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Biomedical subjects

S J Heller

Publications and source records attributed to S J Heller.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Pleural effusion as a predictor of severity in acute pancreatitis.

Our objective was to determine whether pleural effusion is a predictor of severity in acute pancreatitis and, if so, whether it is an independent predictor. One hundred ninety-six consecutive cases of acute pancreatitis from October 1, 1994, to September 30, 1995, were reviewed. Medical records were analyzed for evidence of pleural effusion by chest radiograph and severe acute pancreatitis by identification of pancreatic necrosis or organ system dysfunction. Data were analyzed to determine if identification of pleural effusion provided an early sign of severity. Among 135 patients who underwent chest radiography, pleural effusion was seen in 16 of 19 (84.2%) with severe pancreatitis and 10 of 116 (8.6%) of patients with mild pancreatitis (p < 0.001). Pleural effusion was noted in severe pancreatitis prior to clinical or computed tomography evidence of severity in only 20% of cases. Pleural effusion is strongly associated with severity in acute pancreatitis but provides independent information on severity in only a minority of cases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Pancreatic duct stricture caused by islet cell tumors.

We report three cases of pancreatic islet cell tumors causing stricture of the main pancreatic duct. The clinical presentation was consistent with episodes of acute pancreatitis or biliary colic. One patient in whom the diagnosis was delayed died of metastatic disease. Islet cell tumors are an important clinical entity that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic duct strictures.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1996

Endoscopic cystgastrostomy: role of endoscopic ultrasonography.

We report a case of successful endoscopic cystgastrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasound after an unsuccessful attempt of "blind" drainage. Endoscopic drainage of pseudocysts without endoscopic ultrasonography is an appropriate initial approach by experienced endoscopists in carefully selected patients. In cases in which an intraluminal impression by the pseudocyst is not well visualized, or the conventional approach has not established drainage, endoscopic ultrasound provides excellent localization for the therapeutic maneuver.

Drainage↗
PubMed1980

Parathyroid arteriography.

Parathyroid arteriography and venous sampling for parathormone are the best techniques presently available for preoperative localization of hyperplastic and neoplastic parathyroid tissue. Inaccuracy of the technique, risk of complications, and relatively high cost make the routine use of arteriography and venous sampling inappropriate. They are, however, a useful preoperative adjunct in the patient who has undergone a previously unsuccessful neck exploration.

Angiography↗