To assess gallbladder function, sonographic gallbladder volume determinations have been used with increasing frequency. This study presents a modified and automated procedure for gallbladder volume determinations using Simpson's rule of integration, Simpson's method. This method is a standard option in the data systems of many sonographic instruments. Simpson's method was validated in vitro and in vivo, and it was compared with the sum-of-cylinders method for gallbladder volume determinations. In vitro assessment indicated that the two methods were equally accurate, with Simpson's method being more precise. The absolute deviation was independent of the size of the volume and of the shape of the gallbladder. In vivo Simpson's method was validated on 11 patients with cholecystitis. The gallbladder volumes (mean 65 mL; Range 20 mL to 130 mL) measured by sonography differed from the aspirated volumes by 1.5 mL (SD 10.4 mL). Thus Simpson's method is an accurate, precise, and fast method for sonographic gallbladder volume determination.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's oesophagus is defined as the occurrence of columnar epithelium extending for more than 3 cm up into the tubular part of the oesophagus. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 55 years. The condition is most often seen in men and is rare among negroid populations. The condition is caused by a combination of pronounced gastro-oesophageal reflux, hypersecretion of acid by the stomach, motoric and sensory dysfunction in the oesophagus, as well as increased aggressiveness of the refluxed material. The diagnosis is made by endoscopy, taking biopsies. Three types of histological epithelium occur: specialized columnar epithelium, junctional-type epithelium and gastric fundus-type epithelium. Barrett's oesophagus is a premalignant condition. Severe dysplasia is correlated with the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of the latter varies between 1:441 and 1:52 per patient-year. The treatment of Barrett's oesophagus is either medical treatment or surgery. The medical treatment includes H2 receptor antagonists or omeprazole. Antireflux surgery is indicated in cases resistant to medical treatment. Resection is the only possible curative treatment when severe dysplasia or adenocarcinoma is present. Recommendations are made, based on the available literature, as to the treatment and follow-up of patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Adolescent↗