[Fever and right upper abdominal pain in a 26-year-old returning from travel abroad]. / Fieber und rechtsseitige Oberbauchschmerzen bei einem 26-jährigen Reiserückkehrer.

Persistent fever and unspecific general symptoms need a complete and detailed medical history and search for infection. We report on a case of amebiasis with liver abscesses of a 26-year-old man. He had stayed several weeks in India and South America. After being free of complaints for 4 months, unspecific general symptoms and fever appeared. Due to proven liver abscesses, a combination treatment was given. Within 12 days, he was free of symptoms and could be discharged.

[Epidemiology and clinical presentation of acute cholecystitis]. / Epidemiologie und Klinik der akuten Cholezystitis.

Acute cholecystitis is the most common complication of cholecystolithiasis. With some 64,000 patients per year requiring surgical inpatient treatment it remains a prevalent surgical disease. The presentation varies between mild, severe and life-threatening forms and predominantly in old and morbid patients. Gallbladder perforation is a possible complication which is often only diagnosed during surgery. Typical clinical symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen, fever and leucocytosis. Ultrasonography may often be used to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

[Are breast biopsies adequately funded? A process cost & revenue analysis]. / Ist die Mammabiopsie ausreichend finanziert? Eine Prozesskosten & Erlösbetrachtung.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to determine whether the various breast biopsy procedures specified in the S 3 guidelines are sensibly represented within the current German health system as considered from a cost evaluation perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospectively designed multicenter study analyzed 221 breast biopsies at 7 institutions from 04/2006 to 01/2007. Core needle biopsies, vacuum-assisted biopsies and surgical open biopsies under sonographic or mammographic guidance were evaluated. During an analysis of process costs, the individual process steps were recorded in diagrammatic form and assigned to the true consumption of resources. The actual resource consumption costs were entered. A process-related breakeven analysis was conducted to check whether the reimbursement of individual biopsy types covers the costs. RESULTS: Only sonographically guided core needle biopsy and surgical open biopsy are adequately reimbursed in the current German health system. All other breast biopsies indicate a negative profit margin. The principal reasons for under-funding are found in the area of reimbursement of investment and non-personnel costs. CONCLUSION: The reimbursement of breast biopsies must be improved in order to guarantee nationwide care of the population using the breast biopsy methods recommended in the S 3 guidelines and to avoid disincentives with respect to breast biopsy indications.

[Venous interventions. Part 2: Thromboses of the upper torso and mesenteric veins]. / Venöse Interventionen. Teil 2: Thrombosen der oberen Körperhälfte und der mesenterialen Venen.

This article focuses on the percutaneous treatment options of venous thromboses and occlusions. Interventional therapy modalities for mediastinal, brachial, axillar, cerebral, and mesenteric thromboses are reviewed. Stenoses of the superior vena cava are most often caused by mediastinal malignomas. Balloon angioplasty together with stent implantation is an effective method for revascularisation in cases of upper venous congestion. Benign central venous stenoses are common in dialysis patients for whom interventional therapy using balloon angioplasty has proven excellent results. In the treatment of insufficient dialysis access, percutaneous techniques represent the first-choice option. Regarding cerebral and mesenteric thrombosis, interventional therapy is restricted to selected individual cases.

[Diagnostic imaging of venous diseases. Part II: varicose veins, venous anomalies, and primary venous tumors]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik von Erkrankungen der Venen. Teil II: Varikosis, venöse Fehlbildungen und primäre venöse Tumoren.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and varicosis are common diseases of veins. Blood flow analysis und morphologic parameters are the basis in the diagnosis of varicosis. Ultrasound is the preferred method in the diagnosis of varicosis. However, also today, phlebography is an important diagnostic tool. Venous anomalies are another topic covered in the second part of this review. Primary venous tumors are rare. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the preferred methods to demonstrate the origin and extent of this disease.

[Diagnostic imaging of venous disease: Part I: methods in the diagnosis of veins and thrombosis]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik von Erkrankungen der Venen: Teil I: Methoden der Venendiagnostik und Diagnostik der Thrombose.

Diseases of the venous system are common. A variety of diagnostic imaging methods are available. Of these, ultrasound with color-coded duplex sonography is the preferred method in the diagnosis of vein diseases, especially in patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and varicosis. Compression sonography is a very accurate test in the diagnosis of DVT of the lower and upper extremities in symptomatic patients. Still today, phlebography is an important tool in the diagnosis of venous diseases. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in disorders of the superior and inferior vena cava and of the iliac vein. Today, the role of MR venography in vein diseases is limited.

[Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: endovascular repair with stent grafts]. / Infrarenales Bauchaortenaneurysma: Endovaskuläre Stent-Graft-Therapie.

As an alternative to surgery, endovascular therapy with stent grafts has become the second main treatment option for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Unlike surgery, endovascular treatment with stent grafts is also applicable in patients unfit for open repair. Despite current improvements in endovascular repair devices, significant anatomic barriers still exclude this technique for a large number of patients. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound are essential for diagnostics, preintervention planning, and postintervention follow-up of abdominal aneurysms treated with stent grafts. This review covers etiology, pathology, and diagnostic aspects. Materials and methods for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms are presented in detail, and clinical results and complications are discussed.

[Embolotherapy: principles and indications]. / Grundlagen der Embolisation und anderer verschliessender Verfahren.

Vascular embolizations are complex and sophisticated procedures and can be a powerful alternative or useful adjunct to surgery in many clinical situations. Hemorrhage, vascular malformations, and tumors are the main indications for embolization procedures. Establishing the correct indication for intervention as well as the proper embolic agent and the most suitable catheterization technique requires advanced knowledge in interventional radiology, and an interdisciplinary approach is a prerequisite. A broad spectrum of microcatheters and embolization materials is available for these therapies. The desired level of occlusion and the individual vascular territory determine the choice of mechanical devices, particles, or liquid substances. Sclerosing agents and thrombin are used in special situations such as varicoceles and pseudoaneurysms.

[Peripheral arteries]. / Periphere Arterien.

Peripheral arterial disease is a main cause of morbidity in industrialised countries. It chiefly affects older people. The most common causes are atherosclerosis and vasodilatatory abnormalities. In the presence of unexplained leg symptoms, peripheral arterial disease can be diagnosed or ruled out by non-invasive diagnostic methods such as history, clinical examination and the measurement of ankle and brachial artery pressure by Doppler ultrasound, as well as by calculating the ankle brachial index. Colour coded duplex sonography, computer tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and arteriography are the imaging modalities used. Current diagnostic strategies are analysed for the different peripheral artery diseases.

[Imaging of aortic disease]. / Diagnostik von Erkrankungen der Aorta.

Diseases of the aorta are imaged using different modalities according to the cause and clinical situation. Current imaging strategies for the clinically most pertinent aortic diseases are analysed. These disease entities may be differentiated into congenital, acquired and inflammatory diseases. Traumatic and non-traumatic aortic aneurysms and dissections are emphasised in context with endovascular treatment options and subsequent follow-up.

[Emergency radiology of bowel obstruction]. / Radiologische Akutdiagnostik bei Darmobstruktion.

Clinical radiology is a key to the management of bowel obstruction. Plain abdominal radiographs combined with history, clinical exam, and laboratory findings are essential for further individualized strategies. If the cause of obstruction is obvious after plain films and there is a need for emergent surgery, no further imaging is required. In all other cases, multislice CT with at least intravenous and rectal contrast is the method of choice due to its broad diagnostic spectrum. If CT is not available, contrast enema is recommended in suspected large bowel obstruction. Oral administration of water-soluble contrast agents has no significant value in the workup of bowel obstruction.

[Transarterial chemoembolization of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma using degradable starch microspheres (Spherex): personal investigations and review of the literature]. / Transarterielle Chemoembolisation von Lebermetastasen kolorektaler Karzinome mit abbaubaren Stärkepartikeln (Spherex). Eigene Beobachtungen und Literaturübersicht.

Since two decades transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver metastases has been investigated in numerous studies. However, no standardized therapeutic procedure exists so far. The present study retrospectively investigated survival, response and side effects after TACE of liver metastases in 21 patients with colorectal cancer and results are compared with previous literature. A total of 68 TACE procedures were performed. A suspension of degradable starch microspheres (DSM, Spherex) and Mitomycin C was applied selectively into hepatic arteries via a transfemoral approach. DSM effect a temporary arterial occlusion. Follow-up studies were performed by contrast enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT). The median survival was 13.8 months. Therapeutic response (according to WHO) was observed only in three patients. The progression free interval was 5.8 months. Patients developed a postembolization-syndrome (abdominal pain, fever, nausea) and increased transaminases in 27-43% of all interventions. A gastric ulcer occurred after four, cholecystitis after two TACE. As already shown in most previous studies, regardless of the used agents, also this investigation underlines the moderate therapeutic effect of TACE on colorectal liver metastases. So far, no significant survival benefit has been shown in the literature and the response rates are rather limited. In general, complications of TACE seem to be rare, but should not to be underestimated. Compared to TACE with long or permanent arterial occlusion, postembolization syndrome seems to be less pronounced using DSM. As TACE is rather a palliative therapeutic approach, DSM therefore might be more suited. Further studies on TACE of liver metastases should focus on to the patients' quality of life.

Simplified MRI sequences for postoperative control of hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Usually, standard radiographs are used for postoperative quality follow-up after ACL reconstruction. However, with the use of hamstring grafts and bioabsorbable implants, accurate assessment of the tunnel and implant position is impossible. The graft and its relation to anatomical landmarks cannot be evaluated directly. MRI is an alternative to radiography, permitting direct graft visualization and 3-dimensional assessment of the tunnel position, but it is expensive and time consuming for routine use. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified MRI protocol and to evaluate it for routine postoperative quality follow-up after ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various scanning protocols were tested in a series of 105 patients and evaluated for image sharpness, clarity of the structures, susceptibility to artefacts, applicability regarding precise analysis of graft and tunnel position, and time consumption. One simplified specific scan protocol was then defined and applied in a series of 60 consecutive patients after hamstring ACL replacement. The position of the femoral and tibial tunnels was measured in the sagittal, coronal and axial sections and classified according to Harner (femoral) and Stäubli (tibial). Impingement of the graft in the intercondylar roof was analysed according to Howell. The position of the bioabsorbable interference screws was assessed. RESULTS: Scan protocol: T2-weighted gradient-echo sequences (GRE) with TR 246 ms, TE 11 ms, flip angle 25 degrees, 2 mm sections and a 256 x 256 matrix yielded the best image quality of tendon grafts and bone tunnels with tolerable time consumption (average scanning time per patient 1 min 40 s). Altogether 8-16 sections were obtained for every patient. Tunnel placement: 46/60 (77%) of the femoral tunnels were in zone 4, 13/60 (21%) at the border of zones 3 to 4, 1/60 (2%) in zone 3 in the sagittal plane (Harner). The femoral tunnels in the axial plane were at 10:30 o'clock in 32/60 (53%), at 11:00 o'clock at 24/60 (40%) and at 10:00 o'clock in 4/60 (4%) patients. The mean distance of the anterior border of the tibial tunnel from the anterior cortex was 39% (+/- 4.9%) related to the total sagittal diameter of the tibia. There was no graft impingement. The position of the interference screws was anterior to the grafts in all cases. CONCLUSION: Simplified MRI sequences can be used for postoperative quality follow-up after ACL replacement and are an alternative to standard radiographs giving more specific and precise information regarding tunnel position and screw placement. Analyzing the bone tunnels in a series of 60 patients demonstrated that correct assessment of tunnel placement after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is feasible using this simplified MRI technique.

Imaging of renal lesions: evaluation of fast MRI and helical CT.

The purpose of this study is to compare triphasic helical CT and fast MRI with respect to detection, characterization and staging of suspected renal masses. To achieve this triphasic helical CT (plain, corticonephrographic and tubulonephrographic phase) and MRI with fast T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted sequences were performed in 29 patients with a suspected renal lesion. Image quality, lesion characterization and lesion extent were assessed for both methods in all patients. The acquisition phase for CT and the image sequence for MRI offering the best image quality and best diagnostic information regarding renal parenchyma, renal vessels, detection of enlarged lymph nodes, and other abdominal organs were determined. Histologically confirmed renal cell carcinomas (n=18) were staged based on the Robson classification. Quantitative data were obtained from operator-defined regions of interest (ROIs) in all acquisition phases (CT) and all image sequences (MRI). For most criteria the rating of image quality for helical CT was generally higher as compared with fast MRI. CT and MRI detected all 24 histologically proven masses, while no false positive solid tumour was diagnosed with both imaging modalities. All three acquisition phases in CT and all applied image sequences in MRI were regarded as necessary in order to gain important diagnostic information. Altogether, 12 of 18 renal cell carcinomas (67%) were correctly staged by CT and MRI. Helical CT and fast MRI allow the correct detection and characterization of suspicious renal lesions. Both imaging modalities can be recommended for clinical routine application. Although the correct histological staging of renal cancer remains difficult for both imaging methods, both are excellent in providing the critical staging information needed before surgery. Helical CT offers a significantly shorter acquisition time to cover the entire abdomen.

Stent-graft replacement of chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta after blunt chest trauma.

Chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is an unusual occurrence. Open-chest surgery for repair of chronic traumatic aneurysms results in mortality rate of 5-18%, and a morbidity rate of 11-50% also. The evolution of endovascular technology offers the promise of a new, less invasive method to achieve aneurysm exclusion. A case of chronic traumatic aneurysm of the near isthmus thoracic aorta discovered on a chest X-ray and evaluated with chest computed tomographic scanning is presented. Stent-grafting procedure is described. Stent-grafting in chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta seems to be a viable minimal invasive therapeutic option for traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus.

MR-guided core biopsies using a closed 1.0 T imager. First clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: High soft-tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities of MRI may be advantageous in biopsy guidance compared to CT. We report our first results with MR-guided core biopsies using a closed 1.0 T MR imager. METHODS AND PATIENTS: In ten patients, seven liver lesions and one lesion each in the muscle of the back, the gluteal muscle and in the breast were biopsied under MR guidance using MR-compatible needles (Tru-Cut type, 18G and 14G). For control scans T1-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE), gradient-echo and T2-weighted TSE sequences were used. RESULTS: In all patients, the suspicious lesions and the biopsy needle were exactly delineated in MR control scans. In nine out of ten patients, the suspicious lesion was clarified histologically. Controls of needle position in a second plane were performed twice. Pushing the inner stylet alone resulted in a distortion of the needle in several cases in its flat area. The small diameter of the MR gantry was inconvenient for a few patients. One complication (intrahepatic bleeding) was observed, which healed up without consequences. CONCLUSION: Using a closed 1.0 T MR imager MR-guided core biopsies can be conducted efficiently. Core biopsies should be taken by pulling and pushing the outer cannula. Advantageous compared to CT are the multiplanar imaging capabilities, while the smaller gantry is disadvantageous.