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A Cortez

Publications and source records attributed to A Cortez.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Limitations of transvaginal sonography for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, with histopathological correlation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of transabdominal sonography (TAS) and transvaginal sonography (TVS) for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, and to determine the diagnostic relevance of various sonographic criteria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 129 women scheduled for hysterectomy were enrolled into this prospective study. Group 1 (n = 23) consisted of patients with menometrorrhagia who were free of myoma and endometrial disorders on TAS. Group 2 consisted of all the other patients (n = 106). TAS and TVS findings were compared to histopathological results. RESULTS: The prevalence of adenomyosis in Groups 1 and 2 was 91.3% and 24.5%, respectively. TAS had limited value for the diagnosis of adenomyosis in both groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TVS in Groups 1 and 2 were 80.9% and 38.4%, 100% and 97.5%, 100% and 83.3%, and 40% and 82.9%, respectively. The accuracy of combined TAS and TVS in Groups 1 and 2 was 91.3% and 83%, respectively. The presence of myometrial cysts was the most specific ultrasound diagnostic criterion for adenomyosis. Hypoechoic linear myometrial striations related to the presence of myometrial hypertrophy correlated to hormonal status with a sensitivity of 66.6% and a specificity of 100% in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that TAS has a limited diagnostic capacity for adenomyosis but also that TVS alone was poor in patients with an enlarged uterus. In these cases a combination of TVS and TAS should be used.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A heminested polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Brazilian rabies isolates from vampire bats and herbivores.

A heminested-PCR (hn-PCR) using primers to the nucleoprotein-coding gene in a nested set was evaluated in the detection of Brazilian strains of rabies virus (RV). A representative number of RV nucleoprotein sequences belonging to genotype 1 were aligned. Based on such alignment, primers were directed to highly conserved regions. All 42 clinical samples positive by both fluorescent antibody and mouse inoculation tests were also positive by the hn-PCR. Brain tissue that had been left to decompose, obtained from an experimentally inoculated mouse was tested by hn-PCR and yielded positive results. In conclusion, primers designed here were capable of amplifying Brazilian RV isolates obtained from a rural epidemiological cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Value of MRI to evaluate extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis].

PURPOSE: To describe the MR appearance of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis, especially using sequences such as MR angiography, STIR and FAT SAT. Materials and methods. We reviewed retrospectively the MRI studies of 8 patients (4 men and 4 women) with histologically proved desmoid fibromatosis. In five patients the lesion corresponded to recurrent disease. Eleven MRI examinations were available (Siemens, Vision, 1.5T) including the following sequences: pre- and postcontrast T1 weighted (11 cases), STIR (9 cases), and MRA (3 cases). All lesions were imaged in at least two orthogonal planes. CT was available for 5 patients. RESULTS: The lesions were localized to the girdles in 8 cases and to the upper extremity in 3 cases. Most lesions (10/11) were isointense to muscle on noncontrast T1W images and showed intense enhancement on postcontrast T1W images. All lesions (9/9) were hyperintense on STIR images. CONCLUSION: A STIR sequence is useful as a first sequence to identify smaller lesions (usually recurrences) and to better adapt the FOV of following sequences, especially before administration of intravenous contrast. MR angiography may be valuable for surgical planning.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ultrasonography compared with magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: correlation with histopathology.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of transabdominal (TAUS) and transvaginal sonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, and to correlate imaging with histological findings. METHODS: In a prospective study, 120 consecutive patients referred for hysterectomy underwent TAUS, TVUS and MRI. Results of these examinations were interpreted blindly to histopathological findings. RESULTS: Histological prevalence of adenomyosis and leiomyomas was 33.0 and 47.5% respectively. Adenomyotic uteri were accompanied by additional pelvic disorders in 82.5% of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TAUS and TVUS were 32.5 and 65.0%, 95.0 and 97.5%, 76.4 and 92.8%, and 73.8 and 88.8% respectively. Myometrial cyst was the most sensitive and specific TVUS criterion. In MRI, the presence of a high-signal-intensity myometrial spot was as specific but less sensitive than a maximal junctional zone thickness (JZ(max)) >12 mm and a JZ(max) to myometrial thickness ratio >40%. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MRI were 77.5, 92.5, 83.8 and 89.2% respectively. No difference in accuracy was found between TVUS and MRI, but sensitivity was lower with sonography in women with associated myomas. CONCLUSIONS: TVUS is as efficient as MRI for the diagnosis of adenomyosis in women without myoma, while MRI could be recommended for women with associated leiomyoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Detection of leptospires in bovine semen by polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the considerable importance of venereal transmission of bovine leptospirosis, the objective of the present study was to compare the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture/isolation and serology to detect leptospire infection in bovine semen. DESIGN: Blood for serologic examination and semen for bacterial culture and PCR were collected from 20 bulls at artificial insemination centres in Brazil. Each animal was sampled twice for serology. RESULT: Forty-five percent (9/20) of the serum samples collected showed agglutinin titers to serovar hardjo in the first sample and 25% (5/20) had agglutinin titers to serovar hardjo in the second sample. Eighty percent (16/20) of semen samples were positive by PCR. Leptospires could not be isolated from any of the semen samples examined. CONCLUSION: Polymerase chain reaction can be a method of great potential for the detection of leptospires at artificial insemination centres.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea in an infant: a case report.

Primary malignant tumours of the trachea are extremely rare in infants. This report describes an 11-month-old boy suffering from severe dyspnea with a 5-month history of stridor and 'bronchitis'. A hard mass could be palpated below the right lobe of the thyroid gland. Roentgenograms and endoscopy showed an exophytic tumour filling more than 80% of the tracheal lumen. A tracheal resection and a subtotal thyroidectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. An invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea was diagnosed. This is the first reported case in an infant in the English literature. A local recurrence was found on MRI 19 weeks later. The infant died at 16 months of age.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1996

Can blood gas values predict pulmonary hypoplasia in antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

The prognosis of antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) is clearly related to the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia (PH). After birth, controversies remain regarding the implementation of various therapies, especially the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In the literature, the persistence of a Pao2 below 100 mm Hg and of Paco2 above 40 mm Hg despite optimal conventional therapy indicates poor prognosis. Therefore, since 1992, published and personal experiences led the authors to exclude CDH patients from ECMO when conventional therapy (including high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and nitric oxide) did not obtain Pao2 of above 80 mm Hg and Paco2 of below 60 mm Hg. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine whether blood gas results correlate with postmortem findings. Between July 1990 and July 1994, 32 cases of CDH were monitored antenatally and managed postnatally at the authors' institution. Six patients survived; 26 died, including one immediately at birth. Thirteen were treated by ECMO. Seventeen had a best Pao2 of above 80 mm Hg, including the six survivors. Fourteen did not reach this level, and none of them survived. Twenty-three infants underwent postmortem examination. PH was assessed using two criteria: (1) lung weight to body weight ratio (LW/BW) and (2) radial alveolar count (RAC). Two patients did not have hypoplasia (LW/BW > 0.018). Twenty-one patients had PH; 12 of them had an LW/BW ratio of less than .009; for 9, the LW/BW ratio was between .009 and .018, and the RAC (< 3.1) confirmed PH. All infants with a best Pao2 of less than 80 mm Hg had PH. Patients with a best Pao2 of greater than 80 mm Hg included two infants who died from complications without PH, eight infants with demonstrated PH, and the six survivors. In conclusion. (1) No infant with nonhypoplastic lungs has been deprived of ECMO by the authors' criteria. (2) Adequate values of blood gases may not eliminate PH. Therefore, this probably justifies starting ECMO when conventional therapy fails. (3) Conversely, permanent poor values of Pao2 allowed the prediction of PH in all cases. Such patients probably can be excluded from ECMO treatment.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1995

Unusual presentation of a first branchial cleft.

An atypical case of a first branchial cleft presenting with a cutaneous fistula and an epidermoid cyst of the external auditory canal is reported. The relevant embryology of the branchial apparatus is summarized, and variations of first branchial anomalies are discussed. The relationship with a congenital cholesteatoma is discussed.

Branchial Region↗
PubMed1990

Infected cells and immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract of AIDS patients. An immunohistochemical study of 127 cases.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of 30% of 127 AIDS patients studied. HIV-infected cells were present in the lamina propria in 95% of the positive biopsies. They were immune cells, either isolated lymphocytes and macrophages (1-4 per positive biopsy) or dendritic reticulum cells forming a network in the germinal centres of mucosal lymphoid follicles. HIV proteins were not found in the duodenal epithelium or in the superficial rectal epithelium. In two cases (5% of the positive biopsies), they were found in rectal glands: the HIV-infected cells could be either epithelial cells or immune cells. This study confirms that the gut can be a target organ for HIV and that HIV is mainly carried by gut immune cells. The phenotypic study of lymphoid populations and macrophages in the gut mucosa of AIDS patients showed an inverse CD4/CD8 ratio in the lamina propria, compared with normal controls. This was independent of the presence of HIV proteins and is probably responsible for the appearance of opportunistic infections in the mucosa. An increase in activated macrophages was also noted in the mucosa of AIDS patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Increased leukotriene E4 excretion during antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic sheep.

The metabolism of leukotrienes (LT) in the sheep was investigated to define markers of 5-lipoxygenase involvement in allergic responses, obtainable by noninvasive techniques. Intravenous administration of 14, 15-[3H]LTC4 (0.5 microCi/kg) revealed a rapid clearance from the circulation (half time = 90 s). Circulatory metabolism was apparent, with early formation (within 1 min) of LTD4 and LTE4 shown by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Urinary 3H excretion comprised 10% of the original dose. [3H]LTE4 (characterized by coelution with authentic standards during RP-HPLC analysis) was observed in early urine samples. By use of a sensitive and specific RP-HPLC radioimmunoassay analysis, immunoreactive material coeluting with LTE4 was detected in urine from allergic sheep. Excretion of this material was significantly increased during antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction in eight conscious allergic sheep [preantigen, 65.70 +/- 24.27 (SE) pg; 0-1 h postantigen, 208.00 +/- 71.10 pg, P less than 0.05], but not during late responses. However, total postantigen LTE4 excretion (37.8 - 956.1 pg/8 h) was highly correlated (r = 0.976, P less than 0.001) with the severity of bronchoconstriction (445.3 - 2,409.1% specific pulmonary resistance per hour) assessed by measurement of the area under the curve of pulmonary function plotted against time. These findings represent an important demonstration of in vivo allergen-induced peptide LT generation in a physiologically characterized animal model of prolonged allergic bronchoconstriction and further substantiate an important role for LT in this model of allergic asthma.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Encapsulating peritonitis in periodic disease. Apropos of a case studied by x-ray computed tomography].

A case of encapsulating peritonitis complicating the course of familial Mediterranean fever is reported. This encapsulating peritonitis was responsible for abdominal pain and had a "pseudocystic" appearance on ultrasonography and computed tomography. Ultrasound guided aspiration produced a yellowish fluid rich in proteins and poor in cells. Surgical operation revealed a congested appearance of the peritoneum associated with a richly fibrinous appearance of the external wall of the mass. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

Adult↗