Gastrointestinal stromal tumor in ileal neobladder

Abstract  Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a recently described mesenchymal tumor that can develop in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The occurrence of a GIST in the urinary tract is rare, but GIST can present as tumor of the urinary tract or invade the urinary tract. This is the first reported case of GIST in the ileal neobladder, which presented as a submucosal tumor. The patient underwent an open exploration and partial resection of the neobladder pouch.     

COMPARISON OF THORACIC ELECTRICAL BIOIMPEDANCE AND THERMODILUTION FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC INDEX IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE SEPSIS

Cardiac index was measured using thoracic bioimpedance (Clbi)and thermodilution (Cltd) in 19 patients with proven sepsis,undergoing artificial ventilation of the lungs. There was apoor correlation between the techniques (r = 0.36, 242 datasets, regression line Clbi = 0.16 Cltd + 2.56 litre min^–1m^–2). The overall bias (Cltd-Clbi) was 1.69 litre min^–1m^–2 with limits of agreement (precision) of +4.17 to –0.79litremin^–1 m^–2. In individual patients the bias was from0.46 to 4.56 litre min¹ m^–2 with the limits of agreementfrom ±0.29 to ±2.55 litre min^–1 m^–2around the bias values. The two techniques cannot be used interchangeablyin this group of patients. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1993; 70: 58–62) ^*Present address, for correspondence: Nuffield Department ofAnaesthetics, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX26HE     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Giardia-specific IgA in mouse intestinal secretions

We describe an ELISA for trophozoite-specific IgA in the intestinal secretions of mice infected with Giardia muris. Using this method, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Such antibody was undetectable in the intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected athymic (nude) mice. Immunocompetent BALB/c mice are able to clear G. muris infection whereas nude mice are not. The study provides evidence that the chronicity of G. muris infection in nude mice results from lack of intestinal trophozoite-specific IgA in these animals. By means of the ELISA, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions from immunocompetent mice in the absence of protease inhibitors.