Zinc and cadmium analysis in human prostate neoplasms.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that prostatic cancer is associated with the changes of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) concentration. Normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatic carcinoma (PCA) were analyzed for Zn and Cd by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cd level was measured using a graphite furnace and Zn level was measured by flame mode. Metal content was assessed in whole tissues and in nuclear, plasma membrane, and cytosolic fractions. An increase of Zn content in BPH, but a decrease in PCA as compared to normal tissue, was observed. Cd concentration appeared to be higher in BPH and PCA than in normal tissue. No correlation between Zn and Cd level was found in BPH specimens obtained from the same patients. Probability values of p < or = 0.05 were considered to indicate significant differences. Obtained results seem to support the hypothesis of Cd carcinogenicity and preventing function of Zn in prostatic cancer. Plasma membrane fraction corresponding to lysosomal, mitochondrial, and microsomal subcellular compartments are probably critical in Zn and Cd participation in human prostate neoplasms.

Usefulness of non-invasive diagnostic methods for early detection of neoplasms of the urinary tract and male genitals among workers of the Mazovian Refining and Petrochemical Plant in Plock.

The studies were aimed at the evaluation of the usefulness of non-invasive diagnostic methods including inquiry, clinical examination, transabdominal ultrasonography, cytologic examination of the urinary sediment, determination of blood serum concentrations of certain neoplastic markers, and urinalysis for early detection of neoplasms of the urinary tract and male genitals; and at the determination of the sensitivity and specificity of percutaneous ultrasonography combined with cytologic examination of the urinary sediment for detection of neoplasms of the kidneys and urinary tract, particularly of the urinary bladder. Urological examinations were performed in 300 workers occupationally exposed to oil derivatives. Neoplasms of the urinary tract and male genitals were detected in 37 (12.3%) workers. Neoplasms of the urinary bladder were found most frequently. They were diagnosed by non-invasive methods in 14 (4.7%) and verified clinically and histologically in 11 (3.7%) persons. The results seem to indicate the usefulness of non-invasive diagnostic methods for urological screening studies among occupational populations with increased risk of neoplasms of the urinary system and male genitals. The high sensitivity (93%) and high positive predictive coefficient (0.90) for the combination of transabdominal ultrasonography and cytological examination of the urinary sediment for detection of urinary system neoplasms seem to be tokens of their high diagnostic value and clinical usefulness.

Usefulness of digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis of renal tumours.

DSA (digital subtraction angiography) is a new, highly effective method for visualization of kidney vascular system. By means of a digital subtraction angiography unit the image of bones and soft tissues is blotted out, and a subtractive picture of contrasted vessels alone emerges. Intra-arterial DSA is a less invasive and more comfortable method when compared to conventional angiography. Only 2-4 ml of contrast medium is administered, thinner catheters being employed at the same time. The examination can also be performed through intravenous administration of contrast medium. The DSA unit Angiotron CMP was installed at the Department of Radiology, Military Medical Academy of Lódz, in 1984. In the present material a diagnostic DSA investigation was performed in 22 patients with renal tumours. In 21 of them the tumour was correctly diagnosed on grounds of pathological vascularization and the result was dubious in only 1 patient with benign tumour.

Anatomical considerations of selective pudendal neurectomy.

The pudendal nerve was examined in 100 cadavers of both sexes. Because of the variable number of trunks of the pudendal nerve, 5 types were distinguished: one-trunked; two-trunked, rectopudendal; two-trunked, pudendo-penile (or -clitoridal); three-trunked, recto-perineo-penile (or -clitoridal); four-trunked, recto-perineo-perineopenile (or -clitoridal). The authors' suggestions make it possible to perform selective pudendectomy, consisting in denervation of the sphincter urethrae muscle by neurectomy of the perineal branches of the pudendal nerve.

Xanthogranulomatous prostatitis.

Two cases of rarely observed granulomatous prostatitis are presented. Unspecific clinical symptoms and a close similarity in clinical course to prostatic adenoma or adenocarcinoma may be misleading and produce severe diagnostic difficulties even for an experienced urologist. Close cooperation with a pathomorphologist is necessary for their avoidance. Relying on published evidence the authors briefly analyse this nosological entity, the aetiology of which is still controversial.

Observations on xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

Four cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, treated at the Department of Urology of the Military Medical Academy, are described. Focal lesions of the kidney were found in all of them. A precise pre- and intraoperative diagnosis is impossible or doubtful because the clinical symptoms and macroscopic appearance of the involved kidney suggest the presence of a tumour. Treatment consists mainly in nephrectomy.

[Incidence of urinary tract diseases among workers in the Masovian Refining and Petrochemical Plants in Plock 1978-1981]. / Czestosc wystepowania chorób narzadów ukladu moczowego u pracowników Mazowieckich Zakladów Rafineryjnych i Petrochemicznych w Plocku w latach 1978-1981.

The studies were aimed at estimation of the incidence rate of genito-urinary tract diseases among employees of the Mazovian Refining and Petrochemical Plants in Plock. In 1978-1981, 873 employees were examined, including 244 females and 629 males. Most of them, namely 572 (65%), were employed in those plants for more than 5 years. In 190 persons (21.8%) either history of urologic diseases (41 persons) or current diseases (149 persons) were found. The incidence rate of genito-urinary tract diseases was similar to that observed in general population. The studies are continued.

Distribution of blood groups of the ABO system in patients with urolithiasis.

The relationships between urolithiasis, ureterolithiasis and blood groups have been analysed. The examinations of 1451 women and 1611 men confirmed the occurrence of statistical relationships of blood groups A, AB and 0 and those diseases. They did not occur in blood group B. Urolithiasis incidence rate was similar in men and women. The highest morbidity rate fell on the fourth decade of life in women and on the fifth decade in men.

Technical difficulties during operations on kidneys in cases of true adrenal-renal heterotopia.

In connection with 4 cases, including two of kidney operations, it is discussed how to overcome the technical difficulties caused by true adrenal-renal heterotopia during kidney operations. The kidney with the adrenal gland located in its upper pole requires in such cases the use of different surgical procedures.

Anatomical basis of radiodiagnosis of the adrenal gland.

Studies on 220 human adrenal glands were carried out microscopically, microangiographically and by direct dissection following preliminary filling of the vessels with injection masses. The position, size and shape of the adrenals, as well as their intrinsic and extrinsic arterial and venous vasculature were assessed. In the present work attention was directed mainly to the venous architecture. The understanding of venous pattern is of considerable importance to those who perform and evaluate adrenophlebography. The latter examination represents the most useful method of radiological assessment of adrenal glands.

Connections of superficial and internal adrenal veins.

Histologic specimens, microangiograms, as well as corrosion and dissection preparations of 220 human adrenals were evaluated in order to determine the venous pattern. All the glands were subjected to examination after injection of Micropaque into the central vein. Numerous connections of intra-and extraglandular veins were demonstrated. They varied in calibre from a few microns to 2 mm. The distribution of anastomoses was not uniform. They was much more numerous of the anterior aspect than on the posterior of renal surfaces of the gland. The anastomoses play an important part in adrenal function and adrenal circulation, creating the possibilty of bidirectional onflow of the venous blood from the gland. Such venous arrangement permits to ligate safely the central vein and to fill both venous systems (intra-and extraglandular) with opaque medium during adrenophlebography.

Hypoplasia renum: a comparative study of diagnosis, clinical course and management.

Twenty patients with hypoplastic kidney (12 men and 8 women, left kidney in 13 cases, right kidney in 7 cases) were observed between 1961 and 1971. The age of the patients ranged from 14 to 60 years. The anomaly predominated (65% of the patients) in the third and fourth decades of life; in this age the diagnosis of the true nature of the condition was often due to complications requiring examination. Carefully taken history and complete radiological survey are essential for the recognition. The value and characteristic features yielded by particular investigation are discussed. In 8 patients clincial diganosis was confirmed at operation. Most common complications of hypoplastic kidney included hypertension, lithiasis, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis and periodic hematuria. In 9 pateints (4 women and 5 men) renal hypoplasia was associated with other anomalies of the genitourinary tract.