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Biomedical subjects

M Caputo

Publications and source records attributed to M Caputo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of concomitant coronary artery bypass graft on outcome of surgery of the ascending aorta/arch.

BACKGROUND: Surgery of the ascending aorta with or without arch is being performed in an increasingly elderly population with risks of coexisting coronary artery disease. AIM: To define specific groups requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and to analyse the influence of concomitant CABG on outcome. DESIGN: Over a 10-year period in a single institution, 296 consecutive procedures on the ascending aorta with or without arch were carried out in 291 patients. CABG was required in 42 (14.2%) procedures. In 24 (57%) patients, CABG was planned preoperatively and in 18 (43%) patients, on a salvage basis. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality for patients undergoing concomitant CABG was higher (21.4% v 11%, p<0.06). Adjusting for baseline and operative characteristics, this was attributable to operative priority, and was not a consequence of concomitant CABG (adjusted OR 0.30, 95% CI 1.1 to 8.31; p = 0.48). However, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher when CABG was performed as salvage rather than as a planned procedure (38.9% v 8.9%, p = 0.025), and this difference remained after adjusting for confounding variables (adjusted OR 16.2, 95% CI 1.03 to >200; p = 0.047). The 3-year survival was significantly lower with concomitant CABG (59% v 81.9%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In association with surgery of the ascending aorta with or without arch planned concomitant CABG did not entail any added operative risk. However, salvage CABG, which occurred almost exclusively in association with emergency cases, was associated with a higher early mortality. Patients needing concomitant CABG had worse survival at 3 years compared with those requiring isolated surgery of the ascending aorta with or without arch.

Aged↗

Occurrence of overt celiac disease in the elderly following total thyroidectomy.

We report the case of a female patient in whom gluten-induced entheropathy was revealed at the age of 71 yr by resistance to treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4), calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism were the consequence of a total thyroidectomy performed at the age of 65 yr for a large multinodular goiter. Six months after thyroid ablation the patient started to complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Following, anemia and osteopenia were documented. A progressive increase of replacement therapy for hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism was necessary. The clinical presentation suggested a malabsorption syndrome: celiac disease (CD) was diagnosed by serological markers and duodenal biopsy. Following gluten-free diet a normalization of clinical and serological findings was observed, bone mass density improved and a reduction of L-T4, calcium and vitamin D requirements was observed.

Aged↗

Diaphragmatic acute massive herniation after laparoscopic gastroplasty for esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly being used for oesophagectomy. Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication of gastroplasty in open surgery. One of the advantages of the laparoscopic technique, the lack of peritoneal adhesions, may lead to an increased rate of this complication. We report two cases of diaphragmatic acute massive herniation after laparoscopic gastroplasty for esophagectomy out of a series of 44 laparoscopic gastroplasties performed over 33 months. We discuss some technical aspects related to its occurrence. Prevention should include a limited crural division and fixation of the gastric tube to the diaphragmatic crura at primary surgery.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Space occupying lesions of parotid gland. Comparative diagnostic imaging and pathological analysis of echo color/power Doppler and of magnetic resonance imaging.

Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of echo color/power Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of space occupying parotid lesions, in the attempt to establish criteria for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant types. The study population comprised 49 patients (23 male, 26 female), age range 30-85 years, with a space occupying lesion of the parotid gland. Each lesion was carefully studied with ultrasound integrated with colour/power doppler and magnetic resonance imaging; patients were then submitted to echo-guided needle-biopsy and surgical excision. A preliminary evaluation by means of ultrasound revealed the site, size of lesion, echostructure and borders. Echo colour/power Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging can play a very important role both in diagnosis and pre-operative surgical planning of parotid lesions, although cost and availability, the former to be recommended vs. magnetic resonance imaging, which is poorly accessible, expensive, and not always accepted by the patients.

Adult↗

Postoperative chest radiographic changes after on- and off-pump coronary surgery.

AIM: A variety of chest radiograph abnormalities are recognized after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study analyzes the appearance of preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs in two groups of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Chest radiographs (preoperative and at 1 day, 6 days and 6 to 8 weeks post operatively) were analyzed according to a detailed protocol in cases of conventional CABG on CPB (n=60) or off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) (n=60) surgery. On each film 17 different major potential postoperative abnormalities were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical findings were similar in the two groups. Patients undergoing OPCAB surgery had decreased blood loss, decreased red cell and platelet transfusion, significantly lower intubation time and required less postoperative inotropic support compared with patients undergoing CPB. The CPB group had a significantly higher incidence of left band atelectasis than the OPCAB group (37.6% vs 17.5%, p=0.01) at 6 days postoperatively. There was no other statistically significant difference in any of the 16 remaining major chest radiograph findings between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although OPCAB surgery is associated with improved clinical outcome compared with conventional CABG surgery, the analysis of postoperative chest radiographs demonstrated only a minor benefit as shown by a reduced degree of left band atelectasis in the OPCAB group.

Aged↗

Safety, efficacy, and cost of intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated, in a randomized controlled trial, the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion of washed salvaged red blood cells after first-time coronary artery bypass grafting performed on the beating heart. METHODS: Sixty-one patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were prospectively randomized to autotransfusion (n = 30; receiving autotransfused washed blood from intraoperative cell salvage) or control (n = 31; receiving homologous blood only as blood-replacement therapy). Homologous blood was given according to unit protocols. RESULTS: The groups were well matched with respect to demographic and comorbid characteristics. Patients in the autotransfusion group had a significantly higher 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin concentration (11.9 g/dL; SD, 1.41 g/dL) than those in the control group (10.5 g/dL; SD, 1.37 g/dL) (mean difference, 1.02 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-0.44 g/dL; P = .0007), as well as a 20% reduction in the frequency of homologous blood product use (11/31 vs 5/30; P = .095). Autotransfusion of washed red blood cells was not associated with any derangement of thromboelastograph values or laboratory measures of clotting pathway function (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen levels), increased postoperative bleeding, fluid requirements, or adverse clinical events. There was no statistical difference between groups in the total operation, hospitalization, and management costs per patient (median difference, USD 1015.90; 95% confidence interval, -USD 2260 to USD 206; P = .11). Conclusions Intraoperative cell salvage and autotransfusion was associated with higher postoperative hemoglobin concentrations, a modest reduction in transfusion requirements, no adverse clinical or coagulopathic effects, and no significant increase in cost compared with controls. This study supports its routine use in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Adult↗

How much and for how long does the neonatal myocardium suffer from mild perinatal asphyxia?

Cardiac troponins can be useful in monitoring cardiac injury following perinatal distress. We report here an increase of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) to 2.84 microg/l at 3 weeks (age-related median: 0.07 microg/l) followed by normalization in a newborn with an uneventful clinical course after resuscitation at birth. Serial echocardiographs showed normal cardiac function. Such a time course of cTnI, not previously reported, could be due to either a greater sensitivity of biochemical markers than of instrumental tools or birth asphyxia. Larger studies are needed

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗

[Magnetic resonance and traditional radiology in the spine localizations of alkaptonuric ochronotic arthropathy].

AIM: To study the spine alterations in alcaptonuria with traditional radiology and magnetic resonance (MR), comparing the results of the two techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients (4 males, 1 female, mean age 51 years) underwent the examinations. For the study with X-rays we performed anteroposterior and lateral scan and the images have been studied making reference to a radiographic score; it examines the alterations of the joint space and the presence of calcifications. MR scan, oriented in the three spatial planes, were performed using spin echo T1-weighted and spin echo T2-weighted sequences. RESULTS: Both MR and X-rays pointed out, in the cases with known diagnosis, the typical alterations of the ochronosis: narrowing of the articular spaces, even osseous ankylosis, calcifications of the discs, osteophytosis, multiple disc protrusions and reactive sclerosis of the articular surfaces, evident above all to dorso-lumbar tract; nevertheless MR has been more accurate than X-rays for individualizing the lesions and recognizing alterations, such as the thickness of the anterior longitudinal ligament. In the case of new diagnosis, the MR is fundamental to recognize typical signs of the ochronotic arthropathy not well detected by X-rays. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging techniques, first of all the MR, are essential in the differential diagnosis of ochronosis vertebral lesions with other articular diseases.

Adult↗

Characterization of tumoral lesions of the breast: preliminary experience with multislice spiral CT.

The aim of the present study was to validate low dose Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis of breast lesions. Fourteen patients with mammographic and ultrasound findings suspect of malignant neoplasm underwent dynamic MSCT of the breast under basal conditions and 1, 3, and 6 minutes after intravenous injection of iodinated contrast medium. Both enhancement of the lesion >100% without further increase after 6 minutes, and irregular margins of the lesion were considered signs of malignancy. All lesions were examined cytologically and/or histologically. A correct diagnosis was achieved by MSCT in 7/8 malignant lesions, and in 6/6 benign lesions. The only malignant lesion missed by MSCT was histologically a ductal carcinoma in situ (false negative). In one case the MSCT showed the multifocality of an infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and in another it defined the bilaterality of the malignant lesions. Sensitivity and specificity of MSCT in the diagnosis of malignancy of a lesion were 88% and 100%, respectively. Our results suggest that MSCT is an effective diagnostic method to define suspicious breast lesions, and a valid alternative to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, especially when the latter is not feasible.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Spontaneous rupture of duodenum: case report and review].

Although rare, injuries of the duodenum increased in frequency during the past ten years. Careful attention must be paid to them, especially in blunt trauma of the abdomen and lower thoracic regions. Often they occur along with lesions of other related structures in polytraumatized patients. X-rays are the most important mean used in diagnosis. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are conditio sine qua non for successful results. Complete intraoperative inspection of the duodenum, careful suture of the perforation and a correct placement of drainage are essential for the prevention of postoperative complications. If the duodenal wall had lost its vitality, a gastrojejunal or duodenojejunal anastomosis or gastrostomy are performed; the duodenum is decompressed and drainage of the peritoneal cavity is established. In cases of associated injury of the pancreas or choledochus, the drainage of the extrahepatic bile duct is recommended. The Authors report a case of spontaneous rupture of duodenum in which all of the above mentioned procedures were used; they stress that only suspicion of a duodenum's rupture indicates an immediate laparotomy.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Early and mid-term outcomes of surgery of the ascending aorta/arch: is there a relationship with caseload?

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between caseload and early outcome remains a subject for debate in cardiac surgery. Surgery of the thoracic aorta is an area of specialist expertise within the adult cardiac surgical field. There is, however, a conflict between the concentration of expertise and the provision of effective emergency cover. This study evaluates the early and mid-term outcomes of patients undergoing surgery of the ascending aorta/aortic arch in a single institution and compares the results of a single higher volume surgeon with lower volume operators. METHODS: From March 1992 till August 2003, 296 procedures were carried out on 291 patients (aged 17-80, median 62) who underwent operations for replacement of the ascending aorta/aortic arch. One hundred and thirty procedures were carried out by the higher volume surgeon and 160 by one of the six lower volume surgeons (range 10-57). Emergency operation was performed in 138 (47%) patients. One or more other associated cardiac procedures were carried out in 65 patients (22%). RESULTS: The overall early mortality was 37 (12.5%). After adjustment for baseline differences, era and surgical risk/complexity, the risk of in-hospital death was lower in the higher volume group, but not significantly so. For survival to 3 years the overall risk of death was significantly lower for patients in the higher volume group (hazard ratio 0.72; 95% CI 0.54-0.95) Apart from post-operative renal failure no other significant differences between the two groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Elective surgery of the ascending aorta/arch was associated with low mortality. Outcomes after emergency surgery conformed to contemporary expectations. Only limited differences were identified both with respect to the case profile and early clinical outcomes. Better outcomes in the mid-term in the higher volume group persisted despite adjustment for differences in caseload and are worthy of further study. We believe that these data support our hypothesis that dissemination of appropriate techniques among a group of surgeons represents the most practical method of service provision.

Adolescent↗

Myocardial metabolic changes during pediatric cardiac surgery: a randomized study of 3 cardioplegic techniques.

BACKGROUND: Blood cardioplegia and terminal warm blood cardioplegic reperfusion ("hot shot") reduce myocardial injury and improve metabolic recovery in hypoxic but not normoxic experimental models. However, there is little evidence of a benefit of either technique in pediatric clinical practice compared with crystalloid cardioplegia. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to receive intermittent antegrade cold crystalloid cardioplegia, cold blood cardioplegia, or cold blood cardioplegia with a hot shot. Right ventricular biopsy specimens were collected before ischemia, at the end of ischemia, and 20 minutes after reperfusion. Cellular metabolites were analyzed. In acyanotic patients postoperative serum troponin I levels were also measured at 1, 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: Of 103 patients recruited, 32 (22 acyanotic and 10 cyanotic), 36 (24 acyanotic and 12 cyanotic), and 35 (25 acyanotic and 10 cyanotic), respectively, were allocated to the groups receiving cold crystalloid cardioplegia, cold blood cardioplegia, and cold blood cardioplegia with a hot shot. Cyanotic patients were younger, with longer crossclamp times. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between cardioplegic methods. The cardioplegic method had no overall effect in terms of adenosine triphosphate, ln(adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate), or ln(glutamate) in acyanotic patients (P =.11, P =.66, and P =.30, respectively). Also, there was no significant difference between groups in troponin I release. However, in cyanotic patients cold blood cardioplegia with a hot shot significantly reduced the decrease in adenosine triphosphate, ln(adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate), and glutamate observed at the end of ischemia and after reperfusion compared with the decrease seen in those receiving cold crystalloid cardioplegia (P =.002, P =.003, and P =.008, respectively), with cold blood cardioplegia representing an intermediate. CONCLUSIONS: For cyanotic patients (younger, with longer crossclamp times), cold blood cardioplegia with a hot shot is the best method of myocardial protection. For acyanotic patients (older, with shorter crossclamp times), cardioplegic technique is not critical.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Asymptomatic carriage of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 in farm workers in Northern Italy.

Faecal samples from 350 farm workers on 276 dairy farms and 50 abattoir employees from seven different operations were examined for the presence of Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli 0157 (VTEC O157) by an O157-specific enzyme-linked fluorescent assay followed by immunoconcentration. VTEC O157 was isolated from four (1.1%) of the farm workers. A second stool sample was obtained from the positive farm workers as well as from their household contacts. VTEC O157 was isolated from the wife of one of them. The strains from the same household shared the same Verocytotoxin genes profile, phage type and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. The VTEC O157-positive subjects had neither intestinal symptoms at the moment of sampling nor a history of bloody diarrhoea or renal failure. Our study seems to confirm the hypothesis that farm residents often develop immunity to VTEC O157 infection, possibly due to recurrent exposure to less virulent strains of VTEC.

Abattoirs↗

Parotid gland cancer: a case report of a primitive adenocarcinoma arising from a multirecurrent pleomorphic adenoma.

Parotid tumours represent a wide group of tumours which are mostly localized in the major salivary glands. We report a case of a 69-year old female with a parotid tumour history who was referred to us with a prominent lump and swelling localized in the right parotid area. In the period between 1985-2002, she was operated 5 times elsewhere for a recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the right parotid (mixed tumour until 1991), which was histologically confirmed. Sixteen years after the primitive tumour, she underwent mastectomy and axillary dissection for a ductal carcinoma. Routine follow-up has been conducted on both malignancies. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent tumour of the parotid. The potential risk of a malignant transformation can increase over the years with an incidence of 1% to 7%. Management of these recurrences is complex and controversial because of the different treatment options advocated such as radical resection with possible facial nerve sacrifice, or postoperative radiotherapy in non radical cases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The role of Echo Colour/Power Doppler and magnetic resonance in expansive parotid lesions.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the role of Echo Colour/Power Doppler and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of expansive parotid lesions, and to establish criteria for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant forms. Forty nine patients (23 males and 26 females), aging from 30 to 85 years, with an expansive pathology of parotid gland were enrolled in our study from February 1999 through August 2004. Each patient was carefully assessed employing both ultrasonography integrated with Color/Power Doppler and MRI. Eventually, all patients received echo-guided needle-biopsy and surgical excision of the parotid lesion. Preliminary ultrasound assessed site, size, echoic appearance and margins of the lesion. In order to assess blood supply by means of Colour/Power Doppler, we divided the patients in four groups. Our MRI diagnostic criteria included site, size, intensity of signal, behaviour of the lesion after i.v. contrast, relationship with facial nerve and retromandibular vein, detection of margins and proximity to adjacent structures. On the basis of our results, the Authors concluded that both Echo Colour/Power Doppler and MRI play a very important role in the diagnosis and surgical planning of parotid gland lesions.

Adenoma↗

[Anaesthesiologic problems about hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy].

The literature considers hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy a safe and effective procedure for peritoneal carcinomatosis, but a technical improvement is necessary. Regional chemotherapy anticipates the "downfall" of tumoral cells in the peritoneum. The Authors considered 5 patients--female, age 27-45 years, ASA 2--operated of peritonectomy in ovaric neoplasia with peritoneal metastasis. The hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been made at the end of the surgery with a hot solution (43 degrees C): 3000 ml of dextrose 1.5% with mytomicina C 25 mg e cysplatino 75 mg/m2. We considered variation of emodinamic parametres (blood pressure, central venous pressure, stroke volume, etc.) and biochemical parametres (Na, K, CI-, CO2, etc.). These parametres have been correlated with some complications: fistula, anastomotic leakage, pancreatitis and postoperative bleeding.

Adult↗

Association of hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma with thyroid cancer presenting as "trapping only" nodule at 99mTcO4- scintigraphy.

Rarely may a non-hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule present as "hot" at Technetium-99m pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) and "cold" at radioiodine scintigraphy at late acquisitions. We report the case of a hyperthyroid female patient whose 99mTcO4- scintigraphy showed two "hot" nodules, whereas Iodide-131 (131I-) revealed a lack of indicator uptake by the larger, and intense uptake by the smaller nodule. The patient underwent surgery: histology demonstrated that the larger nodule, mismatched at pertechnetate vs iodine scintigraphy, was a papillary carcinoma. Our suggestion is to perform thyroid scintigraphy with radioiodine in hyperthyroid patients with more than one nodule concentrating pertechnetate, especially when an ultrasonographic pattern possibly suspect for malignancy is present.

Carcinoma, Papillary↗