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Biomedical subjects

H Pietri

Publications and source records attributed to H Pietri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Liver cirrhosis and chronic calcifying pancreatitis are associated with different morphotypes.

The different morphotypes of patients have been determined by sonography of the upper abdomen and statistical calculation according to a previously published method. Patients have been classified into the following 3 groups: 'longilignes', 'normotypes' and 'brèvilignes' which fit with ancient anatomical descriptions. In 74 normal controls, there were 21.6% brévilignes and 44.5% longilignes, in alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 31) 77.4 and 6.4%, respectively, in postnecrotic viral cirrhosis (n = 28). 25.0 and 17.8% and in alcoholic chronic calcifying pancreatitis (n = 25) 12.0 and 76.0%. These differences which are significant between all groups show that the morphotype of the human body is different in cirrhotic and pancreatitis patients. As morphotypes preexist to cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis, this is an argument for the assumed predisposition (possibly hereditary) to cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic Disease

Hepatic morphotypes. Their statistical individualization using ultrasonography.

The shape, topography, and vascular disposition of the liver depend on a subject's morphotype. The definition and classification of morphotypes was previously based on cadaver observation. In this study, 74 healthy adults (42 women, 32 males) were assessed using ultrasonographic parameters (hepatic diameters, xiphoid angle, orientation of the inferior face of the liver). The results were analyzed by discriminant analysis to differentiate the morphotypes. The three groups known by anatomists as breviligne (endomorphic), longiligne (ectomorphic), and normotype were again demonstrated and individualized in a significant manner. However, with the exception of the normotype group, fundamental differences were observed between our results and those of the anatomists. Ultrasonographic assessment shows that in the breviligne, the liver occupies the right hypochondrium and extends only slightly to the left of the midline; in the longiligne it extends into the left hypochondrium.

Female

Determination of a hepatic volumetric index by ultrasonic scanning.

A prospective study was carried out to calculate, by a fast and simple ultrasonic method, the size of the liver. Seventy-five normal subjects, 38 men and 37 women, average age 51 +/- 17 years (range 19-85) were studied. The three main diameters of the liver, breadth, thickness, and height, were obtained using a compound scan technique; each diameter was measured at its largest dimension. These measurements were multiplied together and the product arbitrarily divided by 27, which is the cube of the three diameters. This yielded the hepatic volumetric index (HVI), which was between 95 and 140 in 95% of normal subjects below 65 years of age and ranged from 80 to 135 in those above 65 years. These last data proved to be in accordance with the well-known involution of liver size in the elderly and with our retrospective study on 207 normal subjects. Then, using the criteria previously proposed by us, the population studied in the prospective study was divided into three groups of morphotypes: endomorphs, ectomorphs, and mesomorphs. The ectomorphs had an HVI slightly lower than that of the endomorphs. This HVI determination, based on standardized measurements and on a statistically controlled method, allows us to separate normal from pathological livers in 10 min and plays an important part in day-to-day clinical practice.

Age Factors

[Echotomography in hepatic hydatidosis].

Ultrasonography, we found as a good diagnosis method for echinococcal hepatic cysts. We studied by U.S. 11 patient with a mass hepatic syndrome. Hepatomegaly was found in 4 patients. In all those cases, a liquid formation (echo-free mass with well walls defined) was seen. Ultrasonography (U.S.) give us an exactly localization topographically of the cysts.

Adult

[Spontaneous portacaval anastomoses by veins of the falciform ligament of the liver in cirrhosis. Their ultrasonic exploration].

The aim of this work was to study the portacaval shunts described by Sappey in the falciform ligament of the liver in the cirrhotic patient. Twenty men and 8 women (mean age: 63 years) were studied by ultrasonography. Ascites was present in 20 patients. Venous anastomoses through the falciform ligament were visualized in 16 of the 28 patients. When present, they were usually multiple (1 to 4) with a diameter of about 10 mm. In 8 patients, a large communication with one of the main portal branches was seen. In the same patients, gastroesophageal shunts were always present but umbilical and splenorenal anastomoses were found only in 3 and in 4 patients respectively. This emphasizes the importance of such shunts which are in part intrahepatic. Ultrasonic exploration of these shunts should be routine in the evaluation of collateral circulation in cirrhosis.

Aged

[Value of echography in acute pancreatitis].

We were evaluated the sensibility in acute pancreatitis with ultrasound method (US). Thus, we were studied 48 cases with clinical and biological table of acute pancreatitis. In all these cases, we had surgical confirmation. US exploration were made before and/or after surgical treatment. US was made once in 27 patients, twice in 14, and more times in 7. Accurate diagnosis we made in the 75% of the cases; 8.3% were false negatives; 16,6% were unexplored ultrasonically. The increase of the pancreatic volume, was the most tiically characteristic ultrasound finding. In agreement with others authors, we had 35.41% of the cases with cysts and abscess formation between the complicated acute pancreatitis, (20.84% were confirmed surgically). Hence, we conclude that US is an high sensitive and specific method to employ when clinical acute pancreatitis is pose.

Acute Disease

Determination of a splenic volumetric index by ultrasonic scanning.

In a prospective study carried out to determine spleen size by a rapid and simple ultrasonic method, 45 normal subjects, 20 men and 25 women, average age 54 +/- 17 years (range 17-78) were studied. The three principal dimensions of the spleen, breadth, thickness, and height, were obtained with a compound scan technique; each dimension was measured at its largest point. The values obtained were multiplied by each other and the product arbitrarily divided by 27, which is the cube of the three values. This gave a splenic volumetric index (SVI), which, in 95 per cent of normal subjects, was between 8 and 34. There were no statistically significant differences related to age, sex, or morphotype when endomorphs, ectomorphs, and mesomorphs were examined. This SVI determination, based on standardized measurements, allows the distinction of normal from abnormal spleens in 10 minutes.

Adolescent

[Value of echotomography in cancer of the pancreas].

We studied by ultrasound (U.S.) a diagnostic method, 87 cases with probable pancreatic cancer; 29 were confirmed surgically. We found an accurate diagnosis in 93.1% of the cases with 6.89% of false negatives and 19.54% of false positives. Likewise, 2.29% of the patients could not be explored by U.S. because they had important meteorism. Among the false positive cases the most important differential diagnosis for us was Chronic Pancreatitis. We conclude that U.S. is a certainly, high sensitive, specific, non invasive and not expensive method. Hence, for us, U.S. is one of the first diagnostic method that must be used when pancreatic neoplasm is suspected.

Adult

[Hepatomegaly, hepatic amebiasis: diagnostic accuracy with echography].

Ultrasonography explorations were made in 8 patients suspected with amoebic hepatic abscesses. We have used commercially available contact B-Scanning equipment. We found in all the 8 cases, a liquid area, round or oval, with well walls defined but irregular borders, with increased distal sonic enhancement. Random echoes appeared inside (detritus, pus). An hepatic volumetric index H.V.I. help us to know the volume of the liver and the abscesses, and give us the response to specific antiamoebic therapy.

Adult

[Study of the Wirsung duct by echography (author's transl)].

With the usual echographic technics, the Wirsung duct, when dilated can be only episodically seen: the seesaw motion of the transducer produces some undesirable echoes, which rub out the lumen of the Wirsung duct. In order to obtain steadily pictures of the dilated Wirsung duct, the transducer must be used with a sweep motion in only one direction, while a positive pressure is exerted on the epigastrium. When transversally intersected, the Wirsung duct appears spindle shaped; it can be displayed on a rather good length. When sagittaly intersected, it presents, itself like a curved shaped picture, 4 mm to 2 cm in diameter, empty of echoes, in the center of the pancreatic section. The Wirsung duct, with the former technics, had been displayed 20 times in 140 cases of chronic pancreatitis; whe have found it in 4 cases in our 10 last cases of chronic pancreatitis. These case have been verified by endoscopic Wirsungography.

Chronic Disease

[Abdominal echotomography in a pneumology department].

In the last years, echotomography has become an essential element in the diagnosis of a number of diseases. In pleuro-pulmonary pathology, echotomography is also valuable for diagnosing pleural diseases and in some pathological conditions affecting at the same time thorax and abdomen. Echotomography of the abdomen is advised in a number of cases. The diaphragm and regions above and below it should be tested when there are deformations of the cupolae and radiological images in the pulmonary bases. Liver is investigated to trace any possible hepatic localization of broncho-pulmonary cancers or any chest hydatidosis. Echographic investigation of pancreas is advisable when a tumour of glandular origin is diagnosed. For patients with mesotheliomas, it should be associated to a retro-peritoneal investigation.

Abdomen

[Echotomography of the liver with three-dimensional representation of the organ].

Three-dimensional representation facilitates the reading of ultrasonic seriographs of the liver. It uses a conducing wire to provide a correspondence between the xipho-umbilical line and the information collected on the seriographic polaroids. Proceeding from image to image, a more thorough interpretation is possible. This analytical study provides a synthetic representation of the organ. When present lesions are seen on these diagrams and their location and dimensions clearly defined. A precise indication of the height, breadth and thickness of the organ is given, which makes it possible to obtain an accurate approximation of the hepatic volume, taking the morphotype into consideration.

Humans

[Value of echotomography in pleuro-pulmonary pathology].

Echotomography based on the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, little used until now in pleuropulmonary pathology, seems interesting and valuable and diserves to be counted amongst the various paraclinical examinations. Out of a hundred patients, we obtained the following results: -- 91.7% success in the needle biopsies done after echotomography. -- 84.4% success in exploring peripheral pulmonary tumor. -- 100% success in plotting: pleural thickening in which figures obtained with ultrasounds are very close to those obtained directly by needle. Echotomography in pleuropulmonary pathology has the following indications: -- for pleura effusions, pleural thickening and tumors; -- for pulmonary parenchyma: evolving or stable, solid or liquid masses, that are close enough to the thoracic wall; -- for mediastinum: lesions localized in the anterior mediastinum and related to the sternocostal wall. In all these cases echotomography brings valuable complementary information, sometimes allowing the location of fibrohyalin pleural plaques of asbestosis invisible on X rays. By combining a wider experience and the perfectioning of the equipment, this method could become a common practice in pleural pathology and thoracic oncology.

Asbestosis

[Segmental pancreatic lesions after partial or total splenectomy in rabbits].

Previous experiments on compensatory hypertrophy of the splenic parenchyma after partial splenectomy, permitted us to observe lesions of the part of the pancreas in contact with the spleen. This part of the gland is supplied only by the splenic artery and suffers from some degree of ischemia during splenectomy. The object of this research was to seek, as a routine, pancreatic disease after splenectomy. 32 adult rabbits were used. Partial splenectomy carried out in 15 cases, removed about 2/3rds of the spleen and involved ligature of 4 or 5 splenic and mesenteric arterio-venous pedicles. Total splenectomy, carried out in 17 cases, included ligature of the splenic arteriovenous trunk and 3 or 4 spleno-gastric and spleno-mesenteric arterio-venous pedicles. These operations were followed by more or less intense stasis extending to the splenic part of the pancreas. The animals were examined one week and 8 months afterwards. All the rabbits, except one, had pancreatic lesions. The most severe and extensive lesions, including large areas of cytosteato-necrosis with, in 11 cases, pseudo-cysts, with caseation, followed total splenectomy. Partial splenectomy gave rise to 6 pseudocysts including 2 containing blood and 9 cases with milder lesions including involution, rarefaction and sometimes disappearance of the gland which had suffered from ischemia. In these splenectomies, ligature of the splenic arterio-venous pedicles supplying the pancreas were responsible for pancreatic disease.

Animals