Multifocal fatty infiltration of the liver; an aspecific presentation form of hepatitis C infection.

We present the case report of a 60 year old man with multiple focal echogenic lesions on ultrasound. While CT and MRI suggested the diagnosis of focal fatty infiltration of the liver, histology and serology showed a chronic hepatitis C infection. This is to our knowledge the first case of a patient with hepatitis C infection in whom focal steatosis could be seen on different imaging techniques.

Postvagotomy dysphagia necessitating surgical relief.

A case of severe dysphagia following transthoracic truncal vagotomy is reported. Stenosis of the esophagus was due to a periesophageal fibrotic band. Surgical treatment was mandatory and relief was brought by resection of the stricture and restoration of the continuity by colonic interposition.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin in pancreatitis.

A possible relationship between alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and pancreatitis was studied. Pi phenotype distribution in a group of 90 patients with proven pancreatitis was compared to a control group of 549 randomly selected blood donors. No significant differences were found between the patient group and the controls, nor between acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis.

Mediastinal parathyroid adenoma detected on a routine chest X-ray.

A case is described in which a large tumour was detected in the posterior mediastinum on a routine chest X-ray. Although the parathormone level was very high, no clinical nor radiographic signs of hyperparathyroidism were present. The tumour was removed by lateral thoracotomy and proved to be a parathyroid adenoma.