[Solitary ulcer of the rectum]

The authors review their five-year experience of solitary rectal ulcers. A revision of the most recent literature enables them to outline the characteristics of the disease with reference to its epidemiology, anatomopathology and clinical features. The discussion focuses on the problem of treatment which must be based on a thorough and in-depth knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms. The paper outlines two theories, the hamortomatous one and the so-called mechanical theory involving the hinge valve, which are referred to by most researchers. The question of treatment is then discussed illustrating the possibility of resorting to surgical-type treatment which appears to be the most suitable for the definitive resolution of the problem. But since, at least in the light of the authors' personal experience; the majority of patients belong to an age group in which other pathologies are often present, the medical treatment option appears to be more rational. The re-education of the alvus achieved using suggestions not only of a dietary type but also regarding the behaviour and correct position to assume during defecation appears, at least theoretically, sufficient to obtain a marked improvement. The local application of therapeutical AIDS, if necessary strengthened by the action of drugs taken systemically, brings considerable further benefit to the patient who cannot and/or does not which to undergo surgery.

[Primary stones of the common bile duct]

Primary stones can probably form, although rarely, in the common bile duct. The authors report a series of six cases which they considered as primary common duct stone disease and, in order to get more precise information on this problem, they review the literature on the subject. This disease would be caused by the presence of a lithogenic bile which, with a chronic obstruction of the Vater's ampulla, could let lithiasic particles accumulate in the common bile duct. On the basis of this hypothesis and in order to perform a correct procedure that allows easy drainage of the bile to the intestine to the chronic use of litholytic drugs.

[Mondor syndrome. Etiopathogenesis and case report]

The Authors observed and report a case of Mondor's syndrome in a male. In the attempt to identify the real origin in this peculiar thrombophlebitis they reviewed the recent literature. It is apparently impossible to drawn definitive conclusions from the different studies on this subject. Anyway Mondor's syndrome looks suitable for inclusion in the group of jumping thrombophlebitis. Therefore the real cause of the venous accident should be a pathologic situation next to the venous branch where the thrombophlebitis has broken out.

[Tumors of the small intestine. Case reports and comments]

Tumours of the small intestine are extremely rare and have a particularly severe prognosis. The impossibility of making an early diagnosis due to the scarcity of precise symptoms during the early stages of the disease and the lack of safe instrumental tests limits the results of treatment which is essentially surgical. In order to contribute to the study of the disease and improve its prognosis, the authors report the cases which they have observed and review the literature.

[Carcinoid tumor of the appendix]

The authors after briefly outlining the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the appendiceal carcinoid, report a case observed by them. They discuss the problem concerning the prognosis of this particular tumoral form, and the prognosis which could be more severe than people generally think.