Harold A. Mitty

Post-Lymphangiography Fine Needle Aspiration Lymph Node Biopsy in Staging Carcinoma of the Prostate: Preliminary Report

Five cases of clinical stage B carcinoma of the prostate are reported. Bipedal lymphangiography showed unequivocal involvement of the pelvic nodes in 3 patients and was equivocal in the other 2. Percutaneous transabdominal fine needle aspiration biopsy of abnormal or suspicious iliac nodes was performed and a positive cytolocal diagnosis of metastasis was obtained in all 5 patients. Therefore, staging lymphadenectomy and an extensive radical operation were avoided. Percutaneous fine needle biopsy is a reliable, easy and safe technique that should be used in staging prostatic carcinoma whenever there is evidence of metastatic nodal involvement by lymphangiography.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt : correlation of portal vein velocity measurements and portosystemic pressure gradients

To assess the relationship between portal vein velocity measurements and portosystemic gradients, color Doppler sonography was performed on 12 patients before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. An additional patient was examined before and after shunt modification. The average maximum portal vein velocity increased from 15.7 cm s-1 before shunt placement to 43.5 cm s-1 after shunt placement, while the average portosystemic gradient decreased from 22.0 mm Hg before shunt placement to 7.9 mm Hg after shunt placement. Flow was observed within the shunt in 11 of the 12 cases. Shunt velocity was measurable in nine patients, with an average value of 115.7 cm s-1. Reversal of intrahepatic portal vein flow was observed in 10 cases following shunt placement. Color Doppler sonography is a useful non-invasive tool in the evaluation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, and changes in portal vein velocity correlate well with changes in the portosystemic gradient.

Steroid Content of the Peripheral and Adrenal Vein in Cushing’S Syndrome Due to Adrenocortical Adenoma and Carcinoma

Selective adrenal vein catheterization was done preoperatively in 11 patients with Cushings syndrome owing to either an adrenal adenoma (6) or an adrenal carcinoma (5). Peripheral and adrenal venous blood (tumor side) was analyzed for progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, delta-4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol. Comparisons were made of the ratios of precursors to products in the androgen and cortisol production pathways. In adrenal vein samples, cortisol levels were higher in the adenoma patients (p equals 0.06). These patients had a higher ratio of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to delta-4-androstenedione (p less than 0.04). The ratio of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol was higher in the carcinoma patients (p less than 0.02). In the peripheral samples, the carcinoma patients had higher levels of testosterone and 11-deoxycortisol (p less than 0.02) and progesterone (p equals 0.05). The most striking differences were in the peripheral levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, delta-4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, which were 10 to 20 times higher in the carcinoma group (p less than 0.005). The ratios of progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol were higher in the adenoma group (p less than 0.005 and p equals 0.06, respectively). The peripheral blood ratio of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol was higher in the carcinoma group (p less than 0.03). These data indicate that peripheral and adrenal venous steroid levels and ratios of precursors to products are significantly different in the 2 groups. The carcinomas have a block in the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol with a subsequent accumulation in androgen and cortisol precursors. The elevations in 17-hydroxyprogesterone, delta-4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, and in the ratio of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol in the carcinoma group are most striking in the periphery. Peripheral blood steroid measurement in patients with Cushings syndrome and an adrenal mass aids in the preoperative differentiation of carcinoma from adenoma.

A 24 year follow up of an isolated lymphangioma of the kidney.

Renal lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor of the kidney. An example is presented which was initially identified by excretory urography, angiography and biopsy. A 24 year follow up included computed tomography. The radiographic findings, pathogenesis and natural history of this unusual tumor are discussed.

Hypovascular renal neoplasms: Diagnostic considerations☆

Abstract We successfully have used nephrotomography as a further diagnostic test to rule out the possibility that an avascular renal mass, demonstrated initially by selective renal angiography, represents an avascular solid renal tumor. The important diagnostic sign is the visualization of a definite thickening of the tumor wall on good-quality nephrotomographic studies. Most of these solid avascular tumors have proved to be papillary adenocarcinoma. Other diagnostic tests, such as cyst puncture, are excellent studies but simplicity, safety, and accuracy (with adequate examinations) are important considerations. A renal cyst may be diagnosed with confidence by using good-quality nephrotomographic studies without the necessity for renal angiography.

Ureteral and renal pelvic metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Six patients with ureteral or renal pelvic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were studied radiologically. Correlation with surgical and histologic findings confirmed renal venous involvement in 5 and lymphatic invasion in 3 patients. The possible role of nephroureterectomy or secondary ureterectomy in patients with RCC is discussed in the background of our cases, as are prior reports of this finding.

Computer tomography demonstration of pulmonary artery calcification in Eisenmenger's syndrome

Atherosclerotic change and pulmonary artery calcification is known to occur in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. We present such a patient with Eisenmengers syndrome. Computed tomography demonstrated atheromatous plaques and calcification of the pulmonary arteries.

Case report: Massive biliary dilatation mimicking cystic retroperitoneal masses on computed tomography

An unusual case is presented in which a massively dilated common bile duct produced a confusing CT image of multiple cystic areas within the abdominal cavity. Cholangiography and CT-cholangiography were useful in establishing the correct diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of cystic retroperitoneal masses is discussed.

Percutaneous transcatheter embolization of lesions of the extremities

Our experience with nine patients in whom percutaneous transcatheter embolization was utilized in the extremities is presented. These include three patients with peripheral hemangiomas who were successfully embolized as the primary therapy; two patients who were embolized prior to surgery to minimize blood loss and shorten anesthesia time; two patients with neoplasm of an extremity as a means of palliation; and two patients with traumatic vascular lesions. Indications and potential complications are discussed, and the various embolic agents available are reviewed to define the options available to the angiographer and surgeons in planning therapy.

Horseshoe kidney mimicking adenopathy.

Horseshoe kidney may simulate adenopathy on ultrasound when the examiner is unaware of its presence. If an ultrasound examination demonstrates an isolated preaortic mass, this diagnosis should be considered. Sonographic features and confirmation of this diagnosis with a urogram or CT are discussed.