Ex vivo evaluation of Pidotimod effect on immune response.
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Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Biomedical subjects
C Uslenghi
Publications and source records attributed to C Uslenghi.
Increased rate of survival in Streptococcus pneumoniae-infected rats treated with the new immunomodulator Pidotimod.
Wistar rats infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae (type III ATCC) rapidly develop an acute form of experimental lobar pneumonia (ELP) with death of 80-90% of the animals by 6 days after the infection. Prophylactic treatment of these animals with the novel immunomodulator Pidotimod, at the dose of 25 mg/kg bw, significantly increased their rate of survival as compared to the control group (50 vs. 90% respectively). Recovery from the infection appeared definitive since all the Pidotimod-treated survivors were alive and in good condition at the end of the observation period (45 days post infection). Prophylactic treatment with higher or lower doses of the drug was ineffective. Therapy with Pidotimod was not effective. This preliminary study suggests that Pidotimod may have contributed to activation of specific and non-specific immune effectors involved in the host response to S. pneumoniae infection.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Leukotriene B4 and peptido-leukotriene levels during radiographic contrast media infusion.
The pathogenic mechanisms of radiographic contrast media (CM) reactions are still not well understood. Recently it has been proposed that leukotrienes (LT) may be involved in CM reactions. We measured plasma LTB4 and peptido-LT levels in 20 subjects undergoing urography with 2 low osmolality CM (ioxaglate and iopamidol) in order to elucidate if CM infusion determines LT release in plasma. LTB4 and peptido-LT did not change significantly during infusion of the 2 CM. Blood pressure, heart rate, and the number of circulating granulocytes were not affected by CM infusions, further evidence that LT release did not occur. We conclude therefore that LT are not released during infusion with the CM studied.
Adult↗
[The use of digital techniques with storage phosphors for orthopantomography. Preliminary note].
Digital panoramic tomographies with light-emitting phosphors were obtained in 39 patients, during a study on the clinical applications of digital imaging. Performing digital panoramic radiographies required the preliminary adaptation of the imaging plates to the cassette holder of the radiographic equipment. The digital images were post-processed according to two different protocols, both of which were recorded for each patient. The former image was quite similar to standard X-ray films and was called "analogic-like". The latter, called "xeroradiographic-like", featured a flattening of the overall contrast together with detail contrast enhancement due to the presence of an edge effect, as it occurs in xeroradiography. Digital panoramic tomography allows a marked reduction in patient's exposure to X-rays. In addition, this technique offers constant high-quality results, due to the possibility of recovering over- or under-exposed images during post-processing. Xeroradiographic-like digital films may reduce the sharp contrast that is often present between the anterior and the lateral portions of the maxillary and mandibular arches, thus improving the diagnostic reliability of the examination. Other modalities of digital post-processing may be helpful to depict gingival soft tissues, with obvious advantages for the study of periodontal diseases.
Adolescent↗
[Computerized tomography and conventional radiography in the diagnosis of destructive spondyloarthropathy. Our experience with 30 patients undergoing periodic hemodialysis].
Thirty patients of both sexes (15 males and 15 females) with chronic renal failure who had under gone hemodialysis for 2-184 months (mean 45.1 months) were examined with conventional radiographs of the cervical spine and thin-layer CT of C4-C5-C6 to evaluate the radiographic patterns of destructive spondyloarthropathy. The radiographic patterns obtained with conventional and CT exams were compared with one another and with clinical (carpal tunnel syndrome) and biochemical data (alkaline phosphatase, parathormon, Ca, P, Ca/P, Al, beta 2-microglobulin). DSA (erosion and narrowing of the intervertebral space, collapse of the vertebral body and erosion of the vertebral plates) was recognized in 7 patients with conventional radiographs and in 11 patients with CT thanks to greater CT capabilities to recognize minimal osteolytic lesions of the vertebral body. All the patients with destructive spondyloarthropathy had personal and hemodialysis age higher than those without destructive spondyloarthropathy: 59.3 vs 57.7 years; 49 vs 39 months. Parathormon and alkaline phosphatase were increased while beta 2-microglobulin was normal. Only 2 patients with DSA had carpal tunnel syndrome. In conclusion, CT is a valuable technique for the diagnosis of destructive spondyloarthropathy but it must be performed only after conventional radiographs of the cervical spine or in the presence of clinical signs of destructive spondyloarthropathy (parathormon and beta 2-microglobulin increased, long-term hemodialysis).
Adult↗
[Description of a case of aneurysm of the intrahepatic portal vein].
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Aneurysm↗
Skin ultrasound in dermatologic surgical planning.
High-resolution ultrasonography was performed on 55 patients with palpable skin lesions, all submitted to surgical excision and to histologic diagnosis. In all the cases, the ultrasound picture was confirmed by the surgical appearance of the lesions. The sonographic structure was characteristic in the case of cysts and angiomas, lymphangiomas in particular. Ultrasonography is considered a simple and reliable technique for the pre-operative evaluation of skin nodules, as it gives a clear picture of their size, depth, and outline. However, sonography cannot substitute for the clinical dermatologic approach and the need for an histologic diagnosis.
Adult↗
Bronchial carcinoid tumors: radiologic observations in 49 cases.
A retrospective evaluation was performed of radiographs obtained in 49 cases of bronchial carcinoid at presentation and during a follow-up period of 12 years. Histologic diagnosis from the surgical specimen was available in all cases. Carcinoids appeared most frequently (77%) as round or oval opacities with sharp and often notched margins. They often induced airway compression with pulmonary atelectasis; enlarged hilar lymph nodes from metastasis were rare. Recurrence after surgical removal was not frequent; the recurrent masses had the same radiographic features as the original tumor. The diagnosis of bronchial carcinoid must be taken into consideration when a slowly growing radiopaque mass with well-defined margins is discovered on chest films. The radiologist must remember that these tumors can be resected with a fairly good prognosis even when they are large.
Bronchial Neoplasms↗
[Use of echography for the diagnosis of joint amyloidosis in dialyzed patients].
Amyloid arthropathy is an important complication of long-term hemodialysis. This condition may lead to destructive bone lesions and to severe functional impairment. We studied with sonography of both knees 32 long-term dialysis patients (mean dialytic age: 69.7 months), whose 7 were carrying palpable joint swellings. In 29/32 patients, ultrasound scans were associated with knee X-rays films, patellar views included. In one case, opaque arthrography was performed too. Sonography demonstrated the presence of fluid collections within the articular space and the synovial cavities in 19/32 patients (59%). Their content was transonic or mildly hypoechoic. X-ray films were positive for amyloid bone involvement in 19/29 cases (66%), with intra-osseous cysts and cortical erosions. There was a good general agreement between the results obtained with the two techniques: therefore, in some cases only one examination was positive. Sonography is proposed, in association with standard X-ray films, as a simple and reliable method for the diagnosis of articular amyloidosis in dialysis patients and for the follow-up of this disease.
Amyloidosis↗
Ultrasonography of nodular and infiltrative lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Ultrasonography with high-frequency probes was performed on 80 dermatological patients carrying palpable lesions of the skin. The case list included hemo- and lymphangiomas (16 cases), cysts (13 cases), Kaposi sarcomas (9 cases), and panniculitis (20 cases). All lesions underwent open biopsy and histological examination. Ultrasound yielded technically adequate images in 74/80 cases (93%). Angiomas appeared as multiple transonic cavities separated by hyperechoic septa; cysts were usually echo free or weakly echogenic, with smooth outlines. Kaposi sarcomas corresponded to superficial hypoechoic nodules with blurred margins, while panniculitis appeared as a diffuse thickening of the subcutaneous space. When acute inflammation was present, as in most cases of erythema nodosum, a nonhomogeneous hypoechoic pattern was found.
Cysts↗
Ultrasonography of proliferative vascular lesions of the skin.
High-resolution ultrasonography with small part probes was performed on 20 proliferative vascular lesions of the skin (3 lymphangiomas, 9 hemangiomas, 8 Kaposi sarcomas). All the lesions were submitted to histological examination. The histological cuts were made in the same planes as the ultrasound scans in order to obtain a direct comparison. The sonographic pattern of each histotype is characteristic and correlated with the corresponding histological picture. Lymphangiomas appear as large anechoic communicating cavities; hemangiomas have small hypoechoic areas separated by thin hyperechoic septa. Kaposi sarcomas possess a mixed sonographic structure with ill-defined margins. Ultrasound is proposed as a simple and harmless diagnostic aid to clinical examination of proliferative vascular lesions of the skin.
Adult↗
Beta-2-microglobulin amyloidosis and osteo-articular pathology of the uremic patient on regular dialysis.
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Amyloidosis↗
[Pure and diluted contrast media in the visualization of the portal venous system using digital angiography].
We report the results of intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 100 patients with portal hypertension. The portal venous system was evaluated; all patients underwent angiography of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries before surgery. Forty-four of them were also examined after Warren splenorenal shunts. Therefore, a total of 144 exams was evaluated. The authors always employed low-osmolality ionic and non-ionic contrast media (iodine concentration: 300-350 mg/ml). In 70 cases pure contrast medium was injected (20-25 ml); in the extant 74 cases it was diluted with an equal volume of saline solution (osmolality and iodine concentration reduced by 50%). Intra-arterial DSA always visualized portal venous system, collateral circulation, shunt location and postoperative changes. The major advantage of intra-arterial DSA is the smaller amount of contrast medium injected, so that local and systemic side effects are rare. According to our experience, it is best to dilute the contrast medium and inject the same amount as in conventional angiography, at the same rate. Other well-known advantages of intra-arterial DSA are quicker execution, less injury to arteries using smaller-caliber catheters, and low cost. The major disadvantage of intra-arterial DSA, as it appeared also in our study, is the field size of the intensifier, which in our case was limited to 6-9 inches. This is an insufficient coverage for the whole portal system to be studied, and some contrast medium injections become therefore necessary. An average of 3 injections were given to each patient. This problem reduces the advantage of less contrast medium per injection. At any rate, even though intra-arterial DSA exhibits this limitation, it can nevertheless yield important information in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of patients with portal hypertension.
Adult↗
Dialysis amyloidosis with massive popliteal deposition of beta 2-microglobulin amyloid.
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Aged↗
Digital subtraction angiography of the kidney.
Intravenous and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 88 patients: 34 with tumours, 10 with renal trauma, 26 with suspected renovascular hypertension, 6 with vascular impression on the renal pelvis, 8 with nephrolithiasis and 4 with sonographically abnormal kidneys. Venous and arterial DSA always gave diagnostically useful images. Intravenous DSA is valuable in patients with suspected renovascular hypertension or after vascular surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and transcatheter embolisation. Arterial DSA is preferable to venous DSA in other clinical situations, particularly in the evaluation of renal tumours, and may be recommended in preference to conventional angiography.
Adult↗
[Percutaneous transluminal laser angioplasty. Initial clinical experience in 9 patients].
In this paper the authors report on a new technique--percutaneous transluminal laser angioplasty (PLR) which was performed on 9 patients with iliac and/or femoro-popliteal artery occlusion. All patients were males (mean age: 64.5 years) and had arterial occlusion (mean length: cm 12.5). PLR was performed with an argon laser (max power: 16 Watts). In 8 out of 9 patients (88.8%) a complete recanalization was obtained of the occluded arterial tract, without complications. In one case only (12.2%) there was an arterial wall perforation with unsatisfactory results. In our opinion, PLR has proven a simple methodology, which can be performed on any patient due to the very low incidence of severe complications and distal embolism. Moreover, PLR has quite low costs, and does not prevent eventual surgical/percutaneous interventions.
Aged↗
[Use of magnetic resonance in patients with portal hypertension before and after diversion intervention. Initial experience in 15 cases].
Fifteen patients with portal hypertension were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using spin-echo sequences. Sagittal and transaxial images were obtained in all cases. Ten subjects have been evaluated after portosystemic shunt operations (6 portocaval and 4 splenorenal shunts); 5 patients were studied by MRI before shunt placements. Angiographic correlation was obtained in 15 cases. In each of the preoperative examinations, MRI accurately depicted inferior vena cava, portal vein and splenic vein. Shunt patency was documented in 10/10 postoperative studies: portacaval shunts patency was better determined in the transaxial plane while splenorenal shunts were better demonstrated in the sagittal plane. Thus, MRI seems to be an accurate and noninvasive method for detecting portosystemic shunt patency without the use of intravenous contrast media and without patient exposure to radiation.
Adult↗
[Echocardiographic gating in non-cardiac digital angiography].
This paper reports the results of the ECG-gating in non-cardiac digital subtraction angiography (DSA). One hundred and fifteen patients underwent DSA (126 examinations); ECG-gating was applied in 66/126 examinations: images recorded at 70% of R wave were subtracted. Artifacts produced by vascular movements were evaluated in all patients: only 40 examinations, carried out without ECG-gating, showed vascular artifacts. The major advantage of the ECG-gated DSA is the more efficient subtraction because of the better images superimposition: therefore, ECG-gating can be clinically helpful. On the contrary, it could be a problem in arrhythmic or bradycardic patients. ECG-gating is helpful in DSA imaging of the thoracic and abdominal aorta and of the cervical and renal arteries. In the examinations of peripheral vessels of the limbs it is not so efficient as in the trunk or in the neck.
Adult↗