Peculiar contrast medium incident.

At the end of bulk processing of contrast media, water is added. If this is not done properly, the result may be that contrast medium is eventually replaced by water, so that a few bottles of useless "contrast medium" may end up in the hands of the user.

[Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the leg. Phlebofluorography versus Doppler sonography]. / Diagnose der tiefen Venenthrombose an den unteren Extremitäten. Phlebofluorographie versus Doppler-Sonographie.

In this retrospective study, the results of Doppler sonography and phlebography are compared. In about 30% cases the diagnosis of thrombosis made by Doppler sonography could not be confirmed. Agreement was better in patients with acute thrombosis or following pulmonary emboli than in those with a longer history of swelling of the lower extremities. These results agree with the findings of other authors using impedance plethysmography; this also shows lack of agreement in about 30% of the cases.

[Image quality in medium format film technique (fluorography) (author's transl)]. / Bildgüte bei der Mittelformat-Aufnahmetechnik (Fluorographie).

The paper deals with image quality of films using a medium format type film and fluorography. Contrast transmission function is achieved by special calcium tungstate screens. In practice, image quality equals that of full size films with universal screens. By increasing lens size it is possible to reduce the necessary x-ray dose without losing image quality.

[Angiography for chorion carcinoma (author's transl)]. / Angiographie beim Chorionkarzinom.

The epidemiology, frequency and behaviour of hydatidiform moles, chorion adenomas and chorion carcinomas are summarised. The importance of angiography is stressed and illustrated by two examples. The value of the early correct diagnosis for the success of chemotherapy is pointed out.

[Graduated screens. Experimental investigation and clinical use (author's transl)]. / Ausgleichsfolien Experimentelle Untersuchungen und klinische Anwendung.

Various types of graduated screens are described: differential, relief, diagonal and profile screens. Measurements of the effect on the film were used to indicate the appropriate screens for various objects. It is suggested that the degree of film blackening is a more useful indication than the intensification index for defining intensifying screens. The mechanism of graduated intensifying screens is described and related to practical considerations.

[Signs of pulmonary hypertension on the chest radiograph in mitral stenosis (author's transl)]. / Zeichen der pumonalen Hypertension im Thorax-Röntgenbild bei Mitralstenose.

The correlation between four signs of pulmonary hypertension (width of pulmonary artery, width of right descending pulmonary branch, hilar amputation and Kerley B-lines) and the intra-operatively measured pressure in the right ventricle (intrapulmonary pressure) was examined in 211 patients, 58 male and 153 female. The presence of any one of these four signs suggests and intrapulmonary pressure of 30 mmHg, although there was no linear relationship. Our results were discussed in the light of findings by other authors. A relationship between the presence and extent of these signs with the age of the patient, the clinical stage and duration of the disease could not be established.

[Planimetric determination of lung volume and its significance in the radiological diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema]. / Planimetrische Bestimmung des Lungenvolumens und seine Bedeutung für die Röntgendiagnostik des Lungenemphysems.

The volume of the lungs of 102 patients with emphysema and of 33 normal individuals, aged between 30 and 79 years, was determined with the use of a digital planimeter from routine chest x-rays in two planes. Contrary to the values obtained by a helium dilution method, the volumes, as determined by planimetry, did not show a linear relationship with age, but showed an increase after the age of 60. This agrees with the results of total body plethysmography, carried out by Amrein et al. The planimetric method of Harris, Pratt and Kilburn is a simple and rapid method for demonstrating, even in the presence of regional ventilatory abnormalities, total volume with sufficient accuracy, which complements and quantifies the radiological diagnosis of emphysema.

[Simultaneous tomography using higher-sensitivity screens]. / Simultanschicht mit Folien höherer Empfindlichkeit.

Experiments were carried out for performing multiplane tomography using rare earth screens. These screens provided adequately regular exposures at various levels and with good details. Dose reduction of at least 50% can be achieved.

[Experimental study on image quality when using screens in mammography (author's transl)]. / Untersuchung zur Bildgüte bei Anwendung von Folien in der Mammographie.

1. Different type of screens and x-ray films have been investigated using a Kodak mamma-phantom I.T.O. 745 and compared with conventional non screen industrial film radiography. 2. Dosisreduction by using screens depends on the used film/screen system. It is possible to reach a relation of 1 : 10. 3. The information depends on type of screen and of type of film. Therefore, it is possible to reach the information of non screen industrial film radiographs. 4. A suitable film/screen system allows without loss of any diagnostic information to replace non screen industrial films needing a high exposure dosis by a film/screen system needing decreases dosis.

[Planimetric determination of lung volume--a complement to spirometry]. / Planimetrische Bestimmung des Lungenvolumens--Eine Ergänzung zur Spirometrie.

The total volume of the lungs was determined by digital planimetry in 102 patients with emphysema and 33 normal controls aged between 30 and 79 years. The results were compared with the findings obtained from spirometric measurements. Mean values showed a significant relationship to age, body size and body surface. Planimetrically determined lung volume did not show a linear relationship with age, but increased after 60 years. Beyond 60 years, spirometric findings were lower because of an increase in the number of patients with emphysema. The results have shown that digital planimetry is a useful addition to spirometry.

[The effect of tri-iodinated contrast media on clotting. An investigation of thrombocyte aggregation (author's transl)]. / Einfluss trijodierter Röntgenkontrastmittel auf die Blutgerinnung. Untersuchung der Thrombozytenaggregation.

In vitro investigations showed that renographic and cholecystographic contrast media reduced thrombocyte aggregation proportionate to contrast concentration. In vivo this disturbance of thrombocyte function could not be demonstrated. Other factors investigated, such as clotting time and thrombocyte counts, remained unaffected in vivo and in vitro. Age and sex and the presence of various types of pathology were also found to have no affect. These findings and their significance are discussed.

[Programming of a 70 mm. serial technique (author's transl)]. / Programmschaltung für Serien-Aufnahme-Technik im Mittelformat.

An electronic programme selector for a 70 mm. serial technique is described. Its use is discussed, particularly in its quantitative aspects. The advantages are accuracy, reproducebility and flexibility.

[Extraperitoneal endometriosis in a kidney (author's transl)]. / Endometriosis externa extraperitonealis in einer Niere

A case of extraperitoneal, isolated, intrarenal endometriosis observed by the author is described. The diagnostic problems are discussed; usually these concern complaints related to menstruation.

Practical aspects of roadside tests for administrative traffic offences in Germany.

In the context of the European project ROSITA, the Institut of Legal Medicine Homburg/Saar has co-operated with the Saarland traffic police in order to assess different roadside drug tests for their functionality and reliability in traffic controls, and for their analytical force of evidence. In 254 cases within the time period from June 1999 to December 1999, police officers performed a (voluntary) roadside drug testing in saliva/sweat, or urine, to confirm or refute their initial suspicion that a driver had used drugs. Whereas in 45 cases the tests gave negative results (which were confirmed by lab urinalysis), in 209 cases the police officers ordered blood samples after a positive outcome of the tests. In 203 of the 209 positive cases, the results could be confirmed by GC/MS analysis. Regarding the prevalence of used drugs, a single consumption was found in 156 cases (113 cannabis, 38 amphetamines/methamphetamines, three opiates, two cocaine), and a consumption of two drugs was found in 44 cases (34 cannabis+amphetamines/methamphetamines, five cannabis+opiates, three cannabis + cocaine, two cocaine+amphetamines/methamphetamines). In three cases, multi-consumption was found. In six cases, the performed tests gave an incorrect prediction to the police officer at the roadside.The roadside tests gave 97.6% correct assistance to the police officers in the right direction (79.9% correct positive predictions and 17.7% correct negative predictions). As a consequence, the performed tests can be seen as a positive and needful tool for the police to get an immediate response to their initial suspicion and to take the right steps concerning a following legal action.

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thigh.

To our knowledge extraosseous osteosarcoma has not been reported in the Malaysian literature. We report a case of extraosseous osteosarcoma which was treated by intra-arterial chemotherapy, embolization, wide resection of tumour and salvage of limb with good functional result.