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Biomedical subjects

M Gallucci

Publications and source records attributed to M Gallucci.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Brain morphology in schizophrenia by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

We report an in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Study of the brain in male schizophrenics and individually matched controls. Due to the multiplanar imaging capabilities of MRI we have obtained both midsagittal and axial scans. On the axial plane schizophrenics showed a significant increase of Ventricular Brain Ratio and on the sagittal plane a significant reduction of corpus callosum to brain ratio. In a factor analysis these two abnormalities loaded on components statistically independent suggesting different dimension of brain pathology in schizophrenia.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance of the breast. Clinical experience with a dedicated coil].

MR Imaging was performed on 10 healthy volunteers and 86 patients, using a 0.5 T superconducting magnet and a dedicated coil to image both breasts simultaneously. The patients were selected by the presence of nodules at clinical examination. Final diagnoses were made either at histology--in the patients who underwent surgery--or at cytology, with fine needle biopsy. The MR findings of the different breast diseases are discussed. In spite of an improved spatial resolution and of a very good natural contrast between different tissues, MR Imaging does not allow a satisfactory characterization of the lesions; its use is thus limited to the staging of cancers which need a better therapeutic planning.

Adenofibroma↗
PubMed1988

[Osteosarcoma. A new diagnostic approach in presurgical loco-regional staging].

The value of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was examined in the anatomical staging of bone osteosarcomas. Eleven patients were studied--8 central and 3 parosteal osteosarcomas. The accuracy of MR imaging was compared to that of plain film, scintigraphy, CT, and angiography. MR imaging was superior to both CT and radionuclide scanning in defining intramedullary extension and in showing skip metastases. Cortical erosion in central osteosarcomas was demonstrated by MR imaging, CT, and plain film; in 1 case of parosteal osteosarcoma MR imaging was superior to CT in showing cortical penetration. In two cases MR imaging did not accurately demonstrate the relationship of the tumor to the major vessels; only angiography showed vascular involvement. MR imaging was useful in delineating extraosseous extension. The importance is stressed of a correct use of MR imaging towards an accurate diagnosis. In fact, intramedullary extension and skip metastases were better demonstrated on T1-weighted images with large fields, while T2-weighted images and small fields were needed for the best overall evaluation of extraosseous involvement. In conclusion, MR imaging should be used for preoperative staging of osteosarcomas in those cases where diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical, radiographic, and bioptic findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Nuclear magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of lumbar herniated disc.

The morphological study of lumbar herniated discs, aimed at ascertaining the appropriate type of surgical treatment to be used, is commonly based on the results of CT scan and/or radiculography, which are not without risks and disadvantages. An investigation of the pathological pictures of lumbar disc hernia obtained by N.M.R. and their comparison with those obtained by other methods shows that nuclear magnetic resonance is currently able to provide all the required information. In most patients, and especially young ones, it is possible to directly diagnose disc hernia with N.M.R. Radiculography is a more suitable method only in a small number of cases, namely, elderly patients with multiple discopathies which have been radiographically ascertained, and with atypical symptomatology.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance study of renal function. Preliminary evaluation].

The amount of functioning renal parenchyma can be estimated by MRI by considering the ratio between the mean intensities of cortical and medullar zones of the kidney. Fifty-six patients and 5 healthy volunteers were studied by MRI in our department. Scanning was performed with a superconductive magnet system operating at 0.5 Tesla. Pulse sequence was Spin-Echo with TR 300/TE 30 ms. The cortico-medullary ratio (CMR) and differentiation (CMD) were standardized and related with creatine blood levels. CMR data ranged from 1.05 to 3.00, while CMD data ranged from 0.04 to 0.50. High values (good cortico-medullary contrast) were observed in subjects with normal renal function. Patients with renal diseases had low CMR and CMD, proportionally to the degree of renal failure, as proved by laboratory findings. Our preliminary study seems to demonstrate that MRI is an useful technique in the follow-up of patients with chronic renal disease.

Creatinine↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance in the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms].

Eighteen patients affected by intra-cranial aneurysms, with size ranging from 3 to 30 mm, were studied by means of MRI, CT, and angiography. MRI was performed using Spin-Echo (SE) sequences with different Repetition Times (TR) and Echo Times (TE), which allowed the characterization of the lesions in relation to the relaxation times. MRI could identify all the aneurysms. In 13 subjects the parent vessels could be seen. In 5 patients the aneurysms could be recognized only after angiography, due to their dimension (less than 4 mm). The "flow effects" and the presence of methemoglobin and hemosiderin in the thrombosed portion of the lumen allowed both the detection of flow abnormalities and the characterization of laminate intra-aneurysmal thrombosis. In conclusion, MRI appears to be a sensitive methodology in the detection of intracranial aneurysms, even more sensitive than CT and Angiography in characterizing this kind of lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Role of magnetic resonance in the radiologic diagnosis of parotid pathology].

MRI findings in 13 patients with monolateral parotid tumor were compared with US, sialographic and CT findings. MRI did not allow an accurate diagnosis in 2 patients with diffuse chronic parotitis. MRI was superior to CT in 1 case in defining the intraglandular site of the lesion, and in 2 patients in showing the extraglandular involvement. MRI proved to be superior to CT thanks to its contrast resolution and to multiplanar imaging. MRI high contrast resolution made it possible to demonstrate neoplastic lesions of 4 mm in diameter. The lesion has low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted. Parotid tumors cannot be characterized by signal intensity alone: only morphology allows to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions. To conclude, US is a screening method, while MRI is helpful in detecting multifocal lesions and in evaluating the tumor extent.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1987

[Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Contribution of magnetic resonance].

An attempt was made to establish Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria for the study of the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS). Five patients with hip and knee pain were studied. The radiographic pattern was "positive" only in two patients, while radionuclide studies showed increased activity in the painful joint in all; only in three cases Computed Tomography was performed. In all patients MRI demonstrates the lesions and defines their extension. MRI allows a differential diagnosis between RSDS and other bone lesions such as osteonecrosis and tumors. The relation between anatomopathological findings of RSDS and MRI features is discussed. MRI proved to be a reliable technique in showing and characterizing RSDS better than radiographic examination (often "negative" in early phases), and radionuclide study (a sensitive but not specific technique).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Electrolyte and acid base imbalance in patients with rectosigmoid bladder.

The aim of the present investigation was to study systemic metabolic consequences following rectosigmoid bladder (RSB) operation. RSB after cystectomy has recently been employed with increasing frequency in the Urologic Clinic of the University of Rome inasmuch as, compared with ureterosigmoidostomy (USS), it shows a lower incidence of complications. Acid base balance, serum electrolytes and renal function were studied in 22 patients submitted to RSB and in 25 submitted to USS. Urine from patients with RSB and urine-feces mixture from patients with USS was also analyzed. Metabolic acidosis occurred in 86 per cent of patients with RSB and in 80 per cent of patients with USS but was significantly less severe (p less than 0.01) in patients with RSB (pH 7.34 +/- SD 0.04) than in those with USS (pH 7.29 +/- 0.07). This finding corresponded to a significantly lower intestinal loss of HCO3- in the RSB than in the USS group. The frequency of hyperchloremia was very low in both groups of patients whereas the incidence of an increased anion gap was surprisingly high. Data obtained demonstrate that metabolic acidosis develops even after RSB surgery thus indicating that the reduction in the area of the colonic mucosa in contact with the urine is not in itself sufficient to prevent the metabolic changes. Nevertheless patients with RSB were usually asymptomatic, insofar as metabolic alterations were not severe in any of the cases. In conclusion, RSB ensures good functional results and may be considered a satisfactory solution in those patients in whom radical cystectomy is mandatory. Nonetheless, even in these patients, constant clinical surveillance and monitoring of the metabolic situation is necessary.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1986

Abnormal patterns of colorectal mucin secretion after urinary diversion of different types: histochemical and lectin binding studies.

Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that ureterosigmoidostomy is associated with a high risk for the development of colonic cancer, while there is no reported evidence of increased risk in patients who undergo urinary diversion of other types. In the present study the histochemical and lectin binding characteristics of goblet cell mucin were investigated in biopsy specimens from patients who had undergone ureterosigmoidostomy and from patients who had undergone rectal bladder surgery. Specimens from transitional mucosa surrounding colonic cancers and from normal rectal mucosa were also studied. For histochemical studies the high iron diamine-Alcian blue method was used. FITC-conjugated Dolichus biflorus agglutinin (FITC-DBA) and Arachis hypogaea agglutinin (FITC-PNA) were used for the study of lectin binding characteristics. In contrast to the striking increase in numbers of sialomucin-containing goblet cells found in the patients who had undergone ureterosigmoidostomy, the mucin proved to be histochemically normal in the rectal bladder surgery group. Abnormal lectin binding patterns were observed in colorectal mucosa after urinary diversion of both types, with the abnormalities consisting of dramatic decreases in FITC-DBA labeling (compared with controls) and the appearance of substantial numbers of FITC-PNA-labeled goblet cells. These findings indicate that the pattern of mucin secretion is definitely abnormal in patients who have undergone urinary diversion. Whether this abnormality is an indicator of premalignant changes remains to be established. These data, however, confirm that endoscopic and histologic follow-up studies may be of value in assessing the risk for the development of cancer in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Analysis of urinary calculi using photon induced X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Photon induced X-ray fluorescence has been employed to determine trace elements in urinary calculi. Twenty-one urinary stones, classified in four groups, have been analysed. Besides Ca, elements Fe, Zn and Pb were detected, and Cr and Mn were also detected in some cases. No clear differences were found between the four groups.

Cystine↗