Muscle elastography in multiple sclerosis spasticity.

Ultrasound elastography is a novel imaging modality for evaluating the elasticity of biological tissues. The technique is widely used in oncology to detect and differentiate malignant lesions in soft tissues. Studies have explored use of ultrasound elastography to measure the mechanical properties of muscle in patients with multiple sclerosis spasticity.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in Italy: an appraisal of 26,863 cases.

Objective: To evaluate the practice of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in Italy.

Methods: On behalf of the Italian Society of Young Surgeons (SPIGC), an audit of LA was carried out through a written questionnaire sent to 800 institutions in Italy. The questions concerned the diffusion of laparoscopic surgery and LA over the period 1990 through 2001, surgery-related morbidity and mortality rates, indications for LA, the diagnostic algorithm adopted prior to surgery, and use of LA among young surgeons (<40 years).