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Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is considered to be the single most important prognostic indicator in patients with breast cancer. It can be assessed by various radiological, pathological and surgical techniques, the most accurate being histological examination of lymph nodes after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). This prospective study was conducted to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (USG-FNAC) of ALN in patients with breast cancer. Thirty patients with FNAC-proven breast cancer, planned for definitive surgery with axillary clearance, were included in this study. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the axillae of these patients was conducted for alterations in size, shape, contour and cortical morphology of lymph nodes that could reflect presence of underlying metastases. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of the ALN was done in 24 of these patients. These findings were evaluated, with the ALN status determined by histological examination after ALND. Out of the 30 patients, eight had T(1), 16 had T(2), five had T(3), and one had T(4) lesions. Ultrasound evaluation of the ALN had a sensitivity of 86.3%, a specificity of 41.6%, a positive predictive value of 79%, a negative predictive value of 50% and a diagnostic accuracy of 73.3%. Sensitivity of USG-FNAC was 78.95%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, negative predictive value was 55.56% and diagnostic accuracy was 83.33%. Our study concludes that preoperative USG-FNAC of ALN is a simple, minimally invasive, easily available and reliable technique for the initial determination of ALN status in patients with breast cancer. Those who are USG-FNAC positive can be directed towards ALND straight away, and only those who are USG-FNAC negative should be considered for sentinel lymph node biopsy. This will save considerable operating time, especially where facilities for sentinel lymph node biopsy (costly dye, gamma camera, nuclear medicine facilities) are restricted or not available.

Congenital tuberculosis is a rare disease. The non-specific nature of presenting signs and symptoms (because of the lack of host response) and the fatal outcome in the absence of early therapy all underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in infants. Recognition requires awareness that tuberculosis at this age has manifestations not found in older children. Here a case of congenital tuberculosis is presented, where changes were confined only to the thorax. Tuberculosis in the mother could be diagnosed only retrospectively.

Mediastinal lymphadenitis as the only presentation of adult tuberculosis is rare. Rarer still is dysphagia as the only presenting symptom of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Here is the report of such a case.

Primary hydatid cyst of the brain in adults is rare and can pose various diagnostic problems. Multiplicity of these cysts is even rarer. The most important diagnostic tool is computed tomography scanning of the brain. Hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis when a cystic brain lesion is found in patients from an endemic echinococcosis area.

How often do we consider a differential diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in cases of failed thoracocentesis? How many of us remember that omental fat in the chest can behave in a fluid manner, layering along the chest wall, resulting in the misinterpretation of a decubitus view. A case is presented of a diaphragmatic hernia that was missed on conventional chest radiographs resulting in CT having to be performed. A high degree of suspicion is mandatory to reach the final diagnosis. Radiographs could be used more effectively and CT avoided.