Our experience in the diagnosis of intraocular tumours by a B-scan computerized system and angiodynography (Doppler). Preliminary results.

The authors compare the ultrasound diagnostic results of intraocular tumours by A/B-scans (Sonomed B 3000, Sonocare, Sonovision STT-100) with images obtained using computerized B-scan (Sonocare, Sonovision STT-100, Acoustic Tissue Typing ATT) and angiodynopgraphy systems (Quantum Philips). The Sonovision uses a computerized ultrasound spectrum analysis to assess the probability that a given lesion is a certain tumour, rather than another. The ATT system provides diagnostic probability for type B and type E melanoma, for haemangioma and metastatic carcinoma. The Quantum ultrasound equipment was developed for studying the heart and the major blood vessels. It is a colour Doppler that simplifies the Doppler technique, allowing it to study small anatomical parts such as tumour-like lesions of the eye. The Doppler technique ascertains the presence and the velocity of blood flow in the tumours. In presenting the preliminary results with the new techniques the authors are aware that the ATT system is not designed for some of the lesions under study (melanomas after conservative radiotherapy).

[Small fat-containing focal renal lesions: echographic and CT aspects]. / Piccole lesioni focali renali contenenti grasso: aspetti ecografici e TC.

The discovery of a small fat-containing intraparenchymal renal mass on ultrasonography (US) or computed tomography (CT) poses a problem in diagnosis and patient management. Small lipomas of the kidney were detected by ultrasonography and CT in seven patients. In all patients the lesions were found by chance. No patients underwent surgery. These fat-containing nodules are not an uncommon finding at routine autopsy. Follow-up studies showed no change in the size of the lesions. These lesions do not show growth and surgical intervention does not seem to be indicated. This report demonstrates the capability of US and CT in the detection and diagnosis of these small islands of fat-containing tissue within the renal parenchyma.

Diagnostic approach to hepatic hemangiomas detected by ultrasound.

Eighty cases of hepatic hemangioma were studied using ultrasound. In one group consisting of 28 subjects a final diagnosis of hepatic hemangioma was supported by arteriography (21 cases) or surgery (7 cases). In the remaining 52 cases, the diagnosis was uncertain and the normal clinical and biochemical findings with the ultrasound follow-up studies at intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months, made a diagnosis of hemangioma highly probable. Twenty-nine cases (9 cases of the first group and 20 of the second) were also evaluated by Tc-99m colloid and in vivo Tc-99m-labelled red blood cell scintigraphy. On the basis of ultrasound appearance and internal structure, hemangiomas may be divided into three groups: hyperechoic pattern (of which there were 16 cases in our study), cystic or anechoic pattern (5 cases), and complex pattern (7 cases). Fifty-two cases of uncertain diagnosis showed hyperechoic focal lesions with rounded, well-defined margins and no clinical or biological abnormalities. Differentiation from malignant forms must be approached according to the specific ultrasound pattern observed and the presence or absence of symptoms. Only in cases of hyperechoic, well-defined lesions detected in asymptomatic patients may a reliable diagnosis of hemangioma be made. The use of in vivo Tc-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy (Tc-99m RBC scintigraphy) is useful in hyperechoic and cystic forms having a diameter greater than 3 cm. Complex forms invariably require additional studies, using complementary procedures (angiography, angio-CT) to confirm diagnosis.

Likelihood ratio as an index of the diagnostic usefulness of ultrasonic information in gastrointestinal disease.

The authors describe the utilization of the log-likelihood statistic as a means to establish the impact of diagnostic sonography on gastroenteric pathology. The statistical method does not require a final diagnosis, but gives an evaluation of how the clinician's opinion is changed or not by the sonographic diagnosis.