PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Ferrini

Publications and source records attributed to L Ferrini.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Changes in respiratory function in disorders of the thoracic cage. With special reference to the ventilatory mechanism and the regulation in scoliosis.

After describing the clinical and functional effects of pathological changes in the thoracic cage ("mechanical syndrome" and "neuromuscular syndrome"), the authors discuss the disorders of respiratory function observed in a group of patients with poliomyelitic scoliosis. The aim was to establish the type and nature of these changes with a view to clarifying certain pathogenetic aspects. Two factors suggest that the altered geometry of the thoracic cage in scoliosis is responsible for the mechanical inefficiency of the thoracopulmonary apparatus, namely: 1. changes in respiratory function, since there was a strict correlation between the severity of the scoliosis and the degree of change in certain indices of respiratory function (vital capacity, maximum expiratory volume per second, maximum ventilation per minute); 2. changes in the regulation of ventilation, indicated by: a) good correlation between the ventilatory response to CO2 and the severity of the anatomical lesion; b) a reduction in the occlusion pressure, which is regarded as the pressure available to produce ventilation.

Adolescent↗

Stimulation of pancreatic secretion by sulpiride.

Sulpiride is a nonsedative neuroleptic, pharmacologically related to metoclopramide, which has previously been shown to affect various gastric functions and to exert a beneficial effect in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. In the present study the authors investigated the effects of sulpiride on pancreatic exocrine secretion. The intravenous injection of sulpiride (100 mg) during a constant infusion of secretin (0.5 CU/kg/hr) and cholecystokinin (0.5 IDU/kg/hr) significantly increased outputs of bicarbonate and enzymes in nine healthy subjects. The increase was maximal 20-30 min after sulpiride administration and lasted for the duration of the study (1 hr). Compared to presulpiride control levels, the mean maximum percent increase was 35% for bicarbonate, 39% for lipase, and 32% for chymotrypsin. It is concluded that sulpiride augments pancreatic secretion stimulated by submaximal doses of secretin and cholecystokinin. The mechanism of this effect is unknown.

Adult↗

[Cardiac echinococcosis simulating myocardial necrosis in a 9 year-old boy. Diagnosis and surgical treatment (author's transl)].

The case of a 9 year-old, admitted for precordial pain, electrocardiographic signs of myocardial necrosis, deformity of the cardiac border at X Rays examinations, is reported. The diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis was suspected once excluded other causes of myocardial infarction in children. Angiocardiography was the most useful diagnostic tool. The cyst was successfully removed with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac echinococcosis gives rise, usually, to minor electrocardiographic changes; nevertheless, patients with electrocardiographic signs of necrosis can undergo surgical treatment without increased operative risk. Follow-up at several months after successful operation does not show return to normal electrocardiogram.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Emergency operations for left ventricular asynergy.

Thirty-two patients were submitted to an emergency surgical procedure for left ventricular asynergy, following myocardial infarction. Indications and results are analyzed. All patients were operated upon with the aid of cardiopulmonary by-pass; an aneurysmectomy was performed in twenty-nine patients, a plication technique in three. These procedures were combined with mitral and/or aortic replacement in five patients, closure of ventricular septal defect in five, aorto-coronary saphenous vein by-pass in five. Early over all post-operative mortality was 75%: 80% in patients operated within three months from myocardial infarction, 67% in patients operated after three months from myocardial infarction.

Adult↗

[The Hartmann procedure in colorectal emergencies. Report of 76 cases].

The Hartmann procedure has, in emergency colo-rectal surgery, many implications. The decision is based on clinical, radiological, instrumental and pathological findings. The authors report the results of 76 Hartmann's procedures performed between 1986 and 1995 and compare their results with those found in the current medical literature on the topic. In particular, they draw attention to an increased use of this procedures in colo-rectal emergencies; the morbility and mortality rates confirm the severity of the clinical cases that can be treated with this operation. To improve results the authors propose a therapeutic plan that uses a score for stratification of the risk (MPI, APA-CHE II, SSI, Hinchey); so the surgeon can choose the best surgical operation. Finally, the authors underline the importance of the principles of oncology surgery in colo-rectal cancer.

Aged↗

Abdominal aorta-caval fistula: treatment with aortic and caval synthetic grafts (one year follow-up).

A fistula located between the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava is an unusual acquired condition which necessitates prompt diagnosis and, in most instances, emergency surgical repair. The signs and symptoms are related to the size of the shunt. The classical findings are those of a continuous abdominal bruit, edema and venous pooling of the legs, wide pulse pressure, and sudden progressive high-output cardiac failure. Aortography is the definitive diagnostic procedure. However it is impractical in those situations presenting an asymptomatic fistula and contraindicated in presence of signs of progressive renal failure, where emergency surgical treatment is required. In these instances aorta-caval fistula can be correctly diagnosed by means of radionuclide aortography. The fistula can usually be repaired from within the aneurysm after endoarterectomy. Then the aortic graft replacement is completed. In rare cases the pathology at operation is such that this type of repair cannot be performed and an unexpected replacement of the inferior vena cava may be required. The purpose of this paper is to present the description of a patient in whom the diagnosis of aorta-caval fistula was confirmed by means of an isotope angiogram, followed by a successful surgical graft replacement of the abdominal aorta and a dacron tubular graft replacement of the inferior vena cava.

Aged↗