Biomedical subjects

C Engelmann

Publications and source records attributed to C Engelmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

[Results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax].

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been used in the treatment of pneumothorax since 1990. There is still no general agreement regarding the procedure to obliterate the pleural space or regarding the indication for wedge resection if no blebs or bullae can be found. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records referring to 100 video- assisted thoracoscopic operations for pneumothorax, performed in Berlin-Buch between 1998 and 2001, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the rate of recurrences and postoperative complications in connection with the operative procedure. There were 70 male and 28 female patients aged from 16 to 78 years. The mean age was 34 years. The statistical significance was evaluated by the McNemar-test. RESULTS: 74 patients showed a regular postoperative course. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients: re-operation via thoracotomy n=5 (postoperative bleeding n=2, recurrence n=2, persistent air-leak n =1); re-thoracoscopy n=3 (postoperative bleeding n=2, recurrence n=1), pleural empyema n=2. The complication rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases (secondary spontaneous pneumothorax) or thoracic surgery in their history. Depending on the intraoperative situation, the cause of pneumothorax and the patient's general condition the pleural space was obliterated by the following procedures: apical parietal pleurectomy (n=85), electro-pleurodesis alone (n= 7), electro-pleurodesis and pleural abrasion (n=3), talcum poudrage (n=2). The rate of major complications was lower (p < 0.001) when pleurectomy was performed 8.2 % (7/85) compared to those operations performed without pleurectomy 13.3 % (2/15). The rate of re-operations for recurrences/persistent air leaks or empyemas following persistent air leaks was significantly lower (p < 0.001) when wedge resection 3.75 % (3/80) had been performed compared with operations without wedge resection 10 % (2/20). DISCUSSION: Apical parietal pleurectomy and wedge resection of blebs or bullae are effective methods to prevent recurrences. Considering the specific complications of parietal pleurectomy alternative methods to obliterate the pleural space should be used depending on the intraoperative situation. Among other factors underlying pulmonary diseases or thoracic surgery in the patient's history strongly influence the postoperative outcome independently of the operative procedure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Apigenin--strong cytostatic and anti-angiogenic action in vitro contrasted by lack of efficacy in vivo.

The cancer chemopreventive agent apigenin also has strong cytostatic and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro. We now investigated its efficacy against experimental Lewis lung carcinomas (LLC), C-6 gliomas and DHDK 12 colonic cancers in vivo. Tumour bearing mice received 50 mg/kg/day apigenin in three different galenical formulations during 12 days in 8-hourly intervals. Only weak effects of apigenin on the size and the number of new tumour blood vessels of both established and newly transplanted tumours were recorded although the intratumoural necrosis was elevated (45 +/- 15% vs. 20 +/- 7% (control), p < 0.05%). These results contrast sharply with the high in vitro sensitivity of LLC, C-6, DHDK 12 and endothelial cells to apigenin where complete growth suppression occurs at concentrations beyond 30 g/ml. Possible causes are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Surgical treatment of malignant thoracic schwannomas].

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study is to evaluate the results after surgical treatment of malignant tumors arising from the peripheral nerves of the thorax under consideration of adjuvant therapy modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1988 and 1998, 9 patients (6 males, 3 females) underwent surgical treatment for MTNSO and 35 pts. for benign neurogenic tumors. The mean age in patients with malignant tumors was 45 years (range, 25 to 73 years). 3 pts. with MTNSO (33.3%) had neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's syndrome) compared to 8.6% (3/35) in patients with benign neurogenic tumors. RESULTS: In patients with MTNSO partial chest wall resections (n = 4) including sternectomy (n = 1), lung resections (n = 2), paravertebral (n = 1) and mediastinal tumor resection (n = 1) and palliative resection of pleural recurrence (n = 1) were performed. Radical resection was achieved in 5 pts. (55.5%). There was no postoperative mortality. 3 patients (33.3%) had postoperative complications: wound infection (n = 2) and wound dehiscence due to fall with consequent pleural infection (n = 1). Adjuvant therapy was performed in two pts. (adjuvant radiotherapy/chemotherapy for metastatic disease n = 1; adjuvant chemotherapy/adjuvant radiotherapy after resection of recurrent tumor n = 1). Early recurrence is documented in 2 pts. (after 3 and 6 months). Two pts. are alive and free of disease at three years, and the patient after sternectomy with recurrent disease at 20 months. Three pts. died 8, 9 and 26 months after the primary surgical procedure. The first postoperative examination (at three months) in the remaining patient showed no evidence for recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: Patients with MTNSO have an unfavourable prognosis and local recurrence is frequent even after radical surgical therapy. Therefore an adjuvant treatment in these patients may be justified, even if the value of these therapy modalities is not proved yet. A tumor-free long-term survival especially after complete surgical resection is possible in selected cases.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Detection of amplifiable messenger RNA in the serum of patients with lung cancer.

Recently, in addition to the detection of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors, the presence of free circulating nucleic acids in the plasma and serum has also been described. We have focused on the possibility of isolating and amplifying intact extracellular, tumor-related mRNA from the plasma/serum of patients with lung cancer. For this purpose, we established several RT-PCR-based amplification systems for the detection of a panel of five different genes. The expression of these genes was either shown to be restricted to lung tissue or associated with malignancy. We examined two small groups of 18 patients with lung cancer before and during chemotherapy, respectively. The message for beta-actin (control for integrity of the RNA) was detected in all of the analyzed sera from the control group and patients with lung cancer. Analysis of CK-19 expression was positive in the majority of tumor patients, but positive results were also shown in all of the control sera. The expression of MAGE-2 and TTF-1 genes was not observed in any of the patients in either the lymphocyte preparations or serum samples. Expression of the PGP 9.5 gene was observed in the cells of all 18 patients, but mRNA in the serum was only detectable in one case. The hnRNP-B1 mRNA was detectable in 14/18 sera, and Her2/neu-specific mRNA could be amplified from the serum of 7/18 patients. Combining the last two markers, we were able to detect all patients with a malignant lung tumor.

Actins↗

PubMed2000

Apigenin inhibits endothelial-cell proliferation in G(2)/M phase whereas it stimulates smooth-muscle cells by inhibiting P21 and P27 expression.

Apigenin is a plant flavonoid that is thought to play a role in the prevention of carcinogenesis. However, its mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. Because of the importance of angiogenesis in tumor growth, we investigated the effect of apigenin on endothelial and smooth-muscle cells in an in vitro model. Apigenin markedly inhibited the proliferation, and, to a lesser degree, the migration of endothelial cells, and capillary formation in vitro, independently of its inhibition of hyaluronidase activity. In contrast, it strongly stimulated vascular smooth-muscle-cell proliferation. The molecular mechanisms of apigenin activity were analyzed in these 2 types of cells. Our results show that apigenin inhibits endothelial-cell proliferation by blocking the cells in the G(2)/M phase as a result of the accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein. Apigenin stimulation of smooth-muscle cells was attributed to the reduced expression of 2 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21 and p27, which negatively regulate the G(1)-phase cyclin-dependent kinase.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Efficient suicide gene therapy of transduced and distant untransduced ovary tumors is correlated with significant increase of intratumoral T and NK cells.

Gene therapy using herpes simplex type 1 thymidine kinase gene (HSV1-TK) transfer followed by ganciclovir (GCV) treatment has revealed an important intratumoral and regional bystander effect that is at least partly immune-mediated. The aim of this work was to study the modifications of T lymphocyte subpopulations in a model of distant bystander effect occurring between ovary tumors. Bilateral ovarian tumors were generated in 21 WKY rats by injection in the ovarian pouch of either parental or HSV1-TK-expressing DWA-OC-1 ovarian cancer cells. After 14 days, rats were treated for two weeks with GCV (75 mg/kg x 2/d) or saline. All rats were killed at day 29 for pathological examination. The tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells were analyzed by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry. As compared to rats receiving saline, GCV-treated animals exhibited a complete disappearance of the HSV1-TK+ tumors with residual fibrotic scars (ovary weights: 0.46 +/- 0.4 g vs 10.11 +/- 1.5 g, P < 0.001). Interestingly, the contralateral HSV1-TK negative tumor showed a significant regression (12.39 +/- 1.93 g vs 22.24 +/- 237 g, P < 0.014). Furthermore, a lower incidence of tumoral ascitis was found in the GCV-receiving group (20% vs 90% P < 0.02). Within both TK- and TK+ tumors, there was a significant increase of CD4+, CD8+ and NK cells in the GCV-treated group compared to the saline-treated group. This study thus indicates that a distant bystander effect not only acts between close tumors within a given organ such as the liver, but also between more distant tumors in the peritoneal cavity. This effect is associated with significant infiltration of the tumor by immune system cells, supporting the notion that the distant bystander effect is immune-mediated.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Liposomal encapsulation of ganciclovir enhances the efficacy of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase suicide gene therapy against hepatic tumors in rats.

Suicide gene therapy based on ganciclovir (GCV) metabolism by transgene herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV-1 TK) has been used to selectively kill proliferating cells in clinical settings such as cancer, vascular restenosis, and immunological disorders. We investigated whether encapsulation of ganciclovir (GCV) into liposomes would improve its efficacy, especially against hepatic tumors. Large unilamellar liposomes containing GCV were prepared by reversed-phase evaporation. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that, compared with free GCV, the intravenous injection of liposome-encapsulated GCV (lip-GCV) led to a faster decrease in GCV plasma concentrations, but higher liver-blood ratios. After treatment of syngeneic HSV-1 TK+ liver metastases in rats, histologically active tumors were found in 95% of the transplanted lesions when physiological saline had been given and in 50% when free GCV had been given at 90.2 microM/kg twice daily. This dose is known to be insufficient for the eradication of HSV-1 TK+ tumors. In contrast, only 5% viable tumors were found in rats receiving lip-GCV at this same concentration. Average tumor volumes were 19 +/- 15, 7 +/- 9, and <1 mm3 for the control, free GCV, and lip-GCV groups, respectively. GCV-related toxicity was no longer observed. The results demonstrate that liposomal encapsulation of GCV is feasible and significantly enhances its efficacy against HSV-1 TK+ hepatic tumors.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Pulmonary leiomyomatosis in women after hysterectomy for uterine myoma. Benign metastasizing leiomyoma?

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyomas, which usually occur multilocular in uterus, can develop even if rarely in other organs with smooth muscle cells. The tumour is considered benign; 2 case reports supports the hypothesis that uterus myoma could metastasize, and in the metastasis sites grow invasively. METHODS: 2 female patients 44 y. and 29 y. old were admitted to our clinic for MPL. Due to increasing tumor size respectively dypnea, they were operated on. Multiple nodules of the left lung in one case, and a mediastinal tumour in the other were resected; resected tumour was histologically examined. RESULTS: In both cases it was a matter of well-differentiated leiomyosarcoma. The mediastinal tumour has already invade the N. phrenicus. Postoperatively there were no complications. Patients discharged in well-doing state, medical control one year later revealed no new growth. CONCLUSION: Multiple pulmonary leiomyomas are rare, they occur in sexually mature women in coincidence with uterus myoma. Even though many authors assume that MPL is a lung metastasis of benign tumours, the pathogenesis is still hypothetical. Supporting this thesis is the hormone dependence of both the uterine and the pulmonary tumours; against it, is that extrapulmonary locations are too rarely observed. The still open pathogenetical question has no therapeutical consequence. Whenever technically possible, a radical, parenchyma-saving surgical therapy should be the first choice. Otherwise hormon-ablation is a good alternative.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Catamenial pneumothorax--3 case reports and view of literature.

INTRODUCTION: The unusual correlation between chronic recurring spontaneous pneumothorax and the menstrual cycle, was first presented by Maurer in 1958. In our clinic we had 3 cases in 5 years. The anamnesis shows that this syndrome is unknown to many of our colleagues. Not mentioned in several standard textbooks, warrants our attention. METHODS: In 5 years we had 3 cases of C.P., all of them had already on admission, at least one recurrence; all of them had right sided thoracic pain and dyspnoea. They undergone video-assisted thoracoscopy, with histological examination of diaphragm specimen. Gynaecological consultations was followed by hormonal therapy and follow up. RESULTS: In all 3 cases we found no signs of lung defects or bullae, instead, we identified diaphragm defects of different extension, even a liver prolapse in one of the cases. Endometriosis extra genitalis could be diagnosed in only one case which undergone a hysterectomy 8 years before. CONCLUSION: A spontaneous pneumothorax which recurs in correlation with menses has a pathogenesis which concern only women, that is why is referred to as catamenial. Our experience supports the hypothesis, that air in the pleural cavity originates from the peritoneal one, arriving here via uterus and tuba. Beside the symptomatic therapy ther is an etiological one, by inhibition the menstrual cycle. Thoracosurgical intervention could help preventing recurrence, and contributes in clarifying the pathogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Postoperative complications after bronchoplastic procedures in the treatment of bronchial malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of postoperative complications after bronchoplastic procedures in the treatment of pulmonary malignant tumors and to analyze the factors influencing the complication rate. METHODS: During a 5-year-period (1992-1996) 79 patients (68 male, 11 female, mean age 57 years) underwent reconstructive operations for bronchial malignancies. We performed 58 bronchoplastic procedures and 21 combined broncho- and angioplastic procedures. Among the bronchoplastic procedures the number of sleeve resections (n = 44) and wedge resections (n = 35) were comparable. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (74,7%) showed a regular postoperative course; 12 patients (15,2%) had severe postoperative complications (death, re-operation). Concerning the primary operation the operative 30-day mortality was 5.1% (n = 4) and including the two deaths after re-operation it was 7.6% (n = 6). After subdividing the patients into three groups (severe, less severe and no complications) we tried to determine predictors for occurrence of postoperative complications. There was a higher rate of severe complications in the age group 61-70 years (6/25 = 24%) as compared with younger patients between 51 and 60 years (4/38 = 10,5%; P < 0,05). Concerning the location, the outcome was better after sleeve- or wedge lobectomies of the upper lobes (four complications/51 patients = 7.8%) compared with procedures of the lower lobes (3/14 = 21.4%). The data could not prove a lower frequency of severe postoperative complications or specific morbidity after pleural coverage following bronchial sleeve resection. The complication rate was higher when sleeve resection of the bronchus was performed (10/44 = 22.7%) as compared with wedge resections (2/35 = 5.7%; P = 0,011) and after resection of T3/T4 tumors (6/28 = 21,4%) compared with T1/T2 tumors (4/37 = 10.8%; P < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoplastic procedures represent a fairly safe therapy opportunity in patients with centrally localized bronchial carcinoma and compromised or uncompromised pulmonary function. In this study the complication rate was higher after sleeve resection of the bronchus as compared with wedge resection. Pleural coverage of the anastomosis was not effective to prevent major complications due to dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis. A pedicled muscle flap could be a valuable alternative.

Bronchi↗

PubMed1998

[Thoracic surgery relevant indications for adjuvant and/or palliative measures in breast carcinoma].

Metastatic lesions of breast cancer represent rare indications for operation in thoracic surgery. Only in case of persistent malignant pleural effusions or in case of tumour progress despite all other available therapy modalities thoracic surgery can be indicated. Over a period of 5 years between 1993 and 1997 53 patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated in our institution. 36 pts. suffered from persistent pleural effusions, 13 pts. had pulmonary metastases and 4 pts. had metastases involving the chest wall. In all these patients the disease could not be controlled by conservative measures. Our experiences are the following: Thoracoscopy is the diagnostic method of choice for pleural effusions in patients with malignant tumors. If a malignant pleural effusion is confirmed, a talc poudrage represents the most reliable treatment to palliate the dyspnea. The resection of a single solitary pulmonary metastasis can be indicated to confirm the histologic type of the nodule. Resections for centrally localized lesions causing hemoptysis or atelectasis represent rare occasions. Metastatic lesions of breast cancer involving the ribs or the sternum are resected in order to confirm the histologic diagnosis. According to the literature these procedures, with a 5-year survival rate of 50% and without perioperative mortality, can be beneficial.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1998

[Surgical anatomy in lung resections].

When thoracic/lung surgery is performed autodidactically, intraoperative catastrophes and complications are to be expected. Atypical partial resections must be distinguished from typical resections of anatomical parechyma units (standard operations). More extensive operations which involve additional lung structures (lung lobes, trachea, bronchi) or attached organs (chest wall, heart, diaphragm etc.) are technically demanding. The larger the anatomical unit, the closer to the heart all vessels have to be arranged and, not seldom this means intrapericardially with clamping of the left atrium. All structures of the hilus are suitable for closing with staplers or suture. In the case of pneumonectomies, central lung structures can be cut most easily by cutting ligaments (Lig. anterior superius, Lig. pulmonale inferius). Pictures and photographs demonstrate specialties of topography of bilateral central lung structures in the context of extended resections.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1997

[Delayed complications after extrapleural pneumonolysis for lung tuberculosis].

The epidemic spread of tuberculosis after World War II and the deficiency of appropriate antituberculotic drugs led to a renaissance of surgical procedure such as plombage thoracoplasty, initiated in 1891 by Tuffier. Especially in Germany the insertion of paraffin and polyethylene was used in order to achieve an extrapleural pneumothorax in order to collapse the tuberculous cavities in the upper lobes. Due to a high rate of early complications and the assumed cancerogenicity, in a considerable number of cases the material was removed soon after its deployment. In some cases with the filling remaining in place, 30-40 years later infections and/or neoplasms occurred. From 1985 to 1996 in two centers of thoracic surgery 13 patients underwent procedures for removal of filling material. The patients suffered from infections (n = 11), malignant lymphoma associated with infection of the plombage (n = 1) and bronchial carcinoma (n = 1). Technically, we performed the thoracoplasty described by Schede (n = 9). Schede's thoracoplasty in combination with a muscle flap repair (n = 1) or partial resection of the thoracic wall (n = 1), an empyemectomy (n = 1), and an en-bloc pleuropneumonectomy (n = 1). All patients suffered from multiple underlying diseases (COPD, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus). However, apart from beside two procedure related deaths (pulmonary embolism n = 1, pneumonia complicated by multi-organ failure n = 1) no other major complications were observed. The plombage material in the case of malignant lymphoma is probably carcinogenic in relation to the time of exposure and should be removed in all cases.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Surgical indications and technique of persistent and recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax].

The thoracotomy is the most invasive and most effective method for treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. This method is indicated not only for recurrent pneumothoraces but also if conservative treatment does not induce expansion of lung. The primary operation is indicated absolutely in only some cases (spontaneous hemopneumothorax, pneumothorax in pregnancy). Today it is possible to operate for relative indications: Surgery has a small rate of complications, mortality and relapse (below 1%). The operation removes the causes of pneumothorax and protect for relapse of the pneumothorax via pleurodesis with mechanical irritation of the pleural surface.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Splenectomy in sarcoidosis].

It is reported about 6 patients suffering from sarcoidosis with splenomegaly. In these cases indication for splenectomy was given by symptoms of hypersplenism, abdominal pain and ineffective cortisone therapy. In general after operation activity of sarcoidosis is unchanged. Different markers of activity were used after a time interval of 2-11 years. In one case it has to be discussed an overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI).

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Carina resections and reconstructions of the tracheobronchial tree for maximum parenchyma preservation in tumors].

The carinal reconstruction with endstanding anastomosis of 3 ostiums is a rare variety of techniques for tracheobronchoplasty. This is a possibility of maximum preservation of lung tissue. 8 carinal resections were performed on 6 tracheal and 2 bronchial bifurcations and a primary reconstruction of a new carina was done in all cases. There were no complications and no patient died postoperatively. Intraoperative histological examinations of all tracheal and bronchial margins and longterm follow up are needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

[Pneumothorax in chronic obstructive lung diseases].

Internal and surgical treatment exist for the primary care of spontaneous pneumothorax. The choice for the primary method of therapy is depending on personal factors and the possibilities of the hospital. A pneumothorax in patients with chronically obstructive lung disease (COLD) is a treatment which is quicker and safer by insertion of chest drain are with internal methods. There than no arguments against the chest drain.

Chest Tubes↗

PubMed1990

[Reconstructive surgery in tracheobronchial tumors].

Malignant tumours are the most frequent indications for reconstructive tracheobronchial surgery. From 1970 to 15.6. 1989 there were 95 reconstructive operations on the tracheobronchial tree from this indication. Primary tumours of the trachea and the bifurcation are very rare, especially benign tumours. All tumours of the trachea and the bifurcation have need of a reconstruction, while this is an elective operation on the bronchial tree. The purpose of these operations is the preservation of lung tissue despite of radical resection. The main problem ist the insufficiency of the anastomosis (n = 6) associated with an acute pulmonary hemorrhage (n = 4) and death. The perioperative mortality was 9.5%.

Adolescent↗