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Meningiomas are meningeal primitive tumors. These benign neoplasms can recur but the rate of recurrence is unknown as there is no reliable factor of predictibility. The aim of this study was to test Flow Cytometry based on clinical data and follow up in a series of meningiomas operated on in a neurosurgical department. This method allows the study of DNA content matched with the study of the cellular cycle. S cellular phase was chosen to be tested related to immunostaining with 2 proliferating markers, Ki67 and PCNA. This prospective study was carried out on neurosurgical samples, immediately frozen. On the one hand, results confirm well known discrepancies between Ki67 and PCNA immunostainings. On the other hand, two recurrent meningiomas belong to the diploid group. This is unexpected as aneuploid tumors are known to be biologically more agressive than diploid tumors.

The stages of placental development are briefly described as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the immunologic defense systems at the maternofetal interface. Methods available for morphologic studies of placentas with viral infection are reviewed. Routes of transmission of viruses from mother to fetus, as well as the placental lesions seen in viral infections are discussed. Emphasis is put on the value of "oriented" pathologic studies of the placenta whenever viral fetal disease is suspected.

To study the effects of vitamins B5 and C on the healing process of colonic anastomoses, 3 groups of 20 rabbits were given daily either placebo (group A), or vitamin B5 (100 mg/kg: group B) or vitamin C (100 mg/kg: group C). After 8 days of supplementation, via a midline incision and under general anaesthesia, 2 colonic segments were removed, and the continuity was restored. On the 3rd post-operative day, the rabbits were killed and the anastomoses were removed. Mechanical properties of both normal colon and anastomoses were determined by using bursting pressure tests, number of burst anastomoses, fibroblast count, hydroxyproline concentration and determination by microanalysis of trace element content: Mg, P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. Vitamin B5 (p = 0.03) and vitamin C (p less than 0.01) both decreased the number of burst anastomoses. Furthermore the required bursting pressure values were higher with vitamin C (p = 0.01) than in controls. Both vitamins restored normal Zn levels at the anastomotic site, whereas these levels decreased on the 3rd post-operative day during the normal healing process of colonic anastomosis. Moreover, vitamins B5 and C increased Fe, Cu and Mn levels, which are intimately all involved in collagen synthesis. Vitamins B5 and C enhance the colonic wound healing process in the rabbit, acting together in synergy in vivo as well as in vitro, as previously demonstrated.

Ultrastructural study of a case of granulomatosis disciformis occurring on the legs of a 62-year-old woman. The diagnosis is based upon the contrast between the clinical aspect of necrobiosis lipoidica and the histologic aspect of inflammatory granulomatous infiltrate of dermis without necrobiosis nor palisading. Electron microscopic findings are: perivascular mixed cell infiltrate and histiocytic granuloma with lysosomial and phagocytic activity; degenerative and necrotic cellular alterations; modifications of collagen fibres with two types of fibres: the thinnest are the most numerous and have a mean diameter of 50 nm, the thickest of 110 nm; no significant lesions of capillary walls. These findings suggest the following succession of pathological events: cellular necrosis, lysosomial and phagocytic activity, scarring. Some descriptions of necrobiosis lipoidica and granuloma annulare seem to be quite similar and our findings are in favour of the unity of these three illnesses.

The authors describe the possibility of an anomaly of the plica synovialis in cases of patellar pain and disturbance of function on the medial sides of the knee. A diagnosis is bases on the study of arthrography, associated with patello-femoral views. Thirteen knees have been operated on; the types of lesions of the synovial plicae and possible associated lesions of the patellar cartilage are described.

A case of sciatica with partial paralysis of both lower limbs is reported. At operation a prolapse of the L4/5 intervertebral disc on the right side was associated with an anomaly of the left fifth lumbar root which was lower and more horizontal than normal. The authors give a short review of the literature.

104 patients who had been subjected to an orthopaedic procedure such as total hip prosthesis, knee prosthesis, or upper femoral osteotomy, have been studied by pre- and post-operative phlebographs. Calcium heparinate was given systematically after operation. It was noted that despite this regime, half of the patients showed thrombosis. The "dangerous" clot was situated in a main venous trunk and was unattached. Out of 79, 40 clots were said "dangerous". Four emboli were observed, of which one was fatal. Total hip prostheses were less dangerous than knee prostheses or osteotomies. A popliteal clot was more dangerous if traction was used post-operatively, and if the dose of heparin was only a preventive dose. Curative doses limited the extent of clots formed and decreased the likelihood of migration provided medication was started early. Pre-operative injection of heparin 2 hours before operation did not decrease the number of clots. Some other risks were also analysed. It was noted that early re-operation was accompanied by a very high risk. In such cases, preventive occlusion of the inferior vena cava may be justified.