Thromboembolism problem is a grave complication which occurs with great frequency in patients hospitalized in a critical state. The association between periferical venous thrombosis and the thromboembolic accident is plainly demonstrated, although the accurate establishment of the clinical diagnosis of phlebothrombosis is only feasible in 50% of the cases. In the present work, we describe the methodology and the experience which we have acquired with the use of radioisotops in the diagnosis of these problems. We studied 64 patients to whom in the supine position we injected into a vein in both heels, from 3 to 5 millicuries of 99m-Tecnecio, practicing three stages: dynamic venography, a static study, and a pulmonary gammagram. In the normal cases, we clearly identified the tracts of the principal femural, iliac, and the inferior third of the inferior vena cava veins. In the abnormal studies, we observed the obstructive process manifested by the absence of radioactivity in the affected venous tract, with appearence of collateral circulation, definitive data which establishes with certainty the diagnosis. It can be concluded that the method is rapid and easily carried out, meaning that it could be a routine practice in all of those patients who are suspected of having this problem.

Adult↗

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[Angiodysplasia of the colon].

The authors present a case review of a congenital abnormality of the inferior mesenteric blood vessels which resulted in ischemia of the descending colon and rectosigmoid area. The resulting colitis is only very rarely secondary to a vascular congenital abnormality. In this case, rectosigmoidoscopy, barioum study of the large bowel and a biopsy of the rectal mucosa pointed towards the ischemic nature of the lesion. This led to the selective angiographic study of the inferior mesenteric vessels with findings of a dilated inferior mesenteric artery and angiodysplasia. Surgical treatment included tying off of the inferior mesenteric artery and resection of the descending and rectosigmoid colon followed by transverse colon-rectum anastomosis. The angiographic and histopathologic studies were of great importance in establishing the true nature of the patient's clinical syndrome. One must keep in mind that the rectosigmoidoscopic findings may be seen in other disease states which do not have a vascular origin. These include Crohn's disease, severe amoebiasis and penumatosis of the intestine.

Colitis↗

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