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A wide catalogue of inhalers is available today as described in this review, but many patients and healthcare professionals do not know how to use inhalers correctly. However, knowledge of the working principles and pros and cons of the various inhaler types may improve patient education and the correct choice of device. Which inhaler is the best suited cannot be determined without measuring the patient's inspiration flow and controlling the ability to coordinate and handle a device. Extra-fine particles from pressurised metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers and soft mist inhalers give new perspectives on disease control as optimal coordination, and flow pattern is less crucial.

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) relies on clinical assessment, D-dimer test and diagnostic imaging. Modern CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation/perfusion  single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/CT are rather equal in terms of sensitivity, specificity and inconclusive results for the diagnosis of PE, outper-forming planar lung scintigraphy. Furthermore, SPECT/CT and CTPA can both provide important information regarding differential diagnoses. Thus, the choice of primary diag-nostic modality relies on local expertise, availability and special circumstances like radiation dose, contraindications and the clinical urgency.

Lung cancer is the cancer type that causes the largest number of deaths in Denmark. With advances in medical imaging and widespread use of computed tomography (CT), it is possible to detect even small abnormalities in lung tissue. This has led to a great interest in lung cancer screening with low-dose CT and launching of randomised screening trials worldwide. This paper gives an overview of the current lung cancer screening trials in Denmark and internationally and focuses on main lung cancer findings and mortality results.

Results from the American National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) show a significant reduction in lung cancer and all-cause mortality in a high risk population screened with annual low-dose CT. Handling of pulmonary nodules, false positive tests, overdiagnosis, psychosocial consequences and cost-efficiency etc. are all aspects that require careful consideration. This paper gives an overview of the current knowledge on these issues. Before a recommendation can be made, we need an overall evaluation of both the benefits and harms in CT screening for lung cancer.

The alpha emitter Radium-223 ((22)3Ra-Cl2) is a bone-seeking radionuclide studied as a new treatment for patients with bone metastases from hormone refractory prostate cancer. More than 1,000 patients have been included in clinical phase I-III tests showing significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase- and PSA level and prolonged survival. Adverse events are usually mild to moderate and comprise gastrointestinal and myelotoxic symptoms. Intravenously administered (22)3Ra-Cl2 (half-life 11.4 days) will likely be given every four weeks for six treatments to out-patients.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potential lifethreatening condition. Nevertheless the advancements in the patient visitation and treatment algorithms have been few and the mortality unchanged high. Acute high risk PE, which is the most serious subtype, is primary treated with trombolysis. This treatment is not always possible or sufficient. Recent studies have shown that surgical embolectomy is a relevant treatment offer with low mortalities of 6-8%. Patients with acute critical PE should be evaluated and treated in a multidisciplinary centre with medical and surgical possibilities.

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is usually established by a combination of clinical assessment, D-dimer test and imaging with either lung scintigraphy or pulmonary multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA). Which of the two methods to use in PE diagnostic has not been determined and very limited data comparing these modalities are available. With the use of hybrid scanners, ventilation/perfusion-single-photon-emission-tomography (V/Q-SPECT) in combination with low-dose CT without contrast enhancement is feasible and should probably be considered first-line imaging in diagnosing PE.

Localization diagnostics of neuroendocrine tumours is relevant in relation to staging and planning of therapy, including surgery. Imaging modalities are also relevant in relation to biopsy guidance. Currently, the most frequently used methods are somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, computed tomography with contrast and endoscopic ultrasound. The strengths of the different modalities are discussed and it is concluded that frequently a combination of imaging modalities is necessary in the work-up of patients with neuroendocrine tumours.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using somatostatin analogues labelled with beta-emitting isotopes can be given to patients with metastasized or inoperable neuroendocrine tumours provided these have increased uptake on octreotide scintigraphy. This is a brief review of the treatment principle, indications and contraindications and practices with (177)Lu-DOTATATE treatment used at Rigshospitalet. Side effects are generally mild and reversible. Severe long-term side effects are rare. The majority of patients will experience increased quality of life and partial tumour reduction or stabilization for a period of time. However, up to 20% will experience no treatment effect.

The prognosis of neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas is difficult to estimate due to their heterogeneous nature. Survival without dissemination may reach 90%, while metastases reduce the 5-year survival to less than 50%. Radical surgery offers the only possibility of cure. Palliative therapy includes surgery and intra-arterial embolization of hepatic metastases, chemotherapy, biotherapy with interferon-alpha and radionuclear treatment. Tumour-targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies are under investigation in phase-III studies.

The aim of our study was to perform a prospective study that compared the diagnostic ability of V/Q single photon emission computer tomography (V/Q-SPECT), V/Q-SPECT combined with low-dose computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary multidetector computed tomography(MDCT)-angiography in patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism (PE) using a dedicated combined SPECT/MDCT-scanner. V/Q-SPECT in combination with low-dose CT had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100%. MDCT angiography had a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 100%. We conclude that V/Q-SPECT in combination with low-dose CT without contrast has an excellent diagnostic performance and should be considered the first-line imaging technique in the work-up of PE in most cases.

Patients with restrictive lung disease, owing to respiratory muscle dysfunction, have no parenchymal involvement. Their vital capacity (VC) and total lung capacity (TLC) are reduced to less than 50% and can lead to pneumonia and nocturnal hypercapnia and hypoxia. Their diffusion capacity is normal. With maximal static mouth pressure (Pimax) < 80 cm H2O and/or Pemax < 100 cm H2O, patients are referred to the national centres. Here, inspiratory muscular insufficiency is confirmed by sniff nasal inspiratory pressure and oesophageal pressure < 70 cm H2O. Expiratory muscular insufficiency is confirmed by a cough peak flow < 3-4 L/sec. and cough gastric pressure < 100 cm H2O. Sleep studies reveal nocturnal hypoventilation. Phrenic nerve stimulation is to be introduced in the diagnostic approach. Twitch mouth or oesophageal pressure < 10 cm H2O and twitch gastric pressure < 7 cm H2O are pathognomonic for neuromuscular respiratory insufficiency.