Biomedical subjects

V Echavé

Publications and source records attributed to V Echavé.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in canine aortic endothelial cells lining the polyester arterial prosthesis.

A rise in baseline cytosolic free Ca2+ in canine vascular endothelial-like cells (VEC) lining the luminal surface of the polyester arterial prosthesis is described. In one, three and six month implantation experiments we employed six adult mongrel dogs, polyester arterial prostheses Arteknit Ra K, fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 and digital imaging microscopy to study cytosolic free Ca2+ in cultured VEC. The electron microscopy scanning of the luminal surface in different regions of the graft were also performed. A rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ in the VEC lining the luminal surface of the prosthesis is probably the result of the immunologic reaction and mechanical stress which stimulate the proliferation activity of the endothelial cells. It seems that the baseline cytosolic free Ca2+ reflects the course of the endothelization process on the polyester arterial prosthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

A simple, inexpensive, life-saving way to perform iterative laparotomy in patients with severe intra-abdominal sepsis.

Between 1 June 1993 and 31 December 1998, 17 patients underwent temporary abdominal closure with 3L urological irrigation bags, because in most cases, there was massive sepsis leading to the conclusion that primary closure was not advisable. Indicative of the seriousness of these conditions, Apache score averaged 19 (range 10-30). The technique consisted of suturing a double thickness of irrigation bags to each side of the wound, and joining the two bags in the midline with running sutures. Abdominal lavage with large quantities of fluid was performed every other day. This type of closure was used for a mean duration of 15 days. Mean length of hospitalization was 60 days. There were only three deaths (17.6%). No incisional hernia occurred after the iterative laparotomies. Deleting patients with acute pancreatitis would have reduced the death rate to only 7%. A 3L urological irrigation bag costs pound 11.60 (24.40 dollars CAN) while a Marlex mesh costs pound 81.40 (171.00 dollars CAN). We conclude that the usage of 3L urological plastic bags is a simple, safe and efficient method for temporary closure of the abdomen.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Pancreatic inflammation, apoptosis, and growth: sequential events after partial pancreatectomy in pigs.

Positive signs of pancreas regeneration were observed in rats after induced pancreatitis and partial pancreatectomy (1,2). Although the human pancreas did not regenerate after partial anatomic resection (3), the pig pancreas exhibited growth responses to bombesin after partial pancreatectomy (4). This study was undertaken to establish the time course of pancreatic inflammation, apoptosis, and hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia after partial pancreatectomy in pigs.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

UVAL-MED a universal visual associative language for medicine.

We describe UVAL-MED, a Universal visual associative language for medicine, and propose its use in combination with diagnostic reasoning and decision support systems. When fully developed, our system will automatically translate SNOMED terms to UVAL-MED terms. Grammar and syntax for UVAL-MED are defined and its features as a language-independent tool are discussed. The perceived advantages of our graphical language for rapid integration of knowledge and the assessment of developing situations could thus facilitate decision making.

Computer Graphics↗

PubMed1994

[Pancreatic pseudocyst: Evolution of therapeutic concepts].

OBJECTIVE: To reassess the therapeutic options for pancreatic pseudocysts, resulting from the refinement of imaging techniques of the pancreas over the past 15 years. DATA SOURCES: An extensive review of the literature for the period 1970 to 1994. When pertinent, the authors' experience with 45 patients was added to the literature data. STUDY CRITERIA: In the literature review the following selection criteria were used: diagnostic modalities (clinical, endoscopic and radiologic); clinical context (etiology and clinical presentation); and therapeutic modalities (observation and drainage). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data collection was retrospective in most series. Whenever possible data collected before 1980 were differentiated from those collected after 1980 because diagnostic modalities were quite different in these two periods. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic pseudocysts are now diagnosed with more certainty and followed with more precision. Long-term observation is a safe and valuable approach. In symptomatic patients, some form of drainage should be considered. In an elective situation, internal drainage (endoscopic or surgical) is favoured. Cystogastrostomy should not be associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Drainage↗

PubMed1993

An intelligent interactive simulator of clinical reasoning in general surgery.

We introduce an interactive computer environment for teaching in general surgery and for diagnostic assistance. The environment consists of a knowledge-based system coupled with an intelligent interface that allows users to acquire conceptual knowledge and clinical reasoning techniques. Knowledge is represented internally within a probabilistic framework and externally through a interface inspired by Concept Graphics. Given a set of symptoms, the internal knowledge framework computes the most probable set of diseases as well as best alternatives. The interface displays CGs illustrating the results and prompting essential facts of a medical situation or a process. The system is then ready to receive additional information or to suggest further investigation. Based on the new information, the system will narrow the solutions with increased belief coefficients.

Artificial Intelligence↗

PubMed1985

[Infectious mononucleosis and splenic pseudocyst: presentation of a case].

The authors report the clinical case of an 18-year-old patient who presented with a symptomatic mass in the left upper quadrant 6 months after having infectious mononucleosis. The preoperative investigation consisted principally of echography and computerized axial tomography of the abdomen, which demonstrated a cystic mass of the lower pole of the spleen. Splenectomy was carried out. Histologic examination showed a pseudocyst of the spleen with a fibrous capsule without an epithelial lining. The treatment and pathogenesis of pseudocysts of the spleen secondary to infectious mononucleosis are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

Acute necrosis of the intestinal mucosa with high serum levels of diamine oxidase.

A patient with acute necrosis of the intestinal mucosa and high serum diamine oxidase activity is described. The 71-year-old woman, with a history of hypertension and cardiovascular and peripheral arteriosclerotic disease, presented with acute epigastric pain, vomiting, and a deteriorating hemodynamic condition. Serum level of the intestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) obtained on admission, approximately 24 hr after the onset of symptoms, was 7.4 times above the normal value. An exploratory laparotomy performed 6 hr later revealed cyanosis and areas of transmural necrosis involving the entire small bowel. The bowel was not resected because of the extent of lesion. Thirty hours after the first sample was taken and 2 hr before death, the serum DAO level was only slightly above normal. It is suggested that this biochemical marker could provide a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1984

Hemangiopericytoma: case reports.

The authors' experience with two recent cases and their review of the literature suggest that the behaviour of hemangiopericytoma is unpredictable and that wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice because of the potential for malignant change.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1982

[Partial sternectomy for metastatic tumor with reconstruction using a methylmethacrylate plate].

A case of partial sternectomy for metastatic thyroid carcinoma is reported. En bloc excision was followed by reconstruction using a molded plate of methylmethacrylate. Sternal tumours are rare and operations for cure of metastases are justified only if the general condition of the patient permits and in the patient with a single metastasis whose primary cancer operation was a radical one. Extensive en bloc excision is based on preoperative investigation in which computerized axial tomography has an important place in delineating the extent of the tumour and providing accurate knowledge of the margins of the section. Reconstruction with methyl-methacrylate allows a rigid setting with a material that can be molded, is radiolucent, inert and well tolerated. In the upper sternum it contributes to the stability of the shoulder girdle and protects the underlying mediastinal structures in a cosmetically acceptable way.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1982

[Surgical treatment of sternal tumors].

Sternal tumors are rare. The surgical indication in case of metastasis is only justified if the primitive tumor is considered cure and with solitary metastasis. The en-block surgical resection must be based on pre-operative exploration in which a thoracic CAT SCAN has a very important role to determine the extent of the tumor and the anatomico-pathological control of the margin of resection during surgery. The reconstruction using methyl-methacrylate plate is interesting because of its rigid mounting by a moldable substance during surgery, being radiotransparent, inert and well-tolerated by the organism. On high sternal position it contributes to stabilize the scapular belt and assures mediastinal protection. The authors present a case of a partial sternectomy due to metastatic thyroid carcinoma with en-block resection and reconstruction by a methyl-methacrylate moulded plate.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1981

[False aneurysms of the subclavian artery].

The authors describe two cases of false aneurysm of the right subclavian artery. One was due to a penetrating cervical injury and the other to blunt thoracic trauma. Both patients were treated surgically. Early diagnosis by aortography and surgical treatment are important. The operation is difficult because of the cervicothoracic course of the subclavian artery. Because of this a wide approach should be made and reconstruction is mandatory.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Colonothoracic fistulas: presentation of 2 cases].

Two cases of colothoracic fistulae are reported. The first one is secondary to pulmonary actinomycosis, the second to complicated colic diverticulitis. The etiologies of colothoracic fistulae are multiple and can be divided in intrathoracic or intraabdominal origin. The treatment includes: effective intravenous antibiotherapy, colic resection of the concerned portion and thoracic drainage.

Actinomycosis↗