There is a wide range of congenital anomalies of the spleen. Some are common, such as splenic lobulation and accessory spleen. Other less common conditions, such as wandering spleen and polysplenia, have particular clinical significance. Radiologists need to be aware of the various congenital variants of the spleen in order to recognize clinically important anomalies and to avoid mistaking less significant ones for an abnormality. In this pictorial review, the embryology of congenital anomalies of the spleen as well as their appearance on CT are described, diagnostic pitfalls are identified and complications of the anomalies are discussed.

Objective. Studies have suggested that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) share common characteristics. The highly selective A 3 adenosine receptor agonist CF101 was recently defined as a potent antiinflammatory agent for the treatment of RA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CF101 on the clinical and pathologic manifestations of OA in an experimental animal model.Methods. OA was induced in rats by monosodium iodoacetate, and upon disease onset, oral treatment with CF101 (100 g/kg given twice daily) was initiated. The A 3 adenosine receptor antagonist MRS1220 (100 g/kg given twice daily) was administered orally, 30 minutes before CF101 treatment. The OA clinical score was monitored by knee diameter measurements and by radiographic analyses. Histologic analyses were performed following staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O-fast green, or toluidine blue, and histologic changes were scored according to a modified Mankin system. Signaling proteins were assayed by Western blotting; apoptosis was detected via immunohistochemistry and TUNEL analyses.Results. CF101 induced a marked decrease in knee diameter and improved the changes noted on radiographs. Administration of MRS1220 counteracted the effects of CF101. CF101 prevented cartilage damage, osteoclast/osteophyte formation, and bone destruction. In addition, CF101 markedly reduced pannus formation and lymphocyte infiltration. Mechanistically, CF101 induced deregulation of the NF-B signaling pathway, resulting in down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor ␣. Consequently, CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells that had infiltrated the knee joints; however, it prevented apoptosis of chondrocytes.Conclusion. CF101 deregulated the NF-B signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis of OA. CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells and acted as a cartilage protective agent, which suggests that it would be a suitable candidate drug for the treatment of OA.Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease. Articular cartilage is a major component of the joint, and its mechanical properties depend on the integrity of the extracellular matrix, which is composed mainly of proteoglycans and collagens. Degeneration of joint cartilage is the central feature in OA, but the disease is associated with concomitant changes in synovium and subchondral bone metabolism, causing inflammation of the synovial membrane in the involved joints (1).The cause of OA is multifactorial and includes both systemic and local biomechanical factors (2). Systemic factors that have been associated with OA include age, sex, race-and gene-based susceptibility, bone density, estrogen levels, and nutritional factors. OA results from the failure of chondrocytes that lie within the joint to synthesize a good-quality matrix and to maintain a balance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Synovial inflammation and local concentration of proinflammatory mediators seem to Supported by Can-Fite BioPharma.

Our study found a 9.9% prevalence of ovarian varices in the general population. Our findings suggest that more than half (59%) the patients with ovarian varices have pelvic congestion syndrome and that most (77%) of them might benefit from ovarian vein embolization or ligation.

This study revealed an age-dependent change in the diameter of the extrahepatic bile duct. We suggest that the upper normal limit of the duct in elderly persons be set at 8.5 mm.

We found distinct gender, epidemiological, seasonal, and diurnal trends influencing the incidence of acute appendicitis. The incidence rate of false-positive surgery has been gradually declining, probably due to the increased use of preoperative abdominal CT and ultrasound. Acute appendicitis was more common in males and during the summer months.

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Our results suggest that colonoscopy does not affect the management of patients with acute diverticulitis nor alter the outcome. The current practice of a routine colonoscopy after acute diverticulitis, diagnosed by typical clinical symptoms and CT needs to be reevaluated.

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