BACKGROUND Thalassaemias and haemoglobinopathies are highly prevalent in India. Identification of these disorders is important for epidemiologic purposes and for prevention of thalassaemia major and clinically severe haemoglobinopathies. The use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a screening method for detection of these groups of disorder is increasing in last two decades. The aim is to study of thalassaemias and haemoglobinopathies using high performance liquid chromatography as a diagnostic tool in patients of a tertiary care hospital of Odisha. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 788 cases were included in the study. Samples were analysed on the BIO-RAD D-10 TM dual mode HPLC system. Personal history, family history, peripheral blood findings and sickling test result were correlated. Family studies were done whenever required and possible. However, secondary confirmatory tests were not done. Statistical analysis was done on Microsoft Excel. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS Abnormal HPLC patterns were seen in 37.18% of cases. Sickle cell heterozygous (15.10%), sickle cell homozygous (9.90%) and βthalassaemia trait (6.10%) were the most common abnormalities found. Other patterns detected include β-thalassaemia major and intermedia, compound heterozygous state of HbS and β-thalassaemia, HbE trait, HbE disease, double heterozygous state of HbS and HbE, HbE and β-thalassaemia and HbS and hereditary persistent of foetal haemoglobin, HbD Punjab trait, Hb Lepore trait and HbH disease. CONCLUSION Sickle cell along with β-thalassaemias are the major abnormal haemoglobins in Odisha. Premarital and antenatal screenings are important measures to prevent birth of children with severe haemoglobin disorders. HPLC is a rapid and reliable technique for identification of various haemoglobin fractions.

Primary carcinoid tumor of the ovary in association with a mature cystic teratoma is very rare. Preoperative diagnosis of this tumor is difficult, particularly in the absence of symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Here, we report a case of a premenopausal woman who underwent operative treatment due to an ovarian mass. The ovary was cystic with a solid mural nodule. Microscopically, the cyst wall revealed features of mature teratoma while the nodule showed features of a low-grade insular carcinoid. Synaptophysin and CD56 were positive. Ki67 index was low. No evidence of primary gastrointestinal or respiratory malignancy was found. The histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of this tumor, its intimate association with a mature cystic teratoma and the absence of primary malignancy elsewhere were compatible with the diagnosis of a primary ovarian insular carcinoid tumor. This case is reported to raise the awareness of a rare tumor entity among the pathology and gynecologic communities.

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Endometriosis is a disease seen among women in reproductive age group. It is characterised by deposition of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It commonly involves the pelvic organs like ovary, fallopian tube and pelvic ligaments. Involvement of gastrointestinal tract by endometriosis is uncommon and the incidence varies widely among different studies. Colonic endometriosis can be confused as malignancy both clinically and radiologically. In these instances, histopathology is essential for a correct diagnosis. Here, the authors report a case of colonic endometriosis presenting with features of large bowel obstruction in a 49-year-old female with previous history of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Radiological scanning of abdomen and colonoscopic examination were suspicious of sigmoid malignancy. Although colonic biopsy was inconclusive and tumour markers were normal, she underwent sigmoidectomy with lymphnode clearance as per oncological principles with primary anastomosis. Her final histopathological examination revealed features of colonic endometriosis without any evidence of malignancy. Detailed evaluation of the patient didn’t reveal endometriosis at any other site. Patient was discharged after full surgical recovery and was doing well till the last follow-up.