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R C Challener

Publications and source records attributed to R C Challener.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Association of Bartonella species and Coxiella burnetii infection with coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease is an inflammatory condition associated with several infections. We prospectively evaluated 155 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for evidence of Bartonella species and Coxiella burnetii infection. All Bartonella cultures were found to be negative. Multivariable logistic regression analysis that controlled for potential confounding factors revealed no association between coronary artery disease and seropositivity to Bartonella henselae (odds ratio [OR], 0.852; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.293-2.476), Bartonella quintana (OR, 0.425; 95% CI, 0.127-1.479), C. burnetii phase 1 (OR, undefined), and C. burnetii phase 2 (OR, 0.731; 95% CI, 0.199-2.680). The geometric mean titer (GMT) for C. burnetii phase 1 assay was slightly higher in persons with coronary artery disease than in those without such disease (P<.02). B. henselae, B. quintana, and C. burnetii seropositivity was not strongly associated with coronary artery disease. On the basis of GMTs, C. burnetii infection may have a modest association with coronary artery disease.

Bartonella↗
PubMed1988

Postmortem diagnosis of meningococcemia by detection of capsular polysaccharides.

Detection of specific meningococcal capsular polysaccharide (CPS) in postmortem blood permits rapid diagnosis of meningococcemia and differentiation from pneumococcemia and septicemia caused by Haemophilus influenzae Type b. We present studies validating application of latex agglutination assay for CPS on blood samples collected at autopsy, delineate the circumstances when CPS testing is indicated, and illustrate the usefulness of this procedure by several recent cases. Blood samples from victims dying of injury or disease other than infection were examined to determine whether the postmortem interval, bacterial contamination, anticoagulants, or delay in testing would result in false positive assays. Series 1 samples, collected so as to minimize bacterial contamination, were immediately submitted for assay. Series 2 evaluated the effect of adverse conditions of collection, anticoagulation, and prolonged sample storage. Despite extended postmortem intervals of up to 14 days, heavy bacterial contamination, prolonged storage at 4 degrees C, deep hemolysis, and presence of anticoagulants, false positive assays were seldom observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Diffuse axonal injury by assault.

A case of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) by assault is reported. The majority of DAI cases documented have been due to traffic accidents and some due to falls from height. DAI is caused by angular or rotational acceleration of the victim's head. The condition is common and is the second most important head injury after subdural hematoma with regard to death. Its clinical picture is characterized by immediate and prolonged coma or demented state. Because of the subtle nature of histological changes in DAI, awareness and intentional search for the lesion is essential. The triad of DAI is as follows: focal lesions (hemorrhages and/or lacerations) in the corpus callosum and brain stem, and microscopic demonstration of axonal damage--retraction balls. The concept of DAI will elucidate and enhance the understanding of many head trauma cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Hamartomatous malformation in the mitral valve's anterior leaflet.

We report a previously undescribed (to our knowledge) anomaly of the mitral valve's anterior leaflet: a cystic lesion that protruded from the atrial surface in the midportion near the base. The lesion consisted of large, irregularly shaped, endothelial-lined spaces separated by trabeculae of tissue containing atrial myocardial fibers. The endothelial-lined spaces communicated with the left ventricular cavity through an opening on the ventricular surface of the leaflet. Inasmuch as the anterior mitral leaflet arises embryologically by fusion of the endocardial cushions, the location of the lesion suggests that an anomaly in the fusion process might have been involved.

Hamartoma↗