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Biomedical subjects

J C Cooke

Publications and source records attributed to J C Cooke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of harmonic imaging on the measurement of ultrasonic integrated backscatter and its interpretation in patients following myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Recently, we have demonstrated that cyclic variation in ultrasonic integrated backscatter (IBS) can be used to predict patency of the infarct related artery (IRA) post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Second harmonic imaging has become widely available on ultrasound machines and enhances endocardial definition. The effect of harmonic imaging on the measurement and interpretation of cyclic IBS is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were studied post-AMI. Cyclic IBS was measured in myocardial segments supplied by the IRA as well as in remote segments with normal myocardial function in both fundamental and second harmonic modes. Harmonic imaging increased the measurement of cyclic IBS in IRA as well as normal myocardial territories. However, the difference in cyclic IBS between IRA and normal myocardial territories remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Second harmonic imaging increases the measurement of cyclic IBS. However, the interpretation of these data is unchanged in the setting of AMI. It is important that repeated studies in the same patient are performed in the same mode (fundamental or harmonic) as the values are not interchangeable.

Angioplasty↗

Determination of successful reperfusion after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: a noninvasive method using ultrasonic tissue characterization that can be applied clinically.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the use of cyclic variation in ultrasonic integrated backscatter (IBS), which is reduced in ischemic myocardium, to predict an occluded infarct-related artery (IRA) after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This is important, because patency of the IRA 90 minutes after thrombolysis has been shown to predict outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred thirteen patients with AMI had peak-to-peak cyclic IBS measured in the myocardial territory supplied by their IRA as well as a remote territory with normal function from the parasternal long- or short-axis view. This analysis took 5 to 10 minutes. Wall motion score index was assessed, and coronary angiography, to determine patency of the IRA, was performed in all patients. Cyclic IBS in the IRA territory was much lower in segments supplied by an occluded IRA (3.3 versus 4.6 dB, P<0.00001). Using a difference in cyclic IBS between infarcted and normal segments of 15% (or 1.5 dB) as a cutoff, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values to determine an occluded IRA were 92%, 75%, 81%, and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in cyclic IBS between IRA and remote normal segments, which can be analyzed rapidly, can be used to predict patency of the IRA in patients with AMI. This provides a noninvasive method to determine those patients who may require urgent invasive investigation.

Coronary Angiography↗

Cobrahead malformation of the Amplatzer septal occluder device: an avoidable compilation of percutaneous ASD closure.

During deployment of an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device to close a secundum ASD, the right atrial disk and waist of the device twisted, resulting in the cobrahead malformation. Postulated mechanisms for this complication include twisting of the device during loading into the delivery catheter and catching of leading edge of the device on the LA free wall or appendage, causing twisting during deployment. Retrieval of the device into the catheter and even removal of the device from the patient to allow manual untwisting may be required to allow the device to return to its original conformation for successful redeployment.

Aged↗

Echocardiologists' role in the deployment of the Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device in adults.

Use of the Amplatzer Septal Occluder device to close selected secundum atrial septal defects is ever-increasing. This article illustrates the central role of the echocardiologist before, during, and after percatheter closure with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder device. Figures, diagrams, and tables detail each stage of the evaluation, procedure, and postprocedural assessment.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Thrombus on an ASD closure device: a call for caution.

Use of per-catheter atrial septal defect closure devices is becoming increasingly widespread. We report a case of left atrial thrombus formation on a StarFLEX device raising concerns regarding the general use of these devices and as a means of preventing paracloxical embolism in particular.

Journal Article↗

Forensic echocardiography: a case in point.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has an important role in the assessment of patients with acute penetrating chest trauma. We report the case of a 36-year-old man who sustained a stab wound to the chest. After admission, he required emergency pericardiocentesis. TTE revealed a traumatic ventricular septal defect and a defect in the anterior mitral valve leaflet. To assess whether these lesions were related to the initial stab wound or the pericardiocentesis, the transducer was positioned over the stab wound, and the lesions were shown to be in the same plane as the entry site, thus ruling out iatrogenic trauma.

Adult↗

Chiari network entanglement and herniation into the left atrium by an atrial septal defect occluder device.

The Chiari network is a fenestrated membrane consisting of threads and strands in the right atrium. First described in 1897 by anatomist Hans Chiari, it is a congenital remnant of embryonic development resulting from incomplete resorption of the right valve of the sinus venosus. Found in 2% to 3% of the population, it is generally not of clinical importance. Rarely, however, the network may be associated with serious complications such as thrombus formation, embolus entrapment, arrhythmia, tumor development, and catheter entrapment. We report the entanglement of an Amplatzer septal occluder device catheter in a prominent Chiari network that was herniated into the left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiographic recognition of this before deployment and guidance during disentanglement is described below.

Aged↗

Mycotic dermatitis in an Atlantic white-sided dolphin, a pygmy sperm whale, and two harbor seals.

An Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), 2 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) developed raised, firm, erythematous, cutaneous nodules that were most prominent on their heads, trunks, and on the caudal portions of their bodies. Prior to the onset of the condition, all 4 animals may have been stressed by factors such as being stranded on a beach, being transported long distances, or being relocated locally. Microbial culturing of the lesions on multiple media yielded fungal isolates containing conidia characteristic of Fusarium spp. Hyphae consistent with those of an ascomycete were evident on histologic examination of lesions. In each treated animal, the dermatitis resolved 3 to 4 weeks after completing treatment with ketoconazole. Fusarium spp may be opportunistic invaders of the skin of marine mammals that have decreased immunocompetence or integumentary compromise.

Animals↗

Clinical effects of buspirone on intractable self-injury in adults with mental retardation.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of buspirone in controlling self-injurious behavior was examined in five individuals with mental retardation. Buspirone was used alone in two individuals and as an adjunct to thioridazine in the other three. METHOD: Standard behavioral observation methods were used to collect data on the number of self-injurious responses of the individuals during baseline and several doses of buspirone in an open trial. RESULTS: When compared with baseline levels, all five individuals showed some response to buspirone, with reductions in self-injury ranging from 13% to 72%, depending on the dose. The most effective dose of buspirone was 30 mg/day for three individuals and 52.5 mg/day for the other two. These individuals were maintained for 6 to 33 weeks on their most effective dose. Coexistent symptoms of anxiety did not predict a favorable response to buspirone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Buspirone showed a mixed but generally favorable response in controlling intractable self-injury in this and four previous studies reporting similar cases. However, the drug should not be endorsed as a proved treatment for self-injury until similar results have been obtained from well-controlled studies of its efficacy.

Adult↗

Simultaneous tracheobronchial and esophageal obstruction caused by a descending thoracic aneurysm.

Descending thoracic aortic aneurysms are a rare cause of symptomatic airway or esophageal obstruction. We report the case of a patient with simultaneous severe dyspnea and dysphagia from the thoracic portion of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Perioperative management of the airway obstruction was an essential component of successful treatment. Repair of the aneurysm resulted in resolution of the patient's symptoms.

Aged↗

Fluoxetine treatment of severe self-injury in young adults with mental retardation.

Dysfunction of the serotonergic system has been implicated in the development and maintenance of self-injury in some persons with mental retardation. Several preliminary reports have suggested that fluoxetine, a drug that blocks the reuptake of serotonin, may decrease self-injury in these individuals. Of the 44 cases of self-injury treated with fluoxetine and previously reported in the literature, 42 demonstrated a beneficial response to the drug. We report four additional cases of adults with mental retardation whose self-injury was treated with fluoxetine. Each of these individuals benefited from fluoxetine to some extent, with average decreases in self-injury ranging from 20% to 88% when compared with baseline levels. These findings, combined with those from previously published case studies, emphasize the need for well-controlled studies to more adequately assess the effects of fluoxetine on self-injury.

Adult↗

Comparison of thin section computed tomography with bronchography for identifying bronchiectatic segments in patients with chronic sputum production.

Computed tomography is widely used in the investigation of patients in whom bronchiectasis is suspected, despite considerable variation in its reported sensitivity and specificity. The findings with 3 mm high resolution computed tomography were compared at segmental level with bronchography by two radiologists independently in 27 patients (aged 20-67 years) undergoing investigation of chronic sputum production. Fifteen patients were found to have bronchiectasis by both investigations. Five were identified by computed tomography alone, including two in whom disease was revealed in segments underfilled at bronchography. The sensitivity of computed tomography compared with bronchography in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis at segmental level was 84% and the specificity 82%. The predictive value of computed tomography in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis was 38% overall, but increased to 75% when only those segmental bronchi moderately or severely dilated on the computed tomography scan were considered. There was no relation between the degree of bronchial wall thickening on the computed tomogram and the diagnosis of bronchiectasis by bronchography. Bronchography may be avoided in patients being considered for surgical resection of their bronchiectasis in whom computed tomography shows diffuse disease.

Adult↗

The impact of computed tomography and ultrasonography on the management of patients with carcinoma of the ovary.

We have carried out a prospective study on the impact of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) on the management of patients with carcinoma of the ovary. Seventy-eight CT and 88 US scans were performed on 94 patients. Clinicians decided patient management prospectively at the time the CT and/or US was ordered. Clinical assessment differed from the result obtained by CT or US in 45% of cases (35/78 and 40/88, respectively). CT and US altered patient management in only a minority of cases (14/78, 18% and 9/88, 10% respectively). Even when the scan and clinical assessments differed, management was only altered on 14/35 (40%) occasions after CT and on 9/40 (23%) occasions after US, a difference which was not significant. In patients with clinically undetectable disease, management was altered by CT on 17% of occasions and by US on 10%. We conclude that in patients with carcinoma of the ovary CT and US alters patient management in a minority of cases. In view of current financial restrictions in health care, clinicians should be more selective in the use of these imaging techniques. Furthermore, we recommend that similar prospective studies are performed for other clinical situations.

Carcinoma↗