[Simplified measurement of colonic transit time by one radiography of the abdomen and a single type of marker. Normal values in 82 volunteers related to the sexes]. / Mesure simplifiée du temps de transit colique par une seule radiographie de l'abdomen et un seul type de marqueur. Normes chez 82 témoins en fonction du sexe.

Assessment of total and segmental colonic transit times (CTT) in man using a single type of radiopaque marker and one abdominal X-ray has been validated but not extensively studied. The aims of our prospective study were to establish normal values of this method as a function of age, gender and fiber intake in healthy subjects. Eighty-two healthy volunteers (51 men, 31 women, mean age 38 yr, range 21-61) with normal stool frequency (between 3/day and 3/week) and no history of gastrointestinal disease or medication were enrolled and ingested 10 small (3 mm edge) radiopaque markers every morning for 6 consecutive days. On the 7th day, an abdominal X-ray was performed to calculate total and segmental (right, left, rectosigmoid) CTT according to Arhan's method (CCT = 2.4 N; N = number of markers in the considered zone). During the study the number of stools was recorded and fiber intake estimated on a questionnaire. Stool frequency, total and segmental CTT were evaluated for differences due to age, gender and/or fiber intake. In volunteers, total, left and rectosigmoid CTT were closely related to stool frequency (P = 0.0001) being longer in women than in men (P < 0.02). In contrast, right CTT was independent of gender or stool frequency. Finally, in this group CTT were independent of age and fiber intake. This study confirms the influence of gender on CTT and demonstrate the ability of this simple and non-invasive method (0.08 mrad surface exposure) to assess CTT. Its use as a diagnostic tool in self-defined constipated patients would be of interest in clinical practice.

[Aneurysm of the portal vein associated with aneurysm of the splenic artery]. / Anévrysme de la veine porte associé à un anévrysme de l'artère splénique.

Portal vein aneurysm is very rare. A case of portal vein aneurysm without symptoms of portal hypertension is described. Ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic mass at the isthmic region of the pancreas. Computed tomography demonstrated the vascular origin of the mass. Angiography showed a portal vein aneurysm, measuring 3 cm in diameter, at the junction of portal vein trunk and splenic vein. The association with a splenic artery aneurysm and absence of portal hypertension lead us to suggest that our case is congenital. Non-invasive diagnostic methods are useful to recognize the pathology of portal vein aneurysm and prevent complications especially those related to a possible portal hypertension.