Investigation of the Ability to Detect Electrolyte Disorder Using PET with Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy.

Various concentrations (8-300 mmol/L) of NaCl, KCl, and NaCl + KCl aqueous solutions were investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). A strong dependence of the -Ps intensity as a function of the solution concentration was demonstrated. On this basis, the mean positron lifetime and the sum of counts in a selected time interval were proposed as reliable parameters for detecting disturbances in the ion balance of living organisms.

[Heart injury secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning--the use of imaging techniques].

The heart muscle is particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of carbon monoxide. Cardiovascular complications are present in 30-40% poisoned patients. Currently, multiple ECG records and at least two-time determination of cardiac markers' concentration (mainly troponin I) are known as the gold standard practice in the diagnosis of cardiac injury especially with regard to medium and severe poisoning.

[Transient and permanent damage to the heart in the course of acute poisoning].

Transient and permanent myocardial damage is a vital element of toxicological practice. This applies both to poisonings in which heart injury is typical and to those in which it is only a rare complication. Vital signs of poisoned patients, especially unconscious ones, must be carefully monitored, because the consequences of late diagnosis or improper treatment can be potentially fatal.

[Difficulties in interpreting the results of laboratory tests for methanol concentration in serum of patients with metabolic acidosis of various origins].

Due to increasing availability of methyl alcohol, methanol poisoning becomes more common. Consumption of even relatively small amounts can lead to very serious consequences, including irreversible damage to the eye and death. Quickly implemented proper treatment can alleviate the course of poisoning.

[Myocardial injury in the course of carbon monoxide poisoning].

Carbon monoxide still remains one of the most common causes of fatal poisonings. Mechanisms of carbon monoxide toxic effects are complex and lead to hypoxia of body tissues. The most sensitive to tissue hypoxia are: the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.