Hypertrophic lymphocytic gastritis with a gastric carcinoma.

Lymphocytic gastritis is a recently described gastric inflammation, characterized by an increased intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate mainly composed of T-lymphocytes. Endoscopically it correlates mainly with diffuse varioliform gastritis. Ménétrier's disease is a hypertrophic gastropathy with enlarged gastric folds. The histological picture is that of foveolar hyperplasia and glandular cysts of the mucosa. A few small series of lymphocytic gastritis with microscopic and endoscopic features of Ménétrier's disease have been published previously. We describe a similar case associated with a gastric adenocarcinoma.

Detection of colorectal cancer by routine ultrasound.

In 95 consecutive patients with proven colonic carcinoma, the tumor was detected by routine sonography in only half of the patients. However, in 22 out of 23 tumors of the right colon, a correct diagnosis was suggested by sonography (sensitivity 95.5%). Although not suitable as a first choice screening procedure for colorectal cancer, routine abdominal ultrasound can detect even non-suspected colonic tumors, especially in the ascending colon. Since the specificity of ultrasound is probably low, diagnosis must be confirmed by X-ray and/or endoscopy.

Ultrasound-guided puncture of the gallbladder for acute cholecystitis.

In 18 high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis and severe concurrent disease, we aspirated the gallbladder by using a percutaneous technique under ultrasound guidance. 17 of the 18 improved after aspiration, the only complication being local pain in 2. 13 of the 17 who improved remained free from biliary infections during a mean follow-up period of 14 months. 4 had an uncomplicated cholecystectomy 6-10 weeks later for recurrent cholecystitis. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration is a safe and effective procedure in critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis.

Dilated abdominal paraaortic lymphatic duct: a possible pitfall in retroperitoneal US.

Three cases of dilated abdominal left paraaortic lymphatic duct are described. The diagnosis was established by means of sonography and confirmed with lymphography in all three patients. A sonographically guided puncture of the lymphatic duct was performed in one patient. Dilatation of these lymphatic ducts was possibly the consequence of previous upper abdominal surgery in two patients and a coronary bypass operation in one.

Primary malignant melanoma of the gallbladder, metastatic to the common bile duct.

A primary malignant melanoma of the gallbladder, metastatic to the common bile duct, is reported. Both tumor sites were first visualized by abdominal sonography. The presence of the common bile duct metastasis was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Histologic evidence is presented that the primary tumor did arise in the gallbladder and that the metastasis to the common bile duct most likely occurred as a consequence of mucosal implants from tumor cells that were shed in the bile.

Partial splenoportal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. Early sonographic diagnosis and successful conservative management.

A 61-yr-old woman presented with acute severe pain in the upper abdomen. Within a few hours after admission, diagnosis of partial splenoportal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis was made by ultrasonography. This thrombosis appeared to be the first sign of a previously unsuspected essential thrombocythemia. Early sonographic diagnosis made possible the prompt institution of conservative treatment. Total thrombosis of the splenoportal system could be prevented. Major surgery was avoided and the outcome was uneventful.