Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency thermal ablation is the first therapeutic option in percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma but data on its long-term efficacy and safety are not conclusive. AIM: This study reports a prospective survey on radiofrequency thermal ablation in north-east Italy. METHODS: Data were collected on 401 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (males 301, mean age: 68 years) treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation in 13 centres. Indication to treatment was: single nodule not eligible for surgery in 77% of patients, 2-3 nodes in 18% and multiple lesions in 5%. Mean size was 3 cm (1-8 cm). Treatment response was assessed at 1 month by spiral computerized tomography and then with ultrasound examination and new spiral computerized tomography. RESULTS: Complete response was obtained in 67% of patients and in 27% response was 75-99%. Complete response raised to 77% in lesions smaller than 3 cm. The morbidity rate was 34%; the mortality was 0.5%, seeding was observed in four patients. Ten patients presented an unexpected rapid disease progression. CONCLUSION: The above data show that by radiofrequency thermal ablation, complete response can be achieved only in about two-third of the cases, clearly less than expected, and that, beyond seeding, unexpected progression can be observed.

[Follow-up after radical prostatectomy in prostatic cancer. CT: normal findings]. / Follow-up dopo prostatectomia radicale per neoplasia. TC: aspetti normali.

We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings of 18 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. CT follow-up studies showed the bladder base in retropubic location in all 18 patients. Two patients had local recurrences, while no evidence of local recurrence was found in 16 patients. The following CT findings were observed in the latter group: a) bladder to rectum adhesion in 2 cases (13%); b) a complete transverse bar of soft tissue density between bladder and rectum in 9 cases (57%); c) an incomplete rectovesical bar in 6 cases (40%). The transverse bar was already apparent on the first pelvic CT scan performed within two weeks in 3 cases for surgical complications. In two local recurrences some dense tissue was demonstrated distorting rectovesical lateral triangle fat. To conclude, since a complete or incomplete horizontal bar of soft tissue structures is usually depicted in the rectovesical space, these structures should not be misdiagnosed as local tumor recurrences.

[Total amalgam reconstruction. Clinical evaluation after three years]. / Ricostruzioni totali in amalgama. Valutazione clinica a tre anni.

This study reports the results of the evaluation after three years of total amalgam restorations, made on molars and premolars vital and devitalized. The clinical parameters examinated were: 1) anatomic form and axial contour 2) marginal integrity 3) recurrent caries 4) occlusal contacts 5) interproximal contacts 6) pulpar or periodontal complication. To each of these parameters was given a degree of judgement expressed by Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta. Alpha is the best evaluation, Bravo expresses a lower degree but clinically acceptable, Charlie and Delta are worse. Considering for each parameter the sum of the evaluations Alpha + Bravo, the clinically acceptable rate per cent of results has been quite good.