Dzufar Halim

Dr. Dzufar Halim

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 February 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DHDzufar Halim
Dzufar Halim
AKAlan Kelly
Alan Kelly
JHJames patrick Hayes
James patrick Hayes
KBKathleen Bennett
Kathleen Bennett
ATArgyrios Tzouvelekis
Argyrios Tzouvelekis
FSFotios Sampsonas
Fotios Sampsonas
Background and Objective: Ultrasound has become more popular and useful over the last few years in improving healthcare. While handheld devices offer portability and convenience, their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility require further scrutiny. This study attempted to evaluate the non-inferiority of handheld portable ultrasound devices compared to standard ultrasound devices for common lung pathologies. Materials and Methods: Videos of various common lung pathologies from 20 patients were recorded by a single operator using both portable handheld and standard ultrasound devices in a single setting. These videos were then assessed via online questionnaires by clinicians of various levels of experience from respiratory and non-respiratory departments. A Likert scale was used, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree (ranging from 1 to 5) in terms of overall image quality, clear anatomical visualization, similar clinical interpretations/decisions, and the perception of non-inferiority. Median values with interquartile ranges were reported; a rating of 3 or above was defined as indicating non-inferiority. Results: Thirty participants completed the questionnaires, of which the majority were at trainee level (n = 20, 73%) and from a respiratory department (n = 20, 67%). The participants had mixed levels of experience in terms of the years and frequency of use of the ultrasound. Overall median ratings were 4.0 for overall image quality, clear anatomical visualization, and similar clinical interpretations/decisions, with slight variations in interquartile ranges. No significant differences were observed between subgroups. The portable ultrasound device was rated similarly for the overall perception of non-inferiority, but clinicians from respiratory departments and clinicians with less experience showed statistically significant variability in their assessments. Conclusions: The portable handheld device demonstrated potential as a reliable alternative to standard models in standard clinical settings without compromising clinical decision. Further evaluation is needed that includes a direct comparison of various types of handheld ultrasound devices, across different operators’ levels of experience, to further solidify their suitability in patient care.

1 April 2018 in Cureus
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Journal Article
Open access
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MBMn Baig
Mn Baig
DHDzufar Halim
Dzufar Halim
CMColin G. Murphy
Colin G. Murphy
WCWilliam Curtin
William Curtin
Lateral femoral prosthesis perforation is an uncommon periprosthetic fracture. Periprosthetic fractures may be fixed with open reduction and internal fixation, or with revision arthroplasty, depending on the type of fracture, the condition of the host bone in the proximal femur, the stability of the implant, and occasionally the medical co-morbidities of the patient. Proximal femoral replacement is a complex and challenging procedure but provides a better chance of early mobilisation. We describe a case of treating a 71-year-old woman who presented with an unusual type of periprosthetic fracture, treated with a revision arthroplasty procedure using a proximal femur replacement.

2 September 2024 in Respirology Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
DHDzufar Halim
Dzufar Halim
DBDavid Breen
David Breen
Key message: Foreign body aspiration is rare in adults but can be life‐threatening. This case highlights the subtlety of chronic foreign body aspiration presentation and the importance of judicious use of radiological tool and comprehensive history‐taking especially in patients with chronic cough.

31 July 2026 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DHDzufar Halim
Dzufar Halim
EMErinn McGrath
Erinn McGrath
DADimitrios Ampazis
Dimitrios Ampazis
JKJanusz Krawczyk
Janusz Krawczyk
RSRamadan Shatwan
Ramadan Shatwan
AOAnthony O’Regan
Anthony O’Regan
Background and Clinical Significance: Pulmonary crystal-storing histiocytosis (CSH) without an associated haematological malignancy, lymphoproliferative disorder, plasma cell disorder, or other identifiable underlying condition is exceptionally rare. Long-term radiological data from published cases remain limited, and this case, contextualised by a narrative review of the literature, may expand the recognised imaging spectrum of localised pulmonary CSH. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 59-year-old man with incidental multiple pulmonary lesions identified on CT thorax imaging. The lesions demonstrated an unusual combination of cystic change, cavitation, and surrounding ground-glass opacities. His medical history was significant for bipolar disorder treated with lithium and a 50-pack-year smoking history. Interval imaging showed progression, prompting further investigation and ultimately right upper lobectomy. Histopathological analysis confirmed pulmonary CSH; lesional cells contained crystalloid material and showed CD68 and PAS positivity, with dual kappa and lambda expression on immunohistochemistry. Markers for other differential diagnoses, including Congo red, birefringence, Langerin, and CD1a were negative. Following diagnosis and resection, serial imaging demonstrated fluctuating yet slowly progressive pulmonary abnormalities. No lymphoproliferative or plasma cell disorder has emerged after more than seven years of post-diagnostic surveillance and more than ten years since the initial imaging abnormality. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that the radiological spectrum of localised pulmonary CSH may include cystic, cavitary and ground-glass abnormalities, with subsequent fluctuating yet slowly progressive post-resection evolution. Pulmonary CSH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained or atypical pulmonary nodules, particularly when histiocyte-rich pathology with intracytoplasmic crystalloid material is identified. Long-term multidisciplinary surveillance is warranted.