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F Ferrozzi

Publications and source records attributed to F Ferrozzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

ANCA-positive periaortic vasculitis: does it fall within the spectrum of vasculitis?

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a disease of unknown aetiology that has sometimes been reported in association with connective tissue disorders and systemic vasculitis. We report here two cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive RPF showing clinical evidence of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Although treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide led to a remission of RPF in both cases, renal function was restored in only one patient and the other progressed to chronic renal failure. The paper reviews the literature concerning ANCA-positive RPF and discusses the relationship between ANCA-positive vasculitis and RPF.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Long-term immunotherapy with low-dose interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate response, toxicity, and immunologic effects of an original immunotherapy schedule based on repeated cycles of low doses of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFNalpha) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent nephrectomy received therapeutic cycles consisting of subcutaneous rIL-2 for 5 days per week and intramuscular rIFNalpha twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. The cycle was regularly repeated indefinitely at 4-month intervals in all patients, irrespective of their response. rIL-2 (1 x 10(6) IU/m(2)) was administered every 12 hours on Days 1 and 2 and once per day on Days 3-5 of each week; rIFNalpha (1.8 x 10(6) IU/m(2)) was given on Days 3 and 5. Toxicity was graded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Forty percent of the patients had only one metastatic disease site at the time of treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival, and an analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects on leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets over time. RESULTS: A total of 241 cycles were administered. One patient achieved a complete response, and five patients achieved a partial response. Five patients had stable disease, and 30 patients had progressive disease. Nine patients were not evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 12% (95% confidence interval, 3-21%) on the basis of an intent-to-treat analysis. The 36-month survival probability for all 50 patients was 47%. Treatment-related toxicity was limited to WHO Grades 1 and 2. Both lymphocyte and eosinophil levels significantly increased after all cycles (by 42% and 353%, respectively). The treatment also induced significant increases in the CD25 positive (24%), CD56 positive (28%), and CD3 negative/CD56 positive (54%) lymphocyte subsets. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, repeated treatment with low doses of rIL-2 and rIFNalpha is feasible in patients with mRCC. The schedule induces clinical response rates and survival probabilities are similar to those obtained using higher doses.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Structural changes induced by antineoplastic therapies: keys to evaluate tumor response to treatment.

The criteria to define therapeutic response in oncology are those proposed by Miller, characterized by four response categories (complete response, partial response, no change, progression of disease), and based upon both measurable and non-measurable (and otherwise assessable) morphological parameters in comparison with baseline and subsequently modified following the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors. In addition to these classical morphological criteria, we review the predictive value of structural changes in the evaluation of response to antineoplastic therapies. The goal of the present review is to evaluate in detail structural variations (calcification, fibrosis, differentiation, necrosis, cavitation, vascularization, edema, and pseudocapsule formation) induced by therapy, and to ascertain their significance in terms of biological evolution of the neoplastic process.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed2001

Primary effusion lymphomas in AIDS: CT findings in two cases.

Primary effusion lymphomas represent an unusual subset of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. They are associated with herpes virus 8 and Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by predominant involvement of the serous body cavities (pleura, pericardium, peritoneum) as lymphomatous effusion without any identifiable tumour mass. We report herein CT findings in two patients with primary effusion lymphoma emphasizing the possible neoplastic nature of a pleural effusion in a patient with AIDS.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Optic pathway gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: clinical-neuroradiological integrated approach].

PURPOSE: To evaluate a patient population affected by Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with special reference to optic pathway gliomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 419 NF1 patients (222 men, 197 women) were retrospectively evaluated to show incidence, biological behaviour, neuroradiological and clinical presentation of optic pathway gliomas. Central Nervous System MR and ophthalmologic evaluations were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients out of 419 (7.6%) showed the presence of optic pathway gliomas. Of these, 28 (87.2%) patients showed tumoral involvement of the optic chiasma. The right intracranial optic nerve was involved in 15 patients (46.8%), the left intracranial optic nerve in 18 (56.2%), the right extracranial optic nerve in 11 (34.3%), the left extracranial optic nerve in 10 (31.2%) and the right and left optic tracts in 6 (18.7%) patients. Geniculate body and optic radiation were not involved by tumour diffusion. Visual acuity testing was positive in 26/32 (81.2%), the fundus oculi in 11/32 (34.3%) patients and the visual field evaluation in 12/32 (37.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we showed an high correlation between optic pathway tumours and ophthalmologic abnormalities confirming the usefulness of an integrated clinical-neuroradiological approach in patients affected by NF1. We also described the biological behaviour of these tumours in our NF1 patient population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Magnetic resonance findings and ophthalmologic abnormalities are correlated in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

In subjects with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we show that a reduction in the visual field is the most sensitive indicator of gliomas along the optic pathway. Therefore, we conclude that a visual field evaluation is the most sensitive clinical test among those evaluated to predict the presence of optic pathway pathology on an MRI examination. These data may contribute to the establishment of more precise guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of children with NF1.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Vinorelbine combined with paclitaxel infused over 96 hours (VI-TA-96) for patients with metastatic breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Vinorelbine (VI) and paclitaxel (TA) are among the most active single agents in the treatment of patients with breast carcinoma, and both have microtubules as their cytotoxic target. This Phase I-II study combined these 2 agents and used a 96-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion of paclitaxel to maximize their cytotoxic activities. METHODS: Patients with metastatic breast carcinoma who were previously treated with chemotherapy were administered increasing doses of a 96-hour paclitaxel i.v. infusion from Days 1 to 5, with a first fixed dose of vinorelbine (12.5 mg/m(2) on Days 1 and 5) every 3 weeks. The dose of paclitaxel was then decreased starting from the previously established tolerated dose, and a second fixed dose of vinorelbine (15 mg/m(2) on Days 1 and 5) was given. This identified 2 acceptable doses of paclitaxel (110 mg/m(2) with VI 12.5 mg/m(2) and 90 mg/m(2) with VI 15 mg/m(2)). The latter was used in the subsequent Phase II study. RESULTS: For the 50 patients treated with any dose, the complete response (CR) and the CR plus partial response (PR) rates were, respectively, 14% and 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34-67%). When only the 27 patients treated with the Phase II dose were considered, the figures were, respectively, 11% and 52% (95% CI, 42-62%). The median time to progression was 26 weeks, and the median survival 51 weeks. The dose-limiting toxicity was febrile neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: At the dose schedule identified for the Phase II study, the VI-TA-96 combination has considerable antitumor activity; pharmacoeconomic interest (it requires about half the doses of the agents administered singly); no major toxicity, except G4 neutropenia; and no need for premedication. This combination may be recommended as one of the most effective therapeutic options for patients with metastatic breast carcinoma who were pretreated mainly with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Early spontaneous regression of a hypothalamic/chiasmatic mass in neurofibromatosis type 1: MR findings.

A patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 was found to have an enhancing mass in the hypothalamus and in the anterior optic pathway. A 3-month MR study showed a reduction in the size and enhancement of the mass. At a 9-month MR follow-up the mass disappeared and ceased to enhance. This report shows the unusual behaviour of a hypothalamic/chiasmatic mass confirming that in such asymptomatic cases the conservative management can be considered the treatment of choice.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2000

[Calcified renal metastases: their etiology, pathogenesis, computed tomographic aspects and differential diagnosis].

PURPOSE: To describe CT findings of calcified renal metastases focusing on differential diagnosis problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed abdominal CT scans of 8000 patients with tumor, performed from 1984 to 1998. Among the 58 renal metastases, 9 showed a calcific component. We evaluated the location, morphostructural pattern, histology of the primary lesion, the synchronous or metachronous character and the type of treatment. All the lesions were pathologically proved. RESULTS: The primary histotype of the 9 metastases was as follows: 4 mucin-producing adenocarcinomas of the large bowel, 1 gastric mucinous adenocarcinoma, 1 chondrosarcoma, 1 osteosarcoma, 1 melanoma, 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma. In all the cases the renal metastasis was unilateral and unifocal. Granular multiple calcifications were demonstrated within the metastases of mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the large bowel (3), within the metastasis of chondrosarcoma (1) and of melanoma (1). Diffuse "star-like" calcifications were demonstrated in renal metastases of mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the large bowel and of gastric mucinous adenocarcinoma (1). Peripheral "egg-shell" calcifications were demonstrated in renal metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma (1). Completely calcified monofocal calcification was demonstrated in renal metastasis from osteosarcoma (1). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Calcified renal metastases are rare lesions related to specific oncotypes. The differential diagnosis (carcinoma with calcifications, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, nephrocalcinosis, granulomatosis, hydatidosis etc.) is particularly difficult because of the aspecificity of the morphostructural pattern. Diagnosis is based on a history of specific oncotypes (papillary and mucin-secreting carcinomas, osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma), but in most cases it requires pathologic confirmation.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Gastric tumors with fatty components. CT findings and differential diagnosis].

PURPOSE: To assess the role of CT in diagnosing and characterizing gastric fatty tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the CT scans of 16 patients (8 men, 8 women, mean age 52 years) with gastric fatty tumors (11 lipomas, 3 liposarcomas, 1 angiolipoma, 1 teratoma) examined from 1990 to 1999. The differential diagnosis considered primary and secondary lipomatosis, carcinoma engulfing the perivisceral fat and thus mimicking a liposarcoma, mesenchymal gastric and primary peritoneal tumors. RESULTS: Lipomas involved the fundus (7/11), the body (3/11), the antrum (1/11). Multifocality was found in one case. Lesions size ranged 25 to 65 mm (mean 35 mm). All the lipomas showed homogeneous structure with negative (-30 -100) HU values. A pseudocapsule was demonstrated in 7/11 cases. No infiltrative growth was demonstrated. The angiolipoma located in the fundus showed a vascular component with strong contrast enhancement. All the liposarcomas were bigger than 10 cm and there was a strong correlation between pathologic specimen and CT findings. The differentiated liposarcomas showed the classic heterogeneous fatty density; on the contrary the myxoid and the pleomorphic types showed an aspecific structure with necrotic/cystic changes, mostly demonstrated in the myxoid type. The teratoma was a solid mass with fatty, solid, necrotic and calcified components. CONCLUSION: CT allows the diagnosis and characterization of gastric fatty tumors. The preoperative diagnosis of lipomas plays a major clinical role because it often makes surgery unnecessary.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Rotator cuff rupture. Diagnostic imaging].

Conventional radiography, ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance (MR), Arthrography Computed Tomography (Arthro-CT) and Arthrography Magnetic Resonance (Arthro-MR) are available for diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. Our purpose is to assess the specificity and sensitivity of these examinations and if they could give to the surgeon all the informations to select the more accurate treatment. We have evaluated retrospectively the images of 68 patients, 43 male and 25 female (average age 51 years), which then have been surgically treated for rotator cuff pathology. On the basis of our findings, we think that conventional radiography and ultrasound are excellent in a first evaluation. MR images, particularly in the coronal and sagittal oblique planes, are able to demonstrate partial or complete rotator cuff tears. The use of intra-articular contrast medium (arthro-CT, arthro-MR) should be reserved for partial lesions on specific cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Shoulder instability: diagnostic imaging].

Shoulder instability is often diagnosed among athletes; two clinical forms are distinguished: anatomical instability, with recurrent luxation of the shoulder, and functional instability, with pain, articular "click" and sensation of instability. Lesions of periarticular soft tissues (capsula, fibrocartilaginous labrum, gleno-humeral ligaments and rotator cuff) are common in both forms, while lesions of bone structures (humeral head and glenoid of scapula) are typical of shoulder with previous dislocation. Purpose of our retrospective study was to verify the value of magnetic resonance (MRI) and computed arthrography (arthro-CT) in diagnosing these lesions in 57 patients suffering from shoulder instability. On the basis of our results and experience we think that in a preoperative evaluation of an unstable shoulder, arthro-CT and arthro-MRI are more accurate because the intra-articular injection of a contrast medium better identifies lesions of capsula, gleno-humeral ligaments and fibrocartilaginous labrum. In other circumstances, such as the study of the shoulder for legal purposes, MRI is preferable because it offers an accurate and global evaluation of periarticular structures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Shoulder diseases in throwing athletes: radiologic assessment and surgical correlation].

Lesions of the shoulder, especially rotator cuff tears and glenoid labrum (SLAP) lesions, are commonly caused by traumatic episodes in athletes such as repeated trauma from throwing. The available radiological methods are MRI, CT and MR arthrography. Twelve athletes suffering from shoulder pain or instability have been studied and then underwent successful treatment in arthroscopy. On the basis of our results and experience, we think that MR, especially with intra-articular injection of contrast medium, is the best examination because it offers an accurate evaluation of both rotator cuff and glenoid labrum. Nevertheless difficulties are often encountered and definitive diagnosis sometime rests on arthroscopic exploration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Wrist trauma: diagnostic imaging].

Wrist injury is common throughout life and, although history and physical examination provide important information regarding the type of lesion, a radiological study is essential to determine a specific diagnosis. Conventional radiography plays a central role in the wrist injuries but the diffusion of more sensitive methodics offers new possibilities. Our purpose is to evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and arthrography in wrist trauma. We retrospectively examined the images of 45 patients with wrist injuries: in every patients a radiological examination in 4 standard projections was executed while in 25, 9 and 11 patients CT,MR and arthrography were performed. On the basis of our findings we think that conventional radiography is often sufficient for diagnosis of bone lesions even if CT sometimes is required to detect subtle fractures. MR has an high sensitivity not only for abnormalities of soft tissues, including interosseous ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage, but also bony abnormalities such as occult fractures and early osteonecrosis. Arthrography still remains the best procedure for evaluating lesions of triangular fibrocartilage and intercarpal ligaments especially in a preoperative phase.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Femoro-patellar instability: radiologic assessment].

To propose a simple and reproducible radiological evaluation of the patellofemoral instability that enables the orthopaedic in choosing the best therapy. The radiographs and CT examinations of 55 patients, 38 female and 17 male (range 18-32 years) have been evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-height of them underwent surgical treatment for patellar instability. A radiological protocol which includes conventional radiographs in two projections and a CT examination both in extension, with and without quadriceps contraction, and in flexion at 20 degrees allows to give all the informations one's need for evaluating patellar height and mobility, trochlear dysplasia, valgism of the knee and the degree of excessive lateral position of the anterior tibial tuberosity. It's a simple, quick, accurate and reproducible protocol to do, even with different radiological systems.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Spiral CT and MR in injuries of the ankle and the foot].

Conventional radiography is the first radiological examination in injuries of ankle and foot, but often it has normal findings or it is difficult to execute for critical conditions of patients. Our purpose was to assess the value of CT and MRI in injuries of ankle and foot; we retrospectively reviewed the MR and CT images from 48 patients (age range 18-55 years), whose 16 had a major trauma with other skeletal segment lesions and the remaining a minor trauma limited to ankle and foot. On the basis of our results and experience, we think that in major trauma CT and MRI have similar findings about preoperative evaluation of fractures even if MR better identifies ischemia of fragments, subcortical contusions and lesions of ligaments, capsula or tendons. In minor trauma, MR is superior to CT because it can diagnose lesions of bone and periarticular structures that are difficult or impossible to identify with other instrumental examinations.

Adolescent↗