Between April 1989 and March 1993 162 transarterial chemoembolizations (TACE) were performed repeatedly (mean interval: 2.9 months) in 52 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): An emulsion of Lipiodol and epirubicin was injected as selectively as possible in a dosage proportional to liver function and tumour size. Before and after each TACE the size of tumours and ratio of tumour volume containing Lipiodol (RTVCL) were determined in CT and the grade of tumour vascularisation was assessed angiographically. The RTVCL increased from 58% after the first treatment to 73% after the third treatment. RTVCL and Lipiodol retention were higher in responders than in non-responders. Tumours with expansive growth pattern showed a higher response rate (56%) than infiltrating tumours (20%). Mean survival of these patients was different (19 and 8 months; p < 0.01), respectively. Survival rates of all patients were 54, 22, and 11% after 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Repeated TACE shows local effectiveness. Three treatments during a period of one year are recommended for patients with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis.

We report the case of a 55-year-old male patient who presented with non-specific pulmonary symptoms (cough, haemoptysis, fever up to 39 degrees C, night sweats and weight loss). After empirical antibiotic therapy prescribed by his primary care physician, the patient showed no improvement in symptoms. Laboratory findings were: elevated C-reactive protein and C-ANCA, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis, and anaemia. Chest radiography showed disseminated nodules bilaterally. On multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), the bronchial walls showed a significant thickening and extensive peribronchiolar consolidations. Bronchoscopy revealed diffuse erythema of the tracheobronchial mucosa with diffusely scattered white plaques. Histopathology described a multifocal ulcerative bronchitis with underlying chronic bronchitis. These findings in combination with the laboratory data lead to the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Consequently, we started with an immunosuppressive therapy. Chest radiography after 10 days showed marked resolution of the infiltrates. Within 1 month, the patient became asymptomatic.

No abstract

AMBER technique improved conventional chest radiography in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease due to superiority in the superimposed lung regions.

When malignancy is not suspected on clinical grounds the first examination should be sonography, mammography being reserved for cases of doubt. Where, however, malignancy is suspected, and for follow-up, mammography retains its primary position.