[Histiocytic sarcoma in the Swiss population of Bernese mountain dogs: a retrospective study of its genetic predisposition]. / Das histiozytäre Sarkom beim Berner Sennenhund in der Schweiz: Eine retrospektive Studie über seine genetische Prädisposition.

A retrospective study to evaluate the genetic predisposition for histiocytic sarcoma in the Swiss population of purebred Bernese mountain dogs identified 51 histologically confirmed cases between 1997 and 2003. Segregation analysis using five major genetic modes was used to evaluate the 51 cases. The general mode yielded the best results suggesting a genetic predisposition for histiocystic sarcoma in this breed. The disease was found in all families analyzed, therefore elimination of the disease through seletive breeding of certain family lines is not possible.

Arteriography in bone tumours.

The usefulness of arteriography in the diagnosis and management of bone tumours has been evaluated in 78 cases (49 malignant neoplasms, 17 benign tumours and 12 inflammatory lesions). Using well-defined criteria, of which the presence or absence of tumour vessels is of decisive importance, arteriography represents - not as a routine procedure but in selected cases - a most useful guide to establishing the diagnosis, by adding important information to standard radiography, by defining the extent of the lesion and by assisting in the selection of the best site for biopsy.

Evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of iobitridol (Xenetix) in intravenous urography.

The aim of this study is to report on the clinical safety and diagnostic efficacy of iobitridol (Xenetix) in intravenous urography compared to iohexol (Omnipaque) or iopamidol (Iopamiro). A total of 120 patients underwent intravenous urography (i.v.u.); 60 received Xenetix and 60 either Omnipaque (30 patients) or Iopamiro (30 patients) according to the center where they were treated. Clinical safety was assessed by the reporting of adverse events and diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. Warmth sensation was the most commonly reported adverse event. Two cases of nausea and vomiting were reported. Concerning diagnostic efficacy, 72-74% of the i.v.u. examinations were rated good or excellent by the physician. These studies confirm that Xenetix is a suitable contrast agent for i.v.u.

[ROC comparison of visualization of hand fractures using digital and conventional techniques]. / ROC-Vergleich der Erkennbarkeit von Frakturen der Hand mittels digitaler und konventioneller Technik.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of digital luminescence radiography (DLR) and conventional film-screen radiography (FSR) in diagnosing fractures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Both conventional and digital radiographs were acquired from a consecutive series of 57 patients with suspected wrist or hand fractures. The digital images were obtained with a 30% dose reduction. A ROC-analysis (receiver-operating characteristics) was performed. RESULTS: The area under the curve was 0.89 for conventional FSR, 0.93 for DLR, "gray scale" and 0.94 for DLR, "edge enhanced". CONCLUSIONS: Although its spatial resolution is lower, DLR provided better results than conventional FSR, when contrast processing algorithms were optimised for the specific clinical question. The edge-enhanced version was superior to the non-edge enhanced version. The reason for this seems to be the higher contrast resolution of DLR compared to FSR.

[The value and limitations of sonography and angiography in the investigation of renal masses (author's transl)]. / Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Sonographie und Angiographie bei renalen Raumforderungen.

The diagnostic value of ultrasound and angiography is compared in 80 renal masses. Whereas the overall accuracy is approximately the same (95%), there are inherent limitations to both methods. As to sonography, the limiting factors consist of size, complex echopattern and lack of tissue distinction. Angiography, on the other hand, has its limitations in hypovascular tumors as well as in benign lesions simulating malignancy (abscess, hamartoma).

[Angiography in Crohn's regional enteritis. Its relation to conventional radiological, endoscopic and micro-angiographic findings]. / Die Angiographie bei Enteritis regionalis Crohn. Relation zu konventionell-radiologischen, endoskopischen und mikroangiographischen Befunden

There has been a definite increase in the incidence of Crohn's disease in recent years. A particular feature of this disease is the high incidence of recurrence after surgical removal of affected portions of the gut. This may be due to a resection carried out through a diseased segment and this stresses the importance of recognising early changes. This is not possible by conventional radiology (small bowel examination, barium enema) and is therefore an indication for pre-operative visceral angiography. The results obtained in ten patients, who subsequently came to surgery, were compared with the findings on conventional radiology and endoscopy. Angiography proved the best method for the early demonstration of inflammatory changes. This was confirmed by histological examination of the resected specimen.

[Pulmonary vessel calibre on in- and expiratory chest radiographs in young and old normal people (author's transl)]. / Die Lungengefässkaliber im in- und exspiratorischen Thoraxübersichtsbild bei jungen und bei betagten Gesunden

Changes in pulmonary blood flow as see on chest radiographs have assumed considerable importance recently in the evaluation of left ventricular insufficiency. In order to study the results of poor radiographs on the evaluation of pulmonary haemodynamics, blood-flow patterns were studied in 39 individuals of various ages during normal inspiration, during the Valsalva manoeuvre and during expiration. All had normal lungs. The results indicate that changes in blood-flow patterns and loss of marginal definition of basal vessels are unreliable signs of left-sided insufficiency in old patients or in unco-operative patients, in the presence of a high diaphragm and in the supine position.

[Selective pancreatic angiography and retrograde pancreatic cholangiography as a combined examination]. / Die selektive Pankreas-Angiographie und retrograde Pankreas-Cholangiographie als Kombinationsuntersuchung

The diagnostic value of selective pancreatic angiography and retrograde pancreatic cholangiography used in combination was studied in 24 patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatico-duodenal carcinomas. This was done as a prospective study. The accuracy of the individual methods is 75% and 79% respectively; used in combination, a correct diagnosis is obtained in 91% of cases. The advantage of combining the techniques depends on the fact that they supplement each other.

[From the x-ray department to the institute for imaging diagnosis]. / Von der Röntgenabteilung zum Institut für bildgebende Diagnostik.

The increasing sophistication of diagnostic radiology has led to rising emphasis on modality-related training and practice in radiological subspecialties. To accomplish both optimal patient management and a rational, cost-effective analysis of imaging procedures, a comprehensive approach to modern radiology is needed rather than a technology-related attitude. The imaging department, where the various imaging data are synthesized and correlation by a general practitioner of radiology, as opposed to the subspecialty radiologist, is the most suitable solution. The principles of management and the layout of such a center are described by the authors.