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Biomedical subjects

F Falaschi

Publications and source records attributed to F Falaschi.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Digital subtraction radiography in voiding cystourethrography.

Digital subtraction radiography (DRS) was utilized to evaluate the anatomy and function of the bladder and urethra. Images were obtained in 30 patients, following urography or retrograde cystography, with full bladder distention and during different phases of micturition. The technique permits good demonstration of several anatomical and functional parameters (lowering of bladder base; dynamic origin of trigonal canal; rotation of the urethra; bladder wall motion).

Humans↗
PubMed1988

[Digital radiology in the study of the lacrimal ducts].

The authors emphasize the usefulness of digital dacryocystography (DCG), as compared with various current techniques. Utilizing a radiographic unit equipped with a video-fluoroscopic system and interfaced to a digital video-processor, several digitalized images are acquired before, during and after the injection of contrast medium. Final images are obtained by subtraction of suitable pairs of source frames. Twenty-six patients affected by epiphora have been examined so far. In 21 cases digital subtraction DCG allowed an accurate visualization of the lacrimal system; in the other five patients the amount of information was acceptable. This methodology allows the assessment of both the normal anatomy of the lacrimal passages and their pathological patterns, such as obstructions, stenoses, fistulas, chronic dacryocystitis, lacrimal stones. The examination is easy and quick to perform, with no discomfort for the patient. Digital subtraction DCG proves thus to be a very valuable technique thanks to its possible electronic elaboration--i.e. the subtraction and the magnification of images--to its better contrast resolution, and to the possibility it yields of dynamic studies under radioscopic control.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

[Current role of echography in the study of thoracic pathology].

Echotomographic examinations were performed in 64 patients suffering from thoracic wall, pleural, pulmonary and mediastinal diseases, after preliminary examinations using standard radiographic techniques. The value of echography in the detection and evaluation of the location and extent of the lesion is assessed. Particular stress is placed on the physical difficulties involved in the detection and correct evaluation of the relationship with the adjacent organs. The importance of echography in detecting the type of the lesion is under-lined and the semeiological criteria for its correct location are given.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗
PubMed1987

[Role of echography in the study of retroperitoneal tumors].

Fourteen patients affected by primitive retroperitoneal tumors were examined by means of sonography in order to assess the value of this technique in this type of pathology. Ten patients underwent fine needle biopsy, 5 barium meal examination, 2 intravenous pyelography. In 8 patients CT was also performed. Surgical removal or explorative laparotomy followed by histological examination was performed in all patients. Sonography proved reliable in identifying and in assessing the type of the lesion (if associated with fine needle biopsy which was performed in 10 out of 14 patients). Sonography proved little less satisfactory in determining the site and the local extension of the lesion since the huge dimensions of the tumor did not always allow to use those semeiologic signs described in the literature. All tumors examined presented, in fact, as large masses, this fact indicating the scanty progress sonography has taken in the field of the early diagnosis. Since the huge dimensions of these tumors do not always allow a complete surgical removal, and because of their proven tendency of relapsing, the prognosis of these tumors seems to persist unfavourable notwithstanding the widespread use of sonography.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

[Peritoneal pseudomyxoma. Diagnostic role of CT and ultrasonics].

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an uncommon disorder, usually the sequelae of mucocele or mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix or mucinous cistoadenocarcinoma of the ovary. Two cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei were examined by ultrasound and one case by CT. US revealed, in a case, multiple echogenic small masses scattering on the peritoneal surface or floating in ascites. CT showed, in the second case, a huge mass consisting of a low attenuation material with internal septation. Also a perforation of intestinal loops in the mass was demonstrated. CT and US appearance of pseudomyxoma peritonei in our experience and in previously reported cases are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Usefulness and safety of pirenzepine in double-contrast study of upper gastrointestinal tract: comparison with scopolamine methylbromide.

To evaluate usefulness of pirenzepine, a selective M1 antimuscarinic drug, for diagnostic double-contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal tract, pirenzepine and scopolamine methylbromide (SMB) were compared in a single blind randomized trial. Seventy consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Artifacts, bowel distention, painting of stomach and duodenal bulb, and global quality of the images were blindly evaluated by four independent observers by means of a numerical score (1-4). Under SMB slightly but significantly better results for stomach were scored (3.1 +/- .7 vs. 2.7 +/- 7, p < 0.01). No differences were found in the study of the duodenal bulb. Heart rate and rhythm during the study were recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG). SMB induced tachycardia in all patients (from 77 +/- 20 to 117 +/- 28 beats/min, p < 0.01) while pirenzepine did not (from 77 +/- 16 to 81 +/- 23, p = NS). After SMB, two patients exhibited faintness, and some patients complained of visual accommodation defects, dryness of the mouth, and dizziness. Thus, pirenzepine provides good results in double-contrast studies (equal to SMB), while presenting no adverse effects. It could be proposed as a first choice hypotonic agent in upper gastrointestinal examination.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CT evaluation of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Eight patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTPH) that had been demonstrated by perfusion lung scan, pulmonary arteriography, and right heart catheterization had their pulmonary circulation evaluated by CT. Eight subjects without lung pathology were also studied for comparison. High resolution CT from apex to base with 1 cm thick sections after intravenous injection of contrast medium was performed in each individual. Emboli lodged in main pulmonary arteries on arteriography were regularly shown by CT, whereas those in segmental or smaller arteries were not detected. Diameters of the main pulmonary arteries measured on CT correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (p < 0.001). The ratio between diameters of segmental arteries and the corresponding bronchi (A/B ratio) on CT was > 1 in 72 of 144 examined pulmonary segments (18 segments for each patient) in patients with CTPH. The ratio was > 1 in only 10 of 144 examined segments in normal control subjects. Dilatation of bronchial arteries was present in four of eight patients with CTPH. The parenchymal density in patients with CTPH was significantly higher in the axial than in the middle or peripheral lung compartments. In conclusion, CT may help with the diagnosis of CTPH by detecting thrombi of main arteries and by showing characteristic findings; moreover, it is accurate in estimating pulmonary arterial pressure secondary to thromboembolic obstruction.

Angiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of bulla volume on postbullectomy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the contribution of the resected volume and the presence of associated, functionally significant emphysema to the postoperative improvement of pulmonary function after resection of giant lung bullae. DESIGN: Patients undergoing elective surgery for giant bullae who had had complete pulmonary function and radiographic studies performed were reviewed retrospectively. SETTING: All 25 patients underwent surgery at the thoracic surgery unit of the University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. METHODS: Pulmonary function was assessed before and 12 months after surgery. On the chest radiograph, the location of bullae, and the signs of compression and emphysema were evaluated. The radiographic total lung capacity (TLC(x-ray)) and the volume of bullae were measured according to the ellipse method. Postoperatively, functional and radiographic changes were analyzed. The percentage change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (Delta FEV(1)%) after surgery was the main outcome measure. The influence of factors related to emphysema and bulla volume on the functional improvement postbullectomy was assessed by stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Before surgery, the TLC(x-ray) overestimated the TLC measured by nitrogen washout, with a mean difference between the two measurements of 1.095 L. A close relationship was found between the TLC(x-ray) and the plethysmographic TLC (n=6; r=0.95). After surgery, dyspnea lessened (P<0.05) and FEV(1) increased (P<0.01). Statistically, the radiographic bulla volume was the single most important factor determining the Delta FEV(1)% (r=0.80, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the preoperative size of bullae is the most important contributor to the improvement in ventilatory capacity after bullectomy, and that it is possible to predict the expected increase of postoperative FEV(1) from preoperative bulla volume.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The computed tomographic diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A multicenter study].

CT features are described and accuracy of the method is discussed in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Ninety-eight patients suffering from pleural disease mimicking mesothelioma were examined by means of III-generation CT scanners; according to the final diagnosis, 37 patients suffered from malignant pleural mesothelioma, 27 from other malignant pleural diseases and 34 from various benign diseases. In all patients a series of CT signs was evaluated: pleural thickening patterns, lesion spread and possible associated characters. In the diagnosis of mesothelioma CT showed 72.5% sensitivity, 63.8% specificity, 68.3% diagnostic accuracy, 68.5% positive predictive value and 68.2% negative predictive value. Some significant CT patterns in distinguishing malignant from benign pleural disease were identified, while the characterization of malignant disease (mesothelioma versus other neoplastic conditions) proved to be unreliable.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Digital videoradiography applied to the study of the recto-anal region during defecography].

The authors have employed a real-time fluoroscopic computerized equipment during defecography. Digitalized images were acquired at a rate of three frames/s and then processed and became immediately available. Digital defecography was employed in 67 patients with various anorectal diseases--i.e., rectocele, descending perineum, rectal prolapse, non-relaxing puborectalis syndrome and fecal incontinence. We found time-interval difference (TID) technique especially useful for it allowed different functional phases of defecation to be depicted on a single subtracted image and an evaluation of the movements of anorectal region. The high contrast resolution of the computerized equipment demonstrated even minimal contrast medium leaks in fecal incontinence. The examination is easy and rapid to perform with a low radiation dose to the patients.

Defecation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Diagnostic reflections on lung lymphangioleiomyomatosis].

Two cases of histologically proven pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis were studied by means of an adequate combination of the current imaging modalities. After an anatomical survey of the secondary pulmonary lobule, the authors discuss the pathologic appearance, the pathogenetic factors (mainly hormones), and the diagnostic problems concerning this pathologic condition. Finally, the authors emphasize the decisive role of high-resolution CT (HRCT) in the evaluation of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Digital subtraction radiology in the study of mobile structures of the larynx].

Digital subtraction radiography (DSR) was applied to the study of the larynx in 11 healthy subjects and 15 pathological cases. The method, consisting in the subtraction of images obtained at rest and during phonation or respiratory phases, allowed a clear definition of the normal moving structures--i.e. vocal cords, false cords, pyriform sinuses, thyroid cartilage. Moreover, several pathological conditions could be demonstrated. DSR asserts thus itself as a suitable technique in the functional evaluation of the glottis.

Fluoroscopy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Slow computerized tomography in the study of the adrenal glands].

Computed tomographies (CT) of 32 patients with suspected adrenal disease and of 20 patients without evidence of adrenal disease performed with an 18 s scan time scanner, were reviewed. The results of a study of the normal adrenals in the coronal and sagittales planes, with the electronical reconstruction, are presented. Surgical proof was available in 11 patients. CT correctly identified 1 cortisol-producing adenoma, 1 aldosterone-producing adenoma, 4 pheocromocitomas and 2 carcinomas, but only 1 of the 3 hyperplasias. The CT rule and the usefulness of the coronal and sagittal reconstruction in the diagnosis of adrenal disease are discussed.

Adenoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Quantification of pulmonary emphysema with computerized tomography. Comparison with various methods].

Computed Tomography (CT) has been proved to be the most accurate imaging modality to diagnose emphysema in vivo. Our study was aimed at comparing different CT methods for pulmonary emphysema quantification in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forty-six consecutive inpatients affected with COPD underwent high resolution CT (HRCT). Three scans were acquired at 3 preselected anatomic levels at both full inspiration and expiration. Three different observers were asked to subjectively evaluate, under blind conditions, the extent alone and both the severity and the extent of emphysema on the 6 scans. HRCT findings were also analyzed quantitatively by measuring the mean CT number in Hounsfield Units (HU) and the % of lung area with CT numbers < -900 HU (pixel index). Quantitative CT data were compared with reference values obtained in 7 normal nonsmokers. The CT visual score of emphysema exhibited medium-high interobserver reproducibility with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.96 and a good correlation with pulmonary function tests, particularly relative to the assessment of the extent of emphysema alone as expressed by one observer. CT quantification demonstrated an excellent correlation with functional indices of expiratory airflow, lung volumes and diffusion coefficients (p < 0.001). The expiratory measurements were better than the inspiratory ones while the analysis of both CT number and pixel index gave comparable results. Only the CT expiratory quantitative data allowed to differentiate the patients affected with COPD from the controls. In conclusion, the severity of emphysema as expressed by CT correctly reflects the functional impairment of patients with severe COPD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗