Singap Med J
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Comparative Study
Comparison of graded compression ultrasonography and unenhanced spiral computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
To compare the accuracy of graded compression ultrasonography (US) and unenhanced spiral computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. ⋯ We conclude that unenhanced spiral CT is more sensitive than US in detecting appendicitis, especially in adult patients.
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Comparative Study
Study on psychosocial aspects and support of in vitro fertilisation programme in an Asian population.
Undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is an emotional and physical burden. Couples rate the experience of waiting for the outcome of the IVF treatment and an unsuccessful IVF treatment cycle as the most stressful. The outcome of treatment would affect how they feel about their IVF experience. Our survey aimed to increase understanding of how couples feel about the experience of IVF before and during IVF treatment so that strategies to improve their experience can be devised. ⋯ This study increased our understanding of the emotional aspects of IVF. Current strategies of providing medical and psychosocial counselling before IVF help prepare couples psychologically. Emotional support and psychosocial counselling before and during IVF were identified as important areas, particularly while waiting for the pregnancy test result.
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Case Reports
Angioinvasive cerebral aspergillosis presenting as acute ischaemic stroke in a patient with diabetes mellitus.
Cerebral angioinvasive aspergillosis is a rare manifestation of disseminated aspergillosis which may result in stroke in immunocompromised individuals. Reports of such disease in patients with diabetes mellitus are rare. We describe a 45-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who presented with a three-day history of right-sided limb weakness and aphasia. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extension of the growth to the brain, causing the acute ischaemic stroke. He was subsequently diagnosed with angioinvasive cerebral aspergillosis and was commenced on intravenous amphotericin B. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his illness despite treatment.