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Biomedical subjects

L Cardinale

Publications and source records attributed to L Cardinale.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

CT features of solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura: experience in 26 patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the typical computed tomography (CT) features of solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura (SFTP) and determine which findings would allow confirmation of the pleural origin or benign behaviour of the tumour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six preoperative CT studies of the chest (23 enhanced and 14 unenhanced) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Up to 50% of SFTP were larger than 10 cm. At unenhanced CT, they showed homogeneous attenuation in 5 cases (35.7%) and inhomogeneous attenuation in 9 (64.3%). At contrast-enhanced CT, they were inhomogeneous in 21 cases (91.3%), with geographic pattern (61.9% of cases), serpiginous linear areas of enhancement (intralesional vessels) (23.8%), rounded (52.4%) or linear (33.3%) areas of low attenuation (necrosis). CONCLUSIONS: Depending on location, size and histological features, SFTP may produce a large spectrum of findings. Typical CT features of small SFTP were well-defined margins and smooth contours, homogeneous attenuation and right or obtuse angles with the pleura. Larger lesions were characterised by well-defined margins and lobulated contours, geographic pattern in enhanced CT scans, acute angles or smooth tapering margins with the pleura.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The anterior mediastinum: anatomy and imaging procedures.

The mediastinum is divided into compartments (anterior, middle, posterior) on the basis of lateral chest radiographs. Several anatomical and radiological classifications of the mediastinum are reported in the literature. Most mediastinal abnormalities are initially suspected following chest radiography; the need for further investigation and the most appropriate imaging modality are largely dictated by the tentative diagnosis made on this examination. Although routine chest radiography initiates the evaluation of mediastinal disorders, it is rarely diagnostic: notable exceptions are teeth or bones within a mass, which are diagnostic of a teratoma; air/fluid levels suggest an oesophageal origin, hernia, cyst, or abscess. Chest radiography is followed by spiral computed tomography (sCT). However, even sCT with contrast material is occasionally diagnostic (a confident diagnosis can be made of some lesions such as mature teratoma and mediastinal goiter) but is usually sufficient for preoperative evaluation before mediastinotomy or mediastinoscopy: it is instrumental in planning further diagnostic workup. In certain cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be complementary to sCT, but its use is not considered routine. Besides, although the anterior mediastinum is suitable for sonographic examination, the diagnostic value of ultrasonography has not been fully exploited. Thyroid scanning with radioactive iodine is useful in identifying and evaluating masses of suspected thyroid origin. The role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in mediastinal diseases continues to be evaluated: it has potential for differentiating between benign and malignant disease and is expected to play a more extensive role in the imaging of mediastinal neoplasms in the future. In this paper, the radiological features of masses located in the anterior mediastinum are discussed, with particular reference to radiographic and CT patterns useful to the clinician's everyday practice.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed2006

The anterior mediastinum: diseases.

Mediastinal tumours are frequently asymptomatic and first noted on routine chest radiograph. In most cases, evaluation should proceed to spiral computed tomography (sCT) of the chest with iodinated contrast material. The specific location and appearance of tumours on sCT is instrumental in planning further diagnostic and treatment strategies. Primary tumours in the anterior mediastinum account for half of all mediastinal masses. They comprise various benign and malignant neoplasms, but a wide variety of nonneoplastic lesions (developmental, inflammatory) can present as a localised mass in this compartment. The most common primary anterior mediastinal tumours are thymoma, teratoma and lymphoma; all other lesions are rare. Nonneoplastic conditions include thymic cysts, lymphangioma and intrathoracic goitre. Understanding the pathology, clinical presentation, imaging and diagnosis of the major tumour types is instrumental in the safe and efficient work-up of a mediastinal mass. Patients with primary mediastinal masses and cysts will usually undergo surgical resection; radiological and clinical features should prompt limited biopsy specimens followed by oncologic consultation, and chemotherapy or radiotherapy when appropriate. The objective of this review was to examine the role of diagnostic imaging in the management of masses of the anterior mediastinum.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed2005

Three-year findings of an early lung cancer detection feasibility study with low-dose spiral computed tomography in heavy smokers.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose spiral computed tomography (sCT) showed a four-fold increase in the detection rate in high-risk subjects and a higher percentage of stage I lung cancer in comparison with chest X-ray. However, there is a considerable discrepancy among studies in the percentage of lung nodules, overall lung cancer and stage I detection rate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From April to December 2001, 520 asymptomatic volunteers aged >or=55 years with a history of cigarette smoking >or=20 pack-years and no previous cancer were enrolled to receive an annual sCT of the chest for five consecutive years. RESULTS: Seventy three per cent were male, median age was 59 years and 91% were current smokers. At baseline, nodules >or=5 mm were detected in 114 (22%) undergoing sCT; the size of lung nodules ranged from 5 to 9.9 mm in 81.5% of the cases. Five (1%) cases of lung cancer were detected. In two additional cases a pathological diagnosis of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia was made. Three new cases of lung cancer were detected in the second and third year of the study. One interval case was detected during the third year. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some promising data, convincing evidence from ongoing randomized trials is needed to support the routine use of sCT as a recommended tool for screening of lung cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Pregnancy luteoma with granulosa cell proliferation: an unusual hyperplastic lesion arising in pregnancy and mimicking an ovarian neoplasia.

A pregnancy luteoma (PL) was incidentally found at a term cesarean section in a 27-year-old black woman without any endocrine abnormality. The lesion involved only the left ovary; it had a nodular and focal pseudoalveolar growth pattern and was associated with areas of tubular sertoliform component, consistent with granulosa cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry revealed a diffuse positivity to Inhibin A, CD99, cytokeratin and vimentin. The ultrastructure was typical of steroid-producing cells. PL is a tumor-like lesion arising in pregnant women and often misdiagnosed as a neoplastic lesion; awareness of this rare entity and its differential diagnoses may avoid unnecessary surgery in young patients.

12E7 Antigen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dimensional and hemodynamic differences between native and transplanted kidneys, evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography.

Aim of the study was to asses the differences in size and hemodynamics in the normal kidney and well-functioning renal graft by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). Sixty healthy subjects, 75 well-functioning cadaver renal transplant recipients, 15 couples of living donors and related graft recipients were compared by CDU. Renal diameters, volume, renal blood flow (RBF) and renal resistance index (RI) were the variables studied. Cadaveric transplants, living donors and related recipients had a longer kidney (p<0.00001) and greater volume (p<0.001) than normal native kidneys. This was not associated with any significant increase in RBF. RI was lower in healthy subjects and in kidney donors than in transplant recipients (p<0.00001). Transplanted kidneys had a higher arterial RI but apparently normal function.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Variability of renal echo-Doppler measurements in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: We examined the most widely used echo-Doppler variables in healthy adults to define their normal distribution and variability in relation to age, sex, body surface area and the right and left kidney. METHODS: Ninety healthy subjects were selected, stratified for sex and age (range 20-65 years). We also examined 8 subjects with a congenital solitary kidney and 15 surgically nephrectomized patients. Variables studied were the diameters and volume of the kidneys, renal blood flow (RBF) and resistive index (RI) measured on the renal, interlobar and cortical arteries. RESULTS: The mean length was greater in the left kidney (p<0.01) and width in the right one (p<0.02). Volume was no different on the two sides. RBF showed an age-dependent reduction (p<0.0001), while interlobar (p<0.0001) and cortical (p<0.0001) RI showed a selective age-dependent increase. RI were higher in females and diameters, volume and RBF, after correction for body surface area, were not different in the two sexes. Cortical RI was lower than the interlobar and renal RI (p<0.0001). In the group with congenital single kidney, length, volume and RBF were all greater. In the mononephrectomized patients, length and volume were greater but RBF was the same as in a normal single kidney. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonographic and Doppler variables studied did not show any differences from normal distribution but they were influenced differently by some demographic parameters; however, the integrated use of these measurements offers precision and repeatibility, and could help evaluating diffuse or localized abnormalities.

Adult↗