[Evaluation of a cell block method in cytological diagnostics]. / Evaluation eines Zellblockverfahrens in der zytologischen Diagnostik.

BACKGROUND: Cell block procedures have now become an established part of cytological diagnostics. In this study a cytoblock technique based on the plasma-thrombin method was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 389 consecutive cytological samples were initially analyzed by the classical procedure and then by the cell block technique. The latter was done by centrifugation of the remaining material of the cytological sample, resuspension of the cells in blood plasma followed by generation of a cell clot by the addition of thrombin. RESULTS: Analysis of material from the peritoneal cavity, ascites and pleura was successful in more than 90% of cases. In 272 samples the conventional and cell block analyses revealed concordant results according to Papanicolaou classification. In 23 cases the cell block analysis induced an upgrade. In particular, malignant processes (PAP V) or precursor lesions (PAP IV) were identified in 9 cases which were not diagnosed by conventional analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of this method include the assessment of an additional sample volume and thus reduction of sampling error, the possibility for unlimited storage and molecular testing similar to histological samples.

[Metastatic deposits of carcinoma in the choroid (author's transl)]. / Karzinommetastasen in der Aderhaut.

The authors report on choroid metastatic deposits from primary tumors of other organs with regard to a survey of the literature and personal observations. 85% of the choroid secondary growths occur after breast cancer in women with an average latency of 3 1/2 years. The ophthalmological appearances and the fluorescence-angiographical phenomena are discussed with regard to the differential diagnosis of melanoma and haemangioma of the choroid. The therapeutic procedure for secondary deposits of mamma carcinoma is considered.

[Temporal arteritis, clinical picture, treatment and prognosis (author's transl)]. / Arteriitis temporalis. Klinisches Bild, Prognose und Therapie

32 patients are described, who 1971-1974 were hospitalized because of temporal arteritis. The admissions diagnoses were: 5 temporal arteritis. 7 Neuroretinitis. 4 Blood vessel obstruction. 2 Cerebral tumor. 14 Vision disturbances up to sudden blindness of unknown cause. In the early stages when intermittent visual disturbances with vague headaches of older patients (average age 68 years) are present, a temporal arteritis is often not recognised. In the region of the papilla the retinal arteries show obvious luminal narrowing. The papilla is already early on somewhat blurred and oedematous. The complaints continue bilaterally with intervals from days to months. Hence the treatment: bilateral resection of the temporal artery. Histologically: from our 32 patients 27 showed the classical picture of "giant-cell arteritis" with chronic inflammatory reaction of all layers of the wall and partial to complete obstruction of the vessel lumen. Local therapy: parabulbar application of cortisone. General therapy: Daily rheomacrodes infusions, Soludecortin, 100 mg per day (with latter "tailing off") and strophantin when the patient is not already digitalised.