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Biomedical subjects

G Vallone

Publications and source records attributed to G Vallone.

65 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

[Clinical and diagnostic considerations on a case of pancreatic plasmacytoma].

An unusual case of obstructive jaundice due to metastatic pancreatic plasmacytoma is described. Initially post-transfusion hepatitis was suspected in the patient who suffered from multiple myeloma (IgA) and had received numerous transfusions for severe anemia. Clinical and laboratory findings indicated obstructive jaundice and the ecographic examination showed a dishomogeneous mass at the level of the pancreas. The investigators suggest that after this type of ecographic finding a percutaneous biopsy should be performed eliminating exploratory laparotomy, a high risk procedure in this type of patient, and eventually radiotherapy should be initiated since this type of tumor is radiosensitive.

Female↗
PubMed1984

Changes in left ventricular mass during a double-blind study with chlorthalidone and slow-release nifedipine.

The presence of a possible correlation between changes in left ventricular mass of hypertensive patients and the degree of blood pressure reduction with different antihypertensive drugs has been investigated in 40 outpatients by M-mode echocardiography. Ten of these, with blood pressure in normal limits with different antihypertensive treatment had their therapy changed in chlorthalidone 25 mg/day without any run-in (Group A); other 30 patients, with a previously uncontrolled blood pressure, after a 14 day run-in, were randomly allocated to chlorthalidone 25 mg/day (Group B), slow release nifedipine 20 mg/day (Group C) or placebo (Group D). At the end of the eight week treatment period a further decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed in Group A without changes in ventricular mass; an highly significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in B and C but only patients on chlorthalidone changed their ventricular mass; no change in both blood pressure and ventricular mass was observed on placebo. As changes in ventricular mass are not correlated with blood pressure reduction, we conclude that other, not well defined factors, apart from the decrease in duration and degree of left ventricular systolic wall tension, may be responsible for reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

A combination of cefuroxime and N-acetyl-cysteine for the treatment of maxillary sinusitis in children with respiratory allergy.

Twenty-four atopic children with allergic rhinitis, asthma and maxillary sinusitis were treated with a combination of cefuroxime 50-80 mg/kg/day and N-acetyl-cysteine 15-25 mg/kg/day administered intramuscularly for 10 days. The efficacy of the treatment was judged on the basis of radiological and clinical evolution. The treatment was effective in 95.8% of the children, and 37.5% of them were able to reduce their treatment for asthma. None of the patients suffered severe side effects. The data obtained confirm that appropriate treatment of the sinusitis frequently results in a significant improvement of the asthmatic condition.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Absolute and relative bioavailability of a slow release theophylline preparation in asthmatic children.

This study was carried out on 14 asthmatic children aged 7-13 years. They all received three preparations (aminophylline by intravenous infusion, lysine theophyllinate orally in solution and slow release theophylline orally as capsules) in a single dose of 100 mg active ingredient in a crossover design. Plasma theophylline concentrations, determined by a fluorescent polarization immunoassay, were evaluated both by compartmental and non-compartmental analysis. After administration of slow release theophylline, its maximum plasma concentration and the time needed to reach this were (+/- SD) 3.19 +/- 0.63 microgram/ml and 8.71 +/- 2.30 h, respectively, compared to 4.51 +/- 0.94 microgram/ml and 1.96 +/- 0.85 h, respectively, for the oral normal release solution. Mean absolute and relative percentage bioavailabilities for slow release theophylline in asthmatic children were (+/- SD) 92.7 +/- 23.2% and 83.14 +/- 14.69%, respectively. These are similar to the values found with other slow release formulations in paediatric patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Assessment of microvascularization around the plaques in Peyronie's disease with Doppler color ultrasonography, power Doppler and ultrasonography contrast media].

INTRODUCTION: The origin of Peyronie's disease remains obscure although the first report of this condition dates back to 1743. The disease prevalence in 388.6 in 100,000 population and little physiopathologic information is available. Repeated microtrauma to the tunica albuginea appears to favor the onset of inflammatory phenomena which result in fibrosis and calcification. The disease activity produces a microvascularization around the fibrocalcific plaques. We studied the evolution of the inflammatory process in Peyronie's disease relative to clinical symptoms, in order to optimize treatment follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 20 patients with Peyronie's disease aged 34 to 56 years using a GE Sonora Logic 500 MD US scanner with linear probes of 7.5 and 13 MHz. The microvascularization around the plaques was studied with color and power Doppler investigations before contrast agent administration and with combined color and power Doppler after contrast agent administration. We injected Levovist (300 mg/mL) and 10 micrograms prostglandin E1 (PGE1). Examinations were repeated after 2-4 months in the patients with evidence of microvascularization around the plaques. RESULTS: US demonstrated fibrocalcific plaques in all the patients. The microvascularization around the plaques was seen with color Doppler in 3 cases (15%), with power Doppler in 5 cases (25%) and with contrast-enhanced color and power Doppler in 7 cases (35%). At 2-4 months' follow-up, we observed slight plaque enlargement and worsened symptoms in 5 of 7 patients (71%) with evidence of some microvascularization around the plaque. CONCLUSIONS: The plaque presence allows to define the condition and the microvascularization provides information on its evolution. The disease activity can be distinguished into 3 stages which can be related to the painful symptoms. US exhibits a better cost/benefit ratio than contrast-enhanced MRI.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Echographic study with high-frequency and high-spatial resolution transducer in the evaluation of renal transplant in pediatric age].

PURPOSE: We investigated the role of power Doppler US with a high-frequency and high-resolution transducer (13 MHz) in the visualization of interlobular arterioles in patients with normally functioning renal transplants or with chronic rejection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 15 patients (mean age 15 years; range 10-18 years) with a General Electric 500 MD unit using 7.5 and 13 MHz linear transducers. In all the patients serum creatinine and diuresis were evaluated; 4 patients underwent US-guided biopsy that resulted in the diagnosis of chronic rejection. RESULTS: Normally functioning renal transplants were found in 11 patients and chronic rejection was seen in 4. In normally functioning renal transplants, interlobular vessels could be depicted as "cortical blush" with the 7.5 MHz transducer; in the same patients power Doppler US with the 13 MHz transducer permitted a correct evaluation of interlobular vessels that were arranged in series like a palisade. In chronic rejection power Doppler US with the 13 MHz transducer better depicted cortical vascularity and showed irregular, narrow arteries. CONCLUSION: Power Doppler US with a 13 MHz transducer is particularly useful in children after renal transplants due to their reduced tissutal thickness. The lateral resolution of 13 MHz transducers (< 0.3 mm) allows to separate interlobular vessels from each other and the high frequency of the probe can depict interlobular vessels in the peripheral cortex. The optimal visualization of cortical vascularity with a 13 MHz transducer allows early detection of chronic rejection.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bronchial hyperreactivity. II. Diagnostic methods].

Bronchial hyperreactivity is studied for the evaluation of airways' response to stimuli that provoke bronchoconstriction in hyperreactive subjects. Exercise is often used, especially in children. This method in simple, sufficiently tolerated and reproducible. The inhalation of ultrasonically-nebulized distilled water is a simple, reproducible and rapid to perform in the majority of adult patients test; in childhood it is poorly inquired. Pharmacological tests (with histamine or methacholine) have a greater sensitivity and reproducibility. Aspecific bronchoprovocation with methacholine is a diagnostic method that allows the diagnosis of bronchial hyperreactivity in asymptomatic subjects with asthma, recurrent cough and recurrent bronchopneumonia.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cystic dilatation of the seminal vesicles: which diagnostic approach?].

PURPOSE: We investigated the frequency, clinical features, diagnostic course and therapy of congenital and acquired seminal vesicle cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven vesicular cysts were found in adult subjects in 1995-1996. All diagnoses were made with suprapubic and transrectal US, CT and MRI. Vesiculo-deferentography was never used for diagnosis. Patient age and symptoms, cyst site, structure and dysembryogenetic associations were considered for diagnosis. RESULTS: All the patients were adult and all but one fertile. Age ranges were IV (43%), III and V (28.5%) decades. The cyst was congenital in 5 patients, associated with other dysplasias in 60% of them, and acquired in 2 patients. 57% of patients had urogenital symptoms and 2 patients (28.5%) had no clinical signs. US was performed for fertility tests in one patient. The left gland was always and exclusively involved; its size ranged 3.2 to 5.8 cm and its shape was characteristic only in 2 acquired cysts. DISCUSSION: Both abdominal and rectal US examinations were always performed and always reliably showed cyst site, origin, size and components. CT confirmed local findings and was also used to study the abdomen assessing renal presence and function. MRI permitted the best anatomical study with the multiplanar demonstration of the relationships between small pelvis structures. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital cysts and acquired distension of the seminal vesicles are uncommon findings also because they are difficult to diagnose. Diagnostic imaging reliably differentiates vesicular cysts from other cystic collections in that region, providing enough information to distinguish acquired from congenital forms, the former curable with drug treatment and the latter requiring more invasive therapy. Relative to site prevalence (100% in the left gland), we do not know if this was an aleatory finding or it indicated an actual congenital predisposition. US yields the indispensable diagnostic findings, but MRI should be always performed to ensure diagnosis, to study the abdomen and to plan possible surgery.

Adult↗