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Biomedical subjects

A Destee

Publications and source records attributed to A Destee.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

[Acute spinal epidural infections due to common pathogens. 23 cases].

Twenty-three cases of acute spinal epidural infection due to common pathogens were retrospectively studied. Pain is not always present initially and usually appears 15 to 32 days after the primary infection, which is only found in one-half of the cases. When established, the condition is characterized by spinal rigidity, signs of infection, and compression of the cord or cauda equina. The diagnosis is confirmed by surgery, radiology (myelographic blockade, spondylodiscitis) or the finding of pus in the epidural space at lumbar puncture. A frequently delayed diagnosis explains the poor prognosis of these infections. Treatment should always include an antibiotic active against staphylococci, which are by far the most common pathogens. The indications for surgery are discussed in the light of published data compared to the authors' own experience.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1984

Spinal dysraphia and elongated spinal cord in adults.

Spinal dysraphia with stretching of the spinal cord is usually diagnosed in the adolescent or young-adult patient. Two types of the condition are distinguished: a stretched spinal cord with an intradural lipoma, and a stretched spinal cord with both an intra- and extradural lipoma. The pathogenesis of the condition and mechanical role of the lipoma and the late appearing neurological signs are presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Diagnostic, nosologic and therapeutic problems].

We report on five cases of this myasthenic disorder associated with a loss of deep tendon reflexes, dry mouth and impotence. The diagnosis relies upon the response to repeated electric stimulations: with stimulations at a frequency of 5 Hz, the size of the potentials decreases by more than 30 p. 100 and, at 30 Hz, increases by more than 60 p. 100. This profile differentiates Lambert-Eaton syndrome from myasthenia gravis. Lambert-Eaton syndrome occurs usually in the course of malignant diseases; when it seems isolated, a visceral neoplasm, mainly bronchogenic carcinoma, should be suspected. Nevertheless, in some cases, no malignant disease is found. The mechanism is a presynaptic block of neuromuscular transmission because of an unknown hypothetic substance produced by the tumor. Therapeutic resources (Guanidine) are scarce.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

[Neurinoma of the intracranial and intraspinal spinal nerve].

Two personal cases and a review of the literature permit to distinguish by anatomical, clinical and paraclinical aspects : neurilemmoma of the jugular foramen (type III), neurilemmoma of the bulbar spinal (type I), and of the medullary spinal (type II). This classification permits to choice surgical approach.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Intracranial subdural empyema. 3 cases].

With reference to three cases the main features of subdural empyema are recalled. These collected suppurations are often secondary to frontal or maxillary sinusitis due to a streptococcus. Clinical features are those of meningo-encephalitis but signs of cortical damage are more prevalent. Many cases of subdural empyema which would have been unrecognized by conventional procedures are now diagnosed by CT scan. CT scan has also improved monitoring; thus, two of the three patients could be given medical treatment alone. The authors believe that non-surgical treatment would ensure recovery in many cases of subdural empyema. Surgery should be restricted to patients with severe intracranial hypertension or persistence of a large mass after several weeks of antibiotic treatment. Non-surgical treatment may improve prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Symptomatologic approach to tumors of the pineal region. Apropos of 72 cases].

The semeiology of 72 tumors of the pineal area seen between 1949 and 1982 is analyzed. Manifestations, which are polymorphic and often misleading at onset, subsequently become manifold. Though a given syndrome may result from the mingling of several factors it is possible to establish a correlation between clinical findings and anatomical lesions. Conversely, histo-clinical correlations, which are requisite to institute specific therapy, are still as difficult to ascertain. Stereotaxic biopsy is therefore needed before planning therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Encephaloarteriosynangiosis in the treatment of chronic cerebral ischemia: preliminary report based on 30 cases.

A new surgical technique for the treatment of cerebral ischemia is reported. A scalp artery is freed and placed in contact with the cerebral cortex after craniotomy and opening of the dura mater. Thirty such operations have been performed over a period of 2 years. An analysis of the results, advantages and disadvantages, and indications for this type of surgery is given.

Brain Ischemia↗
PubMed1983

Quadriparesis as an unusual manifestation of chronic subdural haematoma.

Chronic subdural haematomas are frequently seen in neurosurgical practice, but because of the multitude of their clinical presentations, appropriate diagnosis is often not made in the early stages. The cases reported concern a 62-year-old male and a 54-year-old woman, both presenting in an unusual manner, namely a progressive quadriparesis.

Cerebral Angiography↗