The French Radiology Society (SFR) said it deeply regrets the passing of preeminent gastrointestinal radiologist Dr. Pierre Bret during the night of 21-22 May.
The announcement did not list a cause of death, but said Bret's last days were spent happily and peacefully in an environment that he loved.
Bret, an honorary radiologist at Hopitaux Croix, was the first radiologist to use double-contrast techniques in France. He developed an organized, methodological approach to imaging the small bowel, according to a 1989 review of the English-language translation of his book Radiology of the Small Intestine, (Radiologie de l'intestin grele) which he co-authored with Dr. Christine Cuche and Dr. Gérard Schmutz (Springer-Verlag, 1999).
In its 14 chapters, the authors describe their techniques for enteroclysis and small-bowel follow-through, focusing on barium contrast. Discussions include modalities such as ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine, physiologic testing, endoscopy, and arteriography.
"Dr. Bret stresses a methodological, orderly approach to imaging the small bowel, and this emphasis is reflected in a clear, well-organized writing style," Dr. James Hazel wrote in his book review. "The paper quality is first-rate, as are the radiological reproductions. There are no major errors, omissions, pleonasms, or incongruities" (Radiology, October 1990, Vol. 177:1, pp. 162).
During his long career, Bret authored dozens of papers in major French, International, and U.S. Journals including Radiology and theAmerican Journal of Roentgenology.
Bret is survived by a large family that includes several children and grandchildren. An obituary on LibraMemoria.com said that following a religious ceremony on 27 May, his ashes were to be deposited in the family tomb at the Millery cemetery, near the remains of his wife.
By AuntminnieEurope.com staff writers
