Sonographic diagnosis of ischemic colitis.

An abdominal ultrasound examination performed on two patients with abdominal pain showed segmental wall thickening of the colon that proved to be due to ischemic colitis. In one case, the typical "target lesion" was recognized. These findings could be confirmed with computed tomography, whereas a single contrast enema was unable to demonstrate the ischemic disease. In the second case, a typical five-layered structure of the bowel wall could be demonstrated. It is concluded that US can be useful in the early diagnosis of colonic ischemia.

Spina ventosa: the forgotten diagnosis. Report of one case, review of literature.

A child 3 years of age is admitted to our hospital for surgical treatment of a lesion diagnosed elsewhere as an enchodroma. Our diagnostic studies revealed a case of spina ventosa. After five months of tuberculostatic treatment there is a clinical and radiological clear regression of the lesion. In order to prevent fistulisation and further unfavourable expansion of the lesion, the early diagnosis of this rare entity is mandatory.