Calcium scoring on coronary computed angiography tomography with photon-counting detector technology: Predictors of performance.

INTRODUCTION: Obtaining accurate coronary artery calcium (CAC) score measurements from CCTA datasets with virtual non-iodine (VNI) algorithms would reduce acquisition time and radiation dose. We aimed to assess the agreement of VNI-derived and conventional true non-contrast (TNC)-based CAC scores and to identify the predictors of accuracy. METHODS: CCTA datasets were acquired with either 120 or 140 â€‹kVp. CAC scores and volumes were calculated from TNC and VNI images in 197 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA. CAC density score, mean volume/lesion, aortic Hounsfield units and standard deviations were then measured. Finally, percentage deviation (VNI - TNC/TNC∗100) of CTA-derived CAC scores from non-enhanced scans was calculated for each patient. Predictors (including anthropometric and acquisition parameters, as well as CAC characteristics) of the degree of discrepancy were evaluated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: While the agreement between TNC and VNI was substantial (mean bias, 6.6; limits of agreement, 178.5/145.3), a non-negligible proportion of patients (36/197, 18.3%) were falsely reclassified as CAC score â€‹= â€‹0 on VNI. The use of higher tube voltage significantly decreased the percentage deviation relative to TNC-based values (ߠ​= â€‹-0.21 [95%CI: 0.38 to -0.03], p â€‹= â€‹0.020) and a higher CAC density score also proved to be an independent predictor of a smaller difference (ߠ​= â€‹-0.22 [95%CI: 0.37 to -0.07], p â€‹= â€‹0.006). CONCLUSION: The performance of VNI-based calcium scoring may be improved by increased tube voltage protocols, while the accuracy may be compromised for calcified lesions of lower density. The implementation of VNI in clinical routine, however, needs to be preceded by a solution for detecting smaller lesions as well.

Effect of weight and storage time of broiler breeders' eggs on morphology and biochemical features of eggs, embryogenesis, hatchability, and chick quality.

The transfer of hatchability results obtained under experimental conditions to the commercial ground with a positive financial effect proves the value and usefulness of these data. On the other hand, finding results on commercial processes of broiler breeders' egg incubation in the literature is challenging. The presented study aimed to determine the effects of egg weight and storage time on the physical, biochemical characteristics of hatching eggs, embryogenesis and hatchability in Ross 308 broiler breeders. On the laying day, the eggs were divided into four weight groups: S - small eggs (57-61 g), M - medium eggs (62-66 g), L - large eggs (67-71 g), and XL - extra-large eggs (72-76 g). The eggs were then stored for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days under controlled conditions. As the egg storage time increased, a decrease in the yolk quality (lower index) was observed. The highest Haugh units were found in eggs from the S and M groups. The cholesterol content of the M, L, and XL groups was lower on days 7, 14, and 21 as compared to that of eggs only stored for 3 days. Egg weight loss during incubation decreased with an increase in the egg weight. An extension of the egg storage time caused an increase in the loss of egg weight. On the 14th and 18th days of hatching, an increase in the eggshell temperature was noted with an increase in the weight of the egg. The eggs stored for 7 days were characterised by the highest shell temperature on each day. The highest hatchability percentage was recorded for the M group. The hatchability rate decreased with the prolongation of the storage time, while the number of crippled chicks after hatching increased. The results confirmed that the increased weight of the eggs and prolonged storage time (14 and 21 days) increased the weight and decreased the length of the newly hatched chicks, respectively. Chicks from the heaviest eggs and those stored for 14 and 21 days showed poor results on the Pasgar score® test. The observations indicate the need to adopt various (of those available) methods to assess the quality of newly hatched chicks in hatcheries in order to produce high-quality broiler chickens. The results also indicate that prolonged egg storing beyond 14 days may affect the thyroid hormone economy during the hatching of chicks, especially in the XL group.

Altered expression of CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 in undescended testes of dogs with unilateral cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism is the most common disorder of sex development in dogs and testosterone plays a crucial role in the inguinal phase of the testes descending into the scrotum. The molecular background of impaired testosterone synthesis in the testes of cryptorchid dogs is poorly elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression of four genes involved in testicular steroidogenesis (CYP17A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B2 and HSD17B3) in undescended and contralateral scrotal testes from inguinal unilateral cryptorchid dogs (n = 13) and from the scrotal gonads of normal males (n = 15). We found that transcript level of CYP17A1 was significantly increased in inguinal gonads, while the level of CYP19A1 was decreased. For these two genes, we analyzed the methylation level of single CpG sites in the promoter region localized within putative target sites for testicular transcription factors (NUR77, CREB, CAR and HSF2). A correlation between decreased methylation in the promoter of CYP17A1 and its increased transcript level in undescended gonads was observed, but the change in protein level was not significant. We also resequenced the 5'-flanking region of both genes and two known polymorphic sites, SNP in CYP17A1 and an indel in CYP19A1, were found. However, the distribution of the variants in affected (n = 80) and control (n = 75) dogs was not associated with cryptorchidism. We tentatively conclude that the altered expression of CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 in undescended testes could be caused by their exposure to increased temperature in the body. Furthermore, we showed that the identified polymorphisms cannot be considered markers associated with a predisposition to cryptorchidism.

LITHIUM FLUORIDE CRYSTALS AS FLUORESCENT NUCLEAR TRACK DETECTORS.

Radiophotoluminescence signal of LiF crystals was found to be sufficiently strong to visualize tracks of a single charged particle. This was achieved with a wide-field fluorescent microscope equipped with a ×100 objective and LiF single crystals grown with the Czochralski method at IFJ PAN. The tracks of alpha particles, protons, as well as products of 6Li(n,α)3H reaction with thermal neutrons (moderated Pu/Be source), were observed. These encouraging results are the first steps towards practical use of LiF as fluorescent nuclear track detectors. The most promising dosimetric application seems to be neutron measurements.

IMAGING OF PROTON BRAGG PEAKS IN LiF.

Lithium fluoride (LiF) is one of the most common thermoluminescent phosphors routinely used in radiation protection services. Another advantageous property of LiF is radiophotoluminescence, whose occurs after its irradiation due to the creation of color centers. Excitation of LiF samples with a blue light causes the emission of photoluminescence, which spectrum consists of two peaks at ~520 and ~670 nm. The work was focused on imaging of Bragg peaks of proton beams routinely applied at the proton eye radiotherapy facility operating at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Krakow by the measurement of the fluorescence light in LiF crystals excited with a 445 nm blue light after their previous irradiation with the proton beams of energies of 28, 30, 40 and 50 MeV. The range of proton beams in LiF crystals for different energies was calculated by Monte Carlo simulations.

Idiopathic gastroparesis is associated with specific transcriptional changes in the gastric muscularis externa.

BACKGROUND: The molecular changes that occur in the stomach that are associated with idiopathic gastroparesis are poorly described. The aim of this study was to use quantitative analysis of mRNA expression to identify changes in mRNAs encoding proteins required for the normal motility functions of the stomach. METHODS: Full-thickness stomach biopsy samples were collected from non-diabetic control subjects who exhibited no symptoms of gastroparesis and from patients with idiopathic gastroparesis. mRNA was isolated from the muscularis externa and mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR. KEY RESULTS: Smooth muscle tissue from idiopathic gastroparesis patients had decreased expression of mRNAs encoding several contractile proteins, such as MYH11 and MYLK1. Conversely, there was no significant change in mRNAs characteristic of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) such as KIT or ANO1. There was also a significant decrease in mRNA-encoding platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) and its ligand PDGFB and in Heme oxygenase 1 in idiopathic gastroparesis subjects. In contrast, there was a small increase in mRNA characteristic of neurons. Although there was not an overall change in KIT expression in gastroparesis patients, KIT expression showed a significant correlation with gastric emptying whereas changes in MYLK1, ANO1 and PDGFRα showed weak correlations to the fullness/satiety subscore of patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal disorder-symptom severity index scores. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Our findings suggest that idiopathic gastroparesis is associated with altered smooth muscle cell contractile protein expression and loss of PDGFRα+ cells without a significant change in ICCs.

Peri-infarct depolarizations during focal ischemia in the awake Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat. Minimizing anesthesia confounds in experimental stroke.

Anesthesia profoundly impacts peri-infarct depolarizations (PIDs), but only one prior report has described their monitoring during experimental stroke in awake animals. Since temporal patterns of PID occurrence are model specific, the current study examined PID incidence during focal ischemia in the awake Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR), and documented the impact of both prior and concurrent isoflurane anesthesia. For awake recordings, electrodes were implanted under isoflurane anesthesia 1day to 5weeks prior to occlusion surgery. Rats were then subjected to permanent or transient (2h) tandem occlusion of the middle cerebral and ipsilateral common carotid arteries, followed by PID monitoring for up to 3days. Comparison perfusion imaging studies evaluated PID-associated hyperemic transients during permanent ischemia under anesthesia at varied intervals following prior isoflurane exposure. Prior anesthesia attenuated PID number at intervals up to 1week, establishing 2weeks as a practical recovery duration following surgical preparation to avoid isoflurane preconditioning effects. PIDs in awake SHR were limited to the first 4h after permanent occlusions. Maintaining anesthesia during this interval reduced PID number, and prolonged their occurrence through several hours following anesthesia termination. Although PID number otherwise correlated with infarct size, PID suppression by anesthesia was not protective in the absence of reperfusion. PIDs persisted up to 36h after transient occlusions. These results differ markedly from the one previous report of such monitoring in awake Sprague-Dawley rats, which found an extended biphasic PID time course during 24h after both permanent and transient filament occlusions. PID occurrence closely reflects the time course of infarct progression in the respective models, and may be more useful than absolute PID number as an index of ongoing pathology.

Fibrinogen alpha and beta gene polymorphisms in pediatric stroke--case-control and family based study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Data on the role of the -455G > A polymorphism of the gene encoding ß fibrinogen subunit (FGB) and the Thr312Ala polymorphism of the gene for the α fibrinogen subunit (FGA) in childhood ischemic stroke are insufficient. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate a possible association between these two polymorphisms and arterial ischemic stroke. METHODS: The study group consisted of 85 children after ischemic stroke, 146 of their parents and 159 controls. Both polymorphisms were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Two study designs were used: a case-control model and a family-based transmission-disequilibrium test. Statistica 7.1 and EpiInfo 6 softwares were used in all analyses. RESULTS: In the TDT test, a tendency to a higher transmission of the 312Ala allele of the FGA gene and the -455A allele of the FGB gene was observed, however, it was statistically non-significant. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of both FGA and FGB genes polymorphisms did not differentiate children from both groups also in the case-control model. Additive or synergistic effects between FGA and FGB genes polymorphisms were not observed. CONCLUSION: An analysis of the results obtained in this study and a critical review of previously published data indicate that examined gene polymorphisms are not related to ischemic stroke in children.

Resonant third harmonic generation of KrF laser in Ar gas.

Investigations of emission of harmonics from argon gas jet irradiated by 700 fs, 5 mJ pulses from a KrF laser are presented. Harmonics conversion was optimized by varying the experimental geometry and the nozzle size. For the collection of the harmonic radiation silicon and solar-blind diamond semiconductor detectors equipped with charge preamplifiers were applied. The possibility of using a single-crystal CVD diamond detector for separate measurement of the 3rd harmonic in the presence of a strong pumping radiation was explored. Our experiments show that the earlier suggested 0.7% conversion efficiency can really be obtained, but only in the case when phase matching is optimized with an elongated gas target length corresponding to the length of coherence.

Thoracal, abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

AIM: Aortic aneurysm is a complex disease affecting males and females in a different way. We analysed gender specific differences in the abdominal (AAA), thoracal (TAA) and thoraco-abdominal (TA-AA) aortic aneurysm in patients hospitalized for aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Germany. METHODS: Detailed lists for all patients suffering from AAA, TAA or TA-AA documented in the DRG-System as principal diagnosis in the years 2010 were provided by the Federal Statistical Office. RESULTS: The total number of cases in males was 17,731. It was more than three time higher than in females with 4657. AAA were 6.2 time more frequent in males than in females, TAA and TA-AA only 1.6 and 1.5 times, respectively. The rates of ruptured aneurysms show a steep increase in the 9th and 10th decade which is more pronounced in females. In males there is an age dependent increase in the rate of endovascular treatment of TAA and AAA. There is no such trend in females. The rate for AAA even decreases with age. The same could be shown for more complex fenestrated or branched endoprotheses. In around 20% of all male cases with TA-AA such a design is used in the 7th to the 9th decade of life. In females such a rate is only reached in the 7th decade. In older females the rate stepwise decreased. CONCLUSION: There are gender specific differences in the rate of rupture and endovascular treatment of AAA, TAA and TA-AA in males and females in Germany. The reasons for these differences should be elucidated in order to prove whether these differences are due to actual gender specific requirements, or simply a lack of compatibility in awareness and devices.

Gastric electrical stimulation with Enterra therapy improves symptoms of idiopathic gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a therapeutic option for intractable symptoms of gastroparesis (GP). Idiopathic GP (ID-GP) represents a subset of GP. AIMS: A prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, crossover study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enterra GES in the treatment of chronic vomiting in ID-GP. METHODS: Thirty-two ID-GP subjects (mean age 39; 81% F, mean 7.7 years of GP) were implanted with GES. The stimulator was turned ON for 1½ months followed by double-blind randomization to consecutive 3-month crossover periods with the device either ON or OFF. ON stimulation was followed in unblinded fashion for another 4.5 months. Twenty-five subjects completed the crossover phase and 21 finished 1 year of follow-up. KEY RESULTS: During the unblinded ON period, there was a reduction in weekly vomiting frequency (WVF) from baseline (61.2%, P < 0.001). There was a non-significant reduction in WVF between ON vs OFF periods (the primary outcome) with median reduction of 17% (P > 0.10). Seventy-five percent of patients preferred the ON vs OFF period (P = 0.021). At 1 year, WVF remained decreased (median reduction = 87%, P < 0.001), accompanied by improvements in GP symptoms, gastric emptying and days of hospitalization (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: (i) In this prospective study of Enterra GES for ID-GP, there was a reduction in vomiting during the initial ON period; (ii) The double-blind 3-month periods showed a non-significant reduction in vomiting in the ON vs OFF period, the primary outcome variable; (iii) At 12 months with ON stimulation, there was a sustained decrease in vomiting and days of hospitalizations.

Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair: trends in Germany.

BACKGROUND: As a minimally invasive technique endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) reduces the risk of mortality and should be the preferred technique used in older patients. We analysed trends in endovascular and open surgical procedures in patients hospitalized for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used national statistics (DRG statistics) published by the Federal Office of Statistics in Germany to calculate the incidence of patients hospitalised with ruptured (rAAA) and elective (eAAA) AAA. In addition, annual procedure rates of endovascular (EVAR) procedures were calculated. RESULTS: Incidence rates of eAAA per 100,000 males (females) showed a small increase from 2006 to 2007 but remained almost unchanged with 74.8 (8.8) in 2007 and 74.5 (9.8) in 2009. Incidence rates of rAAA per 100 000 males remained unchanged but showed a decreasing trend in females. The rate of people treated by EVAR increased form 2006 to 2009: in males from 24.0 % to 40.3 % and in females from 17.3 % to 31.0 %. In younger males (55 - 60 years) the increase in those who received EVAR was smaller (from 22.1 % to 33.9 %) than in older males (85 - 90 years) (from 20.4 to 41.6 %). Despite a clear increase in the use of EVAR from 2006 to 2009 there is only a small trend in reduction of the death rates which is more pronounced in rAAA. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a relevant increase in EVAR procedures for the treatment of AAA in Germany in recent years. Parallel to this increase of EVAR, aneurysm-related in-hospital deaths seem be declining slightly. A causal relationship between these trends remains to be proven.

The durability of the intrascaphoid compression of headless compression screws: in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To test a new generation of compression screws: the Acumed Acutrak 2 Mini (AA; Acumed, Hillsboro, OR), the Stryker TwinFix (ST; Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI), and the Synthes 3.0 headless compression screw (SH; Synthes, Solothurn, Switzerland). METHODS: We used 40 fresh-frozen human scaphoids for this study. Bone density was measured. A K-wire was inserted centrally. A perpendicular osteotomy was created in the middle third (Herbert B2 fracture). A custom-made load sensor was placed between the bone fragments. All screws were implanted according to the manufacturers' instructions. The Synthes 2.0 cortical screw (SC), implanted as a lag screw, was used as a reference. The compression force during each experiment was digitally monitored for 12 hours while the data were acquired. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Immediately after screw insertion, ST reached 226 N, followed by AA with 191 N, SH with 137 N, and SC with 72 N. After 12 hours, ST displayed the highest residual compression force, 141 N, followed by AA with 121 N, SH with 78 N, and SC with 32 N. The differences were significant for ST and AA compared to SC. The loss of compression force over 12 hours was 39% for ST, 42% for AA, 49% for SH, and 55% for SC. CONCLUSIONS: The new generation of headless compression screws, especially ST and AA, provided significantly higher compression forces after 12 hours, as well as the least loss of compression force over time, in comparison to a classic cortical lag screw. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A new generation of headless compression screws, by producing higher compression forces, increase stability at the fracture site and might thereby promote bone healing.

[Fractures of the elbow joint]. / Frakturen des Ellenbogengelenkes.

Fractures around the elbow joint comprise fractures of the distal humerus, the radial head, the olecranon and the coronoid process. Combined lesions are particularly demanding for the surgeon. Accurate knowledge of the anatomy and of the biomechanics is an essential requirement for a specific diagnosis and therapy. A stable and painless movable elbow joint is essential for most of the activities of daily living. Risk factors for the development of posttraumatic elbow joint arthrosis are non-anatomically reconstructed joint surfaces, axial malalignment of the joint axis and untreated concomitant injuries. Modern angular stable and anatomically preshaped implants facilitate a biomechanically adequate osteosynthesis and avoid or decrease functional impairment. In consideration of an increasing number of osteoporotic elbow joint fractures, endoprosthetic replacement has gained significance.

Distal humerus fractures in the elderly: osteosynthesis or endoprosthesis? Review of the literature.

Fractures of the distal humerus in adults are rare but challenging for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. The bimodal distribution reflects the trauma mechanism. While distal humerus fractures are caused by high-energy traumata in young male adults, a fall from a standing height is the most common reason for humerus fractures among elderly females. As a rule, fractures of the distal humerus are treated surgically. In young patients, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with anatomic locking plates are the gold standard. In elderly patients, reconstruction is not always possible, and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) becomes necessary. The present article provides an overview of the current diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The current literature is reviewed and the results discussed.

Trends in lower extremity surgical and endovascular revascularization in Germany.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed trends in lower extremity endovascular and open surgical procedures in hospitalized patients in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used national statistics (DRG statistics) published by the Federal Statistical Office including data from almost all hospitals in Germany to calculate annual procedure rates of lower extremity endovascular and open surgical procedures in the years 2005 to 2008. Detailed lists of the OPS-codes 8 - 836, 5 - 381, 5 - 393 separated by the 6th number of the code were analyzed regarding procedures representing revascularization of peripheral arteries including the aorta. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2008 the total number of endovascular procedures increased from 73,584 to 98,664 and the number of surgical procedures from 74,789 to 86,172 a year. Age-adjusted incidence rates of endovascular procedures in people >= 65 years increased from 325 to 432 per 100,000 while the incidence rates of all open surgical procedures increased from 315 to 351 per 100.000. Looking only at bypass surgery the incidence remained unchanged with 177 and 176 per 100,000 in the same period. Endovascular procedures other than balloon angioplasty including percutaneous atherectomy, laser recanalization or usage of cutting balloon, account for less than 1 % in Germany. CONCLUSIONS: The numbers of endovascular procedures overweigh the numbers of open surgical procedures for treatment of lower extremity PAD in Germany today. In contrast to data from the USA we could not demonstrate a decrease of open surgical procedures in Germany in recent years.

[Fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly. Pros and cons of endoprosthetic replacement]. / Distale Humerusfraktur beim älteren Menschen. Pro und Contra endoprothetischer Ersatz.

The intraarticular fracture of the distal humerus in an elderly patient remains a challenge for trauma surgeons. In case of severe co-morbidities and/or osteoporosis stable fixation with screws and plates is difficult and in some cases can be impossible. Even if osteosynthesis is feasible the clinical outcome is still incalculable due to delayed or non-union of the fracture fragments. Endoprosthetic replacement of the elbow joint for comminuted distal humerus fractures has been used for almost 20 years. The clinical results are predominantly excellent or good and better predictable than those of osteosynthesis. There still is no guideline when a prosthesis for the elbow joint should be used. We reviewed the literature and outline the current recommendations for diagnostics and surgical therapy for distal humerus fractures in the elderly.

Traumatic damage to the cartilage influences outcome of anatomically reduced acetabular fractures: a medium-term retrospective analysis.

We reviewed 77 patients with an acetabular fracture, treated operatively through a non-extensile approach after an average time of 45 months. The ilioinguinal approach was chosen in 41, the Kocher-Langenbeck approach in 36 patients. Following the Letournel classification, the most frequent lesions were posterior wall (26%), two-column (22.1%) and anterior column (14.3%) fractures. Subchondral impaction, intra-articular fracture fragments and fracture comminution, called modifiers, could be identified in the preoperative CT-data of 38 patients (49.4%). Patients were operated after an average of 4 days. Average hospital stay was 19 days. Sciatic nerve and peroneal nerve palsy were registered in 5.6%. Deep venous thrombosis was seen in 10.4%, peri-articular ossifications in 7.8%. During the 45-months follow-up, 10.4% patients needed secondary total hip arthroplasty. Using the Merle d'Aubigné score, 15 patients had an excellent, 39 a good, 15 a moderate, and 8 a bad result. In accordance with the Harris Hip Score, 29 patients achieved an excellent, 26 a good, 9 a moderate and 13 a bad result. Twenty of twenty-three (Merle d'Aubigné score) and twenty of twenty-two (Harris Hop Score) patients with moderate or bad results had one or more modifiers. Patients with operatively treated acetabular fractures, who had CT-findings such as subchondral impaction, fracture comminution or intra-articular fracture fragments in their preoperative examination, score significantly lower at middle term in the Harris Hip and Merle d'Aubigné scoring systems.

[Chronically progressive occlusive disease of intestinal arteries - short overview from a vascular surgical perspective]. / Chronisch-progrediente Durchblutungsstörungen der Darmarterien - kompakte Kurzübersicht aus gefäßchirurgischer Perspektive.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischaemia is quite rare among the cardiovascular diseases. However, it is increasingly diagnosed. The aim of this selective but representative short overview is to assess the impact of intestinal ischaemia in vascular and visceral medicine from a vascularsurgical perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search and selection in relevant online services of the medical scientific literature was performed, in particular, of the last decade on the competent management of intestinal ischaemia combined with the clinical expertise obtained in daily vascular surgical practice including didactically prepared demonstrable cases / case reports related to typical / specific clinical problems and situations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Although the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is most frequently responsible for the clinical presentation, usually 2 or 3  major arterial trunks are involved for a relevant clinical symptomatology. These disorders of the intestinal circulation are most frequently caused by progressive atherosclerotic occlusive disease. In chronic progressive disease, the visceral arteries show the ability to enlarge typical collateral circulation pathways, which may not always lead to a complete compensation. With a degree of stenosis of more than 70 %, mesenteric ischaemic pain and physical prostration are the major clinical findings. Intestinal infarction with a mortality rate of 60-80 % is the endpoint of the chronically progressive intestinal ischaemia. There-fore, an urgent medical treatment is highly required. CT angiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice in patients with suspected chronic intestinal ischaemia. Mesenteric angiography is subject to specific questions and / or to endovascular arteriographic treatment. Duplex scanning has been advocated as a non-invasive method of pre- and post-interventional screening. Treatment is indicated in symptomatic intestinal vascular disease. Due to the high morbidity of the majority of patients and the enormous invasivity associated with conventional surgery, arteriographic intervention is the treatment of choice, even though quality improvement is required. Surgical reconstructions are highly standardised and should be associated with perioperative mortality less than 3 %. We recommended the reconstruction of 2  vessels, for which antegrade supracoeliacal revascularisation techniques are favourable. In (threatening) septic conditions, autologous reconstructions are required. Intestinal infarction is the most serious complication of all visceral revascularisations. In recurrent occlusions of visceral arteries, it is recommended to favour and finally use a different therapeutic modality. Post-therapeutic care includes second-look operation as well as clinical examination and diagnostic imaging. Antithrombotic therapy should be initiated. The further screening of patients after intestinal revascularisation should be performed by duplex scanning. CONCLUSION: Chronically progressive occlusive disease of intestinal arteries is considered as a complex disease with challenging diagnostic and therapeutic management, in which an interdisciplinary, partly finding- and stage-dependent (also with regard to the frequency and recurrency of the specific local finding) sequential therapeutic approach (e. g., endovascular vs. open procedure; interventionalist / endovascular specialist / vascular surgeon) becomes more and more relevant requiring a competent center of vascular medicine.

[Periprosthetic femoral bone reaction after total hip arthroplasty with preservation of the collum femoris : CT-assisted osteodensitometry 1 and 3 years postoperatively]. / Periprothetische femorale Knochenreaktion nach schenkelhalserhaltender Hüftendoprothetik : CT-gestützte Osteodensitometrie 1 und 3 Jahre postoperativ.

BACKGROUND: Short-stemmed cementless femoral components in total hip arthroplasty have been designed to preserve the proximal femoral bone stock by load transfer to the femoral metaphysis. An in vivo method of computed tomography-assisted (CT) osteodensitometry after total hip arthroplasty is presented which differentiates between cortical and cancellous bone density (BD) changes around uncemented femoral components. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cortical and cancellous periprosthetic femoral BD (mg Ca HA/ml) was determined prospectively in 31 patients at day 10, 1 year and 3 years after total hip arthroplasty with preservation of the collum femoris (C.F.P.-stem, Link, Hamburg, Germany) using computed tomography-assisted osteodensitometry. Clinical results (Harris hip score) and plain x-rays were assessed in all cases. RESULTS: Progressive proximal cortical BD loss was observed between the 1 year (Ø -8%) and 3 year (Ø -22%) postoperative measurements. Distal to the trochanter minor no significant cortical BD changes were observed. Proximal cancellous BD decreased progressively between the 1 year (Ø -33%) and 3 year (Ø -45%) analyses. The Harris hip score improved from 45 points pre-operatively to 93 points at the 3 year follow-up. All x-rays showed signs of stable ingrowth. CONCLUSION: Periprosthetic CT osteodensitometry has the technical ability to discriminate between cortical and cancellous bone structures with respect to strain-adapted remodeling. Progressive proximal cortical and cancellous BD loss indicates that metaphyseal fixation cannot be achieved with the analyzed C.F.P. stem design. The lack of cortical BD loss below the trochanter minor suggests diaphyseal fixation of the implanted stem.