Comparison of the MAST chemiluminescent assay system with RAST and skin tests in allergic children.

The MAST chemiluminescent assay (CLA) system uses enzyme-linked antihuman IgE and a chemiluminogenic substance to determine specific IgE antibodies. The MAST CLA system therefore not only makes unnecessary the precautions required for handling isotopic materials but has the advantage of long-term reagent stability. The MAST CLA system assay protocol consists of three steps: overnight incubation of serum, a 4-hour incubation with enzyme-labeled antibody, and a 30-minute chemiluminescent reaction, which produces a visible image (immunograph) on high-speed instant Polaroid film.

A hepatobiliary study with Tc-99m N-pyridoxyl-5-methyltryptophan (PMT) in a patient with hepatoblastoma.

A patient with hepatoblastoma in whom a hepatobiliary study with Tc-99m PMT demonstrated homogeneous uptake in the tumor is presented. Sonography showed a large solid mass pedunculated from the right hepatic lobe with a "tumor-in-tumor" pattern. It was hypodense relative to normal hepatic parenchyma on CT scanning without contrast material and turned isodense with contrast material.

[Transcatheter arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage].

A case of postpartum hemorrhage controlled by transcatheter arterial embolization is reported. The determination of the exact location of the bleeding vessel in postpartum hemorrhage may be difficult using angiography. Selective embolization is effective but the selection of the artery to embolize (internal iliac versus uterine artery) is still controversial.

[Superselective angiography of lower gastrointestinal bleeding; a report of three case].

Angiography was performed in three patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Extravasation was demonstrated only with superselective catheterization of a branch of superior mesenteric artery. However, this bleeding was not demonstrable with conventional catheterization of superior mesenteric artery.

[Embolization of the lumbar artery for pelvic fracture].

Bleeding from the lumbar artery could be a major source of hemorrhage in a patient with massive blood loss associated with pelvic fracture. Embolization of injured lumbar artery should be attempted since hemorrhaging from the lumbar artery could be a cause of potentially life-threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Selective lumbar arteriography is often helpful to diagnose bleeding from a lumbar artery, which is occasionally overlooked in pelvic aortography.