Comparison of capillary and venous blood lactate and glucose values during cycle ergometry.

Introduction: The present study compared blood lactate and glucose values obtained from capillary and venous samples, and examined the utility of a modified capillary tube (55 mm in length) for a YSI 2300 Stat analyzer.

Methods: Sixteen subjects (17-26 yrs) completed a graded exercise test using a cycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected during the last minute of each three minute stage from an indwelling venous catheter and via finger puncture.

Anterior sacral meningocele and the scimitar sign. Report of a case.

Anterior sacral meningocele is an unusual lesion that usually presents as a presacral mass. This is a case presentation of a young woman who presented with amenorrhea. On physical examination, a large presacral mass was found.

Ogilvie's syndrome developing after ethanol ablation of renal cell carcinoma.

Urological procedures frequently are implicated as a cause of Ogilvie's syndrome. We report the first case of Ogilvie's syndrome following ethanol ablation of a renal cell carcinoma. The urologist must be alert to the development of this complication.

Anal lesions. When to suspect carcinoma.

Anal carcinoma appears in a variety of forms and may be easily confused with a benign disorder. Diagnosis must be confirmed by biopsy. All anal lesions require careful evaluation and follow-up to ensure resolution of benign disease or proper treatment of malignancy.

Urgent cholecystectomy.

A retrospective review of cholecystectomy at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia revealed 92 patients (22%) who had urgent or early operation for acute cholecystitis. There were no infections or deaths in this group and the complication rate was similar to that of patients who had elective cholecystectomy. We advocate liberal use of intraoperative cholangiography in these patients.