[Computer tomographic demonstration of so-called azygos continuation in the absence of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. Three case reports (author's transl)]. / Computertomographischer Nachweis der sogenannten Azygoskontinuation bei fehlendem hepatischen Segment der unteren Hohlvene. 3 Beobachtungen.

Dilatation of the azygos vein is usually due to increased pressure or flow, rarely is it diopathic. Another cause is so-called continuation of the azygos in cases of absence of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. The method of choice for the investigation of azygos dilatation nowadays is computer tomography. Anomalies of the inferior vena cava can be recognized in this way unequivocally by a non-invasive method. Computer tomography frequently shows important additional abnormalities (eg. situs inversus, polysplenia), since it demonstrates all organs situated in the plane of section.

[Accessory bile duct (author's transl)]. / Akzessorischer Ductus choledochus.

A case report is given of a patient with an accessory choledochus duct opening into the gastric antrum. This is the fifth case reported in the literature. A short review is given about incidence of malformations of extrahepatic bile ducts, ontogenetic background and clinical relevance.

[A rare form of Kaposi's sarcoma with intestinal symptoms (author's transl)]. / Kaposi-Sarkom: Seltenes Krankheitsbild mit intestinaler Manifestation.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare systemic disease with cutaneous and occasional visceral manifestations. A 39 year old male caucasian patient developed Kaposi's sarcoma 10 months after receiving a renal transplant; subacute pancreatitis was suspected because of the clinical symptoms on the first hand. Multiple, miliary, dark and well vascularized lesions appeared on forehead, cheeks, and trunk. In addition flat tumours of 1.5 cm in diameter, well vascularized and with a central indentation were found radiographically and endoscopically in the jejunum and colon. The diagnosis was confirmed bioptically using specimens of rectal mucosa and facial epidermis. The specimens taken were infiltrated by eosinophiles and granulocytes suggesting parasitosis, the correct diagnosis however could be made. After chemotherapy with actinomycin-D, vincristine and cyclophosphamide, cutaneous and visceral lesions vanished completely. Renal and pancreatic function remained normal. There are no symptoms of relapse of the disease 16 months after stop of chemotherapy by now.

[The exocrine pancreatic function in chronic renal insufficiency (author's transl)]. / Exokrine Pankreasfunktion bei chronischer Niereninsuffizienz.

46 patients, who suffered from chronic renal insufficiency (serum creatinine: 1,4-14,9 mg%) and had not yet been dialysed, were given a secretin-pancreozymin-test. Statistical evaluation of the results and comparison with a healthy reference group showed amylase secretion, total secretory volume and bicarbonate secretion to be significantly reduced in patients with serum creatinine levels above 4,0 mg%. No signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism (laboratory data, osseous changes) were observed. Blood base excess and increased serum creatinine levels were significantly related. Together with influences of low protein diet metabolic acidosis going along with chronic renal insufficiency is consequently considered to be the pathogenic factor responsible for alterations in the exocrine function of the pancreas and for the occurrence of chronic pancreatitis.

[Emphysematous gastritis (author's transl)]. / Die emphysematöse Gastritis.

The clinical and radiological features of emphysematous gastritis are described. This is a rare, but dangerous, disease of the stomach. The diagnosis is immediately obvious radiologically, particularly when one keeps the clinical findings in mind. The cause is assumed to be penetration of gas-forming organisms through a previously damaged gastric mucosa.

[Efficiency of patients with chronic renal failure (author's transl)]. / Die Leistungsfähigkeit von chronisch Niereninsuffizienten im Stadium der kompensierten Retention.

In 77 patients with chronic renal failure - all were conservative treated - exercise-tests were performed with the bicycle and in 67 cases spiro-ergometric tests. We found a correlation between the decrease of hemoglobin and the decrease of efficiency and a linear function between the decrease of hemoglobin and the increase of creatinin in serum. There was no direct correlation between the increase of creatinin and the decrease of efficiency. The efficiency, measured in Watt, and the oxygen pulse correlated. More patients with hypertonia exceeded the level of 70 of the quotient heart volume/oxygen pulse but those with normal pressure. The efficiency was reduced in general: only 13,4% obtained 100 Watt, 28,4% 75 Watt and the rest of 58,2% were of bad efficiency and performed only 50 Watt or less.

[Pneumocystis pneumonia after renal transplantation (author's transl)]. / Pneumozystis-Pneumonie nach Nierentransplantation

A fatal pneumocystis pneumonia after renal transplantation is described. The diagnosis, which was suspected on clinical and radiological grounds, was confirmed at autopsy. The radiological features and differential diagnosis and the clinical and pathological findings are described. Needle biopsy is recommended for a definitive diagnosis. Specific treatment at the earliest possible moment.

[Calcification of the left atrium in mitral disease]. / Die Verkalkung des linken Vorhofs bei Mitralfehlern

Calcification in the wall of the left atrium is a certain sign of rheumatic heart disease; in nearly all cases it is associated with combined mitral valve disease and auricular fibrillation. The cause of the calcification is probably repeated attacks of endocarditis. Similar to the cases described in the literature, four out of five our own patients were in the end-stages of chronic rheumatic heart disease. In four patients there was clinical evidence of mitral valve disease, whereas in the fifth patient, the clinical findings suggested a ventricular septal defect. Calcification in the dilated left atrium indicated the presence of an additional mitral valve abnormality. The typical appearances of atrial calcification are illustrated. The importance of its pre-operative demonstration is discussed on the basis of the relevant literature.