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Biomedical subjects

G Fontana

Publications and source records attributed to G Fontana.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice.

A total of 70 cases of cholestatic jaundice have been studied by gray scale ultrasonography in order to evaluate how this technic may be used to differentiate between intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis. In 37 out of 42 patients (88.1%) with jaundice of extrahepatic origin, dilatation of the biliary tree was demonstrated, whereas in all the 28 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis biliary dilatation was clearly excluded. In addition, gallstones in the biliary ducts were detected in 12 out of 20 cases and enlargement of the head of the pancreas (due to carcinoma or chronic pancreatitis) was often correctly diagnosed (nine out of 13 cases). These results suggest that ultrasonography should represent the first step in the diagnostic approach to cholestasis. Information gained from this noninvasive technic should make it possible to correctly plan the more complex investigations (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography).

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) through artificial endoscopic choledocho-duodenal fistula.

A new endoscopic method for retrograde cholangiography in cases of unsuccessful cannulation of the papilla is described. In 1 patient with obstructive jaundice, severe diabetes and a previous history of biliary pain traditional ERC failed. An endoscopic artificial choledocho-duodenal fistula by means of a diathermic cutter (needle type) was performed at the lower end of the intramural portion of the common bile duct for retrograde cholangiography. X-ray showed an obstruction of the common bile duct due to a carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Complications did not occur during the procedure and in the post-operative period. It is concluded that the described method may be helpful when traditional selective ERC fails, moreover it may permit an endoscopic choledocho-duodenostomy for choledocholithiasis in cases of unsuccessful endoscopic papillo-sphincterotomy.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

[Ascites in chronic pancreatitides. Report of 2 cases].

2 cases of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis complicated by ascites are described. Both presented a cystic formation in the pancreas. In the first, a direct communication existed between the cystic and peritoneal cavities with passage of pancreatic secretion and serous membrane inflammatory reaction. The literature shows that this mechanism is the one most frequently responsible for ascites in chronic pancreatitis. For diagnosis, demonstration of high amylase and proteins in the ascitic fluid was decisive. Internal drainage of the cyst carried out in one of the two cases resolved the picture.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Histological and ultramicroscopic aspects of the small intestine in aregenerative enteropathies after treatment with 2-mercapto-propionyl-glycine (Thiola)].

The results of using alpha-mercapto-propionyl-glycine treatment (500 mg i.v. pro die for a time varying from one to four months) in a group of 25 patients suffering from aregenerative enteropathy with differing aetiopathogenesis are reported and compared with 29 control patients, i.e. patients suffering from the same situation and not treated with the drug. Morphological (by optical and electronic microscope) and functional (absorption of oleic acid, xylose and B12) study of the small intestine showed up the effectiveness of alpha-mercapto-propionyl-glycine on the trophism of small intestine mucosa, by way of normalization of intestinal cytokinetics, in aregenerative enteropathies due to special physiopathological situations (gastroresection) or to drugs (cytostatics, etc.) inhibiting enterocytic regeneration.

Amino Acids, Sulfur↗
PubMed1977

Palliative cryotherapy in inoperable prostate carcinoma.

Cryotherapy was applied by us as a palliative in 91 cases of carcinoma of the prostate. 1. Disobstruction was achieved in 87% of patients. 2. Results proved stable over time. 3. Operating mortality, survival curve, number of deaths, etc. was not statistically different in patients treated with cryotherapy compared with patients undergoing other treatments. 4. Precutions are required to combat infection of cryotherapy patients in the first few weeks. We feel authorized to pursue cryotherapy in the future exploiting all its immunologic possibilities.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

Effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone on pure exocrine pancreatic secretion in man.

The effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on pure exocrine pancreatic secretion was studied in 7 subjects with external transduodenal drainage of the main pancreatic duct performed after biliary tract surgery. Intravenous injection of 0.25 mg of ACTH during a prolonged intravenous infusion of secretin (0.5 clinical units per kg-hr) plus cholecystokinin (0.5 Ivy dog units per kg-hr) significantly reduced protein and lipase (both concentration and output) without affecting volume and bicarbonate secretion. The reduction appeared soon after ACTH injection (peak inhibition in the first 15-min period) and lasted about 75 min. The adrenocortical response to ACTH reached its peak at the 60th min. The mechanism by which the pituitary hormone selectively inhibits pancreatic enzyme secretion without affecting volume and bicarbonate remains to be clarified.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗