Schistosomiasis and malignancy.

It is generally accepted that schistosomiasis, if not causative, is at least associated with malignancy. In this review, the epidemiology of schistosomiasis and bladder carcinoma, as well as the role of chronic bladder infection, are discussed together with known carcinogenic factors, possible abnormal vitamin metabolism and/or deficiencies and factors that influence conjugated carcinogens. Experimental evidence is briefly examined and recent work from the Far East on schistosomiasis and colon carcinoma reviewed.

The value of percutaneous trephine biopsy in the diagnosis of lesions of the vertebral column.

The results obtained in 55 adult patients with sinister lesions of vertebral bodies, who were subjected to percutaneous trephine biopsy, are presented. A positive diagnosis was made on histopathological examination of specimens from 24 patients (44%). In the remaining 31 patients (56%), pathological features were seen in 25, but no specific diagnosis was possible. There were 4 false-negative results. The lack of diagnostic specificity in a large proportion of the patients is explained by the fact that they presented at an advanced stage of disease (probably tuberculosis) when the process of healing had already started. In bony malignant conditions the results were very satisfactory. Percutaneous trephine biopsy is therefore a valuable diagnostic tool for positive diagnosis in a large proportion of patients with osseous lesions and for the exclusion of malignant disease.

Liposarcoma of bone marrow origin in a kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros).

A primary intraosseous liposarcoma in a kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), is reported. The lesion had a multilocular radiographic appearance and caused fracture of a metacarpus of the right front leg. Microscopically the lesion consisted of a lobular proliferation of lipoblasts of varying maturity. This is the first description of an intraosseous liposarcoma in a nondomesticated animal.

Are clinical differences between black and white stroke patients caused by variations in the atherosclerotic involvement of the arterial tree?

The differences in site and degree of atherosclerotic involvement of various vascular beds and their clinical significance are emphasised in a study of 304 black stroke patients. Detailed clinical examinations, computed tomography (CT), gated blood pool studies, echocardiography and ECG were performed and autopsy studies carried out. CT of the brain showed that non-haemorrhage, i.e. ischaemic lesions, accounted for 71.2% of strokes, a similar figure to that found in white stroke patients. However, carotid bruits (0.62%) and peripheral vascular disease (0.9%) followed by transient ischaemic attacks (1.9%) were found to be uncommon. Similarly, ischaemic heart disease (6.9%) appeared to be less common than the incidence in reported white stroke patients. In 30 patients who came to autopsy, the maximum degree of atherosclerotic stenosis of the extracranial carotid arteries was 21.7% of the lumen diameter. The differences in the site and degree of atherosclerosis in blacks not only give rise to differences in the clinical features of stroke patients but may have an important bearing on their investigation, management and prognosis.

Blood lead concentrations in hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Kruger National Park.

Venous whole-blood samples for the determination of lead concentrations were obtained from hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) (n = 26) during a population control programme on the banks of the Sabie River. A mean blood lead concentration of 26.3 micrograms l-1 was lower than the mean concentration of 34.0 micrograms l-1 cited for a group of young people living in a remote area where lead pollution was considered to be negligible. These concentrations indicate that lead pollution in this area of the Kruger National Park is at present low.

Malignant disease of the gastro-intestinal tract in blacks. Incidence and frequency distribution by age, sex and site at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, Pretoria, 1976-1986.

The pathology records of Ga-Rankuwa Hospital for the years 1976 - 1986 were studied in respect of the numbers of gastro-intestinal malignant diseases diagnosed. Some tumours were seen more frequently in recent years, i.e. carcinoma of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum. Whether this increased occurrence represents a true increase in this type of malignant disease is not proven. In comparison with other hospital reports, carcinoma of the oesophagus is very common and is certainly showing no decrease.