Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Andrioli

Publications and source records attributed to G Andrioli.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The acromegaly--gigantism syndrome. Report of four cases treated surgically.

Four cases of growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, with associated aspects of acromegaly and gigantism, are reported in patients aged 12-26. All of the patients had macroadenomas and were treated surgically, three by the transsphenoidal approach and one with a transfrontal craniotomy. Histologic examination revealed eosinophilic adenomas in three of the cases and a mixed eosinophilic--chromophobe adenoma in one, all with cellular irregularities (mitosis and cellular and nuclear polymorphism), local invasivity, or both. Because surgical treatment did not produce complete normalization of growth hormone levels, radiotherapy followed the operations in all four cases. In our opinion, the treatment of acromegalic gigantism poses more therapeutic problems than that of simple acromegaly, with combined treatment (surgical, radiation, and medical) often being necessary.

Acromegaly↗

Scanning electron microscope study of human arachnoid villi.

The functional morphology of human arachnoid villi obtained from surgical biopsy specimens has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On SEM examination, the villi appeared to be distended, as if functioning normally. The endothelial cells constituting the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-blood interface were covered by numerous microvilli, uniformly oriented along the major axis of the villus. Examination for cell-to-cell contact revealed only occasional areas of tight adherence between adjacent endothelial cells, while widened intercellular spaces were frequently observed. Generally corresponding to the apex of the villus, points of emergence of endothelium-lined hollow structures were identified; these may represent apical openings of open pathways from the subarachnoid space to the venous system. Ultrastructural arrangements consistent with a closed system of CSF reabsorption were also observed. Large cells maximally distended and protruding into the sinus lumen were commonly seen; these were interpreted as the result of the formation of giant vacuoles within the endothelium covering the villus. This study has provided ultrastructural evidence for both closed and open systems of CSF reabsorption. Ultrastructural findings, such as gaps between endothelial cells and tubule-like endothelium-lined structures as previously identified in animals and observed in man by transmission electron microscopy, were demonstrated in human biopsy specimens by SEM.

Absorption↗

Tapia's syndrome caused by a neurofibroma of the hypoglossal and vagus nerves: case report.

Tapia's syndrome is characterized by unilateral paralysis of the tongue and vocal cord, and is caused by a lesion of the 10th and 12th cranial nerves below the nodose ganglion, without involvement of the pharyngeal branches of the 10th nerve. The authors report the case of a 25-year-old man who presented with a 4-year history of progressive glossolaryngeal paralysis. Operation through the right laterocervical region allowed complete removal of a neurofibroma involving the 10th and 12th nerves at their crossing below the nodose ganglion.

Adult↗

[Value of computerised tomography in the diagnosis of colloid cyst of the third ventricle (author's transl)].

The so called colloid cyst of the third ventricle is believed to originate from the neuroepithelium in the diencephalic roof. The diagnosis is notoriously difficult and contributes significantly to the high mortality. A case in an eleven-year-old boy is reported. Computed tomography, also because not invasive, is chiefly indicative in this lesion, reducing the overall mortality.

Cerebral Ventriculography↗

Intracerebral venous angiomas as a cause of exophthalmos.

Three cases of an infrequent cerebral vascular malformation, venous angioma, are reported. The first 2 of these cases, with the lesion in a supratentorial location, exhibited exophthalmos as a presenting symptom, together with palpebral or intraobital angiomatous formations, and also impairment of visual function. The first patient was operated upon and the "venous angioma" could be confirmed histologically. An angiographic follow-up of the same patient at an 18 year interval was also possible. The diagnostic work-up to be performed in cases of exophthalmos is discussed and the need for angiography is stressed.

Adolescent↗

Brain metastasis from colon cancer. Case report showing a clinical and CT unusual appearance.

The authors report the case of a patient harbouring a parietal convexity tumor whose clinical and CT features were suggestive of a meningioma. Unexpectedly the tumor was a well differentiated adenocarcinoma from a colon cancer with a markedly PAS positive intragland content represented by wide areas of mucoid degeneration. Brain metastases from colon cancer are usually late occurrences and it is extremely rare that the brain lesion be discovered while the primary tumor is still unknown. The authors discuss about the pathogenesis of the CT appearance of adenocarcinoma which is, usually, slightly hyperdense. On the basis of the reported findings it is suggested that mucoid degeneration may induce the development of a well defined CT pattern represented by a very high density appearance with no contrast enhancement.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Spinal epidural empyema. Study of a clinical case].

A case of epidural spinal abscess is reported. This rare lesion provoked a syndrome of thoracic spinal compression without biohumoral or anamnestic findings of phlogosis. After a brief review of literature, the Authors discuss the usefulness of cortical evoked responses in presence of clinical cross section of the spinal cord.

Abscess↗