[Precision medicine in infectious diseases]. / Präzisionsmedizin in der Infektiologie.

Infectious medicine faces a variety of challenges, such as the increase in antibiotic resistance and the emergence and spread of infectious diseases fueled by climate change and globalization. Precision medicine can provide solutions to many of these challenges. Since an untargeted request for diagnostic tests can lead to test results without clinical relevance, which can increase the use of non-indicated antibiotics, the principle aimed at is: targeted diagnostics (the right test) and consideration of patient characteristics (the right person) to optimize management (the right action). At the same time, one must always decide whether empirical therapy must be immediately initiated, even if the results of the initiated diagnostics are not yet available. In addition, many new diagnostics as well as therapies have recently been developed for the rapid detection and more specific treatment of bacterial infections. Molecular genetic methods, which offer more rapid results than classical bacterial cultures, are gaining ground as new diagnostics. New therapeutics such as bacteriophages, antibodies or antibacterial peptides allow increasingly precise treatment of certain bacterial infections. Precision medicine will also play an increasingly important role in infectious medicine in the future.

National strategy for palliative care of severely ill and dying people and their relatives in pandemics (PallPan) in Germany - study protocol of a mixed-methods project.

BACKGROUND: In the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, general and specialist Palliative Care (PC) plays an essential role in health care, contributing to symptom control, psycho-social support, and providing support in complex decision making. Numbers of COVID-19 related deaths have recently increased demanding more palliative care input. Also, the pandemic impacts on palliative care for non-COVID-19 patients. Strategies on the care for seriously ill and dying people in pandemic times are lacking. Therefore, the program 'Palliative care in Pandemics' (PallPan) aims to develop and consent a national pandemic plan for the care of seriously ill and dying adults and their informal carers in pandemics including (a) guidance for generalist and specialist palliative care of patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infections on the micro, meso and macro level, (b) collection and development of information material for an online platform, and (c) identification of variables and research questions on palliative care in pandemics for the national pandemic cohort network (NAPKON). METHODS: Mixed-methods project including ten work packages conducting (online) surveys and qualitative interviews to explore and describe i) experiences and burden of patients (with/without SARS-CoV-2 infection) and their relatives, ii) experiences, challenges and potential solutions of health care professionals, stakeholders and decision makers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The work package results inform the development of a consensus-based guidance. In addition, best practice examples and relevant literature will be collected and variables for data collection identified. DISCUSSION: For a future "pandemic preparedness" national and international recommendations and concepts for the care of severely ill and dying people are necessary considering both generalist and specialist palliative care in the home care and inpatient setting.

[Career Prospects for Young Physicians in Infectious Diseases]. / Perspektiven für junge Ärztinnen und Ärzte in der Infektiologie.

Infectious Diseases are a cross-sectional area connected to various medical disciplines and offer interested physicians multiple working opportunities. The spectrum of infectious diseases covers both out- and inpatient care as well as basic, clinical and epidemiological research. The need for infectious diseases specialists is increasing, thus career prospects are promising. Working conditions in infectious diseases are comparatively family-friendly. With this article we intend to arouse interest for working in the fascinating fields of infectious diseases and provide information on career opportunities. Data from a recently conducted survey among members of the German Society of Infectious Diseases deliver insight, how infectious disease specialists work today.

[Long iliac artery occlusions: Feasibility, short- and mid-term outcome]. / Perkutane Therapie langstreckiger Beckenarterienverschlüsse: Technische Durchführbarkeit, kurz- und mittelfristige Ergebnisse.

PURPOSE: It was the aim of the following study to determine the feasibility of the recanalization of long occlusions in iliac arteries and to establish its patency rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 23 patients (15 male and 8 female) with occlusions of the iliac arteries with a mean length of 12 cm (range: 9-15 cm). The occlusions were situated either in the common iliac artery (CIA) (n = 3), in the external iliac artery (EIA) (n = 12) or in both CIA and EIA (n = 7). In one patient three vessels, the common femoral artery included, were involved. The recanalization procedure was performed with wire and catheter from retrograde and, in case of a failure, from antegrade in a cross-over technique. RESULTS: Recanalization succeeded in all patients. Technical success defined as residual stenosis < 30 % was seen in 20 of 23 patients. Early reocclusions were seen in four patients, in three of whom, the stent dilatation had been incomplete. Late reocclusions were observed in three patients, one of whom had already had early reocclusion. The reason was stent breakage in one, stent dehiscence in the second and restenosis in the third patient. All of the patients with reocclusion either early or late, had received covered stents. In four patients restenosis developed within 30 months: It was successfully treated by ballon dilatation or stent. Embolism during the recanalization procedure was observed in six patients. Embolism was observed on the ipsilateral side in five, and on the contralateral side in one patient. In each patient who had experienced embolism, balloon dilatation had been performed before stent implantation. CONCLUSION: 1) There is some evidence that the recanalization of long iliac artery occlusions is feasible. 2) The main reason for early and late reocclusions is either rest stenosis or restenosis. 3) Covered stents should only be used in selected cases. 4) Primary stenting is the treatment of choice in order to prevent embolism.

Anterior disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint. Significance of clinical signs and symptoms in the diagnosis.

In order to examine the diagnostic significance of typical clinical symptoms in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders for diagnosis of anterior disk displacement, clinical findings were compared with the degree of disk displacement in 84 TMJs of 59 patients with TMJ disorders, who were examined clinically and by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The control group consisted of 31 subjects with no TMJ symptoms. No significant correlation between the degree of anterior disk displacement and palpation pain of the masticatory muscles or clicking/crepitus of the TMJ could be found. Joint clicking was observed in 65% of patients with TMJ symptoms in normal disk position (NDP). The percentage of joint clicking was almost the same in patients with anterior disk displacement with reposition (ADWR) (68%). There were significant correlations between active mouth opening and disk position as well as between a history of pain and disk position. Patients with NDP and ADWR had almost identical mouth opening values: 48 (+/- 5) mm and 46 (+/- 5) mm respectively. In contrast to these groups the mean values decreased significantly to 42 (+/- 6) mm in patients with anterior disk displacement without reposition (ADWOR). There were no significant correlations between occlusal findings (centric relation and habitual relation, early occlusal contacts, abrasion facets) and disk position when viewed either collectively or individually.

[Temporomandibular joint morphology and morphometric findings in relation to degree of disk displacement. Comparative magnetic resonance tomography studies]. / Kiefergelenkmorphologie und morphometrische Befunde in Abhängigkeit vom Grad der Diskusverlagerung. Vergleichende magnetresonanztomographische Untersuchungen.

In order to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in correlation with different degrees of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint, we evaluated 117 joints of 59 symptomatic patients and 31 volunteers. Data analysis included morphologic and morphometric characteristics. Sixteen joints (19%) were considered normal, 40 demonstrated anterior displacement with reduction (47%) and 27 anterior displacement without reduction (32%). In three of the volunteers anterior displacement with reduction was noted. Advancing anterior position of the disk was associated with reduced ability to open the mouth, progressive deformity and shortening of the disk, thinning of the bilaminar zone, regressive and proliferative bony changes of the condyle, reduced translatory movement of the disk and condyle, thinning of joint space, cranial and dorsal displacement of the condyle and flattening of the slope of the tuberculum. In addition to alterations in condylar and disk morphology, MRI can demonstrate various additional measurable changes that correlate well with the degree of anterior disk displacement.

[The recording of parenchymal lung changes in smokers by high-resolution computed tomography]. / Erfassung von Parenchymveränderungen der Lunge bei Rauchern durch hochauflösende Computertomographie.

PURPOSE: It has been the aim of the study to assess parenchymal changes in the lung with high-resolution CT in healthy heavy, moderate, and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated CT changes in 42 healthy heavy smokers (gr. (group) 2, > or = 30 pack-years), 40 moderate smokers (gr. 1, < 30 pack-years) and 38 non-smokers (gr. 0). For CT-analysis, we used a visual grading and computer-based analysis system (Mipron, Kontron GmbH, Munich, Germany). RESULTS: Productive cough, dyspnoea and chronic bronchitis were more common in smokers than in non-smokers (p < 0.05). Pathological CT-findings were found in 6/38 non-smokers and in 71/82 smokers (p < 0.01). In particular, in smokers (gr. 1 [%], gr. 2 [%]) the following pathological findings were found: dystelectases in dependent lung areas in 50% (62, 38), centrilobular emphysema in 44% (43, 20), pleural thickening in 38% (38, 38), panlobular emphysema in 36% (52, 20), ground-glass pattern in 33% (36, 30), paraseptal emphysema in 21% (31, 10), prominent or thickened interlobular septa in 18% (29, 8) and centrilobular micronodules in 13% (10, 18). Computer-based analysis demonstrated thicker bronchial walls in smokers as compared to non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Although feeling healthy, smokers demonstrate various parenchymal abnormalities in the lung. In smokers, subpleural dystelectases, centrilobular and panlobular emphysema are dependent on cigarette consumption, ground glass pattern, centrilobular micronodules, pleural thickening and bronchial wall thickening are independent on cigarette consumption.

Hemodialysis fistulas and grafts: use of cutting balloons to dilate venous stenoses.

To evaluate percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with a cutting balloon performed in stenosed hemodialysis fistulas and grafts, 19 venous lesions in 15 patients were treated with a cutting balloon with an inflated diameter of 3-6 mm. The grade of stenosis ranged from 40% to 90% (mean, 65% +/- 15 [standard deviation]). Cutting PTA was performed before conventional PTA in seven patients and was followed with conventional PTA with larger balloons in seven patients. The balloon expanded completely in all patients, and no balloon waist remained. The mean grade of stenosis decreased to 14% +/- 9. Cutting PTA increased the technical success of balloon dilation of hemodialysis fistulas and grafts.

[Pulmonary manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis: high-resolution computed tomography in correlation with the skeletal changes and the laboratory chemical changes]. / Lungenmanifestation bei rheumatoider Arthritis: hochauflösende Computertomographie in Wechselbeziehung zur Skelettmanifestation und zu laborchemischen Veränderungen.

PURPOSE: It has been the aim of the following study to evaluate pulmonary changes in rheumatoid arthritis with high-resolution CT and to assess their correlation with joint manifestation and laboratory parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors prospectively performed computed tomography (CT) in 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and graded pulmonary changes for frequency and severity. Included were patients with 6-7/7 ARA, BSR > 25/1 min and mean disease duration of 12 years (range, 1-44). Data of medical and drug histories, smoking habits, blood levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and C-reactive protein as well as the degree of joint involvement were taken into account. RESULTS: 58 patients (70%) had pathological CT scans showing the following abnormalities: interlobular thickening (44.5%), intralobular thickening (34%), nonseptal linear attenuation (35%), nodular or linear pleural thickening (32.5%), ground-glass pattern (19%), centrilobular nodules (13%), honeycombing (13%) and bronchiolectasis (9%). Intralobular thickening, honeycombing and pleural thickening were associated with a higher degree of joint manifestation; pleural thickening, honeycombing and ground-glass pattern were associated with a higher level of rheumatoid factor. There was no relationship between pulmonary changes and either the duration of the disease, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) or C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: CT may be a useful noninvasive tool for recognition of RA-associated lung disease. Interstitial lung changes are frequent and they are independent of the duration of the disease. Pulmonary interstitial changes are more frequent and more severe in RF-positive patients and in case of more severe joint involvement.

[Disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint: correlation of magnetic resonance tomography and clinical findings]. / Diskusvorverlagerung des Kiefergelenks: Korrelation von Magnetresonanztomographie und klinischem untersuchungsbefund.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in symptomatic patients with different degrees of internal derangement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively investigated 117 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of 59 symptomatic patients and 31 asymptomatic volunteers and correlated this with clinical parameters. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the degree of internal derangement and deformity of the disc, maximal mouth opening, signal intensity of the posterior band, thickness of the bilaminar zone, proliferative bony changes, size of the condyle and reduced translation movement of the condyle, which in addition moved upward and backward. Patients most often complained of pain which was dependent on the degree of disc displacement and condylar changes. Clinical parameters were found to be inaccurate in predicting disc displacement. CONCLUSION: Patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint may be asymptomatic. Patients history may give the only pointer to the disorder.

Anterior disc displacement without reduction in the temporomandibular joint: MRI and associated clinical findings.

To determine the value of MRI in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, the data of MRI-proven anterior disc dislocation without reduction (ADWOR) were correlated with clinical history and clinical data. MRI demonstrated degenerative bony changes and a reduced sagittal diameter of the condyle, a variable degree of disc deformation, and a thinned bilaminar zone in each of the joints with ADWOR, which clearly differed from patients with anterior disc dislocation with reduction (ADWR) (P = .01) and normal disc position (NDP) (P < .001). Of 59 patients and 83 TMJs that had been investigated in a 2-year period, as shown by MRI, 22 patients (27 TMJs) had ADWOR (32%), 16 joints had NDP (19%), and 40 patients had ADWR (49%). In patients with ADWOR, the clinical history revealed pain in either of the joints and/or cervical or masticatory muscles in 25 (93%) joints. Clinical investigation revealed various abnormalities in 22 joints; five of those presented without any pathologic clinical finding. Mouth opening was unlimited in nine patients (47%), palpation of the muscles of mastication was painless in 13 patients (52%), and joint noises during mouth opening or closing were noted in 14 patients (56%). According to clinical histories, four patients were suspected to have become symptomatic only after dental treatment. ADWOR is difficult to diagnose with clinical methods alone. The indication for MRI evaluation of the TMJ should be extended for asymptomatic patients with a history of limitation in mouth opening and pathologic x-ray morphology of the condyle. Because symptoms may arise after dental treatment in these patients, aggravation of internal derangement may be avoided by careful handling.

Hydrodynamic thrombectomy of haemodialysis grafts and fistulae: results of 51 procedures.

PURPOSE: To describe efficacy of hydrodynamic thrombectomy for occluded dialysis native and graft fistulae in 51 instances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one hydrodynamic thrombectomies of 34 native and graft a-v fistulae were performed. There were 32 thrombectomies in PTFE grafts and 19 procedures in native Brescia-Cimino fistulae. Multiple thrombectomies were performed in 11 of 34 fistulae. The estimated occlusion time was 36.4+/-22 h. The length of the occluded segment ranged from 2 to 50 cm (mean 28.8 cm). In all cases, a 7 F hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter was used. Double-cannulation technique was used for graft fistulae, single-cannulation for native fistulae. Additionally, balloon dilatation was performed in all 51 cases, stenting in six, and aspiration thrombectomy in two cases. RESULTS: Arterialized flow was re-established by hydrodynamic thrombectomy and PTA in 43 of 51 cases (84%). By additional use of other techniques, technical success improved to 46 of 51 procedures (90%). Early re-thrombosis occurred in six cases within 24 h of thrombectomy (11%). Clinical success was achieved in 39 of 46 technically successful cases (85%). Cumulative patency was calculated at 63% after 1 week, 57% after 1 month, 48% after 3 months, 37% after 6 months, and 32% after 12 months. Patency of native fistulae after thrombectomy was better than patency of grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrodynamic thrombectomy is an effective percutaneous technique for declotting haemodialysis fistulae and grafts recently thrombosed.

[Findings in the panoramic tomogram in orthodontic patients with functional disorders]. / Befunde in der Panoramaschichtaufnahme bei funktionsgestörten kieferorthopädischen Patienten.

In our study of 107 patients, for whom data derived from clinical functional analysis, axiography and, in part magnet resonance imaging, were present, we were able to show that in routine orthodontic diagnosis the use of panoramic X-ray in the normal course of a general examination of the mandibular joint can also provide important indications of the presence of cranio-mandibular disorders. The panoramic X-ray revealed that in patients with Angle class II and front deep and open bite there were significantly mor changes in the form of the condyles. A definite morphologic finding of a retracted fovea pterygoidea was found frequently in patients with anterior disk replacement with or without reduction. Lastly, the panoramic X-ray showed that a change in form of the condyles, with in some cases a serious arthrosis, occurs significantly most frequent in patients with anterior displacement without reduction.

[High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lung in collagenoses: a prospective study of 73 patients]. / Hochauflösende Computertomographie der Lunge (HRCT) bei Kollagenosen: eine prospektive Untersuchung an 73 Patienten.

To determine pulmonary features of collagenous vascular diseases as assessed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) we performed a prospective study of 73 consecutive patients, 44 with rheumatoid arthritis (ra), 11 with progressive systemic sclerosis (pss), 8 with systemic lupus erythematosus (sle), 5 with sjögren's syndrome, 3 with dermato-/polymyositis and 2 with mixed connective-tissue disease. Pathological lung changes were demonstrated in 70% of patients with ra, 91% with pss, 63% with sle and 60% with the rest. HRCT features included: intralobular thickening (48%) with a predominance in posterior lower and middle lung areas, pleural thickening (48%) with a predominance in upper lung areas, prominent interlobular septa (37%), subpleural lines (33%), parenchymal bands (33%) with a predominance in lower and anterior lung areas, honeycombing (33%), ground glass pattern (29%) with a predominance in upper and middle, micronodules (18%) with a predominance in upper lung areas and bronchiectasis (14%). HRCT is an important means for the assessment of lung changes associated with collagenous vascular diseases and a definite diagnosis is possible in most cases.

Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted versus T2-weighted imaging of scrotal disorders: is there an indication for MR imaging?

To evaluate the use of gadopentetate dimeglumine in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of scrotal disorders, the clinical, ultrasound, and MR imaging data of 29 patients (age range, 19-75 years) with various intra- and extratesticular disorders were retrospectively analyzed. T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images (T1-T2 group) were compared with T1-weighted spin-echo images before and after intravenous administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (T1-Gd group). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the findings was undertaken. Better contrast between tumor and parenchyma and a clearer demonstration of the tunica albuginea were noted in the T1-T2 group (although not of diagnostic relevance). ROC analysis revealed no differences between the two imaging groups in the diagnosis of tumor, trauma, hydrocele, or hemorrhage; however, epididymitis was diagnosed more easily with contrast enhancement (0.8834 vs 0.7759, P = .04) and the diagnosis of orchitis was expressed more strongly (0.8221 vs 0.7184, P = .17). Four of the five observers were more confident in making the diagnosis with contrast enhancement. With MR imaging, the diagnosis was correctly suggested in three patients in whom clinical and ultrasound data were inconclusive. Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging gives additional information in scrotal disorders and facilitates diagnosis. It may be helpful when findings at physical examination and ultrasound differ and when plain T1- and T2-weighted images are equivocal.

[Ultrasound screening of vesico-uretero-renal reflux]. / Sonographisches screening des vesico-uretero-renalen Refluxes.

A prospective study of detecting vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) by ultrasound is to be presented. In case of reflux, gas bubbles can be seen in the renal pelvis during the filling phase of a gas cystogram and during micturition, utilizing ultrasound as the imaging modality. In children under two years 52 sonographic reflux studies were performed and compared with radiographic voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG). All higher grade VUR (grades II-IV) have been detected by our method.

[The diagnosis and orthodontic relevance of anterior disk displacement without reduction. Clinical, axiographic and magnetic resonance tomographic studies]. / Diagnostik und kieferorthopädische Relevanz der anterioren Diskusverlagerung ohne Reposition. Klinische, axiographische und magnetresonanztomographische Untersuchungen.

Magnet resonance imaging was used to diagnose 24 temporomandibular joints of 18 patients as having anterior disk displacement without reduction. By comparing clinical functional analysis, axiography, and magnet resonance imaging it was demonstrated that a valid diagnosis could be made on the basis of magnet resonance imaging alone. Former joint clicking and limitation and a dental Angle Class II were diagnostic indications of a disk displacement without reduction. Because of often only slight clinical symptoms or their absence, there is always a danger that disk displacement without reduction will go undiagnosed. In relation to orthodontic therapy, such patients are at risk, because pain can arise during treatment.