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Biomedical subjects

W Franck

Publications and source records attributed to W Franck.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

A low-field MR system in acute traumatological imaging in radiology. Technical note.

PURPOSE: In this paper initial clinical observations with the application of a new low-field MR system in acute musculoskeletal imaging in radiology are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This system is designed as a three-sided open permanent magnet with a revolving table. Main magnetic field strength is 0.2 T, maximal gradient field strength 20 mT/m, and minimal gradient rise time is 800 microseconds. First clinical experiences in 25 patients with acute trauma of peripheral joints were obtained. The following sequences were applied: gradient-echo (GRE) STIR, T1-weighted spin-echo, and PD- and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo. Correlation with the findings of high-field MR (1.5 T), plain radiograms (including stress views), CT or ultrasound was available in each patient confirming the low-field diagnoses. Furthermore, phantom measurements were performed to verify the spatial resolution of the system for some sequences with typical measurement parameters. DISCUSSION: This low-field system has several advantages: fast and economic installation, limited required space, easy operation, and high patient comfort. The medical benefit of such a system integrated in the traumatological suite of a radiological department seems to be evident due to the impact on the early initiation of the correct therapy which avoids additional diagnostic procedures and therefore may reduce costs. Implementation of such a system may be useful, if installation of an additional high-field scanner is not possible due to economic considerations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Transverse myelitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

A 14-year-old boy developed acute transverse myelitis with severe abdominal pain, bladder dysfunction, weakness, and sensory loss of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a segmental expanded central edema affecting parts of the spinal cord, including the caudal medulla oblongata. Antibody response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae was negative in microparticle agglutination assays (1:40 in the acute serum and 1:160 in the convalescent serum) and complement fixation tests (1:20 and 1:10). However, analysis of acute-phase serum revealed a specific IgA and IgG response but no IgM response. Detection of M. pneumoniae in the cerebrospinal fluid by nested polymerase chain reaction and in nasopharyngeal aspirate by culture confirmed an M. pneumoniae infection. Treatment with doxycycline (100 mg daily) was started on the second day after admission to the hospital and continued for 14 days; the patient recovered completely and was discharged 20 days after onset of the disease, with no signs of neurological deficits.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Postprandial natriuresis in humans: further evidence that urodilatin, not ANP, modulates sodium excretion.

We examined the effects of a high-salt (100 mmol NaCl) and a low-salt (5 mmol NaCl) meal on the renal excretion of sodium and chloride in 12 healthy male upright subjects. We also measured the urinary excretion of urodilatin [ANP-(95-126)], and the plasma or serum concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP-(99-126)], aldosterone, and renin. The high-salt meal produced a postprandial natriuresis (urinary sodium excretion from 59.0 to a peak rate of 204.6 mumol/min in 3rd h after ingestion of meal) and chloride excretion. In parallel, the urinary excretion of urodilatin increased from 35.7 to a peak rate of 105 fmol/min. The effect of high-salt intake on urinary sodium, chloride, and urodilatin excretion was significant (analysis of variance, P < 0.01), and close significant correlations were observed between urodilatin and sodium excretion (mean R = 0.702) as well as between urodilatin and chloride excretion (mean R = 0.776). In contrast, plasma ANP, which was acutely elevated 15 min after high-salt intake, was already back to low-salt values 1 h later. It did not parallel the postprandial natriuretic profile, and no positive correlation between plasma ANP and sodium excretion was observed. These results provide further evidence that urodilatin, not ANP, is the member of this peptide family primarily involved in the regulation of the excretion of sodium and chloride.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1993

A randomized controlled trial of home exercise on the rheumatoid hand.

OBJECTIVE: To study differing home hand exercise interventions to determine effects on grip strength, and secondarily any immediate or short term effects on range of motion, pain, deformities, hand disease activity, and dexterity. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial of 12 weeks of home hand exercise performed for 10-20 min twice daily. Study exercise interventions were range of motion exercises, balanced resistive exercises, and range of motion plus balanced resistive exercises. RESULTS: Aside from transient, mild to moderate discomfort, exercises were well tolerated. Range of motion exercises were associated with improved right hand joint count. Range of motion plus balanced resistive exercises were associated with increased left hand dexterity. Home hand exercise (exercise groups combined) significantly increased left grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary use of home hand exercise has acceptable side effects and is an effective means of increasing grip strength.

Ambulatory Care↗