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[Relaxation and the electromyographic identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve].

INTRODUCTION: Electromyography for the identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is gaining ever more acceptance in thyroid surgery. Relaxation of the patient, e.g., to improve intubation conditions for anesthesia, carries a potential risk for error. METHOD: After definite identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the vagus nerve (Neurosign 100, Magstim Co., Wales), ten consecutive patients were relaxed with mivacurium and atracurium besylate at a weight-dependent ED95 dosage. After peripheral relaxation was achieved (TOF-Watch, Organon Teknika Corp., at the adductor muscle of the thumb), the signal derived via the vocal muscle was assessed acoustically in 3-min intervals by the surgeon and graphically recorded by computer (EWACS, Inomed Co.). RESULTS: Complete peripheral relaxation was attained with mivacurium after 3-7 min and with atracurium after 7-11 min. A decrease in amplitude of the vocal muscle signal of >60% was recognized by the surgeon as a weakened signal and could be confirmed during an average duration of 13.3 min with mivacurium (maximum: 37 min) and 17.7 min with atracurium besylate (maximum: 23 min), respectively. Complete obliteration of the acoustic signal (<20% of the initial signal) occurred in three of six patients treated with mivacurium and in four of four patients treated with atracurium. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of electromyography of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can be substantially impaired by the administration of relaxants. If this medication cannot be dispensed with, the surgeon must be aware of the situation. In these cases, a peripheral relaxometer should also be employed to monitor relaxation as it subsides.

Adult↗

Peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: comparison of MRI with CT.

To evaluate the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma of the liver, 11 patients with pathologically proven peripheral cholangiocarcinoma were examined with both CT and MRI. On CT scans in 10 cases, the tumors appeared as irregular, low-attenuation masses with a wide variation in heterogeneity. Contrast enhancement of the tumors was mild in nine cases and moderate in one case, at the periphery. Tumor was not identified in one case. On T1-weighted MRIs, the tumors showed low intensity in eight cases and isointensity in three cases. On T2-weighted images, the tumors showed high intensity in all 11 cases. Focal dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts around the tumor was seen in one case on MRIs and in four cases on CT scans. Portal vein invasion of the tumors was seen in one case, and lymphadenopathy was seen in four cases on both MRIs and CT scans. MRI was slightly superior to CT in detecting the tumors, was inferior to CT in delineating focal ductal dilatation around the tumors, and was equal to CT in assessing extent of the tumors.

Aged↗

Computer enhancement of direct and venous-injected left ventricular contrast angiography.

Following peripheral venous injection of radiopaque contrast material, a new on-line automatic computer image enhancement technique was employed to delineate and left ventricular (LV) endocardial silhouette in 10 dogs and 8 patients. This technique employs a very fast analog-to-digital conversion system capable of digitizing video frames on-line. By averaging into digital image memory the first 30 video frames and then subtracting each incoming frame from this memory, most of the background is eliminated, leaving only the contrast-filled ventricle. Since the technique employs conventional fluoroscopic exposure rates rather than cineangiography, there is marked reduction in x-ray exposure. An in vitro study using the Rando whole body phantom demonstrated that a 5 mm object with 2% contrast could be imaged within the complex chest anatomy with an incident exposure rate of only 30 mR/sec, using digital subtraction followed by contrast enhancement. In vivo studies were performed to assess the relative accuracy of ventricular border definition using this new technique by comparison to the unenhanced images in eight patients. The difference in planimetered area of the two cardiac silhouettes was 13 +/- 4 mm2 (mean difference +/- 3.4%). In four patients both direct and peripheral venous LV angiograms were obtained. There was a small (2% to 7%) systematic difference between calculated end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volume, with peripheral venous volumes invariably being smaller. Differences in calculated ejection fraction (EF) were of smaller magnitude; the maximum absolute difference in EF was 2%. We conclude that this technique is applicable to angiographic studies involving either cardiac or peripheral vascular injection of contrast material, and allows high quality images to be obtained at approximately seven-fold reduction in radiation dose (5 mA, 65 to 85 kv).

Animals↗

A cross-sectional study of the relation between symptoms and physical findings in computer operators.

BACKGROUND: The character of upper limb disorder in computer operators is subject to debate. A peripheral nerve-involvement is suggested from the common presence of a triad of symptoms consisting of pain, paraestesiae and subjective weakness, and from physical findings suggesting neuropathy. This study aimed to examine the outcome of a detailed neurological examination in computer operators and to compare findings with the presence of symptoms. METHODS: 96 graphical computer operators answered a modified Nordic Questionnaire including information on perceived pain in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand scored for each region on a VAS-scale 0-9. In addition, they underwent a physical examination including the subjective assessment of the individual function of 11 upper limb muscles, of algesia in five and vibratory threshold in three territories, respectively, and of mechanosensitivity of nerves at seven locations. In order to reflect an involvement of the brachial plexus (chord level), the posterior interosseous nerve and the median nerve at elbow level we defined three patterns of neurological findings illustrating the course of nerves and their innervation. The pain scores summarized for the three upper limb regions (min. = 0, max = 27) in the mouse-operating and contralateral limbs were compared by a Wilcoxon test and the relation to each physical item analyzed by Kendall's rank correlation. The relation of summarized pain to each pattern was studied by application of a test of the trend across ordered groups (patterns). RESULTS: Pain, paraestesiae and subjective weakness was reported for 67, 23, and 7 mouse-operating limbs, respectively, with the summarized pain scores exceeding 4 in 33 limbs. Abnormal physical findings were prevalent. The summarized pain was significantly related to a reduced function in five muscles, to mechanical allodynia at one location and to elevated threshold to vibration in two territories. Brachial plexopathy was diagnosed in 9/2, median neuropathy in 13/5 and posterior interosseous neuropathy in 13/8 mouse operating/contralateral limbs, respectively. The summarized pain was significantly higher in the mouse-operating limbs and in limbs with any of the defined patterns. There was a significant trend between the summarized pain and the summarized scores for the items contained in each pattern. CONCLUSION: This small-scale study of a group of computer-operators currently in work and with no or minor upper limb symptoms has indicated in symptomatic subjects the presence of peripheral nerve-afflictions with specific locations.

Adult↗

Parenchymal changes of the liver in cholangiocarcinoma: CT evaluation.

We evaluated parenchymal changes of the liver in 92 patients (41 peripheral types and 51 hilar types) with cholangiocarcinomas studied by bolus-enhanced computed tomography (CT). In 39% of patients with the peripheral type, a wedge-shaped increased enhancement of the liver was observed peripheral to the tumor on bolus-enhanced CT. Tumor was observed in all cases. In 58.8% of patients with the hilar type, a segmental or lobar increased degree of enhancement of the liver was observed, but the tumor was demonstrated in only 58.8%. Atrophy was accompanied by areas of increased enhancement in 80% of hilar type and 25% of peripheral type. Areas of increased degree of enhancement corresponded to a wedged-shaped perfusion defect on CT during arterial portography. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), those lesions showed hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. Most of these changes were considered to be due to reversible hepatic parenchymal ischemia secondary to portal vein invasion by the tumor.

Adenoma, Bile Duct↗

Haemodynamic effects of arterial compliance, total peripheral resistance, and glyceryl trinitrate on regurgitant volume in aortic regurgitation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Afterload reduction is known to reduce regurgitant flow in patients with aortic regurgitation. Both arterial compliance and total peripheral resistance are determinants of afterload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of arterial compliance and total peripheral resistance on the regurgitant volume. DESIGN: The values of arterial compliance and total peripheral resistance were assessed during aortic regurgitation at different regurgitant orifice areas in eight pigs before and after a bolus of glyceryl trinitrate. In a computer model the importance of arterial compliance and total peripheral resistance on the regurgitant volume was assessed by keeping each of them constant while the other variable was changed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In both the experimental and computer models a very strong correlation was found between decreased total peripheral resistance and decreased regurgitant volume. Arterial compliance was of hardly any importance. A bolus of glyceryl trinitrate reduced regurgitant volumes and regurgitant fractions significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Total peripheral resistance is an important factor in influencing the regurgitant volumes at a given regurgitant orifice area in aortic regurgitation, while arterial compliance is of less importance. Glyceryl trinitrate effectively reduces the regurgitant volumes by its effect on peripheral resistance.

Animals↗

Properties of curvilinear vection.

Approximately linear relationships were observed between contrast, spatial frequency, temporal frequency, or velocity of stimulation and perceived velocity of curvilinear vection--that is, a visually induced self-motion in a curved path. Similarly, linear relationships were also found between the perceived degree of curvature of curvilinear vection and spatial frequency or velocity of stimulation. Since the perceived velocity of curvilinear vection varies with contrast, spatial frequency, temporal frequency, and angular velocity, and the perceived degree of curvature of curvilinear vection varies only with spatial frequency and angular velocity, peripheral vision is not sufficient for computing accurately the curvilinear component of induced self-motion in a curved path. Concurrently, it was shown that the perceived direction of curvilinear vection is not always unambiguously perceived (Sauvan & Bonnet, 1989). Consequently, it is suggested that two different types of visual processing, which involve the peripheral or the central vision, underlie the processing of curvilinear vection.

Adult↗

Cardiovascular effects of fentanyl during enflurane anesthesia in man.

The cardiovascular effects of three doses of intravenous fentanyl (50, 100, and 200 microgram) were determined in 42 adult patients undergoing intraabdominal surgical procedures with enflurane (2--3%) and nitrous oxide (50%) in oxygen. Fentanyl was administered a minimum of 40 minutes after induction of anesthesia and 30 minutes after initiation of the surgical procedure. Stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, mean arterial and central venous blood pressures, and peripheral arterial resistance were determined by computer analysis of the central aortic pulse-pressure curve according to the method of Warner. Measurements were made before and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes after fentanyl. Fentanyl (50 microgram) produced increases in stroke volume and cardiac output as well as a decrease in peripheral arterial resistance but did not alter heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. Fentanyl (100 microgram) did not significantly change any variable at any time. Fentanyl (1l (200 microgram) produced sustained decreases in stroke volume, cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure and increased central venous pressure but did not alter heart rate or peripheral arterial resistance. The data indicate that fentanyl (50--100 microgram) stimulates or has no effect on cardiovascular dynamics during enflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia but fentanyl (200 microgram) produces significant cardiovascular depression. Our findings suggest that small doses of intravenous fentanyl may be of benefit during enflurane-nitrous oxide but larger doses should probably be avoided.

Adult↗

Adaptive control of therapeutic drug regimens relations between clinical situations: outcomes and simulations using nonlinear dynamic models.

With Bayesian modeling and adaptive control of drug dosage regimens, serum and peripheral drug concentrations can be predicted in clinical situations using linear pharmacokinetic compartmental models (PK). Recently, several pathophysiologic and pharmacodynamic nonlinear models (PD) have been developed. The present report illustrates both their utility and limits for the computation of effects in clinical situations in the setting of actual routine and acute patient care. Patients who received therapy with aminoglycosides or/and vancomycin were selected. For each patient, after estimation of individual pharmacokinetic parameters, the computed outputs of the linear compartmental pharmacokinetic model were used as inputs for 2 different a priori nonlinear dynamic models: 1) the EFFECT modeling program, using a Hill model, and 2) the BACTCIDE program, which is a combination of a simple growth model for the organism and a Hill effect model considering both the microorganism, the antibiotic, and the patient's minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The programs (1) and (2) can use as inputs the computed concentrations from any of three compartments: central, peripheral, or a spherical diffusion compartment to compute drug diffusion into endocardial vegetations or abscesses. The EFFECT program can be used alone for the evaluation of drug effects. The BACTCIDE program illustrates differences in activity between concentration-dependent and time-dependent antibiotics. Such nonlinear programs are very sensitive to the MIC values.

Aged↗

[Telephone transmission of the cardiotocographic recording from the office to the obstetrical clinic].

The authors describe their experience in telephonic transmission of cardiographic recordings. With a Corometrics 116 and 410 unit installed in a remote facility, 61 CTG recordings were tele transmitted and received by a Toshiba personal computer. The comparison between original and transmitted CTG record was excellent and a very low percentage of signal loss during transmission (3.2%). The advantages of telephone transmission of CTG in peripheral areas are stressed.

Cardiotocography↗

[CTA and MRA in peripheral arterial disease--is DSA out?].

New developments in technique and postprocessing have led to further improvement in diagnosing and evaluating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by noninvasive computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Under clinical conditions diagnostic conventional angiography (DSA) will be increasingly replaced by CTA and MRA. The radiologist has to become familiar with the field of indications, the different techniques, postprocessing tools, and effective visualization. In consideration of the current literature some methodological aspects and the role of CTA and MRA in PAD will be discussed.

Angiography↗

Pleural invasion by peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma: assessment with three-dimensional helical CT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential role of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) in assessment of pleural invasion by peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four-second helical CT scans were obtained during a single breath hold in 42 consecutive patients with peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D reconstruction images were reviewed independently by three blinded observers, who reached a decision by consensus. All patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor, and CT findings were correlated with the findings in pathologic specimens. RESULTS: Twelve patients had visceral pleural invasion, five had parietal pleural invasion, and 25 had no evidence of pleural invasion. Visceral pleural invasion was identified on 2D CT images in two patients and on 3D reconstructions in 11. Parietal pleural invasion was identified on 2D CT images in two patients and on 3D reconstructions in three. CONCLUSION: 3D reconstruction imaging is superior to conventional 2D CT in assessment of pleural invasion by peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗

Cardiovascular changes during and after different LBNP levels in men.

BACKGROUND: This study quantifies hemodynamic and thoracic impedance (TI) changes with four levels of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) from -15 to -65 mm Hg in seven healthy men in supine position 20 min before (pre-LBNP), 30 min during, and 20 min after suction (post-LBNP) as well as without suction (LBNP-0, rest control). RESULTS: LBNP > 15 mm Hg increased basic TI by up to 2.2 omega (+9.5%). TI-computed stroke volume index (SVI) continuously decreased with time up to -12%, -28%, -36%, and -40% at the end of LBNP-15, -35, -55, and -65. TI-computed cardiac index decreased most (-14%) at LBNP-15 and -35, resulting in a 19% increase of calculated total peripheral resistance index at those intensities. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) did not change in any systematic way with lower LBNP levels, but increased +4.7% and +7.4% at the end of LBNP-55 and -65, respectively. Heart rate remained unchanged at LBNP-15, but continuously increased to reach +22%, +42%, and +55% at the end of LBNP-35, -55, and -65. After finishing LBNP, heart rate fell to values below both pre-LBNP and rest control for > or = 5 min (post-LBNP bradycardia). SVI transiently returned to, and MAP increased above, pre-LBNP levels after suction. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, different levels of lower body subatmospheric pressure produced quantitatively different time course and dose-response patterns and remained non-hypotensive up to -65 mm Hg suction. Further, heart rate was depressed after LBNP, while arterial BP and TI-computed total peripheral resistance exceeded pre-stimulus levels, indicating an altered cardiovascular state after 30 min of simulated orthostasis.

Adult↗

Vessel wall calcifications at multi-detector row CT angiography in patients with peripheral arterial disease: effect on clinical utility and clinical predictors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the effect of vessel wall calcifications on the clinical utility of multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography performed in patients with peripheral arterial disease and to identify clinical predictors for the presence of vessel wall calcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the hospital institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. For this study the authors included patients from two randomized controlled trials that measured the costs and effects of diagnostic imaging in patients with peripheral arterial disease. All patients underwent CT angiography and were followed up for 6 months. Clinical utility was measured on the basis of therapeutic confidence (rated on a 10-point scale) in the results of initial CT angiography and the need for additional vascular imaging. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the effect of vessel wall calcifications on the clinical utility of CT angiography and the use of patient characteristics to predict the number of calcified segments at CT angiography. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included (mean age, 64 years; 70% men). The authors found that the number of calcified segments was a significant predictor of the need for additional imaging (P = .001) and of the confidence scores (P < .001). The number of calcified segments discriminated between patients who required additional imaging after CT angiography and those who did not (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.54, 0.77). Age, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac disease were significant predictors of the number of calcified segments in both the univariable and multivariable analyses (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Vessel wall calcifications decrease the clinical utility of CT angiography in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, and elderly age (older than 84 years) are independently predictive for the presence of vessel wall calcifications.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

[A case of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome successfully treated by Tiotropium bromide].

A 48-year-old woman was admitted with dyspnea on effort. She suffered from adult T-cell leukemia and received peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Eight months after the PBSCT, she developed dyspnea on effort and was treated with bronchodilator, inhaled corticosteroid, anti-leukotriene drug, theophylline and oxytropium bromide. However her symptoms progressed and she was admitted. We diagnosed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) because of obstructive pulmonary dysfunction, diffuse patchy high density of the lung field on chest computed tomography and decreased ventilation with peripheral patchy accumulation on ventilation scintigraphy. She was treated with corticosteroid and cyclosporine A and her symptoms and her pulmonary function were improved. However, in parallel with corticosteroid tapering, her symptoms and pulmonary functions worsened. Treatment with Tiotropium bromide was started and her pulmonary function improved significantly. Her pulmonary function did not worsen and tapering steroid dose was successfully achieved. PBSCT was reported to up-regulate the muscarinic receptor activity in lung. Tiotropium bromide might become one additional option for the treatment of BOS.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans↗

Tracheobronchial tree: assessment with volume rendering--technical aspects.

A volume-rendering technique was applied at the level of normal airways. Two spiral computed tomographic data sets (central and peripheral bronchi) were selected to evaluate the influence of the technique parameters. Optimal bronchogram-like images were obtained with a continuous rim of peripheral voxels, a 70% opacity value, and the unshaded algorithm. Volume rendering allows creation of airway reconstructions that are very similar to conventional bronchograms.

Algorithms↗

Cystic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: sonography and CT.

A case of cystic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma is presented. Both sonography and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a large intrahepatic cystic neoplasm containing an enhancing solid portion. Despite the very rare incidence of this tumor, we believe that cystic degeneration of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma should be considered with these radiologic findings.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗