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Biomedical subjects

D L Kelly

Publications and source records attributed to D L Kelly.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Chronic vermal herniation in a case of osteosarcoma of the occipital bone.

Upward projection of the cerebellar vermis through the tentorial hiatus is called upward vermal herniation (UVH). UVH is less common in clinical practice than uncal herniation. Even more uncommon is chronic vermal herniation and impaction in the tentorial hiatus. To illustrate this phenomenon, we present the clinical, radiological, and morphological features of vermal impaction in a patient with a postradiation osteosarcoma of the occipital bone. In spite of nearly total excision of the tumor pushing the cerebellum upward, his postoperative course was complicated by respiratory problems and an altered level of consciousness, finally resulting in death. His clinical status paralleled the computed tomographic (CT) demonstration of persistent obliteration of the supramesencephalic cistern. CT makes more reliable the detection and management of UVH, but a high index of suspicion is necessary for prevention of this complication.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Candida albicans shunt infection: report of two cases.

Infection of cerebrospinal fluid shunts with Candida albicans is reported in two patients. Scanning electron microscopy in one case demonstrates the relationship of the Candida hyphae to the white blood cells and to silicone plastic. A review of 10 previously reported cases of Candida shunt infection indicates that the infection usually follows a major bacterial infection or direct contamination or occurs spontaneously. Previous therapy has usually involved removal of the shunt, and the role of parenteral antifungal therapy is still unclear. Overall mortality to date is 25%.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Comparison of mannitol regimens in patients with severe head injury undergoing intracranial monitoring.

Eighty patients sustaining head injuries and presenting with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 8 or less were entered into a prospective randomized study to assess the benefit of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring with two regimens of mannitol administration. Group I was treated with mannitol for ICP elevations greater than 25 mm Hg, while Group II received empirical mannitol therapy irrespective of ICP readings. No statistically significant differences in mortality rate or neurological outcome were demonstrated between the two groups. These results are comparable to those of several published series of head-injured patients receiving similar treatment from 1977 to 1982. However, those series must be reassessed in light of recently published studies with treatment initiated at lower levels of ICP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Effect of weight loss on cardiac chamber size, wall thickness and left ventricular function in morbid obesity.

To determine cardiac chamber size, wall thickness and left ventricular (LV) systolic function in morbidly obese patients, M-mode and cross-sectional echocardiography was performed in 62 patients whose body weight was greater than or equal to twice their ideal weight but who were free from underlying organic heart disease and systemic hypertension. The initial clinical protocol consisted of a medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram at rest, chest x-ray and echocardiogram. Thereafter, each patient underwent gastric restriction. Thirty-four patients returned for follow-up echocardiography 4.3 +/- 0.3 months after substantial weight loss was achieved. For the whole group (n = 62) and LV internal dimension in diastole was enlarged in 24 (39%), the right ventricular internal dimension was enlarged in 20 (32%), the left atrial dimension was enlarged in 25 (40%) and the ventricular septal and LV posterior wall thickness was increased in 35 (56%). In the 34 patients who returned for follow-up, mean body weight decreased significantly, from 135 +/- 8 to 79 +/- 6 kg (73 +/- 4% of the amount over ideal body weight). In the subgroup with low preoperative LV fractional shortening (n = 13), mean LV fractional shortening increased from 22 +/- 2% to 31 +/- 2% (p less than 0.01). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the mean LV internal dimension in diastole and mean blood pressure. The results indicate that cardiac chamber enlargement, LV hypertrophy and LV systolic dysfunction occur frequently in morbidly obese patients and that LV systolic dysfunction in such persons may improve following substantial weight loss.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Pathobiologic study of pituitary tumors: report of 62 cases with a review of the recent literature.

Advances in radioimmunoassay procedures, immunocytochemistry, neuroradiologic imaging, and the surgical and medical treatment of pituitary adenomas have led to reappraisal of their classification as well as refinements in the diagnostic approaches used by pathologists. Sixty-two pituitary adenomas are described, and recent advances in this field are reviewed. Most of the patients were adults, but one of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing adenomas occurred in an 11-month-old infant. Endocrine-inactive tumors (43.5 per cent) were less common than hormone-producing tumors (56.5 per cent). Local invasion was most common in the former group, followed by ACTH-producing and other hormone-producing tumors. Ultrastructural features correlated with hormonal levels in the growth hormone(GH)-secreting tumors but not in the prolactin(LTH)- or ACTH-producing tumors. The formation of 7-nm filaments in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, corresponding to Crooke's hyaline change on light microscopy, was characteristic of ACTH-producing tumors. Ultrastructural changes in the ACTH granules suggested that the filaments may be derived from the feedback action of cortisol. Prior to surgery, a Rathke's cleft cyst and a chordoma were mistaken for endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas. In two additional cases ectopic ACTH-producing tumors of lung clinically mimicked pituitary adenoma. Conversely, one pituitary adenoma mimicked sphenoid wing meningioma. Clinical, hormonal, and radiologic data and immunocytochemical and electron microscopic studies are needed for accurate pathologic interpretation and classification of pituitary adenomas.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1985

Comparative effects of acetate and bicarbonate hemodialysis on left ventricular function.

To assess the comparative effects of hemodialysis with acetate versus bicarbonate base on left ventricular systolic function, we performed M-mode echocardiography on 36 patients prior to and immediately following 4-hr maintenance hemodialysis. Patients were initially dialyzed against either sodium acetate or sodium bicarbonate and 1 week later were dialyzed against the alternate base. The mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mean Vcf, circumferences/s) was used to assess left ventricular systolic function. In patients with normal pre-dialysis mean Vcf hemodialysis with acetate produced no significant change in mean Vcf, whereas hemodialysis with bicarbonate produced a significant increase in mean Vcf. In patients with low pre-dialysis mean Vcf hemodialysis with either base produced a significant increase in mean Vcf. Mean Vcf values obtained after hemodialysis with bicarbonate were significantly higher than those obtained after hemodialysis with acetate, both in patients with normal and low pre-hemodialysis mean Vcf. We conclude that hemodialysis with bicarbonate produces a comparatively greater improvement in left ventricular systolic function than hemodialysis with acetate.

Acetates↗
PubMed1985

Intracranial complications of ear disease in a pediatric population with special emphasis on subdural effusion and empyema.

Between the years 1963 to 1982, 84 consecutive cases of intracranial complications of ear disease in pediatric patients were diagnosed and treated at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital. This group consisted of 65 patients with otitic meningitis, four with otitic brain abscess, four with otitic hydrocephalus, three with lateral sinus thrombosis, three with otitic subdural empyemas, and five with an otitic subdural effusion of fluid. The advent of antibiotics has drastically altered the natural history of middle ear infections. We present these 84 cases to review diagnostic problems and therapeutic options, and to offer a plea for continued awareness of the middle ear as a potential source of central nervous system complications.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1985

Left atrial myxoma with cerebral emboli.

Infarction of the central nervous system secondary to embolism from left atrial myxoma is a recognized phenomenon. However, myxoma as the source of an embolus may be overlooked if an index of suspicion is not present during the evaluation of the patient with a stroke without a known cause. We present a case report that illustrates some of the pitfalls and characteristic findings present in the evaluation of these patients. The magnetic resonance image of multiple cerebral aneurysms and infarction associated with this condition is presented along with a unique, arteriographically proven resolution of a fusiform cerebral aneurysm after the removal of the cardiac tumor. A review of published case reports suggests that, if the cardiac tumor is recognized and treated quickly, the ultimate prognosis, while uncertain, is usually good. However, because the potential exists for recurrence of the cardiac tumor, for enlargement of the cerebral lesions, or for late development of cerebral lesions, long term follow-up is mandatory and a vigorous work-up must be pursued if the patient again becomes symptomatic or develops central nervous system manifestations for the first time.

Cerebral Angiography↗
PubMed1985

MR evaluation of Chiari I malformations at 0.15 T.

Twelve patients with known or presumed Chiari I malformations and two with clinical diagnoses of multiple sclerosis were examined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MR confirmed or established the diagnosis of Chiari I malformation in all 14 cases. The spin-echo technique with a short time to echo (TE = 40 msec) and a short time to recover (TR = 1000 msec) provided optimum imaging of tonsillar position, hydromyelia cavities, and cervicomedullary "kinking." Long TE (greater than 80 msec) and TR (greater than 2000 msec) increase the signal intensity of cerebrospinal fluid and may obscure the pathology. Sagittal, transaxial, and coronal images provided complementary data; sagittal and coronal views best imaged the abnormal spinal cord and tonsils, but slitlike cavities were best seen on transaxial images. Cervicomedullary kinking was found in 10 (71%) of 14 patients and in 90% of the hydromyelic patients. This high incidence suggests that in other radiologic techniques tonsillar herniation masks the kinking. Symptoms of the Chiari I malformation overlap those of demyelinating diseases and brain tumors. Our early experience suggests MR is the preferred noninvasive procedure for identifying Chiari I malformation. Moreover, the ability to portray the variable cavity morphology of hydromyelia directly offers the potential for improved shunt placement.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation↗
PubMed1985

Intact arch spondylolisthesis. A review of 50 cases and description of surgical treatment.

Over the past 11 years, the authors have treated 50 cases of intact arch spondylolisthesis. There were 38 female and 12 male patients, and all but 11 were older than 60 years of age. Almost all had severe low-back pain made worse by standing or walking. Other common manifestations were unilateral leg pain, numbness or weakness of the leg, and evidence of mild cauda equina compression. Severe cauda equina compression was rare. Myelography invariably showed an extradural dorsal compression. A waist deformity was characteristic in many patients, but 12 had a complete block. In 15 patients (30%) the myelographic impression was that of a herniated intervertebral disc. Most subluxations were of L-4 on L-5. At operation, the facets were found to be thickened, distorted, and irregular. All patients were treated with a wide decompression and laminectomy, which included a medial facetectomy of the inferior and superior facets. An intervertebral disc was removed in 10 patients. Follow-up monitoring of 41 patients (for an average period of 36 months) showed that 26 (63%) were pain-free, 11 had less pain, and four were unimproved. Five other patients with short follow-up periods (average 5 months) were all improved.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Brain stem auditory evoked potentials in Arnold-Chiari malformation: possible prognostic value and changes with surgical decompression.

Symptomatic Arnold-Chiari malformation (Chiari II) is a recently described clinical entity, the natural history and surgical management of which remain controversial. The brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) have been described as abnormal in 50 to 86% of children with myelomeningocele. We present the case of a full-term infant with myelomeningocele, shunted hydrocephalus, and Chiari II malformation who was surgically treated by decompression when she was 3 weeks old. BAEPs recorded immediately after decompression showed dramatic improvement over BAEPs recorded immediately before decompression, an improvement that could not be attributed to maturation of the central nervous system. It is postulated that in further large series the degree of abnormality in BAEPs may be of value in predicting the clinical course of these patients. The current status of BAEPs as they apply to the evaluation of posterior fossa anomalies is reviewed.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation↗
PubMed1984

Sensitivity and specificity of two-dimensional echocardiographic signs of mitral valve prolapse.

The sensitivity and specificity of previously described 2-dimensional echocardiographic signs of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) were assessed in 70 patients with MVP and in 100 normal control subjects. Specificity of individual signs was uniformly high, ranging from 88% for excessive motion of the posterior mitral ring to 100% for several signs including systolic arching in the parasternal long-axis view, excessive posterior coaptation and diastolic doming of the anterior mitral leaflet. Sensitivity of individual signs was low to moderate, ranging from 1% for whip-like motion of both mitral leaflets to 70% for excessive posterior coaptation of the mitral leaflets in the apical 4-chamber view. The highest sensitivity value (87%) was associated with the presence of systolic arching of 1 or both mitral leaflets in the parasternal long-axis view or systolic bowing of 1 or both mitral leaflets in the apical 4-chamber view or excessive posterior coaptation of the mitral leaflets or a combination. This increase in sensitivity was achieved without sacrificing specificity (97%). Thus, the individual 2-dimensional echocardiographic signs tested possess uniformly high specificity, but only low to moderate sensitivity; however, sensitivity can be markedly enhanced without sacrificing specificity by using selected combinations of echocardiographic signs.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Results of nuclear magnetic resonance with cerebral glioma. Comparison with computed tomography.

Our experience using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in eight patients with abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) scans suggesting glioma is reported. Three patients underwent biopsies. Two patients had grade II astrocytomas. Difficulty was encountered confirming the diagnosis of astrocytoma on frozen sections in one patient, and permanent sections were required for diagnosis in the other. The third patient to undergo biopsy had a grade III anaplastic mixed glioma. Biopsy of subsequent patients with probable gliomas was not done because of the risk of producing neurological deficit. The NMR images suggest that lower-grade astrocytomas are well circumscribed, whereas higher-grade gliomas affect adjacent association bundles by direct extension of tumor cells or vasogenic edema.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular performance. Analysis of echocardiographic subsets.

To assess the effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular performance, we performed M-mode echocardiography on 31 patients with end-stage renal disease prior to and immediately following 4-hour chronic maintenance hemodialysis. Overall, hemodialysis produced a significant increase in mean heart rate and the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mean Vcf), a significant decrease in mean stroke index and no significant change in mean cardiac index. Hemodialysis resulted in a significant increase in mean Vcf in the subset of patients with reduced mean Vcf prior to dialysis, but produced no significant change in mean Vcf in the group with normal predialysis mean Vcf. Hemodialysis resulted in a significant increase in mean Vcf in the subset of patients with normal left ventricular end-diastolic volume prior to dialysis, but produced no significant change in mean Vcf in the group with increased predialysis left ventricular end-diastolic volume. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy appeared to blunt the expected increase in mean Vcf in the group with reduced mean Vcf prior to hemodialysis. These results suggest that predialysis left ventricular volume, wall thickness and contractility are important determinants of the effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular performance.

Cardiac Output↗
PubMed1984

Natural history of arteriovenous malformations of the brain: a clinical study.

The natural history of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) was studied in 131 patients. The 83 patients managed nonsurgically and the 48 patients treated surgically were followed for an average of 8 years. Hemorrhage occurred in 61.8% of all patients. A second hemorrhage occurred in 67.4% of the survivors of the first hemorrhage. The mortality associated with recurrent hemorrhage did not increase significantly with successive episodes of hemorrhage. The rate of rebleeding was 17.9%/year initially, but declined to 3%/year after 5 years and then to 2%/year after 10 years. Among patients treated nonsurgically, the prognosis was more favorable for patients presenting with seizures than for patients presenting with hemorrhage. Patients in the seizure group had a 26.9% incidence of hemorrhage causing an 11.6% mortality; 40.5% of the patients in the hemorrhage group died. The prognosis was poor for patients with posterior fossa AVMs; the mortality was 66.7% with the first hemorrhage. Recurrent posterior fossa hemorrhage was the rule in survivors, and most of those hemorrhages were fatal. The prognosis for children with AVMs was no different from that for adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Sterile shunt malfunction. A scanning electron microscopic perspective.

Recently, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to silicone plastics has been demonstrated in some patients with breast and joint implants and subcutaneously injected silicone. In this study, the authors examined the internal surface of shunting systems to evaluate the cellular response to implanted silicone plastic. The distal peritoneal tubing from 20 patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts was examined with a scanning electron microscope. Twelve tubes were removed because of documented distal shunt malfunction and eight for an elective lengthening procedure. Cultures of all tubing were negative. The catheters removed for malfunction contained a variety of cells: sometimes in clumps, sometimes associated with platelets and densely adherent to the silicone tubing wall. In several shunts, giant cells were seen with multiple foot processes adherent to the internal silicone surface. The internal surface of the tubing of two malfunctioning shunts was embedded in electron microscopy plastic and studied with transmission electron microscopy. The cells proved to be neutrophils with no evidence of silicone granules inside the cell bodies. The shunts removed for elective revision showed only a few cells, and those were never associated with platelets. There was proteinaceous material scattered on the internal surface of the tubing, but the cellular response was markedly different from that in malfunctioning shunts. The authors postulate that the findings in malfunctioning shunt tubing represent a delayed hypersensitivity to silicone similar to that seen with other types of silicone implants.

Adolescent↗