PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Carles

Publications and source records attributed to P Carles.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Splenomegaly in sarcoidosis: clinical features and outcome. Analysis of 17 cases].

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features, biological datas and outcome of patients with systemic sarcoidosis and splenomegaly. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 17 patients presenting splenomegaly and sarcoidosis with histological proof. RESULTS: Splenomegaly was clinically perceptible in 13 patients, with a spleen size that extended 4 cm or more below the costal margin in 11 patients. It was painful in five cases. The more frequent clinical features are constitutional symptom (fever in 9 cases) and hepatomegaly (N =7). Chest X-ray showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy in nine patients and no abnormality in five cases. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels were elevated in 81% of cases. Thrombopenia (N =5) and hypersplenism (N =5) were also observed. Corticosteroid were given to 88% with a good clinical and biological response including a decrease in the spleen volume. Corticotherapy and splenectomy (performed in two patients to rule out lymphoma) didn't change outcome of disease. Sarcoidosis is often chronical (82%) and extensive. CONCLUSION: Splenomegaly may be present in sarcoidosis. Management is not standardized. Corticosteroid is indicated for symptomatic or massive splenomegaly. Splenomegaly is frequently in chronic and extensive sarcoidosis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Expression of TTF-1 and cytokeratins in primary and secondary epithelial lung tumours: correlation with histological type and grade.

AIMS: To assess cytokeratin (CK) and thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 expression in primary epithelial lung tumours by comparison with non-pulmonary carcinomas and to correlate it with their histological type and grade. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CKs 5/6, 7, 19, 20 and TTF-1 was applied to 165 primary and 37 secondary epithelial lung tumours. CK5/6 is a sensitive and specific marker of lung squamous carcinomas being positive in 100% of cases. CK7 is a common marker of primary lung adenocarcinomas (100% of cases) but with a lower specificity since it is also observed in other primary lung carcinomas (70% of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, 40% of large-cell carcinomas, 23% of squamous carcinomas) but also in 27% of non-pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Addition of an anti-CK20 may be useful to prove or disprove the pulmonary origin of an adenocarcinoma when there is a history of colon cancer. CK19 is ubiquitous but a predominant or exclusive 'dot-like' pattern is very suggestive of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. TTF-1 is a very sensitive and specific marker to document the pulmonary origin of an adenocarcinoma if a thyroid origin is excluded. Its expression in neuroendocrine lung tumours depends on the tumour grade. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical expression of CKs and TTF-1 may be correlated with histological type and grade of lung primary epithelial tumours and may allow them to be distinguished from non-pulmonary carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Nodular bronchioloalveolar carcinoma at early stage].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to describe the main characteristics of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) in the light of the latest WHO classification. The clinical, pathological and radiological features of 16 consecutive resected cases of early BAC (stage IA) were reviewed. METHODS: Retrospective pathology of 249 adenocarcinomas over a 32 months period. RESULTS: Computerised tomography (CT) features which supported a diagnosis of BAC included a peripheral location, irregular margins forming a star pattern, pleural tagging, ground-glass attenuation and an air bronchogram. Immunochemistry was positive in all cases for cytokeratins 7 and 19, EMA and TTF-1, but was only variably positive for ACE, P53 and MIB-1. For 14 out of 16 patients clinical outcome was favourable with no evidence to date of recurrence since surgery. Of the others, one developed extra-thoracic metastases and the other a local recurrence requiring further surgery. CONCLUSION: Recognising these characteristics of BAC is important as early diagnosis and treatment of this condition can be associated with an excellent prognosis.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗

[COPD].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Humans↗

Symptoms and serum precipitins in workers exposed to dry sausage mould: consequences of exposure to sausage mould.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to dry sausage mould has been reported in workers who brush off the excess mould which coats dry sausage. Prevalence of symptoms and sensitization to mould among these pork-butchery workers is unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical, radiographic, functional, and immunological features in exposed and non-exposed workers in semi-industrial pork butcheries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Symptoms, and serum precipitins against mould extracts, were studied in workers in semi-industrial pork butcheries. Of 600 workers asked to participate, 123 (20.5%) were included. Fifty-nine workers, exposed to dry (raw) sausage mould and Penicillium nalgiovense were compared with 64 non-exposed subjects, for symptoms, chest X-rays, spirometry and CO-transfer measurements. Precipitating antibodies were detected by immunoelectrophoresis and electrosyneresis. RESULTS: Sneezing, cough, dyspnoea, nasal obstruction, headache, and discomfort were significantly more frequent in the exposed group at work and after work than in the control group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of precipitating antibodies for sausage mould was higher in the exposed group (37%) than in the non-exposed group (9%) (P < 0.01). The mean number of precipitating lines measured by electrosyneresis was higher in exposed workers than in non-exposed workers for mould extract (1.09 vs 0.28, P < 0.05) and for Penicillium nalgiovense (1.77 vs 0.33, P < 0.05). No specific X-ray opacity or lung function impairment was found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical symptoms and sensitization to Penicillium nalgiovense are frequent among workers exposed to mould during brushing in dry sausage plants.

Adult↗

[Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis].

BACKGROUND: Low-complement urticarial vasculitis is an uncommon condition associating urticaria, glomerulonephritis, obstructive ventilatory disorders, and anti-Ciq antibodies. CASE REPORT: We report a case in a 34-year-old woman who developed urticaria with purpura, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (creatinine 238 mumol/l) and bronchial obstruction with bronchectasia. Total complement and the C3 fraction were low. Anti-C1q antibodies were found in the serum and anti-DNA antibodies were negative. Aggravation of the respiratory and renal failure progressed despite corticosteroid therapy, leading to death at 4 months. DISCUSSION: Bronchial obstruction in low-complement urticarial vasculitis results from emphysema and is often life-threatening. Our case exhibited an unusual feature due to the lack of radiodetectable emphysema, the presence of bronchectasia and the rapid degradation of the respiratory function.

Adult↗

Distribution of lung density and mass in patients with emphysema as assessed by quantitative analysis of CT.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of emphysema on the apex-to-base gradient of lung density (D) and lung mass (M) and to explore the relationship between M and lung function. METHODS: CT scans of whole lungs were performed in 12 healthy subjects and 29 patients who were breathing at functional residual capacity, after which lung function tests were performed. Whole D and M and regional D (RLD) and M (RLM) were calculated. The degree of emphysema was scored. RESULTS: The RLM for each height did not differ significantly between patients with disease and healthy subjects, while RLD was significantly lower in the patients with disease. A less marked nonlinear, increasing, craniocaudal gradient of D was observed in the group with disease, suggesting that the distension increases progressively from the apex to the base. RLD and RLM in the 40 to 90% lung height differed significantly among patients in the emphysema group with normal, high, and low M compared to the healthy subjects. M did not differ significantly between patients with centrilobular and panlobular emphysema, which was thought to stem from the marked variations in the results. Vital capacity was lower in the patients with low M. CONCLUSIONS: The lower RLD in the group with low M was due to both lung overinflation and to tissue loss, while in the groups with high or normal M, it was due only to lung overinflation.

Adult↗

High-resolution computed tomography abnormalities in ex-insulators annually exposed to asbestos dust.

BACKGROUND: characterize To the effects of high asbestos exposure during annual periods of insulation. METHOD: 170 ex-workers underwent clinical examination, spirometry, standard chest X-rays and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Asbestos exposure was retrospectively assessed for latency, duration, and intensity. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of these workers were annually exposed to high concentrations of asbestos dust. Respiratory symptoms were mild. One hundred and nineteen subjects had pleural or pulmonary changes on HRCT, compatible with asbestos exposure. Localized pleural thickening was found in 113 subjects (66.5%); pulmonary nodules or lines in 35 (20.6%). The presence of pleural plaques was linked to intensity of asbestos exposure (P <.01), and length of employment (P <.05). Parenchymal lesions were related to intensity (P <.05) and duration of exposure (P <.05). Lung function of subjects with X-ray changes was not significantly altered. CONCLUSIONS: Annual asbestos exposure led to a high prevalence of pleural plaques and to mild parenchymal anomalies.

Aged↗

Evaluation of seven tumour markers in pleural fluid for the diagnosis of malignant effusions.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigens 15-3, 19-9 and 72-4 (CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4), cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were evaluated in pleural fluid for the diagnosis of malignant effusions. With a specificity of 99%, determined in a series of 121 benign effusions, the best individual diagnostic sensitivities in the whole series of 215 malignant effusions or in the subgroup of adenocarcinomas were observed with CEA, CA 15-3 and CA 72-4. As expected, a high sensitivity was obtained with SCC in squamous cell carcinomas and with NSE in small-cell lung carcinomas. CYFRA and/or CA 15-3 were frequently increased in mesotheliomas. Discriminant analysis showed that the optimal combination for diagnosis of non-lymphomatous malignant effusions was CEA + CA 15-3 + CYFRA + NSE: sensitivity of 94.4% with an overall specificity of 95%. In malignant effusions with a negative cytology, 83.9% were diagnosed using this association. The association CYFRA + NSE + SCC was able to discriminate adenocarcinomas from small-cell lung cancers. Regarding their sensitivity and their complementarity, CEA, CA 15-3, CYFRA 21-1, NSE and SCC appear to be very useful to improve the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Respiratory complications of the vinorelbine-mitomycin combination].

The respiratory toxicity of vinca alkaloids only appears when they are associated with mitomycin. Few reports have been noted with vinorelbine, the last molecule of this class. We report 4 cases of acute dyspnea induced by the association mitomycin-vinorelbin, The 4 patients were treated for lung cancer. At the end of the injection of vinorelbin appeared an acute bronchospasm. In 3 cases, the symptoms disappeared with broncho-dilatators and corticoids. The fourth patient needed an additional respiratory support. After the acute syndrome, a chronic respiratory insufficiency developed in three patients. Two patients required continuous oxygenotherapy. The pulmonary toxicity of the mitomyin-vinca alkaloids association is characterized by an acute dyspnea. The dyspnea appears within 2 hours after the end of the administration of vinorelbine. The frequent existence of airflow obstruction in patients with lung cancer exposes to high risk of severes incidents. These treatments must be stopped at onset of the first pulmonary symptom. The association of mitomycin with vinorelbine (as for all vinca alkaloids) in chemotherapy protocols for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer should not be indicated because there is an increase of the toxicity without increase of efficiency.

Aged↗

[Recurrent pneumopathy of the middle lobe...].

We report a case of a persistent middle-lobar pneumonia, which did not respond to antibiotics. Only a second bronchial endoscopy, with a third thoracic densitometry and histopathological results give the final diagnostic of tracheobronchial foreign body. The choking history happened more than 10 months before. The bronchoscopic extraction restablished the patient.

Aged↗

[Pulmonary embolism in patients using estrogen-progestagen contraceptives].

OBJECTIVES: The risk of thromboembolism in patients taking estrogen-progestagen oral contraceptive drugs has apparently increased since the introduction of third-generation progestagens (desogestrel, gestodene). We examined the clinical features, risk factors and outcome of pulmonary embolism in this context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 11 cases of thromboembolism in patients on oral contraception and hospitalized in emergency situations in 1995 and 1996 for pulmonary embolism in order to determine the gravity of the thromboembolic event, risk factors and type of drug used. RESULTS: Early clinical signs had preceded the onset of embolism by 2 to 164 days. PaO2 was below 70 mmHg in 4 patients. Diagnosis was achieved with pulmonary scintigraphy (11 cases), spiral CT (3 cases) and angiopneumography (2 cases). Duplex Doppler visualized the phlebitis in 7 patients. Given heparin (with fibrinolysis in 3 cases) then anti-vitamin K, and after withdrawal of the oral contraceptive, outcome was favorable in all cases. There were no recurrences. The nature of the oral contraceptive varied. Five patients were taking third-generation progestagens. In two cases, embolism had occurred following a change from a second-generation to a third-generation progestagen. Family history of phlebitis and/or abnormal laboratory findings were observed in 6 patients: resistance to activated protein C (2 patients), protein C deficiency (2 patients), anticardiolipin (2 patients) and low-titre antinuclear antibodies (2 patients). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary embolism in patients on oral contraceptives persists despite changes in the hormone content of the drugs. Diagnosis is often delayed. Family history of thrombosis or biological risk factors are often found.

Adult↗

Evaluation of pleural CYFRA 21-1 and carcinoembryonic antigen in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.

CYFRA 21-1 assay, measuring cytokeratin 19 fragments, was compared with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay, as an addition to cytological analysis for the diagnosis of malignant effusions. Both markers were determined with commercial enzyme immunoassays in pleural fluid from 196 patients. Cytological analysis and/or pleural biopsy confirmed the malignant origin of the effusion in 99 patients (76 carcinomas, nine pleural mesotheliomas and 14 non-epithelial malignancies). Effusions were confirmed as benign in 97 patients (33 cardiac failures, 39 infectious diseases--including 12 tuberculosis-- and 25 miscellaneous effusions). Both markers were significantly higher in malignant than in benign effusions. All the patients with non-epithelial malignancies presented CYFRA and CEA values lower than the 95% diagnostic specificity thresholds (100 and 6 ng ml(-1) respectively). The diagnostic sensitivity in the group of carcinomas and mesotheliomas was similar for CYFRA (58.8%) and CEA (64.7%). However, CEA had a significantly higher sensitivity in carcinomas (72.4% vs 55.3%), while CYFRA had a clearly higher sensitivity in mesotheliomas (89.9% vs 0%). Interestingly, 12 out of the 16 malignant effusions with a negative cytology were CEA and/or CYFRA positive. Regarding their high diagnostic sensitivity and their complementarity, CEA and CYFRA appear to be very useful for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions when cytology is negative.

Adolescent↗

Management of acute otitis media caused by resistant pneumococci in infants.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical outcome and risk of failure after oral vs. intravenous treatment in otitis media caused by penicillin-resistant pneumococci. To determine the possible correlations between pneumococcal minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to penicillin and clinical outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 156 cases collected between 1993 and 1995. Mean follow-up: 5 months. Setting. Two tertiary academic medical centers in Paris, France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pneumococcus was isolated from 191 of 570 ear samples obtained from children with otitis media and shown to be penicillin-resistant in 156. Medical history, antibiotic therapy during the previous 3 months and day-care center attendance were reviewed. For the current episode microbiologic characteristics of the isolated strains, type of treatment, therapy efficacy and clinical outcome were analyzed. Patients were predominantly young (76.3% were <1 year old) and bacteriologic samples were taken mainly because of previous treatment failure. RESULTS: Among 156 children with pneumococcal penicillin-resistant otitis media, 72.2% attended day-care centers, 71.8% had been previously treated with aminopenicillin and 52.5% with cephalosporins. Failure of previous empirical oral therapy was noted in 84% (one-third of these had been receiving amoxicillin-clavulanate). Patients treated intravenously had had a more protracted otitis but no greater number of previous episodes of acute otitis media than those receiving oral therapy. Acute mastoiditis occurred in 4 infants resulting in mastoidectomy. Oral treatment (mainly with high dose amoxicillin,120 to 150 mg/kg/day) and intravenous therapy (cephalosporin or glycopeptide) had been used in 59 and 41%, respectively. Mean duration of therapy was 10.7 days. Three failures (1.9%) and 10 recurrences (6.4%, average 28 days) occurred. No statistical difference was found between intravenous and oral therapy with respect to risk of recurrence. A high penicillin MIC value was correlated with previous antibiotic treatment but not with clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Oral therapy appears to be as effective as intravenous therapy for the treatment of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal otitis media. Intravenous treatment should not necessarily be dictated by the penicillin susceptibility value but should be considered in cases of failure to thrive, persistent otitis or other complications.

Acute Disease↗

[Respiratory variant of constrictive pericarditis. Report of 4 cases].

Constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed in four patients who presented respiratory impairment and pleural effusion, associated with right ventricular failure in two. The cause was probable tuberculosis in two cases, post-irradiation lesions in one and unknown in one. The diagnosis was suspected due to the normal heart volume and pathological electrocardiogram as well as the computed tomographic findings demonstrating pericardial morphology. Right catheterism confirmed the diagnosis: increased right ventricular telediastolic pressure with a dip plateau and equivalent pressures in the right atrium and ventricle. Early diagnosis allowed pericardectomy in two cases. In one case, the subacute epicardopericarditis regressed with corticosteroids and antituberculosis therapy.

Aged↗

[Course of interstitial lung diseases associated with inflammatory myopathies. Apropos of 5 cases].

We describe five cases of polymyositis/dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease, occurring in women, with a mean follow up of 28 months (15 to 51). One remained without respiratory symptoms, two had a chronic and relapsing course, and two an acute course, leading to death with respiratory failure in one. Anti-Jo1 antibody was found in two patients, without relation to the gravity of the respiratory illness. The two others with a severe course had anticardiolip antibodies, and one cutaneous necrosis of the fingers. Cancer-associated dermatopolymyositis was never seen at diagnosis, but a lymphoma of the brain was diagnosed after two years in one patient. Combination of corticosteroids with another immunomodulator treatment was necessary for all, because of frequent relapses. Methotrexate was effective in one case for the muscular and the respiratory signs, plasma exchanges with azathioprine in two cases, and intravenous immunoglobulin in one patient with acute lung injury.

Adult↗