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Biomedical subjects

F Salvinelli

Publications and source records attributed to F Salvinelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Nasal and hearing impairment: are they linked?

Hearing impairment is the most prevalent sensory deficit in the human population. Otosclerosis and chronic otitis media are two of the most frequent causes of hearing loss of the Western world and both benefit from middle ear surgery. The success rate is high for both operations, in expert hands, but, in our clinic and in every ENT clinic, there remains a percentage of failure. Some of the most frequent post-operative complications can lead to tubal dysfunction. We believe that a correct and complete evaluation of the rhino-pharyngeal-tubal unit is very important before tympanoplasty and stapedioplasty in order to further reduce the incidence of some post-operative complications and to increase the success rate of middle ear surgery. What is well known in medicine, 'prevention is the best therapy', seems not oddly observed in ear surgery, where is usually operated the effect, while the evaluation and therapy of the causes seems to be underestimated.

Eustachian Tube↗
PubMed2002

Unilateral endolymphatic hydrops: what about the contralateral ear?

INTRODUCTION: The early recognition of incipient Meniere's disease (MD) in the asymptomatic ear of a patient with known unilateral disease has profound implications for patient management and follow-up, but the criteria for a right and precocious diagnosis is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated forty-nine patients with MD, selected according to Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines. All patients underwent laminar tonal audiometry, stapedial reflex study, Glycerol dehydration test, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) vestibular examination. MRI was performed in 14 patients. RESULTS: A raised hearing threshold in the contralateral ear was found in 27 patients, but only 7 (14.3%) fulfilled the requirements to be considered affected by bilateral MD. The average delay of occurrence in the contralateral ear was 7 years (from 5 to 12 years). The glycerol test was positive only in 4 patients with unilateral MD and moderate hearing loss. It was not positive in any case of bilateral MD. The membranous endolymphatic duct and sac is not well visualised with MRI on the affected side in the majority of patients. CONCLUSION: A MRI study must be included in the diagnostic protocol for MD and with improvements in this imaging modality will possibly allow detection of variations in the size of inner ear structures. Glycerol dehydration test was useful only in selected cases. A full assessment of incipient disease in the asymptomatic ear in unilateral Meniere's disease should be undertaken. A conservative approach in surgical treatment of unilateral MD is recommended because of the possibility of evolution of a bilateral form, which can occur even 10 years after the onset of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Acrylic hydrogel implants after spinal cord lesion in the adult rat.

Acrylic hydrogels, like the polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, are biocompatible, mechanically stable, porous materials that can be coated with collagen or laminin acting as bioadhesive substrates. Poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sponges have been proposed for restoring the anatomical continuity of damaged neural structures. In the present work, the ability of poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sponges to provide the injured spinal cord neurons with a conductive substrate for their regenerating axons was investigated in 32 adult Wistar rats. Collagen impregnated poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sponges were implanted into suction cavities of the dorsal funiculus of the spinal cord. Two to four months after implantation, the spinal cord was removed and processed for histology, and S100 and GFAP immunohistochemistry. To study axonal regeneration into the sponge, the spinal cord or the sensorimotor cortex were injected with 0.05-0.1 microl of an 8% solution of lectin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase or 10% dextran tetramethylrhodamine. The fibroglial reaction, accumulation of mononuclear cells, and angiogenesis at the interface between the spinal cord and the sponge were minimal. Cystic cavitation in the spinal cord was virtually absent. Anterograde labeled axons were seen to penetrate and to elongate the full length of the sponge. These results demonstrate that poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sponges represent a safe supportive material for regenerating spinal cord axons.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone. Clinical picture and therapeutic indications].

The embryology of the ear and the different congenital anomalies depending on the arrest in development at a particular embryologic date are reviewed. The historical and the actual attitude towards surgical correction is discussed. The classification system, the evaluation and patients selection, the timing of auricular reconstruction and atresiaplasty, the preoperative evaluation, the patient and parents counselling, the surgical technique, the complications and alternative techniques are discussed.

Craniofacial Abnormalities↗
PubMed1996

Surgical treatment of clival chordomas: the transsphenoidal approach revisited.

This is a report of 12 cases of clival chordomas that were surgically treated at the Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy, over a 7-year period. The study emphasizes the role of the transsphenoidal approach. The study group included seven men and five women whose ages ranged from 26 to 80 years (mean 49.8 years). Diplopia was the most common presenting symptom (eight cases). The tumor involved the upper and middle clivus in five cases, the middle clivus in five, and the lower clivus in two cases. One patient developed spinal metastasis. On histological examination, eight cases proved to be typical chordomas, three cases had a chondroid component, and one case of chordoma had atypical features. Immunohistological staining for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen was positive in all cases. Follow-up periods ranged from 14 to 86 months (mean 40.2 months). The primary treatment consisted of surgery. Ten patients with chordomas of the upper and middle clivus underwent a total of 13 transsphenoidal procedures. Total tumor removal was achieved in seven cases, subtotal removal in two, and partial removal in one case. In the two cases of lower clival chordomas, total removal was accomplished in one and partial removal in the other. After total removal, no recurrence was noted at 14 to 86 months (mean 37.5 months). In the cases undergoing operation via a transsphenoidal approach, there was zero morbidity and one cerebrospinal fluid fistula that resolved without surgery. The tumor recurred in two patients after subtotal and partial removal, respectively. The authors opted to reoperate in cases of recurrence. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered in only two cases in which further surgery was not indicated because of medical reasons or because such a procedure was contrary to the patient's wishes. When mortality and morbidity rates of this group are compared to those of chordoma patients who were treated with extensive skull-base surgery, the results prompt a reappraisal of the transsphenoidal approach in the treatment of clival chordomas.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The external ear and the tympanic membrane. A three-dimensional study.

The study of the anatomical variations of the external ear is important for the ear surgeon who assesses the middle ear in this way. Furthermore, the design of insert earmoulds for use with either hearing aids or portable radios requires a better knowledge of the shape of the external ear. We studied the external ear structures and the drumhead in 140 cadavers with no previous history of ear pathology. A silicone resin was used, employing a dental impression technique. These permanent impressions were analysed by means of an operating microscope. Different parameters were studied, to determine the average dimensions of the structures. The clinical significance of these results is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Monomorphic adenomas of the major salivary glands: clinicopathological study of 44 cases.

We report 44 cases of monomorphic adenoma (MA) of the major salivary glands observed during the years 1979-1989. All of these tumours were reviewed and classified on the basis of the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria. Histological type, site, sex and age were considered. 34 cases of adenolymphoma were observed, all of them located in the parotid glands; 10 MA without lymphoid stroma were located in both parotid and submandibular glands. Distinctive histological and clinico-pathological features of the latter group of tumours are discussed, as well as the diagnostic criteria in distinguishing these tumours from pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid-cystic carcinoma.

Adenolymphoma↗
PubMed1989

[Rhinophyma].

The authors review the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rhinophyma. A surgical technique, combined with other techniques is described including the use of steell bistoury, electric bistoury, dermoabrassor, fibrin glue.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1988

A double-blind group comparative study of nedocromil sodium in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Thirty-eight patients with seasonal rhinitis due to grass pollen allergy took part in this double-blind study comparing 1% nedocromil sodium and placebo. Treatment was allocated by randomised coding sheet and consisted of 1% nedocromil sodium nasal spray or placebo given four times daily for four weeks during the peak pollen season. Highly significant (p less than 0.001) differences in favour of nedocromil sodium were seen for all signs and symptoms recorded at clinical assessments, and for diary card assessments of symptoms. In addition, time to effect and patient and clinician opinions of treatment significantly (p less than 0.001) favoured nedocromil sodium. Laboratory data on blood and urine samples taken before and after treatment showed no significant effects, and both treatments were well tolerated. Nedocromil sodium 1% nasal spray taken four times daily was shown to be an effective treatment for grass pollen rhinitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Serum immunoglobulins and secretory IgA deficiency in tonsillectomized children.

We studied serum immunoglobulin patterns in 65 children aged 2 to 10 years before and 1 to 4 months after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and secretory IgA (sIgA) levels in 46 children aged 3 to 10 years before and 1 month after the same operation. Serum immunoglobulin and sIgA values were normal prior to surgery, and significantly lower afterwards. The data emphasize the importance of palatine tonsils not only in the synthesis of monomeric immunoglobulins but also in the synthesis of dimeric immunoglobulins in secretions. Although more long-term, follow-up studies supporting our results are needed, we suggest that a post-adenotonsillectomy drop in immunoglobulin and sIgA levels may predispose children to a constellation of disorders. We recommend, therefore, that serum immunoglobulins and sIgA levels be determined in all children before and after surgery.

Child↗
PubMed1985

Seven hereditary syndromes with pigmentary retinopathy. A review and differential diagnosis.

This article reviews several autosomal recessive syndromes characterized by pigmentary retinopathy and, in many, combined with deafness, hypogonadism, and/or mental retardation. These syndromes are manifested in infancy and childhood. Although no specific treatment is available, an early diagnosis can be the first step in initiating symptomative management and preventive measures for the patient and family.

Congenital Abnormalities↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Menierè's disease: is it a bilateral disease?

BACKGROUND: Bilateral Meniere's disease (MD) is still controversial due to different criteria used to assess the involvement of the primarily affected ear and the contralateral one. We evaluated the percentage of bilateral forms in 49 patients with MD. METHODS: 49 patients with (MD) were studied. All were selected according to the following requirements: history, tonal audiometry, glycerol test, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), vestibular examination. Magnetic Resonance (MR) was performed in 14 patients. RESULTS: A raised hearing threshold in the contralateral ear was found in 23 patients, but only 7 (14.3%) fulfilled the requirements to be considered affected by bilateral MD. The delay of occurrence in the contralateral ear was 7 years (from 5 to 12 years). Submillimeter Magnetic Resonance is determinant for differential diagnosis with Meniere-like syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: A conservative approach in surgical treatment of unilateral Meniere's disease is recommended because of the possibility of evolution in a bilateral form, that can occur even after 10 years from the onset of the disease.

Adult↗