Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J Amiel.
Symptomatic post-transplantation renal lymphoceles are usually treated with Byron's technique--medical laparotomy, internal drainage with fenestration, transperitoneal marsupialization and epiploplasty. The same procedure was performed laparoscopically in a 34 year old obese man who had a renal transplantation 18 months earlier. The procedure, together with its advantages are discussed.
Despite recent advances in imaging techniques, the staging process is still unsatisfactory in cancer of the prostate. The underestimation for stage B2 and C tumours in about 50%. We present our findings in a retrospective study analyzing the clinical and biological effects of complete androgen blockade before radical prostatectomy in patients with advanced stage localized tumours. We treated 21 patients from 1989 to 1993. All received preoperative homonotherapy by complete androgen block for at least 3 months before node dissection preceding suprapubic radical prostatectomy. Only 20 prostatectomies were performed as metastasis was found in the extemporaneous examination in 1 patient. The volume of the prostate gland had diminished in all patients after the hormonotherapy (27.8%) as did PSA (95%). When evaluated, the tumour stage of the surgical specimen was always more advanced than the needle biopsy. Only 1 tumour was strictly limited to the intracapsule and all the others had either invaded the capsule, reached the margins or had invaded the seminal vessels or lymph nodes. With a mean follow up of 45 months, recurrence rate is 50%, mainly due to tumours with positive margins or seminal invasion in patients who were not given adjuvant treatment. Our results are in agreement with those in the literature showing that although the volume of the prostate is reduced and PSA declines, no improvement in pathology staging is observed.
Endoscopic resection of the prostate is a well defined surgical procedure. Nevertheless, certain coagulation disorders (hypercoagulability with risk of deep vein thrombosis, haemorrhage) can raise special problems. In patients not given heparin prophylaxis, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis is 10% in transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP). The risk is higher for cancer. Among the diagnostic tools (D-dimer assay, continuous Doppler, pulsed echo-Doppler, thermography, plethysmography, ...) ascending phlebography or pulmonary angiography in case of suspected pulmonary emboli remains the gold standard. Haemorrhage is rarely related to defribination but frequently to dilution coagulopathy favoured by high blood pressure, resorption of irrigation fluid, deficient haemostasis with loss of coagulation factors or massive transfusions. Only clinically patent coagulation disorders leading to haemorrhage should be treated. For dilution coagulopathies and diffuse intravascular coagulation, treatment is based on viro-inactive fresh plasma infusion. Aprotinine is the first choice in case of fibrinolysis.
BACKGROUND: An enzyme deficiency can be demonstrated in 15 to 20% of cases of Leigh syndrome. A case of isolated sulphite oxidase deficiency is reported in a girl presenting with Leigh syndrome. CASE REPORT: An 8 month-old girl was admitted suffering from hypotonia and slow increase of head circumference (-1 SD). Examination showed spastic quadriplegia, dyskinesia, axial hypotonia and difficulties in swallowing. The patient had a coarse face, broad nasal bridge, long philtrum and ectopia lentis. Brain CT scan showed bilateral hypodensity of lenticular nuclei and moderate cortical atrophy. Amino acid chromatography showed accumulation of S sulfocysteine and low levels of cysteine. The sulphite test was positive. Sulphite oxidase activity in fibroblasts and liver was undetectable contrasting with a normal activity of xanthine oxidase. Progressive brain damage led to death at 1 year of age. Prenatal diagnosis of sulphite oxidase deficiency was made in two further pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: The search for sulphite oxidase deficiency must be included in discussing the etiology of Leigh syndrome; the sulphite test is a simple method of screening such cases.
Extracorporeal lithotripsy does not always provide satisfactory results for the treatment of ureteral stones. Such cases appear to be excellent indications for endocorporeal lithotripsy based on an association of ureteroscopy and laser. To compare the performances of 2 pulsed lasers, the pulsed dye laser (Candela) and solid Q switched laser (HMT), for the treatment of these calculi 161 ureteral stones were treated successively from November 1990 to March 1992 by a combination of ureteroscopy and laser. Endocorporeal lithotripsy was performed in 102 cases with the Candela laser, in 47 with the HMT laser and in 7 with both lasers. With a stable success rate greater than 90%, both lasers demonstrated equivalent performances regardless of the location of the stone along the ureter. However, while stone fragmentation was more rapid with the Candela laser, the HMT laser appeared to be more effective for dark stones (monohydrate calcium oxidate).
Malakoplakia is a granulomatous disease. We report 3 cases of this condition. This disease is characterized by its rarity, the nonspecific revealing signs, histological studies being the only method providing a positive diagnosis, and the possibility of healing with a simple medical treatment.
Fournier's syndrome, characterised by anaerobic necrotising cellulitis of the soft tissues situated below the diaphragm, is a serous disease with an unpredictable course. From 1978 to 1991, we treated 24 men with a mean age of 57 years (27 to 90 years). Following the diagnosis of this disease, rigorous treatment was instituted immediately, consisting of a triple antibiotic combination, repeated surgical exposure, debridement and drainage with a frequent, almost systematic indication for faecal diversion (n = 16), hyperbaric oxygen therapy and classical intensive care measures. The mean interval between the first clinical signs and the diagnosis was 7.4 days. The lesions were limited to the perineum in 11 cases and extended to the abdomen, thighs and/or loins in 13 cases. The microorganisms responsible for the infection were identified in 19 cases and blood cultures were positive in 5 cases. This infection was of coloproctological origin in 12 cases, urogenital origin in 4 cases and postoperative in 2 cases, while no aetiology could be identified in 6 patients. There were 6 deaths and 18 cures without sequelae. 1. The prognosis of this disease is better in younger subjects (under the age of 60 years) with a localised clinical form, with no deterioration in the general status, sterile blood cultures and treated by a diversion colostomy. 2. A detailed aetiological work-up must be performed, looking for local or regional infection, cancer, haematological malignancy or arterial disease.
Thirty patients with partial of total staghorn calculi or pyelic calculi greater than 30 mm were treated by extracorporal piezo-electric lithotripsy (PEL) exclusively with an EDAP LT 01 lithotripter equipped with an ultrasound localisation system. Nineteen patients had a pyelic calculus and the others a partial (n = 9) or total (n = 2) staghorn calculus. All patients first underwent extracorporal lithotripsy (ECL). None of the patients received IV sedation or anesthesia. When fragmentation of the calculus was observed after the first session, a double J stent was inserted before the second ELC session. Before the first session, urine samples were sterile in 18 of the 30 patients; 12 of the 30 patients presented major distention of the urinary tract. Results were analysed to identify factors affecting results of this type of treatment. Patients whose calculus had completely disappeared on plain films three months after the first session were considered to be cured clinically and radiologically (14/30 = 46%). Seven patients (23.3%) were clinically cured (absence of pain and sterile urine) but there were residual fragments (1 to 3 fragments less than or equal to 4 mm). No fragmentation was obtained after the first session in 9 patients (30.7%) (1 total staghorn, 8 pyelic calculi). The mean number of sessions was 5 (range 1-15). Only 10% of the patients (3/30) presented a complication: 2 steinstrasses and 1 acute pyelonephritis. 83% of the patients without urinary tract distention and 55% of the patients whose urines were initially sterile were cured.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the basis of 150 patients (16 controls with no disease of the prostate, 96 cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and 38 cases of carcinoma of the prostate (CP)), the authors intended to answer 3 questions: How can the borderline values of PSA in BPH be interpreted? Is there a correlation between the Gleason and PSA values in carcinomas? Should the simultaneous measurements of PSA and PAP be continued? All patients were examined with a rectal touch, transrectal echography (TRE) and PAS and PAP assays. All CP were examined with bone radionuclide scanning (BR). The correlation coefficient being 0.391 (p 0.001), the PSA value and prostatic weight can be regarded as linearly correlated in BPH (5 g BPH = 1 ng/ml PSA). This lower value of PSA is linked with the increase produced by TRE in the assessment of prostatic weight. On the other hand, the authors did no observe a correlation between the PSA and the Glisson grade in carcinomas with negative BR. Lastly, the sensitivity of PSA is noticeably higher than that of PAP (75% vs. 50%), and no false negative finding with PSA was corrected by PAP measurements.
The treatment of subvesical obstruction with a spiral endoprostatic prosthesis is now well-known since Fabian's initial work (1980). A new method of insertion of the spiral with a releasable catheter and under sonographic monitoring has been proposed recently. This article is a report of a series of 35 patients. These patients presented with an adenoma of the prostate and were fitted with a permanent urethral catheter due to an absolute contraindication for anesthesia. The spiral was inserted with US monitoring in 25 patients. In 5 patients, the spiral had to be inserted under classical endoscopic control. The average follow-up period is 7.2 months. In 25 patients (75%), the spiral remained in place; the maximum flow rate of urine after the insertion averages 12.8 ml/s and 76% of these patients report an improvement of their comfort during urination. The position of the spiral had to be changed in 8 cases. No infectious complication was noted. Hematuric complications are reported in 2 cases. The spiral endoprostatic prosthesis seems to be an elegant alternative to the permanent catheter in patients at high anesthetic risk.
The results for 143 cases of ureteral stones treated by EDAP LT01 were analyzed concerning stone location, ureteral manipulation and treatment position. The ureter was divided into six segments: ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), proximal ureter (PU1 and PU2), mid-ureter (MU), distal ureter (D1 and D2). The overall fracturization rate (FR) was 72%, as detailed below: UPJ (89%, 26/29), PU1 (86%, 13/15), PU2-MU (62%, 15/24), DU1 (59%, 25/42), DU2 (72%, 24/33). Anesthesia or iv sedation were never used for PEL. 24% of the patients underwent retrograde ureteral manipulation (in situ/push back = 108/35). For PU1, the FR was twice as high after retrograde manipulation (in situ/push back = 5/8). For PU2 and MU, the supine position was most common. For UPJ and PU1, it was often better to have the patient lie on his side. For DU1 and DU2, a prone position was necessary. For all stones in DU1, the bladder must be well filled; the FR was higher in DU2 than in DU1. DU2 stones appeared to adhere to the bladder wall or were intravesical (stone in the meatus). The stone-free rate for successfully manipulated ureteral calculi (3 month's follow-up) was 93% (27/29). The stone-free rate for in situ stones at 3 months was 94% (70/74). Extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy combined with stone manipulation is highly efficient in the management of UPJ, PU1 and DU2 stones. The success rate of in situ PEL improves after the operator becomes skilled with the procedure. The advantages of the EDAP LT01 are the absence of pain, no need for anesthesia, and the mobility of the shock wave unit.
The stage of the tumor is commonly underestimated prior to radical prostatectomy for carcinoma. Can the growth of clinically localized carcinomas beyond their capsule be predicted with the modern medical imaging techniques (MRI and CT)? On the basis of 30 successive prostatectomies, we conclude that CT is ineffective. On the contrary, MRI seems to be an effective technique for this indication. However, no examination yet is better than clinical assessment.
Spread beyond the capsule is a poor prognosis factor in clinically localized carcinomas of the prostate; preoperative diagnosis is difficult and clinical evaluation usually underestimates tumor spread. This prospective study was undertaken to confront results of the conventional workup (rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography and PSA) and of CT scan and MRI findings with findings upon the pathologic study of operative specimens following radical prostatectomy. Results show that the conventional workup remains the diagnostic gold standard and that CT scan yields no additional information. Technically faultless MRI with sections in the three planes is a good means for analyzing the capsule of the prostate.
The results obtained in 143 cases or ureteral stones treated by EDAP LT-01 were analysed concerning stone location, ureteral manipulation, and treatment position. The ureter was divided into six segments: ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), proximal ureter higher than the lower pole of the kidney (PU1), proximal ureter between the lower pole and the iliac crest (PU2), mid-ureter between the iliac crest and the lower end of the sacroiliac joint (MU), distal ureter between the lower end of the sacroiliac joint and the ischial spine (DU1), and the distal ureter below the ischial spine to the meatus (DU2). The overall fragmentation rate (FR) was 72%, as detailed below: (table; see text) Anesthesia or iv sedation was never used for EPL. 28% of the patients underwent retrograde ureteral manipulation (29/103). For PU1, the FR was twice as high after retrograde manipulation (push back/in situ = 5/8). For UPJ, the supine position was most common. For PU1 and PU2, it was often better to have the patient lie on his side. For DU1 and DU2, a prone position was necessary. For all stones in DU1, the bladder had to be well filled and the FR was higher in DU2 than in DU1. DU2 stones appeared to adhere to the bladder wall or were intravesical (stone in the meatus). The stone-free rate for successfully manipulated ureteral calculi (3 month follow-up) is 93% (27/29). The stone-free rate for in situ stones at 3 months is 94% (70/74). Extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy combined with stone manipulation is highly efficient in the management of UPJ, PU1 and DU2 stones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A neurologist and a psychiatrist diagnosed independently, according to DSM-III-R and ICD-10 criteria, to 15 subjects with dementia, 15 with depression and 15 without any of two previous diagnostics. Later, a psychologist held an interview with them by means of the structured interview CAMDEX. The lump levels of agreement between clinical diagnostic and DSM-III-R diagnostic obtained through CAMDEX is of Kappa = 0.63. These levels are increased to one Kappa = 0.76 if we compare the clinical diagnostic with CAMDEX diagnostic according to the ICD-10. On the other hand, we value the outputs of some instruments that are included in the CAMDEX: Mini Examen Cognoscitivo, Mini-Mental State, CAMCOG, Organicity Scale, Blessed Scale and Depressión Scale.
Three teams formed by psychologists with experience in the administration of structured interviews evaluated by the CAMDEX (The Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination) in a sample of 41 patients for the interrater reliability study. While a psychologist interview patient, the other one observes each patient. The CAMDEX were completed independently by each of the examiners. The results demonstrate an elevated level agreement both for the different scales (p less than 0.001) and for the different diagnostic criteria employed by the CAMDEX (kappa = 0.88 for the DSM-III-R and Kappa = 1 for the ICD-10).
The authors analyzed 150 patient files (16 controls with no prostatic pathology, 96 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), 38 prostate cancer patients) in an attempt to answer three questions: how should borderline values of PSA be interpreted in patients with BPH; is there a correlation between the Gleason grade and PSA levels in prostate cancer? Should both PSA and PAP concentrations be assayed? All patients underwent digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography (TU), and were assayed for PSA and PAP. All prostate cancer patients had a bone scintigraphy (Bs). In view of the correlation coefficient of 0.391 (p less than 0.001), it can be affirmed that PSA and weight are linearly correlated in BPH (5 g BPH = 1 ng/ml PSA). This lower value of PSA is due to the overevaluation of prostate weight by TU. In contrast, the authors did not find any correlation between the PSA level and the Gleason grade in prostate cancer patients with a negative bone scintiscan. Finally, the sensitivity of PSA was markedly better than that of PAP (75% vs 50%), and no PSA false negative error was corrected by the PAP value.
Usually diagnosed in childhood, ureterocele is a congenital malformation which is often revealed in adults because of a complication. Renal colic and dysuria were the clinical symptoms that led to discovery in the two patients reported here. These two women (aged 80 and 32 years) underwent transurethral meatotomy for complicated ureterocele. This procedure was sufficient for cure, with spontaneous evacuation of all stones in patient 2. There were no clinical or bacteriological (urine analyses) signs of reflux during the follow-up period (24 and 12 months). Endoscopic treatment of adult complicated ureterocele can thus be proposed as a first line procedure. Development of symptomatic secondary reflux is an indication for surgery.