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Biomedical subjects

E K Fishman

Publications and source records attributed to E K Fishman.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Favorable outcome of invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute leukemia.

During a 2-year period, 15 of 110 patients (14%) admitted for intensive therapy of acute leukemia associated with prolonged deep granulocytopenia developed documented invasive aspergillosis (IA). Antemortem diagnosis was accomplished in 14, and 13 of 15 (87%) survived the infection. Because of the high success rate, we reviewed the courses of the 15 patients to assess factors associated with this favorable outcome. Eleven presented with pulmonary IA; early symptoms occurred at a mean 21.6 days of granulocytopenia (less than 100/muL) and included refractory fever in 14 and pulmonary signs or symptoms in 11. Primary necrotic chest wall lesions associated with Hickman catheters developed in four at a mean 11 days of granulocytopenia, followed by pulmonary involvement. All 15 patients had chest radiographs during granulocytopenia, with 14 (93%) demonstrating pulmonary infiltrates and/or nodules at a mean 20.6 days of aplasia. Nine patients had lung computerized tomography (CT) scans, revealing nodular infiltrates in one patient and a characteristic zone of low attenuation surrounding a mass-like infiltrate in seven other patients, which was found to be diagnostic of IA. Subsequent CT scans performed during and following bone marrow recovery showed progression to cavitation followed by either complete resolution or minimal pulmonary scarring. Eleven patients developed IA during empiric amphotericin B (Amp-B) therapy (0.5 mg/kg/d) for fever refractory to antibacterial antibiotics. Fourteen patients received high-dose Amp-B (1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg/d), which was started within a mean of 2.2 days of first clinical findings; 13 survived. Ten patients received 5-fluorocytosine in addition to high dose amp-B. Survival was similar regardless of presentation, as 91% with primary pulmonary IA and 75% presenting with chest wall lesions survived. All 13 surviving patients had complete granulocyte recovery at a mean 33.8 days. Nephrotoxicity (creatinine greater than 2.0 mg/dL) was observed in seven patients during therapy for IA, but was transient in all seven. We conclude IA can be successfully treated in the deeply granulocytopenic patient provided that it is recognized and treated early, and provided that antifungal therapy is aggressive and is continued until granulocyte recovery occurs.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

The solitary pulmonary nodule. Assessment, diagnosis, and management.

We have presented a brief overview of an approach that has been very successful in our hands in the patient with an SPN. Even though the patient who has undergone a thoracotomy is full of gratitude to his physician when told that the resected lesion was benign and does not question the need for the thoracotomy, we have met equally happy and gratified patients when they were told that their lesion is benign be it after CT densitometry or needle biopsy. When properly performed, these techniques demand care and attention to detail much like the surgeon performing a delicate procedure. Without proper care, these procedures can in fact reflect negatively on the physician performing them and fall in disrepute. CT densitometry and transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy allow effective management of the patient with an SPN with prompt documentation of both malignant or benign lesions. With the proper application of these techniques, the majority of patients with benign disease will not need a thoracotomy for diagnosis with resultant benefits to the patient as well as to third-party payers.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1987

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in acute leukemia. The contribution of CT to early diagnosis and aggressive management.

Over 80 percent of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) undergoing intensive antileukemic chemotherapy in a recent two-year period survived the pulmonary infection as a result of early diagnosis and aggressive therapy with high-dose amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine. CT played an important role in establishing the early diagnosis of IPA and affected management. Since our original communication describing the CT findings of IPA, we have added ten new cases, each subsequently substantiated by lung biopsy (two), autopsy (two), and/or positive cultures of sputum or extrapulmonary sites (seven). The CT halo sign, or zone of lower attenuation surrounding a pulmonary mass, was present in eight of nine patients with early CT scans obtained during bone marrow aplasia. Characteristic CT progression from multiple fluffy masses to cavitation or air crescent formation suggested IPA in five of seven patients with serial CT scans. CT directly affected patient management in seven of ten cases. Scan findings were one criterion for increasing to high-dose amphotericin B or for adding 5-fluorocytosine. CT characteristics of healing IPA lesions were similar to resolving pulmonary infarcts and were used to monitor disease activity in patients on long-term amphotericin B and prior to retreatment chemotherapy.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Primary adrenocortical carcinoma: CT evaluation with clinical correlation.

Clinical histories and CT findings were reviewed in 38 patients with primary adrenocortical carcinomas. The primary tumors exhibited central areas of low attenuation representing tumor necrosis (n = 26), irregular contrast enhancement (n = 16), detectable calcification (n = 9), and a thin, capsulelike rim surrounding the tumor (n = 7). Tumors metastasized to liver (n = 9), lung (n = 5), and lymph nodes (n = 5). In eight of nine cases of liver metastasis the primary tumor arose in the left adrenal gland. Evidence of endocrinopathy was present in each of nine patients with lesions 6 cm or less in diameter, but in only two of seven adults with lesions exceeding 15 cm in diameter. We conclude that, contrary to established concepts, adrenocortical carcinoma may present as a smooth, homogeneous, functioning mass 6 cm or less in diameter on CT.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

CT evaluation of Crohn's disease: effect on patient management.

CT scans from 80 consecutive patients with clinically symptomatic Crohn's disease were reviewed retrospectively to determine the effect of CT diagnosis on patient management. The initial clinical impression and any subsequent change in patient management because of the CT findings were noted. In 22 (28%) of the 80 patients, significant previously unsuspected findings led to a change in medical or surgical management. These included 12 patients with fistulae, four with abscess, two with avascular necrosis of the femoral head, two with sacral osteomyelitis, and single cases of pelvic inflammatory disease and femoral vein thrombosis.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMed1987

Diverticulitis of the right colon: CT observations.

Recent reports on the CT evaluation of patients with diverticulitis of the left colon prompted a retrospective review of the CT findings in six patients with diverticulitis of the cecum and ascending colon. All had pain and tenderness in the right lower quadrant. In each case, CT findings showed regional thickening of the colonic wall, an extraluminal mass involving the cecum and/or ascending colon, haziness and linear strands in adjacent pericolic fat, and thickening of nearby fascial planes. Extraluminal air was noted in four patients, and contrast-filled structures suggesting diverticula were present within the inflammatory masses of two. These results suggest that CT is a useful imaging tool in the diagnosis of right-sided diverticulitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Primary adrenocortical carcinoma: sonographic evaluation with clinical and pathologic correlation in 26 patients.

The sonograms of 26 patients (19 adults and seven children) with pathologically proven diagnoses of primary adrenocortical carcinoma were evaluated. Clinical corroboration was obtained in all cases. The size of the lesions ranged from 3 to 22 cm. The five smaller lesions (3-6 cm) showed a homogeneous echo pattern, similar to renal cortical echogenicity. The 21 larger lesions varied in echo texture, having a heterogeneous appearance with focal or scattered echopenic or echogenic zones representing areas of tumor necrosis, hemorrhage, and/or, rarely (19%), calcification. Even the largest lesions were fairly well delineated, often with a lobulated border. Few (7/26 or 27%) showed a surrounding echogenic thin capsulelike rim. All five small lesions showed clinical evidence of endocrine activity. Larger lesions were hormonally active less often (9/21 or 43%). Twelve patients (46%) showed no sign of endocrine activity and presented with symptoms such as fever, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, abdominal mass, hematuria, and hypertension. In the pediatric and adolescent age group (0-16 years), all tumors were hormonally active, while only seven (37%) of tumors in the adult population (17-69 years) were hormonally active. Unfortunately no echo pattern was characteristic enough to allow differentiation of adrenal adenoma from carcinoma. Smaller lesions are more likely to be benign, and larger lesions with areas of necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification are more likely to be malignant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Enteroenteric intussusception: CT findings in nine patients.

The CT scans in nine proven cases of enteroenteric intussusception were analyzed. Three different CT patterns were observed: a target lesion (n = 5), a reniform mass (n = 2), and a sausage-shaped mass with alternating layers of low and high attenuation (n = 2). Small-bowel series were available within 2-4 days of CT in eight patients and were positive in five. Surgical proof of intussusception was available in seven of the nine patients. Resected small-bowel specimens from patients with the reniform configuration revealed focal ischemic changes. Other objective parameters of ischemia such as acidosis and hyperamylasemia were also present in the two patients with reniform masses. Such changes were not evident in the other patients. This suggests that intussusceptions with reniform configurations warrant more urgent surgical attention. The varying patterns of intussusception on CT should be recognized so that appropriate management can be initiated.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

CT of giant cavernous hemangioma.

Giant hepatic cavernous hemangiomas are clinically distinct from smaller asymptomatic ones and may be confused with primary or metastatic malignancy. Hemangiomas exceeding 8 cm in diameter (mean, 13.7 cm) were studied in eight women 28-71 years old, six of whom presented with right upper quadrant discomfort and/or hepatomegaly. On unenhanced CT, seven of the masses were less dense than surrounding normal liver and one was slightly more dense than adjacent fatty liver. All masses contained additional stellate or cleftlike low-density zones, and two contained calcification. After bolus IV contrast administration, all exhibited early peripheral enhancement and partial centripetal isodense fill-in. None became completely isodense on delayed scans. Familiarity with these CT characteristics and a high index of suspicion should facilitate correct diagnosis and avert needle biopsy.

Hemangioma, Cavernous↗
PubMed1987

Right lower quadrant pain in the immunocompromised patient: CT findings in 10 cases.

Ten immunosuppressed patients with right lower quadrant pain were examined by CT. Underlying conditions responsible for immunosuppression included acute myelogenous leukemia (n = 2), acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 2), aplastic anemia (n = 2), AIDS (n = 3), and cystic fibrosis combined with prolonged steroid therapy for bronchospasm (n = 1). CT suggested the diagnosis of typhlitis (n = 7), intramural hemorrhage (n = 1), ileal perforation (n = 1), and appendiceal abscess (n = 1). The diagnosis of typhlitis was established by clinical evaluation in five patients, by colonoscopy in one patient, and by autopsy in another patient. The single cases of intestinal hemorrhage, ileal perforation, and appendiceal abscess were confirmed by exploratory laparotomy. It is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis of acute abdominal conditions in the immunosuppressed patient. Symptoms and physical findings are often suppressed as a result of steroid or immunosuppressive therapy. CT, being noninvasive, is useful in the evaluation of persistent right lower quadrant pain in the immunocompromised patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Computed tomography in the assessment of myonecrosis.

We report four patients with myonecrosis documented by computed tomography (CT) with either tissue or surgical correlation or both. CT can be used in the diagnosis of myonecrosis when the attenuation values of the muscle involved are lower than normal, or gas is present, or both findings are noted within the muscle planes. CT also helps differentiate myonecrosis from other inflammatory conditions of soft tissues adjacent to muscle as well as from such clinically similar processes as hematoma or deep venous thrombosis. The main causes of myonecrosis are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Nonoperative management of splenic injuries in adults: an alternative in selected patients.

Between November 1979 and September 1984, ten adults with documented traumatic injuries of the spleen were treated nonoperatively at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. The mechanisms of injury varied from assaults with a blunt object to a low-velocity motor vehicle accident. Diagnosis was confirmed in all with computed tomography of the abdomen. Seven patients were successfully managed nonoperatively. The hospital course in these seven patients was uncomplicated with a mean hospital stay of 10 days. Three patients underwent splenectomy after failure of nonoperative management; two operations were performed semielectively and one as an emergent procedure. In the latter patient, the diagnosis of splenic rupture was made 7 days after the injury and was not suspected on initial presentation. The limited experience suggests that adults selected for nonoperative management should fulfill certain criteria that include 1) rapid hemodynamic stabilization after fluid resuscitation, 2) lack of other serious intra-abdominal injuries, 3) lack of extra-abdominal trauma that requires a prolonged general anesthetic or that results in an altered state of consciousness, and 4) progressive symptomatic improvement early during the hospitalization. Patients involved in high-speed motor vehicle accidents should not be considered as candidates because of the high prevalence of other serious injuries. From these guidelines, the results support the concept of nonoperative management of selected adults with splenic injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Enterovesical fistula.

During a period of 18 months, 24 patients were identified with enterovesical fistulas. The fistulas were colovesical in 18, ileovesical in four and rectovesical and appendicovesical in one each. Fifteen of the 23 patients in whom this information was available had pneumaturia and four had fecaluria. The standard battery of diagnostic tests for enterovesical fistulas was performed. Thirteen patients with colovesical fistulas had small intestinal series; the fistula was demonstrated in only five patients. Sixteen patients had an intravenous pyelogram and the fistula was demonstrated in none. Cystoscopy was performed upon 15 patients and the fistula was demonstrated in one. A cystogram was performed upon ten patients and the fistula was demonstrated in four. In contrast, all patients had positive computed tomographic findings. The pathognomonic finding of air within the bladder was demonstrated in 20 of 23 patients without recent transurethral instrumentation. All 24 computed tomographic scans demonstrated an abnormally thickened segment of intestine in intimate contact with a thickened bladder wall at the site of the fistula. This was associated with a paravesical mass in 23 of the patients. Two of the four patients in whom bladder air was not seen had a vesical fistula of the small intestine. All 24 fistulas were confirmed by operation (22 patients) or subsequent clinical course (two patients). These findings suggest that computed tomography is the most accurate diagnostic tool available for demonstrating enterovesical fistulas. Computed tomography should supplant the use of other less sensitive diagnostic test currently included in the evaluation of patients with a suspected enterovesical fistula.

Colonic Diseases↗
PubMed1986

Use of CT in the evaluation of primary cardiac tumors.

Two cases of primary cardiac sarcomas diagnosed with CT are presented. CT demonstrated the origin, extent, and potential pathology of the tumors. In both cases CT provided more specific information for diagnosis and treatment planning than the 2D echocardiography. The advantages of CT in the detection of cardiac tumors as well as its potential advantages over 2D echocardiography are also discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Computed tomography in radiotherapy planning of the axillary region.

Computed tomography was used in the pretreatment evaluation of three patients with neoplasms involving the axillary region. Radiation therapy treatment fields were more accurately defined using the computed tomography data. Computed tomography has a valuable role in radiotherapy planning in patients with tumors involving the axillary region.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Computed tomography findings in gastrointestinal involvement by opportunistic organisms in acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The computed tomography findings in two cases of gastrointestinal superinfection by opportunistic organisms in acquired immune deficiency syndrome are presented. Findings included thickening of the mucosal folds and the bowel wall in the small intestine and colon associated with cytomegalovirus and cryptosporidiosis. These cases indicate that it is important to look carefully at the gastrointestinal tract when performing computed tomography in this group of patients. Unsuspected bowel pathology may be demonstrated, or disease may be confirmed in clinically suspected cases.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗