Applications of the monoclonal antibody PC10 assessment of proliferative grade in cell smears.

In view of the increasing need to assess the proliferative activity of hematologic malignancies, slide-based methods to quantify the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were developed and evaluated. Two techniques to evaluate this antigen were adapted to the infiltration level of the disease. The first one is particularly appropriate to massive invasion and is based on the alkaline phosphatase-antialkaline phosphatase complex (APAAP)method.

Intestinal obstruction and portal vein gas embolism.

The presence of hepatic portal vein gas is the consequence of invasion by anaerobic bacteria originating from an intestinal tract lesion. Although this phenomenon is rare, it may result from several common intestinal pathologies. The prognosis, despite intensive treatment, is often very poor.

[Otorhinolaryngology and maxillofacial orthopedics].

The authors remind the facial morphogenesis and the factors affecting it. They describe nasal respiration, its importance and consequences on morphogenetic levels, as well as the influence of the lips. In the context of the clinical collaboration between ENT and DFO, they review the different stages of ENT examination, explaining the importance of each one.

Variant form of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

A forty-six-year-old, non smoker, patient presented with an intermittent claudication of the right calf, clinically compatible with a low popliteal artery obliteration. Arteriography showed an irregular intercondylar popliteal artery and oblitered low popliteal and anterior tibial arteries. Surgical posterior access showed a faulty insertion of the mediate gastrocnemius caput responsible for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and for aneurysmal dilatation of the popliteal artery above compression.

[Nasal endoscopic treatment of a CSF fistula. Clinical case].

A patient presenting a recent spontaneous C.S.F.

Accurate flow cytometric measurement of bacteria concentrations.

Accurate measurements of bacteria concentrations are required in numerous studies; they raise methodological problems that complicate, for instance, the investigations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil functions. We propose a new flow cytometric method of determining bacteria concentrations by comparison with a standardized fluorescent latex bead solution. Relative counts of beads and bacteria are established in a system using both fluorescence and light scatter for the two types of particles.

[Contraception using a subcutaneous implant, Norplant].

The contraceptive device Norplant, not yet commercialized in Belgium, has been studied prospectively on 198 women, which were followed for up to 42 months per patient. All together, 2,643 months of use were surveyed. Norplant consists of 6 silastic capsules, liberating levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestagen.

[Value of serum immunoglobulin assays in early myocardial infarction].

Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were assayed in 672 patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction with onset within 24 hours of hospitalization. Supranormal Ig levels (A > or = 300, G > or = 1,200) or subnormal Ig levels (M < 40 mg/100 ml) were seen in patients with one or several risk factors (diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse) or a history of previous myocardial infarction. Patients with one or more Ig anomalies were more likely to exhibit unfavorable outcomes, including early death, suggesting that increased viscosity due to aggregation of Ig molecules may occur.

[Vertebral osteoporosis manifesting systemic mastocytosis].

A case of systemic mastocytosis in a 33-year-old man, with multiple spine fractures caused by severe osteoporosis, is presented. The diagnosis could only be established three years after the initial symptoms, when the patient developed skin eruption. Skin and bone biopsy, as well as histamine dosage, confirmed the diagnosis.

[Integrated care of HIV-seropositive patients: liaison psychiatry revisited].

Psychiatric, psychologic and psychotherapeutic care of HIV patients is integrated inside a specific medical institution. The psychological representations that AIDS mobilizes pervade the intense medical relationship between internists, nurses and the HIV patients. This relationship becomes the central node for the differentiation of psychologists and psychiatrists function inside the team.

[Transthoracic lung punctures].

Transcutaneous needle aspiration (PTT) is a diagnostic technique which consists of biopsying pathological lung tissue using a needle (which in general is specifically designed for the purpose) which is introduced into the thorax transcutaneously. The target is lined up, either radioscopically or using a CT scanner and this enables the needle to be positioned in the centre of the lesion radiologically where one or more biopsies can be taken. According to the type and diameter of the needle these biopsies will enable a histological examination to be performed in addition to a cytological and bacteriological examination.