[Radiologic image of diffuse pulmonary infiltration. Diagnostic orientation].
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Publications and source records attributed to J Rémy.
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Six cases of horseshoe lung have been found in a group of 147 scimitar syndrome cases collected in a cooperative multicenter study. These cases were associated either with the severe infantile or with the benign adult form of the scimitar syndrome. The aim of this paper is to describe the clinical and imaging signs as well as the prognosis of 6 new cases of horseshoe lung in association with scimitar syndrome. The authors conclude (1) that the diagnosis of horseshoe lung may be strongly suspected on standard chest radiographs and confirmed by thoracic CT scan; (2) that the prognosis of scimitar syndrome does not seem to be worse when associated with horseshoe lung.
Erdheim-Chester's disease is a rare form of visceral xanthogranulomatosis. We report a case of a patient aged 50 presenting with a diffuse interstitial pneumonia which revealed Erdheim-Chester's disease with localisation in the bones, peri-aortic region and also with neurological involvement. The diffuse interstitial pneumonia which progressed chronically was characterised by a diffuse thickening of the septa with subpleural cysts and bilateral apical bullae with thickening of the pleura. Respiratory function tests showed a restrictive ventilatory defect with resting hypoxaemia which was aggravating by exercise. Broncho-alveolar lavage showed a lymphocytosis (26%) also with polymorpho neutrophils (11%). The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by transbronchial lung biopsy showing an excess of foamy histiocytes in the interstitium which are characteristic of the disease. The progress of this interstitial pneumonia is stabilised without immunosuppressive drugs.
Spiral scanning (BSV) is a newly acquired scanning technique for all or part of the thoracic volume in a single breath-hold. It offers many advantages when compared to conventional CT scanning. The study of the lungs with a single breath-hold avoids the inconvenience of an anatomical discontinuity while acquiring the information. In a population of patients presenting with multiple, or solitary pulmonary nodules, or the absence of nodule, BSV shows 30 to 40% of supplementary nodules when compared to conventional scanning techniques. BSV enables the optimal use of contrast products in which the iodine is poorly concentrated to study the pulmonary vessels. Certainly this technique will not replace pulmonary angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary emboli. However, it may be used first in certain situations, dispensing with invasive angiography in patients with an increased risk, or in the initial assessment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension of unknown aetiology, or to follow a previously documented pulmonary emboli. The correlation between spiral scanning and conventional angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary emboli is excellent, to the level of segmental arteries. Finally the continuity, both anatomically and for the lesions obtained by BSV is such that it is now possible to apply to thoracic pathology techniques of multiplanar and three dimensional reconstruction. If all the information is contained in conventional transversal imaging slice by slice, not everything is perceived by the observer because the information is inconveniently presented because the anatomical and lesional picture is deconstructed. The reconstruction of the volume inspected in coronal, sagittal, oblique or three-dimensional viewing, furnishes supplementary information and announces the arrival of trachea-bronchography, and non-invasive angiography three-dimensionally. In parallel to the expected progress in IRM angiography, three-dimensional angio-CT of the thoracic vessels after appropriate evaluation is going to be substituted for more invasive techniques which are currently used.
Systemic diseases such as scleroderma (ScI), rheumatoid polyarthritis (PR), Gougerot-Sjögren Syndrome (GS) have a well known propensity for the lungs. Previous studies have shown evidence of disturbed alveolar cell repair as evidence of a sub-clinical alveolitis. The significance of such cases of latent alveolitis remains to be specified. To determine if latent alveolitis was associated with interstitial chest disease which was undetectable by chest X-ray, 36 consecutive patients had an BAL and a high resolution computered tomographic examination (HRTC) (Scl: n = 21; PR: n = 9; GS: n = 6). The patients had normal respiratory function and chest X-ray was normal. Our results showed 17 out of 36 (47%) with a latent alveolitis (the percentage of lymphocytes and of alveolar polymorpho-nuclear neutrophils was superior or equal to 18 and 4% respectively) (Scl: 12/21; PR: 1/9; GS: 4/6). In the cases of scleroderma a neutrophil alveolitis was predominant (9/12) and was associated in 2 cases with a honeycomb lung and evidence of fibrotic lesions using TDM-HR. Those examinations using HRTC which were normal were equally associated with a latent alveolitis (Scl: 6/12; PR: 1/6; GR: 4/5). These results suggest that the alveolitis can preceed the anatomical damages. These results need to be confirmed in a larger series and the value of early treatment should be evaluated.
The non bronchial systemic arterial circulation of the lung may, for more than one good reason, be considered as a third arterial circulation of the lung, after the bronchial and pulmonary circulation. A perfect knowledge of the anatomy of the circulation and the physiopathological mechanisms leading to its development is a vital prelude to angiographic study. A common point in the majority of situations leading to this non bronchial systemic arterial hypervascularization is the existence of a pleural symphysis allowing the pulmonary penetration of these thoracic parietal vessels. In addition to the contribution of the transpleural non bronchial systemic vessels the role of the arteries of the triangular ligament should be discussed. The pathological significance of this non bronchial systemic hypervascularization is threefold. This circulation can be the source of haemoptysis as shown by angiography and is important for considering therapy when haemoptysis needs treatment by percutaneous embolisation. The duration and the risk of catheterisation may be considerably reduced thanks to the precision of the endoscopic examination at the site of bleeding. There are other types of endothoracic haemorrhage which can be qualified as "haemoptysis like" whose treatment, preventative or curative may also be assured by embolisation of this circulation. Besides a certain number of extracardiac shunts both endo and transthoracic, without any haemorrhagic consequence at the time at which they are discovered show evidence of abnormal communication between the three circulations of the lung; certain of these may need therapy by vaso-occlusion.
A mucocele is rarely observed after esophageal exclusion for corrosive burns. It may represent a contra-indication to esophageal conservation in case of a total gastric resection for necrosis and perforation of the stomach. To evaluate this risk, 15 patients, operated between January 1970 and december 1988, were reviewed: they underwent total gastric resection with esophageal exclusion, followed by a secondary colon transplant between the cervical esophagus and the duodenum. A plain chest film was performed for 13 patients and a CT scan for 11 patients. Mean follow-up was 5.7 years (2 months - 17 years). Four patients died, one of them after resection of a compressive esophageal mucocele. Six mucoceles were detected on 13 chest films and 7 were described on 11 CT scans. On the whole, 8 mucoceles were diagnosed on 15 patients; one of them was complicated by tracheal compression. The formation of a secondary esophageal mucocele is a late sign of incomplete destruction of the esophageal wall. It is a frequent complication of esophageal exclusion performed after total gastrectomy for corrosive burns of the stomach. It must be detected on a chest film which shows the largest dilatations or on a CT scan, which is a better investigation. When the diameter of the mucocele is equal of superior to 50 mm, it can be compressive and must be treated by resection of internal diversion.
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Forty two pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) in seventeen patients were treated by coil vaso-occlusion between 1979 and 1989. The techniques of deposition of coils and spiders and the precautions taken to avoid complications are described. Complete occlusion of the arterial pedicles of the PAVM was immediately obtained in 34/37 pedicles. 3/37 were occluded secondarily. Five PAVM were submitted to surgery demonstrating the reciprocal indications for surgical and per-angiographic techniques. Except in one patient, in the beginning of our experience, the observed complications were minor and we have subsequently modified our techniques to avoid them.
This study was performed on an experimental porcine model of acute local gamma irradiation to simulate accidents which occurred among humans. It enabled us to determine the development and the physiopathological characteristics of the fibrous tissue which developed in skeletal muscle. In the first month after irradiation, the strong inflammatory reaction which initiated the radiation induced fibrosis was characterized by edema as visualized on MRI imaging and X rays computed tomography and by acute phase reactant proteins changes, associated with elevations of local and general temperatures in irradiated animals. At the margin of the irradiated tissue myofibroblasts isolated among collagen bundles or grouped in nodullary reinforcements, are seen associated with intense capillary neogenesis. Several months after irradiation normal skeletal muscle was replaced by atrophic fibrosis delimited by an inflammatory perifibrotic tissue. The muscular fibrosis was characterized by a high density of myofibroblasts and by an inflammatory distribution pattern of collagen types I, III, IV, laminin, fibronectin and fibrinogen as visualized by immunohistochemical methods. Biochemical results showed an increase in collagen content and synthesis in fibrotic tissue whereas the cells in the perifibrotic zone synthesized more non collagenous proteins as compared with the normal muscle. The contributions of granulation tissue, cellular mediators and inhibition of muscular regeneration in the persistence of the invasive character of the muscular radiation induced fibrosis are discussed.
A mucocele is rarely observed after esophageal exclusion for corrosive burns. It may represent a contra-indication to esophageal conservation in case of a total gastric resection for necrosis and perforation of the stomach. To evaluate this risk, 15 patients, operated between January 1970 and December 1988, were reviewed: they underwent total gastric resection with esophageal exclusion, followed by a secondary colon transplant between the cervical esophagus and the duodenum. A plain chest film was performed for 13 patients and a CT scan for 11 patients. Mean follow-up was 5.7 years (2 months - 17 years). Four patients died, one of them after resection of a compressive esophageal mucocele. Six mucoceles were detected on 13 chest films and 7 were described on 11 CT scans. On the whole, 8 mucoceles were diagnosed on 15 patients; one of them was complicated by tracheal compression. The formation of a secondary esophageal mucocele is a late sign of incomplete destruction of the esophageal wall. It is a frequent complication of esophageal exclusion performed after total gastrectomy for corrosive burns of the stomach. It must be detected on a chest film which shows the largest dilatations or on a CT scan, which is a better investigation. When the diameter of the mucocele is equal of superior to 50 mm, it can be compressive and must be treated by resection of internal diversion.
Vaso-occlusion of the pulmonary artery is an angiographic technique which involves the voluntary and precise obstruction, temporary or permanent, performed at the end of diagnostic studies or therapeutic studies on one or several branches of the pulmonary artery. The diagnostic indications are touched on briefly at the end of this review because they are older and better known than the therapeutic indications. The latter has developed in less than 10 years and concerns first and foremost two pathologies: hemoptysis and arterio-venous aneurysms of the lung. The erosive pseudo-aneurysm of the pulmonary artery complicating parenchymatous necrosis above all of infections or tumours should be sought in certain situations and treated by vascular occlusion. The pulmonary arteriovenous aneurysms may equally be treated by selective obstruction of their afferent pedicles by metal spirals or detachable balls. This technique, in sacrificing the minimum of pulmonary parenchyma, should be considered according to each case as a possible supplement or replacement for surgery.
This study concerns 12 patients who were in hospital for the work-up and treatment of an invasive lympho-epithelial thymoma. The extent of the disease was studied by systemic computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the thorax and abdomen. Three patients out of nine examined presented initially with asymptomatic renal metastasis. Three patients were treated straight away by poly-chemotherapy; the nine others benefitted either from radiotherapy alone (four cases) or from radiotherapy associated with surgery (4 cases) or an isolated surgical exploration (1 case). CT examination was carried out in 11 patients 3 months after the beginning of treatment and 7 times clinically latent metastasis were rediscovered (renal, adrenal, hepatic, thyroid, cerebral and osseous). These 11 patients benefitted secondarily from polychemotherapy. The results confirm the gravity of the condition: only three patients are living and in complete remission with a follow up of 24 to 48 months. The frequency of latent metastasis, detected by CT scanning, during the course of a malignant thymoma justifies the systematic performance of this examination in the work up of the disease extent and therapeutic surveillance in these patients, and leads one to reconsider the place of chemotherapy in the therapeutic strategy of these tumours.
We report the case of a 73 year old man presenting with severe hypoxaemia due to an anatomical right to left shunt from a persistent left superior vena cava (VCSG) anastomosing with the left auricle. This was fortuitously discovered while placing a left sub clavicular catheter; the diagnosis of the VCSG draining into the left auricle was confirmed by superior phlebography and CT scanning. The discovery of this shunt after a pulmonary embolus suggested to us that the rise in venous pressure secondary to the embolus led to both clinical symptoms and hypoxaemia from the shunt, which had until then been clinically silent. No surgical treatment was performed.
Described for the first time by Bradshaw in 1846, actinomycosis is a rare, slowly progressing disease associated with the development of anaerobic bacteria of the Actinomyces genus. It predominates in males and is actively encouraged by poor buccal and dental hygiene and by overall decline of defence mechanisms. Thoracic lesions constitute 15 to 20% of the cases and seem to be relatively increasing. Apart from fistulization to the skin, physical examination usually does not show much; only the presence of yellow grains suggests the diagnosis. Radiography is often misleading, suggesting tuberculosis or cancer. Ultrasonography and, chiefly, computerized tomography are the best methods to evaluate the extension of the disease to the pleura, the chest wall and the mediastinum. The final diagnosis is more often supplied by pathological examination than by bacteriology, which is frequently negative. Treatment is facilitated by the fact that Actinomyces is sensitive to antibiotics, notably to penicillin which still is the first choice drug. A well-conducted treatment will give satisfactory results, but sequelae of retractile fibrosis may be disabling.
Osteodysplasty (Melnick and Needles syndrome) without facial dysmorphy in a 26 1/2 years old woman, mother of a normal 5 months female infant. First male newborn was stillborn at 37 weeks of amenorrhea with Potter syndrome and severe malformations (microcephaly, cleft lip and palate, posterior scalp lesions, bilateral palmar transverse crease) just like 13 trisomy. Spine and limb X-ray anomalies pointed out a week before foetus expulsion are not proved subsequently because examinations deficiency.
The authors report in detail the observation of a patient who presented with urticaria and anaphylactic shock during hysterosalpingography. A review of the literature analyzing different accidents and incidents related to this examination, showed the rarity of such reactions. The authors insist, once more, on the necessity of always having the adequate material and drugs for early intensive treatment. These should be at hand whenever investigation with iodine contrast products are used, whatever the route of administration.
Four patients with single or multiple pulmonary arteriovenous aneurysms, including three with Rendu-Osler's disease, were treated by occlusion with metallic spirals of the supplying pedicles during angiography. Results are compared with those of 16 cases treated by the same method and reported in the literature. The technique and its therapeutic indications are discussed based on these 20 cases and a review of documented data concerning 502 other cases with these aneurysms.