Mesenteric panniculitis: a paraneoplastic phenomenon?

Background: Mesenteric panniculitis is an inflammatory condition of mesenteric adipose tissue with characteristic features on abdominal CT imaging. Although its cause is unknown, it has been associated with malignancy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malignancy in patients identified as having mesenteric panniculitis on CT imaging and to identify demographic, clinical, and radiological features that may predict an unknown underlying malignancy.

Evaluation of the use of digital images for a national prostate core external quality assurance scheme.

Aims: To evaluate the use of virtual images as an alternative to glass slides to expand the number of participants in the External Quality Assurance Scheme for prostatic biopsies.

Methods And Results: Benign and neoplastic cases, previously circulated as glass slides, were selected to include cases that had demonstrated a high level of agreement (n = 10) and a lesser degree of agreement (n = 10). Whole slide virtual images were circulated to 68 pathologists; 51 responses were returned.

Comparison of duplex ultrasound with digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of infra-inguinal autologous vein bypass grafts.

Background: Postoperative surveillance of infra-inguinal vein grafts has arisen because of the high incidence of vein graft stenoses, which frequently progress to vein graft occlusion. The use of duplex ultrasound as the primary imaging method for graft surveillance is well established. This study aims to compare the accuracy of duplex ultrasound with the reference standard of digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of infra-inguinal vein grafts.

IT innovation in histopathology recruitment, training and research.

The introduction of national recruitment and cohort training in histopathology in England has produced significant challenges and highlighted opportunities for development. Innovative information technology solutions have been deployed to facilitate recruitment and enhance education provision and research.

Histopathology training schools 4 years on.

The initial three pilot histopathology senior house officer schools have improved training efficiency and effectiveness. Additional schools have been established to develop a national network of histopathology training schools. Their success provides lessons for the organization and delivery of structured training in other medical specialties.