A case of human Dirofilaria repens infection, causing an asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule.

We present a case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis, a vector-borne zoonotic disease, in a young woman from Austria. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and histology of the excised subcutaneous nodule. The parasite species was identified as Dirofilaria repens by polymerase chain reaction.

Newly emerging ulceroglandular tularaemia in Western Austria.

Tularaemia is a rare zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis in humans. In Europe infections of humans and animals are mainly caused by F. tularensis subspecies holarctica.

Our experiences using contrast-enhanced ultrasound in focal liver lesions.

In investigation of liver lesions, continuous observation of contrast behaviour is possible with, and is an important strength of, contrast ultrasound at a low mechanical index. In many institutions contrast enchanced ultrasound using SonoVue in focal liver lesions has become a routine investigation. At our department contrast ultrasound is predominantly used to further characterise lesions which appear uncharacteristic at grey-scale ultrasound.

Diagnostic imaging of gout: comparison of high-resolution US versus conventional X-ray.

The aim was to compare X-ray and ultrasound (US) in diagnosing gout. In a prospective study, 105 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of gout underwent conventional X-ray und high-resolution US in order to help in arriving at a definite diagnosis. X-ray findings suggestive of gout included soft-tissue opacifications with densities between soft tissue and bone, articular and periarticular bone erosions, and osteophytes at the margins of opacifications or erosions.

Focal liver lesions: role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

The introduction of microbubble contrast agents and the development of contrast-specific techniques have opened new possibilities in liver imaging. Initially, only intermittent imaging with Doppler detection was available. Second-generation contrast agents and low mechanical index real-time scanning techniques are decisive advances that enable convenient liver examinations with high sensitivity and specificity.

Schwannoma of the brachial plexus: cross-sectional imaging diagnosis using CT, sonography, and MR imaging.

Primary brachial plexus tumors are rare, usually benign, and in general have a good prognosis after surgical excision. We present a case of a schwannoma in which sonography enabled the correct diagnosis of a probably benign brachial plexus tumor. Key to the diagnosis was the demonstration of a smooth-bordered, longish, and well-defined nodule along a brachial plexus nerve root.

Ovoid shape of the vermiform appendix: a criterion to exclude acute appendicitis--evaluation with US.

Purpose: To investigate whether the shape of the appendix in transverse section may be considered an ultrasonographic (US) criterion to exclude or confirm acute appendicitis.

Materials And Methods: The shapes of appendices of 100 control subjects, of 174 patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis but without acute appendicitis, and of 108 patients with acute appendicitis were prospectively evaluated with US. Definite diagnoses in patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis were established and confirmed either with surgery and histologic examination in 161 patients or with clinical follow-up in 121 patients.

Appendicitis: should diagnostic imaging be performed if the clinical presentation is highly suggestive of the disease?

Background & Aims: Our aim was to investigate whether diagnostic imaging is required if the clinical presentation suggests acute appendicitis with high probability.

Methods: On the basis of clinical findings, 350 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis were prospectively divided into 3 groups as follows: low, intermediate, and high probability of having appendicitis. All patients then underwent diagnostic ultrasonography.

Sonography of soft tissue masses of the neck.

In many clinical conditions, high-resolution sonography and color (power) Doppler sonography can be used as the first-line modality for evaluating cervical soft tissue masses. Cervical cysts, lipomas, paragangliomas, neurogenic tumors, hemangiomas, and lymphangiomas often exhibit characteristic sonographic appearances. Sonography can be used for lymph node assessment, and most salivary gland diseases can be diagnosed sonographically.

Transabdominal sonography of the gastrointestinal tract.

Like other cross-sectional imaging methods, transabdominal sonography is increasingly used for evaluation of gastrointestinal diseases. The potentials and limitations of sonography in evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract are discussed. Transabdominal sonography proved to be of clinical value in assessment of appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, intussusception and infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.