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Spondylocostal dysostosis (Jarcho Levin syndrome) is a rare costovertebral malformation syndrome that will result in restrictive pulmonary physiology. It manifests its major components at birth. Split cord malformation, together with spondylocostal dysostosis, is even rarer. We hereby report our experience with diagnosing 1 infant with spondylocostal dysostosis and type II split cord malformation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We also present a concise summary of previously published case reports and case series involving patients with concurrent spondylocostal dysostosis and split cord malformations.

Tuberculosis is one of the most common pediatric problems, especially in the developing world. In spite of that, intraocular tuberculosis is a rare disease that can easily be confused with other noninfectious processes, even in regions where tuberculosis is rampant. Diagnosis is difficult, yet it is very important to provide effective antituberculosis treatment and avoid potentially sight-losing interventions. We present a case of a 2-year-old child with a positive contact history of tuberculosis who presented with progressively worsening seizures and constitutional symptoms for 6 months. Brain computed tomography revealed right frontotemporal region conglomerated ring-enhancing lesions with central necrosis consistent with tuberculosis. On the same scan, a calcified right retinal lesion with a contrast-enhancing soft tissue component was identified. A chest radiograph and abdominal sonography showed evidence of disseminated tuberculosis. Subsequently, antituberculosis treatment was initiated, and the right retinal lesion improved, thus leading to the imaging diagnosis of right intraocular tuberculosis.Early and accurate diagnosis of retinal tuberculosis is of paramount importance in avoiding potentially catastrophic interventions. Neuroimaging is a useful, noninvasive method to consider this difficult diagnosis and also for follow-up.

Background. Although efforts have been made to reduce AIDS-related mortality by providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) services, still people are dying while they are on treatment due to several factors. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of mortality among adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) users in Goba Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods. The medical records of 2036 ART users who enrolled at Goba Hospital between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed and sociodemographic, clinical, and ART-related data were collected. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to measure risk of death and identify the independent predictors of mortality. Results. The overall mortality incidence rate was 20.3 deaths per 1000 person-years. Male, bedridden, overweight/obese, and HIV clients infected with TB and other infectious diseases had higher odds of death compared with their respective counterparts. On the other hand, ART clients with primary and secondary educational level and early and less advanced WHO clinical stage had lower odds of death compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. The overall mortality incidence rate was high and majority of the death had occurred in the first year of ART initiation. Intensifying and strengthening early ART initiation, improving nutritional status, prevention and control of TB, and other opportunistic infections are recommended interventions.

BACKGROUND: Spinal tumors constitute 10-32% of all primary central nervous system tumors. Accurate radiologic and histopathology diagnosis is crucial in the management and prognosis. The aim of the study was to describe the imaging patterns and to determine the agreement of imaging pattern of spinal tumors with intra-operative and histopathology findings. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 47 patients with spinal tumor done from May 2018 to October 2020. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data, history, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intraoperative findings and histopathology reports. The agreement between imaging, intraoperative finding and histopathology diagnosis was analyzed. RESULTS: Intradural extramedullary tumors constituted 37 (78%) cases followed by six (12.8 %) extradural tumors and four (9.2%) intramedullary tumors. Schwannoma accounted for 13 (27.7%) cases followed by meningioma, 12 (25.5%) cases. Twenty-seven (57.4%) cases were thoracic level and cervical level were nine (19.1%) cases. Twelve (25.5%) cases did not have a definite intraoperative diagnosis. Imaging and intraoperative diagnosis was in agreement in 21 (44.6 %) cases and disagreed in 14 (29.7%) cases. For the imaging diagnosis and histopathology, 29 (61.7%) were in agreement and 18 (38.3 %) were in disagreement. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the commonest site to be involved was the thoracic spine and schwannoma was the commonest tumor. The low agreement between imaging and histopathology could have been improved by optimizing the imaging reports and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]