[Diverticula of the appendix and their complications: value of sonography (review of 21 cases)]. / Les diverticules appendiculaires et leurs complications: apport de l'échographie (à propos de 21 cas).

PURPOSE: Diverticulosis is defined by the presence of diverticula along any segment of the GI tract. Diverticulosis and its associated complications may involve the appendix. The imaging and histological findings of 21 cases of diverticulitis of the appendix are reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonography, because of its high spatial resolution, is an ideal imaging technique to diagnose diverticulitis of the appendix. RESULTS: Similar to diverticulosis of the large bowel, diverticula of the appendix correspond to pseudo-diverticula composed of mucosa and sub mucosa herniating through the muscular layer. Chronic inflammatory changes affect the surrounding appendicular wall, as confirmed by histological examination. Clinical symptoms range from chronic right lower quadrant abdominal pain to acute appendicitis and even peritonitis. CONCLUSION: Based on this retrospective analysis of 21 cases, it is possible to describe the specific and sensitive imaging findings for diagnosis of simple and complicated forms of diverticulitis of the appendix. Surgery is the treatment of choice because of the high risk of perforation.

[Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney relapsing after 10 years of asymptomatic evolution]. / Sarcome à cellules claires du rein récidivant après 10 ans d'évolution asymptomatique.

We report the case of a kidney tumor occurring in a thirteen year-old girl. This tumor was first diagnosed and treated as a benign one. After ten years without recurrence, a relapse occurred. The diagnosis was recurrent clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. The course in our case is uncommon because clear cell sarcoma of the kidney is a rare and aggressive pediatric neoplasm, usually characterized by a predilection for bone metastases, and a mid survival rate of 30 months without treatment.