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SUMMARY A relatively inexpensive, technically simple method has been described for the post-mortem fixation and inflation of lungs, followed by radiography for radiologic-pathologic correlation. The major innovation in the method consists of the use of the low kV technique, with equipment already in routine use in many histopathology departments. The technique improves the diagnostic yield from routine autopsies, and provides correlative pathologic and radiologic specimens for both under- and post-graduate teaching. Permanent preservation of the lungs permits retrospective study, both from a radiological and a pathological aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Variant pulmonary Assuring has been demonstrated by a routine method for fixation, air-inflation and radiography of lung specimens obtained at necropsy. While their incidence does not vary significantly from other series briefly reviewed, it is apparent that there is little emphasis in the radiological literature or teaching of these common variants, or of their practical significance in the assessment of lung disease. Correlation of the patterns found after death with pre-mortem films indicates that the relatively common superior accessory fissure, separating the apical segment of the lower lobe from the basal segments, can be most readily identified while variant lesser (transverse or lingular) fissures, and inferior accessory fissures, separating the medial basal segments of a lower lobe from the other basal segments, are less likely to be visualized. Heightened awareness of the incidence of these fissures should permit increased recognition, and thus avoid misinterpretation of the roentgen findings in pulmonary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The radiological findings are described in 12 cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosed over a three-year period at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia. At presentation all showed a unilateral pleural effusion ranging from small to massive in size, with a right: left ratio of 2:1; in 8 cases a massive effusion developed at some time in the course of the disease. Pulmonary embolism was initially suspected in two cases and both underwent lower limb venography, emphasizing the similarities in presentation, with chest pain, dyspnoea and a serosanguineous pleural effusion. The sex and age distribution corresponds to that seen in series from other countries, and the radiological findings also closely conform to those reported elsewhere. Pleural nodules were evident in 9 cases, although only in one at presentation, and hilar enlargement was seen in only 4 cases. Soft tissue invasion by neoplasm was uncommonly seen on the x-rays, and rib erosion was not observed in any patient. Other radiological evidence of previous asbestos exposure or other pneumoconiosis was also uncommon and was noted in three cases. An unusual presentation of a malignant pleural mesothelioma in a 27-year-old woman with environmental childhood exposure to asbestos is described in detail, and illustrates the importance of considering mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis of any pleural effusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY A case of pulmonary silicosis with hilar 'eggshell' calcification and calcified pulmonary nodules together with lesions of progressive massive fibrosis, is reported because of the additional and rare complication of radiologically visible silicotic involvement of the liver and spleen. The mechanism of the extrapulmonary spread of silica particles is uncertain; both haematogenous spread to the spleen, and retrograde lymphatic spread to the liver, or a combination of the two are possible. The possible role of tuberculous infection in the development of the lesions of progressive massive fibrosis and in the calcification of silicotic nodules is considered, but is thought to have been reasonably excluded in this case. The radiological and histological similarity of the lesions in both lung and extrapulmonary sites, is emphasized, and in particular, the criteria for 'egg-shell' calcification (Jacobson et al 1967) are fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of epithelioid sarcoma of the forearm is described. The radiological and pathological features, natural history of the tumour and its treatment are reviewed.