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Biomedical subjects

G Alfano

Publications and source records attributed to G Alfano.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Primary angiosarcoma of the right atrium invading the pericardial cavity. Description of a case diagnosed by exploratory thoracotomy and surgically treated with success].

The AA. report the case of a 43-year-old woman with an angiosarcoma arising from the right atrial wall and growing into the pericardial cavity. The patient presented with recurrent pericardial effusion initially responsive to medical therapy. The diagnosis was made at the exploratory thoracotomy. Repeated 2D-Echocardiograms did not help for the diagnosis in this particular case. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor, chemo- and radiotherapy. After 30 months there are no signs of recurrence or metastasis. In our opinion the frequent recurrence of pericardial effusion in the same patient should be regarded with special suspicion.

Adult↗

Acquired neutrophil myeloperoxidase deficiency: an indicator of subclinical activation of blood coagulation?

Using an automated cytochemical analyzer used for routine differential counts, we have been able to demonstrate acquired myeloperoxidase deficiency in 102 patients at our institution. Clinical and laboratory data on these patients showed a high incidence of diabetes mellitus (25.5%) and thrombotic diseases (24.5%), as well as a strikingly constant hyperfibrinogenemia (mean = 635 mg/100 ml; range = 360-1015 mg/100 ml). In 4 additional acute leukemia patients in complete remission, a close time correlation was noted between acquired MPO deficiency, diffuse intravascular coagulation and relapse. These findings indicate the importance of the relationships between neutrophil granulocytes and blood coagulation, and suggest that similar changes in neutrophil MPO activity may represent an early morphological indicator of subclinical activation of blood coagulation.

Adolescent↗

[Gaucher's disease: hemorrhagic diathesis and term pregnancy with the birth of a malformed fetus].

A patient suffering from Gaucher's disease observed for the first time five years age while in pregnancy and observed again during a second pregnancy ended with the delivery of a malformed female infant is presented. Laboratory findings of this case and their correlation with the clinical manifestations of this disease are underlined. Occurrence of foetal malformations in this disease is also discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

HLA-DR typing by radioimmunoassay.

A radioimmunoassay procedure is described by which peripheral blood lymphocytes can be typed for HLA-DR specificities. The major advantages of this method are the following: simple and reproducible procedure, no need for B lymphocyte separation, no need for optimal viability, and no need for preabsorption of antisera with platelets. This method will find an application in the genetic and biochemical analysis of the HLA complex, and in the clinical tests of Ia antigens for diagnostic or prognostic purposes and in retrospective transplant studies.

Antibody Specificity↗

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Possibility of treatment with glucocorticoids at high doses.

Seven patients affected by acute promyelocytic leukemia and presenting a hemorrhagic syndrome with hypofibrinogenemia have been treated with Daunorubicin and high doses of Glucocorticoids. In three out of the seven patients we also added an antiprotease agent (Trasylol, Bayer). Hemorrhagic diathesis has been controlled in all patients but one without massive platelet transfusions. A complete hematologic remission with prolonged survival was achieved in five patients.

Daunorubicin↗

[Changes in the organization of the extracellular matrix at the skin level during diabetes].

The ultrastructural study of cutaneous biopsies in diabetic patients highlighted in different phases of disease a progressive alteration of extracellular matrix (E.M.). In the initial phase of disease the morphologic aspect showed an increased accumulation of proteoglycan biglycan, laminin, fibronectin and type IV collagen. These components are responsible for the lamina lucida expansion and are induced by TGF-beta. In the last phase of the disease, an accumulation and a defective organization of E.M. component arises. Type V collagen, normally not present in the skin, is observed. In patients with over ten years of diabetic history, the morphological aspect is defined by a progressive disorganization of E.M. The formation of a vicious circle is responsible for the progressive remodeling of E.M. This process may be linked to the not enzymatic glycosylation of E.M., due to several episodes of hyperglycemia, and to autoinductive mechanisms of TGF-beta. These mechanisms are responsible for the cytokine synthesis and for the E.M. inhibition of degradation.

Adult↗

[Prolassomucosectomy according to Longo. Intermediate results].

We present results obtained in our first series of 25 patient treated by prolassomucosectomy for haemorrhoidal prolapse with a follow up of 18-36 months. Control of the disease and functional results proved to be optimal. After small early haemorrhages from the suture line, we started adding stitch sutures with haemostatic intent to all three vascular pedicles. Early or late additional complication were not observed.

Adult↗

A pure primary squamous cell breast carcinoma presenting as a breast abscess: case report and review of literature.

We report the fourth worldwide case of pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast presenting as an abscess. An inflammatory breast lesion in postmenopausal woman must be suspected as a malignant one and drainage of the abscess has to be followed by an accurate excision. The finding of a pure squamous cell carcinoma bears the necessity of an accurate diagnostic work up, to exclude a skin lesion or a metastasis from other district. Also histological criteria are discussed. More difficult to outline therapeutic options, due to the rarity of disease and great difference in outcome observed.

Abscess↗