Tuberculosis--an underestimated cause of ileal perforation.

One hundred and thirteen specimens of Ileum received over the last 3 years (1990-92) were reviewed histologically and analysed to determine the aetiology of perforation. Perforations were seen in all age groups varying from one month to 75 years with a peak incidence during 3rd and 4th decades. Males were more frequently affected. Perforations were single or multiple involving the whole ileum. The highest incidence (52) was seen in enteric fever. Next in frequency (19) was tuberculosis. In 23 cases no specific aetiology could be identified. Other causes of perforation were injury and obstruction resulting from diverticulosis, intussusception adhesions and worms. A significantly high incidence (16.8%) of tuberculous perforation is noteworthy.

Light & electron microscopy of proliferating oval cells during early chemical hepatocarcinogenesis.

Early hepatic changes were studied in male albino rats (70) of Sprague Dawley strain fed a choline devoid diet containing 0.05 per cent w/w AAF (2-acetylaminofluorene) for 12 days. Proliferating periductal and ductal cells appeared in the portal area on days 1 and 3 respectively in the experimental group. On day 7, these cells infiltrated within the sinusoids of adjacent lobules up to the first one or two layers of hepatocytes. Subsequently, these cells extended up to the midzonal region on day 21 and by day 24 the entire lobule was infiltrated. Formation of duct like structures by the proliferating cells was seen on day 21. Ultrastructurally both periductal and ductal cells showed only a few organelles. Periductal and ductal cells are the earliest cells to appear in the portal area in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Its undifferentiated ultrastructure, may suggest the stem cell nature of these cells.