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M Ravegnani

Publications and source records attributed to M Ravegnani.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Spinal dysraphism: MR imaging rationale.

Spinal cord development occurs through the three consecutive periods of gastrulation (weeks 2-3), primary neurulation (weeks 3-4), and secondary neurulation (weeks 5-6). Spinal cord malformations derive from defects in these early embryonic stages, and are collectively called spinal dysraphisms. Spinal dysraphisms may be categorized clinically into open and closed, based on whether the abnormal nervous tissue is exposed to the environment or covered by skin. Open spinal dysraphisms include myelomeningocele and other rare abnormalities such as myelocele, hemimyelomeningocele, and hemimyelocele, and are always associated with a Chiari II malformation. Closed spinal dysraphisms are further divided into two subsets based on whether a subcutaneous mass is present in the low back. Closed spinal dysraphisms with mass comprise lipomyelocele, lipomyelomeningocele, meningocele, and myelocystocele. Closed spinal dysraphisms without mass comprise simple dysraphic states (tight filum terminale, filar and intradural lipomas, persistent terminal ventricle, and dermal sinuses) and complex dysraphic states. The latter category involves abnormal notochordal development, either in the form of failed midline integration (ranging from complete dorsal enteric fistula to neurenteric cysts and diastematomyelia) or of segmental agenesis (caudal agenesis and spinal segmental dysgenesis). Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of this complex group of disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Is chemotherapy effective therapy for intracranial immature teratoma? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial immature teratomas (IT) are very rare germ cell tumors (GCT). The value of chemotherapy in their treatment has not been defined. METHODS: A child was referred to our hospital for consultation regarding the need for adjuvant treatment after being operated upon twice (at the age of 7 months and 11 months) for a large supratentorial intracerebral mass. The patient was staged and the tumor specimens reviewed. Histology was that of an IT with no other type of malignant GCT. RESULTS: Considering the age, lack of any sign of residual tumor by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, absence of tumor cells in the spinal fluid or elevation of tumor markers, and based on the reported poor response of such tumors to chemotherapy, a policy of "wait and see" was adopted. One month later, the child presented with a rapidly growing intracranial mass invading the cranial bones on the left side. Chemotherapy consisting of 4 cycles of carboplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin followed by another 4 cycles of ifosfamide, vincristine, and dactinomycin alternating with carboplatin and etoposide, achieved complete remission, and 24 months after discontinuation of treatment, the patient continued free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: This report indicates that chemotherapy may be effective therapy for intracranial IT. In our patient, chemotherapy modified the natural aggressive behavior of this disease and achieved a persistent, complete remission. Given the minimal information available in the literature concerning the response of IT to chemotherapy, this case addresses the issue of whether chemotherapy alone is adequate to treat intracranial germ cell tumors.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

Halo ring supporting the Brown-Roberts-Wells stereotactic frame for fractionated radiotherapy.

The authors describe a new instrumentation for repositioning of the Brown-Roberts-Wells (BRW) stereotaxic system, useful for precise fractionated radiotherapy. A lucite ring is fixed to the patient's skull with four screws. Another ring, partially open, is then firmly connected co-axially to the lower part of the first one with four spacer-bars. The fixture permits an exact repositioning of the B.R.W. stereotaxic system, placing the target point in the linear accelerator isocenter. The preliminary technical results obtained in five children are reported and the fixture performance, advantages, and perspectives are discussed.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

HTLV antibodies in Italian patients with multiple sclerosis.

Several observations indicate that a retrovirus might be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We report that the sera from 40 Italian MS patients did not contain antibodies to the human T-lymphotropic type I (HTLV-I) and type III viruses (HTLV-III) at levels detectable by commercial ELISA kits. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that a distinct retrovirus is the etiologic factor of MS.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A new prospect on the approach to open, complex, craniofacial trauma.

Complex craniofacial trauma has been traditionally managed in three stages: urgent craniotomy, secondary orbitofacial repair and delayed cranioplasty. Departing from this conventional approach, we employ an early single-stage neuro and plastic-surgical reconstruction for patients presenting open cranial wounds of the frontobasilar region coexisting with orbitofacial fractures. Neurological outcome does not seem to be affected by the additional operating time, nor is the incidence of infection raised, although bone fragments are repositioned, primary bone grafting is employed, and metallic material is used for fixation. Adequate direct exposure followed by reduction and rigid internal fixation results in primary bone healing and permits to avoid the difficult complications related to soft tissue contracture over misaligned bone. Compared with the conventional staged approach, immediate reconstruction appears functionally and aesthetically preferable, as well as technically easier.

Accidents, Traffic↗