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Biomedical subjects

V Valenza

Publications and source records attributed to V Valenza.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[A new medico-nuclear outlook for the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas: 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG). Comments on results obtained].

The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of 131I-MIBG, the new imaging agent with structural similarity to norepinephrine, was evaluated in 23 patients with a suspect pheochromocytoma. Seven out of 8 benign pheochromocytomas (2 ectopic) were correctly localized with 131I-MIBG scintigraphy (1 false negative). In 2 catecholamine-secreting malignant pheochromocytomas both the primary tumor and the metastases (1 case) were demonstrated. One uncommon case of dopamine-secreting malignant pheochromocytoma, as expected, was not shown. In the remaining 12 cases, found to be "normal" after completing the work-up, distribution of the radiopharmaceutical was evaluated using a semiquantitative grading system. 131I-MIBG scintigraphy proved to be a non invasive and accurate (95%) diagnostic modality, specific for neuroadrenergic tumors. The treatment with 131I-MIBG was also carried out in 2 malignant pheochromocytomas with encouraging results.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

[Usefulness of radioisotopic methods in the study of the salivary glands].

The results achieved by dynamic and static salivary gland scintigraphy in 272 patients over a ten year time (January 1976-December 1985) are reported. On the basis of a semi-quantitative assessment of time/activity curves, dynamic studies prove to be the most suitable method for studying functional disorders (phlogosis, facial paralysis, etc.). Harmlessness, easy execution and functional results are the main advantages of radioisotope techniques. Salivary gland scintigraphy has some limits in the study of space occupying lesions (SOL): however, ultrasounds, CT and sialography represent the methods of choice in this field of salivary gland pathology.

Acute Disease↗

[Possibility of using 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors differing from pheochromocytomas].

The results obtained using 131I-MIBG to diagnose different neuroendocrine tumors in 17 patients are discussed. In 8 of the neuroblastomas studied the examination gave a wide spectrum of scintigraphic results according to the various stages of evolution of the tumors, thus supplying additional useful information for metabolic treatment. Contradictory data were obtained in 5 cases of medullary cancer of the thyroid. The overall results were unexpectedly negative for 2 carcinoid tumors and, as expected, negative for 2 ganglioneuromas. These data confirm that 131I-MIBG is a non invasive, reliable and easy-to-perform technique which is no longer limited to the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas, but can also be used for the diagnosis of other tumors derived from neural crest cells.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

AFP, CEA, CA 19-9 and TPA in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The present study is based on the assay of four markers (AFP, CEA, TPA, Ca 19-9) using IRMA methods in 36 normal subjects, 44 cirrhosis and 66 HCC patients. Parametric and non parametric tests were used to test differences and correlations. ROC curves and discriminant functions were also elaborated. Normal 95% "cut-off" was determined by the "boostrap" method yielding: CEA 3.4 ng/ml; Ca 19-9 55 U/ml; TPA 58U/l and AFP 5.2 ng/ml. In HCC patients the values of the four markers were, on average, significantly different from those of normal subjects. However, only AFP and TPA exhibited high diagnostic accuracy (90%) for detection of the tumor. Higher than normal mean values for all markers were, also observed in cirrhotic patients. Only AFP yielded effective discrimination between HCC and cirrhosis. The positive prediction for the presence of the tumor on cirrhotic ground was 95% for AFP values higher than 18.5 ng/ml, with a 78% negative predictive value with a 6 ng/ml threshold. Association of AFP with TPA showed only a marginal diagnostic improvement. Results were not improved at all by combining CEA and Ca 19-9 with AFP and/or TPA. In conclusion, AFP is and remains the best marker for HCC and the only one effective in discriminating of HCC from cirrhosis. TPA may be considered a valid alternative if cirrhosis is not present. CEA and Ca19-9 are of no use.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗

Comparative biomorphologic analysis about three dentinal adhesives of last generations.

The aim of this work consists in a comparative biomorphological analysis of the properties of infiltration and of adhesion to dental tissues of three among the more used enamel dentinal adhesives of the last generation known with the commercial name of Syntac, Excite and Prompt. The results have given evidence that Syntac has got short adhesion, Excite has got good capacity of infiltration and moderate adhesion, Prompt seems to possess a capacity of infiltration equal to Excite's one, but a better adhesion besides an easier modality of use.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Composite of low contraction and rapid polymerization. A study of marginal infiltration.

The aim of this work consists in a comparative biomorphological analysis of the properties of infiltration and of adhesion to dental tissues of two different composits (Tetric Ceram and Inten-S) with different modalities of of application of halogen light. The results have given evidence that there was found to be no significant difference between the two groups examined.

Adolescent↗

A contribution to knowledge of the compartments and the fascial and septal formations of the popliteal fossa in the human fetus and the adult.

A contribution to knowledge of the compartments and the fascial and septal formations of the popliteal fossa in the human fetus and the adult. A study was made in human fetuses from the 3rd month onwards, newborn and the adult of the fascial and septal formations and the compartments of the popliteal fossa. Observations of serial sections of the knee of human fetuses, of macroscopic preparations of the knee of newborns and of ultrasound images of the popliteal fossa in adults showed that: the fascial formation covering the popliteal fossa consists of the popliteal fascia and the superficial fascia. The bud of the popliteal fascia is observable in the 3-month fetus as a layer of thin fibrillar connective tissue which is thicker in the tracts between the muscle buds. At birth the popliteal fascia is clearly a separate anatomical entity of continuous laminar structure which is thicker in the tracts between the muscles and thinner where it covers them. The superficial fascia becomes evident in fetuses at a later stage (6th month) in the form of a thin lamina in the frontal plane which at birth is well defined and observable as a thin continuous line deep below the subcutaneous layer. The septal formation consists of four septa: two in the sagittal plane (lateral and medial) and two in the frontal plane (lateral and medial). The bud of these septa appears in 4-month fetuses after the appearance of the popliteal fascia. They branch off from the thicker connective areas between the muscles buds as connective prolongations which later assume a laminar aspect and eventually become compact and form septa. In at-term fetuses and newborns these septal formations are clearly recognizable as antomical entities, which branch off from the deep surface of the thicker tracts of the popliteal fascia and are inserted into the femur. The relationships and connections with the muscular groups are also clearly visible. The organization and demarcation of the compartments, which is already delineated in the 6-month fetus, seems to be completed at birth, considering the presence of the superficial fascia, the popliteal fascia and the septa. It is possible to distinguish a superficial compartment between the popliteal and the superficial fascia an a deep compartment between the frontal septa, the skeletal plane and the popliteal fascia. This deep compartment is clearly subdivided by the two sagittal septa into three sectors (medial, intermediate and lateral). The medial and lateral sectors contain muscles, while the intermediate compartment contains the vasculonervous bundle and the popliteal adipose body.

Adult↗

The role of [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine in the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma: results in five cases.

Therapeutic doses of [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) were administered to 5 patients, 3 men and 2 women aged from 33 to 66 years, with proven medullary thyroid carcinoma (one "intermediate" papillary/medullary tumor). The treatment procedure consisted of single doses (3.7-8.5 GBq) of 131I-MIBG given by slow i.v. infusion at 2-8 month intervals. In two advanced-stage patients the treatment played an important palliative role, ranging from an objective response (substantial, but not complete, regression of the tumor) to pain relief which was significant for these patients. In three other cases with residual/recurrent tumor, 131I-MIBG complemented conventional treatment in the attempt to effect a cure which actually was achieved in one case. The only side-effect observed was a transient, mild hematologic toxicity in some cases.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗