[Endorectal sonography in gynecology: usefulness and diagnostic accuracy]. / Echographie endorectale en gynécologie: indication, faisabilité et pertinence diagnostique.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of endorectal sonography (ERS) in comparison with transabdominal sonography (TAS) in women with a contraindication to endovaginal sonography (EVS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: ERS was proposed to 32 patients in the immediate continuation of TAS. It was performed either with a specific probe or with a vaginal probe. The protocol included a complete evaluation of pelvic structures observed with both sonographic techniques. RESULTS: After counselling and assent, 29 of the 32 patients (90%) accepted ERS. The examination was regarded as complete in 28 cases. ERS confirmed the absence of pelvic anomaly in the 12 cases of normal TAS. ERS modified diagnosis in 5 of the 8 cases of anechoic ovarian cysts seen in TAS. In 4 cases, PCOs not seen in TAS were identified. Two partially sub-mucous myomas not recognized by TAS were diagnosed by ERS. Sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of TAS and ERS were 38,4 and 87,5%, 41,6 and 100%, 50 and 100%, 40 and 85,7% respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These findings suggest ERS is an effective diagnostic tool in pelvic exploration when EVS cannot be performed. It should be widely proposed after information and assent.

[Cockayne's syndrome; a radiological entity: a report on two familial cases (author's transl)]. / Le syndrome de Cockayne. Une entité radiologique a propos de deux observations familiales.

Two cases of cockayne's syndrome occurring in the same family group are reported. The authors describe the chronological evolution of the bone lesions, based on radiological examinations of the older sister made at 4, 13 1/2, and 15 years of age. Evidence that clinical signs of early ageing are associated with a rapid drop in thymic hormone levels led the authors to search for radiological signs of premature ageing. At 15 years of age only minimal signs were apparent.