Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Villani

Publications and source records attributed to C Villani.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Arthroscopy in the treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus.

This study consists of six cases of osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus (ODT) treated with arthroscopy, which was able to precisely evaluate the integrity of the articular surface; this exact evaluation confirmed in turn the inaccuracy of radiographic staging and often even the most sophisticated techniques (CAT scan and/or MRI). Arthroscopy allows treatment of osteochondral lesions and consensual reactive synovitis in both advanced stages and minor lesions, with recourse to transchondral perforation. Its low morbidity and short period of rehabilitation together with the subjective and objective outcome at the follow-up (4-33 months) make arthroscopy a valid alternative to arthrotomy for treating this type of lesion.

Adolescent↗

The viral lesion (HPV) of the lower genital tract in teen agers: clinical and therapeutic aspects.

From January 1985 to July 1987, 116 adolescents affected by the lesions of the lower genital tract (Human Papilloma Virus +/- Intraepithelial Neoplasia) came to the laser surgery service of the 2nd Department of the Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinic of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" for the treatment of the lesions. The patients were examined also from the epidemiologic point of view and sides effects of the treatment were evaluated. A cure rate of 92% is certainly a significant value, especially considering the higher frequency of recurrence at the vulvovaginal level.

Adolescent↗

The rationale for treatment of cervical lesions (HPV +/- CIN).

In the laser surgery service of the 2nd Department of the Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinic of the University of Rome "La Sapienza", from October 1984 to March 1987, we have treated with CO2 laser surgery (vaporization and conization) 228 patients affected with cervical lesions (HPV +/- CIN). The choice of the treatment must be based on two parameters: site and extension of the lesion. The results we have obtained with CO2 laser vaporization (201 cases) are most satisfactory (92%); patients have been followed-up from two to twenty-six months. As far as the CO2 laser conization is concerned (27 cases), patients were followed-up from two to twenty-two months and the percentage of success was 96.1%. The Authors evaluated also the side effects of the CO2 laser surgery.

Adult↗

Nuclear magnetic resonance as a contribution to the choice of technique in lengthening of the Achilles tendon in a spastic equinus foot.

In the search for a more accurate surgical programme for the correction of spastic equinus foot, the authors have studied the Achilles tendon with NMR before and after surgery. The results were quite interesting. Before operation, NMR provides indications as to the best technique to be adopted based on the finding of fibrotic processes involving the peritendinous tissue, in particular the Kager triangle, while, postoperatively, it allows us to evaluate the development of adherent fibrosis in relation to the different surgical techniques of lengthening adopted.

Achilles Tendon↗

Histological and morphological aspects of muscle in infantile cerebral palsy.

There is very little in the literature on the histology and morphology of muscle in cerebral palsy. The authors studied the histology of antigravitational spastic muscles, which are different from the nonspastic muscles. The study established that they have no endomysial fibres and that their inelasticity and inextensibility is due to syncytial atrophy. This is in conformity with clinical findings and calls for further research into the ultrastructural nature of the muscle so that treatment can be based on a more complete understanding of the disease and not solely on clinical observations.

Adolescent↗

Considerations on deformity of the foot and suprasegmental pathology in infantile cerebral palsy.

The authors conducted a clinical and CT scan study of the lower limbs of patients with infantile cerebral palsy in a search for correlations between deformities of the foot and pathological conditions in other parts of the limb. This revealed that the keystone in the system is the knee, in which flexion deformity or recurvatum associated with varus or valgus and torsional deformity of the femur and tibia leads to repercussions in the foot which are reasonably predictable and constant. This contrasts with similar situations in non-neurological deformities, where repercussions in the foot are unpredictable.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Familial ovarian cancer: a study of 11 families.

In a group of 152 ovarian cancer patients, 11 cases with familial recurrence were investigated (7.23%). Of the families evaluated we found 26 patients with ovarian cancer and twenty two with different cancers in other sites. In ovarian cancer the familial aspect, despite its relatively low frequency, is one of the few factors for identifying "high risk" patients, thus allowing effective secondary prevention.

Adult↗

Parametrial involvement and therapeutic programming in stage Ib cervical cancer.

The philosophical basis of oncological surgery has always been the removal of not only the primary lesion but also of a considerable amount of healthy tissue. In the surgical treatment of cervical cancer, the extensive dissection of the ureter, bladder and rectum facilitates a more complete removal of the parametrium and of the paracervical tissue, but gives rise to a series of bladder and rectal dysfunctions. Complications are certainly taken into account, but more consideration could be given to the cost to the patient in terms of severe disturbances in life-style and to the dysfunctions caused by radical surgery. Unfortunately, we do not know exactly the incidence of this damage since the data available from the literature are not always uniform. In order to overcome this discrepancy we suggest that Rutledge's classification is still the most valid point of reference. We also consider that accurate urodynamic follow-up methodology is necessary to evaluate bladder dysfunctions and to compare data from the different centres. Finally, we propose moderately radical hysterectomy--Rutledge's Class II--with adjuvant therapy in the presence of adverse prognostic factors as the most effective method for controlling the disease and reducing treatment-related side-effects.

Adult↗

Patellofemoral dysplasia in infantile cerebral palsy.

The authors have studied the biomechanical basis of functional alterations in the extensor apparatus of the knee in cases of infantile cerebral palsy. Several interesting aspects of the problem, some of which are controversial, have emerged from this study and from a review of patients with flexion contracture of the knee treated surgically: 1. The neurological pathology of the motor system leads to problems of posture and dysplastic conditions of the hip (coxa valgus, etc.) which favour the development of patellofemoral pathology. 2. By contrast, the early clinical manifestations of this pathology are relatively insignificant and completely overshadowed by the major problems of adaptation and compensation imposed by the more serious overall disabilities which face the patient in order to stand and walk. The knee plays a prevalently static role at this stage and is not particularly stressed during joint movement. 3. The clinical manifestations of patellofemoral pathology are thus paradoxically brought into focus by surgery on the flexor apparatus to deal with contracture. Although on the one hand this improves function, on the other it brings to light the more complex functional mechanisms of the knee, thus emphasizing any deficit in the extensor apparatus.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Prosthetic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee: the roles of CT scan and M.R.

The authors examined 10 patients treated by intra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with an artificial ligament in terylene (Kejo-Leeds type). Clinical evaluation was supplemented by CT scan and magnetic nuclear resonance (M.R.). The basic parameters assessed were the positioning of the tunnels, biological anchoring, presence of reactive synovitis, growth and modification of periligamentous fibrous tissue, characteristics and relationships of the extra-articular plastic. CT scan was better at determining the tunnels, evaluating biological anchoring and visualising the new ligament in its intra-articular course. Magnetic nuclear resonance was better at evaluating changes in the periligamentous tissue. The authors therefore conclude that M.R. is preferable in the early follow-ups, while CT scanning has greater diagnostic value in follow-ups after six months.

Adult↗

A comparative study of the extensor force of the quadriceps between subjects with a normal patella and those with patella alta of neurological pathogenesis.

The authors examined 20 subjects with infantile cerebral palsy, 10 of whom had patella alta, in order to evaluate any difference of extensor force of the quadriceps in the various degrees of flexion of the knee as compared with normal subjects. The objective was to reveal and measure any functional differences between the two groups.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Young age is not an ominous prognostic factor in breast cancer patients.

Analysis of a series of 137 women 20-30 years of age, operated for breast carcinoma, excluding patients pregnant, lactating or with inflammatory cancer, showed that disease-free survival rates were similar and not lower than those reported for a large series of 716 breast cancer patients of all ages, treated and followed at the same Institute. Ten-year disease-free survival rates for the two series of 137 young women and 716 patients of all ages were 43.7% and 47.1% respectively. Even when considering the subgroups of patients with and without nodal axillary involvement, the corresponding figures for the two series considered were 72.6% vs. 72.1% (N-) and 25.1% vs. 24.5% (N+). It can be concluded that young age cannot be considered as an unfavorable prognostic factor.

Adult↗

Peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity of dichlorodiamineplatinum: instrumental evaluation. Preliminary results.

Clinical use of cis-platinum in the treatment of many human tumors is increasing. Since side effects could represent a limitation of its use, we evaluated neurotoxic effects of this compound in a group of 23 patients on antiblastic treatment for gynecological neoplasms. Evaluation was performed by clinical-neurological examination, neurophysiological data (electromyography, maximal motor conduction velocity, and sensory conduction velocity) and potentials. Seven patients reported subjective symptoms of neurological involvement. In 2 cases there was a change in the electromyographic pattern. The otolaryngological examination showed a change in the hearing threshold in 3 patients and in 1 case the fatigue test was positive. Neurotoxic effects and hearing damage was not related to the treatment schedule.

Adolescent↗

Prevention by hypothermic cap of antiblastic induced-alopecia.

Adriamycin, one of most effective antitumor drugs, is characterized by high toxicity. The adriamycin-induced alopecia is frequent (80-97% of patients) and rapidly shows itself (already after first treatment). Such toxic effect, so unpleasant particularly to female patients, was largely prevented in our experience (Gynecological Oncology Service) with the utilization of hypothermic caps. These caps, reducing the drug absorption above the scalp, allows limiting the hair loss. The result obtained (reduction of severe alopecia in 34% of patients) encourage the use of such a method to improve the life quality of patients.

Alopecia↗

Todays' stage in differential diagnosis between cervical condyloma and CIN.

Seven colposcopic signs (acetic acid staining--borders--thickness--surface contour--colour--vascular atypias--iodine staining) are examined in differential diagnosis between condyloma and CIN. For a better prognostic and therapeutic approach, we think it is useful to follow a diagnostic path whose main steps are: colposcopy, cytology, microcervicoscopy, histology. With the introduction of sophisticated diagnostic techniques (molecular hybridization--morphology cells study--chromosomes map study) it is possible to determine morphologically the observed lesion and predict, as much as possible, the following evolution.

Colposcopy↗

Role of diet in endometrial cancer patients.

The hypothesis of a correlation between diet and cancer is widely supported by several epidemiological and experimental studies. Certainly the exact mechanism of this intervention is still unknown; nevertheless in the tests of a carcinogenesis the direct action of some food is recognised, whereas the indirect action of others should occur through modifications of immune and endocrine systems. Many studies conclude that a high intake of fats and animal proteins appeared to be associated with the etiology of some endocrine related neoplasms, such as the cancer of prostate breast endometrium and ovary. We studied the dietary practices and some constitutional parameters of women affected by endometrial cancer and control women. We did not find a significant difference between the two groups related to height. Conversely the daily intake of lipids and particularly of proteins, glucides and calories turned out much higher in the group of patients. Moreover we found a significant difference related to weight; obese women were more numerous in the group of patient. The above results confirm the importance of a right diet in the prevention of this neoplasm.

Body Weight↗