[Comparison of conventional tuberculin skin test and QFT-2G, a new method for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection, with the use of the contact score].

Background: QuantiFERON TB-Gold (QFT) has recently been developed as a new method for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) infection. To evaluate the usefulness of QFT, we analyzed the relationship between QFT and the closeness of contact with a source of infection, in comparison with that of the tuberculin skin test (TST).

Methods: Male (n=322) and female (n=340) subjects (4-75 years old) who had contact with an index case received QFT and TST.

[Application of interlocking detachable coil (IDC) in superselective bronchial artery embolization].

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is almost the only effective nonsurgical treatment for massive hemoptysis. Metallic coils with plastic fibers are widely used as embolic materials. We have introduced an interlocking detachable coil (IDC) for BAE.