Swan-neck sign of the big toe - association with hypocalcaemia

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-241
Author(s):  
Kishore S Agarwal ◽  
Noopur Baijal ◽  
Lokesh Tiwari ◽  
Neeraj Verma ◽  
Mohit Sahni ◽  
...  

The sensitivity and specificity of a new clinical sign of hypocalcaemia were evaluated. The Swan-neck sign, wherein infants with symptomatic hypocalcaemia keep their big toe hyperextended at the metatarsophalangeal joint and flexed at the interphalangeal joint, was looked for in 25 infants presenting with non-febrile seizures, alongside their serum calcium levels. The study showed that the sign had a sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 66.6%. (Predictive values of positive and negative tests were 93.3% and 20%, respectively.) This is compared with the standard Trousseau and Chvostek signs.

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 2563
Author(s):  
Yashwant R. Lamture ◽  
Harshal Ramteke ◽  
Varsha Gajbhiye

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. In spite of sophisticated new investigations mainstay of diagnosis depends on clinical sign and symptoms, Sherren`s triangle hyperaesthesia is very important sign with controversial efficacy about it in available literature. Hence this study was undertaken to prove its efficacy of it.Methods: This study was conducted in 418 patients with 186 females and 251 males. Patients were of acute appendicitis operated for appendicectomy included in the study. Data analysis was done by data statistic software.Results: Sensitivity and specificity of hyperaesthesia in Sherren’s triangle were 47.7% and 42.9% respectively with positive and negative predictive values were 92.1% and 5.56%.Conclusions: Hence it indicates that hyperaesthesia in Sherren’s triangle is important sign to suspect to support diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It has minimal significance to rule out it.  This sign plays very important role in a diagnosis of complicated appendicitis like obstructive appendicitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Amarnath Gupta ◽  
A P Singh

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. In spite of sophisticated new investigations mainstay of diagnosis depends on clinical sign and symptoms, Sherren‘s triangle hyperaesthesia is very important sign with controversial efficacy about it in available literature. The aim of this study was to explore the significance of hyperaesthesia in Sherren’s triangle in a treatment of acute appendicitis. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in 418 patients with 186 females and 251 males. Patients were of acute appendicitis operated for appendicectomy included in the study. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of hyperaesthesia in Sherren’s triangle were 47.7% and 42.9% respectively with positive and negative predictive values were 92.1% and 5.56%. Conclusion: Hence it indicates that hyperaesthesia in Sherren’s triangle is important sign to suspect to support diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It has minimal significance to rule out it. This sign plays very important role in a diagnosis of complicated appendicitis like obstructive appendicitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Mahran ◽  
Mohammed Khairy ◽  
Reham Elkhateeb ◽  
Abdel Rahman Hegazy ◽  
Ayman Abdelmeged ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The clinical implication of the increased serum progesterone level on the day of HCG administration in assisted reproduction treatment (ART) is still controversial. The current study aimed to compare the predictive value of serum progesterone on day of HCG administration / metaphase II oocyte (P/MII) ratio on IVF/ ICSI outcome to serum progesterone (P) level alone and the ratio of serum progesterone/estradiol level (P/E2) ratio in prediction of pregnancy rates after ART. Material & methods Two hundred patients admitted to the IVF/ICSI program at Minia IVF center in Egypt in the period from October 2016 to May 2018 were included in this study. Serum Progesterone (P) and Estradiol (E2) levels were estimated on the day of HCG administration. The ratio between serum P and the number of MII oocytes (P/MII ratio) was calculated and the predictive values of the three parameters (P, P/E2 ratio and P/MII ratio) in prediction of cycle outcomes were measured. Results P/ MII oocyte ratio was significantly lower in patients who attained clinical pregnancy (n = 97) as compared with those who couldn’t whilst there was no significant difference in P and P/E2 ratio between the two groups. Using a cut off value of 0.125, the sensitivity and specificity of progesterone/ MII ratio in prediction of no pregnancy in IVF/ICSI were 75.7 and 77.1% respectively with the area under The Receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) = 0.808. The respective values of the ROC-AUC for the P and P/E2 ratio were 0.651 and 0.712 with sensitivity and specificity of 71.2 and 73.5%for P level and of 72.5 and 75.3% for P/E2 ratio. Implantation or clinical pregnancy rates were significantly different between patients with high and low P/MII ratio irrespective of day of embryo transfer (day 3 or 5). Conclusions In patients with normal ovarian response, serum progesterone on day of HCG / MII oocyte ratio can be a useful predictor of pregnancy outcomes and in deciding on freezing of all embryos for later transfer instead of high progesterone level alone.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Brakel ◽  
T. A. Berendsen ◽  
P. M. C. Callenbach ◽  
J. van der Burgh ◽  
R. J. Hissink ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Several countries advocate screening for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) in selected patients. In the Netherlands, routine screening is currently under review by the National Health Council. In any screening programme, cost-efficiency and accuracy are key. In this study, we evaluate the Aorta Scan (Verathon, Amsterdam, Netherlands), a cost-effective and easy-to-use screening device based on bladder scan technology, which enables untrained personnel to screen for AAA. Methods We subjected 117 patients to an Aorta Scan and compared the results to the gold standard (abdominal ultrasound). We used statistical analysis to determine sensitivity and specificity of the Aorta Scan, as well as the positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and inter-test agreement (Kappa). Results Sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 and 0.98, respectively. Positive predictive value was 0.98 and negative predictive value was 0.88. Accuracy was determined at 0.92 and the Kappa value was 0.85. When waist–hip circumferences (WHC) of > 115 cm were excluded, sensitivity raised to 0.96, specificity stayed 0.98, positive and negative predictive value were 0.98 and 0.96, respectively, accuracy to 0.97, and Kappa to 0.94. Conclusion Herein, we show that the Aorta Scan is a cost-effective and very accurate screening tool, especially in patients with WHC below 115 cm, which makes it a suitable candidate for implementation into clinical practice, specifically in the setting of screening selected populations for the presence of AAA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne F. Awad ◽  
Soha R. Dargham ◽  
Amine A. Toumi ◽  
Elsy M. Dumit ◽  
Katie G. El-Nahas ◽  
...  

AbstractWe developed a diabetes risk score using a novel analytical approach and tested its diagnostic performance to detect individuals at high risk of diabetes, by applying it to the Qatari population. A representative random sample of 5,000 Qataris selected at different time points was simulated using a diabetes mathematical model. Logistic regression was used to derive the score using age, sex, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity as predictive variables. Performance diagnostics, validity, and potential yields of a diabetes testing program were evaluated. In 2020, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.79 and sensitivity and specificity were 79.0% and 66.8%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were 36.1% and 93.0%, with 42.0% of Qataris being at high diabetes risk. In 2030, projected AUC was 0.78 and sensitivity and specificity were 77.5% and 65.8%. PPV and NPV were 36.8% and 92.0%, with 43.0% of Qataris being at high diabetes risk. In 2050, AUC was 0.76 and sensitivity and specificity were 74.4% and 64.5%. PPV and NPV were 40.4% and 88.7%, with 45.0% of Qataris being at high diabetes risk. This model-based score demonstrated comparable performance to a data-derived score. The derived self-complete risk score provides an effective tool for initial diabetes screening, and for targeted lifestyle counselling and prevention programs.


2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 1661-1667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuichi Kasai ◽  
Koichiro Morishita ◽  
Eiji Kawakita ◽  
Tetsushi Kondo ◽  
Atsumasa Uchida

Abstract Background and PurposeAlthough many studies have described clinical examination measures for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal instability, few of them have investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the measures that were used. The authors devised a passive lumbar extension (PLE) test for assessing lumbar spinal instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of this test. Subjects and Methods. The PLE test as well as the instability catch sign, painful catch sign, and apprehension sign tests were done for 122 subjects with lumbar degenerative diseases. The subjects were divided into 2 groups—instability positive and instability negative—on the basis of findings on flexion-extension films of the lumbar spine. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio of each test were investigated. Results. The sensitivity and specificity of the PLE test were 84.2% and 90.4%, respectively. These values were higher than those of other signs. The positive likelihood ratio of the PLE test was 8.84 (95% confidence interval=4.51–17.33). Discussion and Conclusion. The PLE test is an effective method for examining patients for lumbar spinal instability and can be performed easily in an outpatient clinic.


BJGP Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0141
Author(s):  
Anna Ruiz-Comellas ◽  
Pere Roura Poch ◽  
Glòria Sauch Valmaña ◽  
Víctor Guadalupe-Fernández ◽  
Jacobo Mendioroz Peña ◽  
...  

Backgroundamong the manifestations of COVID-19 are Taste and Smell Disorders (TSDs).AimThe aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs and other associated symptoms to estimate predictive values for determining SARS-CoV-2 infection.Design and settingRetrospective observational study.Methodsa study of the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs has been carried out using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 as the Gold Standard value. Logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex were performed to identify additional symptoms that might be associated with COVID-19.Resultsthe results are based on 226 healthcare workers with clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, 116 with positive PCR and 111 with negative PCR. TSDs had an OR of 12.43 (CI 0.95 6.33–26.19), sensitivity 60.34% and specificity 89.09%. In the logistic regression model, the association of TSD, fever or low-grade fever, shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia and myalgia obtained an area under the curve of 85.7% (CI 0.95: 80.7 % - 90.7 %), sensitivity 82.8 %, specificity 80% and positive predictive values 81.4% and negative 81.5%.ConclusionsTSDs are a strong predictor of COVID-19. The association of TSD, fever, low-grade fever or shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia and myalgia correctly predicts 85.7% of the results of the COVID-19 test.


2019 ◽  
Vol 152 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S92-S92
Author(s):  
Hatem Kaseb ◽  
Ahmad Charifa ◽  
Rita Abi-Raad ◽  
Guoping Cai ◽  
Lynwood Hammers ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) criteria were recently introduced in our institution to aid in predicting diagnosis for various thyroid lesions. We evaluated the association of TIRADS imaging score and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology with thyroid lesions that had a confirmed diagnosis at resection, with a focus on understanding the predictability of this diagnostic tool in malignancy prediction. Methods We assessed the concordance of TIRADS criteria and FNA diagnosis to the final anatomical diagnosis in the assessment of thyroid lesions. We retrieved the cases from the archives of the Yale pathology department between June 2017 and January 2018. Our inclusion criteria included patients who had a TIRADS score, cytology diagnosis, and final surgical resection diagnosis. A total of 65 subjects with an age range of 11 to 88 years were identified. Results The majority of the patients were females, 65% (42/65). Cases with TIRADS score 1-2 (likely benign) and Bethesda I/II nondiagnostic/benign were few since most of these cases did not go for surgical resection. The mildly suspicious TIRAD score 3 and FLUS category showed similar trends, 68% and 67%, respectively, in predicting malignant lesions. The TIRADS score 4 when compared to cytology (IV)/(V) demonstrated similar consistent results in malignancy prediction, both being high at 89% and 87%, respectively. The TIRADS score 5 demonstrated a 95% malignancy prediction. The overall sensitivity and specificity of TIRADS score in our cohort were 66% and 77%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of TIRADS score in our cohort were 89% and 39%, respectively. In comparison, the overall sensitivity and specificity of cytology assessment in our cohort were 91% and 44%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of cytology assessment in our cohort were 85% and 57%, respectively. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that both cytology and TIRAD score had similar trends in malignancy prediction. Cytological assessment had higher sensitivity but lower specificity compared to TIRADS score. While both techniques showed concordant high predictability of malignant lesions (approximately 91%), the use of both modalities adjunctively will be very useful in triaging cases for surgery. Overall, utilizing TIRADS score with cytology will help reduce the risk of unnecessary invasive procedures in patients with a low probability of malignant thyroid disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Binita Koirala Sharma ◽  
S Gokhale ◽  
K Sharma

Introduction: The accurate identification of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates requires a series of tests. Morphological features and slide coagulase test are two criteria on which S. aureus are identified. Resort to tube coagulase test is sought when results of slide coagulase test are equivocal or doubtful. Both coagulase tests detect the enzymes that convert fibrinogen into fibrin. Human, rabbit or sheep pooled plasma is used as substrate for both tests. Slide coagulase test is simpler and faster as compared to tube coagulase test. The plasma could be carrier of many human and animal pathogens like HIV, HBV, HCV etc. Storage of plasma for longer duration is fraught with chances of contamination. Improperly stored plasma can lead to false positive or negative results. Citrated plasma may be unsuitable for this test if contaminated with citrate utilizing bacteria. Considering the role of S. aureus as a common etiological agent in nosocomial and community infections, there is a need of implementing rapid, easy and cost-effective phenotypic test.Objectives: Considering the disadvantages and risks associated with fresh plasma, this study aims to launch for safer, more reliable substitute with longer shelf life that may provide reliable results for prompt identification of S. aureus by slide coagulase test.Methods: The present work evaluates slide coagulase test (SCT), and urea fibrinogen slide coagulase test (UF-SCT) for S. aureus detection considering Tube coagulase test (TCT) as the reference method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of SCT and UF-SCT were calculated using TCT as gold standard. Results: A total of 150 staphylococcal isolates from different clinical specimens ere selected for the evaluation of coagulase tests. All the specimens were subjected to SCT, UF-SCT and TCT. The UF-SCT showed better sensitivity (95.04%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%), and NPV (82.85%) with reference to TCT. UF-SCT showed similar sensitivity and specificity to SCT. None of the isolates were negative in UF-SCT and positive in SCT. Since UF-SCT does not incorporate plasma directly and at the same time has a very good sensitivity and specificity, it is recommended that UF-SCT could replace SCT for identification of S. aureus.Conclusion: The findings of present study shall encourage laboratories to use the urea-fibrinogen slide coagulase test routinely for the rapid identification of S aureus.Journal of Gandaki Medical College  Vol. 10, No. 1, 2017, Page: 5-10


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Mariano De Prado ◽  
Pedro-Luis Ripoll ◽  
Pau Golanó ◽  
Javier Vaquero ◽  
Nicola Maffulli

Several surgical options have been described to manage persistent dorsiflexion contracture at the metatarsophalangeal joint and plantarflexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe. We describe a minimally invasive technique for the management of this deformity. We perform a plantar closing wedge osteotomy of the 5th toe at the base of its proximal phalanx associated with a lateral condylectomy of the head of the proximal phalanx and at the base of the middle phalanx. Lastly, a complete tenotomy of the deep and superficial flexor tendons and of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus is undertaken. Correction of cock-up fifth toe deformity is achieved using a minimally invasive approach.


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