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Biomedical subjects

R F Browne

Publications and source records attributed to R F Browne.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Testicular varicoceles.

A testicular varicocele represents an abnormal degree of venous dilatation of the pampiniform plexus. It is a relatively common condition and may present at scrotal pain and swelling. An association with male subfertility is an area of debate. This article describes the present day radiological criteria and imaging techniques to aid accurate diagnosis of varicoceles. In addition, the role of the interventional radiologist in treating this condition is discussed.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

The role of MRI in facial swelling due to presumed salivary gland disease.

50 consecutive patients presenting with facial swelling thought clinically to be due to salivary gland disease underwent MRI. Examinations were interpreted by one radiologist without access to previous investigations. Records were reviewed to determine the reliability and role of MRI in patient management, and the contribution of other prior or subsequent investigations. MRI findings were verified against operative findings, percutaneous biopsy or clinical follow-up (periods ranging from 8-58 months). A mass was found in 27 patients; in 11 of these patients, disease was extrinsic to the salivary gland. MRI diagnosis of tumour was correct in all patients and MRI was a reliable investigation for planning surgical resection. No mass was found in 23 patients, 8 of whom had normal appearances. Evidence of salivary duct dilatation was seen in 12 patients and fatty infiltration was seen in 3. MRI findings appeared correct in all patients. Prior investigation was undertaken in 29 patients, including orthopantomography, ultrasound and sialography; none provided additional information. Sialography was carried out in three patients after MRI and concurred with MRI in all cases. MRI was an adequate basis for management in all patients and therefore appears to be an effective first line investigation of facial swelling. It is reasonable for patients to undergo preliminary investigation for dental sepsis, this being the most common cause of facial swelling. Further study is required to determine whether MRI can completely replace invasive sialography.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

Altered glucose tolerance in rats exposed to maternal low protein diets in utero.

The response to an intravenous glucose load was evaluated in four groups of rats following fetal exposure to maternal diets containing 18, 12, 9 or 6% protein. The animals differed nutritionally only in terms of this prenatal experience. Animals in the 6% protein exposed group exhibited lower body weights at all ages, whilst the body weights of 9 and 12% protein exposed rats did not differ from the control group. At 9 weeks of age, a 2 g/kg body weight intravenous glucose load was cleared in 60 min by 18% protein exposed, control rats and 12% protein exposed rats. Peak blood glucose concentrations in these animals were 27.2 and 27.1 mM, respectively. Rats exposed to 9% protein in utero also cleared the glucose load in 60 min, but peak blood glucose concentrations were lower (24.4 mM), and the area under the glucose tolerance curve was 28% lower than in controls. Rats in the 6% protein exposed group cleared the glucose load in 40 min and peak blood glucose levels were only 22.1 mM. The area under the glucose tolerance curve was reduced by 40% relative to controls. When the glucose tolerance test was repeated in animals aged 44 weeks, no differences in peak glucose concentrations, area under the curve or rates of glucose clearance were observed. In utero exposure of rats to maternal low protein diets has been shown, therefore, to alter glucose tolerance in young adulthood through an, as yet, undefined mechanism.

Animals↗