Clinical and sonographic management of viable hydatid liver cysts

AIM

The aim of this study was to review our 18-year experience in the treatment of viable hydatid liver cysts (HLCs) with double percutaneous aspiration and ethanol injection (D-PAI) and to provide indications for the clinical management of HLCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1989 to December 2007, 127 patients (100 males; 13-80 years) with 184 viable HLCs (137 univesicular, 47 multivesicular; 2.8-20 cm) underwent D-PAI.

RESULTS

Ultrasonography (US) showed complete disappearance of 125/184 (68%) cysts; in the remaining 59 cases, an inactive solid (37 cases, 20%) or liquid pattern (22 cases, 12%) was observed with volume decreases of 50-80%. The final US pattern was unmodified during the follow-up in 96.8%. Local recurrences were observed in 5 patients (3.9%): 4 patients with 8 multivesicular cysts and 1 patient with a bilocular cyst (with a solid pattern on US) that ruptured into the biliary tree 2 years after the procedure and disappeared after endoscopic sphincterectomy. The mortality rate was 0.8%, and the overall morbidity was 8.6%. The mean hospital stay was 2.9 days. The time of healing for smaller cysts (<5 cm) was shorter than that of large cysts (≥5 cm) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our long-term results confirm the high effectiveness of D-PAI in the treatment of HLCs. These results suggest that multilocular cysts require closer follow-up than unilocular cysts.

Long-term results of percutaneous treatment of hydatid liver cysts: a single center 17 years experience

BACKGROUND

Liver cystic echinococcosis is considered a relatively benign disease, nevertheless, treatment is mandatory in symptomatic cysts and recommended in active cysts because of the risk of severe complications. Surgery is still considered the gold standard treatment. In the last two decades percutaneous injection of scolicidal agents has been developed with excellent results in terms of disappearance of the cyst, very low side effects and low mortality rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty eight patients with 225 liver cysts were studied. A total of 108 patients with 151 viable hydatid liver cysts underwent Double Percutaneous Aspiration and Injection of alcohol of the cyst without re-aspiration of the ethanol, which remained in situ.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 0.9% (1 patient), the overall morbidity was 8.6% with only 2.5% of major side effects. The mean hospital stay was very short (2.9 days). Follow-up ranged from 14 to 204 months (median 48 months). Ultrasonography showed complete disappearance of the cyst with reconstitution of liver parenchyma in 109 out of 225 (48.4%) cysts; in the remaining cysts a solid or a liquid findings were observed in 104 (46.2%) and 12 (5.3%), respectively, with a decreased volume of 50-80%.

CONCLUSION

These data show that Double Percutaneous Aspiration and Injection of alcohol for hydatid liver cysts can achieve comparable results to open surgery. The low incidence of side effects shows that this technique is safe and cost effective, compared to radical or conservative surgery.

Post-surgical role of botulinum toxin-A injection in patients with head and neck cancer: personal experience

Personal experience is discussed in the use of botulinum neurotoxin injections into both parotids, performed in order to transiently reduce salivation in patients undergoing major ablative and ablative-reconstructive oncologic surgery for head and neck tumours. Overall, 8 adult patients (2 female, 6 male) have been treated. Six cases were affected by pharyngocutaneous fistulas, one by severe sialorrhoea and one recurrent sialocele. After the injection, patients were regularly observed at follow-up and asked to give their subjective assessment of salivary flow. Investigations concerning possible complaints, including side-effects, as well as complete examination of the head and neck area were performed. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 24 weeks (mean 20 weeks). Following botulinum neurotoxin injection, the fistula was dry after a mean period of 4.5 days (min 3 days, max 8 days) and was closed 6.6 days (min 5 days, max 8 days) later. The patient affected by severe hypersalivation reported subjective improvement in sialorrhoea 4 days post-treatment. The patient affected by recurrent sialocele, required only one aspiration of fluid two days after the treatment, after which there were no further problems. Post-operative saliva-related complications significantly increase patient morbidity and hospital stay after major tumour surgery. The easy, safe and effective treatment with botulinum neurotoxin injection, observed in our experience, suggest its significant role as a useful option in the post-operative saliva-related complications.

Recurrent venous thrombosis including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction

Acquired or hereditary prothrombotic risk factors may lead to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), particularly when other predisposing factors coexist. A 57-year-old man experienced right leg deep venous thrombosis, severe thrombosis of the haemorrhoid plexus and CVST over a 12-month period during which he was taking sildenafil regularly twice a week. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction (ED). A slight reduction in antithrombin III and free protein S levels was demonstrated. After suspension of sildenafil and six months on oral anticoagulants, clinical improvement was obtained. Recurrent venous thrombosis, including CVST, may complicate prolonged treatment with PDE5-inhibitors in subjects at risk. Periodic monitoring of clotting factors is recommended in these subjects.

Changes in white matter microstructure during adolescence

Postmortem histological studies have demonstrated that myelination in human brain white matter (WM) continues throughout adolescence and well into adulthood. We used in vivo diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to test for age-related WM changes in 42 adolescents and 20 young adults. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analysis of the adolescent data identified widespread age-related increases in fractional anisotropy (FA) that were most significant in clusters including the body of the corpus callosum and right superior corona radiata. These changes were driven by changes in perpendicular, rather than parallel, diffusivity. These WM clusters were used as seeds for probabilistic tractography, allowing us to identify the regions as belonging to callosal, corticospinal, and prefrontal tracts. We also performed voxel-based morphometry-style analysis of conventional T1-weighted images to test for age-related changes in grey matter (GM). We identified a cluster including right middle frontal and precentral gyri that showed an age-related decrease in GM density through adolescence and connected with the tracts showing age-related WM FA increases. The GM density decrease was highly significantly correlated with the WM FA increase in the connected cluster. Age-related changes in FA were much less prominent in the young adult group, but we did find a significant age-related increase in FA in the right superior longitudinal fascicle, suggesting that structural development of this pathway continues into adulthood. Our results suggest that significant microstructural changes in WM continue throughout adolescence and are associated with corresponding age-related changes in cortical GM regions.

Diagnosis of benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: color Doppler US, contrast-enhanced US, and fine-needle biopsy

BACKGROUND

We assessed the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis in patients who had cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Fifty-four consecutive patients who had cirrhosis, biopsy-proved HCC, and thrombosis of the main portal vein and/or left/right portal vein on US were prospectively studied with color Doppler US (CDUS) and CEUS. CEUS was performed at low mechanical index after intravenous administration of a second-generation contrast agent (SonoVue, Bracco, Milan, Italy). Presence or absence of CDUS signals or thrombus enhancement on CEUS were considered diagnostic for malignant or benign portal vein thrombosis. Twenty-eight patients also underwent percutaneous portal vein fine-needle biopsy (FNB) under US guidance. All patients were followed-up bimonthly by CDUS. Shrinkage of the thrombus and/or recanalization of the vessels on CDUS during follow-up were considered definitive evidence of the benign nature of the thrombosis, whereas enlargement of the thrombus, disruption of the vessel wall, and parenchymal infiltration over follow-up were considered consistent with malignancy. CDUS, CEUS, and FNB results were compared with those at follow-up.

RESULTS

Follow-up (4 to 21 months) showed signs of malignant thrombosis in 34 of 54 patients. FNB produced a true-positive result for malignancy in 19 of 25 patients, a false-negative result in six of 25 patients, and a true-negative result in three of three patients. CDUS was positive in seven of 54 patients. CEUS showed enhancement of the thrombus in 30 of 54 patients. No false-positive result was observed at CDUS, CEUS, and FNB. Sensitivities of CDUS, CEUS, and FNB in detecting malignant thrombi were 20%, 88%, and 76% respectively. Three patients showed negative CDUS and CEUS and positive FNB results; follow-up confirmed malignant thrombosis in these patients. One patient showed negative CDUS, CEUS, and FNB findings. However, follow-up of the thrombus showed US signs of malignancy. Another FNB confirmed HCC infiltration of the portal vein.

CONCLUSION

CEUS seems to be the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing malignant portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis.

[Diagnosis of disseminated mycobacterial infection in AIDS patients by US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of lymphnodes and spleen]

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal US and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis of disseminated mycobacteriosis (DM) in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We reviewed the US and clinical records of 18 AIDS patients (12 males; 22-43 years) with DM studied with abdominal US. 18 patients underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy of enlarged abdominal lymphnodes and 11 underwent FNAB of the spleen. All aspirates were studied with acid-fast stain for fast examination and cultures for isolation of mycobacteria. Abdominal US showed: enlarged abdominal lymphnodes (diameter range: 5-35 mm; mean 17 mm) splenomegaly (spleen diameter range: 14-22 cm; mean: 16.2 cm) and hepatomegaly (right hepatic lobe thickness range: 14.5-18.5 cm) in all patients; multiple splenic abscesses (diameter range: 3-20 mm) in 11 patients; small intestine wall thickening in 5 patients (maximum bowel wall thickness range: 7-15 mm); mild to moderate ascites in 8 patients; pleural effusion in 4 patients; hyperechogenicity of the kidney cortex in 5 patients; peritoneal abscesses in one and a retroperitoneal abscess in one patient. fast-acid-stain of spleen and/or lymphnode FNAB specimens allowed early diagnosis of mycobateriosis in 18/18 cases (100%). Cultures of lymphnode aspirates grew mycobacteria in 10/18 patients (56%). Spleen aspirates grew mycobacteria in 11/11 patients (100%) Blood cultures were positive in 6/18 patients (33%). Diagnosis of species was M. tuberculosis in 9 and M. avium in 6 patients. In 3/18 patients (17%) all cultures were negative. In conclusion, abdominal US features suggest DM in AIDS patients. Spleen and/or lymphnode FNAB allows a specific diagnosis in 100% of the patients.

High frequency of psoriasis in relatives is associated with early onset in an Italian multiple sclerosis cohort

OBJECTIVES

An exploratory study has been carried out to assess the association of autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis (MS) families with clinical features and disability of MS patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Age at onset, symptoms and signs at onset, and disability were assessed in 177 patients with definite MS and 178 age- and sex-matched control patients with autoimmune diseases (78 with endocrine and 100 with rheumatological diseases) and correlated with the most frequent autoimmune diseases recorded in the families.

RESULTS

Psoriasis was found in 30 relatives of 177 (16.9%) MS patients, thyroid disorders in 17 (9.6%) and allergies in 17 (9.6%). In the control group, psoriasis was found in 22 relatives of 178 (12%) patients, thyroid diseases in 19 (10.7%) and allergies in seven (3.9%). Of the 30 relatives with psoriasis in the MS group, 16 (53.3%) were fathers (P < 0.0001). There was a significant association of high frequency of family psoriasis with early age of MS onset (P = 0.025) but not with onset of symptoms or severe disability.

CONCLUSION

In this Italian MS cohort, a subgroup of patients with a first- or second-degree relative with psoriasis had early onset of MS.

Disseminated mycobacterial infection in AIDS patients: abdominal US features and value of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes and spleen

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy of abdominal ultrasound (US) and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis of disseminated mycobacteriosis (DM) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

METHODS

Twelve AIDS patients (nine male, three female; age range, 22-43 years) with DM underwent abdominal US within 2 days after admission with 3.5- to 5-MHz convex probes and a 7.5-MHz linear probe. All patients underwent FNAB of one or two enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Eight patients underwent FNAB of the spleen. The aspirated specimens were stained with acid fast for quick examination and cultured for isolation of mycobacteria.

RESULTS

Abdominal US showed enlarged, hypoechoic, round or oval, abdominal lymph nodes (diameter, 10-35 mm; mean, 18 mm) in all patients; splenomegaly (spleen diameter, 14-22 cm; mean, 16.8 mm) in all patients; numerous splenic abscesses (diameter, 3-20 mm) in nine patients; hepatomegaly (right hepatic lobe thickness, 14.5-17 cm) in all patients; small intestinal wall thickening in five patients (maximum bowel wall thickness, 7-15 mm); mild to moderate ascites in six patients; pleural effusion in four patients; bilateral enlargement of the kidneys with hyperechogenicity of the cortex in three patients; and a retroperitoneal tubercular abscess in one patient. No complication occurred after FNAB of lymph nodes and spleens. Fast-acid stain of spleen and/or lymph node FNAB specimens allowed early diagnosis of mycobacteriosis in 12 of 12 cases (100%). Cultures of lymph node aspirates grew mycobacteria in six of 12 patients (50%). Spleen aspirates grew mycobacteria in nine of nine patients (100%). Blood cultures were positive in four of 12 patients (33%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was diagnosed in six patients and M. avium in five.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal US features can suggest DM in AIDS patients. Spleen and/or lymph node FNAB indicated the specific diagnosis in 100% of patients.

Circulation and distribution of autotransfused fresh, liquid-preserved and cryopreserved baboon platelets

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Studies were carried out in five healthy male baboons to determine the 111indium oxine (111In-oxine) survival of autologous fresh, liquid-preserved and cryopreserved platelets. Simultaneous organ-distribution studies were performed to determine the percentage uptake of platelets by the spleen and/or liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each of five baboons was transfused, on three different occasions, with autologous fresh platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 18 h, liquid-preserved platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 5 days and washed previously frozen platelets, labelled with 111In-oxine.

RESULTS

In vivo recovery at 2 h was 81% for the fresh platelets, 54% for the previously frozen platelets and 44% for the 5-day-old liquid-preserved platelets. The weighted mean life span was 5.4 days for fresh platelets, 4.2 days for previously frozen platelets and 2 days for liquid preserved platelets. Increased radioactivity was detected over the liver 2 h after transfusion for both the previously frozen and liquid-preserved platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryopreserved platelets and liquid-preserved platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 5 days had reduced survival 2 h post-transfusion and reduced life span values compared to fresh platelets. In addition, the finding of increased radioactivity over the liver in the baboons that received cryopreserved and liquid-preserved platelets suggested that the liver was the site for removal of the non-viable platelets.

Echo color Doppler findings in postpubertal mumps epididymo-orchitis

OBJECTIVE

To describe echo color Doppler features of mumps epididymo-orchitis in postpubertal boys and men.

METHODS

Color Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the scrotum in 12 patients (14-34 years old) with serologically proven mumps and symptomatic epididymo-orchitis (pain and scrotal swelling) were compared with color Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the scrotum in 10 healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

Clinically evident testicular involvement was bilateral in 1 patient and unilateral in 11 patients (9 left- and 2 right-sided). Four (33.3%) of 12 patients had swelling and a heterogeneous echo texture of the epididymis and hydrocele. Two (16.7%) of 12 patients had swelling of both the epididymis and didymus of the involved side, with a heterogeneous echo texture of the didymus due to hypoechoic, irregularly shaped, confluent intraparenchymal areas. Two (16.7%) of 12 patients had only unilateral mild hydrocele and no testicular abnormalities. In 4 (33.3%) of 12 cases, B-mode ultrasonographic examination did not show any testicular abnormalities or hydrocele. Hydrocele was anechoic in 4 cases and multiseptated in 4. In 12 (100%) of 12 patients, color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography showed hypervascularity in the parenchyma of the affected testicle. In 11 patients, spectral Doppler examination of the arteries at the testicular hilum showed a significantly lower mean +/- SD resistive index (0.54 +/- 0.03; range, 0.48-0.57) on the inflamed side compared with the opposite unaffected side (mean, 0.66 +/- 0.04; range, 0.71-0.60) (P < .001). In the patient with bilateral involvement, the mean resistive index values in the right and left testicular arteries were 0.57 and 0.55, respectively. The mean resistive index of the 13 inflamed testicles (0.54 +/- 0.03; range, 0.48-0.57) was significantly different from the mean resistive index values of the right (0.68 +/- 0.03) and left (0.67 +/- 0.04) testicular arteries in healthy control subjects (P < .001). The mean resistive index in the 11 unaffected testicles in our patients (0.66 +/- 0.04; range, 0.71-0.60) was not significantly different from the mean resistive index in healthy control subjects. CONCLUSION. Ultrasonographic findings in mumps orchitis are not specific. Echo color Doppler examination is more sensitive than ultrasonography alone for revealing testicular inflammation.

Transabdominal sonography of the normal gastroesophageal junction in children

PURPOSE

Because sonography identifies abnormalities of the gastroesophageal junction, it is essential to understand the normal sonographic anatomy. The aim of this study was to determine the normal sonographic appearance of the gastroesophageal junction and its variations and to provide measurements of the abdominal esophagus in asymptomatic, healthy children.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 124 healthy children (75 boys and 49 girls), aged 2 days-12 years, underwent abdominal sonography. With the patient in a supine position, the transducer was placed under the xiphoid and the ultrasound beam was directed cephalad through the window of the left lobe of the liver. The length of the abdominal esophagus was measured from the point at which it penetrated the diaphragm to the gastroesophageal junction. The thickness was measured on the anterior wall at the midpoint of the abdominal esophagus.

RESULTS

The gastroesophageal junction was identified by sonography in all of the children. The mean length of the abdominal portion of the esophagus ranged from 18 mm in the newborns to 34 mm in children older than 6 years. The wall thickness ranged from 2.4 mm to 5.7 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that visualization of the gastroesophageal junction and measurement of the abdominal esophagus are readily achievable with real-time sonography in healthy children.

Hydatid liver cyst: an 11-year experience of treatment with percutaneous aspiration and ethanol injection

OBJECTIVE

To report an 11-year experience of treatment of hydatid liver cysts with double percutaneous aspiration and injection of alcohol.

METHODS

Of the 129 patients with 174 hydatid liver cysts admitted to our department between January 1988 and January 1999, 79 patients with 119 vital hydatid liver cysts were selected for double percutaneous aspiration and injection of alcohol. Under ultrasonographic guidance, cystic cavities were first drained through fine needles, and then 95% sterile ethanol was injected and left in situ. The same procedure was repeated 3 days later without reaspiration of the injected alcohol. General anesthesia without endotracheal intubation was performed in 21 selected cases.

RESULTS

Double percutaneous aspiration and injection of alcohol was completed in 78 patients with 118 hydatid liver cysts. In 1 case the procedure could not be accomplished because of an intracystic hemorrhage. A total of 254 punctures were performed, and the ethanol injected per session ranged between 12 and 250 mL. The mean hospital stay was 2.9 days (range, 2-7 days). The overall median follow-up was 48 months (range, 6-122 months). At the last ultrasonographic examination, 45.8% of the treated hydatid liver cysts had a solid pattern, 47.4% were no longer appreciable, and 6.8% had a minimal liquid component. Intracystic relapse occurred in 5% of the patients. In no case were any new cysts observed either in different hepatic segments or in any extrahepatic location. The morbidity rate was 9%, and 1 death occurred (mortality rate, 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Over a long period, double percutaneous aspiration and injection of alcohol proved to be a substantially safe, effective, and low-cost procedure for hydatid liver cyst treatment.

Ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of the spleen: high clinical efficacy and low risk in a multicenter Italian study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (UG-FNB) of the spleen in a large population of patients. We collected retrospectively the findings concerning the application of UG-FNB of the spleen from eight Italian clinical centers that utilized this technique for at least ten years. A data schedule was sent to all centers to collect information about techniques, results, and complications of UG-FNB of the spleen. We analyzed 398 biopsy procedures both on focal lesions (257 cases) and on splenic parenchyma (141 cases). The overall accuracy was 90.9% for the series as a whole, 84.9% for cytological sampling, 88.3% for microhistological sampling, and 90.3% for both cytological and histological sampling (double biopsy). Tissue core biopsy yielded better overall accuracy in patients with suspected splenic involvement by lymphoma (90.9% vs. 68.5% for cytology). The complication rate was low (no death cases, less than 1% for major complications, and 5.2% for all complications). No predictive factors were able to detect high-risk situations. The operator's skill (higher number of performed procedures) was significantly related to better overall accuracy. Conversely, the complication rate was not affected. UG-FNB of the spleen is a very effective diagnostic procedure with low risk for the patient. Aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy showed similar diagnostic yields, except for the diagnosis of splenic lymphoma, in which core needle biopsy obtained better results.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection under general anesthesia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis: long-term results in 268 patients

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) under general anesthesia (One-shot PEI) is a therapy for large and multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the injection of a large amount of ethanol into the tumor. We report our results with 5-year survival rates in patients with HCC on cirrhosis treated with One-shot PEI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From October 1992 to March 1998, 268 cirrhotic patients (age 42-82 years; 191 males; 95 Child-Pugh's A class, 150 B and 23 C class of cirrhosis) with 515 HCC nodules underwent One-shot PEI. Diameter of HCC nodules ranged from 0.6 to 14 cm (mean 5.02 +/- 2.2 cm; median: 4 cm). One hundred and thirty-eight patients had a single nodule (range 3.2-14 cm; mean 5.6 +/- 2.1 cm), 130 had multiple nodules, up to six nodules (mean 2.9 nodules) (range 0.6-11 cm; mean 4.8 +/- 2.1 cm)

RESULTS

CT showed complete necrosis in 357/506 nodules (70%). Five patients (1.8%) with nine nodules died as a result of the procedure (variceal bleeding in three cases, liver failure in one and hemoperitoneum in one). The overall survival rates were 93, 83, 74, 65 and 59% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Survival rates were 90, 84, 82 and 82% at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively, in patients with a single nodule less than or = 5 cm, and 97, 71, 59, 59 and 59% at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, respectively, in patients with single nodule >5 cm. Patients with multiple nodules had survival rates of 97, 89, 75, 60 and 60% at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PEI of large and multiple HCC showed survivals similar to conventional PEI for patients with smaller tumors.

Intravascular circulation and distribution of human 51Cr-DBBF stroma-free hemoglobin, 51Cr-plasma, 51Cr-saline, 59FE-plasma, and 125I-albumin in the mouse

Male B6C3HF1 mice were infused with human 51Cr-labeled DBBF (bis 3,5-dibromosalicyl fumarate) crosslinked stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH). In the first hour following SFH infusion, 11.2% of the infused radioactivity was found in the skin, 11.4% in muscle, 9.1% in the skeleton, and 5% in the liver. Twenty-four hours after infusion, 15.4% of the radioactivity was found in the skin, 10.3%, in the muscle, 16.6% in the skeleton, and 6.7% in the liver. The circulation and distribution of 51Cr-labeled DBBF-SFH were compared with levels of 51Cr labeled plasma, 51Cr in saline, 59Fe labeled plasma, and 125I albumin. The radioactivity in the blood was similar for 51Cr-DBBF-SFH, 51Cr-plasma, and 59Fe-plasma. During the 24-hour post-infusion period, extravascular distribution of the 51Cr-saline, 51Cr-plasma, and 125I albumin within the organs was similar to that of 51Cr-DBBF-SFH, with the highest levels being in skin, muscle, skeleton and liver, and no increase in the levels in the lung or spleen. The distribution of 59Fe compared to that of 51Cr-DBBF, 51Cr-plasma, 51Cr-saline, and 125I albumin can be explained by the fact that 59Fe is utilized in the production of new red blood cells.

[Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of post-pubertal epidemic parotitis and its complications]

PURPOSE

To assess the yield of US in the study of salivary glands and other organs involved in post-pubertal mumps.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 68 patients with serologically proven post-pubertal mumps (age range 14-34 years). All patients were symptomatic, with fever and salivary gland swelling in 25 cases, marked hyperamylasemia in 32, epigastric pain in 9, unilateral scrotal swelling and/or pain in 19 cases and acute bronchitis in 1 case. All patients underwent US of salivary glands, neck lymph nodes, abdomen and scrotum with 48 hours of admission.

RESULTS

Salivary glands: Parotid and submandibular glands showed normal echotexture in all patients. The parotid glands also showed multiple hypeoechoic intraparenchymal lymph nodes which were, ovoid or rounded, with smooth margins and a central hyperechoic area, with diameter ranging 3-14 mm (mean 5.4). No intraparenchymal lymph nodes were observed in submandibular glands. Neck: All patients had enlarged submandibular lymph nodes (maximum diameter ranging 5-22 mm; mean 11 mm); swelling was always bilateral and it was symmetric in 19/68 patients (30%) versus asymmetric because of prevailing right side involvement (more numerous and bigger nodes) in the other 47/68 cases (70%). All lymph nodes showed a benign pattern, with an ovoid or elongated shape, homogeneous hypoechoic echotexture and a hyperechoic hilum. Abdomen: The pancreas showed normal volume and normal parenchymal echotexture in all patients. Liver and spleen were always normal. Testes: US showed mild unilateral hydrocele in 10 cases, hydrocele and unilateral swelling of epidymis in 5 cases, hydrocele and swelling of both epidymis and didymis with inhomogeneous echotexture because of intraparenchymal hypeoechoic areas in 2 cases. There were no US changes in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

US of the salivary glands shows a specific pattern in post-pubertal mumps which has never been reported for other salivary gland diseases. In contrast US signs in other organs are not specific.

Interstitial laser photocoagulation under ultrasound guidance of liver tumors: results in 104 treated patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) under ultrasound (US) guidance as a technique for focal ablation of liver tumors in patients with normal and impaired hepatic function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 104 patients, 77 with 85 nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis (29 in Child-Pugh A class, 43 in B e 5 in C class) and 27 patients with hepatic metastases (25 from colon, two from lung carcinoma) underwent ILP under US guidance. Depending on tumor size up to four needles were inserted in the tumor and multiple laser illuminations were performed in one or multiple sessions. Necrosis of the nodules was evaluated with triphasic contrast-enhanced CT.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients underwent a single ILP session and nine patients two sessions. CT showed complete necrosis in 70 out of 85 HCC nodules in 65 treated patients and in 24 out of 31 patients with metastases. Three Child C class patients dropped out the control of efficacy by CT because of severe liver failure associated in one case with transient paralytic ileum. One of these patients died 2 months after treatment. Two patients with metastasis dropped the completion of the treatment because of complication occurred after the ILP session (one paralytic ileum, one gastric haemorrage).

CONCLUSIONS

ILP under US guidance is effective in inducing complete necrosis in small and large liver tumors. Nevertheless, ILP can cause severe derangement of liver function in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

[The echo-guided interstitial laser photocoagulation of malignant liver tumors. The authors' personal technic, immediate results and short-term complications in patients with normal and altered liver function]

PURPOSE

The literature studies about interstitial laser photocoagulation of liver tumors mainly deal with the treatment of liver metastasis in patients with normal liver function. We report our personal experience with interstitial laser photocoagulation in patients with liver tumors (mostly cirrhotics with hepatocellular carcinoma). Our aim was to evaluate the short term efficacy of percutaneous interstitial laser photocoagulation in inducing focal ablation of liver tumors and the possible complications in patients with normal and impaired liver function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients (52-80 years; 42 men), 47 with 51 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (diameter = 1.6-6.6 cm; mean 3.1 cm) on cirrhosis (18 in Child-Pugh A class, 24 in B e 5 in C class) and 19 patients with single liver metastasis (17 from colon, 2 from lung carcinoma; diameter = 3.9 cm; mean: 4.5 cm) underwent interstitial laser photocoagulation under ultrasound guidance. Depending on tumor size up to four needles were inserted in the tumor and multiple laser illuminations were performed: in nodules < or = 2 cm a single optical fiber and a single needle insertion were used, in nodules > 2 < 3 cm, 2-3 fibers were used with a single laser illumination, in nodules > 3 < 4 cm, 4 fibers were inserted and two laser illuminations were performed in the same session after 1.5 cm withdrawal of all fibers in the tumor, in nodules > 4 cm 2 sessions with 2 laser illuminations per session were performed. Necrosis of the nodules was evaluated with triphasic Helical CT 7 days after treatment. Patients with incomplete necrosis at CT were treated with additional interstitial laser photocoagulation sessions to attain complete necrosis.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients underwent a single interstitial laser photocoagulation session, 7 patients 2 session and 1 patient 3 sessions. The range of administered energy per patient was 1200-32,000 Joules (mean: 6700 J). CT showed complete necrosis of 47 nodules in 43 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and in 15/18 patients with metastasis. Three Child C class patients with mild ascites and hyperbilirubinemia before procedure (nodules O: 1.9, 3.5 and 5.8 cm) dropped out of CT follow-up because of severe liver function impairment with increased ascites and hyperbilirubinemia, associated with transient ileum paraliticus in 1 case. One of these patients died two months after treatment. Two patients with metastasis dropped out of treatment because of complications occurred after the interstitial laser photocoagulation session (1 ileum paraliticus, 1 gastric hemorrhage) and another one refused to continue the treatment.