A brief account of the subject from the chronological standpoint is followed by a classification of the drugs most often used in radiological examination of the digestive tract into two groups according to their effects on individual viscera, namely excitomotor and hypotonising drugs. The indications and contraindications for each drug are explained, and the most common methods for the pharmacoradiological investigation of each organ are indicated. It is felt that this form of examination leads to an earlier radiological diagnosis and one more consonant with the real anatomical and pathological situation.
Two cases of primary melanoma of the anorectal region are presented. The radiological patterns affords no basis for differentiation from hemorrhoids and polyps. Only close teamwork between radiologist and pathologist permits correct and timely treatment.
To highlight the different changes induced in lung tissues by various forms of radiotherapy (RT) according to tumor site and type.A retrospective analysis of the roentgenographic evaluation of and long-term follow-up data on 2375 patients who received RT for various intrathoracic and extrathoracic tumors at the National Cancer Institute of Milan.The iconographic patterns of post-RT changes, grouped by site and type of tumor and RT procedure and described in detail, afford deeper insight into a little-known area of lung pathology.These descriptions of common and uncommon patterns of the irradiated lung as they appear on conventional chest roentgenograms enable the radiologist and radiotherapist to assess exactly the response of tumor and lung tissues and to plan the most appropriate clinical follow-up.
Sixty-six patients with tumor of the distal esophagus and/or the gastric fundus were admitted for intrathoracic esophagogastroplasty. Surgical mortality was 6% (4 of 66 cases). There were 3 early and 7 late complications among the 62 remaining patients. The authors suggest that radiological examinations of patients after esophagogastroplasty should include an early examination on the 7th-10th day after surgery with water-soluble contrast medium for detection of early complications and double-contrast studies before dismissal, at later check-ups and whenever clinical symptoms of late complications are developing.
