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Purpose: To inform about the experiences by introducing this method, concerning feasibility, indication, procedure, histologic analysis, changes in admission of patients, consequences for the diagnostic work-up of breast lesions., Material and Methods: In 80 patients, 84 lesions were biopsied. The patients were chosen according to the "Breast Imaging Reporting A Data System", recommended by the American College of Radiology, with slight modifications. The examinations were performed on a mammographic unit with a special equipment for stereotactic biopsy, using a biopsy gun., Results: Histologic assessment was possible for all the cores provided. 12 of 84 lesions (14.3%) contained carcinoma, 53/84 (63.1%) mastopathic changes, 19/84 (22.6%) other benign findings. The percentage of out-patients was constantly high with 55%, the number of gynecologic in-patients increased slightly from 24 to 27%. The number of open biopsies decreased from 9 to 6 per month with a considerable decrease (30%) of negative biopsies., Conclusions: Co-operation with the admitting physicians, who are also doing mammography, should set a new course towards stereotactic core breast biopsy already before the patients are admitted to the hospital. An increasing acceptance by the gynecologists doing open biopsies could lead to a further decrease of unnecessary operations. The effect by direct histologic feedback improves the quality of mammographic diagnostic.

Arteriograms were carried out on 176 patients using 4-F catheters through a transbrachial approach. Criteria for exclusion from the series were injuries to the upper limb, hemiparesis or poor pulses in the presence of a normal femoral pulse. There were no local vascular complications requiring treatment. On two occasions the brachial artery could not be punctured. Acute posterior cerebral infarction was the only serious complication (0.5%). 67% of the patients were examined on an outpatient basis and this did not appear to increase the risk of complication. We regard this as a suitable method for demonstrating the pelvic and lower limb arteries on ambulant patients.

189 non-palpable breast lesions in 182 patients were localized using conventional mammographic apparatus, a wire grid compression plate and a cannula with a hooked mandrin. The technique of the examination for defining the lesion in three planes and fixation of the lesion with the wire is described. In 173 instances (91.5%), the lesion was found at the first biopsy and subsequent biopsies were necessary on only 24 occasions. One lesion (0.5%) was missed completely. 47 carcinomas were found (24.9%) and the incidence of malignancy increased from 14.3% to 33.3% during the series. The mean ratio defining the size of the biopsy and the size of the lesion was 3.3 and indicates good preservation of breast tissue. Radiographs of the specimen taken with compression showed 186 lesions (98.4%). The method, which is comfortable for the patient, provides satisfactory detection and localization of the lesions; results are similar to those of stereotactic methods but this method is quicker and much less expensive.

In 75 patients with lymphoma (46 Hodgkin's disease, 29 non-Hodgkin lymphomas) computed tomography was performed in order to detect neoplastic invasion of the abdominal organs (55 new cases) or to control the results of treatment (20 cases). In 30 cases enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymphnodes and/or liver or spleen enlargement were found. Neoplastic involvement of lymphnodes without enlargement was missed in two cases. CT failed also to demonstrate microscopic malignant invasion of liver and spleen. The false-negative rate in our series was 10.9%. Computed tomography is a non-invasive method which is very well suited for staging malignant lymphoma.

By using a PE-catheter for catheterising the tear ducts, dacrocystography becomes a simple and rapid investigation. It permits excellent morphological demonstration of pathological changes, since films can be obtained under screening control. A water-soluble, low viscosity contrast medium is recommended. Amongst more than 100 dacrocystograms, there were no serious complications.

Bronchial brushing under fluoroscopy control is used in the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions which are beyond reach of the bronchoscope. A small nylon or steel brush is passed through a bronchial catheter and tissue material from the lesion is taken for cytologic and bacteriologic studies. The technique described is easy to learn, relatively safe, is well tolerated by patients and gives good diagnostic results.

Intrabronchial retention of large plugs of inspissated mucous in cases of disturbed bronchial secretion and impaired clearing mechanism leads often to chronic inflammation and to formation of "proximal" bronchiectasis. Mucoid impaction may occur in many bronchial diseases and is radiologically characterized by the so-called "mucous bronchogram".