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Biomedical subjects

A J LeRoy

Publications and source records attributed to A J LeRoy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Cost-effectiveness analysis of alternative strategies for palliation of distal biliary obstruction after a failed cannulation attempt.

OBJECTIVES: Occasionally alternative techniques such as precut sphincterotomy or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) are required to achieve access to the common bile duct. Tradeoffs exist, however, with respect to their complications and costs. Some experts believe that precut sphincterotomy should not be performed at all. We aimed to compare the cost-effectivenesses of metallic biliary stent placement after an initial failed cannulation attempt at ERCP utilizing precut sphincterotomy and placement utilizing PTC for palliation of jaundice. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, as viewed from the societal perspective. METHODS: A decision analysis model was designed comparing precut sphincterotomy and PTC approaches for placement of a metallic biliary stent for palliation of jaundice in a patient with inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction in whom an initial attempt at ERCP cannulation had failed. Baseline probabilities, obtained from the published literature, were varied through plausible ranges using sensitivity analysis. Charges were based on Medicare professional plus facility fees or diagnosis-related group rates for out- and inpatients, respectively. The outcome measured was cost per year of life. RESULTS: Sensitivity analysis showed that precut sphincterotomy with subsequent PTC, if necessary, was the most cost-effective strategy provided the precut complication rate was <51% ($9,033/yr), versus $14,741/yr for PTC. CONCLUSIONS: Precut sphincterotomy followed by PTC (if necessary) is the most cost-effective strategy for palliative biliary stenting in the setting of malignant distal biliary obstruction after a failed ERCP attempt. The endoscopic approach is best practiced by experienced endoscopists who minimize precut complication rates.

Catheterization↗
PubMed2001

Long-term results of treatment for ureteroenteric strictures.

OBJECTIVES: To review the long-term outcome for ureteroenteric stricture treatment. METHODS: The ileal conduit diversions that formed ureteroenteric strictures from 1966 to 1999 were reviewed. The strictures were diagnosed radiographically, and malignancy was excluded. The treatment, location, length, diameter, and timing of stricture development after conduit creation was evaluated and compared regarding the time until stricture recurrence (failure). Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiologic evidence of patency. RESULTS: Forty patients, after exclusions, returned for ureteroenteric stricture repair, comprising 79 procedures (27 open repairs and 52 balloon dilations). The open repair had a success rate at 1, 2, and 3 years of 92%, 87%, and 76%, respectively. Seven of the open cases were preceded by failed dilations. Balloon dilation had a success rate at 1, 2, and 3 years of 15%, 15%, and 5%, respectively (P = 0.0001 versus open). Similar patency results for open versus balloon (P = 0.0001) were noted with analysis restricted to each patient's first stricture repair. Strictures greater than 1.0 cm were more likely to recur (P = 0.03). All strictures forming within 6 months of the conduit creation were treated with dilation and failed within 1 year. Of note, 11 of the 40 patients were found to have less than 25% renal function on the strictured side. CONCLUSIONS: Open repair for ureteroenteric strictures offers excellent long-term patency (76% at 3 years, P = 0.0001). On review, balloon dilation appeared to have less successful patency rates and was often followed by open repair after failure. Patients with a history of anastomotic strictures should be closely monitored to avoid renal damage and failure.

Catheterization↗
PubMed2001

Percutaneous transhepatic endoluminal biliary biopsy with use of a 19-gauge gun.

A technique was developed to perform endoluminal biliary biopsy with use of a commercially available 19-g gun. In 18 patients, a biopsy set consisting of an outer 7-F, 50-cm sheath, an inner curved 14-g metal cannula, and a 60-cm, 19-g biopsy gun with a 20-mm throw was employed to obtain tissue from suspicious-appearing biliary strictures via preexisting transhepatic tracts. The endoluminal biopsy was positive for neoplasm in 13 of 18 cases with three false negatives, one true negative, and one patient with insufficient follow-up. One biopsy was complicated by a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, which was successfully treated with coil embolization.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Image quality and dose comparison among screen-film, computed, and CT scanned projection radiography: applications to CT urography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate image quality and dose for abdominal imaging techniques that could be used as part of a computed tomographic (CT) urographic examination: screen-film (S-F) radiography or computed radiography (CR), performed with moving and stationary grids, and CT scanned projection radiography (CT SPR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An image quality phantom underwent imaging with moving and stationary grids with both a clinical S-F combination and CR plate. CT SPR was performed with six CT scanners at various milliampere second and kilovolt peak settings. Entrance skin exposure (ESE); spatial, contrast, and temporal resolutions; geometric accuracy; and artifacts were assessed. RESULTS: S-F or CR images, with either grid, provided image quality equivalent to that with the clinical standard, S-F with a moving grid. ESE values for both S-F and CR were 435 mR (112.2 microC/kg [1 mR = 0.258 microC/kg]) with a moving grid and 226 mR (58.3 microC/kg) with a stationary grid. All CT SPR images provided inferior spatial resolution compared with S-F or CR images. High-contrast objects generated substantial artifacts on CT SPR images. Compared with S-F, CR and CT SPR provided improved resolution of small low-contrast objects. The contrast between iodine and soft-tissue-mimicking structures on CT SPR images acquired at 80 kVp was twice that at 120 kVp. CT SPR images with acceptable noise levels required a midline ESE value of approximately 300 mR (77.4 microC/kg) at 80 kVp. CONCLUSION: S-F and CR provided better spatial resolution than did CT SPR. However, CT SPR provided improved low-contrast resolution compared with S-F, at exposures comparable to those used for S-F or CR.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2000

Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas: clinical and radiological features.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical features, computed tomographic (CT) appearance, and treatment outcomes in a case series of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastatic to the pancreas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 patients (15 men and 8 women) with RCC metastatic to the pancreas, detected by CT examination between 1986 and 1996. All patients had undergone a previous nephrectomy for RCC. RESULTS: Isolated mild elevation in liver function test results (in 5 patients) or in serum amylase level (in 8 patients) was observed. New-onset diabetes was detected in 3 patients. The CT characteristics of the pancreatic metastases generally resembled those of primary RCC with well-defined margins and greater enhancement than normal pancreas with a central area of low attenuation. The mean interval between resection of the primary RCC and detection of the pancreatic metastases was 116 months (range, 1-295 months). In 18 patients (78%), the pancreatic metastases were diagnosed more than 5 years after nephrectomy. The pancreas was the initial metastatic site in 12 patients (52%). Survival was shortened with higher tumor grade (mean survival time of 41 months and 10 months in patients with grade 2 and 3, respectively). Surgical resection was carried out in 11 patients (7 distal and 3 total pancreatectomies and 1 distal pancreatectomy followed 4 years later by total pancreatectomy), with 8 patients alive at a mean follow-up of 4 years, 6 of whom remained free of recurrence. Overall, 12 patients (52%) were alive at a mean of 42 months after diagnosis of metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of metastatic RCC lesions in the pancreas closely resembles the appearance of primary RCC on CT images. Pancreatic metastases from RCC are frequently detected many years after nephrectomy. Patient survival correlates with tumor grade. Histologic analysis of pancreatic masses in patients with a history of resected primary RCC is important since the prognosis for RCC metastatic to the pancreas is much better than that for primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy: review of 50 consecutive cases.

Between 1988 and 1993, 50 percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomies were performed for ureteropelvic junction obstruction at this institution. The success of the procedure was based on radiological parameters as well as patient symptomatology. The overall success rate of the procedure was 88%. Endopyelotomy was successful in 9 of 11 patients (82%) who presented after failing previous renal procedures. When endopyelotomy was used as the initial treatment modality the success rate was 90%. These results support the argument that endopyelotomy should be considered as first line therapy for most adults with ureteropelvic junction obstructions [corrected].

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Diagnosis and treatment of nephrolithiasis: current perspectives.

Urinary stones are a frequent cause of morbidity in persons in affluent industrialized societies. The surgical management of symptomatic stones in the upper urinary tract has changed dramatically in the past generation, largely because of the introduction of progressively less invasive treatment techniques. The concurrent revolution in radiologic imaging and interventional techniques has mirrored the surgical experience. This article reviews the current diagnosis and therapy of nephrolithiasis. An evaluation of the complex metabolic abnormalities present in the population of patients with urolithiasis is beyond the scope of this article, but several good reviews of this subject have been published recently [1-4]. Because primary urolithiasis involving the bladder or urethra is less common and is a separate medical entity, this article is focused on renal and ureteral calculi.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Imaging of complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has gained widespread acceptance for treatment of cholelithiasis. Because radiologists have a primary role in recognizing and treating complications of this surgical technique, we reviewed the clinical records and imaging studies of 29 patients with complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Complications included bile duct injuries (15 cases), retained common bile duct stones (seven cases), cystic duct stump leak (four cases), bowel perforation (two cases), abdominal abscess (two cases), intraperitoneal gallstones (2), and failure to diagnose malignant bile duct obstruction (one case). Twenty-two patients required reoperation, and one patient with bowel perforation died. Eleven of 15 bile duct injuries were imaged prior to hepaticojejunostomy. Nine of 11 were proximal bile duct injuries within 2 cm of the junction of the right and left bile ducts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) identified the distal extent of injuries, but transhepatic cholangiography (THC) was necessary to fully evaluate the proximal extent of the bile duct abnormalities. ERC was used for diagnosis and treatment of the seven patients with choledocholithiasis. Abdominal films showed intraperitoneal in one patient with bowel perforation, intraperitoneal stones in a second patient, and intraabdominal abscess in one of two patients in whom abdominal films were performed. Computed tomography (CT), done in three patients with bowel perforation or abscess, showed the one duodenal perforation, and the two abscesses. CT also showed bilomas, intraperitoneal gallstones, and unsuspected malignancy. Imaging studies detected and defined complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in all cases.

Bile↗
PubMed1991

Radiology in the intensive-care unit.

Portable chest radiography is an essential component of clinical patient management in the intensive-care unit. With routine use of this procedure, unexpected cardiopulmonary abnormalities are frequently detected, and malposition or complications of intravascular devices and endotracheal, thoracostomy, or nasogastric tubes are also commonly found. The pulmonary parenchyma may be assessed for changes of acute lung injury, cardiogenic edema, areas of pneumonitis, atelectasis, or other abnormal collections of fluid or air. In mechanically ventilated patients, barotrauma occurs frequently and may be manifested by subtle intrathoracic collections of air. Technical factors may limit the resolution of the anteroposterior chest radiograph obtained at the bedside, but crucial clinical information is often gained. Portable chest radiographic findings, the role of computed tomography and ultrasonography, and interventional radiologic procedures pertinent to patients in the intensive-care unit are reviewed.

Critical Care↗
PubMed1991

Early experience with percutaneous cholecystolithotomy.

Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy should be added to the list of alternatives to elective open cholecystectomy for the management of patients with gallstones. Our initial experience with percutaneous cholecystolithotomy in 13 patients (7 men and 6 women who ranged in age from 47 to 83 years) demonstrated that the procedure could be accomplished successfully with acceptable morbidity and no mortality. After a mean duration of follow-up of 10.7 months, only one patient had recurrent cholelithiasis. Because of rapid changes in the therapeutic approach to patients with cholelithiasis, percutaneous cholecystolithotomy may seldom be used.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Dissolution of cholesterol gallbladder stones by methyl tert-butyl ether administered by percutaneous transhepatic catheter.

We treated 75 patients with symptomatic cholesterol gallstones by dissolving the stones with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) instilled into the gallbladder through a percutaneous transhepatic catheter. The MTBE was continuously infused and aspirated manually four to six times a minute, for an average of five hours per day for one to three days; the treatment was monitored by fluoroscopy. The placement of the catheter and the administration of MTBE caused few side effects or complications, and treatment did not have to be stopped in any patient for this reason. In 72 patients there was complete dissolution of stones or more than 95 percent dissolution. Among 21 patients who were completely free of stones after treatment, 4 had recurrence of stone formation 6 to 16 months later. The other 51 patients had residual debris, which spontaneously cleared completely in 15 patients within 6 to 35 months; only 7 with persisting debris have had symptoms. Five of the initial 6 patients treated, but only 1 of the next 69 patients, have required surgery during follow-up periods of 6 to 42 months. We conclude that the dissolution of gallstones by MTBE delivered through a percutaneous transhepatic catheter is a useful alternative to surgery in selected patients with symptomatic cholesterol stones. Further study will be necessary to establish the long-term effectiveness of this treatment and its appropriate role in the management of the various types of gallstones.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Low-osmolality contrast media: a current perspective.

Intravascular radiographic contrast media play a major role in diagnostic imaging. Recently, low-osmolality contrast media (LOCM) have become available in the United States. Because of their lower osmolality, these new agents cause fewer undesirable physiologic effects and fewer adverse reactions than do conventional agents after intravascular administration. Unfortunately, the cost of LOCM is substantially higher than the cost of conventional contrast media. Appropriate use of these newer, more expensive contrast agents must be based on a thorough knowledge and understanding of their chemistry, physiologic features, and relative safety. Some questions remain about these new agents. Further studies are needed to determine the nephrotoxicity of LOCM relative to that of conventional agents. In addition, LOCM have less anticoagulant capacity than do the conventional media; therefore, clotting may occur when the LOCM and blood mix in syringes and small catheters. This potential decrease in anticoagulation and its clinical implications should be further investigated. Finally, the mortality rate associated with use of LOCM needs to be determined in future studies in large numbers of patients.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1988

Primary lymphoma of the bladder.

A case of primary lymphoma of the bladder is presented with a review of the literature. A brief discussion of secondary involvement of the bladder by lymphoma is included.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Intravenous urographic technique.

In these times of rapid advances in radiographic imaging, intravenous urography should be performed in an optimal way. The urographic examination should involve consultation between the referring physician and the radiologist. Necessary patient information should be accessible. McClennan said "patient selection for urographic studies should be efficacious with the radiologist exerting appropriate control so that the urogram is truly a consultative imaging service integrated into the total patient management." We share this view, and it is an extension of the philosophy of practice emphasized by other leaders in uroradiology. Cost containment, new imaging technologies, risk/benefit considerations, and evolving patterns of patient care have had a significant influence on genitourinary tract imaging. In addition, current debate about contrast media, digital radiography, efficacy, and utilization will undoubtedly have an influence on imaging during the next decade. Utilization of intravenous urography has decreased significantly in the past 15 years. Our volume of examinations has declined approximately 50% since 1970. This decline in our practice is attributed to several complex factors such as previous overutilization of screening urography for hypertension; the impact of US and CT for evaluation of obstruction, retroperitoneal disease (adenopathy and fibrosis), renal failure, and renal masses; concern about contrast medium-induced renal failure; and fewer repeat studies because of improved quality of intravenous urography in general radiology practice. In addition, overutilization of urography in patients with hematuria, prostatism, history of urinary tract infection, etc, continues to be debated in the medical community. In our integrated group practice, we have also observed overutilization of "high-tech" procedures in lieu of urography for evaluation of suspected urinary tract disease. Swings of the pendulum are inevitable in diagnostic imaging because of evolving technology and the art of medical practice. Although some differences of opinion about the details of urographic technique and indications for urography may exist, most would agree on the philosophy of producing a high-quality urographic examination. That philosophy focuses on producing the highest quality examination in each patient so that a diagnosis of normal or abnormal can be made accurately and confidently. Failure to demonstrate the entire urinary tract is a common cause of diagnostic error and one that can largely be eliminated by careful attention to the technical details of the examination.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1986

Indwelling ureteral stents: percutaneous management of complications.

Complications of indwelling ureteral stents were managed percutaneously in 13 patients. These complications consisted of three fractured, three heavily encrusted, and seven migrated stents. While most ureteral stent malfunctions are routinely managed with retrograde techniques, the percutaneous approach allows effective clinical management in selected cases in which extensive renal stone material or brittle intrarenal stent fragments are present or when previous surgery or ureteral strictures do not permit a retrograde approach. Fluoroscopically guided removal of migrated stents and percutaneous endoscopic techniques, for complex cases such as those requiring stone removal, were successful and without complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Percutaneous removal of renal calculi.

Percutaneous removal of symptomatic renal and ureteral calculi evolved in the early 1980s, replacing standard surgical stone removal operations because of reduced patient morbidity and shortened hospitalizations. A wide variety of instruments designed to work through the percutaneous track are available to remove or fragment nearly all renal calculi. Success rates of this modality are excellent, and major complications are few. Despite the wide applications of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, percutaneous stone removal methods will continue to be needed in some patients.

Dilatation↗
PubMed1986

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy is a new technique for treatment of symptomatic renal and upper ureteral calculi. After biplanar fluoroscopic localization of the targeted calculus, serial shock waves cause calculus disintegration, with subsequent spontaneous transurethral passage of the fragments. Excellent clinical results and patient enthusiasm have resulted. Physicians using extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy must also be adept at percutaneous, ureteroscopic, and standard surgical stone removal methods to deal with complex clinical stone presentations.

Humans↗