Tumor vascularity evaluated by transrectal color Doppler US in predicting therapy outcome for low-lying rectal cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact on T downstaging of the vasculature supplying blood flow to rectal cancer evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound.

Methods And Materials: Color Doppler images were graded in 29 T3-staged rectal carcinoma patients sonographically just before chemoradiation. Any arterial vessels detected in rectal masses were assigned one of two grades: vascularity was considered as grade 1 for vessels feeding the periphery and as grade 2 for vessels coursing in all rectal masses within its peripheral and central portions.

Combined diagnostic imaging of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.

The case of a female patient with recurrent macroscopic hematuria and negative vesical and renal ultrasonography, is discussed. On urography a gross pyelocaliceal filling defect was visualized. Urographic findings were suggestive of the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary.

Combined diagnostic and therapeutic imaging of hemosuccus pancreaticus.

The justification of a request of ERCP in a patient with hematobilia, was evaluated, based on the medical history and negative endoscopy findings for gastrocolic bleeding. The diagnostic examination was performed: it confirmed the release of blood from the papilla of Vater, however the definitive diagnosis could not be established; CT, as the examination of first choice was performed. It provided additional information and the diagnosis of aneurysm of the splenic vein apparently non communicating with the main pancreatic duct, was established.

Diagnostic imaging of the chest: exemplification of a reasoned integration.

Based on the discussion and integrated management of a case of chest radiology, the reasoned approach to the perceptive-interpretative analysis and the "reasoned" diagnostic integration is tentatively exemplified. The request of a chest X-ray from the emergency department concerned a 75-year old patient, heavy smoker and chronic alcoholic with reduced vesicular murmur, diffuse hissing sounds, basal rales, weight loss and lack of appetite. The finding of right apical nodular opacities was critically evaluated to establish its diagnostic relevance (contours, opacity, site, accessory signs).