[en] The literature study mentions the most significant original publications, review articles and some selected case reports of the year 1997 found in a number of specialized medical journals. (orig./CB)

No abstract available

[en] The survey explains the available methods for diagnostic imaging of aortic aneurysms, i.e. the conventional methods of ultrasonography and intra-arterial angiography as well as the modern tomographic and image processing techniques such as CT, DSA, and MRT. The various methods are briefly discussed with respect to their sensitivity and specificity. The authors expect that MRI will become the modality of choice, due to absence of radiation exposure of the patients

[en] The aim of this study was evaluation of MRI alone and in combination with mammography and galactography in the diagnosis of intraductal papillomas. From 1994 to 1998, a total of 48 women presenting with pathologic mammary secretion underwent galactography and magnetic resonance mammography (MRM). Thirty-five patients aged 16-71 years (average age 46 years) subsequently underwent surgery or diagnostic puncture and the histologic findings were compared with the results of the radiologic examination. Histology revealed papillomas in 16 cases. In 6 of these patients, there was associated malignant degeneration. Malignancy without associated papilloma was observed in 3 cases. Galactography displayed a sensitivity of 94 % and a specificity of 79 % with five false-positive findings and one false-negative finding in the recognition of intraductal papillomas. Malignant processes were detected by mammography/galactography in only one instance. Magnetic resonance mammography visualized pathologic contrast medium uptake in 8 of 9 cases of malignant disease (sensitivity 89 %). One patient with in situ ductal carcinoma escaped detection with MRM. Papillomas showed no or below-the-threshold-lying contrast uptakes with no specific sign suggestive of papilloma. Galactography in combination with mammography remains the primary diagnostic procedure in cases of pathologic mammary secretion or suspected papilloma. The addition of MRI permits exclusion of malignant disease with a high degree of certainty; thus, expectant management in individual cases with negative findings appears justified. (orig.)

[en] Purpose: Evaluation of MR-imaging in the follow-up of patients after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms concerning detection of endoleaks. Materials and Methods: In the postoperative follow-up after endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms, 10 consecutive patients (mean age: 68 years) were suspected to have an endoleak by helical CT and were scheduled for conventional angiography, preceded by supplemental MR-imaging to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The images of helical CT and MRI were evaluated by two independent readers concerning leak, feeding vessel and artifacts. Results: The follow-up MRI was able to detect all endoleaks (type 1 endoleak, n=7; type 2 endoleak, n=3) compared to all but one detected by helical CT. Of the 10 patients with an endoleak, MR-angiography visualized the feeding vessel in 7 patients and CT in one patient. MRI did show fewer metal artifacts from the stent wire than CT. For the visualization of feeding vessels and endoleaks, MRA achieved statistically significant superiority. In a single case, helical-CT was not reliable because of strange metal artefacts after previous coil embolization. Conclusion: MRI is comparable to helical-CT in detecting endoleaks and superior to CT in demonstrating the anatomy of the feeding vessel after endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms. The major advantages are fewer artifacts after coil embolization and absent radiation exposure. (orig.)

[en] Pain originating from the organs of the upper abdomen, especially in patients suffering from inoperable carcinoma of the pancreas or advanced inflammatory conditions, is difficult to treat in a significant number of patients. Computed tomography (CT) guided neurolysis is the most commonly used technique for neurolysis of the celiac plexus. Ethanol is used to destroy the nociceptive fibers passing through the plexus and provides an effective means of diminishing pain arising from the upper abdomen. Using either an anterior or posterior approach, a 22 G Chiba needle is advanced to the antecrural space and neurolysis is achieved by injecting a volume of 20-50 ml of ethanol together with a local anesthetic and contrast medium. In up to 80 % of patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen, CT-guided celiac plexus neurolysis diminishes pain or allows a reduction of analgesic medication; however, in some patients the effect may only be temporary necessitating a second intervention. In inflammatory conditions, celiac neurolysis is often less effective in reducing abdominal pain. The CT-guided procedure for neurolysis of the celiac plexus is safe and effective in diminishing pain especially in patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen. The procedure can be repeated if the effect is only temporary. (orig.)

[en] Retrospective evaluation of interventional embolization therapy in the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage over a long-term observation period from 1989 to 1997. Included in the study were 35 patients (age range 18-89 years) with gastrointestinal bleeding (GI) referred for radiological intervention either primarily or following unsuccessful endoscopy or surgery. Sources of GI bleeding included gastric and duodenal ulcers (n = 7), diverticula (n = 3), erosion of the intestinal wall secondary to malignancy (n = 6), vascular malformations (n = 4), and hemorrhoids (n = 2), as well as from postoperative (n = 6), posttraumatic (n = 2), postinflammatory (n = 4) or unknown (n = 1) causes. Ethibloc (12 cases) or metal coils (14 cases) were predominantly used as embolisates. In addition, combinations of tissue adhesive and gelfoam particles and of coils and Ethibloc were used (six cases). Finally, polyvinyl alcohol particles, a coated stent, and an arterial wire dissection were utilized in one case each. Bleeding was stopped completely in 29 of 35 cases (83 %). In one case (3 %) the source of bleeding was recognized but the corresponding vessel could not be catheterized. In five other cases (14 %) there was partial success with reduced, though still persistent, bleeding. The rate of complications was 14 %, including four instances of intestinal ischemia with fatal outcome in the first years, and, later, one partial infarction of the spleen without serious consequences. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage can be controlled in a high percentage of patients, including the seriously ill and those who had previously undergone surgery, with the use of minimally invasive interventional techniques. The availability of minicoils instead of fluid embolization agents has reduced the risk of serious complications. (orig.)

[en] A 63 year-old female patient presented herself because of abdominal distension, without being able to report specific complaints. Clinical examination found a well palpable, elastic and engorged abdominal tumour approximately of the size of a football. Conventional imaging of the small intestine according to Sellink with subsequent delayed film revealed in the first instance a displacement of intestinal loops and of the colon frame, with no signs of an onstruction. A similar diagnosis resulted from intraarterial angiography of the abdominal vessels, showing a displacement of the truncus coeliacus, and the A. mesenterica superior. There were no signs of vascular occlusions or pathologic tumour vessels. Surgery revealed a tumour of about 10 kg, with pathologic vascular connection and a broad area of contact to neighbouring intestinal loops. Control CT performed one year after surgery revealed newly developed, multiple, nodular formations, their structure and contrast signs being similar to those of the primary tumour. (orig./VHE)

[en] The so-called non-occlusive disease (NOD) or non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a severe and life-threatening pathology. Even under optimal circumstances and standardised diagnostic and therapeutic procedures maximum survival rates do not exceed 50%. The NOD is a pathology of the elder patient and its incidence rises with other comorbidities such as reduced cardiac output, diabetes and renal insufficiency. Induction of the disease with a severe vasoconstriction of the splanchnic vessels may be a simple cardiac decompensation, a frequent trigger however is a previous heart surgery with consecutive cardiac shock. Early diagnosis is difficult to conduct because of unspecific symptoms. Beside abdominal pain in awake patients, ileus or subileus is remaining the single acute symptom which could be also a consequence of a postoperative paralysis. Laboratory parameters such as leucocytosis and elevated lactat levels are often positive, but unspecific and the latter may be a delayed sign of progressive disease. The only sufficient method for diagnosis implicating a possible treatment option seems to be an immediate angiographic examination. Because of the disappointing results of a solitary surgical approach transarterial medication via catheter is indicated. Depending of the course of the disease only a combination of local mesenteric infusion of vasodilatory drugs and surgical resection of already necrotic bowel promises a successful therapeutic approach and better survival rates. (orig.)

[en] Purpose: Aim of this prospective study was to investigate the incidence of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD) and cerebral ischemia in patients with suspected sCAD by using a combined head-neck MR-imaging protocol. Materials and Methods: 51 consecutive patients (24 m, 27 f, mean age 39.5 years, range 18 - 55 yrs) admitted to our stroke unit with suspected sCAD according to clinical criteria and age <55 years underwent a combined head and neck MR examination within 24 hours of admission (Gyroscan Intera 1.5 T, Philips). Head MRI included ax FLAIR, ax T₁, ax DWI and TOF angiography (imaging time 12 min). Neck MRI consisted of ax T1w-TSE, T2w-TSE, contrast enhanced T1w-TSE and CE-MRA (imaging time 17 min). Three radiologists assessed both studies in consensus with regard to the presence of sCAD and acute ischemia. Results: One patient had to be excluded because of motion artefacts. In 17 of 50 patients sCAD was diagnosed, and in 20 of 50 patients cerebral ischemia. In 5 patients cerebral ischemia was caused by sCAD. Conclusion: The proposed combined MR protocol allows imaging work-up of patients with suspected sCAD within approximately 30 min, resulting in conclusive information about the status of the extracranial vasculature and the presence of ischemia. The high incidence of patients with definite sCAD and the low incidence of cerebral ischemia indicates the necessity of an early definite diagnosis in order to start timely anticoagulation to prevent development of stroke. (orig.)