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F Calzolari

Publications and source records attributed to F Calzolari.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Isolated adrenal metastasis: the role of laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Solitary adrenal metastases (AM) are rare and their management unclear. Surgery, especially laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), is debatable in the management of AM. This retrospective study analysed the feasibility and the results of LA for AM. METHODS: From 1997 to 2003, 16 patients underwent LA for isolated AM. Completeness of resection, postoperative morbidity and follow-up (FU) were recorded. RESULTS: There were 10 synchronous AM and 6 metachronous AM. Primary tumours included lung cancer (n = 9), melanoma (n = 3), mesothelioma (n = 1), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1), colonic adenocarcinoma (n = 1) and renal cell carcinoma (n = 1). Five patients required conversion to an open procedure. Minor complications occurred in three patients. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of AM. Mean tumour size was 60 (range: 15-110) mm. Nine patients (56%) had complete resections, 3 had positive margins and 4 had incomplete macroscopic resections. Mean observed FU was 25 (range: 1-68) months. Median overall calculated survival was 23 months. Overall 5-year survival was 33% (Kaplan-Meyer). At the end of study, 8 patients were alive with a mean FU of 35 months (3 without evidence of disease). No patient presented with local relapse or port-site metastasis. We did not identify any predictive factors. All patients with incomplete macroscopic resection died within 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: LA can achieve an acceptable 5-year survival, comparable to open surgery but with better postoperative comfort. It should be considered for AM with the intention of complete resection. It offers the patient the possibility of tumour resection with the benefit of a laparoscopic approach.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed2006

[Thyroid microcarcinoma: our experience].

Differentiated thyroid cancer had an excellent prognosis; the diagnosis of sub-centimetric differentiated cancer (microcarcinoma) is more and more frequently. Clinical evolution of microcarcinoma could be various: microcarcinoma can represent an autoptic finding or can evolve with locoregional lymph node involvement or metastasis. Various clinical and genetic factors have been considered to predict the aggressiveness of this neoplasm. From 2001 to 2004, 74 patients with diagnosis of thyroid microcarcinoma underwent surgical treatment. By a retrospective survey we evaluated risk factors and the choice of surgical treatment. The aggressiveness appear to be related mainly to multifocality and size. Our therapeutic strategy is to perform total thyroidectomy for benign pathologies, total thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy in cases with preoperative diagnosis of microcarcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Abrikossoff tumor of the proximal esophagus misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule].

The diagnosis of thyroid nodules is straightforward and rarely mistaken. We present a case of a paraesophageal granular cell tumor, discovered incidentally during surgery for what it was diagnosed as a suspicious thyroid nodule by ultrasound and FNA. Complete resection was achieved without disruption of the esophageal mucosa. A terminal branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve had to be resected en bloc with the tumor. Morphological and immunohistochemical diagnosis was established postoperatively. A review of the literature is presented.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Which therapy to prevent post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia is one of the most frequent complications after total extracapsular thyroidectomy (TET). In most of cases it is a transient phenomenon. The aim of this study is to evaluate if and how the oral administration of calcium or calcium combined with D-vitamin could effectively prevent post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. A randomized prospective study was performed, recruiting 120 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The patients in our series were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A--patients who received calcium lactogluconate/calcium carbonate (mg 300 per day); group B--patients who received calcium carbonate/cholecalciferol therapy (calcium carbonate: 1500 mg per day; cholecalciferol 400 UI per day). The groups were well matched for age, sex and pathologies. Patients of both A and B groups were divided in two subgroups: those operated on for benign thyroid diseases (A1 and B1) and those operated on for malignancy (A2, B2). Serum calcium assays, performed 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery, showed mean values of calcemia higher in patients of the B1 and B2 group. Statistical analysis was performed using a Student's t test. Mean serum calcium concentrations on post-operative day one, two and three were higher in patients of the group B (p<<0.01). Early and combined oral administration of both calcium and vitamin D seemed to prove major efficacy in preventing and treating post-operative hypocalcemia, showing mean serum calcium levels higher than those of patients who received only oral calcium administration. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to validate these data.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Major complications in thyroid surgery: utility of bipolar vessel sealing (Ligasure Precise).

In the present study the Authors tried and assess the advantages of the standard sutureless thyroidectomy performed by the Ligasure Vessel Sealing System, thanks to the use of the dedicated Precise handle. The Authors compared the efficacy of haemostasis and the economical impact of the device, in terms of drug administration and costs. The Authors comparatively analyzed 120 total extracapsular thyroidectomies (TET) performed by the standard operative technique (Group A, control) and 70 TET achieved by the "sutureless technique" (Group B, case). There was a statistically significant decrease of transient postoperative hypocalcemia (5.71% vs 7.5%) and also of mean operative time (about 20 minutes) in patients of the group B. Non significant decrease of other kind of complications (postoperative hemorrhage, transient and permanent inferior laryngeal palsy, stupor of the superior laryngeal nerve, seromas) were also observed. The use of the Ligasure Precise resulted easy, safe and efficient in the Authors' experience. It allowed the decrease of postoperative haemorrhages and mean operative time.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2003

Cardiovascular hemodynamics: relationships with insulin resistance in obese children.

We investigated blood pressure (BP), cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and their relationships with insulin and glucose blood levels in a group of 24 obese children (mean age, 11.9 +/- 2.1 years; 19 males). The data were compared to those obtained from a group of 19 healthy controls of the same age (12.4 +/- 2.1 years; p = NS; 13 males). BP at rest was measured and all subjects underwent an exercise testing on the treadmill (Bruce Prot.), time of exercise, maximal heart rate, maximum systolic blood pressure, CO, and SVR at rest and at peak exercise were considered. Only in the OC group were an oral glucose tolerance test were performed to calculate insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and echocardiography performed to determine the left ventricular mass (LVM). The relationships between cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were investigated. Student's t-test and linear regression analysis were used when appropriate. OC had a significant reduction in TE and higher BP, and linear regression analysis showed significant correlations between BP, ISI, and LVM. We speculate that OC need a regular cardiovascular and metabolic screening to prevent the development of early cardiovascular damage.

Cardiac Output↗
PubMed2003

Normal jugular bulb oxygen saturation.

BACKGROUND: Normal values of the jugular bulb oxygen saturation were obtained in 1942 and in 1963. Correct catheter positioning was not confirmed radiologically. OBJECTIVES: To replicate the measurements during angiographic catheterisation of the jugular bulb. METHODS: Oxygen saturation in the jugular bulb (SjO(2)), inferior petrosal sinus (SipsO(2)), and internal jugular vein was bilaterally measured in 12 patients with Cushing's syndrome undergoing selective bilateral catheterisation of the inferior petrosal sinus. In addition, data from the two old series were reanalysed for comparison. RESULTS: SjO(2) values (44.7%) were significantly lower than in the two old series, particularly concerning the normal lower limit (54.6% and 55.0% respectively). Comparative analysis suggests that contamination with the extracerebral blood of the facial veins and inferior petrosal sinuses was responsible for falsely high SjO(2) values in the two old series. CONCLUSIONS: The normal lower SjO(2) limit is lower than previously recognised. This may have practical implications for treating severe head trauma patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Clinical and radiological evaluation in children with microtia.

The management of a child with congenital ear malformation, in particular if the external ear is severely involved, is difficult because of the complexity of the therapeutic problem, and that of parental anxiety. It is very important to plan a complete therapeutic/habilitative programme as soon as possible, even if surgical procedures are delayed. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the global assessment of a child with microtia, in order to diagnose possible associated external auditory canal, middle and inner ear malformations. For these reasons our diagnostic protocol for children with microtia includes otological and audiological evaluation, clinical genetics and radiological imaging, from the neonatal period. Here, data are reported on 27 children with microtia who completed the diagnostic protocol. In eight of 27 cases microtia was bilateral: in unilateral cases the right side was affected more frequently. Other congenital malformations were diagnosed in 41% of cases. A high correlation between the degree of microtia and the frequency of external and middle ear dysplasias was found, in accordance with larger studies of the literature. Inner ear malformations were found less frequently, but without apparent correlation with the degree of microtia. The fact that children with microtia may also have severe inner ear malformations is emphasized.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Prematurely detected traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula, by means of unintentional contralateral inferior petrosal sinus catheterization: bilateral jugular bulb oxygen saturation findings.

A traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCSF) was prematurely suspected following the detection of arterial-like hemoglobin oxygen saturation values, sampled from a catheter placed for cerebrovenous monitoring. A high-resolution scan of jugular foramina revealed that the catheter tip had been unintentionally placed in the inferior petrosal sinus, contralateral to the CCSF, instead of in the superior jugular bulb. Jugular bulb hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SjO2), ipsilateral to CCSF, later approached arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2) values.The possibility and consequences of unintentional catheterization of the inferior petrosal sinus, and of extracerebral contamination of blood in the jugular bulb due to blood in the inferior petrosal sinus, are discussed. We also discuss the reliability of SjO2 monitoring in the present CCSF case.

Carotid Sinus↗
PubMed1997

[Spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula: correlations between clinical findings and venous drainage].

We reviewed retrospectively 6 cases of spontaneous carotid cavernous fistulas to discuss the differences in clinical findings depending on venous patterns. Orbit US was performed in all patients but one and all patients were examined with CT and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Orbit US, performed in 5 patients with ocular signs, showed dilation of the ophthalmic veins, in 3 cases bilaterally. CT was performed to demonstrate possible lesions of the orbit apex or skull base and showed dilation of the superior ophthalmic vein in 4 patients, bilateral in only one case. Moreover, CT detected enlargement of the cavernous sinuses in 4 cases (3 unilateral, one bilateral). Dynamic CT, performed in 2 patients, showed early opacification of both cavernous sinuses. DSA was carried out on the basis of clinical data and US and CT findings. It diagnosed carotid cavernous fistulas in all cases. The fistulas were bilateral in 3 subjects. In all the patients with exophthalmos, conjunctival chemosis and dilated episcleral veins, the superior ophthalmic vein was the main venous drainage from the cavernous sinus. Only 4 of these patients had abducent nerve palsy; bruit was present in 2 cases only. The ocular signs were contralateral to the fistula in one patient. In the patient presenting III, IV and VI nerve palsy, the venous drainage was direct from the cavernous sinus to pericarotid plexus, pterygoid plexus and inferior petrosal sinus; in this case there were no ocular signs. The clinical findings of spontaneous cavernous fistulas are caused by the arterial supply and, especially, by the venous drainage of the fistula; for the early diagnosis and treatment it is important to know that some patients do not exhibit the classic triad of symptoms, characterized by pulsating exophthalmos, bruit and conjunctival chemosis. Our experience has confirmed that spontaneous carotid cavernous fistulas may be characterized by atypical clinical findings, such as ocular signs contralateral to the fistula side or palsies of cranial nerves only.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Mt. Cimone Observatory: baseline station for the measurement of gaseous substances and radioactive tracers in the atmosphere.

An extensive research program to record atmospheric physicochemical parameters and to track climatological trends was established at a remote Alpine station at Mt. Cimone Observatory in Italy. The main features of the study are outlined briefly and the results thus far collected, including surface ozone, carbon dioxide, stratospheric NO2 and O3, and airborne radioactivity are provided.

Atmosphere↗
PubMed1996

Hemimegalencephaly associated with somatic hemihypertrophy and a malformation of the feet: case report.

Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare neuronal migration anomaly, rarely associated with hemihypertrophy or some other somatic malformation; it can coexist with intracranial arteriovenous shunts which cause cardiac failure. We report a rare case associated with hemihypertrophy of the face, trunk and limbs and malformation of the feet. The neuroradiological findings are underlined and the differential diagnoses discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1996

Circadian and circannual rhythmicity in the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inconsistent data are available on the temporal pattern of onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the possible influence of vascular risk factors. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 217 cases of SAH, precise determination (within 30 minutes) of the time of symptom onset was possible in 199 (91.7%). Partial Fourier series with up to six harmonics were applied to hourly and monthly data, and the best-fitting curves for circadian and annual rhythmicity were calculated. The amplitude-MESOR (rhythm-adjusted mean over the time period analyzed) ratio was used as a measure of temporal variability. RESULTS: In the total population, a significant circadian pattern of occurrence was demonstrated with major peaks in the morning (approximately 9 AM) and evening (approximately 9 PM) hours and a nocturnal trough (approximately 3 AM). Younger, male, and hypertensive subjects had lower amplitude-MESOR ratios; smokers had no significant rhythmicity. The annual pattern showed a 6-month periodicity with two major peaks in March and September and minor differences in the subgroups studied. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the temporal distribution in onset of SAH may be influenced by variable combinations of environmental and vascular risk factors.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

Tc-99m HMPAO brain scintigraphy in children with partial epilepsy.

The aim of this article is to verify if SPECT is useful for better classification and therapy of pediatric partial epilepsy when clinical findings, electroencephalogram (EEG), and neuroimaging are inconclusive. Twenty patients, who ranged in age from 9 months to 17 years, were studied qualitatively and semiquantitatively by Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT during the interictal phase. SPECT demonstrated areas of reduced cerebral perfusion in all patients. In four patients, SPECT agreed with the clinical and electroencephalographic data. In eight patients with generalized anomalies on EEG, SPECT showed focal hypoperfusion in accord with the clinical findings. In four patients, SPECT agreed only with the EEG findings. In the remaining four patients, SPECT findings, inconsistent with clinical and EEG data, did not improve the diagnostic accuracy. Semiquantitative analysis does not modify the scintigraphic information. SPECT was particularly useful in borderline cases. The identification of localized hypoperfusion areas in patients with generalized seizures, either primary or secondary, but with focal EEG abnormalities, confirms the possibility of seizures of focal origin. In pediatric patients with partial epilepsy, SPECT is able to detect changes in cerebral blood flow which probably correspond to the epileptogenic foci. It can influence the prognosis and the therapy when the results of EEG and neuroradiologic examinations are nonspecific or negative.

Adolescent↗