[Lipoma of the colon: apropos of 2 cases]. / I lipomi del colon: a proposito di due casi.

The lipoma of the colon is a rare benign tumour. The Authors describe two cases of colonic lipoma and stress diagnostic and therapeutic problems related to this condition. They also emphasize the importance of double contrast enema and colonoscopy associated to bioptic examination. The indication to lipomas removal is based on clinical remarks and differential diagnosis with adenomatous polyps. The modality of removal, where feasible for local conditions, should be preferably endoscopic.

[Cystic lymphangioma: etiopathogenetic and diagnostic considerations apropos of 2 cases]. / Il linfangioma cistico: considerazioni etiopatogenetiche e diagnostiche a proposito di 2 casi.

The authors show two cases of cystic lymphangioma, one located at the neck, the other in the inguinal region, both arising in aged patients. From the study of such cases, the Authors start for studying the etiopathogenetic and histologic aspects, dwell upon the clinics and diagnosis of such neoplasms, and indicate as the sole radical treatment the surgical extirpation.

Increase of mitotic activity in the colonic mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer.

A histologic and histochemical study of the colonic mucosa, including a study of the mitotic index, was performed in routinely processed specimens from control and tumor-bearing patients. A significant increase in the mitotic index (number of mitosis X 1000 gland cells), without concomitant modifications in the distribution of mitotic figures along the crypt depth, in mucosal thickness, or in mucin secretion, was demonstrated in the colonic mucosa of patients with colonic or rectal cancer compared with controls. The results point to an accelerated cell renewal in the colonic mucosa of tumor-bearing patients compared with the controls, without concomitant dysplasia. Results are discussed in the light of the possibility that an increased cell proliferation may have preceded the onset of tumor and played a role in the second step of carcinogenesis, i.e., tumor promotion, independently of dysplasia.

[Early observations of pancreatic ultrastructure during hemorrhagic necrosis in the rat with closed duodenal pouch]. / Prime osservazioni ultrastrutturali sulla necrosi emorragica del pancreas nel ratto con tasca duodenale chiusa.

Many problems are still unanswered in the pathogenesis of acute clinical and experimental pancreatic necrosis. A new technique which can be performed in the rat seems a suitable model for reflux pancreatic necrosis without artificial pressure changes in the ductal system. A closed duodenal loop is obtained with ligation proximal and distal to Vater's ampulla and a gastroenteroanastomosis is associated to avoid intestinal obstruction. All the rats die with hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis in 36 hours. After 12 hours from the operation ductal and acinar lumina are enlarged. In the centroacinar and intercalated duct cells some lysosomes and mitochondria with clear matrix and reduced cristae are detected. Intercellular junctions in ducts and acini have normal morphology. In the basal cytoplasm of acinar cells some prominent autophagic vacuoles are detectable. After 24 hours in the acinar cells autophagic vacuoles are greatly increased and basal cytoplasmic degeneration often occurs, with plasmalemma and basal lamina interruptions. Intercellular junctions are apparently unaffected until cell necrosis sets in. In blood capillaries endothelial cells are swollen, fibrin thrombosis, hemorrhage and leucocyte infiltration are often detectable. As lysosomal activity occurs also in different kinds of experimental pancreatic necrosis, it could be a common pathogenetic factor, responsible for hydrolytic enzyme activation and for vascular damage in the early stages of hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis.