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Zusammenfassung Einleitung Ziel der Studie war die Analyse des diagnostischen Workflows von Patienten mit alveolärer Echinokokkose (AE) und die Identifikation möglicher diagnoseverzögernder Faktoren. Methoden Untersucht wurden die Anzahl und Art der diagnostischen Prozeduren von Patienten mit der Diagnose einer alveolären Echinokokkose. Die Erfassung der Krankheitsvorgeschichte erfolgte auf Fragebogen-Basis, den vorliegenden Befunden sowie Datenergänzungen aus dem Patienteninformationssystem (SAP). Die statistischen Analysen wurden mit der SAS-Version 9.4 und der Microsoft-Excel Version-16.43 durchgeführt. Das Studienkollektiv der Querschnittstudie umfasste n = 109 Patienten mit einer bestätigten alveolären Echinokokkose. Ergebnisse Die definitive Diagnose ‚alveoläre Echinokokkose der Leber‘ wurde nach 26,5 ± 65,0 (Mittelwert ± Standardabweichung) Monaten (min – max: 0–344, Median = 3) gestellt. Die Mehrzahl der Patienten wurde wegen eines bildgebenden Zufallsbefundes der Leber diagnostisch abgeklärt (n = 74/109 (67,9%). Insgesamt n = 56/74 (75,7%) aller Zufallsbefunde wurden ambulant, in n = 15/74 (20,3%) der Fälle im Rahmen eines stationären Krankenhausaufenthaltes diagnostiziert. Im Mittel wurde für jeden Patienten 1,1 ± 1,2 (0–11, Median = 1) ionisierende Bildgebungsverfahren eingesetzt. Eine kontrastmittelgestützte Sonografie erhielten 0,3 ± 0,5 (0–2, Median = 0) Patienten. Fast alle Patienten (n = 104/109 (95,4%) wurden zeitweise mit mindestens einer malignen hepatischen oder extrahepatischen Verdachtsdiagnose konfrontiert. Ein Ausschluss des Malignomverdachts erfolgte im Mittel nach 4,1 ± 16,5 Monaten (0 –133,8, Median = 1). Diskussion Der diagnostische Abklärungsprozess von AE-Patienten ist langwierig und belastend. Die psychische Belastung bei fraglicher maligner Diagnose ist erheblich. Der frühe Einsatz einer kontrastverstärkten Sonografie und gegebenenfalls die Punktion unklarer hepatischer Raumforderungen hilft, den schwierigen Diagnoseprozess zu verkürzen.

Purpose Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host, primarily with intrahepatic manifestation. Incorrect diagnostic interpretation of these liver tumors, especially the hemangioma-like pattern, can lead to progressive disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the differentiation of typical hemangioma and a hemangioma-like pattern of E. multilocularis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods This prospective clinical pilot study comprised patients with hemangioma (n = 14) and patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and hemangioma-like pattern (n = 7). Inclusion criteria were the detection of a liver lesion according to a hemangioma-like pattern on E. multilocularis Ulm classification—ultrasound (EMUC-US) and “confirmed” or “probable” AE according to WHO case definition. The comparison group had hepatic hemangioma with typical B-scan sonographic morphology. All participants underwent conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Results The patient group comprised five men (71.4%) and two women (28.6%) with a mean average age of 64.1 ± 11.2 years. The patient group with hemangioma comprised nine female subjects (64.3%) and five male subjects (35.7%) with a mean average age of 56.1 ± 12.0 years. Early arterial bulbous ring enhancement (p p p = 0.0003). In contrast, the patients exhibited typical early arterial rim enhancement (p p = 0.0004). Conslusion The behavior of hemangioma-like AE lesions and typical liver hemangiomas is significantly different on CEUS. AE should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis, especially in high-endemic areas.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is one of the most dangerous human parasitoses. The main site of disease manifestation is the liver (about 98 %). The Echinococcus Multilocularis Ulm Classification for Computed Tomography (EMUC-CT), presented in 2016, was the first compilation of CT morphological criteria of hepatic AE. Studies based on EMUC-CT made it possible to draw conclusions about the development of the lesions in the course of disease beyond purely diagnostic typing. Among the most important findings of these precursor studies was that EMUC-CT type IV presented as an initial lesion, whereas EMUC-CT type III lesions were mostly associated with an advanced disease constellation. An intermodal view of image morphological criteria provides further multi-layered indications for lesion evolution.With the "Alveolar Echinococcosis Ulm Classification" (AEUC), a revision of the previous EMUC-CT was carried out with stage-oriented reorganization of the primary morphologies. Furthermore, an intermodal classification scheme for the evolution of hepatic AE lesions based on AEUC, MRI Kodama classification, and aspects of ultrasound could be outlined.The first stage-oriented CT classification of hepatic AE "AEUC" is based with respect to its lesion characterization on the separate consideration of two classification pillars, the five "primary morphologies", AEUC I-V (AEUC II-IV with subcriteria) and the five "patterns of calcification". In addition, an intermodal classification scheme presents five stages of lesion evolution: "initial stage", "progressive stage", "advanced stage", "transitional stage" and "regressive stage".The imaging modalities differ with respect to their visualization of lesion criteria. This underlines the need for unimodal classification systems. Staging of an AE lesion can be done more accurately by evaluating different modalities.· The AEUC provides a stage-oriented CT classification for hepatic AE.. · Aspects of different modalities allow a more multi-layered view of lesion evolution.. · More accurate staging can be achieved by combining different modalities..· Graeter T, Schmidberger J. Stage-Oriented CT Classification and Intermodal Evolution Model in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 532 - 544.Die alveoläre Echinokokkose (AE) ist eine der gefährlichsten humanen Parasitosen. Hauptmanifestationsort der Erkrankung ist mit etwa 98 % die Leber. Die 2016 vorgestellte „Echinococcus Multilocularis Ulm Classification for Computed Tomography“ (EMUC-CT) war die erste Zusammenstellung CT-morphologischer Kriterien der hepatischen AE. Studien auf Basis der EMUC-CT ermöglichten es, über die rein diagnostische Typisierung hinaus Rückschlüsse auf die Entwicklung der Läsionen im Krankheitsverlauf zu ziehen. Zu den wichtigsten Erkenntnissen dieser Vorläuferstudien gehörte, dass sich Typ IV der EMUC-CT als Initialläsion präsentierte, während EMUC-CT Typ III-Läsionen meist mit einer fortgeschrittenen Krankheitskonstellation verbunden waren. Eine intermodale Betrachtung bildmorphologischer Kriterien gibt weitere Hinweise für eine Läsionsevolution.Mit der „Alveolar Echinococcosis Ulm Classification“ (AEUC) erfolgte eine Revision der bisherigen EMUC-CT mit einer stadienorientierten Neuordnung der Primärmorphologien. Zudem konnte ein intermodales Klassifikationsschema zur Evolution hepatischer AE-Läsionen anhand der AEUC, der MRT Kodama-Klassifikation und Aspekten des Ultraschalls skizziert werden.Die erste stadienorientierte CT-Klassifikation hepatischer AE „AEUC“ basiert in ihrer Läsionscharakterisierung auf der getrennten Betrachtung zweier Klassifikationssäulen, den 5 „Primärmorphologien“, AEUC I–V (AEUC II–IV mit Subkriterien), und den 5 „Kalzifikationsmustern“. Darüber hinaus präsentiert ein intermodales Klassifikationsschema 5 Stadien der Läsionsevolution: „Initialstadium“, „Progressionsstadium“, „fortgeschrittenes Stadium“, „Übergangsstadium“ und „Regressionsstadium“.Die bildgebenden Modalitäten unterscheiden sich in der Darstellung von Läsionskriterien. Dies unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit unimodaler Klassifikationssysteme. Die Stadienzuordnung einer AE-Läsion kann unter Wertung verschiedener Modalitäten genauer erfolgen. · Die AEUC bietet eine stadienorientierte CT-Klassifikation bei hepatischer AE.. · Aspekte unterschiedlicher Modalitäten ermöglichen eine vielschichtigere Betrachtung der Läsionsevolution.. · Eine genauere Stadienzuordnung kann durch die Kombination verschiedener Modalitäten erreicht werden.. · Graeter T, Schmidberger J. Stage-Oriented CT Classification and Intermodal Evolution Model in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 532 – 544.

Zusammenfassung Ziel der Studie Die alveoläre Echinokokkose (AE) ist eine seltene Parasitose verursacht durch den Erreger Echinococcus multilocularis. In vielen Ländern wird ein Anstieg der Fallzahlen beobachtet. Ziel der Arbeit ist die Untersuchung der aktuellen Prävalenz und der Veränderung des geographische Verteilungsmusters. Methodik Die Datenerhebung erfolgte retrospektiv für den Zeitraum 1992–2018 anhand der registrierten Fälle im nationalen Erkrankungsregistern für die AE in Deutschland. Die statistische Analyse erfolgte mittels dem statistischen Auswertungssystem SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, N.C., USA). Ergebnisse Das Untersuchungskollektiv von n=569 Patienten umfasste n=322 (56,59%) Frauen und n=247 (43,40%) Männer. Das mittleres Durchschnittsalter der Patienten mit alveolärer Echinokokkose bei Erstvorstellung betrug 53,90±17,54 Jahre (Median: 56,00 Jahre). Die Moran’s I Teststatistik ergab für den Zeitraum 1992–2018 eine positive räumliche Autokorrelation entsprechend einer heterogenen Verteilung der Erkrankungsfälle in Deutschland (I=0,4165; Z=10,9591, p=0,001). Für den gesamten Untersuchungszeitraum (1992–2018) konnte ein Anstieg der alters- und geschlechtsspezifischen Prävalenz ermittelt werden. Die Gesamtprävalenz im Zeitraum 1992–2018 lag bei 0,71 Erkrankungsfälle pro 100 000 Einwohner. Die Ermittlung der Prävalenz für den Zeitraum 1992–2018 ergab für Männern 0,31 Fälle, für Frauen 0,40 Fälle pro 100 000 Einwohner. Im Zeitraum von 1992–1996 waren in 11/16 (68,8%) Bundesländern (Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein und Thüringen) noch keine AE-Fälle registriert worden. Die Auswertung zeigt jüngst ein vermehrtes vorkommen von Fällen in den Bundesländern Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz und Nordrhein-Westfalen. Schlussfolgerungen Die Analyse zeigt einen Anstieg der Prävalenz sowie zunehmend vermehrt Erkrankungsfälle außerhalb der klassischen Hauptendemiegebiete Baden-Württemberg und Bayern.

Background The Doppler sonography technique known as "superb microvascular imaging" (SMI) is advancing sonographic micro vascularization imaging in various disciplines. In this study, we aimed to determine whether SMI could reliably reproduce the blood flow in thyroid nodes and whether malignancy could be diagnosed, based on vascularization properties. Immunhistochemical staining by CD34 and SMI where used to determine the vascularization of nodes in terms of quantified vascularization parameters gained by computational evaluation. Methods We used image analysis programs to investigate whether the quantitative value for vascularization strength in the thyroid node, measured with SMI, was correlated with the actual degree of vascularization, determined microscopically. We included 16 patients that underwent thyroid resections. We prepared thyroid gland tissue slices for immunohistochemistry and labelled endothelial cells with CD34 to visualize blood vessels microscopically. We used image analysis programs, ImageJ, to quantify SMI Doppler sonographic measurements and CellProfiler to quantify CD34 expression in histological sections. We evaluated the numeric values for diagnostic value in node differentiation. Furthermore, we compared these values to check for correlations. Results Among the 16 nodes studied, three harboured malignant tumours (18.75%): two papillary and one follicular carcinoma. Among the 13 benign lesions (81.25%), four harboured follicular adenomas. Malignant and benign nodes were not significantly different in sonographic (0.88 ± 0.89 vs. 1.13 ± 0.19; p = 0.2790) or immunohistochemical measurements of vascularization strength (0.05 ± 0.05 vs. 0.08 ± 0.06; p = 0.2260). Conclusion We found a positive, significant correlation (r = 0.55588; p = 0.0254) between SMI (quantitative values for vascularization strength) and immunohistochemistry (CD34 staining) evaluations of thyroid nodes.

BACKGROUND When Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) usually manifests primarily intrahepatically and is initially asymptomatic. If the disease remains undiagnosed and untreated, progressive growth occurs, reminiscent of malignant tumours. The only curative therapy is complete resection, which is limited to localised stages, and palliative drug therapy is used otherwise. Consequently, early diagnosis and reliable detection of AE lesions are important. For this reason, abdominal ultrasonography, as the most common primary imaging for AE, relies on classification systems. AIM To investigate how hepatic AE lesion sonomorphology changes over time in the Echinococcosis Multilocularis Ulm Classification (EMUC)-ultrasound (US) classification. METHODS Based on data from Germany’s national echinococcosis database, we evaluated clinical and US imaging data for 59 patients according to the AE case definition in our preliminary retrospective longitudinal study. There had to be at least two liver sonographies ≥ 6 mo apart, ≥ 1 hepatic AE lesion, and complete documentation in all US examinations. The minimum interval between two separately evaluated US examinations was 4 wk. The AE reference lesion was the largest hepatic AE lesion at the time of the first US examination. To classify the sonomorphologic pattern, we used EMUC-US. In addition to classifying the findings of the original US examiner, all reference lesions at each examination time point were assigned EMUC-US patterns in a blinded fashion by two investigators experienced in US diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, United Stated). P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The preliminary study included 59 patients, 38 (64.5%) women and 21 (35.6%) men. The mean age at initial diagnosis was 59.9 ± 16.9 years. At the time of initial ultrasonography, a hailstorm pattern was present in 42.4% (25/59) of cases, a hemangioma-like pattern in 16.9% (10/59), a pseudocystic pattern in 15.3% (9/59), and a metastasis-like pattern in 25.4% (15/59). For the hailstorm pattern, the average lesion size was 67.4 ± 26.3 mm. The average lesion size was 113.7 ± 40.8 mm with the pseudocystic pattern and 83.5 ± 27.3 mm with the hemangioma-like pattern. An average lesion size of 21.7 ± 11.0 mm was determined for the metastasis-like pattern. Although the sonomorphologic pattern remained unchanged in 84.7% (50/59) of AE reference lesions, 15.3% (9/59) showed a change over time. A change in pattern was seen exclusively for AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like or pseudocystic. A total of 70% (7/10) of AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like showed a relevant change in pattern over time, and 85.7% (6/7) of these were secondarily classified as having a hailstorm pattern, with the remainder (1/7; 14.3%) classified as having a pseudocystic pattern. A total of 22.2% (2/9) of AE lesions initially classified as pseudocystic showed a relevant change in pattern over time and were classified as having a hailstorm pattern. For AE lesions initially classified as having a hailstorm or metastatic pattern, no pattern change was evident. All patients with pattern change were on continuous drug therapy with albendazole. CONCLUSION The sonomorphology of hepatic AE lesions may change over time. The hemangioma-like and pseudocystic patterns are affected.

Introduction Determining the normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and define possible factors of influence. Methods We measured the shear wave velocity (SWV) in m/s and the diameter (anterior-posterior) in mm of the TLF bilateral in 267 healthy participants with the Acuson S3000™ (Siemens) using the virtual touch image quantification mode (VTIQ). The parameters were tested for correlations with the anthropometric data of the participants, between different age groups and the genders, as well as information obtained from the history, such as smoking and sporting activities. Results We determined a mean SWV of 3.28 ± 0.55 m/s for the left thoracolumbar fascia and 3.44 ± 0.55 m/s for the right. The diameter on the right was 2.7 ± 0.8 mm. On the left, it was 2.7 ± 0.9 mm. Neither body mass index (BMI) nor gender had a significant effect on either of the measured parameters (p > 0.05). The same goes for regular medication, sporting activity or the consumption of alcohol (p > 0.05). The results concerning the effect of smoking and age were inconclusive as they only had a significant influence to either the right or the left side of the TLF but not on the other side. Conclusions We collected the normal value for ARFI shear wave elastography of the TLF in 267 healthy participants. Furthermore, neither gender, BMI, sports activity nor the consumption of alcohol affected the elasticity or the diameter of the thoracolumbar fascia.

This study aimed to compare spleen sizes in a hospital and a population sample using ultrasound and define normal values and factors influencing spleen size. Both samples' spleen sizes (n = 1520) were measured using ultrasound under the same conditions. Blood counts and other laboratory parameters were determined under the same conditions in both samples. In the hospital sample (n = 760), the mean spleen size was 114.7 mm, and in the population sample (n = 760), it was 99.1 mm. In both, spleen size in men was significantly higher than in women (p 0.0001) and influenced by body height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) (p 0.0001). In the hospital sample, there was a correlation with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0160), AST (p = 0.0394), AP (p = 0.0482), and ferritin (p = 0.0008) and lower values for HDL (p = 0.0091) and thrombocytes (p 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, higher values for AP (p = 0.0059) and lower values for hemoglobin (p = 0.0014) and thrombocytes (p = 0.0001) were found. Stratified for sex (men, women), spleen size increased with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0116, p = 0.0113), AST (p = 0.0014, p = 0.0113), and AP (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0012), and with lower values of hemoglobin (p = 0.0057, p = 0.0016), thrombocytes (p 0.0001, p = 0.0003), and albumin (p = 0.0029, p = 0.0432). In women, there was a discordant correlation with red blood cells (p = 0.0005) and a concordant correlation with GGT (p = 0.0241), and in men discordant correlations with cholesterol (p = 0.0010) and HDL (p = 0.0404). The already proven impact of anthropometric data on spleen size was confirmed. The role of laboratory values should be further analyzed.ZIEL: Vergleich der Milzgröße in einem Krankenhaus und einer Bevölkerungsstichprobe unter Verwendung von Ultraschall und Definition von Normalwerten und Faktoren, die die Milzgröße beeinflussen. Die Milzgröße beider Stichproben (n = 1520) wurden unter denselben Bedingungen mittels Ultraschall gemessen. Blutbild und andere Laborparameter wurden in beiden Proben unter den gleichen Bedingungen bestimmt. In der Krankenhaus-Stichprobe (n = 760) lag die mittlere Milzgröße bei 114,7 mm, in der Bevölkerungsstichprobe (n = 760) bei 99,1 mm. In beiden Gruppen war die Milzgröße bei Männern signifikant höher als bei Frauen (p 0,0001) und wurde durch Körpergröße, Gewicht und BMI (Body-Mass-Index) beeinflusst (p 0,0001). In der Krankenhaus-Stichprobe gab es eine Korrelation mit höheren Werten für ALT (p = 0,0160), AST (p = 0,0394), AP (p = 0,0482) und Ferritin (p = 0,0008) und niedrigeren Werten für HDL (p = 0,0091) und Thrombozyten (p 0,0001). In der multivariaten Analyse wurden höhere Werte für AP (p = 0,0059) und niedrigere Werte für Hämoglobin (p = 0,0014) und Thrombozyten (p = 0,0001) gefunden. Stratifiziert nach Geschlecht (Männer, Frauen) stieg die Milzgröße mit höheren Werten für ALT (p = 0,0116, p = 0,0113), AST (p = 0,0014, p = 0,0113) und AP (p = 0,0001, P = 0,0012), und mit niedrigeren Werten für Hämoglobin (p = 0,0057, p = 0,0016), Thrombozyten (p 0,0001, p = 0,0003) und Albumin (p = 0,0029, p = 0,0432). Bei Frauen bestand eine diskordante Korrelation mit den roten Blutkörperchen (p = 0,0005) und eine konkordante Korrelation mit GGT (p = 0,0241), und bei Männern eine diskordante Korrelation mit Cholesterin (p = 0,0010) und HDL (p = 0,0404). Die bereits nachgewiesene Wirkung anthropometrischer Daten auf die Milzgröße wurde bestätigt. Die Rolle der Laborwerte sollte weiter analysiert werden.

Purpose Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) of the metastasis-like pattern, according to the Echinococcus Ulm classification, is usually discovered as an incidental finding, and the diagnostic differentiation from “true metastases” is difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lesions of the “metastasis-like pattern” in HAE show a typical contrast behavior that can be used for differentiation from metastasis in malignancies. Methods This prospective clinical study included 11 patients with histologically confirmed HAE of the metastasis-like pattern (7 female and 4 male; mean age, 57.1 years; mean disease duration, 59.5 months), who had been examined by B-scan sonography and CEUS, from the National Echinococcosis Registry Germany. Results On contrast-enhanced sonography, 11/11 reference lesions showed annular rim enhancement in the arterial and portal venous phases. Throughout the entire 4-min study period, none of the reference lesions showed central contrast enhancement—i.e., all exhibited a complete “black hole sign”. A small central scar was seen in 81.8% of cases. Conclusion In clinically unremarkable patients with incidentally detected metastasis-like lesions of the liver, contrast-enhanced sonographic detection of rim enhancement without central contrast uptake (black hole sign) should be considered evidence supporting a diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis with a rare metastasis-like pattern. This can help to differentiate HAE from metastases, especially in high-endemic areas.

Julian Schmidberger,1 Christopher Kloth,2 Martin Müller,1 Wolfgang Kratzer,1 Jochen Klaus1 1Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; 2Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyCorrespondence: Wolfgang Kratzer, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-EInstein-Allee 23, Ulm, 89081, Germany, Tel +49 731 500 44730, Fax +49 731 500 44705, Email wolfgang.kratzer@uniklinik-ulm.dePurpose: Undesirable drug interactions are frequent, they endanger the success of therapy, and they lead to adverse drug reactions. The present study aimed to evaluate statistically potentially drug interactions in a locally circumscribed, random sample population.Patients and Methods: In a random sample population of 264 patients taking medications, we performed analyses with the drug information system AiDKlinik®. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4.Results: Statistically potentially drug interactions were recorded in 82/264 (31.1%) subjects, including 39/82 (47.56%) men, and 43/82 (52.43%) women (χ2= 0.081; p = 0.776). The average number of potential possible interactions detected per person was 1.60 ± 1.21. The regression model with the variables age, body-mass-index and number of long-term-medications shows a significant association between the number of long-term medications taken and the number of moderately severe and severe reactions to drug interactions (F(3.239) = 28.67, p < 0.0001; (t(239) 8.28; p < 0.0001)). After backward elimination, the regression model showed a significant interaction with the number of long-term medications (t (240) = 8.73, p < 0.0001) and body-mass-index (t (240) = 2.02, p = 0.0442). In descriptive analysis, the highest percentages of potential drug interactions occurred in 42/82 (51.22%) subjects with body mass indices (BMIs) > 25 kg/m2 and in 28/82 (34.15%) subjects aged 61– 70 years.Conclusion: Number of long-term medications use, age, and obesity may lead to increased drug–drug interactions in a random population sample.Keywords: long-term medications, drug interactions, random sample population, prevalence, age- and gender-specific frequency

BACKGROUND The main endemic areas of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are in Central Europe and Western China. Both the infiltration of intrahepatic vascular and bile duct structures as well as extrahepatic disease can lead to further complications and may increase morbidity in patients with AE. AIM To evaluate vascular/biliary involvement in hepatic AE and its distant extrahepatic disease manifestations in an international collective was the aim. METHODS Consecutively, five experienced examiners evaluated contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans for 200 patients with hepatic AE of each of four locations (n = 50) in Germany, France and China. Therefore, we retrospectively included the 50 most recent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations at each center, performed because of hepatic AE from September 21, 2007 to March 21, 2018. AE liver lesions were classified according to the echinococcosis multilocularis Ulm classification for CT (EMUC-CT). Distant extrahepatic manifestations were documented either by whole body positron emission tomography–CT or with the addition of thoracic CT and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Vascular/biliary involvement of the hepatic disease as well as the presence of distant extrahepatic manifestations were correlated with the EMUC-CT types of liver lesion. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, United States). RESULTS Distant extrahepatic AE manifestations were significantly more frequent in China than in Europe (P = 0.0091). A significant relationship was found between the presence of distant extrahepatic disease and AE liver lesion size (P = 0.0075). Vascular/biliary structures were involved by the liver lesions significantly more frequently in China than in Europe (P < 0.0001), and vascular/biliary involvement depended on lesion size. Different morphological types of AE liver lesions led to varying frequencies of vascular/biliary involvement and were associated with different frequencies of distant extrahepatic manifestations: Vascular/biliary involvement as a function of lesions primary morphology ranged from 5.88% of type IV liver lesions to 100% among type III lesions. Type IV differed significantly in these associations from types I, II, and III (P < 0.0001). With respect to extrahepatic disease, the primary morphology types IV and V of liver lesions were not associated with any case of distant extrahepatic disease. In contrast, distant extrahepatic manifestations in types I–III were found to varying degrees, with a maximum of 22% for type III. CONCLUSION Different CT morphological patterns of hepatic AE lesions influence vascular/biliary involvement and the occurrence of distant extrahepatic manifestations. There are intercontinental differences regarding the characteristics of AE manifestation.

Ultrasound as a non-ionizing imaging procedure is one of the most important diagnostic procedures in everyday clinical practice. The technology is widely used. Due to constant technical innovations, sonographic procedures, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), sonoelastography, new microvascular Doppler modalities and, as an example of interventional procedures, sonographically controlled microwave ablation (MWA), are becoming increasingly important in diagnostic imaging and interventional medicine alongside CT and MRI. However, this also requires greater expertise, specialization and qualification on the part of users. This review article provides information about the range of technical innovations in ultrasound in recent years and describes the underlying technology, the clinical applications, and their diagnostic value. These are presented in the context of the current literature, explaining their advantages and disadvantages and their clinical value. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), microvascular Doppler modalities, fusion imaging and elastography complement B-scan ultrasound and conventional Doppler procedures for various problems. Microwave ablation (MWA) has a firm place as an ablative procedure for local tumor therapy in different organ systems and can be performed under ultrasound guidance. Thanks to new developments, the possibilities of ultrasound are now greater than ever. Knowledge of the technology, indications, and possible applications of newer procedures is essential for adequate patient care. · Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows an increase in sensitivity and specificity in the assessment of parenchymal lesions.. · CEUS allows the microperfusion to be visualized and quantified. For larger vessels, CEUS is an important instrument in diagnosing endoleak after stenting.. · Microvascular Doppler techniques with clutter suppression algorithms allow a more accurate representation of the smallest vessels than regular color or power Doppler.. · Elastography of the liver in diffuse hepatopathies is a noninvasive diagnostic tool to exclude higher grade fibrosis/cirrhosis.. · Microwave ablation (MWA) also offers sonographically controlled ablation of tumors..· Kloth C, Kratzer W, Schmidberger J et al. Ultrasound 2020 - DiagnosticsTherapy: On the Way to Multimodal Ultrasound: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Microvascular Doppler Techniques, Fusion Imaging, Sonoelastography, Interventional Sonography . Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 23 - 32. Ultraschall als nichtionisierendes bildgebendes Verfahren stellt eines der wichtigsten diagnostischen Verfahren im Klinikalltag dar. Bei weiter Verbreitung findet es flächendeckenden Einsatz. Durch stetige technische Innovationen gewinnen sonografische Verfahren wie kontrastverstärkter Ultraschall (CEUS), Sono-Elastografie, neue mikrovaskuläre Dopplermodalitäten und als Beispiel für interventionelle Verfahren die sonografisch gesteuerte Mikrowellenablation (MWA) zunehmend an Bedeutung innerhalb der bildgebenden Diagnostik und Intervention neben der CT- und MRT-Schnittbildtechnik. Dies erfordert jedoch auch eine höhere Expertise, Spezialisierung und Qualifikation bei den Anwendern. Dieser Übersichtsartikel informiert über das Spektrum technischer Neuerungen im Ultraschall der letzten Jahre und beschreibt die zugrunde liegende Technik, die klinischen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und deren diagnostischen Stellenwert. Diese werden unter Darlegung von Vor- und Nachteilen sowie ihrer klinischen Wertigkeit im Kontext der aktuellen Literatur vorgestellt. Die Verfahren des kontrastverstärkten Ultraschalls (CEUS), mikrovaskulärer Dopplermodalitäten, der Fusionsbildgebung und der Elastografie ergänzen den B-Bild-Ultraschall und konventionelle Doppler-Verfahren bei unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen. Die Mikrowellenablation (MWA) hat einen festen Stellenwert als ablatives Verfahren zur lokalen Tumortherapie an verschiedenen Organsystemen und kann ultraschallgesteuert erfolgen. Die Möglichkeiten des Ultraschalls sind dank neuer Entwicklungen heutzutage größer denn je. Die Kenntnis über Technik, Indikationen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten neuerer Verfahren sind für eine adäquate Patientenversorgung obligat. · Kontrastverstärkter Ultraschall (CEUS) steigert die Sensitivität und Spezifität bei der Beurteilung von Parenchymläsionen.. · CEUS ermöglicht die Darstellung und Quantifizierung der Mikroperfusion. Für größere Gefäße ist CEUS ein wichtiges Instrument in der Endoleak-Diagnostik nach Stent-Versorgung.. · Mikrovaskuläre Doppler-Verfahren mit Störungsunterdrückungsalgorithmus erlauben eine genauere Darstellung kleinster Gefäße als der reguläre Farb- oder Powerdoppler.. · Die Elastografie stellt an der Leber bei diffusen Hepatopathien eine nichtinvasive Diagnostik zum Ausschluss einer höhergradigen Fibrose/Zirrhose dar.. · Die Mikrowellenablation (MWA) bietet auch sonografisch gesteuert die Möglichkeit zur Ablation von Tumoren..· Kloth C, Kratzer W, Schmidberger J et al. Ultrasound 2020 – DiagnosticsTherapy: On the Way to Multimodal Ultrasound: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Microvascular Doppler Techniques, Fusion Imaging, Sonoelastography, Interventional Sonography . Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 23 – 32.

Apolipoprotein C3 is a lipid-binding protein with a pivotal role in triglyceride metabolism and inflammation. This 11-year follow-up study aimed to evaluate apolipoprotein C3 levels and other parameters as markers of hepatic steatosis, in a random, population-based cohort in southern Germany. In 2013, we selected and re-examined 406 study participants (193 women, 213 men; average age 58.1±11.3 years) from the original “Echinococcus multilocularis and other internal diseases in Leutkirch I“ (EMIL I) cohort studied in 2002. All participants received upper abdominal sonography to grade potential hepatic steatosis, and blood tests to determine apolipoprotein C3 levels and other laboratory parameters. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and anthropometric measures were documented. The follow-up study conducted in 2013 included a partial correlation analysis. We found an association between hepatic steatosis and elevated apolipoprotein C3 levels (p

Background: Symptoms caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP) are common but often elusive hampering therapeutic decisions. Though correlations of morphologic findings in imaging and clinical appearance remain vague. We aimed in investigating whether a distinct combination of clinical parameters can better define the extent of pancreatic insufficiency and disease burden. Methods: Data from 350 CP patients were evaluated retrospectively from a single center data base following predefined criteria: (i) confirmed CP, (ii) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plus (iii) fecal elastase-1 testing, (iv) age ≥18 years, and (v) Cambridge Score ≥1 on EUS evaluation. Results: In total, 182 patients (137 male, 45 female) fulfilled criteria. Median age was 52 years (range 19–88 years). Etiology distributed as follows: idiopathic 50%, alcohol 42.3%, autoimmune 7.7%. Totally, 56.6% of patients suffered from chronic pain that was significantly associated with male sex and younger age. Stool elastase-1 activity discriminated exocrine pancreatic function in Cambridge IV significantly better than in lower stages. Similarly, the endocrine function was significantly more reduced in Cambridge IV CP. Multinominal regression analysis revealed (i) presence of diabetes, (ii) presence of complications, and (iii) extent of Cambridge score as main determinants for exocrine impairment. Conclusion: A high disease burden is linked to extensive morphological alterations in EUS, while pain is more frequent in younger and male patients. The etiology of CP predicts the course of disease in terms of complications.

Objective Owing to technical development of specific fluorophore filters, the neurosurgical application of sodium fluorescein (SF) has regained value in brain tumor surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of SF during nerve biopsies. Methods This single-center study included 5 cases of nerve biopsies performed under microscope-based fluorescence with SF performed between March 2016 and February 2017. SF was applied intravenously (1 mg/kg body weight). After microsurgical dissection of the involved nerve segment, fluorescence-guided fascicular biopsy was performed. Selection of target fascicles was at the surgeon's discretion and took into account nerve stimulation for preservation of motor function and fluorescence intensity. Correlation to histopathologic examination was examined. Video analysis of intraoperative images comparing target fascicles with intense fluorescent response to adjacent fascicles of the same nerve segment was performed using ImageJ. Results All patients had motor or sensory deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar, depicting long segments of gadolinium enhancement (minimum 11.7 cm). Each biopsy sample was positive resulting in diverse histopathologic results. Digital image analysis revealed a statistically significant difference of the complementary color green (P = 0.0473). Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard in diagnostic work-up of peripheral nerve disorders. Longitudinal nerve thickening with positive contrast enhancement is an unspecific magnetic resonance imaging finding. Various pathologies, such as tumors and inflammatory lesions, may cause this morphologic phenomenon. Nerve biopsies may be needed for diagnostic work-up. Intraoperative SF may help to depict the most affected fascicles and identify target fascicles for biopsy and increase diagnostic certainty of nerve biopsies.

The sonographic findings in alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are complex and can pose significant differential diagnostic problems. They may present like complicated cysts or malignant tumors in the liver. We will discuss the diagnostic difficulties and pitfalls of these two diseases based on case histories.Die sonografischen Befunde bei Alveolärer Echinokokkose (AE) und Zystischer Echinokokkose (CE) sind komplex und können erhebliche differenzialdiagnostische Probleme aufwerfen. Sie können sich wie komplizierte Zysten oder wie bösartige Tumore in der Leber präsentieren. Wir werden die diagnostischen Schwierigkeiten und Fallstricke dieser beiden Erkrankungen anhand von Fallbeispielen diskutieren.

As part of a prospective clinical study, the degree of hepatic fatty degeneration was quantified in a patient population with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and sonographically diagnosed with hepatic steatosis using attenuation imaging.A total of 113 patients with hepatic steatosis were examined, of whom 35 showed focal fatty sparing. Patients with the condition after right nephrectomy, other known liver diseases, and relevant alcohol consumption were excluded from the evaluation. B-scan sonography and sonographic quantification of steatosis content using attenuation imaging (Aplio i800 Canon Medical Systems) were performed. Attenuation imaging is a new ultrasound-based measurement technique that allows objective detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis.The prevalence of focal fatty sparing was 31.0% in the patient population examined. Patients with focal fatty sparing showed a statistically significantly higher attenuation coefficient in contrast to patients without focal fatty sparing (0.79 ± 0.10 vs. 0.66 ± 0.09 dB/cm/MHz, p0.0001).Detection of focal fatty sparing is associated with an increased attenuation coefficient and is thus an expression of higher-grade hepatic fatty degeneration. Patients with focal fatty sparing are more often male and have a higher BMI and a larger liver than patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without focal fatty sparing.Im Rahmen einer prospektiven klinischen Studie wurde der Grad der hepatischen Fettdegeneration bei einer Patientenpopulation mit nichtalkoholischer Fettlebererkrankung und sonografisch diagnostizierter Steatosis hepatis mittels Attenuationsbildgebung quantifiziert.Insgesamt wurden 113 Patienten mit einer Fettleber untersucht, von denen 35 eine fokale Minderverfettung aufwiesen. Patienten mit Zustand nach rechter Nephrektomie, anderen bekannten Lebererkrankungen und relevantem Alkoholkonsum wurden von der Untersuchung ausgeschlossen. Es wurden eine B-Bild-Sonografie und eine sonografische Quantifizierung des Steatosegehalts mittels Attenuation Imaging (Aplio i800 Canon Medical Systems) durchgeführt. Attenuation Imaging ist eine neue ultraschallbasierte Messtechnik, die eine objektive Erkennung und Quantifizierung der Lebersteatose ermöglicht.Die Prävalenz der fokalen Minderverfettung betrug in der untersuchten Patientenpopulation 31,0 %. Patienten mit fokaler Minderverfettung zeigten im Gegensatz zu Patienten ohne fokale Minderverfettung einen statistisch signifikant höheren Attenuation coefficient (0,79 ± 0,10 vs. 0,66 ± 0,09 dB/cm/MHz, p0,0001).Der Nachweis einer fokalen Verfettung geht mit einem erhöhten Attenuation coefficient einher und ist somit Ausdruck einer höhergradigen Leberverfettung. Patienten mit fokaler Minderverfettung sind häufiger männlich, haben einen höheren BMI und eine größere Leber als Patienten mit nichtalkoholischer Fettlebererkrankung ohne fokale Minderverfettung.

Undesirable drug interactions are frequent, they endanger the success of therapy, and they lead to adverse drug reactions. The present study aimed to evaluate statistically potentially drug interactions in a locally circumscribed, random sample population.In a random sample population of 264 patients taking medications, we performed analyses with the drug information system AiDKlinikStatistically potentially drug interactions were recorded in 82/264 (31.1%) subjects, including 39/82 (47.56%) men, and 43/82 (52.43%) women (Number of long-term medications use, age, and obesity may lead to increased drug-drug interactions in a random population sample.

Zusammenfassung Ziel der Studie Die alveoläre Echinokokkose (AE) ist in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland (DACh) eine seltene Erkrankung, welche durch eine Infektion mit dem Parasiten Echinococcus multilocularis hervorgerufen werden kann. Ziel der Arbeit ist die Darstellung von Unterschieden im Erfassungs- und Meldesystem der alveolären Echinokokkose in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland und der Beschreibung der epidemiologischen Entwicklungen und deren Trends. Methodik Im Rahmen eines Epidemiologischen Updates am 06. September 2019 in Ulm, Deutschland diskutierten Experten und Repräsentanten über Unterschiede im Melde- und Erfassungssystem sowie über die aktuelle epidemiologische Situation. Ergebnisse In Österreich besteht seit 2004 nach §1 Abs. 1 eine namentliche Meldepflicht nach dem Epidemiegesetz 1950 (EpidemieG) und der Verordnung gemäß der anzeigepflichtig übertragbarer Krankheiten für Verdachts-, Erkrankungs- und Todesfälle für eine alveoläre Echinokokkose. Nach §7 Abs. 3 Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) besteht für Deutschland seit 2001 ebenfalls eine Meldepflicht, allerdings nichtnamentlich. Zusätzlich stehen in beiden Ländern nationale Register bereit, welche für die Beantwortung wissenschaftlicher Fragen genutzt werden können. In der Schweiz besteht seit 1997 keine Meldepflicht mehr für die humane alveoläre Echinokokkose. Derzeit bestehen Bestrebungen für die zeitnahe Implementierung eines nationalen Registers für die alveoläre Echinokokkose in der Schweiz. Trotz unterschiedlicher Melde- und Erfassungssysteme zeigt sich für DACh ein ähnlicher epidemiologischer Trend. Schlussfolgerungen In Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland zeigt sich ein leicht steigender Trend von humanen Erkrankungsfällen mit alveolärer Echinokokkose. Die direkte Vergleichbarkeit ist aufgrund unterschiedlicher Meldepflichten und deren Strukturen eingeschränkt und erlaubt häufig nicht die gemeinschaftliche Beantwortung wissenschaftlicher Fragestellungen zur Diagnostik, Behandlung und Versorgung.

Purpose Comparison of vascularization of schwannomas, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, using color-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS) and the Toshiba monochrome Superb Microvascular Imaging (mSMI) (Minato, Tokyo, Japan) technique. Methods In a retrospective single-center analysis, 16 patients were identified with histologically confirmed schwannomas. Between March and June 2018, all of them underwent ultrasonography using mSMI and CCDS before surgery. Schwannoma vascularization was quantitatively measured using ImageJ, an open platform for scientific image analysis. As the diagnostic gold standard, magnetic resonance imaging was mandatory. Results The mSMI and CCDS vascularization showed a moderate agreement between the techniques (κ = 0.5556; p = 0.0066). The quantitative visual assessment of the vascularization revealed no difference (25.3 ± 8.2 vs. 18.2 ± 3.8; p = 0.0532). Significant differences were found for the quantitative assessment of CCDS with ImageJ (26.8 ± 8.8 vs. 19.3 ± 2.8; p = 0.0368). However, in a subanalysis of highly vascularized schwannomas, mSMI revealed significant differences to slightly vascularized schwannomas (32.0 ± 8.2 vs. 21.3 ± 6.1; p = 0.0065) but not between moderately and slightly vascularized types (p = not significant). Conclusion The mSMI mode is qualitatively superior to conventional CCDS; however, quantitative analysis of the vascularization of schwannomas revealed no significant quantitative advantage for mSMI. Nevertheless, the mean ImageJ values showed a positive trend toward a better representation of the vascularization degree of schwannomas with mSMI.

Purpose Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a potentially lethal zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of this systematic review is to establish a comprehensive global AE literature overview taking into account the epidemiologically relevant AE research of the twenty-first century. Methods We systematically searched the global literature published from 2001 through 2018 via MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Russian databases eLIBRARY.RU, CyberLeninka, the Chinese databases CNKI, VIP, Journals.research.ac.ir (Farsi language-based), Jordan E-Library (Arab language-based) and supplementary Google Scholar, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. QGIS software was used for the mapping of the affected countries. Results We have listed 154 relevant publications in the final literature synopsis in consideration of our quality assessment. Including non-autochthonous cases, human AE was reported in 36 countries within the northern hemisphere from 2001 to 2018. The first publication of AE in Tajikistan, Pakistan, South Korea, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Morocco occurred in this century; further first cases in Taiwan, Thailand, and Denmark were considered to be non-autochthonous by the authors. The highest total case numbers (n ≥ 100 in a single article) were reported in France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Lithuania, including China and Kyrgyzstan with by far the highest prevalence figures. Conclusions Our paper emphasises the increasing spread of reported cases and the rise in its numbers in the literature of the twenty-first century, especially in western, northern and eastern Europe, as well as in central Asia. Epidemiological studies on human infections are lacking in many parts of the world.

The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the adipose tissue-derived protein, visfatin, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its potential long-term impact on hepatic steatosis. A cross-sectional study including 2429 randomly selected subjects was performed in 2002. Later, 403 subjects were re-evaluated in 2013. Serum visfatin concentrations were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phenotyping included abdominal ultrasonography, anthropometric data, and laboratory investigations. No association was found between circulating visfatin levels and the presence of NAFLD at baseline (2002: p=0.0967) or during follow-up (2013: p=0.1312). However, a significant increase in visfatin levels in relation to the level of steatosis was seen during follow-up (p

We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of gallbladder stones in a random population-based collective in Germany. We determined the prevalence and incidence rates of gallbladder stones in a random population sample of 1909 individuals from the The prevalence of gallbladder stones was 3.8 % (69/1909) in 2002 and 10.8 % (41/380) in 2013. In 2013, the gallbladder stone prevalence was 15.1 % (26/172) in women, compared to 7.2 % (15/208) in men. No gallbladder stones were found in participants in the 18-30 or 31-40 age groups. The average annual incidence was 1.03 % in the 41-50 age group, 0.79 % in the 51-65 age group, and 0.63 % in the 65 age group. The annual incidence was higher among women (1.04 %) than men (0.53 %). The age-associated annual incidence rates for women and men were 1.93 % and 0.5 % in the 41-50 age group, 0.8 % and 0.78 % in the 51-65 age group, and 1.06 % and 0.30 % in the 65 age group. For the investigated German collective from 2002 to 2013, the average annual incidence of gallbladder stones was 0.75 %, with a higher incidence rate among women. These results are consistent with data from comparable international studies. Ziel der Studie war es, die Prävalenz von Gallenblasensteinen an einem bevölkerungsbasierten Kollektiv in Deutschland und zudem die ersten Zahlen zur Inzidenz für ein deutsches Kollektiv zu ermitteln. Im Jahr 2013 wurden 380 Personen nach 11 Jahren nachuntersucht, welche aus dem initialen Kollektiv der im Jahr 2002 untersuchten 1909 Personen der Die Prävalenz von Gallenblasensteinen betrug im Jahr 2002 3,8 % (69/1909) und im Jahr 2013 10,8 % (41/380). Im Jahr 2013 betrug die Prävalenz von Gallenblasensteinen bei Frauen 15,1 % (26/172), bei Männern 7,2 % (15/208). Es wurden keine Gallenblasensteine bei Teilnehmern in den Altersgruppen 18–30 Jahre oder 31–40 Jahre gefunden. Die durchschnittliche jährliche Inzidenz betrug 1,03 % in der Altersgruppe der 41–50-jährigen, 0,79 % in der Altersgruppe der 51–65-jährigen und 0,63 % in der Altersgruppe der 65-Jährigen. Die jährliche Inzidenz war bei Frauen (1,04 %) höher als bei Männern (0,53 %). Die altersassoziierten jährlichen Inzidenzraten für Frauen und Männer betrugen in der Altersgruppe der 41–50-jährigen 1,93 % gegenüber 0,5 %, in der Altersgruppe der 51–65-jährigen 0,8 % gegenüber 0,78 % und in der Altersgruppe der 65-jährigen 1,06 % gegenüber 0,30 %. Für das untersuchte deutsche Kollektiv im Zeitraum 2002–2013 betrug die durchschnittliche jährliche Inzidenz von Gallenblasensteinen 0,75 %, mit einer höheren Inzidenzrate bei Frauen. Diese Ergebnisse sind konsistent mit Daten aus vergleichbaren internationalen Studien.

BACKGROUND Few systematic comparative studies of the different methods of physical elastography of the spleen are currently available. AIM To compare point shear wave and two-dimensional elastography of the spleen considering the anatomical location (upper, hilar, and lower pole). METHODS As part of a prospective clinical study, healthy volunteers were examined for splenic elasticity using four different ultrasound devices between May 2015 and April 2017. The devices used for point shear wave elastography were from Siemens (S 3000) and Philips (Epiq 7), and those used for two-dimensional shear wave elastography were from GE (Logiq E9) and Toshiba (Aplio 500). In addition, two different software versions (5.0 and 6.0) were evaluated for the Toshiba ultrasound device (Aplio 500). The study consisted of three arms: A, B, and C. RESULTS In study arm A, 200 subjects were evaluated (78 males and 122 females, mean age 27.9 ± 8.1 years). In study arm B, 113 subjects were evaluated (38 men and 75 women, mean age 26.0 ± 6.3 years). In study arm C, 44 subjects were enrolled. A significant correlation of the shear wave velocities at the upper third of the spleen (r = 0.33088, P < 0.0001) was demonstrated only for the Philips Epiq 7 device compared to the Siemens Acuson S 3000. In comparisons of the other ultrasound devices (GE, Siemens, Toshiba), no comparable results could be obtained for any anatomical position of the spleen. The influencing factors age, gender, and body mass index did not show a clear correlation with the measured shear wave velocities. CONCLUSION The absolute values of the shear wave elastography measurements of the spleen and the two different elastography methods are not comparable between different manufacturers or models.

Background The main endemic areas of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are in central Europe and western China. The infiltration of intrahepatic vascular and bile ducts as well as extrahepatic disease can lead to complications and may increase morbidity in AE. Purpose To evaluate the vascular/biliary involvement of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) and distant extrahepatic disease at each of four locations in Germany, France, and China. Material and Methods Contrast-enhanced abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with HAE, 200 in total, were evaluated by five examiners. AE liver lesions were classified according to Kodama’s classification. Furthermore, distant extrahepatic manifestations were documented with additionally performed imaging modalities. Vascular/biliary involvement of hepatic manifestations as well as the presence of extrahepatic manifestations were correlated with the respective Kodama type of the liver lesion. Results Distant extrahepatic AE manifestations were significantly more frequent in China than in Europe (12/100 vs. 3/100; Fisher’s exact test: P=0.0286). A significant relationship exists between presence of distant extrahepatic disease manifestation and size of the AE liver lesion (132.53 ± 48.65 vs. 92.49 ± 50.06; P = 0.0030). Vascular/biliary involvement is significantly more frequent in China than in Europe (86/100 vs. 65/100; χ2 = 11.92; P = 0.0006). Vascular/biliary involvement depends on lesion size (111.10 ± 47.44 vs. 47.36 ± 24.36; P, publishedVersion

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the intermediate stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. We aimed to correlate computed tomography (CT) data with histology to identify distinct characteristics for different lesion types. We classified 45 samples into five types with the Echinococcus multilocularis Ulm Classification for Computed Tomography (EMUC-CT). The various CT lesions exhibited significantly different histological parameters, which led us to propose a progression model. The initial lesion fit the CT type IV classification, which comprises a single necrotic area with the central located laminated layer, a larger distance between laminated layer and border zone, a small fibrotic peripheral zone, and few small particles of Echinococcus multilocularis (spems). Lesions could progress through CT types I, II, and III, characterized by shorter distances between laminated layer and border zone, more spems inside and surrounding the lesion, and a pronounced fibrotic rim (mostly in type III). Alternatively, lesions could converge to a highly calcified, regressive state (type V). Our results suggest that the CT types mark sequential stages of the infection, which progress over time. These distinct histological patterns advance the understanding of interactions between AE and human host; moreover, they might become prognostically and therapeutically relevant., publishedVersion

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose (FDG) is the imaging modality of choice for assessing inflammation surrounding hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) lesions. This study is the first to evaluate FDG uptake in hepatic AE (n = 51) based on the standardized uptake value (SUV) and to correlate the SUVs with primary morphology and calcification patterns, based on the Echinococcus multilocularis Ulm Classification for Computed-Tomography (EMUC-CT). Our results show that the SUVs were increased for lesions with EMUC-CT types I-IV primary morphology, compared to the surrounding healthy liver tissue (SUV = 2.5 ± 0.4; p

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare disease in Austria, Switzerland and Germany (DACh) caused by an infection with the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of the study was to describe differences in the detection and reporting systems of alveolar echinococcosis in Austria, Switzerland and Germany and to describe epidemiological trends. As part of an epidemiological update on 6 Since 2004, Austria has had an obligation to report suspected cases, diseases and deaths of alveolar echinococcosis by name in accordance with §1 Para. 1 of the Epidemiegesetz 1950 (EpidemieG) and the Ordinance on Notifiable Communicable Diseases. According to §7 Para. 3 of the German Infection Protection Act (IfSG), Germany has also been subject to a reporting obligation since 2001, but not by name. In addition, national registers are available in both countries, which can be used to answer scientific questions. In Switzerland, there is no obligation to report human alveolar echinococcosis since 1997. Efforts are currently being made to implement a national register for alveolar echinococcosis in Switzerland. Despite different reporting and recording systems, a similar epidemiological trend can be observed for DACh. In Austria, Switzerland and Germany there is a slightly increasing trend of human cases with alveolar echinococcosis. The direct comparability is limited due to different reporting obligations. The structures often do not allow a joint answering of scientific questions concerning diagnostics, treatment and care.Die alveoläre Echinokokkose (AE) ist in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland (DACh) eine seltene Erkrankung, welche durch eine Infektion mit dem Parasiten Echinococcus multilocularis hervorgerufen werden kann. Ziel der Arbeit ist die Darstellung von Unterschieden im Erfassungs- und Meldesystem der alveolären Echinokokkose in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland und der Beschreibung der epidemiologischen Entwicklungen und deren Trends.Im Rahmen eines Epidemiologischen Updates am 06. September 2019 in Ulm, Deutschland diskutierten Experten und Repräsentanten über Unterschiede im Melde- und Erfassungssystem sowie über die aktuelle epidemiologische Situation.In Österreich besteht seit 2004 nach §1 Abs. 1 eine namentliche Meldepflicht nach dem Epidemiegesetz 1950 (EpidemieG) und der Verordnung gemäß der anzeigepflichtig übertragbarer Krankheiten für Verdachts-, Erkrankungs- und Todesfälle für eine alveoläre Echinokokkose. Nach §7 Abs. 3 Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) besteht für Deutschland seit 2001 ebenfalls eine Meldepflicht, allerdings nichtnamentlich. Zusätzlich stehen in beiden Ländern nationale Register bereit, welche für die Beantwortung wissenschaftlicher Fragen genutzt werden können. In der Schweiz besteht seit 1997 keine Meldepflicht mehr für die humane alveoläre Echinokokkose. Derzeit bestehen Bestrebungen für die zeitnahe Implementierung eines nationalen Registers für die alveoläre Echinokokkose in der Schweiz. Trotz unterschiedlicher Melde- und Erfassungssysteme zeigt sich für DACh ein ähnlicher epidemiologischer Trend.In Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland zeigt sich ein leicht steigender Trend von humanen Erkrankungsfällen mit alveolärer Echinokokkose. Die direkte Vergleichbarkeit ist aufgrund unterschiedlicher Meldepflichten und deren Strukturen eingeschränkt und erlaubt häufig nicht die gemeinschaftliche Beantwortung wissenschaftlicher Fragestellungen zur Diagnostik, Behandlung und Versorgung.

Background Alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans are caused by the metacestode of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Immunohistochemistry with the monoclonal antibodies (mAb) Em2G11, specific for AE, and the mAb EmG3, specific for AE and CE, is an important pillar of the histological diagnosis of these two infections. Our aim was to further evaluate mAb EmG3 in a diagnostic setting and to analyze in detail the localization, distribution, and impact of small particles of Echinococcus multilocularis (spems) and small particles of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. (spegs) on lymph nodes. Methodology/principal findings We evaluated the mAb EmG3 in a cohort of formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens of AE (n = 360) and CE (n = 178). These samples originated from 156 AE-patients and 77 CE-patients. mAb EmG3 showed a specific staining of the metacestode stadium of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. and had a higher sensitivity for spems than mAb Em2G11. Furthermore, we detected spegs in the surrounding host tissue and in almost all tested lymph nodes (39/41) of infected patients. 38/47 lymph nodes of AE showed a positive reaction for spems with mAb EmG3, whereas 29/47 tested positive when stained with mAb Em2G11. Spegs were detected in the germinal centers, co-located with CD23-positive follicular dendritic cells, and were present in the sinuses. Likewise, lymph nodes with spems and spegs in AE and CE were significantly enlarged in size in comparison to the control group. Conclusions/significance mAb EmG3 is specific for AE and CE and is a valuable tool in the histological diagnosis of echinococcosis. Based on the observed staining patterns, we hypothesize that the interaction between parasite and host is not restricted to the main lesion since spegs are detected in lymph nodes. Moreover, in AE the number of spems-affected lymph nodes is higher than previously assumed. The enlargement of lymph nodes with spems and spegs points to an immunological interaction with the small immunogenic particles (spems and spegs) of Echinococcus spp., Author summary Echinococcosis is a life-threatening disease in humans that is caused by the larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l.. For the histological diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) the two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) Em2G11, specific for AE, and the mAb EmG3, specific for AE and CE are available. We have analyzed a large cohort of formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded human tissue (FFPE) specimens of AE (n = 360) and CE (n = 178) using these two antibodies. We show that the mAb EmG3 has a specific staining pattern of the metacestode stadium of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. while staining of the larval state of E. multilocularis is limited to the mAb Em2G11. We further identified so called “small particles of Echinococcus multilocularis” (spems) and “small particles of Echinococcus granulosus” (spegs) not only in the main lesion of AE and CE, but also in the adjacent tissue and in the vast majority of lymph nodes analyzed draining the main lesion. The lymph nodes with these microparticles are enlarged as compared to a control group. We conclude that immunochemistry with these two antibodies is a valuable adjunct for the final histological diagnosis of AE und CE. The frequent detection of microparticles of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus in lymph nodes of patients with AE and CE argue for a larger interface of interaction of the parasite with the host`s immune system than previously assumed and point to further mechanisms of these infections in humans which may be the basis for immunological reactions in the host.

The main endemic areas for alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are in Central Europe and Western China, and in >98% of cases, AE manifests in the liver. The aim of this work was to compare European and Chinese patient groups for number, size, and computed tomography (CT) appearance of hepatic AE lesions. A total of 200 CT scans of patients with hepatic AE were evaluated by four blinded, experienced radiologists from two European (Besancon, Ulm) and two Chinese centres (Xining, Urumqi). In addition to noting the number, size, and localisation of the lesions, the radiologists evaluated morphological appearance using the Echinococcus multilocularis Ulm Classification – CT scheme. Chinese patients were younger than European patients (36.8 ± 13.2 vs. 63.5 ± 17.7; p, Highlights • This work compares patients with alveolar echinococcosis in Europe and China. • Liver lesion was classified by Echinococcus multilocularis Ulm Classification – CT. • Chinese patients were younger than European patients. • Chinese patients showed significantly larger lesions than European patients. • Lesion morphology and lesion number differed significantly between the two groups.