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Biomedical subjects

A Sirinelli

Publications and source records attributed to A Sirinelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Giant oscillations of electron temperature during steady-state operation on Tore Supra.

During fully noninductively driven discharges in the Tore Supra tokamak, large spontaneous oscillations of the core electron temperature (DeltaTe/Te>50%) have been observed for the first time. They occurred during the standard O regime, which is itself characterized by periodic oscillations of much smaller amplitude. The "giant" oscillations appear to involve distinct mechanisms with respect to the O regime and provide a spectacular example of the complex nonlinear interactions between energy confinement, noninductive current sources, and MHD that may occur in a tokamak plasma during steady-state operation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

[Epstein-Barr virus-associated cutaneous plasmacytoma post-solid organ transplantation].

BACKGROUND: Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders develop in 1 to 10p. 100 of organ transplant recipients and are frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Among post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, plasmacytoma with cutaneous involvement is exceptional. Association with EBV has been rarely reported in post-transplantation plasmacytomas and the latency type of EBV has never been characterized. We report 2 new cases of cutaneous monotype EBV-related plasmacytomas. CASE-REPORTS: Clinical presentation was a sub-cutaneous tumor on the thigh in the first case and an ulcerated nodule of the leg in the second case, occurring respectively 7 and 8 years after organ transplantation (liver transplantation and heart transplantation). In both lesions, tumor cells exhibited lambda light chain restriction and the association with EBV was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The expression of EBV genes in tumor cells demonstrated type III latency. DISCUSSION: The classification of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders is not well defined and some authors retain 3 categories. Among the latter, plasmacytomas have been rarely described. Cutaneous involvement is reported in 4 cases and an association with EBV in only 2 cases without description of viral latency. Clinical and histological features of post-transplantation plasmacytomas appear polymorphic. We report EBV-association in both cases, with a type III latency clearly demonstrated in one case, as has been reported in other lymphoproliferative diseases in patients with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. We also discuss various possible therapeutic strategies for post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infections↗
PubMed2004

[Twelve years' experience with Carbomedics bileaflet valves].

The authors report long-term results of a cohort of patients who underwent valve replacement with a Carbomedics bileaflet mechanical prosthesis. The influence of patient age on the results was examined. Three hundred and ninety patients were operated between 1988 and 2000. Complete follow-up was available in 98.5% of cases. For aortic valve replacement, the total experience was 1,061 person-years. The hospital mortality was 2.3%. Global actuarial 12 year survival was 74 +/- 7%. The actuarial probability of absence of thrombo-embolic complications at 12 years was 95 +/- 3%, and of absence of haemorrhagic complications 89 +/- 4%. For mitral valve replacement, the total experience was 610 person-years. The hospital mortality was 3.4%. The global actuarial 12 year survival was 78 +/- 5%. The actuarial probability of absence of thrombo-embolic complications at 12 years was 79 +/- 9% and of absence of haemorrhagic complications 82 +/- 5%. The results of survival and prosthesis-related complications were comparable to those reported in the literature with second generation mechanical prostheses, with the exception of thromboses of the mitral valve for which a higher linear rate was observed. Multivariate analysis showed an increased (x 2.3) risk of haemorrhage after 60 years of age irrespective of the site of implantation of the prosthesis. In patients over 60 years of age, the risks of long-term anticoagulant therapy should raise questions concerning the modality of follow-up and the indications. The use of biological prostheses is a possible alternative.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed2001

[Secondary displacement of an Amplatz occluder for atrial septal defect. 2 case reports].

The authors report two cases of secondary displacement of an Amplatz occluder of isolated ostium secundum atrial septal defects. The displacement was observed at 1 month and the prosthesis removed at 3 months. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first two reported cases of secondary displacement of this type of device. The main risk factor in the two cases was the absence of a subaortic septal remnant observed at surgical removal. This anatomical characteristic can be identified by transoesophageal echocardiography, but was poorly assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography should improve selection of atrial septal defects suitable for percutaneous treatment by better identification of their form and anatomical characteristics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Localization of the ventricular preexcitation site in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with Doppler tissue imaging.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) to localize the ventricular emergence site of accessory atrioventricular pathways (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome). METHODS: Thirty-three patients were studied prospectively by Doppler tissue imaging (128XP and Sequoia 256 echocardiographic systems; Acuson, Mountain View, Calif) before investigation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and after radiofrequency ablation of the accessory pathways. The normal appearance of the ventricular contractions was defined in a group of 10 control subjects. The preexcitation zone was determined as a zone of maximum acceleration in "DTI acceleration mode" or as a coded contraction zone in "DTI velocity mode," at the time of the delta wave or before the onset of the QRS complex. RESULTS: The earliest ventricular activation site was correctly localized for 12 of the 15 left-sided pathways (8 anterior or anterolateral, 2 lateral or posterolateral, 2 inferior). When wall motion abnormalities were detected in the left ventricle by DTI, the left-sided localization was confirmed by electrophysiologic exploration. For the right-sided pathways, the localization was correct in only 4 of 11 cases (3 posteroseptal and 1 anterolateral). After effective ablation in all patients, the abnormalities corresponding to the electrophysiologic data disappeared totally in only 11 of 16 patients. CONCLUSION: In the presence of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, DTI localizes contraction abnormalities associated with early activation of a part of the ventricle. However, the interpretation of the images remains difficult because the normal coding of the contraction of the ventricular walls depends on the incidence for which they are investigated. This noninvasive examination seems to be an effective tool for localizing the left-sided accessory pathways of the left ventricle, in particular in the anterior, anterolateral, or inferior walls.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Diagnostic value of stress echocardiography under dobutamine and myocardial scintigraphy for restenosis at 6 months after angioplasty of the left anterior descending artery].

This study compared prospectively the diagnostic value of dobutamine echocardiography and exercise myocardial scintigraphy for restenosis at 6 months after angioplasty of the left anterior descending artery. Forty-one patients aged 58 +/- 10 years, admitted to hospital for myocardium infarction (N = 22) or unstable angina (N = 19), with single vessel disease, were treated by angioplasty of one lesion of the left anterior descending artery after initial evaluation of the left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiography. At 6 months, left ventricular function was reassessed by echocardiography, dobutamine echocardiography and exercise myocardial scintigraphy (Thallium 201) performed without treatment. Coronary angiography was performed at the same time and showed 8 restenosis (19.5%). Overall, in this series, dobutamine echo and scintigraphy had respectively a sensitivity of 37.5% and 75%, and a specificity of 97% and 70% (p < 0.02). Nine patients had left ventricular dysfunction unchanged compared with the initial measurement without viability in the territory of the left anterior descending artery with low dose dobutamine (group 1); thirty-two patients had improved or normal left ventricular ejection fraction with myocardial viability (group 2). In group 1, no cases of restenosis were detected by dobutamine echocardiography but_of them had myocardial scintigraphic evidence of ischaemia. In group 2, the sensitivity of the two techniques was comparable but dobutamine echo was more specific than scintigraphy (96 versus 75%, p = 0.03). In conclusion, dobutamine echocardiography may be indicated in the diagnosis of restenosis of the left anterior descending artery and in cases of viability in its territory. In its absence, myocardial scintigraphy seems to be preferable.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Comparative study of post-infarction myocardial viability after fibrinolysis by stress tomoscintigraphy and echography: can viability be detected without ischemia?].

The objectives of this prospective study was to define the comparative ability of stress myocardial scintigraphy and dobutamine stress echocardiography to demonstrate post-MI myocardial viability, assessed on the functional recovery in terms of improvement of global and segmental kinetics by cardiac gamma-angiography after revascularization. 18 patients (11 anterior MI, 7 lateral or inferior MI) and 162 segments were analysed semiquantitatively. All patients with persistent significant stenosis underwent secondary revascularization of the artery responsible for myocardial infarction. The prevalence of viability was high, as only 34% of segments initially presented a segmental kinetic abnormality and contraction was improved at 6 months in 54% of cases. Stress scintigraphy and dobutamine echocardiography detected viability with a sensitivity of 96% and 70%, a specificity of 88% and 82%, a positive predictive value of 89% and 77% and a negative predictive value of 95% and 76%, respectively. Only the wall score index with low-dose dobutamine was correlated with the ejection fraction at 6 months. Stress echocardiography is a more reliable predictor of the degree of functional recovery after revascularization. Scintigraphy visualizes much more extensive abnormalities than echocardiography. This often corresponds to ischaemic territories with normal contraction under baseline conditions and low doses of dobutamine. It therefore seems preferable both examinations for optimal assessment of thrombolized patients following myocardial infarction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Influence of age on valve related events with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis.

UNLABELLED: Age is the most important factor for the durability of biological valves. With an original design the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve showed improved results at 10 years. The influence of age on valve related complications is studied with a 10 year follow up on 807 valvular replacements. METHODS: Between January 1984 and December 1993, 807 patients underwent valve replacements with a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis. Patients, 193 were younger than 60 years, 284 between 60 and 70 years and 330 patients were older than 70 years. All patients but seven were followed up for an average of 4.18 years after their operation and total follow up was 3373 patient years. Patients were divided into three groups of age: group I, less than 60 years; group II, 60-70 years; group III, over 70 years. A retrospective comparison was made between age groups. RESULTS: At 11 years, valve related complications included 97 patients with 27 valve related deaths. Rates of valve related death increase with age linearized rate were 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2%, respectively. No difference was observed for rates of all valve related morbidity: 2.6, 2.4 and 3.5%, respectively. Risk of thromboembolism increased with age, linearized rates were: 0.3, 0.7 and 1.3%. Risk of deterioration and reoperation decreased with age, rates of deterioration were 0.8, 0.1 and 0%. Other valve related events had the same incidence in all groups. No statistical difference was observed between group II and group III for deteriorations and reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve is the same at 10 years in group II and III. This study supports the clinical use of this tissue valve in patients over 60 years. The results in group I are satisfactory, nevertheless, a more durable biological valve is needed for young patients.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1997

[Intermediary results with the CarboMedics bileaflet valvular prosthesis].

From December 1988 to December 1995, 212 patients underwent valve replacement with a CarboMedics bileaflet valve in our institution (103 aortic valve replacements, 72 mitral valve replacements, and 37 double valve replacements). Fifty-five percent were male patients. Mean age was 53.8 +/- 12.7 years. Forty seven percent of patients were in NYHA clinical status III or IV. Operative mortality was 3.7% (8/212). All patients but eight were followed-up for an average of 2.9 years after their operation and total follow-up was 617 patient-years. At the time of the study, more than 90% of patients were in NYHA class I or II, 26% were in atrial fibrillation and 100% of patients received anticoagulation treatment. There were 15 late deaths. After 7 years, the actuarial survival rate was 84 +/- 7%. Three patients died of valve-related causes. Valve-related complications included 5 thromboembolic episodes (0.8% patient-year), 18 anticoagulant-related complications (2.9% patient-years), 3 endocarditis (0.5% patient-year), and 4 reoperations (0.6% patient-year). After 7 years, freedom from thrombo-embolic complication was 97 +/- 2%, from anticoagulant-related complications was 88 +/- 6%, from endocarditis was 96 +/- 4%, and from reoperation was 95 +/- 5%. We conclude that the 7-year results compare with other bileaflet valves. More follow-up and larger studies are mandated to give definite conclusions.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1997

[Paradoxical embolism and thrombosis trapped in the foramen ovale. Role of transesophageal echocardiography].

The authors report a case of paradoxical embolism presenting with syncope and a transient cerebrovascular accident. A large thrombus was observed entrapped in the foramen ovale during transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed at transoesophageal echocardiography. Despite the recent cerebrovascular event surgery was successfully performed. This clinical situation, and a review of the literature illustrate the diagnostic value of transoesophageal echocardiography, the finding of an intra-atrial thrombus being a possible surgical indication when the clinical context is favourable.

Echocardiography, Transesophageal↗
PubMed1997

[Echocardiographic Doppler study of left ventricular filling in the diagnosis of minimal or moderate rejection in cardiac transplantation].

The study of left ventricular filling by Doppler echocardiography may be a non-invasive diagnostic method of detection of acute rejection of cardiac transplants. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the method for diagnosis of minimal to moderate rejection (grades 1 to 3 of the Billingham classification). A total of 466 Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed in 23 cardiac transplantation patients (21 men, mean age 49.3 +/- 10 years) with endomyocardial biopsy as the reference method for the diagnosis of rejection. Over a follow-up period of 18.5 +/- 10 months, 22.7% of biopsies showed minimal or moderate rejection. The Doppler measurements of the isovolumic relaxation period and peak early diastolic (E) velocity with respect to the mitral velocity-time integral were no different in cases of acute rejection. The only difference observed was in the mitral half-pressure time which was much shorter in cases of rejection. However, after drawing a ROC graph, the accuracy of this parameter was insufficient for diagnosing rejection irrespective of the threshold of variation considered (23% sensitivity for a 20% shortening and 36% sensitivity for a 10% shortening). The authors conclude that Doppler echocardiographic study of left ventricular filling is of limited value for the diagnosis of acute minimal or moderate rejection in cardiac transplant patients. The half-pressure time may be a useful complement to endomyocardial biopsy or when biopsy investigations are performed less frequently.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Pericardial valves in small aortic annuli: ten years' results.

OBJECTIVE: The first generation of pericardial valves was withdrawn from the market because of too high a rate of premature failure. With an original design, the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve promised improved results, especially in small sizes. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent an isolated aortic valve replacement with a 19 mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in our institution between July 1984 and December 1993 were followed up. The mean age was 72.2 +/- 10.1 years. Fifty percent of the patients were in NYHA clinical status III or IV. The operative mortality rate was 3.7% (3/90). All patients were followed up for an average of 4.45 years after their operation and the total follow-up was 398 patient-years. RESULTS: At this time of the study, over 80% of the patients are in NYHA class I or II. There were nine late deaths. After 10 years the actuarial survival rate was 80 +/- 12%. Three patients died of valve-related causes (1 endocarditis, 1 structural failure and 1 sudden death). The actuarial rate of freedom from valve-related death was 93 +/- 6% at 10 years. Valve-related complications included two thromboembolic episodes (0.5% patient-year), one endocarditis (0.3% patient-year), one reoperation (0.3% patient-year) and one structural valve failure with calcification and stenosis (0.3% patient-year). After 10 years, freedom from reoperation was 99 +/- 1%, from valve failure 98 +/- 2%, from thromboembolic episodes 95 +/- 4% and from endocarditis 98 +/- 2%. The mean gradient was 18.8 mmHg and mean effective orifice area 1.1 cm2. CONCLUSIONS: With a low rate of valve-related events at 10 years and a low rate of structural deterioration with no leaflet tear, this prosthesis is a reliable alternative for small aortic annuli.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[A rare cause of pure isolated chronic aortic insufficiency: congenital quadricuspid aortic valve. Apropos of 2 cases].

The authors report two new cases of congenital quadricuspid aortic valve complicated by pure, severe, chronic, aortic regurgitation. This abnormality was diagnosed fortuitously at transoesophageal echocardiography in one case and at aortography in the other, and confirmed at surgery. This congenital abnormality was associated with superior displacement of the left coronary ostium.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Transesophageal echography and systemic ischemic incidences: 235 cases].

From the first of June 90 to the thirty first of January 94, transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 235 consecutive patients (mean age 56+/-16 years), presenting either with cerebral ischemic event (n = 202) or a peripheral arterial embolism (n = 33). All patients had normal echocardiographic and Doppler examinations of the carotid arteries, and transthoracic echocardiography did not show any possible cardiac origin for stroke. Ninety seven patients (41.2%) had documented cardiac disease and/or atrial fibrillation (group 1); 138 patients (58.8%) had no previous cardiovascular history (group 2). Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a possible embolic source in 65.9% of cases (group 1) compared with 29.7% of cases in group 2 (p < 0.001). Intracavitary thrombus and spontaneous contrast in the left atrium were detected only in group 1 (21.6% vs 0%, p < 0.001 and 24.7% vs 0%, p < 0.001 respectively). Patent foramen ovale was more frequent in group 2: 14.5% of cases vs 4.1% of cases, p < 0.01. There was no significant difference between atheromatous aortic plaques and interatrial septam aneurysm incidence in the two groups. Patent foramen ovale and interatrial septal aneurysm were more frequent in group 2: 85% of cases vs 10% of cases in group 1. Transesophageal echocardiography contributes more in patients with a history of cardiac disease. In patients without cardiac disease, patient with foramen ovale and interatrial septal aneurysm were mainly detected: their association represented a risk factor of cerebral ischemic event. Therefore transesophageal echocardiography should be performed in young patients or in case of recurrent event.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Aortic valve replacement with pericardial bioprosthesis in patients under 60 years of age. Experience over 10 years].

Between July 1984 and December 1993. 110 patients, younger than 60 years, underwent aortic valve replacement with a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve. 75.5% were male, with a mean age of 49.6 years (range: 16 to 59 years). Mean clinical status was 2.25. Operative mortality was 0%. All patients but 3 were followed up with a total follow-up of 454 patient-years and an average of 4.8 years. The 10-year actuarial survival is 91 +/- 6%. We observed 8 valve-related complications (1.7% patient-years): 3 cases of endocarditis, 3 structural failures, 1 thromboembolic event, and 1 perivalvular leak. 1 patient died from a valve-related cause, and 2 reoperations were necessary. The 8-year actuarial probability of absence of valve-related death is 99 +/- 1%, thromboembolism 98 +/- 2%, endocarditis 96 +/- 4%; reoperations 96 +/- 4%, and valve failure 97 +/- 3%. The 10-year valve-related complication rate is satisfactory, but the durability of the prosthesis in this group of young patients remains unknown. A longer follow-up is mandatory to draw definitive conclusions.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1995

[Surgery of valve replacement with pericardial prosthesis].

The ideal artificial heart valve still does not exist among the various cardiac valves available to the clinician. Morbidity and mortality are directly related to the valve itself. Despite the promising hemodynamic results obtained in the 70s with pericardial prosthesis, these valves were progressively abandoned due to their poor long-term resistance. Based on an analysis of the causes of failures, modifications were made in the manufacturing method and current results with pericardial valves has greatly improved, inciting new interest in their clinical use. Today, the pericardium is recognized as a valid substitution material for bioprostheses. Results of long-term series should confirm current studies. Research is under way to determine how to improve pericardium longevity since tissue deterioration remains the limiting factor.

Bioprosthesis↗