Cardiopoietic cell therapy for advanced ischemic heart failure: results at 39 weeks of the prospective, randomized, double blind, sham-controlled CHART-1 clinical trial

Cardiopoietic cells, produced through cardiogenic conditioning of patients' mesenchymal stem cells, have shown preliminary efficacy. The Congestive Heart Failure Cardiopoietic Regenerative Therapy (CHART-1) trial aimed to validate cardiopoiesis-based biotherapy in a larger heart failure cohort

Esophageal fistula sealing: Choice of stent, practical management, and cost

Background: Three models of covered metal stents are available to seal esophageal fistulas. Methods: Stainless steel covered stents were inserted in 5 patients (group I); nitinol covered stents were inserted in 12 patients (group II) with malignant (n = 14) or benign (n = 3) esophageal fistulas. Results: Stent positioning was satisfactory in all cases. Fistula sealing was complete in 1 of 5 (20%) and 12 of 12 (100%) patients of groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.005). Continued esophageal leakage was initially related to the passage of fluids alongside the stent covering (n = 3) and to early stent migration (n = 1). Complications related to stent placement were observed in 2 of 17 (12%) patients and were fatal. During follow-up (mean 153 ±143 days), esophageal fistulas relapsed after initial sealing in 5 of 13 (38%) patients. Further treatment (glue or fibrin sealant injection, additional stent insertion) was attempted in 7 cases of persistent or relapsing esophageal fistula, with sealing obtained in 5 of them. The costs per patient and per day free from symptoms due to the esophageal fistula were $106 and$57 in groups I and II, respectively. Conclusion: Nitinol covered stents more frequently provided complete esophageal fistula sealing, as compared with stainless steel covered stents. Further treatments tailored to the mechanisms of fistula persistence or relapse often provided sealing.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Multicystic dysplastic kidney: Natural history from in utero diagnosis and postnatal followup

Based on our experience with 13 in utero diagnoses we report the changes that may occur in the ultrasonic appearance of a multicystic dysplastic kidney. Macrocysts appear obvious only in the early third trimester of pregnancy. After reaching a maximum size the cysts start to involute either in utero or after birth, which may lead to a small noncystic mass, the so-called aplastic kidney, or even to complete disapperance of the entire dysplastic kidney. The dysplastic kidney seems vulnerable to anoxia or infection, and necrosis may supervene. The multicystic dysplastic kidney is a progressive and changing disorder. If its radiological appearance is typical management may be conservative with ultrasonic monitoring. Nephrectomy should be done if there is any abnormal clinical or ultrasonic change.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Transitional cell papillary carcinoma of the bladder in a child

We report a rare case of transitional cell papillary carcinoma of the bladder in a 10-year-old girl who had hematuria. The tumor was diagnosed and assessed through VCUG and ultrasound. The tumor protruded into the urethra during micturition and its mobility was observed by both diagnostic procedures. © 1987 Springer-Verlag.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Paradoxical contraction of pelvic floor muscles: Clinical significance

Paradoxical contraction of pelvic floor muscles during defecation straining has been said to be a cause of constipation and difficulty in passing feces. Nevertheless, controversies about its clinical significance still remained. Twenty patients with constipation and electromyographic evidence of paradoxical contraction of both puborectalis and external anal sphincter were investigated. An anorectal manometry performed in 17 confirmed the paradoxical contraction in 13 (76%). Electromyography revealed neurogenic signs in 11. Defecography demonstrated the paradoxical contraction in 6 only, but, together with barium enema and colon transit time, showed associated anorectal disorders in 9 patients. Twenty control patients were also studied. None had difficulty defecating. Nevertheless, 8 of them (40%) had paradoxical contraction. These observations suggest that paradoxical contraction of pelvic floor muscles may be asymptomatic and that another cause of emptying difficulties has always to be looked for.SCOPUS: cp.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

TOMODENSITOMETRIE HELICOIDALE DES CALCIFICATIONS PANCREATIQUES

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by the formation of intraductal precipitates that may later grow and calcify, forming large stones. These calcified stones, representing almost all the calcifications visible in chronic pancreatitis, are located in the major pancreatic duct or in the secondary branches. During the past 10 years, new sophisticated endoscopic techniques have been developed to remove obstructing calculi from the main pancreatic duct. These techniques require an accurate evaluation of the location of the calculi, since calculi cannot be removed from secondary branches. Therefore, a new radiological approach has been developed, based on helicoidal scanning and multiplanar and tridimensional reconstructions of the calculi layout.SCOPUS: sh.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Role of the double-contrast barium enema in rectal stenosis due to suppositories containing paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid

Self-treatment of chronic headache with suppositories containing paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid may lead to serious complications. We report the radiological features of five cases of rectal stenosis following the use of such suppositories. The role of the double-contrast barium enema in suggesting the diagnosis of this complication of a chronic and often unrecognized self-treatment is emphasized.Case ReportsJournal Articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging of spinal tumors

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe