The contribution of vision in dynamic spontaneous sways of male classical dancers according to student or professional level.

We investigated the involvement of vision in the regulation of dynamic equilibrium in male children and young adults performing a physical activity requiring a high level of spatial skill: self-induced body sways of ballet dancers on a free unstable platform, 45 professional male dancers (Paris Opera) participated in the study. They included two student groups (beginners and confirmed) and two performer groups (adolescent and adult). They maintained their equilibrium on the platform under different visual and position conditions.

[Acute diverticulitis of the cecum].

Following a brief introduction regarding the epidemiology of diverticular disease, the authors report a rare case of diverticulitis of the cecum which had developed into an abscess. The patient was a 37-year-old man who was referred to the authors' attention with classic symptoms of acute appendicitis and it was therefore decided to operate. During laparotomy a small paracecal abscess involving a diverticulum with suppurating infection was found on the anterior wall of the cecum, whereas the appendix appeared to be completely unaffected.

[Observations on cancer metastasis from an unknown primary location].

Following a short introduction in which the criteria used to classify patients suffering from cancer metastasis from an occult primary location are defined, the paper reports two cases of this type: an omental metastasis occluding the upper colon and an inguinal lymph node metastasis. Referring to the international literature, the Authors then analyse the reasons for the inability to recognise the neoplasm, its incidence, patients survival, the most appropriate diagnostic course and possible treatment of these cases. In conclusion, over and above the definition of a truly autonomous nosological status of metastasis of unknown origin, it is important to follow a correct diagnostic procedure in order to establish the most appropriate form of therapy.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the duodenum].

The paper reports the case of a patient with leiomyosarcoma of the duodenum who underwent radical duodenocephalopancreatectomy and survived for 22 months after the operation. Following a review of the international literature on the topic, the diagnostic procedures and prognostic criteria of this uncommon tumour are discussed. In conclusion, leiomyosarcoma always presents considerable problems of diagnosis even with the aid of biopsy and only surgery can lead to recovery in a limited number of cases.

[Submucosal lipomas of the cecum. A case report].

The paper reports a case of submucous lipoma of the cecum. The difficulty of clinical diagnosis is underlined on account of aspecific symptoms, and in fact it is uncommon for diagnosis to be made on the basis of X-rays. Colonoscopy, in particular using bioptic techniques, allows the nature of the lipoma to be diagnosed, and in addition may act as an excellent therapeutic instrument.