In the human body, the production of three polyamines--putrescine, spermidine and spermine--is largely associated with tissue growth, while that of a fourth--cadaverine--seems to be the result of bacterial action. In 37 (88%) of 42 cancer patients and in 24 (44%) of 54 patients with various nonmalignant diseases, increased amounts of polyamines were found in the urine. In the nonmalignant group, which served as a control group, the increased polyamine excretion was especially evident in patients with infections. There were, however, differences in the excretion patterns of the cancer and control groups: combinations of elevated levels of putrescine, spermidine and spermine were seen exclusively in the cancer patients; spermine was not found in the urine of women in the control group. The determination of urinary polyamines appears to hold promise as an aid in the diagnosis of malignant disease and in following up the results of therapy.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Successful treatment of a benign solitary rectal ulcer by temporary diverting sigmoidostomy: report of a case.

A rare case of a solitary benign rectal ulcer in which conservative medical therapy was unsuccessful is described. Diversion of the fecal stream by temporary sigmoidostomy resulted in rapid healing of the ulcer. This entity presents diagnostic and therapeutic problems, which are discussed. The use of temporary sigmoidostomy in such cases is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Colonoscopy in the differential diagnosis of colonic strictures: report of four cases.

Colonoscopy was performed on ten patients who had colonic strictures demonstrated by barium-enema examination. In all cases the diagnosis of carcinoma had been considered, but it was confirmed by colonoscopic examination, cytology, and biopsies in only two patients. Five patients were shown to have benign inflammatory strictures due to ischemic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irradiation colitis, or postoperative strictures. The remaining three patients were shown to have no intrinsic lesion. These eight patients were thereby spared further diagnostic procedures, and even unnecessary laparotomy.

Aged↗