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Biomedical subjects

L Barozzi

Publications and source records attributed to L Barozzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparison of radiation doses to patients undergoing standard radiographic examinations with conventional screen-film radiography, computed radiography and direct digital radiography.

New flat-panel direct digital radiography equipment has recently been installed in our Accident and Emergency Department; its characteristics and versatility are well suited to the work undertaken in this environment. The aim of this study was to compare radiation doses to patients undergoing standard radiographic examinations using conventional screen-film radiography, computed radiography and direct digital radiography; entrance surface dose and effective dose were calculated for six standard examinations (a total of 10 projections) using standard patient exposure parameters for the three imaging modalities. It was found that doses for computed radiography (all examinations) were higher than the doses for the other two modalities; effective doses for direct digital radiography were approximately 29% and approximately 43% lower than those for screen-film radiography and computed radiography, respectively. The image quality met the criteria in the European guidelines for all modalities.

Humans↗

Nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis.

Nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis (NSGP) is a relatively uncommon type of chronic inflammation of the prostate, frequently mistaken for carcinoma on digital rectal examination, trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) and serum PSA test. It is presently the most frequent variety of granulomatous prostatitis observed at histological examination. The present study reviews the trans-rectal US results and serum PSA levels of 20 patients with biopsy-proven NSGP. Physical findings, laboratory data and US indicated malignancy in all cases. Sonographically (TRUS), the lesions appeared as single or multiple hypoechoic nodules, mainly localised in the peripheral zone of the gland, mimicking carcinoma. Mean serum PSA values were 13.3 ng/ml (range from 3.5 to 34 ng/ml), and only one patient had a value lower than 4 ng/ml. A sufficiently long period of follow-up (mean 19 months; range from 7 to 48 months) with TRUS and PSA was only possible in 11/20 patients. In 8/11 cases, serum PSA returned within normal range, and in 5/11 patients the US features slowly resolved, the hypoechoic nodules disappearing. Final diagnosis can only be obtained by prostatic biopsy. Several questions remain unanswered regarding the relationship between chronic prostatitis and prostatic carcinoma, natural history, the need for specific therapy and also the follow-up of this disease.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Female paraurethral leiomyoma: ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Primary benign paraurethral tumors in females are observed only rarely. They may occasionally be detected at physical examination or present with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. A leiomyoma originating from the smooth muscle fibers of the urethra in a 43-year-old woman is reported. The benign nature of the lesion was suspected on the basis of transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical enucleation was performed and light microscopy showed a well-differentiated smooth muscle tumor.

Adult↗

Imaging of the acute scrotum.

The scrotum is a superficial structure and clinical examination is frequently not enough for making a specific diagnosis. In acute scrotal pain US can confirm the presumptive clinical diagnosis and provide additional relevant information. In testicular torsion, color-Doppler imaging has a central role since it has become possible to identify it at early stage by showing absence of perfusion in the affected testis before any gray-scale abnormality. Scintigraphy remains a satisfactory alternative in evaluating testicular torsion and should be used when color Doppler is inadequate, raising doubts about the suspected torsion. Diagnosis of torsion of testicular appendages is particularly difficult. Ischemic infarction shows a characteristic pattern at gray-scale and color Doppler imaging, whereas hemorrhagic ischemia may require MRI. Inflammatory diseases of the scrotum can be easily investigated by echo color Doppler and conventional radiography, and CT can be particularly useful in the detection of gas bubbles. In scrotal trauma, scrotal hematoma, hematocele, intratesticular hematoma, and testicular rupture can be identified using gray-scale US with very good reliability. Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated when a small tear of tunica albuginea is suspected but not visualized on US.

Acute Disease↗

Long-term results after aortic valve replacement with the Biocor PSB stentless xenograft in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: This study seeks to define the long-term results after Biocor PSB stentless aortic valve replacement (AVR) in elderly patients, including the effects of No-React treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes of 106 consecutive patients, aged 70+/-6 years, having Biocor PSB (93 standard, 13 No-React) AVR between October 1992 and October 1996. RESULTS: There were three early deaths (3%) and 15 late deaths (15%), during a mean follow-up of 5.8+/-1.6 years. At 8 years, survival was 82%+/-4% and freedom from cardiac death was 94%+/-3%. Freedom from valve failure was 92%+/-4% at 8 years (No-React: 92%+/-8% at 4 years). Replacement of the xenograft was required in 5 patients. Freedom from reoperation was 91%+/-4% at 8 years (No-React: 92%+/-8% at 4 years). Four bleeding and two embolic events were recorded: overall valve-related event-free survival was 81%+/-7% at 8 years (No-React: 76%+/-12% at 4 years). Age of long-term survivors averaged 77+/-5 years and their New York Heart Association status was 1.3+/-0.6 (versus 2.9+/-0.6 preoperatively, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory freedom from cardiac events and from valve deterioration added to uniform improvement in functional status despite advanced age and high prevalence of comorbid conditions make AVR with the Biocor PSB xenograft a valid long-term therapy for the elderly. No-React treatment does not influence xenograft durability.

Adult↗

Bicuspid aortic valve disease and pulmonary autograft root dilatation after the Ross procedure: a clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: Bicuspid aortic valve disease has been associated with histologic abnormalities of the aortic root. Recent reports have suggested similar alterations may exist in the pulmonary artery of patients with bicuspid aortic valve. The present study was undertaken to define the histologic condition of the aortic and pulmonary artery root in bicuspid aortic valve disease and the relationship with pulmonary autograft root dilatation after the Ross procedure. METHODS: In 17 patients undergoing aortic root replacement with the pulmonary autograft, biopsy specimens of the aortic root and pulmonary artery trunk were collected. Clinical and histologic findings of patients with bicuspid aortic valves were compared with those with tricuspid aortic valves. RESULTS: There were 9 patients (8 male, 1 female) with bicuspid aortic valve (group 1) and 8 (all male) with tricuspid aortic valve (group 2). Mean age was comparable (24.4 +/- 9.8 vs 23.6 +/- 10.8 years, P =.9). Aortic insufficiency as an indication for operation was more common in group 1 (9/9 vs 5/8, P =.007), whereas preoperative aortic root dilatation was equally prevalent (4/9 vs 1/8, P =.1). Prior aortic valve repair had been performed in 2 patients (1/9 vs 1/8, P =.9). Prevalence of cystic medionecrosis of the aortic wall was similar in the 2 groups (4/9 vs 3/8, P =.6). Cystic medionecrosis of the pulmonary artery trunk was found only in 1 patient with tricuspid aortic valve (0/9 vs 1/8, P =.3). During a mean follow-up of 26.5 +/- 12.2 months (32.1 +/- 12.7 vs 20.1 +/- 7.4 months, P =.04), prevalence of pulmonary autograft root dilatation (greater than 4.0 cm) was equally represented in patients with native bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve (3/9 vs 2/8, P =.6). CONCLUSIONS: Histologic abnormalities of the pulmonary artery root are rare and equally prevalent in young patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. On the contrary, root dilatation is relatively common late after autograft root replacement but appears unrelated to bicuspid aortic valve disease or to pre-existing degenerative changes of the pulmonary artery root.

Adult↗

Comparison of late outcome after stentless versus stented xenograft aortic valve replacement.

The long-term outcomes of 292 patients having stented xenograft aortic valve replacement (AVR) (group 1) and 376 having stentless AVR (group 2) were compared. Patients in group 1 were older (75 +/- 9 years v 70 +/- 6 years, P =.01), had more advanced cardiac disease (New York Heart Association [NYHA] classification III-IV: 85% v 75%, P =.03), and more associated procedures (53% v 41%, P =.01). Early mortality was higher in Group 1 (6.2% v 2.6%, P =.02), primarily due to cardiac cause (5.4% v 1.5%, P =.009). During follow-up (37 +/- 30 months v 43 +/- 35 months, P = not significant [ns]), 66 late deaths were recorded (12% v 9%, P = ns). At 8 years, survival (70% +/- 5% v 81% +/- 3%, P =.01) freedom from cardiac death (85% +/- 1% v 92% +/- 3%, P =.02) and prosthesis-related death (79% +/- 5% v 95% +/- 2%, P =.004) was higher in Group 2, but freedom from structural deterioration was similar (92% +/- 5% v 93% +/- 3%, P = ns). Late functional status was equally satisfactory (NYHA classification I-II: 89% v 90%, P = ns). Stentless AVR may confer selective survival advantages. Because freedom from valve failure is similar to stented xenografts, extension of stentless AVR to patients without anatomic contraindications appears justified.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Corticosteroid injections in polymyalgia rheumatica: a double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of shoulder corticosteroid injections in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with active PMR were randomized into a 7 month, double blind, placebo controlled study. Patients received either bilateral shoulder injections of 40 mg of 6-methylprednisolone acetate or placebo (1 ml saline solution). Responders were treated weekly with the same regimen for a total of 4 bilateral injections and then followed for 6 months. Response was defined as a 70% reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and for patient and physician global assessment, and duration of morning stiffness. Bilateral shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at different times to evaluate the response of lesions to therapy. RESULTS: All 10 corticosteroid treated patients responded to the first injection with a significant reduction in duration of morning stiffness, VAS pain scale, patient and physician global assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. Interleukin 6 serum levels were significantly reduced after the 2nd injection. In 5 patients, the response persisted throughout the followup period. The other 5 withdrew within 4 weeks after the 4th injection due to recurrence of symptoms. None of the 10 patients of the placebo group responded to the first injection. The difference between the 2 groups was significant (p = 0.03). No side effects were recorded. MRI showed marked improvement of shoulder lesions one week after first injection and an almost complete resolution one week after last injection in the responders. CONCLUSION: Shoulder corticosteroid injections seem to be an effective and safe therapy for PMR.

Aged↗

Experience with stentless aortic xenografts.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to define the long-term results after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with freehand stentless xenografts. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 376 consecutive patients (195 males, 181 females; mean age 70 +/- 7 years; range: 26-87 years) who underwent stentless AVR between October 1992 and April 2000. In total, 164 patients received Toronto SPV, 106 Biocor PSB, 101 Cryolife-O'Brien, and five other valves. Indication for surgery was valve stenosis (n = 246), regurgitation (n = 50), mixed lesion (n = 75) and prosthetic valve failure (n = 5). Mean preoperative NYHA functional class was 2.9 +/- 0.6 (range: 2-4). Associated procedures were required in 153 patients (41%), including coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 97), mitral operation (n = 26), ascending aortic replacement (n = 17) and 'other' (n = 13). Mean valve size was 25 +/- 3 mm (range: 21-29 mm), mean aortic cross-clamp time was 96 +/- 23 min (range: 42-186 min), and mean cardiopulmonary bypass time 128 +/- 34 min (range: 65-363 min). RESULTS: Ten patients (2.7%) died in hospital, due to cardiac causes (n = 6), cerebrovascular accident (n = 3) and multiorgan failure (n = 1). During a mean follow up of 40 +/- 20 months (range: 1-90 months) there were 33 late deaths. Survival was 96 +/- 1%, 83 +/- 3% and 80 +/- 4% and valve-related event-free survival 97 +/- 1%, 87 +/- 2% and 82 +/- 6% at one, five and seven years, respectively. Valve failure occurred in 21 (6%) patients (10 structural, nine non-structural, two endocarditis): freedom from structural valve deterioration was 99 +/- 1%, 95 +/- 2% and 92 +/- 4% at one, five and seven years. Reoperation on the xenograft was required in 17 (5%) patients, giving a freedom from reoperation of 99 +/- 1%, 94 +/- 2% and 90 +/- 4% at one, five and seven years. Freedom from valve failure and reoperation were significantly lower with Cryolife-O'Brien valves, but freedom from structural valve failure was similar. The average NYHA class was improved at follow up (1.4 +/- 0.7 versus 2.9 +/- 0.6 preoperatively, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Long-term survival and freedom from valve-related adverse events after stentless AVR in an elderly population were satisfactory. Freedom from structural deterioration was excellent and comparable for all xenograft models, while non-structural deterioration may have been more common with one valve model. Despite the advanced patient age, functional improvement late after operation may be expected.

Adult↗

[Doppler color ultrasonography of the normal penis].

The penile blood vessels arise from the internal pudendal artery. After the arcuate ligament the artery is usually called the main penile artery. Afterwards the vessel is divided into the dorsal penile artery, which is thin, and the cavernosal artery, which enter the corpus cavernosum on the supero-medial surface of the penis. The branches of this artery are called the arteriae helicinas that subsequently divide in smaller vessels that communicate with the lacunae of the corpus cavernosum. The venous blood flow is drained into the venous plexus beneath the tunica albuginea. The emissary veins perforate the albuginea and the blood is drained by the venae circumflexae into the deep dorsal vein. Color-Doppler sonography allows actually to depict all these vessels and to study the blood flow in these structures with the exclusion of the lacunar spaces. To detect slow flows the technical parameters are very important and the Doppler angle must be always less than 60 degrees. During pharmacologically induced erection the peak systolic velocity in the cavernosal artery shows different values, according to the time of measurements. Initially high systolic velocity is detected (over 35 cm/s) and high diastolic flow (8-15 cm/s) due to low intracavernosal resistance. After veno-occlusive mechanism activation, an increase of flow is normally observed with peak systolic velocity up to 80-120 cm/s associated to progressive decrease of diastolic flow. In the initial phase of the erection the venous flow is characterized with elevated blood velocity in the circumflex and deep dorsal veins. Afterwards with progressive erection the venous flow reduces to disappear completely with full rigidity. Three dimensional US allows a better visualization of the morphology, number and distribution of the vascular tree of the penis.

Humans↗

Aortic root replacement with the Carboseal composite graft: 7-year experience with the first 100 implants.

BACKGROUND: Aortic root replacement remains a challenging surgical procedure. A variety of techniques and prosthetic devices have thus far been used. In order to assess the performance of the Carboseal (Sultzer Carbomedics, Inc, Austin TX) composite graft, review of the experience with composite root replacement was undertaken. METHODS: Between January 1979 and December 1998, 273 patients underwent composite aortic root replacement. One-hundred-six received the Carboseal composite prosthesis (group 1) and 84 other types of composite grafts (group 2). Demographic and operative variables were similar in the 2 patient groups, except for an older mean age in group 1 (58+/-12 versus 50+/-12 years, p = 0.001). RESULTS: Operative mortality was lower in group 1 patients (3 of 106, 3% versus 10 of 84, 12%, p = 0.04). Follow-up of survivors was longer in group 2 due to more recent adoption of the Carboseal grafts (93+/-57 versus 36+/-23 months, p = 0.01). Late mortality was higher in group 2 (3 of 103, 3% versus 13 of 74, 18%, p = 0.04), with higher prevalence of prosthetic-related complications (2 of 103, 2% versus 12 of 74, 15%, p = 0.002). Reoperation was more prevalent in group 2 (1 of 103, 1% versus 5 of 74, 8%, p = 0.04), and limited to patients having root replacement using the inclusion technique. Functional status of survivors was comparable in the 2 groups (83 of 103, 80% versus 45 of 74, 61% of patients in New York Heart Association class I, p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic root replacement using the Carboseal composite graft offers excellent long-term results, with negligible prevalence of prosthetic-related complications. Superior performance compared to other available composite grafts in the present series may be influenced by more recent adoption of the Carboseal conduit and concomitant uniform adoption of coronary button technique.

Aorta↗

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting oedema (RS3PE) syndrome: a prospective follow up and magnetic resonance imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with "pure" remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting oedema (RS3PE) syndrome, and to investigate its relation with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to describe the anatomical structures affected by inflammation in pure RS3PE syndrome. METHODS: A prospective follow up study of 23 consecutive patients with pure RS3PE syndrome and 177 consecutive patients with PMR diagnosed over a five year period in two Italian secondary referral centres of rheumatology. Hands or feet MRI, or both, was performed at diagnosis in 7 of 23 patients. RESULTS: At inspection evidence of hand and/or foot tenosynovitis was present in all the 23 patients with pure RS3PE syndrome. Twenty one (12%) patients with PMR associated distal extremity swelling with pitting oedema. No significant differences in the sex, age at onset of disease, acute phase reactant values at diagnosis, frequency of peripheral synovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome and frequency of HLA-B7 antigen were present between patients with pure RS3PE and PMR. In both conditions no patient under 50 was observed, the disease frequency increased significantly with age and the highest frequency was present in the age group 70-79 years. Clinical symptoms for both conditions responded promptly to corticosteroids and no patient developed rheumatoid arthritis during the follow up. However, the patients with pure RS3PE syndrome were characterised by shorter duration of treatment, lower cumulative corticosteroid dose and lower frequency of systemic signs/symptoms and relapse/recurrence. Hands and feet MRI showed evidence of tenosynovitis in five patients and joint synovitis in three patients. CONCLUSION: The similarities of demographic, clinical, and MRI findings between RS3PE syndrome and PMR and the concurrence of the two syndromes suggest that these conditions may be part of the same disease and that the diagnostic labels of PMR and RS3PE syndrome may not indicate a real difference. The presence of distal oedema seems to indicate a better prognosis.

Age Distribution↗

Stentless aortic xenograft valve replacement: lessons learned after 300 implants.

Early results after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with three different types of stentless xenografts suggested less satisfactory outcome with a simplified implant model (Cryolife-O'Brien) compared with two standard implant models (Biocor PSB, Toronto SPV). To assess the impact of experience on mid-term outcome after stentless AVR, results with 322 implants were reviewed. Between July 1992 and February 1999, 106 patients underwent operations to implant the Biocor PSB (group 1), 139 patients the Toronto SPV (group 2), and 77 patients the Cryolife-O'Brien valve (group 3). Mean age (70+/-6 years; 70+/-7 years; 71+/-7 years; P = .7), prevalence of male gender (56 patients, 53%; 72 patients, 55%; 38 patients, 49%; P = .4), prevalence of aortic stenosis (72 patients, 68%; 77 patients, 55%; 38 patients, 49%; P = .7), and need for associated procedures (51 patients, 48%; 54 patients, 39%; 33 patients, 43%; P = .7) were similar among all three groups, respectively. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was shorter in group 3 (96+/-24 min; 98+/-24 min; 78+/-22 min; P = .02). Early deaths (3/106, 3%; 4/139, 3%; 2/77; 3%, P = .8) and late survival were comparable (89%+/-5%, 93%+/-4%, and 85%+/-7% at 5 years, P = .1) among groups. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 84 months (mean 52+/-20 months). Five-year freedom from valve deterioration (95%+/-5%, 96%+/-3%, and 85%+/-7%, P = .008) and from reoperation (98%+/-2%, 98%+/-2%, 92%+/-4%, P = .01) was significantly poorer in group 3 patients. When valve failure resulting from technical mishaps (none in the last 60 implants) with the Cryolife-O'Brien valve was excluded, no significant difference in freedom from valve deterioration was noted (98%+/-2%, 96%+/-3%, and 95%+/-4%, P = .1). Late functional status of 290 survivors was satisfactory and comparable among groups (1.3+/-0.8, 1.1+/-0.4, and 1.4+/-0.7 New York Heart Association class, P = .5). After an initial learning curve, simplified implant stentless xenografts offer satisfactory mid-term results, which are comparable to two-suture-line implant valves. Owing to the shorter grafting time, simplified implant xenografts such as the Cryolife-O'Brien may be particularly suited for complex operations where associated procedures are required.

Aged↗

Clinical manifestations of seronegative spondylarthropathies.

Seronegative spondylarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome and reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, plus other forms which do not meet the criteria for definite categories and are called undifferentiated. Recently two sets of classification criteria have been proposed for the entire group including undifferentiated forms: the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group and the Amor criteria. The prevalence of spondylarthropathies is directly correlated with the prevalence of the HLA-B27 antigen in the population. The highest prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (4.5%) has been found in Canadian Haida Indians, where 50% of the population is B27 positive. Among Europeans the frequency of the B27 antigen in the general population ranges from 3 to 13% and the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis is estimated to be 0.1-0.23%. Seronegative spondylarthropathies have common clinical and radiologic manifestations: inflammatory spinal pain, sacroiliitis, chest wall pain, peripheral arthritis, peripheral enthesitis, dactylitis, lesions of the lung apices, conjunctivitis, uveitis and aortic incompetence together with conduction disturbances. All of these may also occur in isolation.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

Seronegative spondylarthropathies: imaging of spondylitis, enthesitis and dactylitis.

Sacroiliitis is an indispensable condition for the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis according to the present criteria and is usually diagnosed on standard anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis. In cases with suspicious abnormalities (grade 1 of the New York criteria) CT permits the diagnosis since it shows a higher degree of sacroiliitis. MRI is superior to CT in the early diagnosis as it can detect the cartilage abnormalities which precede bony changes. 'Romanus lesions' with 'shiny corners', 'squaring' of the vertebral bodies, syndesmophytes, spondylodiscitis and osteoporosis are the radiological findings of ankylosing spondylitis. The nonmarginal, asymmetric, coarse and broad syndesmophytes of psoriatic spondylitis and spondylitis associated with Reiter's syndrome resemble the flowing bone outgrowths of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). The ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and of the flavum ligament are rare manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis. Peripheral extra-articular enthesitis is a clinical hallmark of seronegative spondylarthropathies. Plain film radiography shows erosions and spurs but only in advanced phases. US shows the swelling of the entheses and the peritendinous soft tissues and the distension of adjacent bursae by fluid collection. MRI shows the inflammation of the bone adjacent to the insertion as well as the soft tissue changes. Dactylitis is another typical manifestation of seronegative spondylarthropathies. In the past it was thought to be due to concomitant tenosynovitis and arthritis. Recently, however, we have demonstrated with US and MRI that the 'sausage-like' appearance is due to the flexor tenosynovitis and that joint capsule distension is not indispensable.

Bone Remodeling↗

Enthesiopathy: clinical manifestations, imaging and treatment.

Enthesitis is a distinctive pathological feature of spondyloarthropathy and may involve synovial joints, cartilaginous joints, syndesmoses and extra-articular entheses. This review focuses on peripheral extra-articular enthesitis which is a clinical hallmark of spondyloarthropathy. The entheses of the lower limbs are more frequently involved than those of the upper limbs, and heel enthesitis is the most frequent. Entheseal pain may be mild or moderate as well as severe and disabling. Peripheral enthesitis may be observed in all forms of spondyloarthropathy, including the undifferentiated ones, and may for a long time be the only long-standing clinical manifestation of the B27-associated disease process. Various imaging methods have been suggested for studying peripheral enthesitis. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most useful because they may show alterations of the structures involved. Therapy of peripheral enthesitis consists of NSAIDs, orthoses and physical therapy. Steroid injections, second line drugs such as sulphasalazine and radiotherapy are reserved for more severe cases.

Adult↗