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Biomedical subjects

P Flandroy

Publications and source records attributed to P Flandroy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A single focus of probable multiple sclerosis in the cervical spinal cord mimicking a tumour.

A case of probable multiple sclerosis (MS) in the cervical cord without brain involvement, mimicking a tumour is reported. The patient had a progressive left Brown-Séquard syndrome. The diagnosis was suggested by MRI. In spite of intensive corticotherapy, the neurological status worsened, in parallel with the radiological findings. Biopsy excluded an intramedullary tumour and supported the diagnosis of MS.

Adult↗

[Pseudotumoral medullary syndrome manifesting a probably beginning multiple sclerosis. Clinical, radiological and neuropathological correlations].

A 19-y old sportsman was admitted because he complained of ascending paresthesia since two weeks, muscular strength diminution in both arms, then respiratory difficulties without fever. Clinical examination confirmed an asymmetric bilateral pyramidal syndrome affecting the four limbs, a hyposensitive level up to C5, without meningeal symptoms. MRI detected a widening of the cervical (C2-C5) spinal cord, with gadolinium enhancement. CSF demonstrated lymphocytic pleocytosis and total protein of 530 mg/l with an oligoclonal IgG pattern. With a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a corticoid therapy was started but without clinical improvement. Six weeks later, a new MRI revealed an increased enlargement of the cervical spinal cord suggesting a tumoral process. No tumor could be detected at neurosurgery. Biopsy specimen (from C3-C4) demonstrated an inflammatory demyelinating disease with astrocytic hypertrophy. Electron microscopy confirmed the active demyelinating disorder with persistently denuded axons. Several macrophages were observed, but no lymphocytic invasion. Astrocytes were prominent in some areas with "en plaque" gliosis. MRI failed to discover any other demyelinating lesions. Further clinical evaluation was inconspicuous, the patient regaining full activities after 6 months. MRI after 9 months demonstrated no spinal cord lesion. This observation contributes to suggest the influence of the blood-brain barrier breakdown on the occurrence of clinical and radiological signs of new lesions in suspected multiple sclerosis.

Adult↗

Preparation of poly (D,L) lactide microspheres by emulsion-solvent evaporation, and their clinical applications as a convenient embolic material.

The aim of preoperative embolization is to facilitate surgical removal by reducing tumor volume and vascularity, thereby decreasing blood loss during surgery. In a search for a better embolic material, compared to heterogeneous commercial products, we describe here in detail the preparation of poly (D,L) lactide microspheres by an emulsion-solvent evaporation process. The size distribution of the microparticles and their aggregation state--critical parameters in view of such application--have been investigated. Their effectiveness, as an embolic material, has been evaluated by some preliminary experiments undertaken on humans. The results were assessed on clinical and histological grounds.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

Treatment of macroprolactinomas with the long-acting and repeatable form of bromocriptine: a report on 29 cases.

Twenty-nine patients with macroprolactinomas were treated by monthly intramuscular injections of the long-acting and repeatable form of bromocriptine (Parlodel-LAR) in doses ranging from 50-150 mg. They were divided into two groups: group I consisted of 22 patients who received Parlodel LAR before transsphenoidal adenomectomy; group II was composed of 7 patients with earlier neurosurgery and of 2 patients from group I not cured by transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Duration of therapy varied from 1-12 months, and a total of 104 injections was given. At nadir day, serum PRL levels were situated between less than 1% and 43% of pretreatment values. At day 28 after the first injection, serum PRL levels varied between less than 1% to 139% of initial values. No difference could be detected between the two groups regarding the percent of PRL inhibition. Long-term treatment with Parlodel-LAR resulted in a sustained inhibition of PRL secretion, except for 1 case. Resumption of menstrual cycles occurred in 4 out of 15 women and correction of hypogonadism in 4 out of 14 men. Amelioration of disturbed visual fields was recorded in 3 out of 8 patients. Diminution of the adenoma volume was radiologically documented in 14 out of 22 cases. Only few and mild side effects were recorded. One patient with partial adrenal deficiency suffered from a syncope, but this was prevented by hydrocortisone supplementation during the subsequent Parlodel-LAR administration. In conclusion, Parlodel-LAR proved effective in the treatment of macroprolactinomas, achieving rapid inhibition of PRL secretion, and in some patients amelioration of hypopituitarism, reduction in tumor size, and improvement in visual fields, and caused no serious side effects. It is a valuable preparation to surgery and can also be used in long-term medical therapy.

Adult↗

(D, L) polylactide microspheres as embolic agent. A preliminary study.

Owing to their shape, accurately calibrated microspheres appear to be very suitable material for distal embolization. Moreover, the biocompatible (D, L) polyactide (PLA) microspheres possess two other valuable advantages: easy adjustment of their biodegradation rate, and incorporation of chemotherapeutic agents during their production. The authors describe the preparation of these (D, L) PLA microspheres and their clinical applications as a preliminary step to arterial chemoembolization.

Aged↗

Cyclical Cushing's disease and its successful control under sodium valproate.

Several subgroups of Cushing's disease were recently described (anterior or intermediate lobe origin, hyper-or hypo-pulsatility of cortisol, presence or absence of response after GRH or TRH, cyclical Cushing's disease). We present here a detailed case report on a patient suffering from Cushing's disease whose endocrine functions were extensively investigated. Treatment with bromocriptine, as well as subsequent transsphenoidal surgery, were followed by rapid but transient reversal of symptoms. When clinical manifestations reoccurred, daily measurements of free urinary cortisol revealed a cyclic pattern of cortisol hyperexcretion. A study of ultradian rhythm revealed hyperpulsatility of cortisol secretion. More interestingly, a treatment with sodium valproate, a drug known to inhibit CRH production, was followed by a rapid and longstanding normalization of clinical and biological data for 2 years. Based on these data, and on information from the literature, the present case of Cushing's disease exhibits characteristics suggesting a possible hypothalamic origin.

Adolescent↗

[Benign osteoblastoma of the spine. Apropos of 4 cases with a case of spontaneous recovery].

In a 6 years period, the authors have seen 4 cases of benign osteoblastoma of the spine. Two were located in the cervical spine, one in the thoracic spine and the fourth in the lumbar segment. Three were operated and cured after a follow up from two to three and half years. One case spontaneously cured after a follow up of five years. The roentgenographic features of these lesions are varying according to their age, localization, biological behaviour and the pattern of their osseous host. Computed tomography is the best method to specify the site of the nidal lesion which the total removal lead to a complete cure.

Adult↗

[Skull injury. Arteriovenous shunt. Limitations of cerebral x-ray computed tomography].

The authors report the case of a patient suffering from a head trauma after dizziness followed by a loss of consciousness. In the hours following the admission, he developed drowsiness and a left hemiparesis. CT scanner showed an intracerebral haematoma. Due to the dizziness a carotid angiography has been realized and has demonstrated an intracerebral avascular mass, an arteriovenous shunt and an epidural haematoma at the vertex. Two aspects of the case seem to be important: the first one is the limit of CT scanner; the second one is the relationship between the three lesions.

Adult↗

[Intracranial pressure in severe brain injuries. 1st Part: X-ray computed tomography of cerebrospinal fluids and manometry].

In a series of 40 patients with severe head injury (L.C.S. less than or equal to 12), we simultaneously studied the variations of intracranial pressure (I.C.P.) and cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F.) spaces (ventricular and subarachnoidal) on C.T.-scan. At the time of C.T.-scan, normal C.S.F. spaces mean a normal I.C.P. (less than 15 torr) but cannot preclude a secondary intracranial hypertension. With a collapse of the C.S.F. spaces, it is to be geared that a severe hypertension occurs (greater than 40 torr).

Adolescent↗