Radiotherapy of classic and human immunodeficiency virus-related Kaposi's sarcoma: results in 1482 lesions.

BACKGROUND: The lesions of the various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which are relatively radiosensitive, have been treated with different modalities of radiotherapy, with heterogeneous aims and results. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy on a large number of lesions endowed (classic KS) with a prolonged follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 711 lesions of classic KS and 771 lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related KS, treated with traditional X-ray therapy. RESULTS: In classic KS, a cure rate of 98.7% resulted after 13.5 years from the end of radiotherapy. In three lesions (0.42%) in the same patient, an acute radiodermatitis occurred after traumatic action. In HIV-related KS, a complete remission was obtained in 91.43% of the lesions, partial remission in 6.74% and non-response in 0.51% at 1 to 46 months from the end of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy showed to be a safe and effective method, with relevant importance in the therapeutic strategy of KS.

[The doses absorbed by the patients and the exposure of the operators in dental radiodiagnosis]. / Dosi assorbite dai pazienti ed esposizione degli operatori nella radiodiagnostica odontoiatrica.

The present paper reports an updated dosimetry of dental radiology since it presents the data relative to 7 radiological techniques. The doses to 9 organs were measured on a Randoman phantom using TLD (4 in each chosen cavity) for lenses, tongue, cervical vertebrae (C2), thyroid, ovaries, uterus and testes. The examinations were subsequently repeated after applying X-ray shields to the phantom. The main conclusions follow: a) local doses are never negligible but can be really high, especially for tongue (1.880 mGy), thyroid (1.011 mGy), and C2 (0.699 mGy); b) X-ray shields for lenses, ovaries, uterus and testes have proven to be unnecessary; in a more general context, X-ray shields should be evaluated by the Health Physics Dept., especially relative to radiation leaks from the X-ray tube. As for the thyroid, X-ray shields have proven very useful but can result in repeated acquisitions because of possible interference with the radiological image; c) technicians' risk, in the present experimental conditions, does not exceed the threshold values recommended by Italian laws. At any rate, the use of fixed or mobile shieldings should always be evaluated while keeping in mind the specific working conditions in radiology departments.

[Quantitative analysis of the lung CT in normal subjects and in patients with noncardiac pulmonary edema]. / Analisi quantitativa della TC polmonare in soggetti normali e in pazienti con edema polmonare non cardiaco.

A quantitative analysis was performed of the CT images relative to 7 normal human subjects and to 22 patients affected with ARF (Acute Respiratory Failure). The CT scanner image quality was investigated, and the unit was checked with quality control procedures, in order to assure reliability and reproducibility. In every patient the lung was scanned at 3 different levels--basis, hilum and apex. The frequency distribution of CT numbers was studied. The lung areas were calculated for the different conditions, and the data correlated with functional lung data. A method was then tested to evaluate lung weight; the data obtained did not differ from literature data. All the patients were treated with different positive and expiratory pressure (PEEP). For different PEEP values, the quantitative data from CT analysis were correlated with morphofunctional indices.

Measurement of radiation from photochemotherapy equipment using thermoluminescence detector elements (BeO TLD).

The results of experimental dosimetry carried out with beryllium oxide thermoluminiscent material (BeO TLD) are presented. In particular, this material shows a good linearity of response to UV radiation at 365 nm, up to 200 mJ/cm2, and a spectral sensitivity with a peak at 340 nm. The advantages and disadvantages of BeO TLD in comparison with solid state detectors are discussed and suggested for personal and environmental dosimetry of UVA radiation in photochemotherapy.