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Biomedical subjects

C Fugazzola

Publications and source records attributed to C Fugazzola.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Congenital absence of portal vein with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver.

Congenital absence of the portal vein is a very rare anomaly. The intestinal and splenic venous drainage bypasses the liver and drain into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Two cases of such anomaly are described. Both cases were investigated by US coupled with echo-colour Doppler examination, CT and MR imaging, followed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and liver biopsy. In the first case the splenic and superior mesenteric vein formed a venous trunk which emptied directly into the IVC; in the second case, the splanchnic blood flowed into a dilated hepatofugal inferior mesenteric vein which connected to the left internal iliac vein. In both cases nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver was present, presumably due to an abnormal hepatic cell response to the absent portal flow. The particular contribution of MR imaging to the diagnosis of both vascular abnormalities and liver parenchyma derangement and its advantages over the other diagnostic techniques is emphasized. The clinical and radiological features of 17 previously reported cases are reviewed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The pseudocapsule in hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation between dynamic MR imaging and pathology.

Nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by the presence of a pseudocapsule (constructed usually from connective fibrous tissue) that appears hypointense on T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GE) MR imaging sequences without a contrast medium. The presence of vascular structures inside the tumor, which are verified by histological exam, affects enhancement of the PC after administrating the contrast medium: The impregnation is more evident in the dynamic study but also persists on the delayed T1-weighted SE images. The accuracy of MR in detecting the pseudocapsule of HCC and contrast enhancement of the pseudocapsule during dynamic studies were evaluated and related to pathological findings. Thirty-seven HCC were examined in 33 patients and afterwards resected. In capsulated nodules, besides usual hematoxylin, eosin, and trichrome stainings, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were performed. On a 1.5-T MR unit, T1- and T2-weighted SE and GE FLASH 2D sequences after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA (dynamic study) were used. In a later phase, T1-weighted SE sequences were repeated. Histologically, the pseudocapsule (thickness 0.2-6 mm) was present in 26 of 37 nodules (70%). The dynamic study was the most suitable technique to show the pseudocapsule, which was recognized in 80.7% (21 of 26 nodules). In 5 of 26 cases, the pseudocapsule, not demonstrated by MR, was thinner than 0.4 mm. In 16 of 21 cases, in the early portal phase (30-60 s), the pseudocapsule had an early enhancement, which was more evident later; in 5 of 21 cases the enhancement was observed only in the late portal phase (1-2 min). At histological examination, 14 of 16 pseudocapsules with early enhancement showed a more prominent vasculature than those with enhancement in the equilibrium phase. Magnetic resonance was a reliable tool in demonstrating the pseudocapsule of HCC. The histological examination demonstrated a good correlation between the enhancement behavior and the vessel number of the pseudocapsule.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the management of coronoid process hyperplasia: review of five cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the imaging features of primary bilateral coronoid hyperplasia, with particular reference to the use of CT and MRI. MATERIALS: A series of five cases is reviewed. RESULTS: The correct diagnosis was achieved with panoramic radiography alone or with the addition of CT. MRI did not provide additional pre-operative information; it was useful in the postoperative assessment of poor functional recovery in order to determine the presence of haematoma and/or fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although panoramic radiography alone can demonstrate this condition, CT has an important role in diagnosis and is useful for an adequate surgical planning by allowing assessment of the size of impingement of the coronoid processes. MRI is useful for evaluating postoperative complications involving soft tissue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Is mammography useful in the detection of breast cancer in women 35 years of age or younger?].

Breast cancer in women 35 years old or younger is unusual. It accounts for 1-3.6% of all breast cancers but is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women 15-35 years old. The diagnostic delay, with T2 or more advanced cancer at clinical presentation, is due to the patient's age and the opinion of low mammographic reliability for cancer diagnosis in this age group. To assess the usefulness of mammography in breast cancer patients aged 35 years or younger, we reviewed the clinical, mammographic and histologic data of 65 cancers collected in 7 breast diagnosis and counseling centers in Lombardy. Fifty-three patients (81.5%) were referred for a palpable breast mass, which was a T2 or more advanced cancer in 23 cases. Mammography showed malignant patterns (spiculated opacities, clusters of microcalcifications, casting, branching and ductal type calcifications) in 31 patients (47.7%). Mammography was not definitive but correctly suggested further examinations in 30 women and it had only 4 false negatives. Ultrasonography performed in 43 patients was negative in 3 (7%), pathologic and pathognomonic for cancer in 27 (62.8%) and pathologic but not indicative of malignancy in 13 (20.2%). The cytologic or histologic diagnosis of breast cancer was made under US guidance in 24 cases. In women aged 35 years or younger mammography was effective in identifying breast cancers; US and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) complete mammography. We believe that mammography can be a valuable screening tool in young women at high risk for breast cancer because of family history.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Venography of postoperative recurrence of symptomatic varicocele in males].

INTRODUCTION: We report the results of our experience with venography in patients with postoperative recurrent varicocele. The study was carried out to detect the causes of this condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with postoperative recurrent varicocele, examined in our department from June, 1993, to June, 1996, were submitted to selective spermatic venography after clinical examination and color Doppler sonography. Thirty-six patients had been treated with high surgical ligation of the spermatic vein and 8 with inguinal ligation. Thirty-two patients were treated percutaneously, after diagnostic angiography, with coils and/or sclerotizing agents. RESULTS: In our study, the persistence of patent collateral veins, missed at surgical ligation, was the main cause of recurrence (68%): this was due either to a double or triple spermatic vein, mostly in the pelvic tract (50%), venous bridges crossing the surgical ligation (11%), or to retroperitoneal anastomoses (7%). A smaller group of patients showed ineffective ligation of the vein (27%); in the remaining 5% of cases incompetence of the extrafunicular plexus was detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our experience, supported by a literature review, demonstrates that the anatomic variants, not detected preoperatively because phlebography had not been performed, were the most frequent causes of recurrence. Spermatic venography is the most accurate imaging modality for vascular mapping in postoperative recurrences; it often allows to treat the patients simultaneously by a percutaneous approach.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Mammography changes associated with hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal patients].

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal or ovariectomized women reduces mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, lowers morbidity due to osteoporosis and improves vasovagal symptoms. Long-term therapy, however, increase the risk of side-effects. HRT may decrease mammographic sensitivity, markedly increasing glandular density. Enlargement of pre-existing cysts and fibroadenomas has also been reported after HRT. The correlation between HRT and breast cancer is highly controversial. We examined 650 women: 550 of them (84.6%) received HRT (157 estrogens and 393 estrogens-progestins) and 100 (15.4%) refused treatment and were thus considered as a control group. All patients underwent mammography and DEXA before HRT and, during treatment, were followed-up yearly with mammography, often combined with US, and DEXA. Fisher's test was used for data analysis (confidence interval: 95%). The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the HRT group and the control group only for the lumbar spine. Mammographic changes (Tab. II) were shown in 150 of 550 HRT patients. Increased breast density was the most frequent finding. Benign lesions arising de novo or increasing in size and/or number were observed in 41 of 150 patients (27.3%) in the HRT group, where 3 breast carcinomas were detected, versus 1 breast cancer only in the control group. HRT had a marked positive effect on bone mineral content (BMC) at 2 years' follow-up, but it remains debated if it reduces breast cancer risk. In conclusion, our results indicate that a yearly mammography is mandatory in long-term HRT subjects and US may be also needed in particularly dense breasts.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Morphologic imaging of thyroid carcinoma].

Ultrasonography (US) is the choice morphological imaging modality in the study of thyroid carcinomas. The present technological evolution (high frequency probes, development of Colour-Doppler) allows the detection of small non-palpable nodules, being able to define, in a high percentage of cases, features pointing to the malignant character of a thyroid mass, although the definite assessment of malignancy (invasion of adjacent structures, metastatic cervical nodes) is quite rare. From a diagnostic viewpoint US is required to identify nodules with suspect features, to be submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy. Moreover, US plays a basic role in the staging--at the cervical level--of carcinomas as well as in the post-operative follow-up. The other imaging modalities (Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging) play a limited role in both staging and post-operative follow-up.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1993

[Comparison of ultrasonography, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance in the study of parotid masses].

One hundred and seven patients were examined to compare advantages and pitfalls of the imaging methods currently used to stage parotid masses. Thirty patients underwent US and CT, 44 were investigated with US and MRI and 33 with US, CT and MRI. The accuracy of the three techniques was analyzed in detecting and assessing the intra-/extraglandular location of the parotid lesions and their benign/malignant nature. The intraglandular lesion spread to superficial/deep lobes was also investigated, together with its relationship to the surrounding structures. The findings were correlated with the cytohistological data from US-guided biopsy or from surgical resection. US was less accurate than CT and MRI, the latter being not statistically superior to the former. Because of the low incidence of pitfalls, US with fine-needle aspiration cytology should be the technique of choice; CT and MRI must be used for lesions > 3 cm or for masses in the deep gland lobes. In conclusion, CT accurately assesses parotid lesions but MRI demonstrates the relationship to adjacent structures better.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Contribution of CT to characterization of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver.

Our personal series of 20 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is presented. All lesions were studied with computed tomography (CT), 16 of which with surgical control. Retrospective evaluation of the CT features of the identified FNH, along with those of five hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) and 30 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), allowed the definition of specific patterns leading to a correct characterization of FNH in 78% of cases. This greatly reduced the diagnostic errors, with the sole exception of patients with fatty liver in whom nuclear medicine may eventually provide a correct characterization. Fine-needle biopsy is thus only necessary in the dubious cases. A precise diagnostic workup of FNH is necessary, since it may avoid the surgical intervention.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1992

Cystic islet cell tumors of the pancreas. A clinico-pathological report of two nonfunctioning cases and review of the literature.

Cystic islet cell tumors of the pancreas are extremely rare. The authors report their personal experience with two cases of nonfunctioning cystic endocrine neoplasms. The tumor was diagnosed preoperatively in one case by ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, while in the other it was identified only in the surgical specimen after a clinical-radiologic diagnosis of pancreatic mucinous cystic tumor. Immunohistochemical assay showed positivity for the generic neuroendocrine markers (neuron specific enolase, or NSE, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A) in both cases and also for glucagon in one case. The neoplasms were resected by distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and intermediate pancreatectomy respectively. Both patients are alive and recurrence-free 6 mo and 2.5 yr, respectively, after surgery. The authors also review the existing literature, discussing the pathogenesis of such tumors and the imaging techniques and surgical strategies adopted in their management.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1992

Intraoperative ultrasonography in pancreatic cancer.

Intraoperative ultrasonography (I.US) has been introduced in order to overcome the limits of the preoperative imaging modalities (notably, ultrasonography and computed tomography), both in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and staging. The authors' experience encompasses 32 cases, selected according to the following criteria: lesions that could not be detected both preoperatively and at surgical exploration; lesions detected but not properly characterized, requiring differential diagnosis between cancer and pancreatitis; tumoral lesions with a perspective of radical surgery, in which the preoperative judgment of resectability had to be verified. In the only case of the first group, I.US allowed the identification of a small cancer in a jaundiced patient. In the 11 cases of the second group, I.US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed three cancers; however, among the other 8 lesions classified as pancreatitis there was one false negative diagnosis (a tumoral mass with liver metastases was demonstrated by computed tomography 6 mo later). Regarding the intraoperative staging of the proven cancers (20 cases of the third group; 4 cases of the first and second groups), I.US changed the planned surgical approach in 9 cases (showing vascular involvement or detecting liver metastases and enlarged lymph nodes not seen preoperatively); in 12 cases it confirmed the possibility of radical surgery. Finally, in the remaining 3 cases, I.US provided dubious information: only vascular dissection during surgery could achieve a correct evaluation, ruling out vascular involvement and thus allowing tumor resection.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[The treatment of acute cholecystitis by percutaneous cholecystostomy].

The authors report on their personal experience with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in 36 cases of acute cholecystitis (AC). PC was successful in 34 cases, improving the clinical condition of the patients within the first hour following treatment and normalizing the laboratory data within 24-48 hours. Twenty-seven patients with calculous AC underwent cholecystectomy within 4-15 days. In 6 cases (3 calculous and 3 acalculous ACs) PC was the only treatment performed; in one case (calculous AC) PC was combined with lithotomy, the stone fragments being extracted via the cholecystostomy. According to literature reports, to date PC has been performed mainly--as an alternative to surgical cholecystostomy--on the patients unsuitable for cholecystectomy due to their age or to severe impairment of their conditions. In our experience, the procedure can be performed on a wider range of patients as a final (notably in acalculous AC) or temporary step (notably in calculous AC where it may allow cholecystectomy to be delayed and thus performed under better clinical conditions, with decreased morbidity and mortality risks).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Cystic tumors of the pancreas: evaluation by ultrasonography and computed tomography.

The personal series of 30 cystic tumors of the pancreas [12 serous cystic tumors (SCT) and 18 mucinous cystic tumors (MCT)] is presented. All neoplasms were evaluated with ultrasonography (US) 28 of 30 with computed tomography (CT); the tumoral histotype could be correctly defined in 73% of cases (seven of 12 SCT and 15 of 18 MCT). Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with diagnostic aims (preparation of cytological smears and/or biochemical assays) was performed in only 10 of 30 cases, yielding a 100% sensitivity; on the whole, the combined use of imaging modalities and FNA allowed correct characterization of the cystic tumors in 27 of 30 cases (90%). The usefulness of a precise diagnostic workup of these neoplasms is emphasized, due to their prognostic and therapeutic outcome.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1991

[Magnetic resonance in the study of the temporo-mandibular joint. I. Anatomo-functional findings].

Thirty-four temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were examined in 17 normal subjects with two superconductive MR units at 1T and 1.5T. TMJ evaluation was performed with both SE sequences in occlusal position and with "fast" sequences (flash) during the gradual opening of the mouth. Therefore, both the anatomic features of the TMJs and their dynamic behavior during mouth opening were analyzed. The information acquired allowed the complete and non-invasive evaluation of TMJ function. The knowledge of the normal anatomic and functional patterns is of paramount importance for the diagnostic approach to TMJ pathologic conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Magnetic resonance imaging in study of the temporo-mandibular joint. II. Pathologic findings].

A total of 107 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were examined with two superconductive MR units at 1T and 1.5T. In 73 TMJs, MR revealed 55 disk displacements, 7 disk perforations, 10 joint space adhesions, 33 osteoarthrities, 3 avascular necroses of the mandibular condyle, and 25 joint effusions. These abnormalities are described and discussed. In spite of some limitations--e.g., motion artifacts and patients' claustrophobia--MR imaging is the procedure of choice in abnormal TMJs, because it yields useful information as to therapeutic choice (conservative versus surgical). Arthrography can be used as a complementary study technique in the patients with marked disagreement between clinical and MR findings. Arthroscopy should be used as a surgical procedure in abnormal TMJs selected by previous MR studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

The contribution of ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of nonfunctioning islet cell tumors of the pancreas.

The personal series of 12 nonfunctioning islet cell tumors (NFIT) of the pancreas is reported. The ultrasound and computed tomography features of NFIT are analyzed, and a few signs are identified that may be useful in the differential diagnosis vs ductal carcinoma. The necessity to complete the diagnostic work up by means of fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytologic smears is also emphasized.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1990

[Diagnostic imaging of pancreatic metastasis].

The authors present their personal series of pancreatic metastases (8 cases) which were evaluated with different imaging modalities--i.e., sonography, computed tomography, and angiography. Possibilities and limitations of non-invasive modalities are pointed out, and the usefulness of angiography is emphasized for the identification of small hypervascular lesions. The fairly rare diagnosis of these tumoral lesions is due to 3 causes: low incidence of pancreatic metastases; their frequently small size which justifies eventual false negatives; the frequent lack of symptoms calling for imaging modalities. Moreover, pancreatic metastases are usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. Thus, the therapeutic approach must be planned in every single case, in relation to the perspectives of survival and to the residual quality of life.

Adult↗