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Biomedical subjects

H B Spitz

Publications and source records attributed to H B Spitz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Nonprogression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia after 31 months of repetitive plasma exchange.

The effects of plasma exchange performed every two weeks for 31 months in combination with diet and drug therapy were studied in a patient with receptor-defective homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Coronary angiography performed three years prior to commencing plasma exchange was compared to angiography 31 months after starting the program. Comparison of the angiograms taken six years apart showed no progression of coronary atheroma in the main left coronary artery in which a 30% narrowing was originally seen. An internal mammary artery-coronary artery bypass remained widely patent and showed no development of atherosclerosis. Plasma cholesterol levels were reduced 46% by plasma exchange, diet and drug compared to diet and drug alone. Achilles tendon xanthoma diminished significantly. It appears that plasma exchange combined with diet and drug therapy, while not producing regression of existing atheromatous lesions, does retard or prevent further progression.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1985

A new method for analyzing high-resolution spectra from whole-body counter in-vivo measurements.

A new method has been developed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory to analyze pulse-height energy spectra from whole-body counter in-vivo examinations that use high-resolution Ge detectors. A simple data transformation and smoothing function is used to calculate background and identify photopeaks for isotopic analysis. This technique is beneficial for routine in-vivo measurement programs because it avoids dependence upon complex spectrum deconvolution, stripping, or other least-squares fitting techniques that complicate the assessment of measurement reliability. An in-vivo measurement spectrum is analyzed by first applying the variance stabilizing transformation to the data in each channel, which results in a variable with unit variance. A background spectrum is then determined by smoothing the transformed data. Finally, peaks are identified whenever the difference between the background spectrum and the transformed measurement spectrum exceeds 2.57 standard deviations. This method of spectrum analysis is especially suited to whole-body counting because background spectra are calculated as an integral part of the analysis procedure. This new technique has been applied successfully to routine in-vivo measurements of Pu, Am, and U. The computations for this new pulse height-energy spectrum analysis procedure are easily programmed on a desk-top or analyzer-based computer. The simplicity of the computational technique is also attractive because of the ease with which results can be verified.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

The U.S. Transuranium Registry report on the 241Am content of a whole body. Part III: Gamma-ray measurements.

The 241Am measurements on the donor's body, followed by an analysis of each bone of the skeleton, have provided the best available calibration factors for measuring the 241Am content in the skeletons of the living. These calibration factors have already been useful in measuring the skeletal burden of several workers in the nuclear industry. This study has shown that differential linear scanning provides good results on the content of various parts of the skeleton. Previously used methods of head or leg counting for estimating total skeletal content of 241Am were also found to provide good results. These studies confirm previous recommendations that in-vivo measurement of the skull probably provides the best estimate of 241Am in the skeleton; however, other positions such as the knee are also found to be bilaterally symmetrical for identical bones on the right and left sides of the body. A comparison of measurements on the donor's body with those of other people with skeletal burdens of 241Am shows that differences in skeletal distribution do exist and are probably due to the age of the person, the duration of the skeletal 241Am burden,and perhaps the physical activity of the person. Additional measurements and studies are planned on the remaining half of the skeleton and they should further improve the accuracy of in-vivo measurements of 241Am in the human skeleton.

Americium↗
PubMed1984

Non-pelvic abdominal ultrasound: an overview for emergency physicians.

Ultrasound scanning is a very useful technique for diagnosing emergent abdominal conditions and diseases. Of the two types of scanning that can be done, real-time imaging is more useful under emergency conditions than static imaging. Real-time scanning equipment is portable, easy to operate, and can be used on acutely ill and poorly cooperative patients. Real-time scanners readily image fixed organs as well as mobile structures and substances in the abdomen. Scanning is very accurate in the diagnosis of cholelithiasis, common hepatic duct obstruction, pancreatic pseudocyst, obstructive uropathy, and aortic aneurysms. It has also been found to be of value in recognizing acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and renal transplant rejection. Although it is not currently a common practice, emergency physicians can be trained to perform this diagnostic procedure and interpret the resulting scanning images.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1984

Pulmonary changes after exposure to vermiculite contaminated with fibrous tremolite.

Workers exposed to vermiculite contaminated with fibrous tremolite were surveyed for the presence of respiratory symptoms by questionnaire, and for pneumoconiosis by chest radiograph. Pulmonary function was measured by spirometry and single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity ( DLCOsb ). Fiber exposure indexes, expressed as fiber/ml-yr, were derived for each worker from available industrial hygiene data and work histories. The estimated cumulative exposure for the work force ranged from 0.01 to 39 fiber/ml-yr. Discriminant analysis demonstrated significant correlates with shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain to cumulative fiber exposure. The radiographic changes were limited to pleural changes and involved 4.4% of the population. Parametric and discriminant analysis demonstrated a significant correlation with radiographic changes and cumulative fiber exposure. There were no correlations between spirometry or DLCOsb and fiber exposure. Exposure to vermiculite contaminated with fibrous tremolite can cause pleural changes in occupationally exposed workers. This is supported by the previously identified 12 cases of benign pleural effusions in this working population and the association of pleural radiographic changes and pleuritic chest symptoms with cumulative fiber exposure. The lack of significant parenchymal radiographic, spirometric, and DLCOsb changes most likely reflects the low cumulative fiber exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Rectus sheath hematoma.

Two patients who developed rectus sheath hematoma while on anticoagulants are presented. Ultrasound was the definitive method of establishing the diagnosis.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1976

Roentgen findings in aorto-enteric fistulae.

Six cases of aorto-enteric fistulas are discussed. In three patients the aorta ruptured into the duodenum and in three there was rupture into the esophagus. Aorto-enteric fistula is usually caused by atherosclerosis, but may also be due to syphilis or tuberculosis. Following insertion of an aortic graft, fistula is usually the result of breakdown of the anastomosis. Gastrointestinal bleeding usually heralds the problem. The roentgen signs of rupture are pressure on the esophagus or intestine, bleeding into the wall or lumen, and demonstration of the fistula. The abnormal connection may not be demonstrable by aortography. These signs permit early diagnosis and subsequent possible life saving surgical correction.

Aged↗