Role of multidetector CT virtual cystoscopy compared to conventional cystoscopy in the diagnosis of urinary bladder neoplasms

Background The study was done to assess the utility of multidetector CT virtual cystoscopy versus conventional cystoscopy in the diagnosis of urinary bladder tumors. Thirty patients were included, 23 patients with recently diagnosed bladder masses, 7 patients with history of previously resected bladder masses. Conventional cystoscopy was done to all patients with biopsy of suspicious lesions. CT examinations were performed with a 16 and a 320-MDCT scanners. Multiplanar reconstructed (MPR) images were obtained. Also virtual cystoscopic images were obtained with the volume rendering technique and the same software used for MPR images. Results CTVC detected 9 out of 10 polypoid masses detected by conventional cystoscopy (90% sensitivity), 23 out of 23 sessile masses (100% sensitivity), 4 out of 4 areas of wall thickening (100% sensitivity), and 0 out of 1 case mucosal color change (0% sensitivity). Conclusion CTVC is a minimally invasive technique that can be of value for primary diagnosis, surveillance and screening of urinary bladder neoplasms.

Tobacco experimental model to induce urinary bladder neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: to develop an experimental model of exposure to tobacco burning (cigarette) products to assess the effects of its chronic use in relation to cancers of the bladder. METHODS: the animals were chronically exposed to the burning tobacco products in a semi-open chamber to simulate smoking. Thirty young Wistar rats were divided into two groups: one with 20 animals simulating smoking for six months, and ten not exposed control animals for the same period. After exposure by inhalation of cigarette smoke, animals were euthanized and subjected to histopathological study of the bladder wall. RESULTS: no tumor was found but mild and non significant alterations. The studies of hemo-oximetry (carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin) and the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) confirm that the animals were exposed to high concentrations of tobacco smoke and its derivatives. CONCLUSION: no bladder mucosal neoplasia was found in the pathological study of animals. The developed experimental models were highly efficient, practical and easy to use and can be used in other similar studies to determine the harmful effects caused by smoking.