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Biomedical subjects

W L Hirsch

Publications and source records attributed to W L Hirsch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Outcome of children with cerebral edema caused by fulminant hepatic failure.

Mortality is high in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Neurologic complications of encephalopathy and cerebral edema are major contributors to mortality. Orthotopic liver transplantation has improved survival in these patients. However, the complexity of medical and surgical problems in this patient population, coupled with a severe shortage of organs, requires careful patient selection. The aim of this study was to describe the neurologic outcome of children with FHF who developed radiologically apparent cerebral edema. The hospital and outpatient records and radiologic studies of 20 children with FHF admitted to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1981-1995 who developed encephalopathy and computed tomographic evidence of cerebral edema were reviewed. Fourteen patients died (70%), three were left with severe neurologic deficits (15%), and three were left with moderate deficits (15%). Survival was correlated with a lesser degree of coma. Histopathologic examination of eight brains demonstrated cerebral edema and widespread ischemic neuronal necrosis in all eight. The presence of radiographic cerebral edema in children with FHF is an objective measure that indicates a very poor prognosis. Termination of care is a reasonable option. Comprehensive monitoring of cerebral function and intracranial pressure is required in children with FHF. Orthotopic liver transplantation should be performed in children with severe and worsening encephalopathy before the development of radiographically apparent cerebral edema.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Enlarged anterior chamber: CT finding of a ruptured globe.

A deep anterior chamber of the globe is a clinical sign of posterior scleral rupture, an ophthalmologic emergency. On axial CT, the depth of the anterior chambers of ruptured globes was greater than the depth of the anterior chambers of normal globes. The discrepancy between the depth of the two anterior chambers in any patient can also suggest posterior scleral rupture.

Anterior Chamber↗
PubMed1994

Stroke risk after abrupt internal carotid artery sacrifice: accuracy of preoperative assessment with balloon test occlusion and stable xenon-enhanced CT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate stable xenon-enhanced CT cerebral blood flow with balloon test occlusion as a predictor of stroke risk in internal carotid artery sacrifice. METHODS: Abrupt internal carotid artery occlusion was performed by surgical or endovascular means below the origin of the ophthalmic artery in 31 normotensive patients who were assessed preoperatively by a 15-minute clinical balloon test occlusion followed by an internal carotid artery-occluded xenon CT cerebral blood flow study. RESULTS: One patient, who passed the clinical test occlusion but exhibited regions of cerebral blood flow less than 30 mL/100 g per minute on the occlusion xenon CT cerebral blood flow study went on to have a fatal stroke corresponding exactly to the region of reduced blood flow. Thirty patients passed both components of the preoperative stroke-risk assessment. Neuroimaging demonstrated possible flow-related infarctions, which subsequently developed in three patients. Two patients were asymptomatic, and one patient was left with a mild residual hemiparesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol provided a statistically significant reduction in subsequent infarction rate and infarction-related death rate when compared with a control group of normotensive abrupt internal carotid artery occlusion patients who did not undergo any preoperative stroke-risk assessment (reported in the literature). The estimated false-negative rate for our preoperative assessment protocol ranged from 3.3% to 10% depending on the assessment of the cause of the three potentially flow-related infarctions. Although life-threatening major vascular territory infarctions have been avoided, our protocol is less sensitive to changes predicting smaller, often minimally symptomatic, vascular border zone infarctions and does not predict postoperative thromboembolic strokes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Pituitary stalk and ectopic hyperintense T1 signal on magnetic resonance imaging. Implications for anterior pituitary dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if improved delineation of hypothalamic-pituitary neuroanatomy by magnetic resonance imaging, especially the posterior pituitary hyperintense T1 signal, can be correlated with anterior and posterior pituitary endocrine function. DESIGN: Children with ectopic posterior pituitary tissue were identified at the Endocrine Clinic of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pa) and their records were reviewed. PARTICIPANTS: Ten children with ectopic posterior pituitary tissue. MEASUREMENTS: Anterior pituitary hormone status, determined by standard testing, was correlated with the morphologic anomalies of the hypothalamic-pituitary region on magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Patients were categorized by the appearance of the pituitary stalk based on the magnetic resonance image: attenuation of the stalk (group 1) or nonvisualization of the stalk (group 2). Patients in group 1 retained partial anterior pituitary function. Patients in group 2 had panhypopituitarism. CONCLUSION: Prospective evaluation of affected individuals may provide insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of idiopathic hypopituitarism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas involving the cavernous sinus: review of surgical treatment and outcome in 31 patients.

During the last 9 years, 31 patients with chordomas (20 cases) and chondrosarcomas (11 cases) involving the cavernous sinus have been treated using an aggressive surgical approach. On the basis of postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 17 patients were considered to have undergone total removal, whereas in the remaining 14 cases the tumor was either subtotally or partially removed. Surgical complications were most commonly encountered among patients who had undergone previous operations. One patient died 3 months after the operation as a result of pulmonary embolism. Significant disability occurred in one patient because of thalamic perforator occlusion and hemorrhage. Recovery of extraocular muscle function was gratifying, and correlated to the preoperative functional level. After a median follow-up of 24 months, three recurrences (21%) occurred among the 14 patients who had undergone incomplete removal. No recurrence was observed among the 17 patients with total resection. This experience shows that gross radical removal of chordomas and chondrosarcomas involving the cavernous sinus can be accomplished with an acceptable surgical morbidity. However, much longer follow-up will be required to determine whether such aggressive surgical treatment results in cure or long-term control of these neoplasms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Paraseller meningiomas: incidence of involvement of extracavernous structures as determined by magnetic resonance and computed tomography.

Parasellar meningiomas frequently extend beyond the cavernous sinus into adjacent structures. In order to determine the incidence of involvement of adjacent sites, we retrospectively evaluated the computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance scans of 65 consecutive patients with meningiomas invading the cavernous sinus. Thirteen nearby anatomic sites were analyzed for tumor involvement. The sites most frequently involved were the lateral sphenoid sinus wall (93%), the ipsilateral petrous apex (70%), the ipsilateral posterior petrous bone surface (59%), the sella (59%), the intracranial clival surface (44%), and the suprasellar cistern (41%). The sella, clival bone marrow, orbital apex, pterygopalatine fossa, and prestyloid parapharyngeal space were more commonly involved in recurrent tumors. Lesions were also subdivided into five groups according to whether or not they involved only one part of the cavernous sinus (grade 1), two parts of the cavernous sinus (grade 2), surrounded the cavernous carotid artery (grade 3), surrounded and narrowed the cavernous carotid artery (grade 4), or involved both sides of the cavernous sinus (grade 5). Among the 63 cases that could be assigned to a category, seven were grade 1 lesions, 13 were grade 2, 13 were grade 3, 16 were grade 4, and 14 were grade 5. Tumor grade is helpful in predicting the difficulty of resection of the cavernous component of the tumor. The incidence of involvement of adjacent sites is also helpful in assessment of imaging studies and in planning the most appropriate surgical approach.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1993

Meningiomas involving the cavernous sinus: value of imaging for predicting surgical complications.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to predict complications of surgery on cavernous sinus meningiomas on the basis of preoperative MR and CT findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the CT, MR, and postoperative clinical findings in 65 consecutive patients with pathologically proved cavernous sinus meningiomas who had surgery during the period 1985-1991. Tumors were categorized on the basis of their relationship to the cavernous carotid artery. The presence of tumor in three anatomic sites (the sella, the sphenoid sinus, and the orbital apex) was also correlated with surgical complications. RESULTS: Category 1 tumors, which do not completely encircle the cavernous carotid artery, were dissected without injury, sacrifice, or grafting of the artery in 91% of cases. Category 2 lesions completely encircle the artery but do not narrow its lumen; they could be dissected from the cavernous carotid artery without arterial injury in 61% of cases, but imaging failed to discriminate differences within this group. Category 3 lesions, which completely encircle and narrow the cavernous carotid artery, are usually difficult to dissect free from the artery. The categories also correlated with recovery of extraocular motility; 84% of category 1 lesions compared with only 36% of category 2 or 3 lesions will recover to good or excellent extraocular motility after cavernous sinus surgery. Tumor involvement of the sella, orbital apex, and sphenoid sinus correlated with postoperative endocrine dysfunction, decreased visual acuity, and CSF leak, respectively. CONCLUSION: Imaging studies can frequently predict the difficulty of resecting cavernous sinus meningiomas from the cavernous carotid artery and the likelihood of permanent loss of extraocular motility after surgery on these lesions. This information is helpful in appropriate preoperative planning and in providing information to patients about to undergo such surgery.

Carotid Artery Injuries↗
PubMed1992

Diagnostic role of gadolinium-DTPA in pediatric neuroradiology. A retrospective review of 655 cases.

We retrospectively reviewed the findings in 655 consecutive young patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MR examinations (1.5T) of the head or spine. Their ages ranged from 4 months to 20 years (mean 10 years). There was a 1.7% incidence of minor adverse reactions to gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA, none of which required treatment; no serious adverse reactions were encountered. Based on the radiologic diagnosis the patients were divided into three groups: (1) normal, (2) CNS neoplasm, (3) abnormal but not neoplasm. There were 178 patients thought to have CNS neoplasms and of these 156 (88%) enhanced. Of 124 histologically confirmed neoplasms 115 (93%) showed enhancement after Gd-DTPA. Eight children had histologically confirmed spinal neoplasms; 5 of 6 neurofibromas and 2 ependymomas enhanced. In the 216 patients with abnormalities thought not to be neoplastic, the enhancement rate was 11%; most of the enhancing lesions were vascular malformations. There were very few examples of inflammatory disease, acute trauma or stroke among our patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Variability in the enhancement of the normal central skull base in children.

We studied the signal and enhancement characteristics of the central skull base prospectively in 40 children aged 13 days to 8 years, on a 1.5 T MRI system. Identical standard short TR/TE spin echo sequences in the sagittal plane were performed before and after intravenous gadolinium-DTPA. The sequences used for comparison were filmed at identical window and level settings. Three independent observers assessed (1) the intensity of contrast enhancement of the basisphenoid, basiocciput and presphenoid, (2) the signal intensity of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis, (3) the degree of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and (4) the uniformity of signal intensity reflecting fatty replacement of the marrow of the basisphenoid, basiocciput and presphenoid. In 16% and 28% respectively of cases there was no enhancement of the basisphenoid and basiocciput after gadolinium administration; in 42% and 44% there was mild enhancement, and moderate or intense enhancement was observed in 42% and 28% of cases. Even when there was irregular fatty replacement, residual hemopoietic clements could enhance intensely. When skull base neoplasms are being investigated, the normal signal irregularity and enhancement of the central skull base in children must not be confused with pathologic invasion of the marrow.

Child↗
PubMed1992

Chondrosarcomas of the skull base: MR imaging features.

The magnetic resonance (MR) images from 17 patients with chondrosarcomas of the skull base were retrospectively reviewed to characterize the size, location, signal intensity, and extension of these tumors. Eleven patients with chondrosarcomas received intravenously administered gadopentetate dimeglumine. In 16 patients, computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained to evaluate intratumorous mineralization and bone erosion. On short repetition time (TR)/echo time (TE) MR images, chondrosarcomas generally had low to intermediate signal intensity; on long TR/TE MR images, they generally had very high signal intensity. Signal heterogeneity on long TR/TE MR images was seen in 10 of 17 tumors (59%) and was caused by matrix mineralization, fibrocartilaginous elements, or both. Matrix mineralization was demonstrated with CT in seven of the 16 chondrosarcomas. Chondrosarcomas showed marked enhancement after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine in either a heterogeneous (n = 8) or homogeneous (n = 3) pattern. The information about the size and extent of these neoplasms was important in the choice of surgical approaches for gross total resection of tumor.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Quantitative computer tomography in Alzheimer's disease: a re-evaluation.

This investigation addresses the question of usefulness of computer-tomographic (CT) scanning in discriminating patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) from healthy, aged controls. Quantitative measures of brain volume loss found to be significant by other investigators as well as additional unique variables are used to discriminate 58 longitudinally studied patients meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for the clinical diagnosis of probable AD from 59 controls. The sensitivity and specificity of both single CT scan parameters and multivariate models comprised of such CT parameters are explored. Reasons for diagnostic misclassification are also illuminated.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Imaging of acoustic neuromas.

A negative high-quality, high-resolution, contrast-enhanced MRI scan is excellent evidence that a patient does not have an AN. Most nerve sheath tumors have a characteristic appearance, and when a tumor is detected there is seldom any doubt as to the identity of the lesion. There are other causes of enhancement, however, or of high signal that can be mistaken for an AN, and these must be kept in mind when a case is considered positive. In some cases, it may be appropriate to defer surgery to clarify a questionable finding by obtaining a follow-up scan. CT is still a reliable examination. In addition to evaluating the IAC, valuable information about the architecture of the petrous bone and labyrinth is provided. Improvements in imaging technology are occurring at a rapid rate. Thinner slices and more rapid scan techniques will make MRI even more useful in evaluation of the IAC.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1992

Imaging of intracranial infection.

Modern imaging techniques define the anatomic region infected and the evolution of the disease, help to evaluate treatment efficacy, and frequently can help to determine extra-central nervous system sources of infection, such as sinusitis or mastoiditis. These techniques are discussed by anatomic region, and differential diagnosis based on image pattern is formulated. Special attention is given to the findings in the immunocompromised host and in congenital infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Asymmetrical ocular pursuit with posterior fossa tumors.

We report two patients with posterior fossa neoplasms who demonstrated asymmetrically impaired horizontal ocular pursuit documented with electrooculography. One patient had impaired pursuit contralateral to a pontomedullary lesion, whereas the second patient had impaired pursuit ipsilateral to a pontocerebellar lesion. These patients demonstrate that posterior fossa lesions may impair ocular pursuit either contralaterally or ipsilaterally unlike cerebral hemispheric lesions, which impair ocular pursuit ipsilaterally or bilaterally.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1991

Aneurysms of the intracavernous carotid artery: a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Of 43 cavernous sinus aneurysms diagnosed over 6 1/2 years, 23 fulfilled indications for treatment; of these 19 were treated, eight surgically and 11 with interventional radiological techniques. Six small and two giant aneurysms were treated surgically: four were clipped, two were repaired primarily, and two were trapped with placement of a saphenous-vein bypass graft. Seven large and four giant aneurysms were treated with interventional radiological techniques: in five cases the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) was sacrificed; one aneurysm was trapped with detachable balloons; and five were embolized with preservation of the ICA lumen. The mean follow-up period was 25 months. At follow-up examination, three patients in the surgical group were asymptomatic, two had improved, and three had worsened. Three of these patients had asymptomatic infarctions apparent on computerized tomography (CT) scans. At follow-up examination, four radiologically treated patients were asymptomatic, five had improved, two were unchanged, and none had worsened. One patient had asymptomatic and one minimally symptomatic infarction apparent on CT scans; both lesions were embolic foci after aneurysm embolization with preservation of the ICA. It is concluded that treatment risk depends more on the adequacy of collateral circulation than on the size of the aneurysm. A multidisciplinary treatment protocol for these aneurysms is described, dividing patients into high-, moderate-, and low-risk groups based on pretreatment evaluation of the risk of temporary or permanent ICA occlusion using a clinical balloon test occlusion coupled with an ICA-occluded stable xenon/CT cerebral blood flow study. Radiological techniques are suggested for most low-risk patients, while direct surgical techniques are proposed for most moderate- and high-risk patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Spontaneous regression of anterior pituitary deficits in a woman harboring a persistent hypothalamic mass.

Sellar or parasellar lesions can cause anterior pituitary dysfunction either by direct damage to the anterior pituitary gland or by compression of the pituitary stalk and mediobasal hypothalamus which contain the hypophysiotropic hormones. Without treatment, the pituitary deficits in such cases are not likely to improve. We describe a case in which deficits in anterior pituitary hormones spontaneously remitted in a woman who had a persistent hypothalamic lesion that was not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy. The factors that may predict spontaneous recovery of anterior pituitary function in such cases are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Aneurysms of the intracavernous carotid artery: natural history and indications for treatment.

Of 37 patients with 44 intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms (ICCAAns) diagnosed between 1976 and 1988, patients with 20 aneurysms were followed without treatment for 5 months to 13 years (median, 2.4 years). Ten of the 20 ICCAAns were asymptomatic at diagnosis, and 10 were symptomatic. Three of the asymptomatic ICCAAns were symptomatic at follow-up. One of these required clipping because of a progressing cavernous sinus syndrome; the other 2 were minimally symptomatic and have not required treatment. Of the 10 initially symptomatic ICCAAns, 2 had not changed, 4 became more symptomatic, and 4 had symptomatically improved by follow-up. One patient with an ICCAAn that had not changed clinically was lost to follow-up 6 months after diagnosis. Of the 4 ICCAAns that became more symptomatic, 2 continue to be monitored, and 2 required intervention: one with detachable balloon occlusion of the aneurysm with preservation of the internal carotid artery lumen, and the other with gradual cervical internal carotid artery occlusion. The clinical course of this selected group of patients with ICCAAns suggests that the natural history of ICCAAns can be quite variable. Although clinical progression does occur, symptomatic ICCAAns also can improve spontaneously. Therapeutic intervention for asymptomatic ICCAAns should be reserved for patients with aneurysms arising at the anterior genu of the carotid siphon and/or extending into the subarachnoid space, where subarachnoid hemorrhage is most likely. Intervention for symptomatic ICCAAns should be reserved for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, epistaxis, severe facial or orbital pain, evidence of radiographic enlargement, progressive ophthalmoplegia, or progressive visual loss.

Aged↗