Anatomo-clinical analysis of 14 consecutive cases of primary cystic mesenterico-epiploic tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is an anatomo-clinical evaluation of the primary cystic mesenterico-epiploic tumors,based on a single-center's 15 year experience. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective study of a series of 14 primary cystic mesenterico-epiploic tumors that were operated in the Surgical Department 4 UMPh Targu-Mures, Romania, between 01.01.1997 and 01.01.2012. Data about the clinical complaints, imagistic aspects, associated lesions, surgical approach, hospitalization, pathology, and immediate and late postoperative course were recorded and analysed using the Microsoft Excel software. RESULTS: In all cases we performed a complete and intact surgical excision, using an open approach in 13 cases and laparoscopy in 1 case, with no mortality and no significant surgical-related morbidity; we have encountered a single recurrence at 1.5 years after surgery. We had no preoperative pathological diagnosis; the exact preoperative anatomic location of the tumor was possible only in one case. Pathologic examination showed the following types: inclusion cysts - 4 cases, enteral duplication cysts - 2 cases, simple mesothelialcysts - 6 cases, cystic lymphangioma - 1 case and simple lymphatic cyst - 1 case. We have systematized 3 clinicoimagistic patterns according to the dimension of the tumor,with no relationship to the histologic origin of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Primary cystic mesenterico-epiploic tumors aredifficult to diagnose preoperatively. Complete excision is usually possible, even for large tumors. These relatively rare tumors must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal masses.

Effect of 131 iodine therapy on the course of Graves' ophthalmopathy: a quantitative analysis of extraocular muscle volumes using orbital magnetic resonance imaging.

There remains uncertainty as to the effect of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy on the associated ophthalmopathy (GO). Twenty newly diagnosed patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism treated with 131I (median dose, 15.5 mCi) were followed with ophthalmologic evaluations (OE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, 2, and 6 months, and with OE alone at 3 years. For MRI, the superior, inferior, and medial rectus muscle volumes and total muscle volumes (TMV) were measured. Replacement levothyroxine was initiated as low thyroxine (T4) levels were noted. At baseline, 10 patients (50%) showed evidence of mild GO by OE and/or MRI. There was a significant difference in TMV between the 20 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism and 10 controls (mean +/- standard error [SE]; 2,652 +/- 118 vs. 2,046 +/- 96 mm3; P = 0.002) and between the 10 patients with and 10 without GO (3,006 +/- 96 vs. 2,298 +/- 61 mm3; P = 0.001). TMV correlated with the Hertel score (r = 0.56, P = 0.01). TMV showed no significant change at 2 or 6 months posttreatment. The inferior rectus volume increased slightly at 2 months posttreatment (P = 0.03) but remained stable at 6 months. Furthermore, no significant changes occurred in Hertel scores or in clinical assessments up to 3 years posttreatment and none showed worsening or new development of GO. In conclusion, our results show no significant risk for radioiodine-induced initiation or progression of mild GO.

[Nonspecific bronchial provocation with histamine and methacholine]. / Provocarea bronsica nespecifica cu histamina si metacolina.

The inhalational histamine and metacholine test is a standard procedure to estimate the degree of bronchial reactivity. During the last 10 years the method of continuously generated aerosol inhalation compels recognition. The test consists in the inhalation during 2 minutes, every 5 minutes of a double dosage of drug followed by measurement of MEVS after each step. Thus the dosage response curve is set up. The concentration of the necessary drug dosage for decreasing with 20% of MEVS (PC20 or PD20) are accepted as indices for bronchial reactivity. The method is indicated in cases suspected for atypical bronchial asthma, professional asthma and drug research. The technical and subjective factors interfering the measurements should be taken into account and analysed in order to ensure reproducibility and comparability of the method.

[Age related electrophysiological modifications in rat myocardium]. / Aspecte electrofiziologice miocardice legate de vârsta la sobolan.

During aging the electrical and mechanical phenomena of the heart are impaired. We studied the effect of aging using standard microelectrode technique on action potentials obtained in papillary muscle from 1, 3, 6 and 18 month old rats. The action potential of myocardial cells is significantly prolonged and changes resemble those observed during cardiac overload. The possible cause of the slower action potentials is the alteration of Ca2+ transients due to a reduced rate of Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum associated with a possible alteration of K+ currents. These developmental changes are considered as an expression of adaptation of the heart with aging.

A set-up for bronchial provocation by continuously generated aerosols.

Bronchial provocation tests have become a standard procedure to establish the diagnosis of asthma when symptoms are current but spirometry is normal. A simple, reproducible and widely used method for measuring airway responsiveness is continuous aerosol generation and tidal breathing inhalation. This paper presents the method, the apparatus built-up in our lung function office, reproducibility of aerosol production, and expression of results. With our set-up we are able to perform technically well regulated challenge. It has the advantages of relative simplicity in terms of equipment needed, short distance and no obstacles between nebulizer and mouthpiece. Our specially conceived computer programme is easy to handle, allows comparison and recalculation of data. Variations of nebulizers' output needs a carefully individual evaluation before use to allow reproducibility.