ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The accuracy of digital luminescence radiography was compared with that of conventional film/screen techniques, using animal preparations and clinical examinations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fine fissures were made in 8 animal bones and these were examined radiologically. The digital examinations were carried out with and without edge enhancement. 208 patients were examined in a similar way. Film quality and assessment of the fractures were evaluated quantitatively. RESULTS: In no instance did either of the digital methods provide inferior quality when compared with conventional films. ROC analysis for evaluation of fractures in patients, using an experienced radiologist, showed no significant difference between the various methods (ROC areas: conventional 0.947, digital 0.958, digital with edge enhancement 0.943). With a less experienced observer there were significant advantages for both digital methods (ROC areas: 0.851, 0.886, 0.908). CONCLUSION: Our investigation has proved that fractures which are difficult to see can be reliably demonstrated by digital luminescence radiography.
Subject(s)
Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Radiographic Image Enhancement , X-Ray Intensifying Screens , Animals , Cattle , Fourier Analysis , Humans , Luminescent Measurements , Observer Variation , Predictive Value of Tests , ROC Curve , Retrospective Studies , SwineABSTRACT
The case of a woman patient of 30 years of age is reported in whom spontaneous rupture of the uterus occurred in the 22nd week of pregnancy due to a uterus bicornis with placenta increta. The very rare disease pattern, which is often associated with many complications, of a disturbance of implantation of the placenta, often demands immediate surgery and can mostly be diagnosed only retrospectively. Hence, an early recognition method would be desirable. Basing on the literature, the significant rôle played by sonographic diagnosis in this connection is pointed out.
Subject(s)
Placenta Accreta/pathology , Uterine Rupture/pathology , Uterus/abnormalities , Adult , Female , Fetal Death , Humans , Placenta/pathology , Pregnancy , Uterus/pathologyABSTRACT
Ten couples with their first pregnancy were followed to the end of the second trimester of pregnancy by semi-standardized interviews on their coping with the pregnancy. Typical symptoms of early pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting were not always considered to be a nuisance but at times desired in view of an identification with the pregnancy and the growing infant. It was proof to be pregnant. The first six months of the pregnancy are characterized by a growing responsibility of the parents for each other but also by new conflicts in the relationship between the partners. The involvement of the male partner is higher when there is a higher desire for conception and parenthood. The quickening is a important event since the fetus is now thought of more and more as a baby and pregnancy is more openly admitted in public. Coping with the early pregnancy is easier understood if the emotions are recognized scientifically as an original and important dimension. This dimension is basically different from the technical rationality of modern medicine and requires integration of rationality and intuition.