[Interpretation of chest roentgenograms of intensive care patients. A comparison of pathoanatomical and roentgenographic findings (author's transl)].

Chest roentgenograms made within 24 hours of death were compared to the autopsy findings. Out of 150 unselected autopsy records of the years 1973/74 and 1976/77 50 and 91 cases respectively were suitable for evaluation. Since 1973/74 the radiographic technique has been considerably changed by the introduction of powerful condenser discharge equipment and the use of highly intensifying screens. Daily discussions with the physicians in charge of the intensive care unit and routine comparison of the pathological and radiological findings were also introduced. The success of these measures is reflected in the greater diagnostic accuracy in respect of the case material for the 1976/77 period. Comparison of the findings in cases of pulmonary embolism exposed the limitation of diagnostic radiology.