Biomedical subjects

K Darge

Publications and source records attributed to K Darge.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

[Foreign body ingestion].

Foreign body ingestion is not infrequent in infants and children. The diagnosis of radiopaque foreign body ingestion does not pose a major problem. It is crucial to take an X-ray from the pharynx to the level of the pylorus. If a foreign body that might get stuck at the ileocoecal valve is ingested, it is necessary to perform a radiograph of the whole abdomen. Foreign bodies that do not pass the cardia must be extracted endoscopically. In the case of foreign bodies with a smooth contour that have passed the pylorus, parents are advised to check the child's stool or collect it and bring it for X-raying. If after a week there is no definite evidence that the foreign body has been excreted a follow-up radiograph is carried out. If the foreign body is still in the stomach or duodenum, endoscopy is necessary. The detection of nonopaque foreign bodies can be facilitated by giving oral contrast medium, making the depiction of the foreign body as a filling defect possible. As a complication, perforation can occur, the diagnosis of which may entail the use of sonography, conventional radiography and, to a lesser extent, CT.

Child↗

PubMed1999

Radiation exposure during chest X-ray examinations in a premature intensive care unit: phantom studies.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports on the radiation dose received by infants, their family and radiographers exposed to scatter radiation in a premature baby intensive care unit. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of radiation exposure from diagnostic X-ray examinations with mobile X-ray machines in a premature intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiation exposure of an adjacent newborn, the radiographer and other persons in the room was simulated using phantoms during X-ray examination of the chest using vertical and horizontal beams. RESULTS: Most of the measured doses were below the registration limit of the measuring apparatus and had to be extrapolated by multiple exposures. Without exception, the maximal doses were significantly lower than the permitted limit for persons not professionally exposed to X-rays. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure are given.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Lymphocytic hypophysitis with central diabetes insipidus and consequent panhypopituitarism preceding a multifocal, intracranial germinoma in a prepubertal girl.

UNLABELLED: We report the clinical course of a prepubertal girl with central diabetes insipidus (DI) and consequent panhypopituitarism evolving over a period of 10 years due to lymphocytic hypophysitis and subsequent germinoma. Two years after the diagnosis of central DI was established, MRI revealed a thickened pituitary stalk. Later pituitary enlargement and increasing thickening of the pituitary stalk impinging on the optic chiasm required a trans-sphenoidal biopsy which disclosed active hypophysitis with lymphocytic infiltrates and necrosis. High dose dexamethasone treatment only temporarily halted the disease process. Therefore, stereotactic radiation therapy was performed as a rescue treatment and MRI findings almost reversed. However, the subsequent MRI showed multiple intracranial lesions identified histologically as a germinoma and a standard chemotherapy and radiation was performed. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of diabetes insipidus in children requires long-term follow up beyond the pubertal age in order to establish the underlying cause. In contrast to lymphocytic hypophysitis in adults, lymphocytic hypophysitis in prepubertal children may represent the first sign of a host reaction to an occult germinoma.

Brain Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Reflux in young patients: comparison of voiding US of the bladder and retrovesical space with echo enhancement versus voiding cystourethrography for diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the usefulness of voiding US of the bladder and retrovesical space with echo enhancement with that of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) for diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to assess patient tolerance of the echo-enhancing agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-eight patients (aged 5 days to 20 years) referred for investigation of VUR underwent voiding US with echo enhancement, which was followed by VCUG in 110 patients (226 kidney-ureter units). After US of the renal tract, the bladder was filled with normal saline solution. Then SU U 508 A, a galactose-based, microbubble-containing echo-enhancing agent, was administered. Reflux was diagnosed when microbubbles appeared in the ureter or pelvicalyceal system. RESULTS: VUR was detected in 80 of the units with one (n = 18) or both (n = 62) methods. All grades of reflux were identified. In 15 units, reflux diagnosed at voiding US was not observed at VCUG; the reverse was true in three units. In 208 (92%) of the 226 kidney-ureter units, there was concordance between the two methods regarding the diagnosis or exclusion of VUR. The echo-enhancing agent was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: SH U 508 A enhanced voiding US is as good as VCUG in the detection or exclusion of VUR and thus will make it possible to reduce the number of children having to be exposed to ionizing radiation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Mast cells in onchocercomas from patients with hyperreactive onchocerciasis (sowda).

In onchocerciasis, variations of the host's immune responsiveness produce a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from the common generalized to the rare hyperreactive form (sowda). For further characterization of the immune response, the localization and frequency of mast cells in onchocercomas from untreated and ivermectin-treated patients with hyperreactive onchocerciasis from Liberia and the Yemen were analysed and compared to the generalized form by immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for human mast cell tryptase and chymase, histamine and IgE. The nodules were selected with special regard to only one pair of live, microfilariae-producing Onchocerca volvulus. Throughout the nodular tissue of the hyperreactive form, mast cells accumulated in the strong inflammatory infiltrates, especially near eosinophils and around cellular attacks on microfilariae as well as perivascularly. Their number was significantly higher in the whole nodular tissue compared to the generalized form. The highest numbers occurred in the nodule centre. Mast cells carried IgE and appeared activated. No mast cells were observed in the cystic parts or attached to adult worms or microfilariae. In onchocercomas, 1 and 3 days after treatment with ivermectin, microgranuloma formation by eosinophils and macrophages around damaged microfilariae was enhanced and accompanied by numerous mast cells. Attacks of neutrophils were also pronounced, but attacks by mast cells were not observed. In conclusion, hyperreactivity against microfilariae in onchocercomas clearly correlates with a strong mastocytosis and IgE production parallel to tissue eosinophilia.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux with echo-enhanced micturition urosonography].

AIM: To ascertain the diagnostic efficacy of reflux sonography with the application of the echo-enhancing agent Levovist in comparison with X-ray voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Echo-enhanced voiding urosonography (VUS) and VCUG were performed successively in one examination session in 114 children referred for the investigation of possible vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). After sonography of the urinary tract the bladder was filled with normal saline and Levovist was administered. Reflux was diagnosed when hyperechogenic, floating microbubbles appeared in the ureters or renal pelvises. RESULTS: A total of 226 kidney-ureter units were available for analysis. Reflux was diagnosed in 80 units. All grades of reflux were represented. In 15 kidney-ureter units VUR was diagnosed with echo-enhanced VUS but was not seen at VCUG. The contrary was true in 3 units. High sensitivity and specificity in comparison to the VCUG could be attributed to the echo-enhanced VUS. The long imaging window attainable with Levovist makes the documentation of convincing images possible, contributing to the high diagnostic efficacy. CONCLUSION: Echo-enhanced VUS is comparable to VCUG in the diagnosis of reflux.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[SieScape--a new dimension of ultrasound imaging in pediatric radiology].

The extended field of view imaging procedure named "SieScape" provides, for the first time, a mode of establishing in real time a sonographic picture up to 60 cm in length. This allows the display of large organs or tumors as well as large areas of the body in a single view, without having to assemble several pictures. Furthermore, pathological findings can be shown in full size in their surroundings. This method makes it considerably easier to convey sonographic results to the therapist who is not present at the investigation and to control a finding, for instance a tumor, during therapy.

Child↗

PubMed1998

[Diagnostic imaging for therapy control of primary bone tumors].

Adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with bone sarcomas. Preoperative diagnostic imaging of tumor response to such therapy has become a mainstay for the assessment of prognosis, planning of surgery and further treatment. During therapy, responding tumors show characteristic changes on conventional radiography, angiography, sonography, radionuclide studies, CT and MR. The usefulness and the limitations of each imaging modality in assessing response to therapy are reviewed. The diagnostic importance of specific changes such as tumor volume reduction, calcification and tumor vascularization is discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Sonomorphology and involution of the normal urachus in asymptomatic newborns.

BACKGROUND: The number of reports on the sonomorphology of the urachus or urachal remnants in neonates and the pattern of involution is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a sonographically visible urachus in the first months of life is a pathologic condition and whether postnatal involution can be demonstrated by ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 asymptomatic infants (premature and term newborns) were examined with a high-resolution 7.5-MHz linear transducer between 0 and 60 days of age. In 70 infants, a second examination followed 3-5 months later. RESULTS: In all infants, the urachus could be identified on the first examination. Different morphological types were differentiated. There was no difference between premature and term newborns in the morphology of the urachus. Spontaneous involution of the urachus was observed in all infants receiving a second examination, and they most often showed a fusiform urachal remnant at the apex of the bladder. CONCLUSION: Involution of the urachus is not complete at birth and can be followed up sonographically in the first months of life. This knowledge should prompt a new strategy in young infants with a discharging umbilicus or even an infected urachus. Instead of early surgery, a conservative approach under sonographic control seems reasonable, because there is a chance of spontaneous involution and any abnormal development can be detected by ultrasound.

Female↗

PubMed1998

Pyloric muscle in asymptomatic infants: sonographic evaluation and discrimination from idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morphological and functional US appearance of the pylorus in healthy infants with those suffering from idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in order to determine the pathological limits and to find out the most discriminating morphometric parameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pylorus of 84 asymptomatic infants was prospectively evaluated with respect to morphology (pyloric length, pyloric diameter, muscle thickness and pyloric volume) and function (gastric peristalsis and emptying, pyloric opening and the fluid passage). Results were compared with 85 patients with proven IHPS. RESULTS: In every normal infant we observed frequent pyloric opening with passage of gastric contents and quick gastric emptying. All infants with proven IHPS presented with a permanently closed pylorus and exaggerated, retrograde gastric peristalsis. For each of the four parameters, highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) were found between the control and IHPS groups. Pathological limits were 3 mm for muscle thickness (accuracy 100 %), 15 mm for pyloric length (accuracy 94 %), 11 mm for pyloric diameter (accuracy 92 %) and 12 ml for pyloric volume (accuracy 96 %). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of pyloric function plays an important role in the diagnosis of IHPS. The morphometric parameters are highly accurate in differentiating IHPS from a normal pylorus, muscle thickness being the most discriminating parameter.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed1998

US, CT and MR imaging characteristics of nephroblastomatosis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the imaging features of nephroblastomatosis with US, CT and MR, to point out characteristics of differentiation between nephrogenic rests (NR) and Wilms' tumour (WT) and to determine the most appropriate imaging modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the US, CT and MR images of 29 cases of histopathologically confirmed nephroblastomatosis sent to our department for reference evaluation (German nephroblastoma study). The series included 17 kidneys with NR, 6 kidneys with WT and 32 kidneys with both NR and WT. RESULTS: NR presented as multinodular, peripheral, cortical lesions, the diffuse form of distribution being less common. Foci were homogeneous and of low echogenicity, density or signal intensity. The lesions were most clearly depicted with contrast-enhanced CT and T1-weighted (T1-W) MR images. Lesions smaller than 1 cm were rarely identified by US. The most reliable criterion to differentiate NR from WT was their homogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced CT and T1-W MR images are of similar potential and superior to US in the diagnosis of nephroblastomatosis. Due to the significant radiation dose of serial CT, MR imaging should be the method of choice wherever it is available. The cost-effectiveness and availability of US makes it ideal for serial follow-up of known lesions.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed1998

MR findings in pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

We present four cases with combined hypoplasia of the cerebellum and the ventral pons-pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH). PCH represents an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with fetal onset. The disease is rare, with less than 20 cases having been reported. The main findings of PCH and the inclusion criteria for our cases can be summarised as progressive microcephaly from birth, pontocerebellar hypoplasia documented by MRI and marked chorea, which may change, later in childhood, to more dystonic patterns. The cerebral cortex becomes progressively atrophic. Motor and mental development are delayed, and epilepsy, mainly tonic-clonic seizures, is frequent. The MRI features in all of our cases were: (1) Hypoplastic cerebellum situated close to the tentorium. The hypoplastic cerebellum has a reduced number of folia, in contrast to the normal number of thin folia in simple cerebellar atrophy. (2) The cerebellar hemispheres are reduced to bean-like or wing-like structures. The cerebellar hemispheres appear to 'float' in the posterior fossa. (3) Markedly hypoplastic ventral pons. (4) Slight atrophy of the supratentorial gyral pattern. (5) Dilated cerebromedullary cistern and fourth ventricle. (6) Delayed myelination of the white matter. (7) No significant disorganisation of brain architecture and no severe corpus callosum defect.

Cerebellum↗

PubMed1998

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis mimicking idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

We report two infants with eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG). This rare disease can mimic the clinical symptoms and US appearance of idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). US examination of the antropyloric region with a high-frequency linear transducer can assist in the differentiation of EG from IHPS, which is important because the therapeutic approaches are completely different. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of IHPS, especially when there has been an ineffective pyloromyotomy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1998

A mild form of Proteus syndrome.

Proteus syndrome is a rare congenital hamartomatous syndrome. We report on the clinical and radiological appearances of a boy in order to illustrate the typical signs which include subcutaneous masses, in mild forms partial gigantism of hands and feet, hemihypertrophy, and bony abnormalities. We discuss how to make the definitive diagnosis on the basis of using a known rating scale, important aspects of differential diagnosis and clinical features, and diagnostic management.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1997

Immunohistological studies on macrophages in lymph nodes of onchocerciasis patients after treatment with ivermectin.

The role of macrophages in the killing and elimination of microfilariae (mf) was studied immunohistologically in 14 lymph nodes from 10 patients with generalized onchocerciasis 20-68 h after treatment with a single oral dose of 150 microg/kg ivermectin. Mf with signs of damage at light microscopical level were surrounded by a cellular infiltrate comprising macrophages, eosinophils and neutrophils, whereas light microscopically intact mf mostly showed no cellular reaction. Resident mature macrophages expressing the CD 68 epitope usually neither migrated nor attached to damaged mf, especially on the first and second day after ivermectin treatment. However, many young invading macrophages labelled for the L1 protein (antibodies 27 E 10, MAC 387, S 36.48 and 8.5C2) were found within the cellular infiltrate around damaged mf and in adherence to the mf in all lymph nodes after ivermectin treatment. Free L1 protein was observed on the cuticle of the mf. The attacking macrophages contained increased amounts of the enzymes lysozyme, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin and alpha-1-antitrypsin compared to resident macrophages. Free enzymes were found on the cuticle of the mf and around them, indicating a role of these enzymes in the inflammatory reaction to the parasites. The attacking macrophages were strongly labelled for human HLA-DR and they showed further an increased expression of the complement receptors CR1 (CD 35) for C3b and CR3 (CD 11b) for C3 bi in comparison to resident macrophages and thus were considered as activated macrophages. Rarely fragments of mf were seen within multinuclear macrophages. We conclude that young activated macrophages play a major role in the elimination of mf transported to the regional lymph nodes after ivermectin treatment. The immunohistological findings are in accordance with the assumption that these activated macrophages together with granulocytes contribute to the killing of the damaged mf. They also help to limit the damage of the host tissue by release of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin and alpha-1-antitrypsin.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Diagnostic value of spinal US: comparative study with MR imaging in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of spinal ultrasonography (US) in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The findings on 38 spinal US scans in 30 patients (mean age, 5.5 months) were compared with those of corresponding magnetic resonance (MR) images. RESULTS: MR imaging showed a normal spinal canal in 14 of 38 examinations, a congenital anomaly in 22, and a neoplasm in two. In 32 of 38 examinations, US allowed exactly the same diagnosis as MR imaging. In five examinations, US depicted the main abnormality, but MR imaging revealed additional findings. In one examination, no consensus was achieved. Whenever US scans were normal, MR images also did not depict any spinal disorder. In all 24 examinations with abnormal MR findings, US enabled detection of the abnormality. CONCLUSION: Spinal US seems to represent a valuable diagnostic tool for congenital anomalies of the lower spine in infants and is recommended as the primary imaging modality in those patients.

Child↗

PubMed1995

Ivermectin treatment of hyperreactive onchodermatitis (sowda) in Liberia.

Seventeen male and 39 female Liberian patients, one third of them children, were diagnosed as having hyperreactive onchodermatitis (sowda). They presented with itching (98%), asymmetric (98%), chronic onchodermatitis (median 5 years), and swelling of femoral lymph nodes (89%). The geometric means of the microfilaria (mf) densities were 1.0 mf/mg in children and 0.7 mf/mg in adults. These patients not only suffered from their skin lesions, and severe itching resulting in disturbance of sleep but also from social stigmata. They urgently needed treatment. Ivermectin was administered as a single oral dose of 150 micrograms/kg body weight. The following adverse effects were observed in 30 patients within the first 72 hours after ivermectin treatment: increase of pruritus (93%), aggravation of dermatitis (73%), fever (25%), headache (20%), myalgia (20%), painful swelling of lymph nodes (13%) and severe swelling of arm or leg (10%). Symptomatic therapy was sufficient. No dangerous or life-threatening side effects were observed. At follow-up examinations 1-2 months after ivermectin treatment, the prevalence of mf carriers had decreased from 100% to 19%. Seventeen out of 18 patients felt their dermatitis had improved. Evaluation of the dermatitis by a physician using a score from 0 (no dermatitis) to 9 (severe dermatitis) revealed a reduction of the score from 4.3 before treatment to 0.7 (84%) after ivermectin. In contrary, at the follow-up examination of 16 patients 6-12 months after ivermectin some recrudescences were observed. In this group the prevalence of mf carriers was 47%, 13 out of the 16 patients felt their skin lesions had improved and the score had decreased from 2.2 to 0.5 (77%). Consequently, it is recommended to administer ivermectin to patients with hyperreactive onchodermatitis every 3-4 months.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Evaluation of ultrasonography for the detection of drug-induced changes in onchocercal nodules.

Clinical trials of macrofilaricidal drugs against Onchocerca volvulus are impeded due to the lack of means for assessing in vivo drug-induced changes in the onchocercomas. The application of ultrasonography in the sequential monitoring of morphologic alterations of onchocercal nodules after six weeks of suramin therapy was evaluated in 20 male patients from Ghana with a total of 64 nodule sites. After each follow-up session, a number of onchocercal nodules were extirpated so that by the end of one year, all nodules had been removed for histologic examination. The sonomorphologic changes observed and their time of appearance correlated well with the histologic findings of the onchocercomas. Eighty-three percent of the onchocercal nodules became hyperechogenic and 22% developed echo-free areas at the end of the follow-up period. Absence of the lateral acoustic shadow increased by more than 30% and the lack of differentiation of the worm center from the capsule and the nodule from its surrounding tissue increased by the end of one-year posttreatment to 100% and 91%, respectively. A mean reduction of nodule size of 27% was also documented. The histologic studies revealed that the proportion of the dead female worms increased from 17% at the end of the suramin therapy to 48% six months later and reached 61% at one year. It is concluded that ultrasonographic monitoring of onchocercomas can provide essential information on drug effects and facilitate clinical trials of macrofilaricidal drugs, limiting histologic evaluation to a few objectively selected onchocercomas.

Adult↗