Prospective, randomized comparison of castor oil and sodium phosphate preparation for barium enema.

OBJECTIVE: To compare castor oil and sodium phosphate preparation (Swiff) in patients' satisfaction, efficacy for colon cleanness, side effects, and prices. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred patients referred for barium enema were randomized to receive castor oil (n = 50) and sodium phosphate preparation (n = 50). They graded their satisfaction using a 5-point scale (easy, acceptable, slightly difficult, extremely difficult, and unacceptable). The efficacy for colon cleanness was graded by two radiologists using a 5-point scale (excellent, easy for evaluation, acceptable, difficult for evaluation, and unacceptable). Side effects were evaluated by patients' vital signs, total number of bowel frequency, and 10 associated symptoms. RESULTS: Both preparations revealed no difference in patients' satisfaction (p = 0.882) and efficacy of colon cleanness (p = 0.130). Sodium phosphate preparation was more expensive (79 vs. 10 Baht) and caused higher number of bowel frequency (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: With a cheaper price, castor oil was comparable with sodium phosphate preparation in patients' satisfaction and efficacy of colon cleanness.

Interval cancer in mammogram screening: Incidence and diagnostic value of additional ultrasonography in Thai women.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the mammographic and ultrasonographic ( US) findings in interval cancer and to evaluate incidence and additional diagnostic value of US in interval breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective study involved three women who had negative results in both screening mammogram and US within 18 months before a diagnosis of breast cancer. The mammographic and US findings were classified according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, categories 0-5. The method of detection, tumor histologic grade, axillary node status and tumor size were analyzed. Results: The interval cancer incidence in our institute was 3.14 per 10,000 screens. Three interval cancers were found. All patients had heterogenous dense breasts. Two of the three interval cancers could only be identified by US. All of them were invasive cancer with a high-to-intermediate grade (grade 2-3). Conclusions: Adjunctive US is noninvasive and valuable a modality for detection and characterization of interval cancer.

Massive right-sided pleural effusion arising from pancreatic pseudocyst: A case report.

Massive pleural effusion is a well known but rare complication of pancreatic pseudocyst. A 31-year-old male alcoholic presented with two weeks of progressive dyspnea without abdominal symptoms. The finding of massive right-sided pleural effusion led to thoracocentesis pseudocyst with pancreaticopleural fistula into the right pleural cavity. Conservative two-week treatment by tube thoracostomy and parenteral nutrition was carried out. The clinical course was uneventful and follow up computed tomography revealed only residual abnormality.

Retroperitoneal benign cystic teratoma in adult.

A rare case of retroperitoneal benign cystic teratoma in a 23 year-old woman was reported. She presented with abdominal discomfort for 2 weeks. The mass was in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and at surgery, was found to adhere to the inferior vena cava and left renal vein. The characteristic features detected by ultrasonography and computed tomography were emphasized.

Calcification in carcinoma of the rectum: A case report.

case of adenocarcinoma of the rectum containing area of calcification is described in which the diagnosis was suspected on the basis of a plain film of pelvis, confirmed by barium enema examination, and proved by surgery.