Search PubMedSearch

Biomedical subjects

L Pourcelot

Publications and source records attributed to L Pourcelot.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Blood flow response to auditory stimulations in normal, mentally retarded, and autistic children: a preliminary transcranial Doppler ultrasonographic study of the middle cerebral arteries.

Using the noninvasive transcranial ultrasonic Doppler method, flow dynamics of the middle cerebral arteries were investigated in relation to auditory stimulations in 12 children with autistic behavior compared with 12 normal controls and 10 mentally retarded children. In normal children, auditory stimulation evoked lateralized modifications: blood flow increased and resistance index decreased on the left side; such modifications were not recorded on the right side. This pattern should indicate vasodilatation mechanisms induced by changes in the metabolism of the brain areas supplied by the left middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Although less asymmetrical, this pattern was also found in the mentally retarded children. Autistic children significantly differed from these two groups. They displayed a symmetric pattern of responses with a blood flow decrease and resistance-index increase on both sides; this could suggest abnormal metabolic mechanisms induced by auditory stimulation in autistic children and could be related to the previous hypothesis of impairment in the development of cerebral lateralization in autism. These preliminary results show that transcranial Doppler ultrasonography may be a valuable and practicable tool for the noninvasive study of evoked blood flow responses in psychopathology.

Arousal

Cortical perfusion response to an electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve in profoundly deaf patients: study with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime single photon emission tomography.

Brain activation procedures associated with single photon emission tomography (SPET) have recently been developed in healthy controls and diseased patients in order to help in their diagnosis and treatment. We investigated the effects of a promontory test (PT) on the cerebral distribution of technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) in 7 profoundly deaf patients, 6 PT+ and one PT-. The count variation in the temporal lobe was calculated on 6 coronal slices using the ratio (Rstimulation-Rdeprivation)/Rdeprivation where R = counts in the temporal lobe/whole-brain count. A count increase in the temporal lobe was observed in all patients and was higher in all patients with PT+ than in the patient with PT-. The problems of head positioning and resolution of the system were taken into account, and we considered that the maximal count increment was related to the auditory cortex response to the stimulus. Further clinical investigations with high-resolution systems have to be performed in order to validate this presurgery test in cochlear implant assessment.

Adult

High-resolution real-time ultrasonic scanner.

High spatial resolution is required for echographic exploration of the skin, microvessels or small laboratory animals. With the scanner described here, high resolution is obtained by means of a strongly focused, wide-band 17 MHz center frequency transducer (-6 dB bandwidth: 22 MHz). The movement of this transducer above the skin provides a 6 mm wide and 5 mm deep echographic cross-section with an image rate of 15 images/s. The resolution is about 0.08 mm in axial and 0.2 to 0.3 mm in lateral directions. The device was tested on phantoms in water and in vivo on normal and pathological skin in the Department of Dermatology. With the easy-to-handle probe, explorations were made on psoriasis, basocellular carcinoma, malignant melanoma and sarcoidosis.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Acute intracranial hypertension and basilar artery blood flow velocity recorded by transcranial Doppler sonography: an experimental study in rabbits.

The relationship between intracranial hypertension and basilar artery blood flow is not well known, and it is not yet definite that the reduction of cerebral flow depends on cerebral perfusion pressure rather than microvessel compression. The purpose of the study described here was to investigate the effect of acute intracranial pressure on the basilar flow velocity, the cerebral perfusion pressure, and the systemic arterial pressure. The basilar Doppler signal was recorded continuously in 24 New Zealand rabbits by transcranial pulsed Doppler method. The acute intracranial hypertension was induced by the progressive raising, in steps of 5 mmHg, of a saline infusion bottle connected to an epidural sensor. The intracranial hypertension induced a decrease in diastolic and mean flow velocities in the basilar artery, and an increase in the resistance index. Cerebral perfusion pressure was significantly correlated with flow parameters. The basilar diastolic flow began to decrease significantly from a 35-40 mmHg intracranial pressure and for a 37 mmHg + 20 SD cerebral perfusion pressure, without significant variation of arterial pressure. Diastolic flow dropped to zero for a 53 mmHg intracranial pressure and a 30 mmHg + 15 SD cerebral perfusion pressure. These results show that high intracranial pressure values are necessary for significantly reducing basilar artery blood flow. This effect, and the increase of circulatory cerebral resistance, occurred before significant changes in systemic arterial pressure.

Animals

Sonographic approach to diagnosing pulmonary consolidation.

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with consolidated lung confirmed radiologically underwent sonography, and their sonograms were compared with results for 100 healthy subjects. The hyperechoic line of normal aerated lung and its air artifacts showed respiratory motions ("gliding sign," n = 100). Patients with pneumonia demonstrated distinct sonographic patterns. Strong linear echoes with characteristic air artifacts (air bronchogram) and anechoic tubular structures (fluid bronchogram) were visualized in 36 of 39 patients (92.30%). The superficial lung showed a homogeneous hypoechoic band termed "superficial fluid alveolograms" (n = 39) with respiratory motions in 35 of 39 patients. We conclude that sonography can evaluate pulmonary consolidation and may provide additional roentgenographic information, especially when fluid bronchograms are visualized.

Adolescent

[The role of ultrasound technique in blood group typing].

The work presented here concerns the study and fabrication of a robot. This tool allows one to bring out the enormous potential represented by the interaction of ultrasounds with globular suspension. The traditional hemagglutination techniques employ the systematic use of a centrifuge and mechanical suspension. The advantage of these processes is the acceleration of reactions, however, the major inconvenience remains in the difficulty of automating these tests completely, especially when microplaques are used. Our study demonstrates that the force of the ultrasonic radiation created in an atmosphere of suspension is susceptible to replacing all mechanical movements. In a stationary ultrasonic field the erythrocytes in suspension assemble towards the pressure points. This phenomenon is characterized by a faster rate of sedimentation favoring agglutination as well. Under certain conditions the ultrasonic bundle produces small whirlwinds in the bowl. The result of this process is the homogenization of the suspension which permits the differentiation between the positive and negative reactions. With these observations in mind we developed a programmable robot prototype, the goal of which was to provide us with a means of greater investigation. The originality of this technique necessitated the realization of a high frequency ultrasound captor with large range and power. For supplying the necessary energy to the transducer we developed an electronic force based on the principle of commutation. The automation is controlled by a programmable microsequensor. This instrument will allow a standardization of a protocol primarily for tests of the group ABO. The results obtained are very encouraging; the next step is to further advance experimentation in more delicate tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Grouping and Crossmatching

[Demonstration of cerebral lateralisation disorder in autistic children: study of auditory reactivity by transcranial pulsed Doppler].

Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonographic recordings of the middle cerebral arteries were performed on children with autistic behavior (AUT), compared to retarded children without autistic behavior (NON-AUT) and normal children (NOR). Blood flow measurements (resistance index) were performed at rest and during auditory stimulations. Compared to NOR and NON-AUT, significant differences of the resistance index were found in AUT on the left side, thus suggesting differences in metabolic mechanisms evoked by auditory stimulations. This result confirms the hypothesis of abnormal development of cerebral lateralization in autism.

Autistic Disorder

Results of a 4-week head-down tilt with and without LBNP countermeasure: II. Cardiac and peripheral hemodynamics--comparison with a 25-day spaceflight.

Cardiovascular hemodynamics were assessed by ultrasound echography and Doppler during a 28-d head-down tilt "CNES HDT: 87-88," and during the 25-d French-Soviet spaceflight "Aragatz 88." For both studies we used the same ultrasound methodology. The main hemodynamic parameters of the left heart function and of the peripheral arterial system (cerebral, renal, femoral arteries) were measured four times during the HDT (day 7, 14, 21, 28) and twice post-HDT. The same measurements were performed six times during the flight (day 4, 5, 15, 18, 20, 24) and five times postflight. During the HDT, two groups were studied: six subjects no countermeasures and six subjects with repeated lower body negative pressure (LBNP). In the first group the cardiac volumes and the cardiac output were significantly decreased, whereas in the group with LBNP these parameters were superior to the basal value. In the group without LBNP the cerebral flow was maintained because of a decrease of the brain vascular resistance. In this group the renal vascular resistance was decreased as inflight. In the lower limbs we observed a loss of the vasomotor control. The vascular resistance was decreased after the end of the HDT and the subjects suffered orthostatic intolerance. In the population with LBNP, we did not observe the same decrease of vascular resistance during the HDT, and after the HDT no sign of orthostatic intolerance was observed. During the flight, the left ventricular volume was significantly decreased. The carotid flow was maintained owing to a decrease of the cerebral vascular resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Increment of brain temporal perfusion during auditory stimulation. Preliminary study with technetium-99m HMPAO SPET.

A study on the dynamic exploration of the auditory pathway is presented, in which technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime single-photon emission computed tomography (SPET) was used in volunteers with normal hearing. Changes in 99mTc-HMPAO distribution were calculated using a region of interest/whole-brain count ratio. The results showed a temporal perfusion increment of 17% (right) and 19% (left) during tonal supraliminar stimulation, which was significantly different from the control ROI. Sensitivity tests for the method were requested before any clinical application.

Acoustic Stimulation

Intraoperative measurements of cerebral haemodynamics during ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm infants.

Intraoperative Doppler sonographic examinations were carried out on seven preterm neonates to measure cerebral blood flow velocity changes in the anterior cerebral arteries during ductus arteriosus ligation. Age at surgery was 12 +/- 6 days. Continuous recordings during the operative procedure showed a rapid increase in diastolic blood pressure (P less than 0.01), whereas systolic blood pressure was not significantly higher compared with pre-occlusion values. In the anterior cerebral arteries, ductal closure led to a decrease in resistance index of Pourcelot (mean = 1.02 +/- 0.08 vs 0.65 +/- 0.07 (P less than 0.001)) and to an increase in area under the velocity curve (mean = 3.64 +/- 0.38 vs 8.16 +/- 1.07 (P less than 0.001)). These changes were associated with a corresponding increase of the end diastolic flow velocity (P less than 0.001) but no change in the peak systolic velocity. The heart rate did not change significantly during ductal closure. TcPO2, TcPCO2 remained normal during the study period. These data indicate that changes in cerebral blood flow velocity during surgical ligation are principally determined by changes in systemic diastolic pressure. Systolic blood pressure and peak systolic flow velocity remain unchanged or slightly higher than preligation values, thereby restoring normal cerebral blood flow velocity pattern without increasing the stress on the wall of cerebral vessels and thus the risk of peri-intraventricular haemorrhage.

Blood Flow Velocity

Evaluation of cerebral blood flow in rabbits with transcranial Doppler sonography: first results.

A transcranial Doppler sonographic system with a special 2-MHz probe for prolonged experimentation has been developed for Doppler waveform recordings from the basilar artery on rabbits. Measurements were made from the maximum velocity wave form, and Pourcelot's resistance index was used to express the results. The diastolic flow, similar to that observed in humans in physiological conditions, decreases with increased intracranial pressure during chronic intracranial hypertension. This Doppler model may be valuable for assessing rapid changes of cerebral blood flow in conscious animals during prolonged or acute experimental procedures.

Animals

Influence of the measurement location on the resistance index in the umbilical arteries: a hemodynamic approach.

A computer model was used to study the primary factors generating the reduction in resistance index, (S-D)/S, values observed by ultrasonic Doppler measurements in the umbilical artery, from the fetal insertion to the placental insertion (S represents the amplitude of the systolic peak and D the amplitude of the diastolic peak). This hemodynamic approach shows that the placental resistance is the primary factor, the viscosity and the cord length playing secondary roles. Clinically, the position of the measurement along the cord is an important factor. To increase the sensitivity of the index, the Doppler measurement must be performed near the fetal insertion, whereas a measurement near the placental insertion will make the Doppler examination more specific.

Blood Flow Velocity

[HMPAO radionuclide of temporal cortex in the study of deafness].

A new method of dynamic exploration of central auditory pathway is presented, using measurement of cortical temporal perfusion variations, during auditory stimulation (tonal stimulation in normal hearing patients, electrical stimulation with promontory test in profoundly deaf patients). This study shows a perfusion increment in normal hearing and deaf patients with positive promontory test, which doesn't exist in a patient with negative promontory test. Further development of this study could help for optimization of post implantation auditory results.

Acoustic Stimulation

[125I]MIBG uptake and release in different regions of the rat brain.

Radioiodinated m-iodobenzylguanidine [( 125I]MIBG) and tritiated norepinephrine [( 3H]NE]) uptake and release were compared, in different regions of the brain of the rat. The classification of the regions according to uptake was the same for both tracers:striatum greater than hypothalamus greater than hippocampus greater than cortex greater than brainstem. Tetrabenazine (TBZ), a granular monoamine uptake inhibitor reduced the uptake in the different regions. The inhibition rate was higher for [3H]NE uptake than for [125I]MIBG. The spontaneous release was the same for [125I]MIBG and [3H]NE and was the lowest in the striatum. The K+ stimulated release of [3H]NE was more complete than the release of [125I]MIBG and was the most important in the striatum. From these results, it is inferred that MIBG enters the brain tissue via NE uptake mechanisms. It appears that MIBG is stored in the chromaffin granules, as NE, but also in the cytoplasm. A modified molecule derived from MIBG which would cross the blood-brain barrier, would then appear as a potential scintigraphic marker of monoamine uptake, storage and release.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine

[The contribution of color-coded Doppler in early vascular complications of kidney transplantation].

Ultrasound techniques and radionuclide studies are very often used to assess vascularization of renal transplants. Although, in acute tubular necrosis or acute rejection, it is difficult to choose between these two techniques, in 3 recent cases of renal artery thrombosis, we conclude that color coded Doppler is preferable to nuclear medicine or duplex system to diagnose this form of thrombosis.

Adult