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C Martinoli

Publications and source records attributed to C Martinoli.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of the post-traumatic course of injuries of the Achilles tendon using computerized telethermography].

Follow-up of Achilles tendon injuries was carried out by means of computerized telethermography. The thermographic examination was performed at definite time intervals (a few hours, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months after acute traumatism) on 15 young patients subdivided into two different groups according to the tenonic injured site: proximal (6 cases) or insertional (9 cases). The study showed a satisfying correlation between hyperthermal level and clinical symptoms, thus allowing to define accurately the resolution or persistence (3 cases) of inflammatory process. In conclusion, the authors recommend the combined use of computerized telethermography and diagnostic US for a complete evaluation of Achilles tendon disorders according to their different evolutive phases.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1990

MRI of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: a report of two new cases in the pediatric age group.

At present, magnetic resonance is a useful modality for the diagnostic assessment of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. In the pediatric age group, diagnosis for this kind of pathology is more effective and conclusive when performed by MR, because of the limited variety and the restricted expression of primary hepatic tumors. MR diagnosis is based on the presence of a central connective tissue that is scar hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences, which can be regarded as a typical finding, though not specific. The other criteria used to differentiate it from primary malignant tumors on MRI are the homogeneity of the tissue surrounding the scar and its signal intensity, which is similar to that of adjacent normal hepatic parenchyma.

Child↗
PubMed1989

Isolation and characterization of Hofbauer cells from human placental villi.

Hofbauer cells are a major cell type of the human placental villous core and they are particularly numerous at the beginning of pregnancy. In the present study we describe a method suitable to obtain HC suspensions in a highly purified form. These suspensions have been analyzed for surface markers using a battery of monoclonal antibodies. Of all the surface markers used, Hofbauer cells were only positive for 4F2, LeuM2 and LeuM3 monoclonals which mainly detect cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage. Hofbauer cells were consistently negative for HLA-DR antigens, C3bR and T- or B-cell markers. Hofbauer cells appeared capable of phagocytosing latex beads, adhering to and spreading over plastic surface and secreting lysozyme. In contrast, they failed to originate an efficient respiratory burst in response to appropriate stimulation. Hofbauer cells were positive for ANAE with a perinuclear localization of the enzyme activity, but consistently negative for peroxidase. These observations suggest that they share a number of features with cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage and yet have some distinctive properties.

Chorionic Villi↗
PubMed1985

Establishment and characterization of a new human cloned myelomonocytic cell line (ZC-1.6).

A human cell line, ZC, derived from the blood of a patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia, was established and cloned. One of the clones, ZC-1.6, was subsequently characterized. As for its morphology and cytochemistry, ZC-1.6 clone shares a number of features with immature cells of the monocytic or myelocytic lineages. Surface marker analysis shows positivity for 4F2 (100% of the cells), and OKM1 (38%) monoclonal antibodies, and presence of surface HLA-D/DR antigens (100%) and Fc (11%) and complement (C3b) receptors (100%). Functional capabilities of ZC-1.6 cells include adherence, spreading, and phagocytosis of latex and opsonized zymosan particles. Despite its morphological immaturity, the ZC-1.6 clone produces relevant amounts of O2- in the presence of different stimuli (phorbol myristate acetate, opsonized zymosan, or latex particles). The production of O2- by ZC-1.6 cells is the first evidence that reactive oxygen intermediate production may represent an early feature of cells of the myelomonocytic lineage.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Human placental Hofbauer cells promote mitogen induced T cell proliferation.

Hofbauer cells are a major cell type of the human placental villous core particularly numerous at the beginning of pregnancy. In the present study we have investigated whether or not Hofbauer cells could subserve the function of accessory cells for colony formation by phytohemagglutinin stimulated allogeneic T cells. Results showed that Hofbauer cells are capable to play an accessory role on T cell proliferation probably due to the release of interleukin 1-like soluble factors.

Colony-Forming Units Assay↗
PubMed1984

Progesterone enhances reactive oxygen intermediates production by cultured human monocytes.

Progesterone at placental tissue concentrations (5-20 micrograms/ml) markedly increases in vitro PMA-stimulated O-2 and H2O2 production by human cultured monocytes. This appears to contrast the well-known suppressive action of the hormone on the other cell mediated defence mechanisms. We suggest that these findings could cast a new light on progesterone's multiple and differentiated functions in the placental environment.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1984

Scanning electron microscopy of stromal cells of human placental villi throughout pregnancy.

Morphological changes in fixed stromal cells and Hofbauer cells were studied throughout pregnancy in different types of placental chorionic villi by scanning electron microscopy. In the mesenchymal villus the fixed stromal cells were characterized by thin cytoplasmic processes. Hofbauer cells exhibited blebs on their surface. Large sail-like processes with a crescent profile which surrounded well developed stromal channels and a small cell body typified the small reticulum cells of the immature intermediate villus. The Hofbauer cells here displayed blebs, microplicae and large lamellipodia. Short cytoplasmic expansions and a large cell body characterized the fibroblasts present inside the stem villus. Hofbauer cells were rare, having blebs or a few short lamellipodia. The mature intermediate villus contained small and large reticulum cells. The latter had a much larger cell body than the small ones and displayed a few short cytoplasmic processes partly delimiting narrow incomplete stromal channels. Occasional Hofbauer cells with small microplicae and/or blebs were present. The small reticulum cells and fibroblasts present in the terminal villus showed similar morphological features as above. However, the former exhibited less developed cytoplasmic extensions and therefore no stromal channels were observed. In the terminal villus, the morphology of the rare Hofbauer cells was similar to that found in the mature intermediate villus.

Chorionic Villi↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Color Doppler sonographic appearance of renal perforating vessels in subjects with normal and impaired renal function.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and color Doppler sonographic characteristics of perforating vessels-small arteries and veins connecting the intrarenal vasculature with the capsular plexus-in healthy subjects, in hypertensive patients, and in patients with renal failure due to hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis or ischemic nephropathy. METHODS: Fifteen healthy subjects 24-34 years old, 15 healthy subjects 68-80 years old, 25 hypertensive patients, 25 patients with hypertension and chronic renal failure (15 mild, 10 severe), and 12 patients with hypertension and chronic renal failure and acute renal insufficiency due to ischemic nephropathy underwent color Doppler sonography of both kidneys. RESULTS: The few perforating arteries in healthy and hypertensive patients had various resistance indices and flow toward the capsule. Perforating veins in these patients were much more common than perforating arteries. Perforating arteries with a lower mean resistance index than the mean interlobar resistance index and flow toward the capsule were detected in 76% of kidneys in the patients with mild chronic renal failure and in 20% of those in patients with severe chronic renal failure. Only a few perforating veins were seen in patients with chronic renal failure. In 64% of the kidneys with renal artery stenosis detected in the patients with chronic renal failure complicated by acute renal insufficiency, there were perforating arteries with flow toward the kidney and a mean resistance index higher than the mean interlobar resistance index. CONCLUSIONS: Perforating vessels are recognizable using color Doppler sonography both in healthy subjects and in patients with renal failure. The prevalence and flow characteristics of perforating vessels differ between healthy subjects, patients with mild and with severe chronic renal failure, and patients with chronic renal failure complicated by acute renal insufficiency caused by renal artery stenosis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Staging of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with ultrasound.

The preoperative assessment of the extent of biliary and vascular involvement by hilar cholangiocarcinoma is clinically important because resectability may be limited by tumor extension along the bile ducts into the hepatic parenchyma or to the adjacent hilar vessels. Thirty-five patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied with ultrasound, and the results were compared with operative findings and other diagnostic modalities. The level of intrahepatic biliary obstruction was determined in 100% of patients with ductal ectasia, and a tumor mass was shown in 37.1%. Imaging and Doppler ultrasound proved accurate in detecting the neoplastic involvement of the portal vein. Both correctly diagnosed portal occlusion and wall infiltration in 4 of 4 and 15 of 18 (83%) patients, respectively, without any false-positives. On the contrary, imaging ultrasound had poor sensitivity in detecting infiltration of the hepatic artery (43%) and metastases in regional lymph nodes (37%), liver (66%), and peritoneum (33%). In conclusion, ultrasound may be valuable in the preoperative staging of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, specially in predicting ductal and portal involvement.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transvaginal ultrasonography of nongynecologic pelvic lesions.

Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) is one of the preferred imaging modalities in patients with gynecologic problems because of its high diagnostic accuracy, noninvasiveness, and wide availability. In endovaginal scanning, the problem of sonic attenuation is much less significant than with the transabdominal approach in the evaluation of the viscera in the true pelvis. Placement of high-frequency, high-resolution probes within the vagina allows accurate assessment of all anatomic structures of the female reproductive tract within the pelvis, and, incidentally, a variety of pathologic conditions affecting the intestinal tract, the urinary system, the pelvic walls, vessels, lymph nodes, and peritoneum can be assessed by this technique. In this article, we show the appearances of nongynecologic lesions of the female pelvis as imaged with TVUS and discuss the clinical indications to this kind of study and the role of TVUS in guiding interventional maneuvers through the vaginal vault. All endovaginal scans were taken with transducers at frequencies of 5.0-7.5 MHz.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Magnetic resonance imaging of the penis: normal anatomy.

This study was undertaken to investigate the magnetic resonance anatomy of the normal penis, by means of the use of a new designed surface coil specific for the study of male external genital organs. The combined evaluation of T1- and T2-weighted images obtained by choosing different repetition and echo time values together with an appropriate selection of scanning planes oriented according to various angles of incidence strongly contributed to perform a complete morphological analysis of the penis and constantly revealed fine anatomical details of diagnostic and clinical significance. Among these, the magnetic resonance examination (data referred to a 0.5 T apparatus) allowed a precise morphological differentiation of the penile covering tissues, such as outer skin, dartos tunica and hypodermal connective; the vascular characterization of cavernous tissue, belonging to corpora cavernosa and spongiosum urethrae, of deep arteries and superficial dorsal vein(s); the resolution of the albuginea and the identification of the urethral lumen. Such a capability of magnetic resonance imaging in providing accurate demonstration of penile structures without technical artifacts and use of ionizing radiations makes the actual technology able to cooperate efficaciously with computerized tomography and diagnostic sonography for an efficient clinical assessment of penis diseases.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gradient echo MRI of portal vein thrombosis.

The MR appearance of thrombosis of the portal vein and its branches using gradient echo (GRE) sequences is described. The study consists of two separate parts. In the first part, five normal volunteers were examined to select the optimal section plane for each portal vessel to be studied. Given the "time of flight" effect of GRE sequences, a scan plane perpendicular to the direction of flow was used to obtain maximal signal enhancement of flowing blood. In the second part of the study, 13 patients with thrombosis of the portal system diagnosed by Doppler sonography, CT, and digital subtraction angiography were examined with the GRE technique. Gradient echo MR confirmed the presence and defined the extent of vessel thrombosis with high diagnostic accuracy. In addition, it proved accurate in detecting portosystemic collaterals. We concluded that the GRE technique can be effectively used as a complement to conventional SE MR to further delineate portal vessels.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

LH-RH analogue treatment in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: a phase II study. Gruppo Ligure per lo Studio del Pancreas.

In this phase II study, we treated 7 patients, all males, with stage III or IV pancreatic cancer with goserelin (an LH-RH analogue). Goserelin was administered at a dose of 3.6 mg every 4 weeks. The tumour response was assessed by measuring lesions with US- or CT-scan studies, according to WHO criteria. No response was observed. The median survival was 8 months in locally unresectable tumours and 4 months in advanced disease. The accrual was actually stopped at 7 cases because there were no responses in either of our series or in those published during our study. The authors conclude that the treatment with LH-RH analogue alone cannot be recommended for further studies.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Malignant melanoma of soft tissues (clear cell sarcoma) of the foot. Is MRI able to perform a specific diagnosis? Report of one case and review of the radiological literature.

The magnetic resonance (MR) findings in malignant melanoma of soft tissues, also called clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses, have been described as a focal abnormality with a specific MR pattern of increased signal intensity (relative to normal muscle) on T1 weighted sequences and variably decreased signal intensity on T2 weighted sequences (relative to surrounding fat). We have reported here a case of malignant melanoma of soft tissues of the foot, studied with ultrasonography (US) and MR, in which MR showed T1-hypointensity, T2-hyperintensity and marked gadolinium uptake. We have described the relationship between the intracytoplasmic melanin amount of and these atypical MR findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Metastatic nodules of the abdominal wall: US and CT evaluation..

PURPOSE: Metastatic recurrence in the abdominal wall surgical scar is not uncommon. Our aim was to evaluate the role of ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of metastatic recurrence along the surgical scar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 nodules in the surgical scar, either single (n=9 patients) or multiple (n=2 patients), in 11 patients operated on for known abdominal neoplasm confirmed by histology. The most common primary tumour was colonic carcinoma. All patients had undergone open surgery, and the lesions were detected at routine follow-up or at diagnostic examinations performed for clinical suspicion of recurrence. Ultrasonography (7.5-10/10-13 MHz) and fine needle biopsy were performed in all cases; contrast-enhanced CT was carried out in 10 patients. All lesions underwent histopathological examination. RESULTS: The histological findings showed 16/17 metastatic nodules and one suture granuloma. Lesions had variable size (15-55 mm), roundish shape, ill-defined margins (60% cases) and hypoechoic solid echotexture. All were characterised by marked contrast medium uptake on CT examination. US-guided aspiration biopsy precisely defined the metastatic nature of the nodules in 16/17 cases. In the patient with suture granuloma, both CT and US findings suggested malignancy; however, cytology showed only scant fibrous material. The anterior abdominal wall was the most common site of metastatic disease (14 lesions). CONCLUSIONS: US enables an accurate detection and diagnosis of metastatic nodules along the surgical scar. Fine needle aspiration biopsy represents, in our opinion, the most suitable procedure for providing an accurate diagnosis of this condition.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ultrasound and the bone: a difficult relationship].

The principles of US physics and technology hampering both the production of US images of the bone and the assessment of the soft tissue structures underlying it are discussed. In theory, two US parameters play a role in this field: the different transmission velocity of the US beam through soft tissues and bone, and the marked attenuation of the US beam when crossing the bone. The former parameter, due to higher density and lower compressibility of the bone with respect to soft tissues, causes both intense reflection (and thus beam weakening) and refraction (and thus lateral resolution and US image distortions) at the soft tissue/bone interfaces. Moreover, US transmission velocity in the bone differs significantly from the reference velocity of the US scanners on the market based on that of soft tissues. As a consequence, during the reconstruction of a bone US image, artifacts resulting in the axial compression of bone structures should, at least in theory, occur. The latter parameter, due to both conversion into heat (absorption) and local dispersion (scattering), is likely to be main factor causing the loss of US energy when the US beam passes through the bone. Although the amount of matter (bone mass or density) undoubtedly accounts for some attenuation, local bone architecture (bulk and shear moduli of bone and marrow, bone and marrow density, marrow viscosity and porosity, permeability and tortuosity of cancellous bone structure) seems nevertheless also responsible for some attenuation through both absorption and scattering. Other consequences of attenuation reflecting on US imaging of the bone are: marked lowering of central transducer frequency and US beam widening preventing the correct identification of the interfaces originating echoes by relating them to the structures on the transducer axis. In conclusion, based on the above parameters, echoencephalography and transcranial Doppler US can be expected to improve, in the near future, their bone-crossing capabilities, even though no true gray-scale bone sonogram will ever be feasible.

Bone and Bones↗