A new roentgenologic method for the digital processing of bronchograms and bronchozonograms is described. It has several advantages compared with methods from coherent optics. It provides improved sharpness and contour visibility of the contrasted bronchi and their details by shading correction and alternative positive or negative display mode and therefore improved image quality compared with conventional bronchograms and bronchozonograms. The accuracy of measurements of bronchial lumina and the evaluation of bronchial patency is significantly improved.
Advantages of digital radiography: Improved low contrast imaging; Image processing capability (on line or post-processing); Lower radiation dose for certain applications ("Dose variation"); Digital storage and data transfer; Only one exposure for different imaging characteristics; Optimised real-time image, "digital fluoroscopy" (DBR); Shorter examination times (DBR); Advantages for technically complicated exposures (intensive care, superpositions in the chest region, pediatry) (DLR); High dynamic range, which eliminates over or under exposure; Real time image processing and display (DBR). Disadvantages of digital radiography; Lower spatial resolution is limiting fine structure (max. theoretical resolution is 31p/mm for 1000 and app. 5 lp/mm for 2000 pixels image matrix); Spatial resolution depends from image intensifier diameter or screen format; Lower SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) for reduced dose, increased noise impression for edge enhancement; Information losses for monitor camera (DBR) -hardcopies; Diagnostic capabilities are reduced by noise and low spatial resolution caused by certain applications (mammography).
CT is valuable to complete ultrasound findings in the evaluation of tumors of the eyeball. Tumoral and nontumoral space-occupying lesions and malformations of the orbit and the exact demarcation of these conditions within the periorbital structures are well demonstrated. In several different pathological conditions the CT appearances are often similar and only sometimes characteristic. Additional clinical data are helpful in giving hints for the diagnostic differentiation of the CT findings.
In inhalation tracheobronchography with niobium powder in rabbits and a volunteer (physician), excellent contour bronchograms with detailed imaging of the structure of the mucosa were obtained. With methodically proper application the niobium particles of 20-40 microns do not penetrate into the alveoli and are quickly (within 1-5 days) eliminated from the bronchi. Investigations with mice have shown, that niobium powder is insoluble, does not irritate tissues and is not resorbed. It is also nontoxic.
The effects of Ioxitalamate/Telebrix-BYK GULDEN were tested for excretion urography and various angiographic applications and in animal experiments (selective renal angiography in 36 dogs). The contrast medium was well tolerated and the radiographs were of good quality. Significant effects were not detected, neither in blood pressure, heart rate and ECG, nor in Se-creatinine, nor in UN-, SGOT and Se-bilirubin values. In 4 cases transient proteinuria was observed. In the kidneys of the dogs no mentionable effects, histological or ultrastructural, were found. The use of Ioxitalamate seems advisable for investigations that require contrast media with low osmotic pressure.
From 192 gymnastic athletes and 216 swimmers the spine radiographs were evaluated. The risks for a too early start of high performance training in gymnastics for the spine are shown. Juvenile osteochondroses before the 10 year were found. Requirements for the elimination of spine diseases are pointed out.
Knowledge of the radiopacity of bromine-containing hypnotics and of halogenated hydrocarbons has led to numerous recommendations and speculations. Supported by own investigations the sensible application of a rapid radiological determination in the practice of clinical toxicology is discussed. This should always be carried out, if solvent residues, gastric contents or gastric lavage fluid are available, a ingestion is suspected, and the result of chemical analysis is not promptly obtainable. However, a hint at the group of halogenated hydrocarbons is only possible, if additional information about miscibility with water is accessible. Revealing the presence of radiopaque material in tablet or liquid form by radiologic studies of the abdomen may be very helpful for the rapid evaluation of symptomatology and first therapeutic consequences, but it does not allow any chemical identification of the poison.
The value of enteroclysma in comparison to peroral roentgenologic imaging of the small bowel is beyond doubt. For the use of applicable double contrast media we carried out comparative investigations in 118 patients with inflammable diseases of the small bowel. 92 patients were investigated with air and 26 with 1% methylcellulose solution in double contrast. Advantages and shortcomings of both methods are discussed. For the diagnostic results as well as for the application of complementing techniques air seems to be better for double contrast studies than methylcellulose.
With ultrasound the testicle sizes of 665 boys aged from 0 to 15 were measured. After computation of linear regression a nomogram of testicle growth in childhood was obtained. Besides testicle size the evaluation of intratesticular structure is another important information for the evaluation of maturity of testicles.
Three women with dwarfism and skeletal defects characteristic for Kniest's dysplasia are described. In two of the patients (from two generations of one family) there are only skeletal defects. In the third patient they are combined with other symptoms pertaining to the tendons, the sclerae, the eye lenses, the retinal vessels and loss of hearing. This allows the conclusion of genetic variations of the disease--such pertaining to the skeleton and others, where the inferiority of collagen is not limited to the skeleton.
With quantitative computed tomography an exact determination of the bone mineral content is possible. For the diagnosis of osteopenia therapy relevant data become available. This requires a quick introduction of this method into routine diagnosis. We give first experiences with the reproducibility of the results and a comparison with conventional roentgenomorphometric and structure-analytic methods for the evaluation of the bone status. It is primarily necessary to establish reference values specific for the GDR population.
