MR Findings of Hepatic Actinomycosis: Case Report

Actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic infectious disease caused by Actinomyces. There are three distinct forms of the condition, namely cervicofascial, thoracic, and abdominal; the hepatic variety is an unusual form of abdominal actinomycosis, accounting for about 15% of cases of this type. Many reports of actinomycosis have been published, but few have detailed the MR findings of hepatic actinomycosis. We describe the contrast-enhanced CT and MR findings in one case of hepatic actinomycosis.

Thrombolysoangioplasty in chronic, long segmental occlusive arterial disease

From July 1988 to September 1992, we experienced 15 cases of thrombolysoangioplasty (TLA) at Chonnam University Hospital. Among 15 cases, 5 had claudication (Clinical stage II according to Modified Fontaine Classification), pain at rest (III), and gangrene(IV). Duration of symptoms was 1-7 months except patients of clinical stage IV unable to guess occlusion age. The occlusion length was 5-10cm in 8 cases, 10-20cm in 4 cases, and above 30cm in 2 cases. In all cases, thromolytic therapy was performed with intraarterial urokinase infusion. The total amount of urokinase ranged from 300,000 IU to 2,000,000 IU and infusion time ranged from 2 to 50 hours except three cases infused bolus dose only. Complete successful TLA was defined as technical (less than 50% of residual stenosis) and clinical success. Partial success was defined as technical success but clinical failure. Follow-up angiography could be performed in 8 cases. Overall initial success rate was 86.6% (13/15). Among them. Complete success was in 11 cases and partial success was in 2 cases. Recurrence of disease was not noted on all cases(n=8). Severe complications, such as hemorrhage, did not occurred. TLA was considered to be effective and safe way to recanalized chronic long artery occlusion in lower extremity.