Biomedical subjects

P Ciappetta

Publications and source records attributed to P Ciappetta.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1988

Spinal meningiomas: prognosis and recovery factors in 22 cases with severe motor deficits.

The 22 cases of spinal meningioma with severe motor deficit operated on during a 34-year span are reviewed. The motor deficit is graded according to a modified version of the scale proposed by Levy et al. in 1982, their grade IV being split into grade IV (toe movements and muscular concentrations) and grade V (paraplegia). All 10 grade IV patients were able to walk normally within a year of surgical treatment while only 50% of the grade V patients (12 cases) recovered, and then not completely. The preoperative duration of the motor deficit and age under 60 influenced the speed of recovery in the grade IV patients and the possibility of recovery in the grade V cases. We consider that the dual mechanism of mechanical and ischemic trauma played an important part in the speed and possibility of recovery in the patients reviewed.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Tentorial meningiomas: surgical experience with 61 cases and long-term results.

The authors report their experience and long-term results in the surgical treatment of 61 tentorial meningiomas. These cases were operated on between 1951 and 1985 and represented 4.8% of all intracranial meningiomas operated on in that period. The mean duration of clinical history was 29 months, except for cases of meningioma of the posteromedial border, for which it was 5 years. Plain x-ray films and cerebral angiograms were obtained in all cases. Computerized tomography, performed in the last 20 cases (32.7%), supplied much better lesion topography and early diagnosis. The tumor site was posterolateral in 26 cases (42.6%), anterolateral in 14 (22.9%), posteromedial in eight (13.1%), at the free border in seven (11.4%), and in the tentorium itself in six (9.8%). Lateral and medial tumors with solely or mainly supratentorial development were approached from above. The approach from below was reserved for meningiomas with subtentorial involvement only. In meningiomas with both supra- and subtentorial growth, a supratentorial bone flap was combined with a suboccipital craniectomy using a retromastoid incision. The mortality rate was 9.8%. Of the remaining 42 patients, who were followed for at least 5 years, long-term results were good in 26 cases (61.9%), fair in 11 (26.2%), and poor in five (11.9%). Postoperative complications arose in 34% of the patients, but cleared in 27%.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

Lumbosacral lipoma causing tethering of the conus: case report.

We report a case of tethered cord syndrome treated surgically. As in many reported cases, the treatment was successful on pain but only partially so on sphincter dysfunction. The most important diagnostic investigation is CT scanning with contrast medium.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

A new type of prehensile suction device.

The authors describe a new suction device with prehensile properties that has proved itself particularly useful in the removal of certain types of tumor, especially extramedullary.

Humans↗

PubMed1986

Benign tumors and tumorlike conditions of the spine. Radiological features, treatment, and results.

A series of 44 benign tumors and tumorlike conditions of the spine treated surgically between 1952 and 1982 is reported. We have focused on their radiodiagnosis, treatment, and long-term results. The radiologic features considered pathognomonic of skeletal tumors, and frequently found in tumors outside the spine, are less common in the spinal variety. In fact, the radiologic findings in spinal tumors are, as a rule, nonspecific. The long-term results in this series are considered satisfactory, despite two recurrences of a giant cell tumor and late malignant degeneration of an osteochondroma. The prognosis was good, and recurrence rare even after conservative excision of the lesion. More aggressive treatment is nonetheless recommended nowadays for giant cell tumors and osteoblastomas, even if vertebral stability has to be sacrificed and fusion performed, as this affords the best chance of permanent cure. Conservative excision without radiotherapy remains the treatment of choice for other benign tumors. Spinal instability is a serious risk especially in younger patients who have undergone radiotherapy and have residual neurological deficits. Provision should be made against this risk by planning a fixation procedure either in the same operation as ablative surgery or at a later stage.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

Meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa without dural attachment.

Description of a case of posterior cranial fossa meningioma without dural attachment, of which only 22 other cases have been published, is followed by a review of the relevant literature.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Orbital schwannomas: report of nine cases and review of the literature.

The authors report 9 cases of orbital schwannoma out of a total of 148 orbital tumors operated. The computed tomography (CT) scan is considered superior to other methods used in the radiological work-up of endoorbital tumors because, in addition to being noninvasive, it gives direct visualization of the lesion and more precise localization both with respect to the muscular cone and tridimensionally. Unfortunately, preoperative diagnosis is not always possible solely on the basis of the CT scan because the enhancement of the tumor is not constant, thus making differential diagnosis with meningioma and cavernous angioma problematic. In addition, CT enables the surgeon to choose the best route for tumor removal. Operative results are good and are influenced by the use of microsurgical techniques.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1985

Cysticercosis cerebri. Report on seven cases.

The authors report the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of seven personal cases of cerebral cysticercosis. The epidemiology, anatomical location and therapeutic possibilities are studied. A brief review of the literature of 814 cases of neurocysticercosis is also reported.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Digitalized venous angiography in the investigation of the neck vessels.

An X-ray imaging system, using digital subtraction techniques, has been developed. The authors relate the results of a comparative study in 20 patients, affected by cervical occlusive vascular disease, whose arterial cervical system has been investigated both by conventional angiography and intravenous digital subtraction angiography. Indications, advantages and limitations of this new computerized apparatus are discussed.

Brain Ischemia↗

PubMed1984

Lumbar disc hernia secondary to gunshot injury.

The authors present a case of injury to the 4th lumbar root secondary to a gunshot wound. The lesion was not directly related to the traumatic action of the projectile, but was caused by the compressive action of disc material forced into the vertebral canal as a result of the destructive effects of a 7.65 caliber bullet.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

New steel device for occipitocervical fixation. Technical note.

A new steel device for occipitocervical fixation is described. The system is easily and quickly applied, and affords a stronger and more secure means of attachment of the steel wires than using the occipital bone alone.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

PubMed1983