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Biomedical subjects

A Couture

Publications and source records attributed to A Couture.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Localized hypertrophic neuropathy (LHN) of the brachial plexus: diagnosis and presurgical evaluation with MRI].

The authors report a case of localized hypertrophic neuropathy diagnosed by MRI. This 10-year-old girl presented with painless progressive deltoid atrophy. Electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated chronic denervation. An MRI performed with T1, T2, T1 with gadolinium and fat saturation sequences showed a linear 5-cm long segment of hypertrophic brachial plexus cord, with moderate high T2, intermediate T1 signal, and marked post-Gadolinium enhancement. Progressive improvement followed surgical resection with nerve graft repair. Histological study confirmed LHN (perineurial cell proliferation), a rare cause of peripheral neurological deficit. MRI findings may suggest LHN, that should be suspected as well as peripheral nerve compression or tumor; inflammatory neuritis and idiopathic lesion (with normal MRI findings) remain a diagnosis of exclusion. MR aids in the precise localization of the lesion before surgery.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2001

A concise total synthesis of the azaphenanthrene alkaloid eupolauramine.

A six-step total synthesis of the azaphenanthrene alkaloid eupolauramine 1 has been achieved using combinational metalation-cyclization tactics. The synthetic route involved first the construction of the azaisoindolinone 9 by aryne-mediated cyclization of he phosphorylated pyridocarboxamide 7 and subsequent dephosphorylation. Metalation of 9 followed by connection of the hydroxybenzyl appendage and E(1)CB anti-elimination allowed the formation of the halogenoarylmethylene azaisoindolinone 4 in the exclusive E-form. Oxidative radical cyclization gave rise to the azaphenanthrene skeleton and regioselective bromination of 3 induced the incorporation of the bromine atom at the 6-position of the azaphenanthrene lactam. Ultimate replacement of the bromine atom of 2 by the methoxy functionality by sequential transmetalation, in situ oxidation, and O-methylation of the phenolic derivative 14 completed the synthesis of the target natural product eupolauramine.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2001

Advanced cranial ultrasound: transfontanellar Doppler imaging in neonates.

We know that many cerebral lesions are of circulatory origin and it is now important to study cerebral hemodynamics by pulsed and color Doppler ultrasonography. The revolution in the imaging of vascular physiology, the diagnosis, and the prognostic evaluation of vascular disease are not based on morphological sonographic studies but on the Doppler techniques that can display cerebral vessels in the neonate. The results of the hemodynamic investigation in 491 newborns aged from 32 weeks of gestation to 9 months by means of pulsed and color Doppler are reported. Normal values of the resistive index, peak systolic, end-diastolic, and time-averaged velocities in seven different vessels are determined. Some pathological examples are presented. Doppler techniques play a major role in the diagnosis, follow-up, and management of brain damage, whether ischemo-hemorrhagic, infectious, or developmental or tumoral, and of pericerebral collections.

Brain↗
PubMed2001

[Brain sonography in 2001. Evaluation of macrocrania in the infant].

Transfontanelle sonography has become a routine imaging modality to assess infants with macrocrania: detection of hydrocephalus and diagnosis of its underlying etiology, detection and mapping of extra-axial collections, value of Doppler US for diagnosis of intracranial lesions, hemodynamic evaluation using pulsed Doppler imaging.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

First synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of benzoindolizidine and benzoquinolizidine analogues of alpha- and beta-peltatin.

The benzoindolizidine and quinolizidine analogues of alpha- and beta-peltatin were designed and synthesized by two different synthetic routes involving as the key step the Bischler-Napieralski cyclization of suitably substituted N-acyl-2-arylmethylpyrrolidine and -piperidine derivatives. The in vitro biological activity of these analogues as well as some of their derivatives was subsequently evaluated.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Spiral twist of the spermatic cord: a reliable sign of testicular torsion.

BACKGROUND: Colour Doppler sonography (CDS) has become the procedure of choice in evaluating testicular perfusion but false negative findings have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine if direct visualisation of the twisted spermatic cord using high resolution US is a reliable sign to assess testicular torsion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (aged 2-26 years) with equivocal diagnosis of testicular torsion prospectively underwent high resolution and CDS. The results were correlated with surgical findings. Serial transverse and longitudinal scans were performed to compare the scrotal contents on each side and study the complete spermatic cord course, from inguinal canal to testis, to detect a spiral twist. RESULTS: In 14 of the 23 cases of torsion, the diagnosis was based on the colour Doppler findings in the scrotum because blood flow was absent in the symptomatic testis and detectable without difficulty on the normal side. In nine cases, CDS was unreliable; in six cases intratesticular perfusion was present in a twisted testis and in three small boys, no colour signal was obtained in either testis. In all cases of torsion, the spiral twist of spermatic cord was detected at the external inguinal ring. The twist induced an abrupt change in spermatic cord course, size and shape below the point of torsion. It appeared in the scrotum as a round or oval, homogeneous or heterogeneous extratesticular mass with or without blood flow, that could be connected cephalad with the normal inguinal cord. In the other seven cases (three late torsions of the appendix testis, one epididymo-orchitis and three torsions with spontaneous reduction), no spiral twist was detectable. CONCLUSION: The detection of spermatic cord spiral twist appears a reliable US sign of torsion whatever the testicular consequences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Fetal intraventricular hemorrhage caused by cerebral contusion, and with spontaneous remission. Contribution of MRI].

We report a case of fetal ventricular hemorrhage which occurred at 27.5 weeks gestation and caused by fetal brain contusion after a maternal traumatism. Ultrasound examination evidenced ventriculomegaly and an intraventricular clot which were confirmed by MRI. We discuss the interest of combining ultrasound and MRI of the fetal brain for the investigation and follow-up of fetal brain trauma. The patient gave birth to an eutrophic normal boy. The child is normal at 12 months follow-up.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1998

[Early prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetus in fetu].

Fetus in fetu is a very rare abnormality, and is secondary to a pathological diamniotic monochorionic pregnancy. Its discovery is usually postnatal. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis suspected at 16 gestation's week because of a voluminous omphalocele seen at 12 gestation's week.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Carpal bone maturation during childhood and adolescence: assessment by quantitative computed tomography. Preliminary results.

The aim of our study was to measure the volume of each carpal bone during childhood and adolescence by image processing from computed tomography (CT) scans, and to analyze the relationship between the eight carpal bones. Thirteen CT scans were performed in nine normal prepubertal, peripubertal and post-pubertal children, six boys and three girls, aged 5-14 years. Each scan was processed in order to extract the carpal bones. The volume was computed for each bone. There was a significant correlation between carpal bone volume and age (0.55 < r < 0.79), and a very strong correlation between the volume of a given carpal bone and the volume of all the others, whatever the age (0.87 < r < 0.99, p < 0.01). Image processing is a potentially useful method for assessing bone maturation. The constant ratio between carpal bone volumes indicates that these bones interact with each other in wrist bone maturation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Suburethral sling urethropexy: a vaginal approach].

Considering the poor long term results with the bladder neck suspensions, the poor results with the retropubic approach in obese or intrinsic sphincter deficiency and the complexity of the classical retropubic sling procedure, a simple vaginal sling urethropexy approach was developed. The vaginal mucosa is opened at 12 o'clock under the urethra. Dissection of the endopelvic fascia is undertaken. Polypropylene sutures are placed at the 4 corners of a free 2 x 4 cm rectus abdominis muscle flap which is suspended under the bladder neck transvaginally. Polypropylene sutures are tied at the rectus muscle through a 3 cm suprapubic incision. 25 patients were operated by one single surgeon. 7 had previous uretropexies. Previous hysterectomies: 8. Average age: 57. Average weight: 67.6. Severe stress incontinence was demonstrated in 23 patients. 9 patients had mixed incontinence. Average protective pads per day pre-op: 4.1. OR time: 93.8 min. Blood loss was minimal. 10 patients had transient post op retention (24 days average). 1 bladder perforation. 2 incisional hernias. 6 suprapubic wound infections. Average hospital stay: 5.95 days. The average follow up was 22 months. All patients were either cured (76%) or improved. 73% were satisfied (questionnaire). Despite a longer OR time, and the incidence of transient post op retention, this vaginal sling urethropexy approach is a simple and efficient procedure. It can be useful in previously operated or obese patients. It is easier to perform than the more conventional retropubic or combined (retropubic and vaginal) sling urethropexy.

Dissection↗
PubMed1996

Prenatal aspects of giant fetal cranial haemangio-endothelioma.

A case of a large vascular lesion of the skull is reported. The lesion was discovered at 22 weeks' gestation and it rapidly increased in size, reaching 8 cm a month later. Tumor echogenicity was the same as that for soft tissues and colour Doppler examination revealed intense vascularization. Cordocentesis showed features of the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome and very high plasma levels of alpha-fetoprotein. A Caesarean section was performed to avoid dystocia and led to the birth of a baby with cardiac failure in the immediate neonatal period. Biopsies of the mass led to the diagnosis of a non-malignant haemangio-endothelioma. The mass was removed and plastic surgery performed. The baby is alive and well 9 months after the operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Atypical pyloric stenosis in an infant with familial hyperlipidemia.

A 1-month-old infant presented with a typical pattern of pyloric stenosis but US revealed an intense hyperechogenicity of the thickened pyloric muscle. Cholecystitis and pancreatitis were also present in this child. Familial hyperchylomicronemia was detected. Surgery confirmed the fatty infiltration of the pyloric muscular layer, which was necrotic and inflammatory. Medical management with restriction of fat in the diet led to a complete recovery. This is an exceptional case of pyloric stenosis where the particular echographic appearance of the pyloric muscle led to successful to medical treatment.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Evaluation of abdominal pain in Henoch-Schönlein syndrome by high frequency ultrasound.

The authors report the use of high frequency ultrasound (7.5-10 MHz probes) for the detection of intestinal complications in 14 children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Ultrasound gave information of 3 levels: (1) It explained the acute abdominal pain by showing in all cases the oedematous haemorrhagic infiltration of the intestinal wall, which appeared thickened (3-11 mm): lesions were diffuse (6 cases) or focal (duodenal in 5 cases, jejunal in 2 cases and ileal in one). (2) It followed the evolution of the disease: extension of lesions (5 cases) or resolution (progressive decrease of parietal thickening, reexpansion of small bowel lumen, reappearance of peristalsis). (3) It always detected surgical complication: ileo-ileal intussusception (3 cases), perforation (1 case).

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1992

[Neuroblastoma, factor of early decompensation of tetralogy of Fallot].

The authors report the case of a tetralogy of Fallot associated with a neuroblastoma secreting large quantities of noradrenaline. Anoxic decompensation of the tetralogy of Fallot occurred early at the age of 4 months with cyanotic crises associated with an impression of abdominal pain. A systemic-pulmonary anastomosis was performed and the cyanosis regressed but the crises persisted and investigations showed the presence of a neuroblastoma. The tumour was treated by surgery and chemotherapy and has not recurred after 2 years' follow-up. Complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot was performed secondarily at the age of 2. In this case, the high concentration of circulating catecholamines was probably a factor of early decompensation of the tetralogy of Fallot by infundibular spasm. A review of the literature revealed 26 cases of cardiac disease with a peripheral neurogenic tumour. Two pathogenic mechanisms are suggested: an embryological abnormality of cardiac cell migration from the neural crest and chronic stimulation of neuroblastic cells by chronic hypoxia.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Pericerebral fluid collections and ultrasound.

The authors have studied 142 cases of pericerebral fluid collection, by ultrasound. Three echographic patterns are individualized: anechogenic single compartment (109); thin linear echogenic membrane dividing the pericerebral fluid collection (25); the third group (8) presented with a peripheric echogenic collection. The use of high frequency probes permits the detection of pericerebral effusions, and provides new information about the high incidence. Ultrasound can define the anatomical position and show the complications which are mainly acute subdural hematoma.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

[Solid tumors of the adrenal gland in children (excluding neuroblastomas). A study of a series of 18 cases].

This is a survey of the French South-East Group of Research in Pediatric Surgery (GRECPSE) concerning 18 Solid Adrenal Tumors, observed during a 20-years period (1969-1989) in 11 boys and 8 girls. 13 are tumors of the adrenal cortex (9 adenomas and 4 carcinomas). Clinical virilization is found in 7, cushing's syndrome in 3; while feminizing tumor, Conn's syndrome and non hormone-secreting form are quite exceptional (1 case each, respectively). 5 are adrenal pheochromocytomas (4 benign tumors and 1 malignant with local invasion). Ultrasonography, CT Scan and MIBG Scintigraphy are modern procedures which permit localization of the small and non palpable tumors with high accuracy. They make easier surgical management. Differentiation between benign and malignant tumors of the adrenal glands still remains the main problem. The course of the disease is surely the only distinguishing parameter. However weight tumor and selective histopathological characteristics are useful in predicting the prognosis and behavior of such tumors = Mitotic activity for adrenocortical tumors, extensive areas of necrosis and small cells for pheochromocytomas have the highest discriminating value.

Adolescent↗