Cephalic index is the ratio of head's breadth to length, which reflects the cranial dimensions and is an important parameter in anthropometry. Cephalic index is also known as cranial index and was defined by Swedish professor of anatomy Anders Retzius. It is useful to differentiate different types of crania belonging to different races, gender, age, geographical zones, tradition and nutrition, etc. AIMSTo estimate foetal cephalic index by ultrasonography, to classify foetal heads as per international categories and to know the frequent head types in second and third trimesters of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis prospective cross-sectional study included 100 normal singleton pregnant women with foetuses in the duration 12 to 40 weeks of gestational age. By ultrasonography, foetal head breadth and length was measured. Cephalic index was calculated by Breadth/Length X 100 and all the heads were classified as per international categories. RESULTSOf the total 100 foetal heads in the gestational age of 12 to 40 weeks, the mean cephalic index was 78.95±03.01. Mean biparietal diameter was 68.04±22.26. Mean occipitofrontal diameter was 86.38±28.61. According to cephalic index value 51% mesocephalic, 38% brachycephalic, 10% dolichocephalic and 1% hyperbrachycephalic heads were noticed. A mean cephalic index of 80 at 12-16 weeks, 78.48 at 36-40 weeks and a constant cephalic index of 78 to 79 was observed between 16-36 weeks. CONCLUSIONSThe mean cephalic index in the present study was 78.95 and is of mesocephalic phenotype in our study. It is the most frequent head type noticed. A linear correlation was observed between gestational age versus biparietal diameter and occipitofrontal diameter. No linear relationship was seen between gestational age and cephalic index. Brachycephalic heads at 12-16 weeks, mesocephalic heads at 36-40 weeks and a constant cephalic index of 78 to 79 was noticed from 16 to 36 weeks of gestation.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Comparative correlation of placental thickness with foetal gestational age, and evaluation of placental maturity by ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study includes 100 normal singleton gestations between 10 to 40 weeks of gestation referred to our centre for routine antenatal ultrasound examination. All the women were evaluated by transabdominal ultrasonography. Foetal gestational age in weeks was determined by crown rump length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femoral length. Placental thickness was measured in millimeters. All the placentae were graded using ultrasonographic grading system. RESULTS Our observations revealed that the placental thickness gradually increased from 11.8 mm at 12 weeks to 38.5 mm at 39 weeks. Placental thickness almost corresponds to advancing gestational age exhibiting a linear and direct growth. Progressive maturity changes were noted in placenta with advancing gestational age. CONCLUSION Placental thickness measured at cord insertion site can be used as one of the parameter for estimating foetal gestational age. Placental thickness measurement can also be used to differentiate certain abnormal conditions related to thick and thin placenta. Ultrasonographic placental grading helps to rule out certain conditions associated with premature or delayed placental maturation.

Introduction: CT guided lung FNAC/Biopsy is being increasingly used for the tissue diagnosis of lung lesions. CT is the safest and most accurate method of biopsying central lesions and lesions adjacent to or involving the hila and mediastinal structures. This study was aimed at evaluating the frequency of complications following CT -guided lung Biopsy/FNAC Material and methods: This was a retrospective study. 53 CT guided procedures performed during the year 2016 were included in the study. All the patients had a CT examination of the chest (plain and contrast) done before the guided procedure which was used as a road map. CT examination was done on a Siemens somatom 148 slice scanner. In some patients table dose oral contrast was also given done to delineate the oesophagus. Results:The incidence of pneumothorax was 1.06% i.e. only 1 patient out of 53 had minimal pneumothorax which was treated conservatively. Conclusion:CT guided lung FNAC/Biopsy is a safe procedure if done in expert hands with a multi-disciplinary team approach. Complications can be minimised by careful selection of the patient... considering the site and size of lesion; associated lung conditions etc.