Biomedical subjects

M M Kockx

Publications and source records attributed to M M Kockx.

61 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

Triphasic sequence of neointimal formation in the cuffed carotid artery of the rabbit.

A nonocclusive silicone cuff placed around the rabbit carotid artery results in a diffuse intimal thickening. The early stages of this phenomenon were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Neointimal formation appeared to be triphasic. The first phase started 2 hours after cuff placement, with vascular infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). In the second phase, starting within 12 hours, 1.90 +/- 0.36% of the medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were replicating, as demonstrated by their immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The third phase was characterized by the appearance, from day 3 onward, of subendothelial SMCs that were immunoreactive for alpha-SMC actin and vimentin. A few cells showed immunoreactivity for PCNA. During this phase all the PMNs disappeared, but SMC replication in the media was still present, as indicated by the presence of mitoses and the persisting immunoreactivity for PCNA (0.76 +/- 0.22% at day 7). In the third phase the number of subendothelial cells increased (104 +/- 15 SMC nuclei per section at day 7, of which 8.89 +/- 2.26% were PCNA-positive) and was associated with deposition of collagen type IV and fibronectin. At 14 days a complete, circular neointima was present and contained 2.13 +/- 0.28% replicating SMCs. The media showed 0.44 +/- 0.08% cell-cycling SMCs, which was still four times higher than normal. During the first week there was also a significantly higher PCNA activity in the media of sham-operated carotid arteries (no cuff present) than in nonsurgical ones. However, this did not lead to the formation of a neointima. We conclude that in the cuff system SMC replication in the media precedes the neointimal formation. The system can be used to study SMC replication, migration, and neointimal formation with minimal medial SMC damage.

Actins↗

PubMed1992

Ultrastructurally normal and motile spermatozoa in a fertile man with Kartagener's syndrome.

The findings in a 40-year-old man with Kartagener's triad (sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus) and corrected transposition of the great vessels are presented. Electron microscopy revealed normal ultrastructure of the axoneme in both respiratory cilia and sperm tails. Light microscopic evaluation of the spermatozoa showed 50 percent motility, suggesting normal fertility. This assumption is confirmed, as the patient has two children. We suggest that an abnormal, uncoordinated motility pattern of the ultrastructurally normal respiratory cilia results in improper mucociliary clearance. This coordination is not needed in swimming spermatozoa, which could explain the apparent paradox between bronchopulmonary symptoms and normal fertility in our patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Acquired protein C and S deficiency, inflammatory bowel disease and cerebral arterial thrombosis.

Thromboembolic complications may occur in inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, we had the opportunity to observe a case of a cerebral arterial thrombosis in a young patient with active ulcerative colitis. Investigation of blood coagulation revealed a temporary Protein C, Protein S and Factor II deficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a temporary Protein C and S deficiency in a patient with thrombosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Radiological guidelines for the detection of early breast cancer: a review.

Mammography remains the major technique for detecting breast cancer. In Europe the screen-film technique is most frequently used, although the radiation dose in xeroradiography has been significantly reduced since liquid toner was introduced. The ultimate goal of mammography is to detect breast cancer at an early stage, especially through screening projects. The authors discuss the classic signs, such as calcifications and irregular shaped masses which are well known, and also the indirect signs. They insist on the necessity of having a special equipment to perform high quality views and focus on the importance of quality control.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Extramedullary paraspinal hematopoiesis in hereditary spherocytosis.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare condition, characterized by the appearance of hematopoietic elements outside the bone marrow. It occurs primarily in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorder or congenital hemolytic anemia. We report on a 60-year-old man with hereditary spherocytosis who presented with an extramedullary paraspinal hematopoietic mass, splenomegaly, and bone marrow expansion in the right distal femur and proximal tibia metaphysis. The diagnosis was established after biopsy of the paravertebral mass. The patient underwent a splenectomy.

Biopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tuberculosis of the spine: CT and MR imaging features.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains endemic in most of the developing countries. However, a resurgence of tuberculosis has also been reported in the past decades in developed countries, not only in the lungs, but also in extrapulmonary sites, e.g. the vertebral column. Vertebral TB is most often found in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions. Diagnosis is often difficult; clinical findings are usually non-specific and radiologic features may mimic those of other bacterial, fungal, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. However, recognition and understanding of the radiological findings may help in diagnosis. Two distinct patterns of vertebral tuberculosis may be seen: the classic finding of spondylodiscitis, characterized by destruction of two or more contiguous vertebrae and opposed end plates, disk infection, and commonly a paraspinal mass or collection. The second pattern, increasing in frequency, is a atypical form of spondylitis without disk involvement.The value of CT and MR imaging are discussed in the diagnostic workup of vertebral tuberculosis. A positive culture or histopathologic analysis of CT-guided needle aspiration or biopsy specimens is required in the absence of pulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis for definitive diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Takayasu's disease and atherosclerosis.

The aortic arch syndrome characterised by diminished or absent pulses in the arteries arising from the aortic arch has many etiologies, such as syphilitic aortitis, dissection of the aorta, atherosclerosis and Takayasu's arteritis. The diagnostic criteria of Takayasu's arteritis often do not mention histological investigations. We observed a case of an aortic arch syndrome, presenting as a classical case of Takayasu's arteritis but caused by a severe form of atherosclerosis.

Aortic Arch Syndromes↗