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Focal liver lesions are detected in about 15% of abdominal ultrasound examinations. The diagnosis of frequent benign lesions can be determined reliably based on the characteristic B-mode appearance of cysts, hemangiomas, or typical focal fatty changes. In the case of focal liver lesions which remain unclear on B-mode ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) increases diagnostic accuracy for the distinction between benign and malignant liver lesions. Artificial intelligence describes applications that try to emulate human intelligence, at least in subfields such as the classification of images. Since ultrasound is considered to be a particularly examiner-dependent technique, the application of artificial intelligence could be an interesting approach for an objective and accurate diagnosis. In this systematic review we analyzed how artificial intelligence can be used to classify the benign or malignant nature and entity of focal liver lesions on the basis of B-mode or CEUS data. In a structured search on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE, we found 52 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed good diagnostic performance for both the classification as benign or malignant and the differentiation of individual tumor entities. The results could be improved by inclusion of clinical parameters and were comparable to those of experienced investigators in terms of diagnostic accuracy. However, due to the limited spectrum of lesions included in the studies and a lack of independent validation cohorts, the transfer of the results into clinical practice is limited.

Shear wave dispersion imaging is a novel ultrasound-based technique, which analyzes the speed of different shear wave components depending on their frequency. The dispersion of shear wave speed correlates with the viscosity of the liver parenchyma. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the use of shear wave dispersion imaging in focal liver lesions in the non-cirrhotic liver.Patients with unclear focal liver lesions in B-mode ultrasound were prospectively assigned to shear wave dispersion imaging (m/s/kHz). Measurements were conducted within the lesion and in the liver parenchyma of the right liver lobe using an intercostal window. Histology and contrast-enhanced ultrasound served as the reference for the characterization of the lesions.Out of 46 patients included in this study, 24 had liver metastases and 22 had benign liver lesions. Benign lesions consisted mostly of hemangiomas (n=12) and focal nodular hyperplasia (n=8). Malignant lesions showed significantly lower shear wave dispersion (13.0±2.45 m/s/kHz) compared to benign tumors (15.2±2.74 m/s/kHz, p0.01). In further subgroup analysis, the difference was significant for hemangiomas (15.32±2.42 m/s/kHz, p=0.04) but not for FNHs (14.98±3.36 m/s/kHz, p=0.38). The dispersion of reference liver parenchyma did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.54).The quantification of viscosity by shear wave dispersion is a new parameter for the characterization of focal liver lesions with higher dispersion values in hemangiomas and lower dispersion values in metastases. However, it cannot differentiate reliably between benign and malignant lesions.Die Scherwellendispersion ist ein neues ultraschallbasiertes Verfahren, welches die Geschwindigkeit verschiedener Scherwellenanteile in Abhängigkeit ihrer Frequenz misst. Diese Dispersion der Scherwellen korreliert mit der Viskosität des Leberparenchyms. Ziel dieser prospektiven Studie war es, die Anwendung von Scherwellendispersion in fokalen Leberläsionen in der nichtzirrhotischen Leber zu untersuchen.Patienten mit fokalen Leberläsionen wurden prospektiv mit Scherwellendispersion (m/s/kHz) untersucht. Die Messungen wurden in der Läsion und im Parenchym des rechten Leberlappens mit interkostalem Zugang durchgeführt. Die Einordnung der Leberläsionen erfolgte mittels Kontrastmittelsonografie oder Histologie.Von insgesamt 46 eingeschlossenen Patienten hatten 24 Lebermetastasen und 22 gutartige Läsionen. Benigne Veränderungen waren vor allem Hämangiome (n=12) und fokale noduläre Hyperplasien (n=8). Metastasen zeigten eine signifikant niedrigere Dispersion (13,0±2,45m/s/kHz) als gutartige Leberläsionen (15,2±2,74m/s/kHz; p0,01). In der Subgruppenanalyse war nur der Unterschied zu Hämangiomen signifikant (15,32±2,42m/s/kHz; p=0,04), nicht aber zu FNH (14,98±3,36m/s/kHz; p=0,38). Die Messwerte des Leberparenchyms zwischen den einzelnen Gruppen waren nicht signifikant unterschiedlich (p=0,54).Die Bestimmung der Viskosität mit Scherwellendispersion ist ein neuer Parameter zur Charakterisierung fokaler Leberläsionen mit höheren Werten in Hämangiomen und niedrigeren Werten in Metastasen. Er ermöglicht jedoch keine zuverlässige Unterscheidung zwischen benignen und malignen Läsionen.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Existenz der Histaminintoleranz (HIT) ist umstritten. Als Ursache wird ein gestörter Histaminabbau infolge einer Diaminooxidase(DAO)-Defizienz vermutet. Doch auch andere Faktoren, z. B. eine erhöhte Histaminproduktion durch Darmbakterien, können zu erhöhten Histaminspiegel beitragen. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, eine mögliche Veränderung der Darmbakterien in histaminintoleranten Patienten im Vergleich zu gesunden Personen zu detektieren. Material und Methodik Bei allen Studienprobanden erfolgte die Bestimmung von Gesamt-IgE, nahrungsmittelspezifischen IgEs, TNF-α, Plasmahistamin sowie der Serum-DAO-Aktivität. Anhand von Stuhlproben wurde die Histamin- und Zonulinkonzentration sowie die bakterielle Zusammensetzung mittels 16S-rRNA-Sequenzierung unter Verwendung der Illumina Plattform analysiert. Ergebnisse Insgesamt 18 Probanden (30,2 ± 12,5 Jahre, 94,4 % weiblich) wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Diese umfassten Patienten mit HIT (n = 8; 28,9 ± 11,2 Jahre) und gesunde Kontrollen (n = 10; 31,3 ± 13,9 Jahre). Innerhalb der Studiengruppen wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede in der Histaminkonzentration im Stuhl festgestellt, wohingegen die HIT-Patienten tendenziell erhöhte Zonulinkonzentration im Stuhl aufwiesen. Die Mikrobiomanalyse zeigte eine erniedrigte bakterielle α-Diversität (p = 0,05) und ein erhöhtes Vorkommen von Proteobacteria in der HIT-Gruppe. Weiterhin wiesen die HIT-Patienten ein signifikant geringeres Vorkommen der Butyrat-produzierenden Bakteriengattungen Faecalibacterium (p = 0,045) und Butyricimonas (p = 0,003) auf. Zudem waren die Anteile an Sutterella (p = 0,043) und Hespellia (p = 0,043) erniedrigt. In keiner Studiengruppe wurden vermehrt histaminproduzierende Bakterien detektiert. Schlussfolgerung Unsere Ergebnisse deuten auf eine veränderte Darm-Mikrobiota in Patienten mit HIT hin. Der erhöhte Anteil von Proteobacteria und der erniedrigte Anteil an Butyrat-produzierenden Bakterien sowie höhere Zonulinwerte im Stuhl weisen dabei auf eine mögliche Dysbiose oder eine gestörte Darmbarriere hin. Eine erhöhte intestinale Histaminexposition durch Darmbakterien scheint in der Pathogenese der Histaminintoleranz hingegen unwahrscheinlich.

Background and study aims Apart from mucosal healing as an established treatment goal in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), recent evidence suggests that histologic healing may become another key prognostic parameter in IBD patients. We aimed to evaluate whether magnification endoscopy with optical chromoendoscopy can accurately assess histologic inflammation in IBD patients. Patients and methods In this prospective study, 82 patients with IBD (30 UC, 52 CD) were included. In all patients, magnification endoscopy in conjunction with optical chromoendoscopy was performed and rated on a novel magnification endoscopy score by three independent endoscopists. Targeted biopsies of the imaged areas were obtained and results were compared against two histological scores in UC (Robarts Histopathology Index, RHI; Nancy Histology Index, NHI) and one score in CD (modified Riley index, mRI). Moreover, interobserver agreement was calculated. Results Magnification endoscopy showed strong correlation with histopathologic scoring in both UC (RHI: r = 0.83, NHI: r = 0.78, P 0.7). Conclusion Magnification endoscopy in combination with optical chromoendoscopy shows strong correlation with histologic inflammation in patients with IBD. This approach has potential to reduce physical biopsies for monitoring of inflammatory activity in patients with IBD during colonoscopy.

Background and aims This study examined differences in personality, psychological distress, and stress coping in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) depending on type of disease and disease activity. We compared patients suffering from Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) with controls. While the literature is replete with distinctive features of the pathogenesis of IBD, the specific differences in psychological impairments are not well studied. Methods In this German national multicenter study, participants were recruited from 32 centers. Two hundred ninety-seven questionnaires were included, delivering vast information on disease status and psychological well-being based on validated instruments with a total of 285 variables. Results CD patients were more affected by psychological impairments than patients suffering from UC or controls. Importantly, patients with active CD scored higher in neuroticism (p Conclusions We identified specific aspects of psychological impairment in IBD depending on disease and disease activity. Our results underscore the need for psychological support and treatment particularly in active CD.

Background and study aims Although several endoscopic techniques have been described for Zenker’s diverticulotomy, no standardized endoscopic approach has been established in clinical routine to date. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic diverticulotomy using the Clutch Cutter. Patients and methods Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in six prospectively enrolled patients with symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum, using the Clutch Cutter. Procedural details such as duration, complications, and technical success were recorded and compared to the outcomes of 15 patients who received needle-knife-based myotomy. Results Myotomy with the Clutch Cutter was feasible in all six patients with complete diverticulotomy in a single session in all patients. Mean procedure time of the Clutch Cutter myotomy was 19 minutes without major complications. During follow-up, one patient had diverticulum recurrence after 10 months, which was successfully re-treated. Mean procedure time with the needle-knife was 43 minutes and a mean of 2.7 myotomy sessions was required for complete diverticulotomy. Conclusion Endoscopic diverticulotomy using the Clutch Cutter is safe, effective, and fast. Larger studies comparing myotomy using the Clutch Cutter with other endoscopic techniques are highly warranted.

Increasing knowledge regarding the immunopathogenesis of IBD has led to the development or approval of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The new substances for example include antibodies against IL-12 / 23, anti-adhesion molecules and antisense oligonucleotides. The increase of therapeutic options will lead to a change of currently used therapeutic algorithms. Biomarkers to ensure a more individualized therapeutic approach are urgently needed to improve an efficient therapy of IBD patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography done with the 4C1 probe yields comparable results to the recently introduced 6C1HD probe. Materials and Methods: Measurements with the 4C1 and 6C1HD probes (Acuson S2000) were performed and compared in four different inclusions of an elasticity phantom model (QA049 CIRS) as well as in the liver of healthy individuals and patients with liver cirrhosis. Results: Measurements with the 6C1HD probe were slightly higher in all phantom inclusions (8, 14, 45, 80kPA) with a mean of 1.48 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.47 – 1.49), 2.18 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.17 – 2.19), 3.61 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.57 – 3.64) and 4.34 m/s (95 %-CI; 4.29 – 4.39) compared to the 4C1 transducer with 1.46 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.45 – 1.47), 2.15 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.14 – 2.16), 3.39 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.37 – 3.41) and 3.98 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.75 – 4.21), respectively (p = 0.04, p Conclusion: ARFI values assessed with a 6C1HD transducer are slightly higher than measurements with a 4C1 transducer in an ARFI phantom and in patients with liver cirrhosis. As the difference is small, current cut-off values keep their usefulness but should be interpreted with caution if measurements are close to the cut-off.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the major entities of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD is a clinical diagnosis, which is supported by endoscopic, histologic, radiologic, sonographic and laboratory findings. IBD are not restricted to the GI-tract but are instead systemic diseases that often involve extra-intestinal manifestations. Aim of the rational medical therapy is the induction and maintenance of a steroid-free remission. The medical therapy depends on the severity, activity and extent of disease as well as the disease course of the patient. There is the dire necessity for an individualized therapeutic concept as the natural disease course differs between the patients.

Purpose: Ultrasound is a well-established noninvasive test for assessing patients with liver disease. This study aims to prospectively compare ultrasound to the new technique elastography (ARFI) for the assessment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: High-frequency B-mode ultrasound (liver surface/vein irregularity, liver homogeneity, spleen size), ARFI quantification, mini-laparoscopic liver evaluation including biopsy were prospectively obtained in compensated patients scheduled for liver biopsy. For the diagnosis of cirrhosis, a combined gold standard (cirrhosis at histology and/or at macroscopic liver evaluation) was used. Results: Out of 157 patients, 35 patients were diagnosed cirrhotic. Ultrasound (combination of liver vein and/or surface irregularity) showed no significant difference compared to ARFI quantification for the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis (Ishak> = 3) and cirrhosis. Diagnosis of cirrhosis had a sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of 83 %(± 12) / 82 %(± 7) / 57 %(± 14) / 94 %(± 4), respectively, with ultrasound and 86 %(± 12) / 81 %(± 7) / 57 %(± 13) / 95 %(± 4), respectively, with ARFI quantification. The sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV for the detection of significant fibrosis were 68 %(± 13) / 86 %(± 7) / 71 %(± 13) / 84 %(± 7), respectively, for ultrasound and 70 %(± 12) / 84 %(± 7) / 69 %(± 12) / 84 %(± 7), respectively, for ARFI quantification. Conclusion: ARFI elastography and high-frequency B-mode ultrasound show similar and good results for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis and high-grade fibrosis. A key benefit of both methods is the high NPV suggesting them as noninvasive exclusion tests.

Background and study aims The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) represents a novel endoscopic treatment method for lesions unresectable with conventional endoscopic techniques. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate technical success and in toto resection rates, recurrence rates, as well as immediate or late complications in patients who underwent polyp removal with the FTRD. Patients and methods Data from a prospectively collected database of 12 patients who underwent 13 over-the-scope clip-based full-thickness resections between June 2015 and June 2017 were analyzed. Follow-up endoscopy was performed in 11 out of 12 patients. Results 13 full-thickness resections were performed in 7 males and 5 females (mean age 64.3 ± 6.3 years). Mean size of the lesions removed with FTRD was 17 ± 4 mm. Location was rectum (n = 6), cecum (n = 2), ascending colon (n = 2), left flexure (n = 1) and right flexure (n = 2). Mean procedure time was 68 ± 35 minutes and mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 1.2 days. 2 patients developed post-polypectomy syndrome, which resolved after conservative treatment. No perforations and no immediate surgical revision were needed. Histology of the 13 lesions removed with FTRD showed 5 adenomas with low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN), 4 high grade IEN, 1 fibrosis, 1 fibrosis without dysplasia and 2 adenocarcinomas. Technical success was achieved in all procedures (13/13, 100 %). R0 resection was achieved in 10/12 patients (83.3 %). 2 patients underwent surgery because of recurrence or not evaluable margins. In 1 patient no residual malignancy was proven in histological examination, in the other patient residual low grade IEN adenoma. Conclusion FTRD is a minimally invasive approach with good success rate of complete resection and minimal side effects.

Purpose: In a prospective study, we compared the different perfusion kinetics of HCC and ICC using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US). Materials and Methods: Patients with proven HCC and ICC were included. Three-minute video clips of CEUS examinations (CPS – low MI mode) after a bolus injection of 1.2 ml SonoVue® were recorded and analyzed with quantification software (VueBox®). Parameters for the arterial contrast enhancement [rise time (RT), time-to-peak (TTP)] towards portal venous contrast enhancement [mean transit time (local) (mTTl) and fall time (FT)] were quantified. Furthermore, contrast wash-out after peak enhancement (PE) (40 s, 80 s, 100 s and 120 s after PE) was compared between HCC and ICC. Results: 43 patients with proven HCC (n = 23 HCC; cirrhosis n = 16) and ICC (n = 20 ICC; Cirrhosis n = 6) were examined. No statistical difference of the arterial DCEUS parameters was found between HCC and ICC. Contrast enhancement of the portal venous and late phases showed significantly lower values in the ICC group indicating early wash-out of the contrast agent: mTTl (p = 0.0209): HCC 118.4 s (SD± 88.4); ICC 64.8 s (SD± 49.7). FT (p = 0.0433): HCC 42.5 s (SD± 27.7); ICC 27.7 s (SD± 16.2). The percental loss of intensity at a definite time point after PE was significantly higher in ICC than in HCC lesions. Conclusion: DCE-US is able to detect and quantify differences in perfusion kinetics between HCC and ICC. Whereas arterial contrast enhancement patterns may overlap between HCC and ICC, a timed characterization of wash-out kinetics may offer an additional tool to characterize HCC and ICC. The presence of a rapid loss of signal intensity in the early portal venous phase is significantly higher in ICC than in HCC lesions.

Purpose: To explore the impact of cholestasis on liver stiffness assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology. Materials and Methods: Over a period of four months, patients with sonographic cholestasis and increased cholestatic blood values (Bilirubin, γGT, AP > 2 times ULN) scheduled for endoscopic therapy were recruited. Exclusion criteria were: known liver disease; signs of cirrhosis at ultrasound (irregular liver veins and/or surface); heart insufficiency (NYHA III-VI). ARFI (Siemens S2000), ultrasound and blood examinations were performed before and in a subgroup after successful biliary drainage. Results: In total, 21 patients with cholestasis were included in the study. ARFI measurements were above the cut-off for cirrhosis (1.8 m/s) in all patients with a mean of 2.91 m/s ± 0.89 m/s without a history or signs of cirrhosis. Bilirubin, γGT and AP were elevated on average to 9.7 ± 5.3 mg/dl, 1192 ± 960 U/l and 730 ± 389 U/l. A subgroup of 10 patients was measured after successful drainage. ARFI measurements declined in all patients of that subgroup on average by 0.76 m/s at a mean time interval of 4.5 days (p Conclusion: Cholestasis significantly increases liver stiffness assessed by ARFI. Therefore, it is important to exclude profound cholestasis when using ARFI for evaluating patients for liver fibrosis.

Sonographically guided interventions in abdominal organs are routine procedures with rare severe complications. However, potential patient discomfort or pain is frequently not addressed in the literature.In a prospective 1-year study, the peri- and postinterventional pain of patients undergoing sonographically guided punctures of the liver and pancreas was analyzed. Data acquisition was done with a standardized questionnaire. This included three numeric rating scales (NRS) ranging from "0" to "10" to be answered at puncture and 1 hour and 4 hours later. Data concerning complications and administered analgesic medication was acquired from the patients' charts.223/274 patients could be analyzed (83 %). 91 women (40.8 %) and 132 men (59.2 %) were included. The mean age was 56.0 yrs. Overall the average level of pain was 2.98 at puncture, 1.21 after 1 hour and 0.71 after 4 hours. In patients with diagnostic biopsies, the pain levels were 3.37(0 h)/1.33(1 h)/0.71(4 h) for liver parenchyma, 2.64(0 h)/0.95(1 h)/0.65(4 h) for focal liver lesions and 3.1(0 h)/1.9(1 h)/1.1(4 h) for pancreatic punctures. The pain levels at therapeutic interventions were 3.00(0 h)/2.00(1 h)/0.50(4 h). Female and younger ( 50 yrs) patients had statistically significantly more pain at puncture and 1 hour postintervention. Only minor complications occurred (0.9 %).Severe pain after sonographically guided interventions is rare. Most patients suffer only from mild pain postinterventionally.

Purpose: In order to detect an early response to anti-angiogenic therapy, this study aims at analyzing specific effects of a sorafenib-based regime on intra-tumoral D-CEUS flow parameters of patients with HCC. Materials and Methods: Videos of the arterial phase were captured before initiation of a therapy with sorafenib and 1 and 3 months after (n = 9). Patients receiving a non-anti-angiogenic therapy (TACE, n = 10) served as a comparison group. Cross-sectional imaging was performed at the same time points and patients were followed up for 1 year. Results: In the responder group (RE), the absolute (percentage) TTP was 11.28 s ± 2.03 s (1.00) before treatment, 13.60 s ± 1.52 s (1.53 ± 0.08) after one month (p = 0.0405), and 16.17 s ± 2.35 s (1.46 ± 0.07) after three months of treatment (p = 0.0071). The TTP increased significantly in the RE group as early as 1 month after initiation of sorafenib compared to the non-responder group. There were no significant differences in the non-responder group or between the NR and the TACE group at any time point. D-CEUS values from all sorafenib-treated patients showed good accordance with RECICL (response evaluation criteria in cancer of the liver) criteria (R2 = 0.7154, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Quantitative CEUS reveals variations of dynamic parameters of blood flow during anti-tumoral therapy in liver cancer patients. Further investigations and clinical trails have to confirm that the TTP is a promising parameter in the prediction of early response to sorafenib-based therapy.

Purpose: To check the feasibility of the easy quantification of tumor vascularization derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) in comparison to dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: 19 patients with cirrhosis and histologically proven HCC prospectively underwent CEUS (SonoVue) and CT (Imeron400). Following CEUS, the software ImageJ was used for the easy quantification of the echogenicity in HCC lesions and tumor-free liver parenchyma. For DCE-CT we used the software Hepacare and created arterial enhancement fraction color maps of the whole liver and HCC lesions. Results: Unifocal/multifocal HCCs were detected in 12/7 (US) and 10/9 patients (CT) and biopsied nodules were defined as a reference lesion with a median of 40 mm (US) and 42 mm (CT). CEUS showed HCC-typical hyper-/hypoenhancement in the arterial/late phase in 16/19 reference lesions, while all reference lesions showed an HCC-typical vascular pattern in CT. With DCE-US, quantitative assessment could not be performed in 3/19 patients due to respiratory motion or insufficient image quality. 13/16 reference lesions showed an HCC-typical vascular pattern. Quantitative assessment was possible with DCE-CT in all patients and all reference nodules showed HCC-typical values of the arterial enhancement fraction. There was no statistical difference between CEUS, DCE-US and DCE-CT in the quantitative assessment of contrast enhancement. Conclusion: The quantitative evaluation of DCE-US was feasible in HCC without a statistical difference with respect to DCE-CT. Further studies with a larger study population including small nodules ≤ 2 cm are needed to assess whether this technique is helpful in routine ultrasound.

Purpose: Evaluation of mesenteric transit time (MTT) – measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasound – as a marker for inflammatory activity in Crohn’s disease. Materials and Methods: The time of maximum enhancement of the contrast agent in the superior mesenteric artery and vein was determined visually and by software analysis. The MTT was calculated as the difference between these two time points. Findings were correlated with the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). In addition, a healthy control group was evaluated both in the fasting state and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours postprandially. Results: In 20 healthy controls the mean visual MTT during fasting was 9.76 ± 2.83 sec and decreased to a minimum 1 hour after the meal (6.6 ± 2.27 sec). 45 patients with Crohn’s disease (9 males, 36 females, mean age 35 years) had a mean HBI of 5.9 ± 4.7 points. The mean software-based MTT of 9.76 ± 3.7 sec was significantly higher (p = 0.034) than the mean visual MTT of 8.22 ± 3.05 sec. The two figures correlated well (r = 0.72, p Conclusion: The MTT decreases in the first two hours after eating. The visually assessed and the software-based MTT correlate well, however MTT does not correlate with disease activity in patients with Crohn‘s disease.

Eine 32jahrige Schwangere (26. Schwangerschaftswoche) erkrankte am 6. Tag nach der Ruckkehr von einem Indonesienaufenthalt mit Fieber bis 42°C, hamolytischer Anamie (Hamoglobin 7,6 g/dl) und Thrombozytopenie (7000/µl). Es wurde eine Malaria diagnostiziert; eine Prophylaxe hatte sie nicht durchgefuhrt. Unter antiparasitarer Chemotherapie mit Chloroquin, Chinin und Pyrimethamin kam es zur Elimination der Parasiten (Makrogametozyten von Plasmodium falciparum) aus dem peripheren Blut. Im weiteren Verlauf entwickelte sich jedoch ein progredientes Lungenversagen und eine therapierefraktare Pneumonie, die zu einem »adult respiratory distress syndrome« (ARDS; Morel-Stadium 4) fuhrten. Bei drohendem intrauterinem Fruchttod infolge vorzeitiger Placentalosung unter Respiratortherapie war eine Notfallsectio zur Rettung des Kindes notwendig. Trotz umfangreicher konventioneller Therapiemasnahmen verschlechterten sich die Beatmungsparameter kontinuierlich, so das nach 17 Tagen eine extrakorporale CO2-Elimination eingeleitet wurde. Nach sechstagiger Behandlung war erstmals eine Verbesserung der Beatmungsparameter zu erkennen. Nach zwolf Behandlungstagen wurde die extrakorporale CO2-Elimination beendet, da nun eine suffiziente kontrollierte Beatmung moglich war. Im weiteren Verlauf gelang es, die Patientin vom Respirator zu entwohnen und nach insgesamt elfwochigem Krankenhausaufenthalt beschwerdefrei nach Hause zu entlassen. Das Kind hat sich bisher gut entwickelt und ist neurologisch unauffallig. A 32-year-old woman in the 26th week of pregnancy became ill, 6 days after returning from a trip to Indonesia, with a fever up to 42°C, haemolytic anaemia (haemoglobin 7.6 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (7,000/µl). She had not been on any malaria prophylaxis. Chloroquine, quinine and pyrimethamine, administered after macrogametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum had been found in the blood smear, eliminated the parasites from the peripheral blood, but respiratory failure and treatment-resistant pneumonia occurred, leading to the adult respiratory distress syndrome (Morel stage 4). Because of threatened intrauterine death (resulting from premature placental separation during artificial ventilation) the child was delivered by an emergency section. Despite extensive conventional therapeutic measures the mother's respiratory state progressively deteriorated so that extracorporeal membrane CO2 elimination was instituted on the 17th day. First signs of improvement in respiratory functions were noted after six days. The extracorporeal CO2 elimination was discontinued after twelve days, because artificial ventilation could now be adequately controlled. The woman was gradually weaned from the ventilator and discharged home without symptoms after a total of 11 weeks in hospital. Her child has not shown any neurological symptoms.

Background and study aims Although various improvements in tissue imaging modalities have recently been achieved, in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging in the field of gastroenterology remains a technical challenge. In this study we evaluated a newly developed, handheld, miniaturized confocal laser microscopy probe for real-time in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging in rodent models of human disease. Materials and methods The minimicroscope uses a 488-nm, single line laser for fluorophore excitation. The optical slice thickness is 7 microm, the lateral resolution 0.7 microm. The range of the z-axis is 0-250 microm below the tissue surface. Imaging was performed using different fluorescent staining protocols; 5-carboxyfluorescein-labeled octreotate was synthesized for targeted molecular imaging. Results Cellular and subcellular details of the gastrointestinal tract could be visualized in vivo at high resolution. Confocal real-time microscopy allowed in-vivo identification of tumor vessels and liver metastases, as well as diagnosis of focal hepatic inflammation, necrosis, and associated perfusion anomalies. Somatostatin-receptor targeting permitted in-vivo molecular staining of AR42-J-induced carcinoma and pancreatic islet cells. Conclusions Confocal mini-microscopy allows rapid in-vivo molecular and subsurface imaging of normal and pathological tissue in the gastrointestinal tract at high resolution. Because this technology is applicable to humans, it might impact on future in-vivo microsocpic and molecular diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and inflammation.