Computer tomographic and histopathological findings in 55 patients who died of the complications of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were reviewed retrospectively. In 23 patients (42%) an increased space of the internal or external cerebral spinal fluid was diagnosed. 20 patients (36%) had focal lesions. We differentiated between single, multiple and ring-shaped lesions with contrast enhancement and hypodense lesions. In 12 cases (22%) no CT abnormalities were found. Focal lesions proved to be secondary to toxoplasmosis in 85%. Single lesions were never caused by toxoplasmosis.

Calcaneus tendons and ankles of 25 practising marathon runners were investigated by sonography and MR. We applied a 7.5 MHz transducer for sonography. Axial and sagittal T1-weighted, proton density-weighted, and T2-weighted SE images were performed. MR proved superior to sonography. Degenerative alterations of the calcaneus tendon, tendovaginitis of the flexor hallucis longus muscle, joint effusions and cartilage disease were diagnosed by MR but remained undetected by sonography.

In a group of 25 patients the coronal views of plain and Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI studies were correlated with CT and operative findings. All series included sagittal, transverse and coronal FLASH sequences (GE 500/6, flip angle 70 degrees), sagittal proton density-(SE 2500/15) and T2-(SE 2500/70) weighted images. MR diagnosis proved to be correct in all cases. Compared to CT and axial MRI herniated disk material in the lateral intravertebral space and its relationship to nerve roots was demonstrated more clearly on coronal views.

Reconstruction of the anterior crucial ligament can be performed by using an autogenous transplant from the patellar ligament. Employing postoperative MR investigation, reaction of the non-vascularised tendon was studied. In 16 patients 20 knees were investigated by applying a 1.5 tesla magnet with T1-weighted (TR 500 ms, TE 15 ms) and a T2*-weighted (FISP 3D: TR 30 ms, TE 10 ms, flip angle 40 degrees). Postoperative MR follow-up showed an increase in signal intensity and diameter in T1-weighted images. This represents revascularisation of the transplant.

Prognosis after subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is greatly influenced by arterial vasospasm. In 50 patients the influence of the amount of subarachnoid blood detected by CT and the amount of the nonionic contrast medium on the postoperative vasospasm and the outcome of the patient were investigated. For angiographically proven vasospasm, a grading system is suggested. There was a good correlation between the extent of the haemorrhage and the development of cerebral vasospasm. If used within limits, the volume of the contrast medium does not seem to exercise any influence on the development of vasospasm and on the results after treatment. Therefore, a complete investigation of the cerebral vascular system should be performed before surgical management of the ruptured cerebral aneurysm is initiated.