Echo-enhanced color Doppler cystosonography of vesicoureteral reflux in children: Improvement by stimulated acoustic emission

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the potential of echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography (ee-CDS) using the acoustic stimulated emission technique in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children.

Material and Methods: 30 children (age: 0–9 years) with suspicion of VUR were submitted for echo-enhanced cystosonography (ee-CS) and conventional voiding cysto-urethrography (VCU). Conventional US and then color Doppler sonography (CDS) were performed after instillation of Levovist into the catheterized urinary bladder that had been prefilled with saline. Finally, output gain was increased in order to ‘burst’ the bubbles (= stimulated acoustic emission, burst-CS). Thereafter VCU was performed in the same session. The results of conventional ee-CS and burst-CS were compared to VCU findings.

Results: Twenty-four refluxing systems were found in a total of 66 collecting systems by both techniques. Ee-CS and burst-CS detected VUR in four systems not seen by VCU (grades 1–4), but missed low-degree VUR in 2 cases. In low-degree VUR, burst-CS was particularly helpful in 9 patients with equivocal results on conventional ee-CS. In 6 of them, VUR was proven by burst-CS, the other 3 showed VURs neither on VCU nor on burst-CS.

Conclusion: Levovist ee-CS is feasible in the pediatric bladder. It enables reliable visualization of VUR in the renal collecting system. Burst-CS improves visualization of contrast reflux, particularly in non-dilative or minimally dilative VUR, which is sometimes difficult to depict with conventional ee-CS.

[3D cross section of the laryngotracheal tract. A new method for visualization and quantification of tracheal stenoses]

PURPOSE

Demonstration of a technique for 3D assessment of tracheal stenoses, regarding site, length and degree, based on spiral computed tomography (S-CT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

S-CT scanning and automated segmentation of the laryngo-tracheal tract (LTT) was followed by the extraction of the LTT medial axis using a skeletonisation algorithm. Orthogonal to the medial axis the LTT 3D cross sectional profile was computed and presented as line charts, where degree and length were obtained. Values for both parameters were compared between 36 patients and 18 normal controls separately. Accuracy and precision was derived from 17 phantom studies.

RESULTS

Average degree and length of tracheal stenoses were found to be 60.5% and 4.32 cm in patients compared to minor caliber changes of 8.8% and 2.31 cm in normal controls (p <0.005). For the phantoms an excellent correlation between the true and computed 3D cross sectional profile was found (p <0.005) and an accuracy for length and degree measurements of 2.14 mm and 2.53% respectively could be determined. The corresponding figures for the precision were found to be 0.92 mm and 2.56%.

CONCLUSION

LTT 3D cross sectional profiles permit objective, accurate and precise assessment of LTT caliber changes. Minor LTT caliber changes can be observed even in normals and, in case of an otherwise normal S-CT study, can be regarded as artefacts.

Echo-enhanced color Doppler cystosonography of vesicoureteral reflux in children. Improvement by stimulated acoustic emission

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the potential of echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography (ee-CDS) using the acoustic stimulated emission technique in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

30 children (age: 0-9 years) with suspicion of VUR were submitted for echo-enhanced cystosonography (ee-CS) and conventional voiding cysto-urethrography (VCU). Conventional US and then color Doppler sonography (CDS) were performed after instillation of Levovist into the catheterized urinary bladder that had been prefilled with saline. Finally, output gain was increased in order to 'burst' the bubbles (= stimulated acoustic emission, burst-CS). Thereafter VCU was performed in the same session. The results of conventional ee-CS and burst-CS were compared to VCU findings.

RESULTS

Twenty-four refluxing systems were found in a total of 66 collecting systems by both techniques. Ee-CS and burst-CS detected VUR in four systems not seen by VCU (grades 1-4), but missed low-degree VUR in 2 cases. In low-degree VUR, burst-CS was particularly helpful in 9 patients with equivocal results on conventional ee-CS. In 6 of them, VUR was proven by burst-CS, the other 3 showed VURs neither on VCU nor on burst-CS.

CONCLUSION

Levovist ee-CS is feasible in the pediatric bladder. It enables reliable visualization of VUR in the renal collecting system. Burst-CS improves visualization of contrast reflux, particularly in non-dilative or minimally dilative VUR, which is sometimes difficult to depict with conventional ee-CS.

Conventional imaging in paediatric uroradiology

OBJECTIVE

To briefly describe basic conventional imaging in paediatric uroradiology.

METHOD

The state of the art performance of standard imaging techniques (intravenous urography (IVU), voiding cystourethrography (VCU), and ultrasound (US)) is described, with emphasis on technical aspects, indications, and patient preparation such as adequate hydration. Only basic applications as used in routine clinical work are included.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Conventional imaging methods are irreplaceable. They cover the majority of daily clinical routine queries, with consecutive indication of more sophisticated modalities in those patients who need additional imaging for establishing the final diagnosis or outlining therapeutic options.

[Trauma radiology in the child]

The aim of this review article is to familiarize the reader with the specific paediatric conditions in trauma radiology. The article briefly describes the major pathophysiologic differences in childhood and the consecutive altered injury pattern. The standard radiological imaging protocol for various involved body regions and different trauma settings/varying queries is described, with suggestion for standardised diagnostic flow-charts in some typical settings. Special regard is given to radiation protection and the potential of newer imaging modalities such as ultrasound, multi-detector- and spiral CT as well as MRI in paediatric trauma patients. As such the paper hopefully provides some basic guidelines for general radiologists in peripheral hospitals who less often have to deal with paediatric queries.

[Nontraumatic injury (battered child)]

The recognition of a battered child represents a challenge for all groups of adults dealing with children. Radiology plays a special role in this setting. By detection typical injuries, imaging is able to confirm the suspicion of a battered child. Recognition of those injuries on films, taken for other reasons, gives the caretaker an important hint, thus maybe preventing a fatal outcome for the child. One of the most important injury types is represented by the so called "shaken baby syndrome". The infant is held by the thorax and shaken. Thus causing a repetitive acceleration-deceleration trauma, which leads to the typical paravertebral rib fractures, intracranial bleeding and eye injuries. After shaking the child is thrown away, with subsequent injuries. The aim of this article is the presentation of an overview regarding the radiology of the battered child. Typical examples will be shown.

Symptomatic intraspinal synovial cysts of the lumbar spine: correlation of MR and surgical findings

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of associated MR imaging findings in patients with symptomatic lumbar intraspinal synovial cysts, and to correlate MR with surgical findings. MR imaging studies of 18 patients with surgically and histopathologically proven lumbar intraspinal synovial cysts were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with surgical findings. The diameters of the synovial cysts ranged from 10 mm to 28 mm, with a mean of 16 mm. A nonhemorrhagic cyst was found in 15 patients (83%), and a hemorrhagic cyst in three patients (17%). Degenerative spondylolisthesis was found in six patients (33%) at the level of the synovial cyst, with displacement ranging from 3 to 5 mm, mean 4 mm. Surgery revealed instability and hypermobility of the facet joint at the level of the synovial cyst in all patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and in five additional patients. Symptomatic synovial cysts of the lumbar spine were associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in six of 18 patients (33%) and with instability of the facet joint in 11 (61%). These findings may support the theory that increased segmental motion plays a role in the pathogenesis of synovial cysts.

Sonography and color Doppler sonography for monitoring conservatively treated infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of sonography in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis undergoing conservative medical treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-two infants (17 male and 5 female; age range, 1-12 weeks) were clinically and sonographically considered suitable for conservative treatment and underwent follow-up during the course of the disease. Sonography was performed under a standardized protocol and included color Doppler sonography.

RESULTS

Fifteen infants (mean age, 9 weeks) needed surgery. They initially had a mean pyloric length of 18 mm, a diameter of 10.5 mm, and a wall thickness of 4 mm, with visible passage of food into the duodenum. These values deteriorated during follow-up (mean preoperative values: length, 20 mm; diameter, 12 mm; and wall thickness, 4.5 mm); furthermore, passage of food through the pyloric canal ceased. Seven infants (mean age, 3 weeks) were successfully treated conservatively Their initial mean pyloric measurements were slightly smaller (length, 15 mm; diameter, 10 mm; and wall thickness, 3.8 mm) and did not deteriorate during follow-up. In all of them, sonography showed improvement of passage through the pyloric canal within several days, as shown and documented by color Doppler sonography; morphologic changes persisted longer despite clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonography, including color Doppler sonography, is a valuable tool for monitoring infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis undergoing conservative treatment; however, initial sonograms cannot predict the further course of the disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux and diaphragmatic motility after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

At the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Graz, 31 boys and 23 girls were operated on for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) from 1978 to 1994. In 49 patients the defect was on the left, in five on the right side. In 46 cases, the hernia was diagnosed within the first week of life; in eight children at a later date. 19 children (35%) died. 25 of the 35 survivors (71%) came to a follow-up examination on average 9.4 (1-17) years after the operation. 24 h pH-monitoring or manometry and Upper G.I. series revealed pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in 16 patients. Nine children were treated conservatively; in seven patients an antireflux procedure was performed. A thoracic position of the stomach or left liver lobe, presence of a hernial sac, gestational age, prenatal diagnosis, use of a patch or severity of lung hypoplasia did not significantly influence the incidence of GER. In three patients, a hiatal hernia was found. The motility of the diaphragm was documented with M-mode sonography (n = 18); a restricted motility could be demonstrated in five patients. GER is very common in patients after repair of CDH. We recommend long-term follow-up with special interest in respect of GER.

Echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography in children and adolescents

Fifty-one patients, with a range of underlying pathologic conditions, were studied prospectively to assess the diagnostic value of echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography in the pediatric and adolescent population Their diagnoses included various tumors, vascular disorders, cerebral bleeding, pathologic conditions of small parts, and focal lesions of parenchymal organs. All patients underwent color Doppler sonography before proceeding to echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography. Diagnoses were confirmed by additional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and scintigraphy) performed as appropriate, with or without histologic study. An additional 20 children did not proceed to echoenhanced color Doppler sonography as color Doppler sonography alone was found to be sufficiently diagnostic. Levovist (SHU 508A), a contrast agent based on galactose-encapsulated air microbubbles, is approved for pediatric applications in Austria and was used as the echo-enhancing agent. Echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography was performed a total of 63 times in 51 patients (mean age, 9.8 years). Compared to color Doppler sonography, echo-enhanced color Doppler sonography either detected or enhanced visualization of pathologic conditions in 55 investigations (87.3%), yielding an overall accuracy of 95.2% (sensitivity, 95%), versus 65.7% with color Doppler sonography. One spinal arteriovenous malformation, one cerebral cavernoma, and one liver lesion were missed. The contrast material was easy to administer; no adverse reactions were observed. We conclude that echoenhanced color Doppler sonography is beneficial in pediatric sonography. It enhances visualization of vessels and perfusion, thus offering a nonionizing imaging tool for detection and follow-up evaluation of pathologic conditions with disturbed vasculature in specific cases. In infants and in persons with superficial lesions it did not offer significant advantages over color Doppler sonography.

Stroke following appendectomy under general anesthesia in a patient with basilar impression

We report a boy who developed a vertebral stroke immediately after an appendectomy. Basilar impression was diagnosed eight years after this event when skull roentgenograms revealed basilar impression with high standing tip of the odontoid. We speculate that muscle relaxation and cervical hyperextension during intubation in the presence of basilar impression resulted in vertebral artery dissection and stroke. We suggest that patients with vertebral stroke and no obvious risk factors should be evaluated for the presence of malformations of the craniovertebral junction to be able to take precautions against excessive neck movement during intubation.

CT findings in post-operative subphrenic abscess with teratomatous inclusions

A 39-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain after tubal sterilization. CT showed a subphrenic abscess with fatty inclusions owing to laceration or rupture of a mature ovarian teratoma. Although subphrenic abscess is a well recognized post-operative complication, and ovarian teratomas are frequent, a teratomatous inclusion within a subphrenic abscess is a unique finding.

Diagnosis of lateral hypopharyngeal pouches: a comparative study of videofluorography and pseudovalsalva maneuver in double contrast pharyngography

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the difference between the pseudovalsalva maneuver in double-contrast pharyngography and the videofluorographic swallowing examination in the detection and grading of lateral hypopharyngeal pouches.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-seven videofluorographic swallowing examinations and double-contrast pharyngography using the pseudovalsalva maneuver were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. The mean age of the patients was 54 years (range = 21-81 years). The examination was performed on a fluoroscopy unit with a U-matic videorecording system in standard projections. Iodinated contrast agent was used, followed by barium if there was no massive aspiration.

RESULTS

In contrast to the videofluorographic swallowing examination, which showed 170 lateral hypopharyngeal pouches (113 grade I, 39 grade II, 18 grade III) in 101 patients, the pseudovalsalva maneuver showed 304 pouches (304 grade III) in 179 patients. No videofluorographically diagnosed lateral hypopharyngeal pouches were missed by the pseudovalsalva maneuver; 134 pouches in 78 patients diagnosed with pseudovalsalva maneuver had no correlation videofluorographically.

CONCLUSION

Double-contrast pharyngography using the pseudovalsalva maneuver is not a reliable method for the diagnosis of lateral hypopharyngeal pouches.

Visceral manifestation of cat scratch disease in children. A consequence of altered immunological state?

A 12-year-old girl with a 2-month history of fever and abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Ultrasound and CT scans of the abdomen showed multiple hypoechoic lesions of liver and spleen. Screening for zoonosis revealed high positive titers to Bartonella henselae. T-cell deficiency was demonstrated and remained almost unchanged during a follow-up of 11 months. A review of the literature shows that disseminated visceral affection is a rare presentation of cat scratch disease (CSD) in childhood and adolescence. Further immunological investigations are needed in more patients with CSD to confirm whether an altered immunological state may be responsible for the atypical visceral manifestation of CSD.

Ex juvantibus approach for chronic posterior laryngitis: results of short-term pantoprazole therapy

The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with chronic posterior laryngitis and symptoms of gastro-pharyngeal reflux benefit from a six-week therapy with pantoprozole. Twenty-nine out-patients with voice disorders (case history of at least two months) and simultaneous symptoms of gastro-pharyngeal reflux were recruited for this study. At the entry to the study a symptom questionnaire and a video-laryngo/stroboscopy were completed. The symptom questionnaire and the video-laryngo/stroboscopy were repeated after the six weeks of therapy with pantoprazole 40 mg once a day and again six weeks and three months after this follow-up, during which time the patient was without therapy. Hoarseness, globus pharyngeus, sore throat, heartburn, and coughing were the symptoms which showed a significant (p < 0.05) recovery at the follow-ups (mean of hoarseness index: 7.28 to 0.92; mean of globus pharyngeus index: 3.14 to 0.58; mean of heartburn index: 2.86 to 0.5; mean of cough index: 1.72 to 0.25; mean of throat soreness index: 1.72 to 0.15). Laryngoscopy scores of the posterior laryngeal region, the glottic and the supraglottic region showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) after the treatment with pantoprazole. The therapeutic effect exceeded the drug administration until the last follow-up (after three months). The medication was tolerated without side-effects in all patients. A primary (ex juvantibus) therapy with proton pump inhibitors seems to be a therapeutic option for patients with long-lasting chronic inflammation of the larynx not responding to common therapy. In this case a six-week course of treatment has been shown to be sufficient.

Drop metastases in a patient with a chondroid chordoma of the clivus

Metastasising chordomas are extremely rare and only four cases with drop metastases have been reported. We report a patient with an intracranial chondroid chordoma, typically involving the clivus, treated by repeated resection, percutaneous transluminal embolisation and radiosurgery. During follow-up with MRI asymptomatic intradural drop metastases were observed throughout the spine, with transgression of the intervertebral foramen, forming a "dumbbell".

The reliability of bone age determination in central European children using the Greulich and Pyle method

This study assessed the reliability of bone age determination in normal central European children using the Greulich and Pyle method and determined the effects of readers' experience on the measured bone ages. Plain hand radiographs of 47 children (aged 2 months to 18.8 years) with normal growth were analysed by four radiologists (two experienced paediatric radiologists and two radiology residents). The readers were blinded to the age of the children. The images were re-read by the same readers 2 months later. The mean intraobserver and interobserver variations were lower for experienced readers than for radiology residents. However, these differences were not statistically significant at the 5% level. The difference between the chronological age and the measured bone age was -1.5 +/- 7.6 months (p = 0.20) for the experienced readers and 2.7 +/- 10.3 months (p = 0.09) for the radiology residents. The differences between the measured bone age and chronological age were statistically significant (p = 0.04) for only one of the two radiology residents. Although the measurements by all four readers underestimated the chronological age, the differences between chronological age and bone age were within the normal variations of skeletal maturation as reported by Greulich and Pyle. Our data suggest that the reliability of bone age measurements increases with experience and that the Greulich and Pyle method may be used for central European children.

High-resolution CT findings in Wilson-Mikity syndrome: a case report

Wilson-Mikity syndrome (WMS), an uncommon cause of respiratory distress presenting after birth, is radiologically characterised by varying degrees of interstitial thickening and bilateral cyst-like foci of hyperinflation. Aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. There are few reports of WMS in the paediatric literature and none describing the features and value of high-resolution CT. The purpose of this report is to describe the radiographic findings and high-resolution CT appearance of WMS and to correlate them with the histopathological findings.

Value of echo-enhanced Doppler sonography in evaluation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

OBJECTIVE

The value of echo-enhanced color and power Doppler sonography in the evaluation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) was assessed and compared with that of unenhanced Doppler sonography and portal angiography.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In a prospective randomized trial, 31 shunts in 30 patients underwent unenhanced conventional color and power Doppler sonography and portal venography including pressure measurements. The patients were allocated to either echo-enhanced conventional color Doppler sonography or echo-enhanced power Doppler sonography. For echo enhancement, a galactose-based suspension was administered IV. Shunt stenoses, if present, were quantified by percentage of stenosis and correlated with angiography, which was the gold standard. The diagnostic confidence of unenhanced and echo-enhanced Doppler sonography was assessed using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

In the diagnosis of shunt occlusion, echo-enhanced Doppler sonography yielded a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively, compared with 100% and 89%, respectively, for unenhanced Doppler sonography. Our evaluation of hemodynamically significant stenoses (portosystemic gradient > or = 15 mm Hg) found echo-enhanced Doppler sonography to be superior to unenhanced Doppler sonography (sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 83%, respectively, compared with 64% and 80%, respectively). In the detection of a shunt stenosis based on morphologic criteria only, echo-enhanced Doppler sonography yielded a sensitivity and a specificity of 78% and 100%, respectively, compared with 47% and 50%, respectively, for unenhanced Doppler sonography. Power Doppler imaging did not improve diagnostic accuracy but did increase diagnostic confidence for unenhanced Doppler sonography compared with conventional color Doppler sonography. The diagnostic confidence for sonographic evaluation of TIPS was significantly (p < .001) increased and the variability of hemodynamic measurements was markedly decreased with echo-enhanced sonography.

CONCLUSION

Echo-enhanced Doppler sonography provides images of TIPS like those of angiography and allows morphologic assessment of the shunts, complementary to the essential pulsed Doppler waveform analysis that would be performed in a more guided manner. Also, echo-enhanced Doppler sonography significantly increases the sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of shunt dysfunction. The high diagnostic confidence and the diminished variability of spectral Doppler measurements may improve acceptance of sonographic evaluation of TIPS. Echo-enhanced Doppler sonography is safe and effective and may reduce the instances in which TIPS sonographic surveillance is nondiagnostic, in which case angiographic assessment is required.

Functional imaging of the pharynx using electron beam tomography

Due to long scan times it was impossible to make dynamic swallowing imaging using computer tomography (CT) of the third or fourth generation. This study evaluates whether electron beam tomography with scan times of 100 ms enables a more detailed dynamic imaging of swallowing disorders. Examination using electron beam tomography was done in three planes: (1) Passavant's cushion (n = 6), (2) thyrohyoid membrane (n = 9), and (3) upper esophageal sphincter (n = 5). The technique is discussed here in detail and documented with figures of the plane before swallowing as well as the intradeglutitive reachend plane. This study shows that electron beam tomography enables dynamic imaging of pharyngeal deglutition in transverse planes and can give useful additional information to the videofluorographic or kinematographic swallowing examination, which remain the gold standard in the functional evaluation of swallowing disorders.

Aspiration resulting from lateral hypopharyngeal pouches

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of postdeglutitive aspiration in lateral hypopharyngeal pouches and to correlate postdeglutitive aspiration to pouch size and dynamics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two radiologists retrospectively analyzed 325 videofluorography examinations of patients swallowing. The 325 patients were 22-81 years old, 173 men and 152 women. Patients who had undergone surgery of the hypopharynx were excluded from the study. All pouches found on videofluorography were classified into grade I, II, or III. Because iodinated contrast agent had been used initially, patients who had no or minimal aspiration underwent a second imaging examination using high-density barium.

RESULTS

Of the 325 patients, 118 had lateral hypopharyngeal pouches: 77 bilateral and 41 unilateral. Postdeglutitive aspiration was diagnosed in 14 (56%) of the 25 grade III pouches and in two (3%) ot the 58 grade II pouches. Aspiration was not seen in any of the 112 grade I pouches.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of postdeglutitive aspiration is high in patients who have grade III pouches. To date, no appropriate conservative treatment has been described; however, in severe cases surgery is warranted.

Topographic evaluation of lateral hypopharyngeal pouches using electron beam tomography

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the exact topography of lateral hypopharyngeal pouches using electron beam tomography.

METHODS

Seventeen patients, nine female, eight male, aged 28-72 years, who showed lateral hypopharyngeal pouches in the videofluorographic swallowing examination were studied using electron beam tomography. Upon swallowing a 20-ml bolus of water, the region of the thyrohyoid membrane was scanned 20 times per level. Scan parameters: single slice cine mode (exposure time 100 ms, slice thickness 3 mm, 620 mA, 130 KV).

RESULTS

The lateral hypopharyngeal pouches appeared air-filled in the posterior aspect of the thyrohyoid membrane closely attached to the upper horn of the thyroid cartilage, just below the hyoid bone.

CONCLUSIONS

With electron beam tomography it was possible to define the topographic location of the pouches more accurately, compared with the prior assumption of position.

HRCT features in a 5-year-old child with follicular bronchiolitis

High-resolution CT (HRCT) is the most sensitive radiographic method to image small airways disease. We discuss the HRCT features of follicular bronchiolitis in a 5-year-old boy and correlate them with the histopathological findings. The changes described include centrilobular nodules, bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis, branching opacities and areas of reduced lung attenuation.

Comparison of mammographic image quality in various methods of reconstructive breast surgery

The purpose of our study was to evaluate mammographic image quality of various methods of reconstructive breast surgery with specific reference to the possibility of diagnosis of recurrent tumors. A total of 39 patients who underwent breast reconstruction following modified radical mastectomy were subject to clinical and mammographic examination. Three groups were formed: (a) autonomous tissue reconstruction (TRAM-flap; n = 9), (b) submuscular silicon gel prostheses (n = 21), and (c) supramuscular silicon gel prostheses (n = 9). Mammographic image quality of the groups was compared by two radiologists working together using a point system where five specific criteria were valued and scored. The result was tabulated into three quality levels: good, acceptable, and limited. Mammograms were assessed as good, acceptable, or limited, respectively, as follows: group I: 7 (77.8%), 1 (11.1%), 1 (11.1%); group II: 4 (19%), 11 (52.4%), 6 (28.6%); group III: 3 (33.3%), 4 (44.5%), 2 (22.2%). The TRAM-flap method of reconstruction displays a high degree of mammographic image quality and therefore is preferable with respect to early diagnosis of recurrent tumors.

[Functional studies of swallowing with electron beam computerized tomography]

Functional evaluation of swallowing disorders requires rapid imaging modalities. Videofluorography and cinematography are the gold standard, but they have their limitations: no transverse plane imaging is achieved and structural resolution for exact topographic analysis is limited. Three cases preselected by videofluorography were studied to evaluate whether electron beam tomography (EBT) permits more detailed dynamic imaging of swallowing disorders focusing on the mesonasopharyngeal segment, the hypopharynx and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Immediately after videofluorographic examination of the oropharyngeal deglutition, EBT is performed. The patient is in a supine position and while the patient swallows a 20 ml bolus of water or diluted iodine containing contrast agent, a sequence of 20 images per level is scanned. The levels, which are determined by using the scout view, are oriented parallel to the hard palate either at the level of the hard palate to image the mesonasopharyngeal segment or just above the hyoid bone to focus on the hypopharynx or at the location of the UES. The scan technique is a single-slice cinemode with a slice thickness of 3 mm (exposure time 100 ms, interscan delay 16 ms, 130 kV, 620 mA). The following structural interactions that we have so far been unable to image can be clearly demonstrated with EBT: (1) during normal swallowing, the mesonasopharyngeal segment is completely and symmetrically closed by the soft palate and Passavant's cushion; (2) lateral hypopharyngeal pouches can be located more precisely; and (3) disorders of the UES can be differentiated into functional or morphologically caused disorders (e.g., goiter or cervical osetophytes). Videofluorography and cinematography are still the gold standard in functional evaluation of swallowing disorders. However, EBT permits dynamic imaging of pharyngeal deglutition in a preselected transverse plane and can give useful additional information concerning functional anatomical changes in the pharynx during swallowing. Further clinical evaluation is needed.

[Mammography of the reconstructed breast--a comparison of different methods of reconstruction]

The choice of a breast reconstruction technique is considerably influenced by the possibility of detecting recurrence. Mammography is the most important diagnostic aid in detecting a tumor. We have compared the mammographic evaluation of different reconstruction methods. 41 patients were investigated and divided into three subgroups: Group I (n = 10): Reconstruction with autologous tissue (TRAM-flap); group II (n = 22): Reconstruction with silicone gel-filled implants, muscle and soft tissue replacement (latissimus flap or submuscular expander technique and silicone gel prostheses); group III (n = 9): Reconstruction with silicone gel-filled implants. Evaluation was performed employing a scoring system. The mammographic appearance of autologous breast reconstructions consisting of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle is comparable to involuted breasts. One mammography in this group was of poor, one of acceptable, and eight of good quality. Autologous reconstruction is associated with the highest chance of recurrence detection. Within group II and III, parts of the reconstructed breast are covered by the X-ray absorbing silicone gel prosthesis. In group II, seven mammographies were considered poor, 14 acceptable, and one good; in group III it was two, four und three respectively. The interpretation depended on the implant soft tissue ratio. If thin soft tissue layers cover the prosthesis, inspection and palpation become increasingly important, nevertheless it is not possible to achieve comparable data as with mammography.