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E La Torre

Publications and source records attributed to E La Torre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

A new kernel method for microcalcification detection: Spin Glass-Markov Random Fields.

Mammography associated with clinical breast examination is the only effective method for mass breast screening. Microcalcifications are one of the primary signs for early detection of breast cancer. In this paper we propose a new kernel method for classification of difficult-to-diagnose regions in mammographic images. It consists of a novel class of Markov Random Fields, using techniques developed within the context of statistical mechanics. This method is used for the classification of positive Region of Interest (ROI's) containing clustered microcalcifications and negative ROI's containing normal tissue. The obtained results show that the proposed approach can be successfully employed for detection of microcalcifications

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1998

[Cost analysis of ultrasound-guided transrectal needle biopsy in prostatic carcinoma].

INTRODUCTION: The literature mortality and morbidity rates from prostatic carcinoma prompt to the better use of some routine diagnostic tools such as transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. We evaluated the overall cost of transrectal ultrasound biopsy (TRUSB) of the prostate and investigated the economic impact of the procedures currently used to diagnose prostatic carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The total cost of TRUSB was calculated with reference to 247 procedures performed in 1996. The following cost factors were evaluated: personnel, materials, maintenance-equipment depreciation, energy consumption and hospital overheads. A literature review was also carried out to check if our extrapolated costs corresponded to those of other authors worldwide and to consider them in the wider framework of the cost effectiveness of the strategies for the early diagnosis of prostatic cancer. RESULTS: The overall cost of TRUSB was Itl. 249,000, obtained by adding together the costs of: personnel (Itl. 160,000); materials (Itl. 59,000); equipment maintenance and depreciation (Itl. 12,400); energy consumption (Itl. 100); hospital overheads (Itl. 17,500). The literature review points out TRUSB as a clinically invasive tool for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma whose cost-effectiveness is debated. Cadaver studies report the presence of cancer cells in the prostate of 50% of 70-year-old men, while extrapolations calculate a morbidity from prostatic carcinoma in 9.5% of 50-year-old men. It is therefore obvious that randomized prostatic biopsies, methods apart, are very likely to be positive. This probability varies with the patient's age, the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), the density of PSA/cm3 of prostate volume (PSAD), and the positivity of exploration and/or transrectal ultrasound findings. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the strict application of all these criteria and the critical assessment of the patient's general conditions, TRUSB is indicated for 16% of the male population over 50, with obvious implications. It has been recently suggested that the ratio between free PSA (antigen fraction of the total serum PSA) and total PSA could be clinically useful as an effective predict of TRUSB positivity or negativity. Free PSA evaluation might thus help reduce the number of TRUSB.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

[Bizarre gastric leiomyoblastoma. A case report and review of the literature].

Gastric leiomyoblastoma of Martin's myoid tumour or Stout's smooth muscle cell bizarre tumour is a rare benign mesenchymal neoplasia, that may become malignant. A personal clinical case is reported and the most important clinical and anatomopathological aspects are reviewed, stress being laid on the importance of identifying the macroscopic and histological features that can point with certainty to malignity and so influence the choice of surgery.

Humans↗
PubMed1978

Hematoma of the quadrigeminal plate. Case report.

The authors report a case in which a hematoma of the quadrigeminal plate resulted from the rupture of a "cryptic" arteriovascular malformation (AVM) fed by the artery of the quadrigeminal plate. The AVM was symptomatic before rupturing and this clinical feature, associated with the lack of angiographic demonstration, led to the erroneous preoperative diagnosis of a tumor. In retrospect, the only finding that might have suggested the correct diagnosis was the beaded appearance on the ventriculogram of the aqueduct due to blood clots into this fluid space.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Arachnoid diverticula: a unitary approach to spinal cysts communicating with the subarachnoid space.

The authors report six cases of so-called spinal subdural arachnoid cysts, emphasizing the clinical and myelographic findings which, if not properly evaluated, may be misleading diagnostically. The literature of so-called perineural cysts and of extradural arachnoid cysts is likewise reviewed. Their clinical, roentgenological, and pathological features are examined. A common pathogenesis for all these lesions is proposed. It implies disruption and secondary proliferation of the arachnoid membrane. Hence, the term arachnoid diverticulum is advanced to include all lesions communicating with the subarachnoid space. Their varying relations with the subarachnoid space depend on the sites of the primary abnormalities and on hydrodynamic factors. Numerous observations of associated arachnoid diverticula, either perineural, subdural, or extradural, further favour a common pathogenesis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Management of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms.

The authors present 26 cases of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms that were surgically treated. Contrary to the opinion that these aneurysms, which often are of giant size, must be treated conservatively or by common carotid ligation, the authors favor radical surgery, believing that carotid ligation does not provide assurance against the risk of rebleeding, and frequently is associated with failure to restore useful vision. Often these aneurysms have a neck more suitable for ligation than shown by angiography, since a giant aneurysm may overlap the carotid artery in the angiogram. Preoperative criteria and some details of radical treatment are discussed.

Carotid Artery, Internal↗