Postinflammatory polyposis (PIP) of the colon: the radiologic-pathologic spectrum.

The radiologic-pathologic spectrum of postinflammatory polyposis (PIP) of the colon and the evolution of the radiographic appearance of PIP over time were retrospectively studied in 27 patients (21 with ulcerative colitis, 6 with Crohn disease). Two general patterns of radiographic evolution were recognized: progression from active, ulcerating disease to mucosal healing with formation of PIP, and interruption of healing with PIP by recrudescence of active ulceration with inflammatory pseudopolyposis. In these latter cases, disease activity recurred in the same areas in which healing with PIP had been recognized. A review of all pathologic material indicated that the histopathology of PIP is varied and depends, to a large extent, on polyp size.

Further observations on the sonographic spectrum of gestational trophoblastic disease.

Sonograms of 27 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease were evaluated and categorized to newer concepts regarding the pathology and pathogenesis of this disorder. The patients were assigned to the following subgroups: 1) classical or complete mole; 2) partial or incomplete mole; 3) coexistent mole and fetus; 4) hydropic degeneration of the placenta; 5) locally invasive mole; and 6) metastatic trophoblastic disease, including choriocarcinoma. The utility of this categorization and of ultrasound in the diagnosis and subsequent management of these patients is presented.

Intrauterine contraceptive devices: evaluation by sonography.

The sonographic features of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), which allow identification of their intrauterine location, were evaluated in vitro and clinically in 50 patients. Posterior acoustic shadowing was seen in 90% of patients, entrance-exit reflections in 65%, and type-specific morphology in 94% of patients with Lippes Loops and in 81% with Copper 7 devices. Recognition of the characteristic features of the IUD and identification of endometrial mucosa around the IUD will allow unequivocal and accurate determination of its correct intrauterine location.

A canine distemper model of virus-induced anergy.

For development of an animal model of virus-induced anergy, the effect of canine distemper virus (CDV) upon cell-mediated immunity in dogs was investigated. First, canine cutaneous reactions and in vitro lymphocyte responses to soluble protein antigens were characterized. Dogs immunized with picryl guinea pig albumin and with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (both in complete Freund's adjuvant) responded reproducibly to intracutaneous challenge with these antigens. Reactivity peaked in 20-40 days (maximal induration, 6-50 mm). Lymphocytes from these animals responded in vitro to stimulation with keyhole limpet hemocyanin or purified protein derivative. This stimulation was antigen-specific and was maximal on day 6 of culture. Infection with CDV depressed cutaneous reactivity and lymphocyte response in vitro to antigens and mitogens. This effect was transient in animals previously vaccinated with attenuated CDV; however, gnotobiotic puppies (susceptible to CDV) had prolonged depression of cell-mediated immunity and lymphopenia. Some of these animals developed neurologic symptoms and died. The findings indicate that CDV infection is a potentially useful model for study of virus-induced depression of T (thymus)-cell responses and support the hypothesis that there is more than one mechanism responsible for this phenomenon.

Depressed lymphocyte function after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination.

Healthy children receiving routine measles-mumps-rubella vaccine developed an impaired in vitro lymphocyte response to stimulation with antigen (Candida) but not with mitogen (phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen). Response of lymphocytes was determined by measurement of the amount of [14C]thymidine incorporated by the cells. The impaired response to antigen lasted from one to five weeks after vaccination. There was no alteration in the number of either total or thymus-derived lymphocytes in the peripheral blood after vaccination; These results suggest that viral vaccination causes a depression of lymphocyte function rather than a depletion of functional lymphocytes.