[The 1933 resignation of Prof. Gotthold Herxheimer as chairman of the German Society of Pathology in a new light : Pathology in National Socialism]. / Der Rücktritt Prof. Gotthold Herxheimers als Vorsitzender der Deutschen Pathologischen Gesellschaft 1933 in neuem Licht : Pathologie im Nationalsozialismus.

The article offers a new approach to the retirement of Herxheimer as head of the German Society of Pathology in 1933 and frames it in a new context. The result is that the German Society of Pathology of the time contributed to National Socialism and supported it. Herxheimer became a victim, but his tragic fate was partly self-inflicted. This article is based on the methods of historical and cultural studies.

[Diagnostic and interventional endoscopy in gastroenterology : from high-resolution chips and procedures for endoscopic resection to NOTES]. / Diagnostische und interventionelle Endoskopie in der Gastroenterologie : Von "High-resolution-Chips" über endoskopische Resektionsverfahren zu NOTES.

In the past 10 years endoscopic diagnostics has benefited from technologies such as big chips, high-definition television (HDTV) and narrow band imaging (NBI). Video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy have facilitated visualization of the entire small bowel. A number of studies on mucosal Barrett's and gastric cancers could prove that endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is oncologically equivalent to surgical resection when certain criteria are respected. However, EMR is less invasive and carries a substantially lower complication risk and mortality compared to surgery. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) facilitates en bloc resection with thorough histopathologic evaluation of the specimen, e.g. for mucosal lesions in the stomach and rectum. Endosonography (EUS) guided transgastric necrosectomy using a flexible gastroscope has set a milestone in the treatment of infected pancreatic necroses and has replaced open surgery in many centers. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) uses natural body openings as minimally invasive access to the abdomen and mediastinum. Interventional GI endoscopists and minimally invasive surgeons have profited from these innovations in micromechanics and microelectronics.

Brain amino acid abnormalities in kidney disease and diabetes mellitus.

The present postmortem study examines whether specific amino acid abnormalities associated with renal diseases or diabetes mellitus in animal experiments and on clinical examination may also be found in human brain samples obtained at clinical autopsies. The material includes 12 deceased with renal insufficiency, 23 deceased with diabetes mellitus and 26 control cases with lethal cardiovascular diseases (without a history of hepatic, renal or metabolic disturbances). The autopsy and clinical records were retrospectively analyzed for age, sex, postmortem delay, cause of death, substantial preexisting diseases and histological findings. The analysis of free amino acid concentrations in human brain specimens was performed applying a Beckman amino acid analyzer. The results were evaluated using the U-test according to Mann, Willcox and Whitney. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be significantly different. Differences of amino acid concentrations attributable to sex, age and postmortem delay were not significant. The comparison of postmortem amino acid concentrations in the brains of patients with diabetes mellitus and controls did not reveal relevant changes. However, the patients with renal diseases, as compared to controls, showed a significant cerebral increase of urea, phenylethanolamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Thus, the postmortem amino acid analysis may contribute to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of uremic encephalopathy and may supplement the conventional postmortem morphological diagnosis in kidney diseases by indication of functional impairment.

[Primary malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix. Report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Primäres malignes Melanom der Cervix uteri. Zwei Fallberichte und Literaturübersicht.

The manifestation of a malignant melanoma in the uterus is very rare, more often it is the result of metastasis rather than a primary tumor. A malignant melanoma at this site can originate either from melanocytic elements within the cervical epithelium or from the cervical stroma. We report on two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix and compare them with other cases from the literature.

[Gangliocytic paraganglioma of the ampulla of Vater]. / Gangliozytisches Paraganglinonom der Papilla Vateri.

A case of a bleeding duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma (GPG) of the Papilla Vateri is reported. The 47 year old patient was treated successfully by partial pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histologically the GPG is characterized by three types of cells: epitheloid cells, ganglion-like cells and spindle cells. So far 81 cases are reported in the literature. Most cases of GPGs are benign, metastasis or recurrence is possible. This case showed an infiltrative growth pattern indicating the true neoplastic nature of this tumor.

[Primary osteosarcoma of the liver. Case report and literature review]. / Primäres Osteosarkom der Leber. Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

Primary sarcomas of the liver are rare. Most of them are angiosarcomas often related to exposure to thorotrast or polyvinyl chloride. We report a case of primary osteosarcoma of the liver in a 72-year-old man and compare it with the seven cases from the literature

[Arterial wall texture after uncomplicated endarterectomy]. / Arterienwandtextur nach komplikationsloser Endarterektomie.

Recanalisation of the carotid sinus is one of the most frequently performed vascular interventions; endarterectomy of the coronary arteries is an auxiliary measure accompanying aortocoronary bypass. Enucleation of the sclerotic plaque is followed by reconstruction of the intima and by rapid smoothing over of the "steps" along the side of the recanalised segment by proliferation of smooth muscle cells from the remaining media. The thinner the residual media, the thicker grows the neointima. Occasionally elastic lamellae reminiscent of a lamina elastica interna are formed close to the lumen. Moreover, in some cases renewed formation of the characteristic intimal spur (fibrotic ridge) is seen at the carotid sinus inlet, a sign of continued irregularity of blood flow postoperatively. In contrast, no focal lesions are generally observed in recanalised segments in the coronary arteries. New sclerotic pads that occur in the late phase bear a morphological resemblance to those in operated restenoses. The distribution of these pads is largely congruent with that of the sclerotic plaques in non-operated cervical arteries. Thus, even when recanalisation of the carotid sinus is uncomplicated, reparative processes are followed by the reformation of sclerotic pads, largely determined by haemodynamic factors. In the coronary arteries, concentric rather than focal sclerotic lesions predominate.

Sterilisation of canine anterior cruciate allografts by gamma irradiation in argon. Mechanical and neurohistological properties retained one year after transplantation.

Bone-ACL-bone allograft transplantation is a potential solution to the problem of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but sterilisation by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide causes degradation of the graft. We have studied the biomechanical and histological properties of deep-frozen canine bone-ACL-bone allografts sterilised by gamma irradiation (2.5 Mrad) under argon gas protection. Particular attention was paid to their collagen structure and neuroanatomy compared with those of non-irradiated allografts. We used 60 skeletally mature foxhounds. In 30 animals one ACL was replaced by an irradiated allograft and in the other 30 a non-irradiated graft was used. In both groups the graft was augmented by a Kennedy Ligament Augmentation Device. Examination of the allografts at 3, 6 and 12 months after implantation included mechanical testing, histology, collagen morphometry, neuroanatomical morphology (silver and gold chloride stain) and studies of the microvasculature (modified Spalteholz technique). At 12 months the irradiated ACL allografts failed at a mean maximum load of 718.3 N, 63.8% of the strength of the normal canine ACL. The non-irradiated allografts failed at 780.1 N, 69.1% of normal. All the allografts showed a well-orientated collagen structure one year after transplantation and there was no difference between the irradiated grafts and the others. The silver staining technique demonstrated Golgi tendon organs and free nerve endings within both groups of allografts. As in the normal ACL these structures were most commonly found near the surface of the graft and at its bony attachments. At 12 months the irradiated allografts showed slight hypervascularity compared with the non-irradiated grafts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy in the detection of meniscal degenerations: correlation of arthroscopy and MRI with histology findings.

In a prospective double-blind study, the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy in the detection and grading of meniscal degenerations is evaluated by correlating MRI findings and arthroscopic diagnoses with a histologic grading model. In 82.8% of our results, grading based on MRI studies corresponded with the histologic grading classification. In 12 instances a meniscal degeneration verified at light microscopy was not detected at MRI, whereas in 15 cases tomography yielded a false-positive result. The overall accuracy was calculated to be 0.93 with a specificity of 0.79 and a sensitivity of 0.96. Concerning the evaluation of meniscal degenerations, MRI provides a positive predictive value of 0.95 and a negative predictive value of 0.82. Compared with the diagnostic specificity of the anterior and posterior zones, that of the intermediate segment of the meniscus is significantly reduced (p < 0.001). At arthroscopy, meniscal degenerations were diagnosed with an overall accuracy of 38.8%, a sensitivity of 27.5%, and a specificity of 75.5%. In 80 cases of grade 3 abnormalities, five false-negative diagnoses were made initially. These results suggest that MRI offers a valuable diagnostic potential providing reliable information about the internal consistency of the meniscus complementary to diagnostic arthroscopy.

Microvascular anastomosis of interpositional vein grafts with sutures and a new mechanical device--a histologic and scanning electron microscopic study.

In an experimental study, a new mechanical device for microvascular anastomosis was compared with suture anastomosis. In 14 rabbits, seven end-to-end and seven end-to-side anastomoses of the jugular vein to interpositional vein grafts were done with a ring-pin device and by the conventional suture method. There was no significant difference between the patency rates of mechanical and suture anastomoses. The completion of mechanical anastomoses took one-third the time required for suture anastomoses. After 10 days, histologic and scanning electron microscopic examination revealed an uneventful reparative process at the anastomotic site with media atrophy and a continuous endothelial layer. At 4 weeks, occasional foreign body giant cells were seen between the polyethylene rings and surrounding connective tissue. The study confirms that the ring-pin device is safe and provides a faster way to do microvascular anastomoses than by suturing.

The morphology of the carotid artery after uncomplicated endarterectomy.

Endarterectomy of the carotid sinus is one of the most frequent vascular operations. Until now, however, few details have been reported on the characteristic features of the disobliteration site during uncomplicated postoperative progress. Full histological and morphometric investigation was performed on the bifurcation of the carotid artery of 23 autopsies with previous endarterectomy, in some cases on both sides. The postoperative interval was of up to 10 years duration (early phase up to 6 months postoperatively 15x, late phase 14x). The findings were compared with surgical specimens of 9 restenoses. The reconstruction of an inner layer (so-called neointima) and the smoothing of the marginal layers of the disobliteration site takes place rapidly through the proliferation of smooth muscle cells from the remaining portions of the media. The narrower this remaining portion of the media, the greater the width achieved by these "neo-intima" (p < 0.05). There is occasional formation of elastic lamellae, similar to an elastic internal lamina, close to the luminal surface. Furthermore, in some cases the reconstruction of an intimal thickening (fibrous ridge) characteristic of the carotid bifurcation was observed at the entrance to the carotid sinus; this can be assessed as an indication that flow irregularities apparently persist postoperatively at this location. In the late phase, intramural calcification and new sclerotic plaques usually occur; these plaques closely resemble those of surgically removed restenoses. The distribution of plaques of this kind is largely congruent with the pattern of plaques in asymptomatically diseased carotid arteries. Thus, following endarterectomy in the carotid sinus, sclerotic plaques recur even during an uncomplicated course subsequent to reparative processes; as with the natural history of sclerotic plaques at the carotid bifurcation, this recurrence seems to be largely determined by hemodynamic factors.

[Rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver in adulthood. Case report and review of the literature]. / Rhabdomyosarkom der Leber im Erwachsenenalter. Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

Primary sarcomas of the liver are rare, and hepatic rhabdomyosarcomas are usually confined to early childhood. They are mostly related to large bile ducts of the liver hilus. We report a case of primary hepatic pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in a 69-year-old man.

[Homologous cruciate ligament transplantation as intra-articular ligament replacement]. / Die homologe Kreuzbandtransplantation als intraartikulärer Bandersatz.

A multiplicity of surgical operations have been developed in an attempt to achieve satisfactory function after ACL repair. None of these procedures have been able to duplicate the fiber organization, attachment site anatomy, vascularity, or function of the ACL. 29 foxhounds received a deep frozen bone-ACL-bone allograft and a ligament augmentation device (LAD). Biomechanical, microvascular, and histological changes were evaluated 3, 6 and 12 months following implantation. The maximum load of the allograft/LADs were 34.3% (387.2 N) after 3 months, 49.3% (556.6 N) after 6 months and 61.1% (689.8 N) after a year. The maximal load was 69.1% (780 N). In general, after 6 months the allografts showed a normal collagen orientation. The allografts demonstrated no evidence of infection or immune reaction. No bone ingrowth into the LAD was observed. Polarized light microscopy and PAS-staining showed that the new bone/ligament substance interface had intact fiber orientation at the area of ligament insertion. Microvascular examination using Spalteholtz-technique revealed neovascularization and the importance of infrapatellar fat pad for the nourishment of the ACL-allografts.

[Ovarian cancer in ovarian remnant syndrome?]. / Ovarialkarzinom bei Ovarian Remnant Syndrome?

We report on a malignant pelvic tumour in a 69-year old woman, whose uterus and adnexa had been removed 22 years ago because of endometriosis. Clinical and pathological findings pointed to an ovarian cancer in an ovarian remnant syndrome. In a case of a carcinoma, it is difficult to furnish proof of an ovarian remnant syndrome. Differential diagnoses, especially the ureteral adenocarcinoma, are discussed.

Acute cholecystitis: a complication in severely injured intensive care patients.

Acute cholecystitis is an often unrecognized and potentially life-threatening complication seen among ICU patients with multiple injury. To investigate the epidemiology of this entity and to evaluate significant etiologic precursors, a prospective clinical and sonographic study was performed in 45 consecutive patients (mean age, 29 years) treated for multiple trauma (mean ISS, 27) in the ICU. Eight of 45 patients developed a cholecystitis during intensive care treatment (18%). Six patients recovered with conservative therapy; in two instances a cholecystectomy was necessary. There was no mortality as a result of cholecystitis. A significant relationship between the severity of the initial trauma (p less than 0.05), the number of blood transfusions (p less than 0.01), and the incidence of acute cholecystitis was found. Other factors such as prolonged shock, respiratory failure, or parenteral alimentation were less prevalent and were not temporally related to the onset of the disease. All patients had large amounts of narcotics administered over a prolonged period, so that narcotic-induced biliary stasis appeared to be another eminent factor involved in the genesis of posttraumatic cholecystitis. Our results lead to the conclusion that acute cholecystitis occurs with an unexpectedly high incidence and that a high remission rate can be expected following conservative treatment provided that appropriate serial ultrasound examinations are performed.

Anterior cruciate ligament allograft transplantation for intraarticular ligamentous reconstruction.

A multiplicity of surgical operations have been developed in an attempt to achieve satisfactory function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. None of these procedures have been able to reproduce the fiber organization anatomy of attachment site, vascularity, or function of the ACL. Twenty-nine foxhounds received a deep-frozen bone-ACL-bone allograft and a ligament augmentation device (LAD). Biomechanical, microvascular, and histological changes were evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months following implantation. The maximum loads of the allograft/LADs were 34.3% (387.2 N) after 3 months, 49.3% (556.6 N) after 6 months, and 61.1% (698.8 N) after a year. The maximum load was 69.1% (780 N). In general, after 6 months the allografts showed normal collagen orientation. The allografts demonstrated no evidence of infection or immune reaction. No bone ingrowth into the LAD was observed. Polarized light microscopy and periodic acid-schiff staining showed that the new bone-ligament substance interface had intact fiber orientation at the area of the ligament insertion. Microvascular examination using the Spalteholtz technique revealed revascularization and the importance of an infrapatellar fat pad for the nourishment of ACL allografts.

The endothelium of advanced arteriosclerotic plaques in humans.

The functional morphology of the endothelial cells (ECs) covering advanced but uncomplicated sclerotic plaques in humans was studied in carotid endarterectomy specimens and in coronary arteries from hearts explanted because of advanced ischemic heart disease. The endothelial layer was nearly always intact, and the endothelial patterns reflected the anticipated local flow patterns along the narrowed arteries, with the majority of flow irregularities downstream from the stenosis. Large (giant) ECs (defined as ECs with a surface area of greater than or equal to 800 microns 2) were frequently found on the plaque surface, probably indicating accelerated EC senescence attributable to sustained nondenuding injury in the region of disturbed flow. Ultrastructurally, activation of ECs with hyperplasia of organelles was frequent. In addition, as a sign of immunological activation, about 5% of ECs express class II antigens (HLA-DR and rarely focal HLA-DQ), as demonstrated by double immunofluorescence with von Willebrand factor to identify the ECs. EC activation may be responsible for adherence to the intact luminal surface by activated platelets and monocytes, which were always present (in contrast with nonsclerotic artery segments). Furthermore, an increase in myo-endothelial contacts to subendothelial modified smooth muscle cells was a regular feature of the sclerotic lesions; this feature represents an unknown process of EC and smooth muscle cell interaction in the sclerotic lesion and may be a compensatory process for EC control of smooth muscle cell proliferation. In advanced plaques the ECs are altered without denudation but with changed properties, which may contribute to plaque growth and which are consistent with the postulated EC dysfunction in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerotic lesions.