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Purpose: Angioplasty and stent placement of atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICA) are evaluated based on own experiences with the method and reports of other groups and are compared with vascular surgery., Methods: ICA-stenoses of more than 70% were treated by angioplasty and stent placement mainly using the Wallstent. The patients had follow-up examinations with an angiogram after 6 months and colour-coded duplex ultrasound at regular intervals., Results: In 633 patients 799 ICA stenoses were treated, 70% of them were symptomatic and 30% asymptomatic. In 99% of the patients the stenoses could be removed with a reduction of the degree of stenosis from 82% to 12%. Transient neurological deficits occurred in 5% and permanent deficits in 2.7% of the patients with decreasing incidence over the years. Five-year patency was 91.6%., Conclusion: Endoluminal treatment of atherosclerotic ICA stenosis is an efficient procedure which can be applied in patients, in whom carotid surgery is indicated, but also in cases with an increased operative risk or inoperability from technical or medical reasons.

Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a clinicopathological syndrome of unknown etiology. Histopathologically, it is characterized by plugs of fibroplastic connective tissue within respiratory bronchioles, mononuclear cell infiltrates in parenchyma adjacent to the affected bronchioles and foam cells within alveolar air-spaces. The disease usually presents as a subacute illness with complete resolution. A subset of BOOP, however, is associated with a fulminant course and a high lethality due to respiratory failure. Early diagnosis and therapy are mandatory. Chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and open lung biopsy are the primary diagnostic techniques. Radiographically, BOOP is characterized by patchy areas of consolidation that are usually bilateral, peripheral and often migratory. In some cases small, round opacities may be observed as the only abnormality. CT can show the pattern of ground glass opacities, areas of airspace consolidation and small, round opacities, while considerable fibrotic change is usually not seen. A reticular roentgenographic pattern, fibrotic changes mainly in subpleural location at CT, lack of lymphocytosis in BAL fluid and histological features of usual interstitial pneumonitis and BOOP in biopsy specimens are all considered risk factors for a fatal outcome.

Mesenteric cysts are considered as a rare cause of abdominal complaints. Histologically, several specific types can be distinguished: lymphangioma, nonpancreatic pseudocyst, enteric duplication cyst, enteric cyst and mesothelial cyst. Histopathological classification and radiological findings in two cases of mesenteric cysts are presented, and, with regard to the literature, radiological appearance and differential diagnoses are discussed.