[Evaluation of the post-traumatic course of injuries of the Achilles tendon using computerized telethermography].

Follow-up of Achilles tendon injuries was carried out by means of computerized telethermography. The thermographic examination was performed at definite time intervals (a few hours, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months after acute traumatism) on 15 young patients subdivided into two different groups according to the tenonic injured site: proximal (6 cases) or insertional (9 cases). The study showed a satisfying correlation between hyperthermal level and clinical symptoms, thus allowing to define accurately the resolution or persistence (3 cases) of inflammatory process. In conclusion, the authors recommend the combined use of computerized telethermography and diagnostic US for a complete evaluation of Achilles tendon disorders according to their different evolutive phases

Biliary ileus. Considerations in surgical strategy

Gallstone ileus is the small bowel obstruction due to one or more biliary calculi stopped in the enteric lumen. This older patient pathology is often associated with other comorbid medical conditions. Two clinical reports are analyzed and the various surgical procedures critically evaluated

Case report: imaging of bile duct hamartomas.

A rare case of multiple bile duct hamartomas of the liver has been evaluated with ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The CT and angiographic features of the hamartomas described here differ significantly from previously reported cases. In addition, the MR appearance of these tumours is reported for the first time

Sonographic characterization of an accessory fissure of the left hepatic lobe determined by omental infolding.

This article describes the sonographic appearance of a very common accessory fissure of the liver located on the inferior side of the left lobe. The fissure was recognized in about 5\% of 800 consecutive subjects and showed variable appearance owing to different insertion levels on the inferior hepatic surface. It extended from the left hepatic border to the Rex's recess or alternatively to the falciform ligament or the gallbladder fossa and contained the hepatogastric and hepatoduodenal ligaments, as demonstrated by laparotomy in six cases. At surgery, there was no evidence of thickening of Glisson's capsule at the fissure site, thus suggesting that the fissure is the result of extrinsic remodeling of the left lobe by omental infolding

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the small intestine and colon in Crohn's disease].

Three normal volunteers and 20 patients with known Crohn's disease were examined with MRI--at 0.5 Tesla and with a superconductive magnet. Coronal T1-weighted GE images were mainly acquired, before and after i.v. Gd-DTPA injection in breath hold (TR 70 ms, TE 13 ms, FA 70 degrees). MR findings were compared with the results of small and large bowel enema. In 6 patients (30\%) the abnormal loops were missed. In the other 14 patients (70\%) MRI did depict the affected loops in the same sites as depicted by conventional radiography. The bowel wall was thickened (4-10 mm) in all patients. In 10 patients the thickened wall was markedly enhanced after Gd-DTPA injection. In 6 patients MRI demonstrated disease complications--i.e., stenoses, fistulae and abscesses--missed by conventional radiography. In 7 patients MRI showed the bowel to be more involved than demonstrated by conventional studies. Bowel wall thickening appeared to be a constant and reliable sign of disease. Wall enhancement was a less frequent sign but, when present, it was considered as characteristic as wall thickening. In the staging of Crohn's disease, MRI yields more pieces of information than conventional radiography and depicts the involvement of the intestinal wall and of its surrounding spaces

Varicocoele. Classification and pitfalls

Background Varicocoeles have been considered for a long time potentially correctable causes for male infertility, even though the correlation of this condition with infertility and sperm damage is still debated.Objective To present a summary of the evidence evaluation for imaging varicocoeles, to underline the need for a standardized examination technique and for a unique classification, and to focus on pitfalls in image interpretation.Methods Based on the evidence of the literature, the current role of ultrasound (US) imaging for varicocoeles has been reported and illustrated, with emphasis on examination technique, classification, and pitfalls.Results US is the imaging modality of choice. It is widely used in Europe, while in other countries clinical classification of varicocoeles is considered sufficient to manage the patient. A number of US classifications exist for varicocoeles, in which the examinnation is performed in different ways.Discussion An effort toward standardization is mandatory, since lack of standardization contributes to the confusion of the available literature, and has a negative impact on the understanding of the role itself of imaging in patients with varicocoeles.Conclusion Use of the Sarteschi/Liguori classification for varicocoeles is recommended, since it is the most complete and widely used US scoring system available today.Tubular extratesticular structures resembling varicocoeles, either at palpation or at US, should be identified and correctly characterized