[The shoulder in basic calcium phosphate microcrystal deposit disease]. / La spalla nella malattia da depositi microcristallini di fosfato basico di calcio.

Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystal deposition can lead to periarticular collections associated with typical radiographic findings, most frequently observed in the shoulder. Moreover, these deposits may be revealed in other articular sites (i.e., wrist, hand, foot, elbow, hip, etc.). Initially, the calcium deposits may appear poorly defined (cloudlike); afterwards, they may reveal different patterns (linear, triangular or circular areas), changing in size, configuration and site. Adjacent bone may be normal, although osteoporosis, cystic lesions and reactive sclerosis are reported. The radiographic appearance of calcifications will depend upon the exact location of the deposits in the specific tendon of the rotator cuff, the adjacent bursae and the soft tissues.

[Culture studies of the bile during transhepatic cholangiography]. / Lo studio colturale del liquido biliare in corso di C.T.E.

A bacterial examination was carried out on bile taken from 119 patients undergoing transhepatic percutaneous cholangiography (P.T.C.) due to biliary obstruction. Bacteria were found in 36.9% of cases, with greater frequency in cases of benign obstructions (69.6%) than malignant obstructions (27.2%). The extent of obstruction was found to make no difference (stenotic or obstructive). These results therefore confirm that a risk of infectious complications during P.T.C. exist. Susceptibility studies carried out on bile bacteria showed gentamycin to be the most effective antibiotic in the prevention and treatment of infection in these cases.

[Transvenous xeroangiography of arteriovenous fistulas of patients undergoing periodic hemodialysis]. / La xeroangiografia transvenosa delle fistole artero-venose dei pazienti in emodialisi periodica.

Xeroradiography allows visualisation of the arterial system after intravenous injection of contrast media. This method has proved particularly useful for diagnosis of changes in the arteriovenous fistulas of 20 patients on chronic haemodialysis. In all cases transvenous xeroangiography gave information about morphologic alterations of vessels and soft tissues. Among the commonly used angiographic methods, transvenous xeroangiography appears the technique of choice.

["Cupid's bow" contour of the lumbar vertebrae]. / Il profilo ad "arco di Cupido" delle vertebre lombari.

The cortical margin of the inferior end plate of lumbar vertebral bodies, in the frontal projection, frequently simulates the curvature of a bow, aimed cephalad. On lateral view, the two concavities are superimposed and lie in the posterior portion of the vertebral body. The aspect, called "Cupid's bow" must be considered a normal anatomic variant and should not be confused with diseases affecting the spine. The incidence and degree of the finding are discussed.