patients admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). Methods This was a prospective cohort study design conducted from August 2022 to April 2023 among 184 patients of 18 years and above admitted at MNH for elective non-cardiothoracic surgery. Data Analysis was conducted using STATA software version 16. Means and standard deviations were used to summarize continuous data. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize categorical data. The logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to determine the correlation between variables. Results The majority of patients (43.3%) had an RCRI score of 1 point, and 39.9% were classified as ASA class 1. Patients in ASA classes 3 and 4 had higher odds of developing cardiac and pulmonary complications (AUC = 0.75 and 0.77, respectively). Patients with an RCRI score of 2 or ≥ 3 points were also more likely to experience cardiac and pulmonary complications (AUC = 0.73 and 0.72, respectively). There was no significant difference in the predictive ability of the two tools. Both RCRI and ASA-PS classification systems were equally effective in predicting these complications. Conclusion Both the RCRI and the ASA-PS classification system demonstrated good predictive ability for cardiac and pulmonary complications among patients undergoing non-cardiothoracic surgery.