Trisomy 18: Fetal ultrasound findings at different gestational ages.

The aim of this article is evaluate the sonograhic findings in fetuses with trisomy 18 at different gestational ages. The cases were recruited from pregnant women, who underwent to prenatal diagnosis in the period from October 1995 to September 2006. Seventy-one fetuses with trisomy 18 were diagnosed.

Anomalies of the fetal venous system: a report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

Objective: To evaluate sonographic appearance, natural history, and neonatal outcome of fetal venous anomalies.

Methods: We performed an observational study, including all fetuses affected by abnormalities of the venous system diagnosed by ultrasound during the prenatal period.

Results: 26 fetuses were identified.

Surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in northwestern Italy: a multicentric study by the G.S.M.I.I. (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group).

Background And Aims: Improved medical therapy and bowel sparing and sphincter saving techniques have changed surgery for UC and CD. Collaboration between gastroenterologists and surgeons is necessary to uniform the indications for surgical treatment reducing emergency operations. GISMII multicentric study aimed to show indications, timing and impact of surgery, through retrospective analysis of cases observed between 1992 to 1996.

Biphasic annual periodicity in relapses of inflammatory bowel diseases. Gruppo di Studio per le Malattie Infiammatorie Intestinale.

We evaluate the periodicity in relapses of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in this multicenter prospective study. In 275 relapses among 184 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a statistically significant biphasic annual periodicity, with peaks in the spring and autumn, was documented only for ulcerative colitis relapses (p = 0.006).

Adult Hirschsprung's disease mimicking Crohn's disease.

Although Hirschsprung's disease is diagnosed most commonly during infancy and childhood, some cases are seen in adults, when clinical features are usually similar to those described in younger patients. We report a case whose unusual clinical presentation led to an initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment of colonic Crohn's disease. The correct diagnosis was made only after motility measurements suggested the possibility of adult Hirschsprung's disease and prompted the histological examination of the myoenteric plexus, which led to the establishment of the correct diagnosis.