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Biomedical subjects

A Beltramello

Publications and source records attributed to A Beltramello.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Deep cerebral venous thrombosis and hereditary tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) deficiency.

We describe a patient with defective tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) release who developed internal cerebral vein thrombosis. She recovered completely and, as shown by MRI, favourable outcome was probably related to vascular recanalisation. Other members of the pedigree had a similar fibrinolytic deficiency without clinical manifestations. The use of oral contraceptives may have contributed to the patient's hypercoagulable state.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Double-blind comparison of safety and efficacy of iomeprol and iopamidol in carotid digital subtraction angiography.

Iomeprol is a nonionic monomer which provides injectable formulations with the lowest osmolalities and the lowest viscosities among the currently available low-osmolar radiographic contrast agents of the same category. These favourable physico-chemical characteristics, together with high water solubility and low molecular toxicity, make this agent particularly suitable for carotid angiography, a procedure in which contrast-induced blood-brain barrier damage is maximal. This single-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study aimed at comparing the safety, tolerance and efficacy of 200 mgI/ml solutions of iomeprol and iopamidol in 100 consenting adult inpatients undergoing carotid intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA). Both agents appeared to be safe and well tolerated. Only minor and transient adverse events occurred throughout the study. Electroencephalographic and neurological examinations performed pre- and post-contrast showed no abnormality induced by the test compounds. Vessel opacification was good or excellent in the vast majority of technically adequate examinations. Information provided by the angiographic examination was useful for subsequent patient management in almost all cases. It is concluded that iomeprol-200 and iopamidol-200 are safe and effective contrast media when used for carotid IA-DSA, an examination which proves useful not only for the diagnosis of vascular lesions, but also to best direct the management of patients scheduled for surgery of intracranial tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Hemodynamic effects of preoperative embolization in cerebral arteriovenous malformations: evaluation with transcranial Doppler sonography.

A series of 83 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations is presented. All patients were evaluated with transcranial Doppler sonography. Thirty-two patients were treated with staged embolization and surgery: 19 of these patients were operated on within 4 weeks of the last embolization, and the remaining 13 patients underwent surgery 6 months or more from embolization. Transcranial Doppler sonography performed 1 day after embolization showed a significant (> 60%) reduction of main feeder flow velocity in 72% of patients after the first embolization and in 45% of patients after the second embolization. In no case did such a significant reduction occur after the third embolization. A flow redistribution in the basal vessels (defined as an increase in flow velocity of at least 30% of the initial value) occurred only in patients after the first embolization (64%). On delayed post-embolization studies, complete recovery of flow velocity in the embolized vessel occurred in 46% of patients, and sonographic recruitment of new feeders occurred in the remaining 54%. When main feeder flow velocity (mean) was higher than 120 cm/s after embolization and before surgery, the incidence of postoperative hyperemic complications (cerebral edema and/or intracerebral hematoma) was significantly higher than in patients with a mean flow velocity under 120 cm/s. It is concluded that transcranial Doppler sonography is a valuable method for a noninvasive hemodynamic assessment of shunt flow in arteriovenous malformations, and it permits a physiological monitoring of hemodynamic changes after embolization and allows more precise indications regarding further stages of embolization and timing of surgery after embolization.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Spontaneously healed vein of Galen aneurysms. Clinical radiological features.

Vein of Galen aneurysms demonstrate a high tendency to thrombose, as extensive thrombophlebitis of the dural sinuses and deep venous system occurs frequently. This may be explained by the frequent detection of venous anomalies and retention of embryonic venous patterns such as the median prosencephalic vein. Twenty-one cases were reviewed (19 from the literature, 2 of our own cases): no typical syndrome for thrombosed aneurysm of the vein of Galen could be found; therefore, a preliminary diagnosis of clotted vein of Galen aneurysm was made in only half the cases. In all the remaining ones, pineal or III ventricle masses were suspected. Nevertheless, crescentic rimlike calcifications in the region of the vein of Galen can be found in 50% of cases. Only in half of the cases did angiography demonstrate the malformation filled by contrast medium, while in the remaining cases not only the aneurysm but also the deep Galenic venous system failed to opacify. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans demonstrated masses with high density/intensity values, with varying degrees of calcification. Knowledge of this pathological entity is important in order to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Cerebral cavernous malformations (cavernomas) in the pediatric age-group.

Cavernomas are vascular malformations composed of a compact mass of sinusoidal-type vessels that are immediately contiguous with one another and have no intervening parenchyma. Cavernous malformations were previously held to be a rare pathology occurring predominantly in adults. New neuroradiological techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrate, on the contrary, that these lesions are also more frequent during childhood than was previously thought. In our institution we observed 17 cases of cavernous malformations in patients aged between 18 months and 16 years, 16 of whom were diagnosed after 1982. In 4 of these cases there was a documented familial history; in 2 multiple malformations were present. The most common site was the subcortical frontal region, but in 1 case the malformation was located in the pineal region. The most frequent (in 12 cases) initial symptom was hemorrhage, with the characteristics of an intracerebral hematoma. In 4 cases the initial symptom consisted of epileptic fits and 2 of these patients subsequently suffered hemorrhage. In one case the symptoms observed were those of an expansile process. All our patients underwent cerebral angiography and only in 1 case did this show a vascular abnormality. CT, performed in 16 patients, gave positive results in all cases. MRI, performed in 12 patients, gave highly significant images in all cases. Radical surgical removal of the malformation was performed in 15 of the 17 patients, and the results can be considered excellent in the majority of cases. Cavernous malformations are, therefore, more frequent lesions than had previously been thought, especially in pediatric patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Irreversible respiratory failure in an achondroplastic child: the importance of an early cervicomedullary decompression, and a review of the literature.

The authors report the case of a girl with achondroplasia suffering from a progressively worsening hypotonic quadriparesis. CT scan showed slight dilatation of ventricular and subarachnoid spaces, with well-defined evidence of cortical sulci and gyri. This aspect was compatible with the diagnosis of macrocrania and megalencephaly (CP being 51 cm). The foramen magnum was narrowed, the transverse diameter measuring 15 mm and the 50th percentile being, for age, 26 mm. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) revealed bilaterally prolonged interpeak latencies Erb-N13, slowing of central conduction time N13-N20 from right median nerve stimulation, and block from left median nerve. The suspicion of cervicomedullary compression was confirmed by MRI, showing a very marked stenosis with compression exerted by the odontoid process. Further, a stenotic cervical canal and optic nerves verticalization were manifest. The patient underwent neurosurgical decompression by suboccipital craniectomy and cervical-C1 laminectomy. In spite of treatment, both neurologic and respiratory problems (rapid, shallow and almost abdominal breathing) were unchanged. The girl died 4 1/2 months later. The authors emphasize the important role of SEPs in detection of cervicomedullary compression in achondroplastic children and also stress the necessity of an early surgical treatment as the only condition for possible clinical improvement and/or full recovery.

Achondroplasia↗
PubMed1991

Treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with a combination of preoperative embolization and surgery.

Forty-nine patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were treated with preoperative embolization followed by resection using a microsurgical approach. In 27 patients, the AVM was located in an eloquent area; in 32 patients, the volume of the AVM was over 20 cm3. Preoperatively, flow-directed embolization was performed in 10 patients (28 procedures), selective embolization with threads was performed in 35 patients (46 procedures), and a combination of flow-directed and selective embolization was performed in 4 patients (12 procedures). The percentage of reduction of the AVM volume averaged 36% after embolization. Five minor complications (transient neurological deficits, in 2 cases associated with ischemic areas on the CT scan) were observed after embolization. The interval between the last embolization and surgery was as follows: within 10 days in 7 patients; between 11 and 20 days in 3 patients; between 21 and 30 days in 10 patients; between 31 and 60 days in 11 patients; and 2 months later in 18 patients. The efficacy of this combined treatment (embolization plus surgery) was evaluated by the incidence of hyperemic complications and the clinical outcome. Hyperemic complications occurred more frequently in patients with an AVM volume greater than 20 cm3. When compared with flow-directed embolization, selective embolization was linked with decreased bleeding during surgery; postoperatively, the incidence of cerebral edema was also lower. Clinical outcome was better after selective embolization, with no occurrence of major deficits and no mortality. When the percentage of reduction of the AVM volume after embolization was 40% or more, the incidence of intraoperative hyperemic complications was lower; moreover, new permanent deficits were never observed in patients with this volume reduction. A retrospective clinical comparison of two groups of patients with similar AVM volumes (greater than 20 cm3)--those given combined treatment (n = 32) versus those treated by direct surgery alone (n = 27)--showed that intraoperative bleeding appeared to decrease in patients treated by embolization; the incidence of postoperative hyperemic complications was not different in the two groups. New major deficits and deaths were less frequent in patients treated by embolization (P = 0.05 for the incidence of major deficits); postoperative epilepsy was also less common in these patients. In conclusion, combined treatment with selective preoperative embolization and direct surgery may help the neurosurgeon in the treatment of large, high-flow AVMs, reducing the risks connected with their surgical removal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Interventional angiography in neuropediatrics.

Since the introduction of non-invasive imaging techniques (CT, US, MRI), superselective cerebrospinal angiography has been playing a major role as a diagnostic tool as well as a therapeutic procedure prior to surgery or as an alternative. Surgical neuroangiography is now also a well-established therapeutic technique in neuropediatrics. Lesions fed by the external carotid artery and spinal cord lesions are the main indications. The first group consists of maxillofacial vascular malformations, nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, and vascularized tumors of the facioorbital area (hemangiopericytoma, angiosarcoma ...). Spinal lesions for which embolization can be considered are benign tumors of the vertebral column (vertebral hemangioma, aneurysmal bone cyst ...) and vascular malformations intrinsic to the spinal cord. Particles (Ivalon, dura) are the safest embolization materials and have a wide range of possible applications; glues such as IBC have defined but limited indications. Digital subtraction angiography is crucial during the procedure and in determining the overall doses of contrast medium to be administered. Furthermore, decisions can be made more rapidly and precisely, with a definite improvement in the therapeutic results.

Angiography↗
PubMed1988

Italian cooperative study on giant intracranial aneurysms: 2. Radiological data.

240 patients with giant aneurysms admitted to 10 Italian centres were evaluated regarding radiological features and relationships to the outcome. Visualization of the aneurysm without contrast was obtained on CT scan in 49% of patients with aneurysms between 2 and 2.5 cm in diameter (A 1 group) and in 80% of patients with larger aneurysms (A 2 group). Contrast enhancement was homogeneous in 49% of patients, not homogeneous--with central or peripheral hypodensity--in 47% of patients, absent in 4% of patients. Ventricular shift was present in 17% of A 1 patients and in 36% of A 2 patients. Hypodense areas were observed in 12% of cases, and calcifications in 19% of cases; bone erosions were rare. On angiography, the most common aneurysmal locations were the intracavernous carotid (21% of cases) and the middle cerebral artery (23% of cases). A neck could be identified on angiography in only 14% of patients, and stenosis of afferent vessel in 16% of patients. Vasospasm was rarely observed on angiography (17% of A 1 and 10% of A 2 patients). Aneurysmal thrombosis (partial, subtotal or total) was present in 48% of A 1 and 76% of A 2 patients (p less than 0.001); partial peripheral thrombosis was most commonly observed (one half of cases). Round or oval shapes were most commonly observed, while fusiform, irregular, serpentine or doughnut shapes were rare. A few clinical/radiological relations were considered, such as the relation between partial thrombosis and haemorrhage, symptoms of expanding mass lesion, ischaemic episodes, aneurysmal location.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Spontaneous arterio-venous fistulae of the vertebral artery. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Spontaneous arterio-venous fistulae of the vertebral artery are rare. These lesions mainly affect the upper cervical area, and are usually asymptomatic, or may present as small, often pulsatile, cervical masses with vascular murmurs. The authors report on two cases in which the presumptive diagnosis, suggested by venous digital subtraction angiography, was then confirmed by selective angiography. In both cases an intravascular approach with detachable balloons and particulate substances was carried out, with good anatomical and functional results. Problems related to diagnosis, pathophysiology of symptoms, indications for treatment and embolization techniques are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Cystic meningiomas--an update.

Eighteen unusual cases of intracranial meningioma associated with a cyst are considered. Three patients were operated upon before the introduction of computed tomography scanning, and the discovery of a peritumoral cyst was unexpected. Among 15 patients studied with computed tomography, 8 had a peritumoral cyst, 6 had an intratumoral cyst, and 1 had a totally cystic meningioma (hypodense on computed tomography). Computed tomography permitted a correct preoperative diagnosis only in four cases. In six additional cases diagnosis was reached by selective angiographic studies. In the remaining cases diagnosis was impossible or incorrect. Different pathogenetic mechanisms underlie different radiologic patterns. The authors comment on the complex processes that lead to cyst formation in meningiomas and stress the necessity of an accurate preoperative study to avoid misdiagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Is computed tomography really effective in the early detection of brain tumors? A cooperative study.

A cooperative study based on 1,112 patients was undertaken in order to ascertain whether computed tomography (CT) allows earlier diagnosis of brain tumors or not. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In the first group (pre-CT period; 552 patients) diagnosis was made without CT, in the second (CT period; 560 patients) with CT. Duration of symptoms, assumed as the interval between onset and definite diagnosis, was the main parameter considered. The most relevant results were: a) during the CT period a significant decrease in duration of symptoms before diagnosis was observed for meningiomas (from 21 to 13 months) and low-grade gliomas (from 16 to 9 months), while no significant change was recorded for high-grade tumors (from 4.6 to 3.5 months); b) during the CT period the figure for benign tumors operated upon rose to 44 per cent (pre-CT: 25%) balanced by a marked decrease in surgery for malignancies (from 43% to 23%); c) better indications for surgery were associated with a significant reduction in cases operated upon during the CT period (72% versus 79%, p less than 0.01).

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

Iopamidol 150. A low iodine content non-ionic water-soluble contrast medium for CT myelocisternography.

Results of a clinical trial in CT myelocisternography performed with a new reduced concentration of iopamidol (150 mg I/ml) are reported. This compound is characterized by very low osmolality and osmotic pressure close to those of blood and CSF. Thirty patients were examined. Before, during and after the procedure pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded, EEG was taken and neurologic examination performed. After the examination no alteration in these parameters was recorded. The demonstration of the subarachnoid space and related structures was invariably adequate for diagnosis. In no case was a repeat study using a higher concentration of contrast medium needed. Mild reactions occurred only in three patients (10%). The authors conclude that iopamidol 150, owing to its safety and good imaging capacity, is useful in CT imaging of the subarachnoid space.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

[Role of digital intravenous angiography in the study of reversible cerebral ischemia].

The brachiocephalic, carotid, vertebral and intra-cranial vessels of 497 patients presenting reversible ischemic attacks (R.I.A.) were evaluated with venous digital subtraction angiography (V.D.S.A.). Alterations of the vascular wall were observed in 289/497 (58.2%) patients, of whom 60% presented multiple locations (539 lesions): obstruction (12%), stenosis greater than 50% (29%), stenosis less than 50% (49.8%), kinking (9%), aneurysm (0.2%). An ulcerating arteriosclerotic plaque was observed in 24.6% of the stenoses less than 50% and in 48% of the stenoses greater than 50%. The incidence of vascular lesions was higher (p less than 0.01) in patients with multiple R.I.A. (66.6%) than in those with one isolated R.I.A. (55.6%). Among the patients (207/497) studied also with cerebral computed tomography (C.T.) no relationship could be defined between the extra-cranial vascular lesions demonstrated by V.D.S.A. and the cerebral alterations shown by C.T. Among the patients (64/497) studied also with high frequency ultrasonography (U.S.), the lesion shown by V.D.S.A. could be also demonstrated by U.S. in 84.8% of cases. The personal flow-chart in the study of R.I.A. is described emphasizing the primary role played by V.D.S.A. as well as the complementary role of the other techniques, both non invasive (U.S., C.T.) and invasive (conventional or digital subtraction angiography).

Angiography↗