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Biomedical subjects

H R Shah

Publications and source records attributed to H R Shah.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Composite cardiac binding in experimental heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Composite cardiac binding consists of wrapping the heart with a synthetic membrane and a pericardial interposition. The goal of the present study was to apply composite cardiac binding to a canine model of heart failure. METHODS: Twenty dogs were randomized to 2 groups: untreated heart failure (group 1, n = 13) and heart failure pretreated by composite cardiac binding (group 2, n = 7). They received a total dose of 1 mg x kg(-1) of intracoronary doxorubicin over 4 weeks. Hemodynamic data were obtained at weeks 0, 7, and 12. All animals were followed up with weekly echocardiography for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Survival in group 1 was 54% and in group 2 was 100% at week 12 (p = 0.0438). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased by 153% in group 1 and by 59% in group 2 (p = 0.0395) at week 12. Ejection fraction decreased by 27% in group 1 and by 19% in group 2 (p = 0.4401) at week 12. CONCLUSIONS: Composite cardiac binding significantly prolongs survival and attenuates left ventricular dilatation and the increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure associated to chronic heart failure. Further evaluation in established heart failure is needed. Composite cardiac binding may be used for the prevention of recurrent dilatation following reduction ventriculoplasty.

Animals↗

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis following autologous stem cell transplantation.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare angio-destructive lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) of uncertain etiology, with prominent pulmonary involvement. Recent studies indicate that LYG is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B cell LPD with large numbers of background reactive T lymphocytes (T cell-rich B cell lymphoma). Although the disease frequently, but not exclusively, occurs in various immunodeficiency states, it has not been reported in association with the transient immunosuppression following autologous bone marrow/peripheral stem cell transplantation (ABM/PSCT). We describe a patient who developed lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung approximately 2 weeks after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. Although molecular studies showed no evidence of EBV genome in the biopsy material, the serologic profile with high IgM titers was suggestive of primary EBV infection. Complete radiologic remission occurred following reconstitution of the patient's immune response after a 2-week course of ganciclovir treatment. Despite the apparently low frequency of LPD (both LYG and EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoma) in the ABMT setting, we believe that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients whose clinical course following ABMT is complicated by fevers, in the absence of an identifiable infectious process.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Vertebral blastomycosis with paravertebral abscess: report of eight cases and review of the literature.

Bone is the third most frequent site of disease in patients with blastomycosis, and the vertebrae are among the bones affected most often. We describe the clinical features and treatment of eight patients with vertebral blastomycosis and review the literature regarding this disease. All eight patients had destructive vertebral lesions evident on radiographs, and all had clinical or radiographic evidence of a contiguous abscess. The lower thoracic or lumbar regions were affected most often. Fever and skin lesions typical of blastomycosis were variably present. All but one patient had an abnormal chest radiograph. Treatment included long-term antifungal therapy and drainage of large fluid collections. Five of the eight patients were cured of their disease. Of the other 3 patients, 1 is still receiving therapy and is probably cured, 1 died of blastomycosis, and the status of 1 is unknown. In areas of endemicity, blastomycosis should be a diagnostic consideration for any patient with a destructive vertebral lesion.

Abscess↗

Cardiac binding in experimental heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyoplasty is a potential therapy for heart failure. Its benefits are attributed to systolic augmentation (dynamic cardiomyoplasty) and prevention of cardiac dilatation (static cardiomyoplasty). To evaluate the static component, we used an artificial membrane for cardiac binding in a canine model of heart failure. METHODS: Intracoronary doxorubicin was administered weekly for 4 weeks to induce heart failure in 10 dogs, each of which was assigned to one of two treatment groups: (1) no treatment, or (2) cardiac binding. Hemodynamic data were obtained at operation and at 7 weeks after operation. Echocardiography was performed weekly. RESULTS: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and diameter, and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased in group 1 (from 9.6 +/- 6.1 to 19.6 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, p = 0.009; from 3.9 +/- 0.4 to 5 +/- 0.3 cm, p = 0.0013; and from 1.6 +/- 0.2 to 1.9 +/- 0.3 cm, p = 0.0036, respectively). Ejection fraction fell in group 1 from 0.60 +/- 0.10 to 0.40 +/- 0.04 (p = 0.0009) and in group 2 from 0.56 +/- 0.02 to 0.40 +/- 0.04 (p = 0.0001), but the difference between groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: Cardiac binding reduces the ventricular dilatation associated with heart failure without exacerbating left ventricular dysfunction.

Animals↗

Extrarenal retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma.

We describe a case of angiomyolipoma arising in the retroperitoneum and review other reported cases of extrarenal angiomyolipoma. We review the histologic characteristics of angiomyolipoma and describe our diagnostic evaluation. This case is the fifth reported occurrence of extrarenal retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma. In our case, as in the others, the correct diagnosis was made only after laparotomy, despite a number of preoperative imaging studies. Careful exploration should, in the future, result in more renal-sparing approaches.

Angiomyolipoma↗

Gestational trophoblastic disease: a spectrum of radiologic diagnosis.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that includes hydatidiform mole, invasive mole, and choriocarcinoma. Although ultrasound (US) is the examination of choice for initial diagnosis, plain radiography, angiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging all play a role in determining the presence of GTD and the extent of its complications. US shows molar gestations as alternating cystic and solid tissue that fills the entire uterus. CT and MR imaging are useful in detecting myometrial invasion, parametrial extension, and metastasis. Because each imaging technique offers a unique perspective highlighting different aspects of GTD, it is important to understand the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease. Such knowledge in turn leads to a greater understanding of the spectrum of findings seen on various kinds of radiologic images and enables the radiologist to play an important role in directing patient work-up by recognizing the implications of various findings and guiding management decisions.

Female↗

Ultrasound evaluation of abdominal pregnancy.

The ultrasound diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy continues to be difficult in spite of recent advances in ultrasound technology. The principal impediment is a low suspicion for the diagnosis because of its relatively asymptomatic nature and the lack of specificity of symptoms when present. In the early days of sonography when static B-mode scanning was used, a "gestalt" diagnosis was suggested, based on one's ability to have an overall perspective of the intrauterine contents. With conversion to exclusive real time imaging and the inherent limitation of the field of view, this "gestalt perception" is no longer possible. It is therefore necessary to reassess our criteria based on this change and determine those that remain reliable for diagnosis.

Adult↗

Loose body of the elbow mimicking tumor.

Distinguishing between calcific soft-tissue masses and intra-articular loose bodies about the elbow can be difficult. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman with a slowly enlarging soft-tissue mass about the elbow. History, physical examination, and diagnostic studies did not establish a definite diagnosis, nor did they rule out the possibility of a neoplastic process. Excisional biopsy revealed a loose body contained in a cystic mass with elbow joint communication.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Case report 731. Complicated Baker's cyst.

The atypical appearance of a gas-containing, noninfected, popliteal synovial cyst has been presented. The case again demonstrates the value of plain radiographs, in this instance in distinguishing gas bubbles and calcification, which may not be apparent by MRI and ultrasound. The uniqueness of this case is stressed. The cause of the gas bubbles was not ascertained.

Adult↗

MR imaging in high-risk obstetric patients: a valuable complement to US.

The accuracy of prenatal diagnosis has become increasingly critical in the field of high-risk obstetrics. Although ultrasound (US) provides adequate information in most cases and continues to be the initial prenatal examination of choice, there are instances in which the results of the US study may be equivocal. The role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was explored in 27 selected patients with various indications to determine its effectiveness as a complement to US. MR imaging was most helpful in the diagnosis of extrauterine gestation, evaluation of placental position, determination of extent or nature of masses associated with pregnancy, and differentiation between diaphragmatic hernia and a thoracic mass. Although MR imaging did not add information that affected the accuracy of the diagnosis of oligohydramnios, in all other cases it provided an extra dimension in diagnosis by showing clearer anatomic relationships in the pelvis. It has proved to be a valuable complement to an equivocal US study.

Diagnosis, Differential↗