Takashi Matsubayashi

The response of neoplastic intestinal vessels to prostaglandin F2α: Angiographic observations with emphasis on therapeutic applications

The effects of prostaglandin (PG) F2α in 16 patients with vascular malignant intestinal tumors were analyzed by angiography. It was found that PGF2α reduced tumor vascular flow selectively in all but one patient, a rectal carcinoma case. Among the remaining group, a case of intestinal choriocarcinoma complicated by massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage was successfully controlled with intraarterial infusion of PGF2α into the superior mesenteric artery. Owing to the reduced blood flow in tumors, PGF2α is expected to be used extensively as a vasoconstrictor to control bleeding from tumors of the alimentary tract.

Brain and spinal MRI in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We have examined 80 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Of 127 head MRI studies 75 showed parenchymal changes. Brain MRI findings were classified roughly into six groups: multiple high-intensity spots on T2-weighted images, 28 studies; infarction, 33 studies; transient high-intensity lesions on T2-weighted images, 8 studies; sinus thrombosis, 3 studies (1 patient); diffuse intracranial calcification, 2 studies; inflammation, 1 study. Significant differences were noted between MRI positive and MRI negative patients with regard to age and duration of the disease. Patients with MRI lesions were significantly older than MRI negative patients, and had a longer duration of the disease. There was no significant difference in the two groups with regard to lupus anticoagulant and the level of anticardiolipin antibody.