Pak J Med Sci
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The severe form of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has largely manifested as a predominant respiratory illness causing severe pneumonia characterized by bilateral, subpleural ground glass haze, progressing to consolidation, and fibrosis on imaging. There is some discrepancy between the governmental guidelines, professional Societies and Radiology and Respiratory Medicine specialists with divided opinions between the use of the chest X-rays and CT scan, and whether the use be screening or diagnostic. ⋯ This writeup describes the approach for a rational use of imaging to the best advantage in the current situation according to local resources, and restricting the spread of infection. The most practical compromise for Pakistan appears to be the use of portable digital radiography equipment, and point-of- care ultrasound; with CT scan reserved for clinical situations not explained by the above two modalities, or demanding disease stratification.
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Case Reports
Coexisting giant splenic artery aneurysm and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
The splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is rare clinical entity which is the third most common intra-abdominal aneurysm. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare malignancies which comprise less than 2% of all pancreatic tumors. Non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors set forth up to 90% of all PNETs. ⋯ Distal pancreatectomy, splenic aneurysm resection and splenectomy was performed. Pathological results revealed that there was a 12 cm sized giant true splenic aneurysm and 0.7 cm sized neuroendocrine tumor in the pancreatic tissue. This manuscript is presentation of surgical approach to a case with coexistence of these two rare conditions.
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In less than two decades, the world has experienced three outbreaks of deadly Coronaviruses, including the recent pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. COVID-19 posed an emergency of international concerns, and cases have been reported in more than 200 countries/regions that resulted in health, lives, and economic losses. China's economic growth is projected to fall to 5.6% this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that policy investment and tax policies to implement $3.3 trillion and contributes further $4.5 trillion. ⋯ GDP ratio projected from 3.0% in 2019 to grow 10.7% in 2020, the US ratio expected to increase from 5.8% to 15.7%. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK) each reported public sector funding programs totalling > 10% of their yearly GDP. There is a dire need for regional and international co-operation to extend hands to prevent further spreading of COVID-19.