Prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia: correlation of high-resolution MR and histopathologic findings

High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of 24 fresh radical prostatectomy specimens was performed on an experimental 1.9-T system. Direct correlation between the findings in 7-micron-thick macrosections and their corresponding MR images was possible. Fourteen patients had macroscopic evidence of cancer. In all 14 cases, the carcinoma nodules appeared as areas of low signal intensity on images obtained with a repetition time of 2,500 msec and an echo time of 80 msec. Ten of 14 nodules had well-defined margins and consisted of densely packed glandular elements, which displaced the surrounding normal glandular material of higher signal intensity. Ten specimens displayed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The MR characteristics of this entity were quite variable but relatively predictable, depending on the distribution and size of the glandular elements, as well as the composition of the surrounding stroma. In BPH, the changes began in the central portion of the gland. The areas of highest signal intensity corresponded to dilated glandular elements (cystic ectasia), while the areas of lowest signal intensity corresponded to collagen (scar) and fibromuscular stroma. Nodules of mixed glandular BPH and fibromuscular BPH were found to have signal intensities similar to those of well-differentiated nodules of prostatic adenocarcinoma.     

Primary colonic lymphoma: report of two cases

Primary colonic lymphoma is a rare condition. It may be associated with immunosuppressed states and inflammatory bowel disease. The pattern of presentation is not specific, this leads to lengthy in diagnosis. Authors report two personal cases and discuss the problem of diagnosis. Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment. Using this approach 5-years survival ranges from 27-55%.     

Rectal involvement by prostatic carcinoma: barium enema findings

A retrospective study was performed to determine the radiographic features of prostatic carcinoma invading the rectum on double-contrast barium enemas. In 11 such patients, these examinations revealed localized narrowing and/or speculation of the rectum (four cases); a smooth, extrinsic mass impression on the rectosigmoid colon (two cases); an umbilicated submucosal mass in the rectosigmoid colon (one case); and rectosigmoid narrowing with spiculated, pleated mucosal folds in the narrowed segment of bowel (four cases). Thus, most patients (64%) had localized involvement of the rectosigmoid colon with sparing of the distal rectum. The anatomic-pathologic basis for the localized spread of prostatic carcinoma to the rectosigmoid colon is illustrated on MR scans. Thus, prostatic carcinoma invading the rectum may be manifested on double-contrast barium enema by a spectrum of radiographic findings, and most patients have localized rectosigmoid involvement with sparing of the distal rectum.     

Recurrent benign biliary strictures: management with self-expanding metallic stents

Self-expanding metallic stents of a modified Gianturco design were used to treat benign strictures of the biliary tree in 17 patients. Thirteen patients had undergone several unsuccessful surgical repairs, and four had not undergone surgery because of their clinical status. All patients had already undergone multiple percutaneous balloon dilations without success. Stents were placed percutaneously, through a transhepatic approach, without complications. Adequate caliber of the strictured segment, stable relief of symptoms, and normalization of liver function tests were achieved in 14 patients (82.4%). Partial primary success was obtained in one patient; initial success was achieved in two patients, but strictures recurred after 5 months. The average follow-up period was 8 months. Results suggest that placement of these stents might represent a permanent therapeutic solution for intractable recurrences. Extended follow-up and experimental studies to clarify long-term patency and biotolerance are needed.     

Study of memory in cerebral damaged patients related to the side of lesion (author's transl

Twenty-four subjects with cerebral lesions, 21 of vascular and 3 of neoplastic origin, have been tested by the Authors with a battery of tests for memory evaluation. They comprehended short term, middle term and long term memory tests. For the last ones, the subjects was requested to recall remote events presented under visual, verbal and auditory modality. For each test, results comparison between left and right hemispheric cerebral damaged patients was performed. The diagnosis of the hemispherical localisation, on the basis of clinical data established, have been confirmed by instrumental exams (EEG, CAT, Angiography). A clear difference in the results between the two groups of patients does not appear except in specific tests related to memory selective types, in which the sensitive modality of tests administration seems to be more closely in relation with the damaged hemispherical functions. Ribot's law on the longer life of old memories has not been confirmed by the long term memory tests in cerebral damaged patients.     

Endocrine tumors of the pancreas

We have described the clinical presentation of the commonest syndromes associated with hormone production by functioning pancreatic tumors. The role of the radiologist in tumor localization, staging, and treatment is discussed and the various imaging methods employed are examined individually. The problems of reviewing the world literature on such rare lesions are discussed and a tentative diagnostic algorithm is suggested.