[The sulcus angle of the femoral trochlea: ultrasonographic evaluation]. / Angolo del solco della troclea femorale. Valutazione ecografica.

The sulcus angle of femoral trochlea is particularly important to evaluate the femoro-patellar joint. Our study was aimed at studying the normal trochlea, and especially the sulcus angle, with US. The right knees of 11 normal subjects were examined with US and Computed Tomography (CT) on the same section planes. The US measurements of the sulcus angle were correlated with CT results, which were considered the gold standard. The US and CT data were compared and a direct correlation was found (r = 0.832). The intraobserver difference in US measurements was r = 0.943. The mean sulcus angle value was 132 degrees, in agreement with literature data. We conclude that the US measurements of the sulcus angle are reproducible and as sensitive as CT.

[Pancreatic necrosis. Correlations of traditional radiology of the colon and CT]. / La necrosi pancreatica. Correlazioni fra radiologia tradizionale del colon e TC.

Pancreatic necrosis is a possible complication of acute pancreatitis. It is characterized by diffuse inflammation associated with exudation or leakage of pancreatic juice with its proteolytic enzymes into the peripancreatic tissues. Colonic complications of acute pancreatitis are uncommon events. The main purpose of our study was to correlate radiological findings of pancreatic necrosis as observed during barium enema to CT patterns. A retrospective study was therefore carried out on 40 patients affected with acute pancreatitis with local and systemic complications. The analysis of the results allowed different patterns to be observed, with the two techniques, in the acute and in the chronic phases. In the acute phase, barium enema of the colon showed inflammatory extrinsic processes involving the wall, with a typical localization related to the spread of pancreatic enzymes along mesenteric pathways, as described by Meyers. CT allowed a thorough evaluation of both the pathologic process and its spatial balance. In the chronic phase, barium enema showed fibrotic strictures and fistulas. CT demonstrated pseudocystic masses and irregular focal areas of decreased attenuation or irregular pancreatic margins. This correlation shows how an extrinsic inflammatory involvement of the colon with a characteristic topography may help make a diagnosis and plan therapy.