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The aim of the study was to look for a difference between normal and neoplastic lung tissue by means of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in vitro. A 2.1 Tesla intensity spectrometer was used. From 23 pneumonectomized patients, two samples from the lung were taken immediately after surgery: one from the center of the neoplasm, one from the healthy surrounding tissue; on each of them T1 relaxation time was measured. Twenty patients out of 23 had a higher T1 relaxation time in the pathologic tissue than in the healthy surrounding tissue; only in 3 cases the T1 of neoplastic tissue was lower than that of the healthy tissue. A correlation was also sought between the T1 value and the histologic type of the neoplasm. In epidermoid carcinoma, the T1 relaxation time increased with the malignity of the neoplasm.

The computed tomography findings in the liver of a patient with von Gierke's disease are presented. Precontrast scans demonstrated diffuse decreased density throughout the liver. In the postcontrast scans, a focal right sided hyperdense area was visualized.

The experience in the radiological study on the esophagoplasty for esophageal cancer is reported. In the various types of surgical operations: gastroplasty: 284 cases, colonplasty: 28 cases, jejunoplasty: 10 cases, substitution of the cervical esophagus: 74 cases, the radiological contribution is analysed both in the early anastomosis check: after 7 days the intrathoracic and after 10 days the cervical ones, and in the distance check. For this last aspect, particularly the functional pattern, it is also suggested the use of paraphysiologic meals.

In 12 X-ray and gastroenterology departments 1570 patients, clinically suspected to have a gastric pathology, have been examined by double contrast (surface) examination of the stomach followed by gastroscopy. Diagnostic accuracy was 93% in respect of endoscopic data, assumed correct by hypothesis. On the basis of a cost and benefit evaluation, made according to the well known criteria, a wider routine use of the double contrast technique is proposed.

It has been demonstrated that it is not always possible to attribute to constipation a reduced colonic transit time as being evidenced by radiological studies using radiopaque markers. In fact, in constipated patients with a normal transit time, it was more reasonable to consider a recto-anal disorder as evidenced by defecography and manometry.

Fistulography classifies anal fistulas in low-below puborectalis muscle-, high-above puborectalis muscle-, and middle. This classification increases the scope and accuracy of radical surgery. In order to improve the diagnostic reliability of anal fistulography the authors point out the importance of radio-opaque markers for anatomical definition of the anorectal region. Thirty patients (25 males and 5 females; mean age: 47 years) were studied by anal fistulography using radiopaque markers: a Foley's 22 Fr catheter, with distal balloon filled of idrosoluble radiopaque contrast medium, was placed in the anal canal; a metal marker was fixed to the anus. In order to demonstrate the relationship between fistula and puborectalis muscle, we subdivided the anal canal in 3 equal segments: high, middle and low. The idrosoluble contrast medium for fistulography is injected through a pediatric Foley's catheter 8 Fr when external opening is large enough, and through a K7072 endovenous catheter when the opening is small. Fistulous tract was visible in all patients: internal fistulous opening in 23/90 cases, and relationship of fistulous tract to puborectalis muscle in 25/30 (83.3%). In demonstrating either secondary fistulous tracts or abscesses, fistulography with radiopaque markers was correct in 60% of cases; in 20% of patients some of the above-mentioned complications were demonstrated, and in the 20% no complications at all were detected.

Fifty-three patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Thirty-eight patients had pancreatic disease, diagnosed on the basis of surgical and/or instrumental-clinical findings, and consisted of 17 cases of carcinoma (group A), 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis with benign stenosis of the pancreatic duct (group B), and 11 cases of chronic pancreatitis without stenosis (group C). Linear discriminant analysis was employed to evaluate differential diagnosis data relative to secondary pancreatic ducts. With this method, 16/17 patients (94%) were correctly assigned to group A (high sensitivity), 7/8 patients (88%) to group B, and 7/10 patients (70%) to group C. A readily found radiological sign, such as abrupt and/or irregular stenosis of the pancreatic duct enables the correct diagnosis of carcinoma, but while this criterion is highly specific, it is poorly sensitive. If a clearly neoplastic stenosis of the main duct is not present, an analysis of the secondary ducts is determinant.