In order to evaluate the sensitivity of ultrasound to intraperitoneal fluid, such as ascites or blood, an experimental study was performed in the pig. Various amounts of fluid were injected into the peritoneal cavity to investigate distribution and diagnostic criteria in different positions. As little as 10 ml of fluid was visualized around the urinary bladder in an upright position. In the supine position, 20 ml could be detected around the bladder and 30 ml around the liver. The injection of at least 60 ml resulted in a pattern of free-floating bowel loops. The sonographic findings of fluid distribution were correlated to radiological studies. As different amounts of fluid produce characteristic sonographic patterns, an approximate estimation of the intraperitoneal fluid volume can be made.

The pleural cavity of ten young pigs was punctured and pilled with specific amounts of fluid. Subsequently chest films were obtained in ap and lateral erect and in cross-table lateral decubitus position. Only 2 cases of these pigs radiographed in the erect position (after injection of 80 and even 100 ml of fluid) gave clear evidence of pleural effusion. Indirect signs of pleural effusion (such as blunting of the costophrenic angles; unsharpness, flatting or "elevation" of the diaphragm as a sign of subpulmonic effusion), however, were already noted with only 20 ml of pleural fluid. In contrast to these exams done in the erect position, the radiographs obtained in cross table lateral decubitus position showed as little as 5 ml of fluid. Therefore, the cross table lateral decubitus position is ideal for the work up of suspected pleural effusion.

Clinical and laboratory data are frequently unspecific in acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of infants. As prognosis is dependent on early treatment, a timely radiologic diagnosis is mandatory. Because of specialties in the vascular supply, the roentgenmorphologic alterations of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in infants differ from the appearance of the disease in other age groups. The acute osteomyelitis in infants frequently leads to destruction of the epiphysis and purulent joint effusion. A subtle analysis of soft tissue lesions will already rise suspicion for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis before destructive or reactive osseous alterations prove the diagnosis by roentgenology. Nuclear medicine examinations of the bone have contributed significantly to radiologic diagnosis of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in infants despite of few negative results. Osseous trauma and other diseases should be included in differential diagnosis. Especially in neonatals and premature infants, variations in the typical course and appearance of the disease may occur.

The case of a six year old girl with metastatic (or primarily multifocal) osteogenic sarcoma is reported, which was treated with chemotherapy only. Within 15 months— the primary tumor regressed and at least a transient inactivation has resulted until now;— the pulmonary metastases showed no progression;— an osteoplastic destruction of the sacrum has completely regressed.