Positive X-ray Findings Research Articles

Importance of timing and training to implement awake prone positioning in patients with COVID-19: a single-center prospective observational study.

Awake prone positioning (APP) is broadly implemented in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 related disease [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] admitted to hospital with severe respiratory distress syndrome. This prospective observational study aimed to explore the factors influencing the implementation of APP in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19, all hospitalized with positive X-ray findings and oxygen supplementation requirement, in the Respiratory Step-Down Unit of the Peking University Third Hospital between January 6th, 2023, and January 20th, 2023, were included in this study. Data regarding basic information, activities of daily living (ADLs) scores, oxygen therapy, vital signs, and duration of APP were collected to investigate the factors influencing prone positioning. Among the 134 patients included, 55.2% showed an improvement in oxygen saturation 1 hour after APP. Logistic regression revealed that the pre-APP heart rate (HR) [odds ratio (OR) =1.032; P=0.046] and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) (OR =0.720; P<0.001) were the associated factors of the improvement in SpO2 after treatment. Multiple linear regression revealed that the ADL scores and pre-APP respiratory rate (RR) were the associated factors of the duration of prone positioning (P<0.01). The APP technical steering group effectively improved duration of APP. Patients with low SpO2 and increased HR before treatment showed greater improvement in oxygen saturation. Patients with lower tolerance to ADL but lower RRs were those to demonstrate a longer duration of prone positioning. This is pointing towards establishing the most favorable time window for APP during the course of COVID-19: after the ADLs have already decreased, but before significant tachypnea has appeared.

Pattern of Chest X-rays findings and clinical correlation with the severity in COVID-19 (RT-PCR positive) infected patients admitted in a COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Bangladesh

Objective: This study aims to analyze Chest X-ray findings in COVID 19(RT-PCR positive) patients, correlate between clinical and radiological findings and short-term outcomes of the patients with the view to enhance clinicians’ understanding of CXR findings in COVID 19 patients. Methods: This descriptive type of observational study included 277 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 patients who were undergone CXRs, based on the clinician’s decision. Data were collected from May to September 2020 of Maternal and Child Health Training Institute (MCHTI)- a COVID-19 dedicated hospital, Lalkuthi, Mirpur-1, Dhaka and analyzed statistically through SPSS,Version 25. Each chest X-Ray is then scored using the Brixia score, a semi-quantitative scoring system rating lung involvement from 0 to 18 by a radiologist. The scores are then analyzed and compared with the characteristics of the patients, clinical presentation, and short-term outcome (in-hospital &amp; after discharge) to correlate the severity and post covid-19 complications of COVID-19 infected patients. Results: A total of 277 RT-PCR-positive patients were performed chest x-ray P/A view, among them 58.12%(161) were male and 41.88%(116) were female. Age variation was from 6 to 95 years and the mean age was 42.48±15.53(S.D).Most of the patients(94.94%)were symptomatic and the majority(97.9%) of symptomatic patients had comorbidities(p-value 0.02).Among the x-ray performed patients(n=277), 39.35% (109) patients had positive findings suggestive of covid-19 infection. Comorbidities and sex had significant relation on positive x-ray findings(p-value 0.0001 and 0.001);males (70.6%) had more positive findings than females(29.4%).Positive x-ray findings were more common among the age group 41 to 60 years (p-value 0.0001 and Cramer’s V 0.59).Most of the patients (94.49%) had bilateral lungs involvement and consolidations were the commonest x-ray findings (43.1%).Clinical severity was assessed by symptoms and Spo2 level (&lt;91%) and 20.2% were clinically severe (M-23.6%, F-15.5%). Age, comorbidities, and higher Brixia score (&gt;8) had a significant relation to clinical severity (p-value 0.0001,0.0001&amp;0.0001) and sex also influences clinical severity though statistically not significant (p-value 0.2).There was a significant relationship between positive X-Ray findings and decreased Spo2 level (p-value 0.0001, Cramer’s V 0.47).Regarding in-hospital outcome; 94.9% were recovered and 2.75%were death (only male)and following discharge; 42.60% (119) had post covid-19 complications and 0.72% (02) were dead. Comorbidities and age had an effect on short-term outcomes after hospital discharge though not statistically significant (p-value 0.16 and 0.16). The most common respiratory complications were SOB on exertion (23) and the most common non-respiratory complication was post covid fatigue syndrome (42). Comparison between Brixia score and post covid complications; more the Brixia score, the more the chance of post covid complications though statistically not significant (p-value 0.44). Conclusion: This study reveals bilateral lungs involvement and multifocal consolidations are the most common patterns of X-ray findings and clinical severity is associated with a higher Brixia score, male sex, increasing age, and presence of comorbidities. Bangladesh J Medicine 2022; 33: 280-292

Long-Term X-ray Findings in Patients With Coronavirus Disease-2019.

Introduction: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest X-ray (CXR) are commonly used techniques for diagnosing and assessing prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to highlight the long-term radiological findings observed on CXR after recovery, in patients with COVID-19. This will help identify patients suffering from long-term consequences of COVID-19 and help them provide adequate care.Methods: This study was conducted in the COVID-19 unit of a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan from August 2020 to February 2021. CXR of patients who were being discharged after negative PCR was done. Participants with positive X-ray findings, which included consolidation, reticular thickening, ground-glass opacities (GGO), pulmonary nodules, and pleural effusions, were enrolled in the study after getting informed consent. All findings were recorded in a self-structured questionnaire. Participants were scheduled to come for follow-up on day 30 after their initial CXR, where their CXR was repeated.Result: Our results showed that n=429 (60.2%) participants had positive CXR at the time of discharge. After 30 days, n=371 participants returned for a follow-up X-ray. Out of the 371 participants, after 30 days, 123 participants still had positive CXR. Fatigue (41.4%) was the common symptom after 30 days. The most common finding was consolidation (82.1%), followed by reticular thickening (23.5%) on day 30.Conclusion: In this study, although most of the patients completely recovered serologically from COVID-19, they still had radiological findings in their chest X-rays. Radiological findings are especially important in predicting the clinical course of the disease and may be used to monitor long-term complications.

Are Plain X-Rays Necessary in the Diagnosis of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

Background The routine use of plain radiography represents a significant expenditure and has been proven unnecessary in several orthopedic conditions. The utility of plain radiographs in the diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DeQ) is not clear. Questions/Purpose This study evaluates whether plain radiographic findings routinely predict the need for surgery or alter treatment courses in the initial diagnosis of DeQ. Patients and Methods A total of 200 patients who received wrist X-rays and had a diagnosis of DeQ were retrospectively selected at random. Their images were evaluated for relevant findings, including radial styloid abnormalities, arthritis, and tendon calcification. A chart review was performed to determine whether these X-rays altered the treatment courses. Results Of the 200 patients, 141 (69.1%) cases had at least one positive radiographic finding. Carpometacarpal joint (CMC) arthritis was the most common finding, seen in 63 (30.9%) cases. Of all patients, 141 (69.1%) were treated with corticosteroid injection only, 54 (26.5%) with corticosteroid injection and ultimately surgery, and 9 (4.4%) with surgery alone. There were no significant differences in the rates of surgery with positive X-ray findings. There were no cases in which radiographic findings resulted in a change in management, per the report of the treating physician. Conclusions Despite the high proportion of positive findings on X-ray, no radiographic findings altered the course of treatment in patients with isolated DeQ. Obtaining plain radiographs for isolated DeQ represents a significant cost and should be reserved for cases in which the results are preemptively deemed likely to influence the treatment course. Level of Evidence This is a level IV study.

Radiological Findings of Pneumonia In Neonates Hospitalized in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Pneumonia contributes to between 750,000 and 1.2 million neonatal deaths worldwide annually and neonatal pneumonia accounts for 10% of global child mortality. Chest radiography is the primary and most important imaging modality in the evaluation of neonatal pneumonia. The study was conducted to evaluate the common radiological findings of pneumonia among neonates to early diagnose the disease.Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu (children) Hospital from April to September 2014. A total of 50 neonates admitted in the inpatient department were included who fulfilled the inclusion criteria’s like having difficult breathing, fast breathing&gt;60 /min, severe chest indrawing, grunting, cyanosis, cough or fever. Diagnosis was confirmed by Chest X-ray. Positive X-ray findings like lobar or segmental consolidation, nodular or coarse patchy parenchymal infiltrate, diffuse haziness or granularity, air bronchogram were included into the study. X-ray changes were assessed.Results: Most commonly identified abnormality was patchy opacities (included nodular or coarse patchy opacities, diffuse haziness, air bronchogram), noted in 31(62.0%) cases. Followed by homogenous opacities (consolidation) were found in 19(38.0%) cases. Multifocal area involvement were found more 56.0 %(28) than single area. On right side radiological changes commonly noted, especially right upper zone involvement was the commonest 30 (66.0%). A comparison between severe and non- severe cases revealed that both types of opacities were found equally. But right sided Involvement was common in both groups.Conclusion: Multifocal patchy opacities were the most common radiological finding in cases of neonatal pneumonia. Pneumonia lesions were more common in the right lung among neonates and common site was right upper zone.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :155-158

Clinical significance of serum bone metabolic markers in diagnosis and monitoring of myeloma bone disease

To explore the significance of serum bone metabolic markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma bone disease(MBD). Thirty-six newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients who were treated in Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were collected. Bone morbidity was graded into two stages according to the radiographic evaluation of the skeleton: stage A (n=12) included patients with no lytic lesions or with osteoporosis alone; stage B (n=24) included patients with osteolytic lesions and/or a pathological fracture. All the patients achieved partial or complete remission after treated with bortezomib + dexamethasone + zoledronic acid regimen. A total of 25 aged- and gender-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in this study as controls. The levels of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP-5b), carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin (OCN), and procollagen I amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) were investigated by ELISA and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The differences of these bone metabolic markers before and after treatment, and at different stages of bone disease were observed. The value of TRACP-5b in the newly diagnosed MM was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls and after treatment(median 4.16 vs 2.63 U/L, P=0.014; 4.16 vs 2.61 U/L, P=0.037). Serum level of CTX in the newly diagnosed MM patients was significantly decreased after treatment (median: 0.26 vs 1.05 µg/L, P=0.003). The ratio of CTX/OCN and CTX/PINP decreased after treatment, but there were no significant differences (both P>0.05). The pretreatment level of serum TRACP-5b in stage B patients was higher than that of the healthy controls (median: 4.20 vs 2.63 U/L, P=0.015). The levels of serum CTX in stage A and stage B patients were both higher than that of the healthy controls (median: 1.16 vs 0.48 µg/L, P=0.002; 0.88 vs 0.48 µg/L, P=0.040). The levels of serum OCN and PINP were higher in stage A patients compared with stage B patients, but there were no significant differences (both P>0.05). The ratio of CTX/OCN and CTX/PINP of stage A and stage B patients all increased compared with those of the healthy controls, but there were no significant differences (all P>0.05). Bone damage of MM patients is improved after effective treatment, but bone imbalance still exists, indicating that the treatment of MBD is a long process. Abnormal serum levels of TRACP-5b and CTX are found before positive X-ray findings in MBD, suggesting that these biochemical markers could be used as indices for early diagnosis of MBD.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Examination in Cervical Spine Injuries in Awake and Alert Blunt Trauma Patients

Study DesignObservational, case series.PurposeTo determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical judgment as compared to the use of X-ray images in detecting cervical spine injuries in trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.Overview of LiteratureCross-table cervical spine views are important in patients with signs and symptoms relating to cervical spine, but asymptomatic patients constitute a different subgroup. Accuracy of clinical examination in these patients has not been subjected to scrutiny.MethodsAll patients with blunt trauma who presented to the emergency department and underwent cross-table X-rays as part of their trauma workup were included. The X-rays were read by a radiologist not aware of the history of the patients. We recorded demographic data along with mechanism of injury, associated neck signs or symptoms whether present or not, cervical spine range of motion, associated injuries and X-ray findings. The history and examination were carried out by the on-call neurosurgery team member. The sensitivity and specificity along with negative and positive predictive value of the clinical examination were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 16.0.ResultsOf 50 patients with positive signs and symptoms, 4 (8%) had positive X-rays while only 1 out of 324 (0.3%) with no associated signs and symptoms had positive X-ray findings.ConclusionsThe clinical examination is 80% sensitive and 73.98% specific in detecting true cervical spine injuries as compared to C-spine X-rays in alert and awake patients with blunt trauma.

Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy for Foreign Body Ingestion: Is It Necessary for Everyone?

To identify the possible predictive factors for positive identification of a foreign body by oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD). A series of 343 patients who underwent OGD in 2008 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong were studied retrospectively. Foreign bodies were identified and removed by OGD in 80 patients (23.3%). The most common type of ingested foreign body was fishbone (259 patients; 80%). Foreign bodies were mostly found at or above the level of the cricopharyngeus (70.4%). The most common site of foreign body impaction was at the valleculae (30.9%). Neck X-ray showed low sensitivity of 17.1% and high specificity of 91.5% in detecting ingested foreign bodies. Univariate analysis showed that early presentation, emergency admission, male sex, positive X-ray findings, and old age were associated with positive OGD findings. In multivariate analysis, only male sex, old age and early presentation were shown to be independent predictive factors. Patients with predictive factors for positive endoscopic results, including male sex, old age and early presentation, were justified for OGD, during which identification and removal of the foreign bodies were carried out. As for the low risk group, a more conservative approach, for example with the use of computed tomography as a diagnostic tool, could help to reduce the number of negative endoscopies.

Predictive Factors for the Existence of Foreign Body following Fish Bone Ingestion: A Prospective Study

ObjectivesTo look at the factors that will affect the likelihood of a fish bone (FB) in throat and help to improve the use of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD).MethodsIt was a prospective cohort study of patients who attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital because of having foreign body sensation after eating fish in the period of 15th May 2008 to 15th February 2009. A pro forma was designed for the collection of information on various clinical parameters to be studied. Direct laryngoscopic examination (DL) and OGD findings were recorded. Tracing through the computerised Clinical Management System or telephone enquiry for the clinical outcome was employed for patients who refused or defaulted OGD. The primary outcome measured was the predictive power of the sharp pricking sensation symptom, radiographic finding and full visualisation by DL on the presence of FB. The data were analysed by logistic regression.ResultsThe findings of 259 patients were analysed: 94 FBs were found; 83 (88.3%) FBs were lodged at a level above the hyoid bone; 73 FBs (77.7%) were removed by DL and 21 (22.3%) by OGD. Sharp pricking sensation was the only significant predictive factor for the presence of FB (OR=8.27; 95% CI=2.66, 25.76; p&lt;0.01) in the group of patients requiring OGD whereas positive radiological finding (p=0.07) and full visualisation by DL (p=0.36) were not. Full visualisation by DL alone could not reliably rule out the presence of fish bone. Two FBs were missed.ConclusionThe presence of definite sharp pricking sensation is a significant independent predictor for the presence of fish bone whilst full visualisation by DL and positive X‐ray findings are not significant predictors.

Screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis in a cohort of asylum seekers in Norway

Asylum seekers are screened for tuberculosis at entry to Norway. We aimed to assess follow-up of screening results at different healthcare levels in relation to demographics, screening results and organizational factors, and how this influenced treatment of latent tuberculosis. All asylum seekers >or=18 years with a Mantoux test >or=6 mm or positive x-ray findings who arrived at the National Reception Centre from January 2005 to June 2006, were included. Data were collected from public health authorities in the municipality where the asylum seekers had moved, and from internists in case they had been referred to a specialist. Specialists are responsible for treating latent tuberculosis. Individual subjects were matched with the National Tuberculosis Register to which everybody who had started treatment for latent tuberculosis was reported. Of 4,643 asylum seekers, 2,237 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. By May 2008, 30 persons had started treatment for latent TB, a median of 17 months (range 3-36) after arrival. A Mantoux test >or=15 mm on arrival was significantly associated with treatment. Demographic factors influenced follow-up in primary healthcare while screening results did not. Referral to specialist was related to screening results. Several specialists were reluctant to diagnose and treat latent tuberculosis and to treat persons without a permanent visa in particular. Just 1% of the study group received treatment for latent tuberculosis and with a long time delay. The reason for this may be organizational factors affecting follow-up and referral and specialists not following current guidelines.

Tuberculosis screening and follow-up of asylum seekers in Norway: a cohort study

BackgroundAbout 80% of new tuberculosis cases in Norway occur among immigrants from high incidence countries. On arrival to the country all asylum seekers are screened with Mantoux test and chest x-ray aimed to identify cases of active tuberculosis and, in the case of latent tuberculosis, to offer follow-up or prophylactic treatment.We assessed a national programme for screening, treatment and follow-up of tuberculosis infection and disease in a cohort of asylum seekers.MethodsAsylum seekers ≥ 18 years who arrived at the National Reception Centre from January 2005 to June 2006, were included as the total cohort. Those with a Mantoux test ≥ 6 mm or positive x-ray findings were included in a study group for follow-up.Data were collected from public health authorities in the municipality to where the asylum seekers had moved, and from hospital based internists in case they had been referred to specialist care.Individual subjects included in the study group were matched with the Norwegian National Tuberculosis Register which receive reports of everybody diagnosed with active tuberculosis, or who had started treatment for latent tuberculosis.ResultsThe total cohort included 4643 adult asylum seekers and 97.5% had a valid Mantoux test. At least one inclusion criterion was fulfilled by 2237 persons. By end 2007 municipal public health authorities had assessed 758 (34%) of them. Altogether 328 persons had been seen by an internist. Of 314 individuals with positive x-rays, 194 (62%) had seen an internist, while 86 of 568 with Mantoux ≥ 15, but negative x-rays (16%) were also seen by an internist. By December 31st 2006, 23 patients were diagnosed with tuberculosis (prevalence 1028/100 000) and another 11 were treated for latent infection.ConclusionThe coverage of screening was satisfactory, but fewer subjects than could have been expected from the national guidelines were followed up in the community and referred to an internist. To improve follow-up of screening results, a simplification of organisation and guidelines, introduction of quality assurance systems, and better coordination between authorities and between different levels of health care are all required.

Ermüdungsfraktur am Kalkaneus – ein seltenes Ereignis

Non-specific foot pain can have a variety of causes. Stress fractures mostly appear in over- or disuse of the lower extremities. Diagnosis can be made, albeit delayed, following an interval of 2-4 weeks using positive X-ray findings which can be supported by further diagnostic steps. In case of doubt, magnetic resonance tomography can provide a diagnosis and help determine therapeutic intervention; in most cases conservative treatment is performed. The majority of stress fractures heal fully within 6-8 weeks under conservative therapy. Additional therapy of fatigue fracture symptoms may be provided by analgesics and physiotherapeutic methods. Risk factors, particularly in young women, need to be detected. Although their efficacy is controversial, shock-absorbing insoles can reduce stress.

Hallux rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a common problem of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and is particularly common in the 31–69 year old age group. Loss of articular cartilage narrowing of joint space and formation of periarticular osteophytes are present and increase over time, often leading to palpable osteophyte formation. The authors suggest that a diagnosis of hallux rigidus be made if at least 4 of the following are present at the big toe: pain, stiffness, palpable exostosis, positive X-ray findings, positive axial grind test, occasional synovitis, decreased motion on motion palpation (particularly dorsiflexion). This case study follows a 36-year-old male professional tennis player over a 7 year period under various forms of management including orthopaedic, physical therapy and chiropractic care. Initial surgery provided some relief, subsequent physiotherapy did not significantly reduce the patient's pain while chiropractic manipulation and mobilization on two separate occasions provided marked reduction in pain scores. NSAID usage and “punching out” his shoes also provided some relief. There is a reasonable possibility that general foot and big toe mobilization and the Brantingham “protective” big toe manipulation may reduce the pain of hallux rigidus. A randomized-controlled study should be done to ascertain the efficacy of such a treatment protocol.

A Study on the Use of Abdominal X-Ray in an Emergency Department

Objective 1) To study the current use of abdominal X-rays (AXR) in our emergency department (ED). 2) To evaluate the clinical predictors for positive AXR findings. Methods During the 40 days study period, all patients who had taken abdominal X-rays were included. The attending doctor filled in a questionnaire on demographic data, clinical features and outcome. The three radiologists who participated in this study reported the films and consultant emergency physicians then commented on the appropriateness of the request. The clinical features, which were predictive of positive radiological findings, were sorted out using univariate analysis. Results 64 patients were included in the 40 days study period. The rate for AXR request was 3.4 per 1000 patients. The most common presenting complaints were abdominal pain (85.9%) and constipation (45.3%). The most frequent clinical findings were abdominal distension (35.9%) and hyperactive bowel sound (31.3%). Only two of the clinical features, including vomiting and rebound tenderness, were found to have significant correlation with positive X-ray findings. Most of the AXR requests and interpretations by ED doctors were considered to be appropriate.

Triage nurses order x-rays for patients with isolated distal limb injuries: A 12-month ED study

Objectives: To determine whether triage nurses could safely, accurately, and appropriately order x-rays for patients with distal limb injuries. Methods: All adult patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary teaching hospital for 12 months with distal limb injuries were eligible for the study. Patients with severe pain or evidence of acute neurovascular compromise were excluded. Triage nurses who had completed a training workshop offered patients the option of having an x-ray obtained before seeing a physician. Data were collected regarding the number and type of x-rays ordered, the number of positive x-ray findings on radiologic review, and violations of x-ray ordering guidelines. All ED distal limb x-rays ordered during the 12-month study period were analyzed for type, frequency, and abnormality. To determine the impact of the project on practice, all triage nurses were given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire, patient satisfaction surveys were conducted, and structured interviews were conducted with senior ED medical and radiography personnel. Results: During the 12-month study, triage nurses ordered 876 x-rays (49%), whereas physicians ordered 930 x-rays (51%). Medical staff and triage nurses ordered equal proportions of upper and lower limb x-rays. The abnormality rate in the total study group was 699 (39%). The abnormality rate for x-rays when comparing nursing and medical staff was 43% (390) and 33% (309), respectively (x2 = 23.4; P <.0001). The triage x-ray abnormality rate for the upper limb was 51%, compared with 31% for the lower limb. Data indicated that all staff believed that this new triage practice had increased patient satisfaction and improved patient flow and waiting times. Conclusion: With structured education, triage nurses at one institution safely assessed patients and ordered appropriate distal limb x-rays prior to physician assessment.

Experimentally induced Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in chimpanzees

Eight chimpanzees were examined. Two served as negative control and six inoculated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae became colonized. Colonization persisted for 28-68, 16-50 and 21 days with an average duration of 47, 32.5 and 21 days in the oropharyngeal, tracheal and lung tissues, respectively. Mycoplasma titers ranged from 108 to 101 color-changing units per specimen during the course of the infections. Seroconversion occurred within 12-15 days and peak antibody titers ranged from 1.256 to 1.1024 and developed between days 28 and 48 post-inoculation. Positive cold agglutinin titers were detected between 12 to 15 days and peak titers ranged from 1:80 to 1:640. Significant increases in sIgA and IgG immunoglobulin antibody levels were detected in lung lavage fluids. Unlike the many other experimentally infected animals examined, chimpanzees infected with M. pneumoniae had positive X-ray findings, developed cold agglutinins and showed overt signs of disease. These signs include persistent cough, low grade fever, rhinitis, oropharyngitis, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Peak severity of disease corresponded with peak lung colonization, and the detection of cold agglutinins and positive X-ray findings. The microbiological, serological and clinical aspects of pneumonia induced in chimpanzees was similar to naturally occurring primary atypical pneumonia in humans.

Fractured Proximal End of the Femur in the Elderly – A Medico-Social Study

278 geriatric patients with fractured proximal end of the femur were studied retrospectively 1.5-5 years (average 3.5 years) after they received treatment in two hospitals. Of the survivors 63%, 56% were totally pain-free while 15% had varying degrees of hip pain. Only 26.5% could squat fully. The physical activity was inversely proportional to the age. The widowed were doing better than the married with living husbands. Of the three methods of treatment (Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty, plating and Ender's nailing), the hemiarthroplasty group of patients was doing the best physically. In spite of some positive X-ray findings among the different groups, corresponding clinical manifestations were not encountered.

頭頚部癌における骨シンチグラフィーの臨床的検討

The usefulness of bone scintigraphy using 99m-Tc-labeled phosphorous compounds was evaluated in 134 of 234 patients with cancers of the head and neck who were treated between June 1975 and March 1985.The overall positive rate in bone scintigraphy was 49%, but the true-positive rate was 25%. Distant bone metastases were found in 18% of the patients. Fifty-five per cent in the patients with true-positive bone scintigraphy had positive x-ray findings. The most common sites of distant bone metastases in head and neck cancers were the rib and the thoracic vertebrae. The rate of distant metastases increased with the T-classification. No relation was observed between bone scintigraphy and serum alkaline phosphatase activity.In conclusion, bone scintigraphy with 99m-Tc-diphosphonate was found to be very useful in detecting early bone metastases.

Unilateral orbital floor fractures.

Ninety patients operated on, on suspicion of unilateral orbital floor fractures are described. Age, sex, and etiology are given. Operative indication is examined and related to the operative findings. Fifty-six of the patients had fractures requiring transplantation, 24 had fractures which did not. Ten patients had no fractures. Only autogenous bone graft was used. The patients were examined three months and one to 11 years postoperatively (questionnaire). Of 82 operated patients who answered the questionnaire diplopia was found in eight, enophthalmos in two, hypesthesia in 18, reduced mobility in four and sinuitis in four. Preoperative X-ray: Three patients showed false positive X-ray findings. In 19 patients with false negative X-ray findings 12 required transplantation. Twenty-five tomographed patients showed fractures, two of which proved to be false positives. In eight patients with negative tomographical findings, fractures were found, seven of which required transplantation. The frequency of complications assessed in relation to the time of operation shows no significant difference, if surgery takes place within seven days of injury. Surgery performed later than this seems to produce more cases of chronic sinuitis.

Early detection and surgical treatment of esophageal carcinoma.

From 1960-1980, the technic of abrasive cytologic examination by means of a "balloon catheter" has been used to detect esophageal carcinoma in high-incidence areas with rates of positive diagnosis varying from 87.8% to 91.9%. An application of this technic in mass screenings has led to detection of a large number of very early cases of esophageal carcinoma, of which only about 50% showed positive X-ray findings and 75% showed positive endoscopic findings. Intraluminal staining with toluidine blue through a fiberoptic esophagoscope gave a positive biopsy in 83.9%. In a 16-year period from 1964 through 1979, 237 patients with Stage I esophageal carcinoma underwent surgery. The resectability rate was 100% and the operative mortality 2.5%. Pathologic study of the resected specimens showed carcinoma in situ in 84 cases (35.4%) and early infiltrative carcinoma confined to only the mucosa and submucosa in 153 cases (64.6%). The 5- and 10-year survival rates following resection were 85.9% and 55.6%, respectively. In surgery on 1,647 patients with more advanced carcinoma of the esophagus and who underwent surgery between 1958 and 1979, (resectability rate of 83.4% and a resection mortality of 4.1%), the p-TNM histopathological classification of these patients showed that 72.3% had Stage III and 8.8% had Stage IV diseases, with either extra-esophageal tumor invasion and/or regional lymph node involvements, or distant metastases. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survivals, as calculated by the number of resections were 30.3%, 21.2% and 16.2%, respectively. Analysis showed that prognosis was related to staging of the disease, the extent of tumor invasion, length of the lesion, and the presence or absence of nodal involvement.