No abstract

Four sonographic diagnostic criteria for appendicitis, (1) any visualization, (2) appendiceal diameter greater than 6.0 mm, (3) muscular wall thickness greater than or equal to 3.0 mm, and (4) presence of a complex mass, were compared in a series of 200 patients clinically suspected of having appendicitis. The diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed histopathologically and included all forms of appendicitis with mucosal invasion by inflammatory cells. The sensitivities of all the criteria were low (11% to 75%) and the usefulness of this test as a screening procedure is questioned. The combined criteria of an appendix with a muscular wall thickness (MWT) greater than or equal to 3.0 mm and visualization of a complex mass (CM) separate from the adnexa in females proved most useful as a diagnostic test (sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 98%). We conclude that the diagnosis of appendicitis is still difficult, despite the addition of graded compression ultrasound as a diagnostic test. We do not recommend its use as the only screening test, but do recommend it, rather, in a diagnostic role after the initial clinical screening.

Fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is a benign, unusual complication of fibrous dysplasia occurring in the lower extremities, especially the femoral neck. Rapid growth and chondroid features may cause fibrocartilaginous dysplasia to be misdiagnosed as malignant. True chondrosarcomatous transformation of fibrous dysplasia is probably very rare. A recent case of fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is presented.

No abstract

Involvement of the central nervous system by histiocytosis X is usually restricted to the parasellar region. A rare case of histiocytosis X involving the cervical meninges in a 12-month-old boy is demonstrated and the magnetic resonance features of this tumor are described.