Adnexal masses: clinical issues and magnetic resonance imaging appearance

Magnetic resonance images [MRI] of the pelvis in 33 women suspected of having an adnexal mass on physical examination or ultrasound study were done to determine accuracy of MRI in characterization of adnexal masses prior to surgery with correlation to histopathology. Masses were classified according to MRI diagnosis into three groups [benign [neoplastic and non neoplastic] and malignant groups]. They were analysed for size, location, morphologic characteristics and signal behaviour. In every case an attempt was made to generate a specific diagnosis according to previously reported characteristics MR appearance. Surgical follow up was obtained within 19 days of MRI examination for 30 patients. Surgical interference was avoided in 3 non neoplastic cases which diagnosed by MRI as theca lutein cysts, where follow up by clinical, examination, MRI and serial serum titre of B-subunit of hCG showed regression of masses by medical treatment. Of the total 30 operative adnexal masses, MRI, was 85.7% sensitive and 95% specific in prosectively diagnosing ovarian malignancy. MRI is highly accurate in identifying common benign and non neoplastic pelvic masses. In conclusion, when physical examination or ultrasound examination are inconclusive, pelvic MRI can aid in the evaluation of women with suspected pelvic masses

Evaluation of the safety limits and potential toxicity of chlorinated drinking water in rats; immunobiochemical and ultrastructural study

Recently, studies have been attempted to evaluate the risks associated with a lifetime exposure to chlorinated drinking water, where it has been reported to impair some immune functions. The present study amis to investigate the safety limits and the potential toxic effects of different concentrations of chlorinated drinking water on the cell mediated immunity. In this study, 56 adult male albino rats were used. Animals were divided into seven equal groups [n= 8], one control and three group were treated with sodium hypochlorite at different concentrations 2, 15, 30 parts per million, and the remaining three groups were also treated with monochloramine at concentrations 2, 15, 30 parts per million respectively. The study Lasted for three months. For each animal, body weight, spleen weight per body weight ratio, phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages, electron microscopic study of splenic macrophages, lymphocyte blastogenesis and interleukin-2 were investigated for evaluation of immune activity at the different concentrations of both agents. Results showed that the whole body weight was not significantly affected. While the spleen weight/body weight ratio was significantly decreased. Also, phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages, lymphocyte blastogenesis and interleukin-2 were significantly decreased. Electron microscopic examination of the splenic macrophages showed high activation at the lowest concentration 2 parts per million, while higher concentrations 15 and 30 parts per million showed different degrees of suppression, reaching it's maximal effect at the highest concentration [30 parts per million]. These changes could be attributed to the toxic effects of the chlorine byproducts on the immune system