A new provocative test for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

A new provocative test for chronic mesenteric ischemia is described, based upon the demonstration of a fall in the intramural pH of the small bowel after introduction of a test meal into the stomach. Intramural pH (pHI) is determined indirectly by tonometry, utilizing a tonometer passed per os. Postoperative assessment of revascularization procedures is also possible by the same technique.

Unusual anodic migrating isoamylase differentiates selected malignant from nonmalignant ascites.

Ascitic fluid from nine patients with nonmalignant ascites and nine patients with malignant ascites was subjected to isoamylase analysis. Unusual isoamylase bands that migrate to the anode were demonstrated in seven of eight patients with ovarian carcinoma and in one patient with gastric carcinoma. In no case of nonmalignant ascites was anodic isoamylase found, despite the presence of normal amylase in all samples.