Available literature on the differences in circulation and microcirculation of normal liver and liver metastases as well as in rheology of the different radiolabelled microspheres [(99m)Tc-labelled macroaggregates of albumin (MAA), (90)Y-TheraSpheres and (90)Y-SIR-spheres] used in selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) are reviewed and implications thereof on the practice of SIRT discussed. As a result of axial accumulation and skimming, large microspheres are preferentially deposited in regions of high flow, whereas smaller microspheres are preferentially diverted to regions of low flow. As flow to normal liver tissue is considerably variable between segments and also within one segment, microspheres will be delivered heterogeneously within the microvasculature of normal liver tissue. This non-uniformity in microsphere distribution in normal liver tissue has a significant "liver-sparing" effect on the dose distribution of (90)Y-labelled microspheres. Arterial flow to liver metastases is most pronounced in the hypervascular rim of metastases, followed by the smaller metastases and finally by the central hypoperfused region of the larger metastases. Because of the wide variability in size of labelled MAAs and because of the skimming effect, existing differences in flow between metastatic lesions of variable size are likely exaggerated on (99m)Tc-MAA scintigraphy when compared to (90)Y-TheraSpheres and (90)Y-SIR-spheres (smaller variability in size and probably also in specific activity). Ideally, labelled MAAs would contain a size range similar to that of (90)Y-SIR-spheres or (90)Y-TheraSpheres. Furthermore, the optimal number of MAA particles to inject for the pretreatment planning scintigraphy warrants further exploration as it was shown that concentrated suspensions of microspheres produce more optimal tumour to normal liver distribution ratios. Finally, available data suggest that the flow-based heterogeneous distribution of microspheres to metastatic lesions of variable size might be optimized, that is rendered more homogeneous, through the combined use of angiotensin II and degradable starch microspheres.

External landmarks are useful for drilling a talar tunnel during reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament. Only one tunnel, oriented towards the most posterior point of the MM, measuring 5 mm in diameter and with a maximum depth of 20 mm, was safe in all individuals. Surgeons should be aware of these limits when treating patients with ankle instability.

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After complete review of the literature concerning the congenital absent pedicle syndrome, another typical case is presented. In the opinion of the authors, the diagnostic importance of the associated clinical symptoms is doubtful. Furthermore they demonstrate the great value of CT in the differential diagnosis of this lesion.

After an accidental intra-arterial injection of thiopentone, good therapeutic results were obtained with a selective intra-arterial injection of urokinase during digital subtraction angiography.