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Biomedical subjects

P D van Heerden

Publications and source records attributed to P D van Heerden.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Metastatic calcifications as demonstrated by technetium-99m-pyrophosphate bone scanning. Case reports].

Two cases of chronic renal failure showing very interesting technetium-99m-pyrophosphate bone scans are presented. In both cases striking uptake of activity was shown in the left ventricle of the heart, the mucosa of the stomach and in both lungs. This picture was attributed to metastatic calcification in these organs. Cases of metastatic calcification demonstrated with bone-seeking agents have been presented previously, but have mainly shown intense uptake of activity in the lungs and in a few cases, and to a lesser degree, in the stomach. However, we believe that our cases are unique in showing especially the left ventricle of the heart as well as the mucosa of th stomach with exceptional clarity.

Adult↗

[Ventilation studies of the lung with krypton-81m].

During a 2-year study period it was found that krypton-81m was useful in routine clinical practice. During this period 1563 technetium-99m perfusion studies and 807 krypton-81m ventilation studies were performed. A distinct advantage of krypton-81m was the ease with which multiple views could be obtained. These views could be directly compared with those of preceding perfusion studies. However, interruptions in the regular supply of rubidium-81/krypton-81m generators affected 17,1% of perfusion studies and xenon-127 should be a suitable substitute for these periods.

Humans↗

[The diagnosis of sarcoidosis with gallium-67. A case report].

Uptake of gallium-67 in the chest is a relatively nonspecific indicator of active disease. In patients with suspected sarcoidosis a specific diagnosis can often be made if the head and neck are included during imaging. Seventy-five per cent of patients with sarcoid lesions in the lungs and mediastinum show uptake of the isotope in the salivary glands. If, in addition, the lacrimal glands concentrate the gallium, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be made with confidence. A case of mediastinal sarcoidosis, illustrating uptake of gallium-67 in the parotid and lacrimal glands, is discussed.

Adult↗

Two simple inexpensive photographic methods for viewing ECG-gated radionuclide blood pool images.

Although the ECG-gated radionuclide blood pool scan (GBPS) has become an established method for studying regional myocardial wall motion, it is usually performed with the aid of an expensive computer system. A simple, inexpensive method was developed to view gated radionuclide blood images by a film loop and a photographic motion detection (PHOMOT) technique. These techniques were compared with left ventricular cine angiography in 15 patients. Segmental wall movement (78 segments) showed identical results in 92% of cases. In all patients the same diagnosis was arrived at by GBPS and cine angiography. The photographic techniques developed offer a simple screening procedure to reduce cardiac catheterization in patients with suspected abnormalities of left ventricular wall contraction.

Cineangiography↗

[The effect of rooibos tea on iron absorption].

A study was carried out to determine if rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) has a deleterious effect on iron absorption similar to that of ordinary tea (Camellia sinensis). Three groups of volunteers, each consisting of 10 healthy young men comparable with regard to iron status and body dimensions, were studied. After ingestion of 1 muCi 59Fe and 16 mg of elemental iron, group A drank rooibos tea, group B ordinary tea and group C boiled water. Iron absorption was measured 14 days later with a whole body counter. Mean iron absorption after ingestion of rooibos tea, ordinary tea, and water was 7,25%, 1,70% and 9,34% respectively. In contrast to ordinary tea (P less than 0,0001), rooibos tea did not affect iron absorption significantly. The ascorbic acid content of rooibos tea varies between 121,8 and 154,9 mumol/l, depending on the method of preparation. Rooibos tea contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and potassium. These findings have practical nutritional and therapeutic implications.

Adult↗

[Mumps meningitis--bromine-82 partition test and cerebrospinal fluid glucose].

A case of mumps meningitis is reported where a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose level, a positive bromine-82 partition test and the fact that the patient's sister had recently had tuberculous meningitis complicated the diagnosis. Mumps meningitis may be associated with low CSF glucose levels. Patients with viral meningitis usually have normal CSF glucose levels, and, during a recent study, false-positive results of 82Br partition tests were not found. Mumps meningitis, however, proves to be an important exception.

Adult↗

[Value of scintigraphy in the treatment of single nodules of the thyroid].

The value of radionuclide scanning of the thyroid gland was investigated in 125 patients with solitary thyroid nodules. Fifty-seven of the 95 patients with 'cold' nodules underwent surgery. The incidence of malignant nodules in this group was 16%; therefore surgery is recommended for all solitary 'cold' nodules. Of the 30 patients with 'warm' nodules, 20 were treated surgically and in only 1 patient was the nodule malignant. This incidence is probably not significant. Surgery is, however, also recommended for all solitary 'warm' nodules because of the possibility of toxic change. Accurate planning of the surgical procedure depends on any function of the nodule in question and this can be determined with certainty only by radionuclide scanning.

Humans↗