[Using computed tomography to predict in vivo stone chemical composition].

OBJECTIVES. Several authors hypothesized the usefulness of the non-contrast helical computed tomography (NCHCT) with the determination of stone Hounsfield Unit (HU) values in order to predict urinary stone compositions. Preoperative knowledge of stone composition might be interesting in pre-operative decision-making process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between stone chemical composition and correspondent stone HU value in an in-vivo experience. METHODS. Forty patients with urinary stones were preoperatively studied with abdominal NCHCT, where stone HU values were reported. Stone chemical composition was obtained in each patient, using the colorimetric method. The HU value of each stone was compared with the correspondent chemical analysis. Results. The median HU values of calcium oxalate (n=10), mixed calcium oxalate and phosphate (n=19), calcium phosphate (n=2), uric acid (n=6) and mixed uric acid and calcium oxalate (n=3) stones were 1060 HU [interquartile range (IQR) 743.75-1222.5]; 900 HU (IQR 588.5-1108.5); 774 HU (range 720-828); 371 HU (IQR 361.25-436.25) and 532 HU (range 476-626), respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Our results confirmed a statistically significant difference of the HU values between calcium and pure uric acid calculi, suggesting a correlation between stone chemical composition and CT-density. Hounsfield unit.

Periorbital emphysema after laparoscopic nephrectomy: case report and literature review.

A 40-year-old lady presented with marked swelling and inability to open her left eye immediately after laparoscopic nephrectomy for a left pyelonephritic kidney. A diagnosis of periorbital emphysema was made and within 7 days the emphysema spontaneously disappeared. Periorbital emphysema is a rare benign condition that may complicate a laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Molecular biology and the staging of prostate cancer.

Cancer of the prostate is still controlled or cured by surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. The present criteria of complication and prediction are criticized more and more for not being sufficiently reliable, due to the high heterogeneity of prostatic cells. The continuing discoveries of intra- and extracellular mechanisms of the molecular informational network, which allow the continuity or discontinuity of the cell's life, are also related to prostate cancer. The role of androgen receptors is now under close scrutiny, in the light of the knowledge of regulatory genes and their molecular expression. In the near future, a complete study of prostate cancer's DNA is certainly envisaged. Looking forward to the extraordinary applications of molecular biology in this field, this article is aimed at establishing a clear link between the conventional ways of interpreting the clinical expression of prostate cancer and the oncoming applications of genomics and proteomics.