Transient electrocardiographic changes following smoking cannabis.

We report a case of transient ECG abnormalities (negative T waves in the inferior leads) associated with presyncope related to acute cannabis consumption; after a few hours the ECG returned normal. Although pathophysiological mechanisms are not clear, it might be hypothesize a mismatch between increased oxygen demand and decreased oxygen supply or a marked hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system.

[Percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage of peripheral breast abscesses].

Almost all peripheral non-lactational breast abscesses are staphylococcal in origin and so percutaneous drainage can be a valid alternative to surgical incision. Percutaneous drainage was performed in eight patients with one or more abscesses. A pigtail catheter was inserted only in foci greater than 3 cm.

[Prognostic factors in gastric cancer. Our experience and review of the literature].

Background: This review of the latest literature and retrospective analysis of the authors' series aimed to identify the most relevant prognostic factors for gastric cancer.

Methods: A total of 81 patients were operated in our series from 1980 onwards. Eighteen patients underwent minor surgery and 5 were not treated.

[Combined surgical treatment with prosthesis of recurrent ventral and inguinal hernias].

The presence of associated incisional and groin hernias is relatively rare and it represents an important problem in surgical treatment. The authors here report their experience of three patients treated with no reabsorbable prostheses placed according to Rives' technique for incisional hernias, and according to Stoppa's for inguinal hernias.