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Biomedical subjects

F Herth

Publications and source records attributed to F Herth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

[Thoracic surgery in the elderly].

In the near future, over 40% of patients with lung cancer will be over 70 years old at the time their disease is diagnosed. Age per se, however, should not lead to the denial of a potentially curative surgical intervention. It has been shown that older patients (over 70 years), as well as patients over 80 years of age, may tolerate a lobectomy or even a pneumonectomy quite well. Most patients with lung cancer are present or former smokers and have underlying pulmonary problems, especially chronic obstructive lung disease. They are at high risk of both morbidity and mortality from surgery due to significant cardiovascular disease. The indications for surgical intervention should be based on reliable preoperative tumor staging and pulmonary assessment by an experienced interdisciplinary panel of physicians, taking into consideration the individual cardiopulmonary status of the patient. This assessment, combined with the American Society of Anesthesiologists risk classification and the overall clinical assessment by the surgeon, will provide the best available evidence for carefully weighing the benefits and risks of an operation. The responsibility for this assessment must be viewed-in the case of early stage lung cancer-in relation to the relative lack of alternative treatments for surgical intervention with comparable 5-year survival rates (>50%).

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Autofluorescence bronchoscopy with white light bronchoscopy compared with white light bronchoscopy alone for the detection of precancerous lesions: a European randomised controlled multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: The potential of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) to detect precancerous lesions in the central airways and its role in lung cancer screening is uncertain. A study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of moderate/severe dysplasia (dysplasia II-III) and carcinoma in situ (CIS) using a newly developed AFB system in comparison with conventional white light bronchoscopy (WLB) alone. METHODS: In a prospective randomised multicentre trial, smokers > or = 40 years of age (> or = 20 pack-years) were stratified into four different risk groups and investigated with either WLB+AFB (arm A) or WLB alone (arm B). RESULTS: 1173 patients (916 men) of mean age 58.7 years were included. Overall (arms A and B), preinvasive lesions (dysplasia II-III and CIS) were detected in 3.9% of the patients. The prevalence of patients with preinvasive lesions in the WLB arm was 2.7% compared with 5.1% in the WLB+AFB arm (p = 0.037). For patients with dysplasia II-III, WLB+AFB increased the detection rate by a factor of 2.1 (p = 0.03), while for CIS the factor was only 1.24 (p = 0.75). The biopsy based sensitivity of WLB alone and WLB+AFB for detecting dysplasia II-III and CIS was 57.9% compared with 82.3% (1.42-fold increase). The corresponding specificity was 62.1% compared with 58.4% (0.94-fold decrease). CONCLUSIONS: This first randomised study of AFB showed that the combination of WLB+AFB was significantly superior to WLB alone in detecting preneoplastic lesions. Our findings do not support the general use of AFB as a screening tool for lung cancer, but suggest that it may be of use in certain groups. The precise indications await further study.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Quantitative analysis of lung and tumour mobility: comparison of two time-resolved MRI sequences.

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of parallel imaging technique (PAT) using dynamic MRI in lung and tumour mobility during the breathing cycle. 20 patients with stage I non-small cell lung carcinoma were investigated using two dynamic gradient echo sequences with PAT (TrueFISP (fast imaging with steady precession), and fast low angle shot (FLASH). Craniocaudal distance from the apex to the diaphragm of the thorax and tumour mobility during the breathing cycle were measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the tumour was determined. In spite of the different temporal resolutions both trueFISP and FLASH sequence proved to be adequate to continuously measure lung motion and tumour mobility. SNR of the tumour was significantly higher using the trueFISP sequence than FLASH sequence (20.7+/-3.6 vs 5.8+/-2.3, p<0.01). Mobility of the tumour bearing hemithorax was significantly lower compared with the non-tumour bearing hemithorax (p<0.05). Dynamic MRI using PAT allows for continuous quantitative documentation of tumour mobility and lung motion. Because of the higher SNR, trueFISP sequence provides a better delineation of intrapulmonary lesions with a sufficient temporal resolution.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Perfusion CT in patients with advanced bronchial carcinomas: a novel chance for characterization and treatment monitoring?

Advanced bronchial carcinomas by means of perfusion and peak enhancement using dynamic contrast-enhanced multislice CT are characterized. Twenty-four patients with advanced bronchial carcinoma were examined. During breathhold, after injection of a contrast-medium (CM), 25 scans were performed (1 scan/s) at a fixed table position. Density-time curves were evaluated from regions of interest of the whole tumor and high- and low-enhancing tumor areas. Perfusion and peak enhancement were calculated using the maximum-slope method of Miles and compared with size, localization (central or peripheral) and histology. Perfusion of large tumors (> 50 cm3) averaged over both the whole tumor (P = 0.001) and the highest enhancing area (P = 0.003) was significantly lower than that of smaller ones. Independent of size, central carcinomas had a significantly (P = 0.04) lower perfusion (mean 27.9 ml/min/100 g) than peripheral ones (mean 66.5 ml/min/100 g). In contrast, peak enhancement of central and peripheral carcinomas was not significantly different. Between non-small-cell lung cancers and small-cell lung cancers, no significant differences were observed in both parameters. In seven tumors, density increase after CM administration started earlier than in the aorta, indicating considerable blood supply from pulmonary vessels. Tumor perfusion was dependent on tumor size and localization, but not on histology. Furthermore, perfusion CT disclosed blood supply from both pulmonary and/or bronchial vessels in some tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Endobronchial ultrasound for local tumour and lymph node staging in patients with centrally growing lung cancer].

AIM: Lung cancer is a common disease and exact staging is of extreme importance in order to plan therapy. A frequent problem in assessing the extent of tumour spread is the question of infiltration versus compression of central airways by central tumours and a correct lymph node staging. Chest CT as the general imaging procedure of choice is often not helpful with these questions. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has been available for several years, and we were interested to find out if the addition of EBUS to regular bronchoscopy can help to differentiate between airway infiltration and external compression and improves the yield of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). METHOD: Patients with central tumour growth and enlarged lymph nodes were examined with EBUS and CT, classified according to local tumour invasion, and a needle biopsy of the lymph nodes was performed after EBUS detection. RESULTS: 50 patients were examined and subsequently operated. Relative to the local T-staging EBUS resulted in a sensitivity of 89 % and a specificity of 100 %. The results were highly improved statistically compared to the CT results (sensitivity 25 %, specificity 80 %). With EBUS-guided TBNA the results of correct N-staging could be improved to 86 %. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that EBUS, if performed by experienced endoscopists for the detection of airway wall infiltration or compression is highly accurate and superior to chest CT in assessing potential airway infiltration by a malignant tumour. Furthermore, the results of the lymph node staging could be improved through the additional use of EBUS. It is easily performed within the context of a standard bronchoscopy and may spare many patients unnecessary surgical biopsies.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2002

Endobronchial ultrasound in therapeutic bronchoscopy.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has been introduced as an adjunct to diagnostic bronchoscopy as it allows evaluation of the submucosal and parabronchial structures. Its use in therapeutic bronchoscopy has not been assessed. A large observational study of the value of EBUS in therapeutic bronchoscopy is presented here. From January 1998-January 2001 all patients undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopy and EBUS were evaluated prospectively. Patient demographics, indication for bronchoscopy, interventional treatments used and changes in therapy as influenced by the use of EBUS were documented. A total 2,446 therapeutic bronchoscopies were performed. In 1,174 cases EBUS was used (29% mechanical tumour debridement, 20% airway stenting, 13% Neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser use, 23% argon plasma coagulation, 11% brachytherapy, 2% foreign body removal and 2% endoscopic abscess drainage). EBUS guided or changed therapy significantly in 43% of cases. Changes included adjustment of stent dimensions, termination of tumour debridement when nearing vessels, and referral for surgical interventions rather than endoscopic treatment. Complications associated with EBUS use were minimal. No patient undergoing EBUS guided tumour destruction experienced severe bleeding or fistula formation. In summary, endobronchial ultrasound was easily performed and changed or guided therapeutic decisions during therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures in a substantial number of cases. As this may result in better outcomes, it has become a standard adjunct in the authors practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Proliferation rate of small cell lung carcinoma. A cytomorphometric parameter with prognostic significance].

AIM: Evaluation of prognosis-associated parameters in patients with small cell lung carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biopsies of 46 patients suffering from a non-treated small cell lung carcinoma were stained with Feulgen and immunohistochemically with Ki-67 antibody. The integrated optical density (IOD) and proliferation rate was measured by syntactic structure analysis and correlated with survival. RESULTS: About 85% of patients had a smoking history (46 pack years on average). The median survival time was 13.5 months, the proliferation rate (Ki-67 positive tumor cell nuclei) 68.2% and S-phase percentage 9.2%. Ot average, 25 proliferating tumor cell nuclei formed clusters (mean diameter 95 microns). The prognosis was associated with the proliferation rate (p < 0.04), tumor stage (stage I versus lib, p < 0.05), at threshold limits with S-phase rate (p < 0.07) and serum levels of LDH and NSE (p < 0.06 and p < 0.07 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Immune histochemical determination of the Ki-67 protein is a useful method to estimate the prognosis of patients with small cell lung carcinoma.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed2001

Endobronchial juvenile hemangioma--a case report of a neonate including immunohistochemical monitoring and nuclear, cellular, and vascular morphometry.

A 3-month-old female child suffered from tachypnea and dyspnea with abnormal blood gas values. Chest X-rays revealed an increased transparency of the left lung and a mediastinal shift to the right side. High resolution computed tomography (CT) documented a narrowing of the left upper stem bronchus. Ensuing endoscopy detected an occlusive endobronchial tumor mass that did not infiltrate the bronchial cartilage as confirmed with endobronchial ultrasonic monitoring. Based on gross histological examination of the surgical specimen obtained using sleeve resection, the highly vascularized tumor exhibited an adenomatoid growth pattern with a rather homogeneous population of nuclei. The light microscopical presentation was consistent with a juvenile (infantile) hemangioma, which was confirmed using immunohistochemical examinations despite the display of neuroendocrine features. Although endobronchial juvenile hemangiomas are an extremely rare event in early childhood, this case underscores the necessity to not neglect its occurrence in differential diagnosis.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2001

Endobronchial ultrasound.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a new diagnostic tool, which has expanded the view of the bronchoscopist beyond the confinements of the airways. It has great potential for diagnosis of mediastinal processes and staging of lung cancer. These will be discussed and illustrated. EBUS will become a superior tool for staging of lung cancer, and several comparative studies on EBUS as compared with standard techniques in order to assess its role in the staging procedure are just on their way or already completed.

Endosonography↗
PubMed2001

[Usefulness of stress echocardiography for early diagnosis of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy].

BACKGROUND: Early evidence of drug induced cardiomyopathy is of great importance in oncological treatment, especially for application of Anthrazyklines. Stress echocar-diography (SE) has been proven to be of value in determining left ventricular function at rest and under stress. This study was performed to investigate the cardiac function under Anthrazykline-chemotherapy (aCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with malignant thoracic tumors and indication for aCT underwent pharmacological SE (infusion of increasing dobutamin-doses, 5 microgram/kg/bw in 3 minute-steps) before starting aCT. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion were measured. If the tumor decreased and the patients underwent 4 or more cycles of CT, at the end of the last CT another SE investigation was performed. RESULTS: 30 patients (20 men, 15 women; mean age 52, range 28 - 71) were included and the data were compared. Before aCT the mean LVEF was 59 % at rest and 71 % at maximum load, no disturbances of wall motion could be observed. After the end of aCT (mean dose 408 mg, range 256 - 549; mean 4.4 cycles, range 4 - 7) the LVEF was 58 at rest and 68 at maximum load (not significant) and there were also no disturbances of motion. CONCLUSION: SE is an alternative to echocardiography at rest in assessment of left ventricular function in patients receiving Anthrazykline-CT. With the doses applied no patient developed cardiomyopathy. So we consider SE a cost-effective method and safe for patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)--assessment of a new diagnostic tool in bronchoscopy for staging of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conventional imaging procedures proved to be insufficient for staging of lung cancer, especially with respect to N-stage, infiltration of mediastinal structures, and early lung cancer. As also the view of the endoscopist is restricted, we developed the new method of endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) as an adjunct to conventional bronchoscopy. The initial technical problems were solved by development of a balloon catheter for application of miniaturized 20-MHz probes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January and December, 1999 all patients with an indication for bronchoscopy and additional EBUS were documented prospectively. RESULTS: In 648 patients we used additional EBUS. Of these, 242 (37%) were female and 406 (63%) were male. The mean age was 49.2 (range 0-83) years. The mean procedure time for the bronchoscopies was 18.9 (range 5.7-38.9) min, and the mean time for EBUS was 6.3 (range 3.1-14.4) min. Side effects were comparatively rare. 34 patients (5%) needed supplementary oxygen during the examination, the others tolerated EBUS without any desaturation. CONCLUSION: EBUS is a new technology that can be easily applied and is well tolerated. It improves the results of bronchoscopy in addition to conventional diagnostic procedures. Further developments will be made in future to improve the application of ultrasound in chest medicine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

CT fluoroscopy guidance for transbronchial needle aspiration: an experience in 35 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the usefulness of real-time guidance with CT fluoroscopy to improve the yield of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). DESIGN: Prospective, observational. SETTING: A tertiary-care, university-affiliated medical center. METHODS: From December 1998 to April 2000, 35 patients underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided TBNA. Patients with subcarinal and precarinal lymph nodes were only included if a previous attempt was nondiagnostic, as the initial yield in this setting with conventional TBNA is high. TBNA was performed using standard technique in a CT-scan suite. Needle location was confirmed with fluoroscopy without IV contrast being used. Specimens were evaluated on-site for adequacy. RESULTS: The procedure had to be aborted in three patients before TBNA could be performed. Samples were obtained in 32 patients. Samples were nondiagnostic in four patients. Adequate tissue was obtained in 28 of 32 patients (87.5%). Twenty-two patients had a specific benign or malignant diagnosis made, and 6 patients had lymphocytes only on the specimen. In follow-up, only one of these six patients proved to have a malignancy. All procedures were performed within a regular interventional CT time slot of 1 h. No TBNA side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: TBNA under CT fluoroscopic guidance is easy to perform. The yield in all accessible lymph node stations is high.

Adult↗