Prospects of computer tomography in diagnosing adrenal tumors

Computed tomography (CT) is one of main topical methods of adrenal tumors diagnosis. Medical histories of 68 patients treated from 1995 to 2000 for various adrenal tumors were analyzed. CT was used in all the patients. These data were compared with results of morphological study. It is demonstrated that CT has high sensitivity in diagnosis of adrenal tumors (96.55% cases). It permits to predict the type of tumor with high probability. The degree of tumor size mistake made at CT was estimated. Mean coefficients to assess true sizes of tumors before surgery were calculated. This is important for choice of treatment policy in hormonal-unactive adrenal tumors.     

Multispiral computed tomography in diagnosis of tumors of the mammary gland

For the first time, results of multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) with intravenous contrast enhancement in diagnosis of difficult case of breast tumors are presented. This method permits localization and staging of tumor. Contrast enhancement aids to reveal small tumors (less 1 cm). Thin sections and algorithm of high image resolution permit to diagnose microcalcinates which are early and important symptoms of malignant tumor. Evaluation of state of regional lymph nodes, analysis of bones permits to evaluate generalization of the process. MSCT-mammography may be used as amplifying method in diagnosis of breast diseases. This method is also indicated in atypical location of cancer. Further studies of MSCT-mammography permit to increase diagnostic value of this method.     

Repeated surgeries on the thyroid gland in nodular euthyroid goiter

Medical histories of 214 patients hospitalized with diagnosis "recurrent nodular goiter" were studied retrospectively. Complex clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination was carried out in all the patients. Comparative analysis demonstrated that in the structure of recurrent goiter nodular colloid form dominated (84.1%), only in 42.1% cases repeated surgeries were indicated. Other patients (15.9%) were the ones underwent surgery for other thyroid diseases (hypertrophied form of autoimmune thyroiditis, follicular adenoma, thyroid cysts, thyroid cancer). Inadequate surgery and prophylactic therapy with iodine drugs were the main causes of recurrent goiter. Adequate iodine prophylaxis (potassium iodide 100-200 mg per day), complex examination of patients, correct indications for primary surgery and adequate surgical volume, valuable postoperative therapy (iodine drug, LT-4 if it is necessary) permit to reduce the risk of recurrent nodular (multiple-nodular, diffuse-nodular) goiter. Ways of researches for improvement of diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment results of "recurrence nodular goiter" are projected.     

An outbreak of food poisoning in a military establishment

Background: An outbreak of food poisoning in a military establishment mess was investigated and remedial measures suggested.