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Biomedical subjects

C A Dobry

Publications and source records attributed to C A Dobry.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Evaluation of elastase and antielastase balance in patients with chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.

On the basis of the "protease-antiprotease imbalance" theory for the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, we hypothesized that measurement of elastase burden and antielastase capacity in the alveolar space might correlate with emphysema. To evaluate this, the severity of emphysema, the elastase burden, and the elastase inhibitory capacity were estimated in 28 patients with chronic bronchitis and variable degrees of emphysema, none of whom had congenital deficiency of alpha-1-protease inhibitor, and all of whom underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. Emphysema was assessed by both computed tomography and diffusing capacity. To examine "elastase burden," elastase:alpha-1-protease inhibitor complex and free elastase activity in alveolar lavage fluids were measured. To evaluate "antielastase" capacity, elastase inhibiting capacity in alveolar lavage fluid was measured. Elastase burden correlated directly and antielastase capacity correlated inversely with emphysema. These data provide direct support for the "protease-antiprotease imbalance" theory of emphysema in a group of smokers without congenital deficiency of alpha-1-protease inhibitor.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Artifacts and diagnostic pitfalls on magnetic resonance imaging: a clinical review.

High field MRI of the brain occasionally exhibits imaging artifacts; most artifacts are obvious and easily recognized, but some are subtle and mimic disease. A thorough understanding of brain MRI artifacts is important to avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls. Some imaging techniques or procedures could be utilized to remove or identify artifacts. These include additional projections, different pulse sequence, and 90 degree shift of phase-encoding gradient. The use of respiratory gating or cardiac gating may also improve image quality by reducing some of the motion-related artifacts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Bronchoalveolar lavage: radiographic manifestations.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a safe and well-tolerated procedure in which the lower respiratory tract is sampled through infusion and subsequent aspiration of sterile saline solution. To determine the radiographic changes consequent to this procedure, 25 patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy and BAL were evaluated prospectively. After lavage, anteroposterior radiographs were obtained immediately and after 30, 90, and 240 minutes, and 24 hours. The degree and site of opacification on the radiographs was graded on a 4+ subjective scale. Sixty-nine lobes were lavaged, but owing to overlap on the radiographs, 52 projected areas were evaluable for radiographic changes. Forty-seven areas of consolidation were identified on the radiographs obtained immediately after lavage. Consolidation was homogeneous and always corresponded to a projected site of lavage. There was a positive correlation between initial opacity on the radiograph and the volume of retained fluid (rs = .60, P less than .001). Consolidation cleared gradually over 24 hours. No patient had clinical pneumonitis. These benign, self-limited radiographic changes are common after BAL and may simulate pulmonary edema, aspiration, or hemorrhage.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1985

Artifacts and pitfalls of high-resolution CT scans.

Artifacts on CT images have been observed since the introduction of CT scanners. Some artifacts have been corrected with the improvement of technology and better understanding of the image formation and reconstruction algorithms. Some artifacts, however, are still observable in state-of-the-art high-resolution scans. Many investigations on CT artifacts have been reported. Some artifacts are obvious and some are similar to patterns commonly associated with pathological conditions. The present report summarizes some of the causes of artifacts and presents some artifacts that mimic pathology on clinical scans of the head and spine. It is the intention of this report to bring these artifacts and potential pitfalls to the attention of the radiologists so that misinterpretation can be avoided.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed1983

Clinical signs of normal plasma volume expansion during pregnancy.

A majority of cases of pregnancy complications are associated with a relative maternal hypovolemia. The records of 200 pregnant women who had had plasma volume determinations were reviewed in hopes of finding indicators of relative maternal hypovolemia other than the pregnancy complication itself. The signs of relative hypovolemia in pregnant women include those of decreased uterine growth, absence of a maternal systolic flow murmur, and absence of significant dependent ankle edema. Laboratory tests indicative of maternal hypovolemia include failure to develop a decline in maternal hematocrit, serum blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio greater than 15, a decreased creatinine clearance, abnormal platelet function, elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, ultrasonic evidence of oligohydramnios and/or decreased maternal heart size, and absence of hypervolemia on chest x-ray film. These findings and tests are only relative indicators of maternal hypovolemia, and it is suggested that, for an accurate defining of pregnant women who are at risk, the actual plasma volume determination has to be performed frequently in the pregnant population.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗