High resolution CT scan of the temporal bone

With the new high resolution CT scanners with target reconstruction, detailed radiological anatomy can be assessed. Hence, very small structures within the petrous portion of the temporal bone are accessible owing to better density resolution. Not only bony structures but also soft tissue elements are directly visible, which represents an advantage over multidirectional conventional tomography. This technique is described and examples of the normal anatomy of the temporal bone are presented.

Benefits of polychemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma

The benefits of polychemotherapy in advanced (Stage III) non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma remain uncertain. In attempt to answer the important question whether treatment improves well-being and survival in these patients, we did a prospective, randomized, single-blind study to compare polychemotherapy to a placebo. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled. Twenty received a drug combination consisting of: methotrexate, doxorubicine hydrochloride (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and lomustine (CCNU) (MACC). The other group (19 subjects) received a placebo physically comparable to MACC. The two groups were initially comparable in terms of age, sex, clinical status, and tumor burden. In the treated group, seven patients had a radiologic response (more than 50% reduction in the tumor size), and the tumor stabilized in an additional five subjects. There were no responders in the placebo group. Median survival was 30.5 weeks for the MACC group compared to 8.5 weeks in the placebo group (P less than 0.0005, Gehan-Wilcoxon). We conclude that polychemotherapy (in this case MACC) significantly benefits patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

[Group experience : risks and stakes.]

This article presents an experience of an interdisciplinary group crossed by three principal axes : the psychoanalytical field, the socio-cultural and political field, and human sciences research. This adventure led researchers and intervening persons from twenty disciplines to realize projects which are the forms and the means of reappropriation of their own subjective history by their intervention in certain sectors of development of their region. These projects pair research and intervention in the areas of mental health, art and culture. The members of the group give themselves the means to guarantee the viability of these projects in a position of relative independence in relation to traditional institutions.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare disorder characterized by the projection of ossified formations into the trachea and bronchi. Unlike most cases, which are reported because of incidential postmortem findings, our patient presented with a slowly resolving pneumonia. The diagnosis was suspected by radiographic evaluation and bronchoscopic findings, then confirmed by histopathologic studis of a tracheal biopsy specimen. Pulmonary function studies were normal, except for flow-volume loops, which provided information for diagnosis and follow-up.