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Biomedical subjects

W C McGarity

Publications and source records attributed to W C McGarity.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Parathyroid hormone content distinguishes true normal parathyroids from parathyroids of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the pathophysiology of primary hyperparathyroidism by looking for differences between parathyroids from eucalcemic patients and patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) with respect to the following parameters: intracellular parathyroid content of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone messenger RNA (PTH mRNA); and serum PTH and calcium levels of patients and patient age. Coded samples of human parathyroid biopsies were assayed for PTH content with a C-terminal-specific radioimmunoassay. Total cellular RNA was extracted, and PTH mRNA was quantified by dot-blot analysis. These results were tabulated along with associated data on patient age, preoperative serum PTH, and preoperative calcium levels. The content of PTH was significantly higher in true normal (TN) parathyroids than in parathyroids from patients with hyperparathyroidism. PTH content of adenomas and hyperplasias were similar. PTH content of normal parathyroids biopsied from patients with parathyroid adenomas (NA) was statistically higher than that of adenomas but statistically lower than that of TN parathyroids. PTH mRNA and PTH content were correlated (p < 0.001) for TN parathyroid glands; however, it was not true for glands (grossly normal or otherwise) in patients with HPT. Patient groups were similar with regard to mean patient age and intracellular PTH mRNA levels. Hypercalcemic patients were similar with regard to preoperative serum calcium and PTH levels. NA parathyroids, adenomas, and hyperplasias are different from TN parathyroids with regard to their PTH content. PTH mRNA was similar across all groups. The relation between intracellular PTH mRNA and PTH was significantly absent in patients with HPT compared with TN glands. Furthermore, we have found that PTH content of normal parathyroid in patients with adenoma is similar to that of hyperplastic and adenoma tissues. These data suggest that the PTH content of parathyroid tissues may be of use in differentiating normal from abnormal parathyroids.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1995

DNA index and ploidy distinguish normal human parathyroids from parathyroid adenomas and primary hyperplastic parathyroids.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to identify factors that might aid in diagnosis and intraoperative management of hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: We analyzed biopsy specimens of 242 parathyroids from 159 patients by use of flow cytometry and image cytometry (ICM) for DNA index (DI), defined as the content of nuclear DNA compared with that expected for a DNA diploid standard, for proliferative index (PI), and for ploidy (diploid versus aneuploid or tetraploid). RESULTS: True normal and normal parathyroids from patients with solitary adenomas were uniformly diploid. Abnormal ploidy (aneuploidy or tetraploidy) was identified frequently in adenomas and occasionally in hyperplasias with the exception that multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) biopsy specimens were uniformly diploid. DI for adenomas was similar to that for hyperplasias, and DI of both was higher than for normal glands. ICM-DI correlated positively with flow cytometry-DI and patient age and inversely with serum parathyroid hormone. PI was relatively low in all groups but was higher for hyperplasias versus normal parathyroids from patients with solitary adenomas and MEN versus non-MEN. PI correlated inversely with patient age. CONCLUSIONS: DI by ICM differentiates normal from abnormal parathyroids. DI might influence extent of resection in two- and three-gland hyperplasia and selection of the most appropriate gland for autografting and cryopreservation in patients with four-gland hyperplasia.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1994

Persistent and recurrent sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism: histopathology, complications, and results of reoperation.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to analyze the causes of persistent and recurrent sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PD and RD). METHODS: The histopathology, complications, and results of reoperation were studied. Five hundred sixty-eight patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were operated on initially by one surgeon and underwent follow-up examination for 3.7 +/- 3.8 years. During the operation, all parathyroids were sought and confirmed by biopsy. Enlarged glands were resected, and subtotal parathyroidectomy was done for multiglandular disease (hyperplasia). RESULTS: The cure rate after the initial surgical procedure was 96.4%, PD = 2.8% (16 of 568). At reoperation (10 of 16), nine of 10 were cured (90%) (two adenomas, six hyperplasias, one lung carcinoma). RD was documented (at years 4, 4, 10, 15, 16) in five (0.9%) patients, one with parathyroid carcinoma and four with hyperplasia. Thirty-five patients with PD and two patients with RD were referred for reoperation: 17 with adenomas (eight mediastinal) and 18 with hyperplasias (one mediastinal gland). Preoperative calcium level was higher for PD (12.57 mg/dl) and RD (13.89 mg/dl) versus all cases (12.19 mg/dl) (p < 0.03 and p < 0.0005, respectively). After reoperation, normocalcemia was achieved in 47 (92.%) of 51 patients with PD or RD. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 22% of patients (permanent, 2.0%) and transient hoarseness in 2.0% of patients (no permanent nerve damage). Permanent hypocalcemia and nerve damage after 568 initial operations were 0% and 0%, respectively. Two perioperative deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that inadequate neck exploration or resection of hyperplastic tissue accounts for most cases of PD and RD. Optimal results necessitate intraoperative identification of all parathyroids whenever possible, with minimal morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Value of technetium 99m sestamibi iodine 123 imaging in reoperative parathyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of technetium 99m sestamibi iodine 123 (T/S) imaging to preoperative and intraoperative management of patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: During a period of 10 months, all patients being prepared for reoperative parathyroid surgery (n = 10), two patients deemed significant operative risks (one patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and one patient with severe cervical spine ankylosing spondylitis), and two patients who had undergone prior thyroid operation were studied with T/S imaging. Six patients undergoing reoperative surgery had undergone one, three had undergone two, and one had undergone three prior procedures. RESULTS: T/S imaging correctly localized 14 of 16 parathyroid tumors. By comparison, only 1 of 6 thallium technetium and 3 of 12 computed tomography (CT) scans (in seven patients) were positive. T/S imaging guided the reoperative surgical approach accurately in 12 of 14 patients, including one case of an undescended left lower gland at the level of the mandible and identification of a third gland on the left in another case. Sternal split was required to remove three lesions localized by T/S imaging, two beneath the aortic arch and one nestled in the aortopulmonary window in a patient who had undergone two prior procedures including a sternal split. In these three cases T/S imaging was particularly useful, because CT scans, thallium technetium scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and arteriography were not diagnostic. The outcome after operation was favorable in all 14 cases, with correction of hypercalcemia and no permanent laryngeal nerve injuries or hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that T/S imaging is more accurate than thallium technetium and CT scans in evaluation of patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

An unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

An unusual series of complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is presented. The complications occurred after use of laparoscopic technique in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. The authors feel that this is a problem that points up the need for experience and caution in the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the setting of acute cholecystitis.

Abscess↗
PubMed1991

The mediastinal parathyroid.

Of 573 patients explored for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), parathyroid tissue was found in the mediastinum in 64 (11.2%). Age, sex, symptoms, gland mass, and pathologic diagnoses did not differ significantly from those of all PHP patients. Mean preoperative serum calcium values were higher for patients with mediastinal parathyroid tissue than for all patients with PHP, although median serum calcium values were similar in both groups. Mediastinal parathyroid glands numbered 68, of which 55 (81%) were enlarged, and 13 were normal size. One-third (36%) of patients with mediastinal parathyroid tissue underwent more than one exploration for PHP. However, 43 (63%) of 68 mediastinal glands were found on first exploration of the neck. Sternotomy was carried out in 21 (3.6%) of the 573 patients with PHP but showed mediastinal pathology in only 15 cases, being unsuccessful in 29 per cent. Of the six failed sternotomies, four patients were cured by simultaneous or subsequent neck exploration and resection, and two remain hypercalcemic. "Culprit" parathyroid glands are those typically enlarged and histologically abnormal glands that are credited with causing PHP in a given patient. Of 60 patients whose mediastinal glands were culprits, 48 (80%) were retrieved on initial or subsequent neck exploration. Localizing studies were used in all reoperative patients, and results are evaluated in detail. If neither CT scan nor angiogram localized the gland preoperatively, then sternotomy was always negative.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The Emory University experience.

The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become a practical alternative to proctocolectomy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and polyposis coli. To evaluate its success, the Emory University Affiliated Hospital experience from February 1984 to March 1989 was retrospectively reviewed. There were a total of 50 patients identified; 84 per cent had ulcerative colitis, and 16 per cent had polyposis coli (familial polyposis and Gardner's syndrome). The majority of these patients underwent a two-stage operation, but one-third required a three-stage procedure due to difficulty in mucosal proctectomy or toxic megacolon. J-pouch construction was performed in 72 per cent of patients, S-pouch construction in 14 per cent, straight ileo-anal anastomosis in 8 per cent, and lateral isoperistaltic ileo-anal anastomosis in 6 per cent. Of the 50 patients, 36 (72%) have had closure of the temporary ileostomy. Fourteen patients have not had ileostomy closure due to change in diagnosis to Crohn's disease, operative complications, or ileostomy closure pending. The combined operative morbidity per patient for the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and the closure of the ileostomy was 32 per cent. This included bowel obstruction, 16 per cent; pelvic abscess, 6 per cent; and ileo-anal separation, 4 per cent. Follow-up on patients with ileostomy closure ranged from 6 months to 4 years (mean, 1.3 years). Stool frequency was 5.9 stools per 24 hours at 6 months and improved with time. During the follow-up period, all patients were eventually completely continent of stool during the day, and most became completely continent of stool at night.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1987

Crohn's disease of the esophagus.

In this report we describe the case of a 50-year-old woman with Crohn's disease of the esophagus. She had severe distal stricture that necessitated distal esophagectomy, with esophagogastric anastomosis and Nissen fundoplication. Surgical treatment of esophageal Crohn's disease is associated with a number of complications; however, on the basis of our experience and a literature review, pyloroplasty and Nissen fundoplication in addition to surgical resection seems to be associated with fewer postoperative complications.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMed1986

A dual-balloon technique for nonoperative removal of retained biliary stones.

Retained intrahepatic biliary stones were dislodged with and crushed between two occlusion balloon catheters. Standard angiographic catheters and guide wires with exchange for occlusion balloon catheters can be used in situations where a stone basket cannot, and have certain advantages over Fogarty biliary balloon catheters.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

The role of routine biopsy of all parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Since 1974, a concerted effort has been made to identify and biopsy all parathyroid glands in patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism. From 1974 until July 1982, 247 patients had initial cervical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism. The percentage of patients in whom four or more glands were identified rose from 53 per cent in 1974 to as high as 88 per cent, with a mean of 80 per cent during the 8.5-year period. Ectopic location, prior thyroid surgery, and detrimental effects of prolonging surgery in some patients are reasons precluding localization of all glands in every patient. The percentage of biopsies positive for parathyroid tissue rose from 78 per cent in 1974 to 94 per cent in 1982. Routine biopsy of all glands provided the following results of classification in the 247 cases: adenoma, 56 per cent; diffuse hyperplasia, 18 per cent; nodular hyperplasia, 24 per cent; carcinoma, 0.8 per cent; and in three cases, four normal glands were identified. The one major complication was a case of temporary bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Mean follow-up period is 3 years. There was no case of permanent hypocalcemia and no operative deaths. Persistence and recurrence rates are 4.9 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively. Four of the patients with persistence and the one patient with recurrence have required reexploration. All but one of these was considered cured by reoperation. Eight of the 12 patients with initial persistent hypercalcemia postoperatively have been managed conservatively. These results suggest routine attempts to identify and biopsy all glands can be performed with minimal risk and complications and without permanent hypocalcemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma↗
PubMed1984

Pyoderma gangrenosum at the parastomal site in patients with Crohn's disease.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare idiopathic skin condition often associated with other diseases, including Crohn's disease. We believe this is the first report of cases in which pyoderma gangrenosum was identified at the parastomal site in patients with Crohn's disease. Four episodes of the condition occurred in three patients. In these patients, pyoderma gangrenosum first appeared after two to three surgical procedures and between ten months and five years after the initial surgery. The disease course varied from resolution within two months with corticosteroid therapy to resolution only after revision or relocation of the stoma with resection of recurrent disease segments. Parastomal pyoderma gangrenosum at the ileostomy site in patients with Crohn's disease may be more common than previously thought. Optimal treatment has not yet been established, and treatment needs to be tailored for each patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Carcinoma of the parathyroid gland: is it overdiagnosed? A report of three cases.

The true incidence of carcinoma of the parathyroid gland is probably about 1 percent of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Overreporting may occur if the diagnosis is based on histologic appearances alone because the histologic criteria are less than definitive. Carcinoma of the parathyroid gland, if diagnosed early and treated with adequate surgical excision, is associated with a satisfactory long-term prognosis. However, the possibility of distant metastases or locally recurrent disease is not necessarily excluded by a prolonged interval of disease-free status, and the physician should continue to follow the patient on a regular basis by physical examination and routine serum calcium analysis.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

The surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism: a personal series.

Primary hyperparathyroidism includes a spectrum of abnormalities relative to the size and histologic characteristics of the diseased glands. The lack of uniform agreement upon pathological interpretation and discrepancies between gross and histologic findings perpetuate the controversy regarding the mass of parathyroid tissue necessary to be resected. From 1960 to 1978, 193 primary hyperparathyroid patients (aged 20-80 years; mean: 55 years) were operated on by the senior author with a mean follow-up of 41.5 months. An approach evolved that included gross identification of all parathyroid tissue with frozen section confirmation and assessment of cellularity-the latter modifying the extent of parathyroid resection in 11 patients (11%) of 100 patients who had biopsies of at least four parathyroids. Overall persistence and recurrence rates of hypercalcemia were 6.2% (12 patients) and 1% (two patients), respectively, despite routine biopsy in 100 patients. No permanent hypocalcemia developed, but five patients (2.6%) were hypocalcemia one to 16 weeks postoperatively. No operative deaths occurred. Submission of additional parathyroid tissue by routine biopsy disclosed a higher prevalence of nodular hyperplasia than usually found, and the clinical significance of this finding is discussed. With findings based on gross and microscopic intraoperative study, the authors believe, the surgeon is better able to categorize pathologic variants of hyperparathyroidism and better equipped to deal with recurrent disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Reoperation for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Between 1960 and April, 1980, 302 patients were explored for primary hyperparathyroidism at Emory University Hospital. Seventeen of these 302 patients had undergone initial surgical exploration elsewhere, and were referred for persistent hypercalcemia. Of the 285 patients who were operated on at our institution, 14 subsequently had persistent hypercalcemia, and two had recurrent hypercalcemia. Twenty-eight of these 33 patients had had re-exploration, and 23 (82%) are now normocalcemic. Twenty-eight abnormal glands were found; 22 (79%) were retrievable via the neck and six (21%) required sternotomy. Of those glands removed via the neck, nine were in a near normal location and 13 in a subnormal or abnormal location. The causes of initial surgical failures were abnormally located glands, in ten patients, insufficient explorations of the neck in eight patients, hyperfunctioning parathyroid remnants in three patients, inadequate plans for hyperplasia in two patients, and carcinoma in one patient. In 57% of our patients who underwent successful re-exploration, the glands were correctly localized before operation by angiographic examination or selective venous sampling for parathormone. Thorough exploration and obtainment of biopsy specimens of all parathyroid glands are recommended in order to keep initial failures to a minimum. If reoperation is required, localization using CT scan, angiography and selective venous sampling are recommended.

Adenoma↗