[Aneurysms of the peripheral arteries]. / Gli aneurismi delle arterie periferiche.

The Authors examine aetiological, pathological, and clinical patterns of the peripheric aneurysms and emphasize the frequency with which an aneurysm, even when asymptomatic, can complicate and cause acute ischaemia of a limb with high risk of amputation. They present their personal experience of ten operated cases, some of choice, others in emergency, and report the immediate and late results.

[Liposarcoma of the retroperitoneum. A case report]. / Liposarcoma del retroperitoneo. Descrizione di un caso.

The authors describe a case of retroperitoneal liposarcoma developing between the leaflets of the transverse mesocolon. They briefly summarise the classification and the symptomatology of retroperitoneal tumours and discuss the way of presentation of their case comparing it with literature data.

[Infarct rupture of the heart. A clinical case operated on with success]. / Rottura infartuale del cuore. Caso clinico operato con successo.

A 48-year-old woman was admitted for acute myocardial infarction with a normal clinical course. On the fifth day a new chest pain occurred, with low cardiac output and high central venous pressure; a pericardial effusion was present at the echocardiogram. The clinical picture improved with intensive medical care but, on the tenth day, there was a relapse with a life-threatening heart tamponade. An emergency operation was performed without previous heart catheterization. The pericardium was tense and contained about 300 ml of clots; in a wide infarcted area of the lateral wall of the left ventricle two small perforations were evident. Primary reconstruction was accomplished with interrupted stitches supported by Teflon felt strips. The bypass weaning was easy and the postoperative clinical course uneventful. We believe that the cardiac rupture is a surgical emergency; the non-invasive diagnosis is possible; the coronary angiography and revascularization must be postponed.

[Cecal and sigmoid volvulus]. / Il volvolo del cieco e del sigma.

The Authors present the etio-pathogenetic, clinical and diagnostic aspects of cecal and sigmoid volvulus. They discuss the therapeutic indications and possibilities comparing advantages and disadvantages of conservative and surgical treatment. Two cases of cecal volvulus and two of sigmoid volvulus, are presented and their peculiar aspects underlined as well as the surgical technique.