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Biomedical subjects

B Langella

Publications and source records attributed to B Langella.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Short-term follow-up of inferior vena caval filters: comparison of imaging techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the advantages and limitations of various imaging techniques in identifying problems associated with percutaneous placement of filters in the inferior vena cava. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred four vena caval filters (65 Filcard, 39 Cardial) were placed in 100 patients (four patients received two filters). Venacavograms, duplex sonograms of the abdomen, abdominal radiographs, perfusion scans of the lung, and impedance plethysmograms were obtained in all patients within 1-2 days and 3 months after filter placement. CT scans of the filter were obtained in 55 patients. RESULTS: In five patients, thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, with retraction of the filter struts in four patients, was noted on venacavograms, CT scans, duplex sonograms, and impedance plethysmograms. Perforation of the inferior vena cava was noted in 36 patients after comparison of findings on venacavograms and CT scans, with an increase in the filter span in 29 patients (apparent on duplex sonograms in only two patients). Four filter tiltings (> 30 degrees) and 25 migrations (> 5 mm) were noted on abdominal radiographs. Trapped thrombi in the filter were shown on venacavograms in nine cases, but on duplex sonograms and unenhanced CT scans in only two cases. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the major complications of inferior vena caval filters can be detected by noninvasive examinations. Only venacavograms consistently show small trapped thrombi that do not extend above the filter, but the importance of such thrombi is unknown.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Efficacy and tolerance of 2 new percutaneous vena cava filters. A prospective study in 80 patients].

Eighty consecutive patients with an average age of 66.5 +/- 16 years were reviewed 3 and 9 months after implantation of two new percutaneous vena caval filters (Filcard, Cardial) in order to evaluate their efficacy and tolerance. The indications were: a contra-indication to anticoagulants in 19 cases, recurrent pulmonary embolism under anticoagulant therapy in 22 patients, chronic cor pulmonale in 4 patients; finally, in 35 cases, the filter was implanted prophylactically for a "floating" or extensive ilio-caval thrombosis under anticoagulant therapy or in high risk patients: severe cardio-pulmonary failure, malignant disease, massive pulmonary embolism with a contra-indication to fibrinolytic therapy. All implantations were performed by the jugular approach with no local or general complications apart from one pericaval haematoma with a favourable outcome. Cavography and opacification of the renal veins was carried out systematically during implantation. All patients underwent clinical examination, antero-posterior and lateral X rays of the filter, pulmonary scintigraphy, antero-posterior and lateral cavography, a CT scan of the filter, Doppler ultrasonography and rheoplethysmography of the legs 3 months after implantation. At 9 months, clinical examination, abdominal X rays and rheoplethysmography were repeated. There was 100% follow-up at 3 and 9 months. The complications observed at 3 and 9 months were: 5 cases of malposition (6%), 3 recurrent pulmonary emboli (4%), 9 recurrent venous thromboses (13%), 4 vena caval thromboses (5.7%), 7 thrombi caught in the filter (10%), 27 perforations of the vena cava (38%), 3 over 30 degrees tilts of the filter (4%) and 22 migrations (31%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Angiographic and surgical aspects of compressive muscular bridges and intramyocardial paths of the anterior interventricular artery (based on 12 cases).

The authors report 12 cases of myocardial bridges over the anterior interventricular artery discovered surgically. In 5 the compressive myocardial bridges were limited; in 7 the intramyocardial course of the anterior ventricular artery was discovered at operation. Comparison of the operative appearances with the angiographic findings affords a basis for anatomico-radiologic correlation. The authors stress the difference in frequency and significance between the compressive myocardial bridge (an indication for surgery) and the intramyocardial anterior interventricular artery discovered by chance during a procedure for coronary revascularization indicated for stenosing atherosclerotic lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Mid-term outcome of acute right ventricular dysfunction in biventricular myocardial infarction. Hemodynamic and cineangiographic studies].

This study was designed to evaluate the mid-term outcome of the right ventricular (RV) dysfunction which characterizes infarction of both ventricles in the acute phase. Thirteen patients hospitalized for inaugural posterior or infero-posterior infarction extending to the right ventricle (haemodynamic and cineangiographic diagnosis) were explored in the acute phase and 4 months later by right heart catheterization and selective cineangiography of the right ventricle in a 30 degrees RAO projection. The results were compared with those obtained in a control group. Haemodynamically, the RV filling pressures (p less than 0.001) and the indices of RV dysfunction--i.e. RV end-diastolic pressure/RV systolic pressure ratio (p less than 0.001) and right atrial pressure/pulmonary wedge pressure ratio (p less than 0.02)--were significantly decreased between the acute and chronic phases, but they remained pathological compared with those measured in the control group. Angiographically, the right ventricular dysfunction in the acute phase was reflected in an increase of the RV end-systolic volume (p less than 0.02) and a decrease of the RV ejection fraction (p less than 0.01), whereas diastolic cavitary dilatation was inconstant, with mean values of RV end-diastolic volume close to those found in the control group. The systolic dysfunction persisted, unchanged, during the chronic phase. Segmental kinetics of the inferior wall was much reduced in the acute phase (p less than 0.001), this hypokinesia partially regressing in the chronic phase; but in fact there were wide individual variations, and some patients even recovered an almost normal contractility. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was frequent (6/13 cases) in the acute phase and regressed in 2 out of 3 cases in the chronic phase; its presence introduced a degree of bias in the measurement of RV end-systolic volume and RV ejection fraction, with a tendency to underestimate the severity of diastolic dysfunction. To summarize, right ventricular dysfunction was constant but often modest in the acute phase and remained relatively stable at mid-term, whereas segmental kinetics of the inferior wall improved, sometimes dramatically.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Measurement of right ventricular volume by cineangiography. Validation of monoplane analysis compared with biplane].

It is demonstrated that right ventricular volumes can be measured accurately by biplane cineangiography using the Simpson's rule or various area-length methods. In order to validate the single plane approach a biplane (30 degrees RAO-60 degrees LAO) right ventricle (RV) cineangiography was performed in 10 adults investigated for chest pain without coronary artery disease or any other heart disease. RV volumes (EDV: end-diastolic; ESV: end-systolic; SV: stroke volume) and EF (ejection fraction) were measured by biplane and single plane analysis with the same area-length method using the pyramide with triangular base as geometric model (Ferlinz). The results are: RVEDV (ml/m2) biplane (B) 81 +/- 10, monoplane (M) 82 +/- 11; RVESV (ml/m2) B 33 +/- 6, M 35 +/- 8; RVSV (ml/m2) B 48 +/- 8, M 47 +/- 10; RVEF (%) B 59 +/- 6, M 57 +/- 8. Equations of linear regression show the following correlations: RVEDV R = 0.82 p less than 0.01; RVESV R = 0.77 p less than 0.01; RVSV R = 0.92 p less than 0.001; RVEF R = 0.85 p less than 0.01. Authors conclude to a good enough correlation between monoplane and biplane analysis especially for RVSV and RVEF. They underline the great variability of individual values.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Ultrasonographic anatomy and diagnosis of fetal uropathies affecting the upper urinary tract. II. Nonobstructive uropathies.

The authors describe the ultrasonographic anatomy and semiology of allowing detection of the main types of fetal non-obstructive uropathies. The results of the author's personal experience in this domain are compared to data from the literature. Differential features of the uropathies are given and the limitations and practical significance of prenatal and postnatal ultrasonography are discussed.

Female↗
PubMed1986

[Evaluation of coronary lesions in biventricular inferoposterior infarction].

Fifty-two patients with primary transmural infero-posterior infarcts underwent right heart catheterisation on admission to hospital and coronary angiography between the 7th day and 4th month after onset of symptoms. The patients were divided into two groups A (N = 34) with signs of right ventricular dysfunction on admission indicating biventricular infarction, and B (N = 18) without right ventricular dysfunction classified as isolated LV infarction. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to: global and regional LV function; the incidence of single, double and triple vessel disease; the incidence and location of right coronary artery thrombosis; the incidence and location of lesions of the left coronary tree (LCA, LAD, Cx); the extent of coronary disease (Gensini score); the dominant artery (right coronary/circumflex), the frequency and quality of revascularisation of distal vessels. The only significant differences were the higher incidence of severe lesions (90 p. 100) of the right coronary and circumflex arteries and of stenosis of the first large septal branch of the LAD artery in Group A (p less than 0.05). These results show that the indications for coronary angiography in biventricular inferior infarction are no greater than those in mono LV inferior infarction. This supports experimental data on the physiopathology of RV infarction which demonstrates that except in cases of proximal thrombosis of the right coronary artery, the possibilities of revascularisation from the left coronary tree are limited.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Fissuration of post-infarction left ventricular aneurysms. 2 surgically treated cases].

The authors report two cases of fissures of a left ventricular aneurysm diagnosed on the 8th and 21st days following an anterior myocardial infarction. In both cases, the clinical presentation consisted of a new episode of pain associated with a low cardiac output syndrome and adiastole. The diagnosis was confirmed by the simultaneous discovery of a pericardial effusion and a left ventricular aneurysm on echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation. An emergency operation, with circulatory assistance by means of intra-aortic counter-pressure, was performed and the infarcted area was excised. The post-operative course was uncomplicated in one case, but the other patient developed a false aneurysm of the left ventricle, requiring a second operation. The long term results were excellent with a follow-up of 30 months and 12 months respectively.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Ultrasonographic anatomy and physiology of the fetal kidney.

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the impact of ultrasonography in utero to gain a better understanding of the anatomy, growth, anatomical variations and function of the fetal kidney and urinary tract. Three main topics are discussed in this paper based on the authors' personal experience and data from the literature: 1) the technique of ultrasonography in utero, including the main difficulties encountered and limitations of this technique; 2) ultrasonographic study of the morphology, growth and anatomical variations of the fetal kidney. The length of the fetal kidney was found to be the most significant parameter for assessment of its growth. At term, the kidney measures slightly more than 4 cm in length, while the renal pelvis is usually no more than 10 mm thick; 3) current knowledge of the physiology of the fetal urinary apparatus especially the kidney. Excretory function of the kidney begins in the third month of gestation and its main role involves the regulation of the amniotic fluid.

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗
PubMed1985

Ultrasonographic anatomy and diagnosis of fetal uropathies affecting the upper urinary tract. I. Obstructive uropathies.

The authors describe the ultrasonographic anatomy and semiology of allowing detection of the main types of fetal uropathies. The results of the author's personal experience in this domain are compared to data from the literature. Differential features of the uropathies are given and the limitations and practical significance of prenatal and postnatal ultrasonography are discussed.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1985

[Tricuspid insufficiency in biventricular myocardial infarct].

Tricuspid insufficiency (TI) has already been reported as a possible complication of biventricular infarction. However, in the absence of large study groups, this condition is not well known. This paper reports the results of 2 studies: a retrospective study of 91 biventricular infarcts, identified by haemodynamic criteria, and a prospective study of 23 consecutive patients (belonging to the previous group) in whom selective right ventricular cineangiography was performed in the acute phase. The following conclusions were drawn: moderate to severe TI is very common during the first days of infarction (30%/39%); the diagnosis is simple, based on non invasive, very sensitive (89%) and specific (100%) haemodynamic criteria; it is associated with a much more severe clinical and haemodynamic presentation and with a higher mortality in the acute phase (37% vs 6.2% in the global study); the poor prognosis does not persist in the long term; regression is common (2/3 to 3/4 of cases) and angiographic data suggests that it is often related to a transient ischaemic papillary muscle dysfunction. Acute paralysis of the right atrium may also play a major role; the TI remains unchanged only in rare cases and may then be responsible for a chronic right ventricular dysfunction and then raise the question of surgical intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Severe hypoxemia due to a right-to-left shunt at the atrial level caused by an infarction of the right ventricle].

The authors report the case of a biventricular inferior myocardial infarction complicated in the acute phase by massive tricuspid regurgitation and a right-to-left interatrial shunt through a patent foramen ovale; this resulted in severe hypoxaemia. The diagnosis was made by contrast 2D echocardiography which showed ventriculo-atrial regurgitation and the passage of microbubbles from the right to the left atrium leading to opacification of the left ventricule: right heart catheterisation with oxymetry and selective right ventriculography confirmed the diagnosis. The hypoxaemia became less severe as the haemodynamic conditions improved. This is one possible mechanism of severe hypoxaemia in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and should be excluded routinely in this situation as it can have important prognostic and therapeutid implications.

Blood Gas Analysis↗
PubMed1984

[Hemodynamics and M mode echocardiography of the consequences of ventriculo-atrial conduction in the human].

A haemodynamic and M mode echocardiographic study of 57 patients hospitalised for chronic, symptomatic 2nd or 2rd degree AV block was carried out after 3 periods of pacing, each lasting 2 hours : 1) sequential AV pacing ( SAV ) with a 200 ms delay, considered as the mode of reference; 2) sequential ventriculo-atrial pacing ( SVA ) with the same sequential delay, recreating equivalent conditions of 1/1 ventriculo-atrial conduction (VAC); 3) ventricular pacing (V) recreating complete AV dissociation ( CAVD ). The pacing rate was the same for each patient (89 +/- 9/min). In comparison with SAV , SVA caused much worse haemodynamic changes than V : large increases in mean atrial pressures (+161% and +64% in RAP and PCP respectively); "canon" atrial A waves which were poorly tolerated (mean amplitude 14 mmHg and 18 mmHg on the RA and PCP waves respectively); in some cases, a large fall in blood pressure was observed due to the failure of systemic resistances to increase and compensate for the constant decrease in pump function (mean reduction of 23% of cardiac index; 29% of LV work index). These changes are much more pronounced in diseased than in healthy hearts, especially in the presence of mitral or tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography showed the main cause of these haemodynamic changes to be a reduction in ventricular filling with significant reductions in LV systolic and diastolic dimensions, changes in the mitral valve echos (reduction in the opening and closing velocities, delayed closure), probably related to a decrease in transvalvular blood flow, and decreased regional contractility of the interventricular septum. These observations justify an increase in the indications of modes of pacing maintaining permanent atrio-ventricular sequence (VVI pacing at slow rates; AAI pacing, DVI or DDD pacing in cases of abnormal AV conduction with VAC, especially in cases of sick sinus syndrome with permanent bradycardia). These modes of pacing are particularly beneficial when the electrical abnormality is associated with a decompensated cardiac lesion, or with decreased ventricular compliance or mitral regurgitation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Infarction of the right ventricle].

Anatomical studies have confirmed that isolated right ventricular and anterior biventricular infarcts are rare. However, RV extension is found in 36 to 50 per cent of cases of postero-inferior infarcts, which confirms the findings of invasive and non-invasive investigations which detect acute RV dysfunction with the same frequency after this type of infarct. It is difficult to create right ventricular infarction experimentally because of the relative protection against ischaemia of the RV. In man, this condition almost always implies an associated thrombosis of the proximal right coronary artery and significant stenosis of the IVA, which justifies the broad indications for coronary angiography. The two major haemodynamic consequences of right ventricular infarction are due to original pathophysiological mechanisms: the adiastole seems to be due to a limitation of RV dilatation by the pericardium, the reduced output is due to faulty LV filling as a result of RV systolic dysfunction and associated factors such as the absence of efficient and synchronous atrial systole secondary to AVB (60%) or to acute right atrial paralysis. The choice of treatment is based on these pathophysiological data. The diagnosis of infarction of the RV is straightforward, often suggested on clinical examination (RVI syndrome: reduced output in 45% of cases) and the surface E.C.G. (ST-T depression 1 mm in V3R-V4R-V5R). The diagnosis is confirmed by more sophisticated investigations which can evaluate the degree of systolic dysfunction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Echocardiography↗