Is it always necessary to treat a ureteropelvic junction syndrome?

The term ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction covers different morbid entities, and the old aphorism, "A UPJ is not a UPJ" remains true. Hydronephrosis is readily seen on antenatal ultrasonography but does not necessarily imply obstruction. Although most cases will resolve spontaneously, the probability of a significant pathology is related to the degree of pyelectasis, as seen on the third trimester study.

[Malacoplakia in children].

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disease, related to Enterobacteria infection in the context of a disorder of cell-mediated immunity. This disease does not have any specific clinical or laboratory signs and the diagnosis is exclusively based on histology. Malakoplakia is exceptional in children and usually involves the gastrointestinal tract.

[Rupture of the renal artery and renal parenchyma in a pregnant woman with vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome].

A case of intraparenchymal renal haemorrhage associated with renal artery dissection, occurring at the end of pregnancy in a woman with a vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is reported for the first time. This cases illustrates the potential risk of this syndrome and the importance of multidisciplinary management to ensure an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in this setting to elucidate complex cases of renal colic in pregnant women presenting an increased risk of ischaemic or haemorrhagic disorders.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the axial skeleton enables objective measurement of tumor response on prostate cancer bone metastases.

Background: There is currently no technique to image quantitatively bone metastases. Here, we assessed the value of MRI of the axial skeleton (AS-MRI) as a single step technique to quantify bone metastases and measure tumor response.

Methods: AS-MRI was performed in 38 patients before receiving chemotherapy for metastatic HRPCa, in addition to PSA, computed tomography of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis [CT-TAP]; and Tc-99m bone scintigraphy.

Prospective randomized evaluation of emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the short-time outcome of symptomatic ureteral stones.

Objective: Here, we report the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of emergency ESWL (eESWL) on the short-term outcome of symptomatic ureteral stones.

Material: The trial enrolled 100 patients admitted in emergency room for renal colic caused by a ureteral radioopaque [corrected] stone. Patients were randomized to medical therapy alone or combined with eESWL.

Prognostic value of circulating prostate cells in patients with a rising PSA after radical prostatectomy.

Background: To predict poor outcome in patients with a biochemical recurrence (rising PSA) after radical prostatectomy (RP), urologists rely primarily on Gleason score, PSA doubling time, and time from surgery to biochemical (i.e., PSA) recurrence.

Intrafamilial phenotype variability in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

X-Linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), which accounts for 90% of inherited cases of NDI, is caused by mutations in the AVPR2 gene that encodes the arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor type 2 (V2R). The V2R mediates the antidiuretic action of AVP in principal cells of the collecting duct. To date, only three AVPR2 mutations (P322S, D85N, and G201D) have been associated with a mild NDI phenotype, and intrafamilial phenotype variability has not been reported in affected males.

Free/total PSA ratio does not improve prediction of pathologic stage and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: Despite several publications, the ability of the free/total (F/T) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio to predict the pathologic extension of prostate cancer is still a matter of controversy. In addition, its ability to predict biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy has not yet been reported.

Methods: Since January 6, 1996, the F/T PSA ratio was prospectively measured preoperatively in 343 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy as the first treatment for localized prostate cancer.