[Chemodectoma of the pterygo-maxillary fossa]. / Chemodectoma della fossa pterigo-mascellare.

Cervicocephalic chemodectomas are rare non-chromaffin paraganglionic tumours, most often originating in the carotid body or the jugular ganglion. Their main features are a reluctance to invade adjacent tissue and the absence of general clinical signs. Since they are histologically quite varied they may at times be difficult to recognise. A chemodectoma of a hitherto unreported type is described. Encountered in the pterygo-maxillary fossa it was identified by computerised axial tomography and angiography.

Selective endoscopic contrastography (S.E.C.): an original association of radiology and endoscopy of the small and large intestine.

A more complete diagnostic information can be obtained by "carrying" the contrast medium through the fibercoloscope to those sites of the bowel where neither radiology alone nor endoscopy alone succeed in solving the diagnostic problem. The indications for a selective perendoscopic contrast study during coloscopy are few, but well defined and certainly not negligible:--demonstration and assessment of stenoses (unclarified by radiology and endoscopy);--accurate evaluation of the last ileal loop;--diagnostic study of ileo-colic surgical anastomoses;--fistulous tracts. Seventy-six patients were examined, without complications. The method proved useful in 42% of cases, conclusive in 33%, useless or inconclusive in 17%, unsuccessful in 8% (technical difficulties). On this basis, selective endoscopic contrastography is considered of use whenever its specific indications apply.