[The persistence of the müllerian duct]. / Persistencia del conducto Mülleriano.

OBJECTIVE: To report two rare cases of persistent müllerian duct syndrome. METHODS/RESULTS: Two patients with normal chromosome studies (46, XY) are presented. The radiological evaluation showed structures compatible with those of the müllerian duct. These structures were completely excised with excellent results. The histological findings confirmed the clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent müllerian duct syndrome is a rare form of male pseudohermaphroditism that presents difficulties in making the differential diagnosis from other conditions with a different etiopathogenesis and that are not completely defined.

[The usefulness of the carbohydrate antigen CA-50 in the prognosis of transitional-cell bladder carcinomas]. / Utilidad del antígeno carbohidratado CA 50 en el pronóstico en los carcinomas vesicales de células transicionales.

The carbohydrate antigen CA 50 is expressed in the epithelial tissue during the process of neoplastic transformation; i.e., transitional cell bladder carcinoma. The present study evaluated the biological behaviour of the CA 50 antigen in malignant superficial, deep localized and disseminated bladder tumors. One hundred subjects were entered into the study: 30 carefully selected healthy subjects comprised the first group and 70 patients with a diagnosed transitional cell bladder carcinoma comprised the second group. The serum CA 50 antigen was determined by immunofluorometric assay (Delfia CA 50 kit). Our results indicate that the carbohydrate CA 50 antigen can be utilized as a prognostic marker in patients with malignant bladder tumors. The serum antigen levels were higher for the more undifferentiated tumors and those in the advanced stages.

[Conservative treatment of ureteral iatrogenesis of gynecologic origin]. / Manejo conservador de la yatrogenia ureteral de origen ginecológico.

Five patients with iatrogenic ureteral injuries are described herein. Two patients had a vesicoureteric fistula and the remaining three patients had obstructive uropathy secondary to ligation with resorbable material during hysterectomy for a benign uterine condition, which spontaneously resolved with conservative management. Classically, the approach of this type of lesion was interventional and careful patient selection afforded the possibility of definitive resolution. US, CT and modern endourological technology have facilitated temporary diversion via percutaneous nephrostomy (or surgery, if the foregoing is not possible) to protect renal function during the process of recanalization of the injured ureter. Furthermore, it permits radiological control of the course and functional assessment of the excretory tract.

[Spinal cord compression by epidural metastases of urologic tumors]. / Síndrome de compresión medular por metástasis epidurales de tumores urológicos.

We report our experience of 5 consecutive cases of acute spinal cord compression from epidural metastasis of genitourinary tumors seen over a period of 14 months. Three patients developed paraplegia and the remaining two patients developed paraparesis of the lower extremities. Four patients underwent emergency decompression laminectomy and the remaining patient received spot radiotherapy to the metastatic vertebral lesion. The degree of neurologic deterioration and its rapid progression to the more severe forms have significantly influenced patient quality of life and survival. The literature is reviewed highlighting the epidemiological, physiopathological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this condition.