Background-Genetic predisposition and

Long and short acting local anesthetics together significantly attenuate the 1-hour rebound increase in pain scores seen after short acting anesthesia alone. Improved pain scores were sustained during the subsequent week and we advocate routine combination use for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

The increased use of high-contrast volume, arterial-phase studies of the liver has demonstrated the frequent occurrence of arterioportal shunts within both the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. This article sets out to explain the underlying microcirculatory mechanisms behind these commonly encountered altered perfusion states. Similarly, well-recognised portal perfusion defects occur around the perifalciform and perihilar liver and are largely caused by anomalous venous drainage via the paraumbilical and parabiliary venous systems. The underlying anatomy will be discussed and illustrated. These vascular anomalies are all caused by or result in diminished portal perfusion and are often manifest in the setting of portal venous thrombosis. The evolving concept of zonal re-perfusion following portal vein thrombosis will be discussed.

Langerhan's cell histiocytosis is a rare infiltrative disorder ofunknown aetiology.

We report our experience with a combined approach of endovascular biopsy followed by immediate stenting in the management of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome secondary to obstructing mediastinal masses. A diagnosis of malignancy was obtained in six of eight (75%) biopsies and symptomatic relief was accomplished in all patients. We have found this to be a rapid, safe and effective management strategy that we now consider for all patients presenting with de novo SVC syndrome.