[CO2 laser treatment of skin cylindromas in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome]. / Traitement des cylindromes cutanés par laser CO2 dans le syndrome de Brooke-Spiegler.

BACKGROUND: Multiple skin cylindromas are of autosomal dominant transmission and may be associated with spiradenoma and trichoepithelioma. This condition is known as Brooke-Spiegler syndrome. The aim of this study is to compare surgical and laser treatment for these lesions. CASE REPORTS: Five patients from a single family (two male and three female) consulted at the dermatology department for the treatment of multiple cylindromas of the scalp. The female patients presented a more severe form that had developed into "turban tumour". All patients were initially treated by surgery. Two had undergone multiple surgical excisions alone while the others had been treated with CO2 laser. One of the female patients treated with surgery had undergone complete excision of the scalp covered by total skin graft. The three patients treated with CO2 laser were completely satisfied with their therapy, which enabled a larger number of lesions to be treated at each session. They underwent one session every three months under local anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: CO2 laser constitutes an alternative to surgery in the treatment of multiple skin cylindroma. It gives excellent cosmetic result with excellent safety and a high degree of satisfaction among treated patients. It should be proposed for patients refusing surgery or where the number of lesions enables first-line use of this approach to be envisaged.

Experimental evidence of shock wave measurements with low-velocity (<100 m s-1) and fast dynamics (<10 ns) capabilities using a coupled photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV) and triature velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR) diagnostic.

We present a series of shock-wave measurements on aluminum based on the use of a simultaneous Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) and triature velocity interferometer system for any reflector. Our dual setup can accurately measure shock velocities, especially in the low-speed range (<100 m s-1) and fast dynamics (<10 ns) where measurements are critical in terms of resolution and unfolding techniques. Especially, the direct comparison of both techniques at the same measurement point helps the physicist in determining coherent settings for the short time Fourier transform analysis of the PDV, providing increased reliability of the velocity measurement with a global resolution of few m s-1 in velocity and few ns FWHM in time. The advantages of such coupled velocimetry measurements are discussed, as well as new opportunities in dynamic materials science and applications.

Conversion to open repair after endovascular aneurysm repair: causes and results. A French multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes and results of conversion to open repair after aortic aneurysm endovascular treatment (EVAR). DESIGN: Retrospective study of open conversion after EVAR was performed in eight French academic centres. Primary conversion (PC) within 30 days after EVAR and secondary conversions (SC) were analysed separately. RESULT: Between 1997 and 2007, open conversions were performed in 34 patients (most often in high-risk patients): 14 PC and 20 SC. Two main causes of PC were unfavourable iliac artery anatomy and renal artery coverage. In hospital mortality was 21%. SC occurred at a median of 44 months after primary EVAR. Nine were urgent cases for rupture or infection and 11 elective for aneurysm growth, infection or thrombosis. Early mortality was similar after emergent or elective SC (25%). CONCLUSION: Open conversion, and, in particular, PC and urgent SC, was associated with a poor outcome. According to the literature, mortality after elective SC is low but remains high in high-risk patients.

Evaluation of a new vascular suture system for aortic laparoscopic surgery: an experimental study on pigs and cadavers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a new laparoscopic vascular suturing device. METHODS: Animal study: six pigs underwent surgery using a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. Aorto-prosthetic side-to-end and end-to-end anastomoses were performed laparoscopically on each pig using SuDyn. Clamping and anastomosis times, as well as the properties of the anastomoses, were recorded. Study on cadavers: four aorto-prosthetic end-to-end anastomoses were performed using the direct transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to assess the feasibility of the SuDyn device on atherosclerotic aortas. RESULTS: Animal study: No pigs died and 12 patent and impermeable anastomoses were obtained. Mean anastomosis time was 38(+/-8)min for end-to-side anastomoses and 37(+/-5)min for end-to-end anastomoses. Study on cadavers: Totally laparoscopic anastomoses were performed in 4 human cadavers with a mean anastomosis time of 37(+/-3)min. CONCLUSIONS: SuDyn makes laparoscopic aorto-prosthetic anastomoses easier to perform, produces good results and does not require a learning curve.

Hypervelocity impacts into porous graphite: experiments and simulations.

We present experiments and numerical simulations of hypervelocity impacts of 0.5 mm steel spheres into graphite, for velocities ranging between 1100 and 4500 m s-1 Experiments have evidenced that, after a particular striking velocity, depth of penetration no longer increases but decreases. Moreover, the projectile is observed to be trapped below the crater surface. Using numerical simulations, we show how this experimental result can be related to both materials, yield strength. A Johnson-Cook model is developed for the steel projectile, based on the literature data. A simple model is proposed for the graphite yield strength, including a piecewise pressure dependence of the Drucker-Prager form, which coefficients have been chosen to reproduce the projectile penetration depth. Comparisons between experiments and simulations are presented and discussed. The damage properties of both materials are also considered, by using a threshold on the first principal stress as a tensile failure criterion. An additional compressive failure model is also used for graphite when the equivalent strain reaches a maximum value. We show that the experimental crater diameter is directly related to the graphite spall strength. Uncertainties on the target yield stress and failure strength are estimated.This article is part of the themed issue 'Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates'.

[Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. Case report and review of the literature]. / Syndrome de ballonisation apicale transitoire du ventricule gauche. Revue de la littérature à propos d'un cas.

SUBJECT: Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, known as the japanese name of tako-tsubo was recently described and is characterised at the acute period by a large apical dyskinesia of the left ventricule apex. This syndrome usually mimics an acute coronary syndrome, sometime a cardiac failure or arrhythmias. We report a typical case of a seventy-seven years old women struck by a tako-tsubo syndrome revealed by an acute chest pain after an emotional stress. The diagnosis was proposed because angiography didn't shown any abnormality in spite of a large left ventricular dysfunction at the ventriculography. Actuality and strong points: Tako-tsubo syndrome is more and more published due to a better knowledge of this syndrome, specially in the acute coronary syndrome without coronary abnormality. His physiopathology is not well known but is clearly in relation with an acute stress. Several hypothesis are discussed, helped by some experimental animal model. With an excellent prognosis at a middle-course, his discovery allow an adapted take care especially of the complications. PROSPECT: The setting up of clinic and electrocardiographic reliable and well-tried criteria will allowed an early diagnosis to avoid harmful treatment. His specific treatment is not reached by consensus but will develop by a better knowledge of the physiopathology.

[Outcome of 30 congenital atrio-ventricular blocks]. / Devenir à long terme de 30 blocs auriculo-ventriculaires complets congénitaux isolés.

Congenital isolated atrio-ventricular block (CAVB) is a rare pathology, and its management is still rather poorly described through international literature. Within the service of pediatric cardiology leaded by Pr Choussat and Dr Jimenez (Cardiologic Hospital Haut-Lévêque of Bordeaux), we collected from 1980 to 2003, 30 isolated congenital CAVB, constituting the purpose of this retrospective study. Average follow-up is 14 +/- 8.8 years. None death occurred. CAVB are discovered at an average age of 4.8 years old; 6 cases were diagnosed in utero, half of them were associated with maternal lupus. Twenty patients on 30 were fitted with stimulator at an average age of 8.7 +/- 6.9 years old, due to symptoms or bradycardy. Epicardic fitting in VVI mode represents 65% of first approaches, it is followed by endocavitary way for 81% of cases. Cardiac stimulation does not prevent from dilated cardiomyopathy. Among 30 patients 10 were not fitted with stimulator, half of them presents chronotrop insufficiency during effort. As a conclusion, our patients show a good long-term vital prognosis; although CAVB discovered in utero lead to worse prognosis for children.

The Paget-Schroetter syndrome.

Primary axillo-subclavian venous thrombosis is pathology of the young working man. It affects above all the main upper limb and arises during a physical activity of the shoulder. Its aetiology is complex and multifactorial. It is most often the consequence of a chronic compression of the subclavian vein at the level of the thoracic outlet. Clinical presentation can be confirmed with a duplex scan investigation.Early diagnosis offers the opportunity for rapid venous recanalisation with an anticoagulation treatment. A fibrinolytic therapy can be started in the same session of the phlebography. In case of success, a dynamic phlebography is performed to confirm the existence of a venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Even if indications for surgical management of primary subclavian vein thrombosis are still controversial, it is actually clear that this multidisciplinary management of these patients has to be as early as possible. Decompression of the thoracic outlet can be performed secondarily using various techniques including first-rib resection. Should this approach fail to re-establish patency, leaving some residual disabling of the arm, axillo-subclavian vein revascularization can provide good mid-term results.

[Severity of aortic ring abscess complicated by cardiac conduction abnormalities]. / Sévérité des endocardites abcédées du manchon aortique compliquées d'anomalies de la conduction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features, management and prognosis of cardiac conduction abnormalities (CCA) complicating abscessed endocarditis. METHODS: We have analysed clinical, microbiologic and echocardiographic datas, therapies and outcome of cardiac abscesses complicated by CCA in patient hospitalized between 1995 and 2001 in our centre. RESULTS: Above 35 cardiac abscesses, six men (mean age 62 years) had CCA complicating six aortic ring abscesses (4 on native valve and 2 on prosthetic valve) with four cases of interventricular septal involvement and fistulization. Severe heart failure is present four times, a septic cerebral embolization twice. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus prevail. Complete atrioventricular block (AVB) reveals endocarditis twice and complicates the evolution three times. Trifascicular block (first degree AVB, left anterior fascicular block and complete right bundle branch block) revealed recurrence of endocarditis. Two patients were treated medically: one died quickly (complete AVB pre-mortem), and the other one had favourable issue (paroxystic complete AVB). Four patients had surgery with temporary pacemaker in three cases (one died) then definitive pacemaker in two cases. At 26.5 month (7-50), the four survivors had no recurrence of endocarditis. CONCLUSION: Severe CCA are classical in aortic ring abscessed endocarditis and associated with increased mortality. Immediate transfert in a dentre with cardiac surgery is necessary. Definitive cardiac pacing can be performed early without leads infection.

Stenotic intimal thickening of the external iliac artery in competition cyclists.

Twenty-three cases of an arterial disease that affects competition cyclists are reported. Patients complained of intermittent acute claudication appearing on one lower limb only at the time of a maximal strain while cycling. Doppler hemodynamic investigation on an ergometric bicycle revealed a collapse of the ankle systolic pressure. Arteriography showed a sinuous lengthening and moderate stenosis of the external iliac artery. Pathologic examination of the artery disclosed a stenotic intimal thickening due to moderately cellular loose connective tissue with a variable distribution of collagen and elastic fibers. The cells in the affected zone were readily labeled with anti-actin and anti-myosin antibodies, and electron microscopy revealed features of synthetic smooth muscle cells. The lesion observed differs from intimal fibrodysplasia and from artherosclerosis. Abnormal local hemodynamic conditions may lead to this type of lesion. Thus, stenotic intimal thickening of the external iliac artery appears to be a new arterial disease defined by clinical, arteriographic, and pathologic features.

External iliac artery endofibrosis in athletes.

Atherosclerosis and inflammatory arterial diseases are rare in young people. Since the early 1980s, an increasing incidence of iliac arterial stenosis in competition cyclists has been reported. Histological findings in these individuals are specific, with fibrosis of the intimal wall on histology and no atherosclerotic or inflammatory lesions. Clinical consequences of this arterial endofibrosis are usually described as an exercise-related subjective sensation of swollen thigh in one or both (15%) legs, with normal clinical and Doppler investigations at rest. Following maximal exercise, ankle-to-brachial systolic pressure index is lower than 0.5 in 85% of individuals with disease and is used as a key argument for diagnosis before deciding upon arteriography. Surgery (recalibrated saphenous grafts or angioplasty-endofibrosectomy) seems to be efficient to allow an early return to competition, but its long term results are still to be evaluated. The physiopathology of this disease and its possible relationship with atherosclerosis are unknown.

Surgery of post-infarction ventricular septal defect: risk factors for hospital death and long-term results.

From December 1971 to December 1989, 62 patients (pts) 42 males, 20 females, mean age 66 years (yr) 6 months (mth) (range 52-80) were operated upon for post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD), (anterior 34, inferior 28). Eight pts (13%), group (G) 1 presented with cardiogenic shock, 19 pts (30.5%), G2 with severe congestive heart failure (CHF); 31 pts (50%), G3 were stable with mild CHF and 4 pts (6.5%), G4 without CHF. Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) was used in 49 pts (79%). One transplanted pt was excluded from this study. The VSD was closed from 1 day (d) to 5 mth (mean 13 d) after its occurrence. Hospital death (HD) occurred in 23 pts (37.7% +/- 6%). Of 44 incremental risk factors (RF) for HD studied, the preoperative status (PS) was the most significant (P less than 0.01). G1: 87% +/- 12%, G2: 42% +/- 12%, G3: 25.8% +/- 8%, G4: 0%. [table: see text] Non-survivors had a shorter mean delay between VSD occurrence and surgery than survivors: 5.6 +/- 3.7 d vs 18.2 +/- 30 d (P less than 0.05), but this delay was correlated to PS. The follow-up of the 38 early survivors ranges from 2 mth to 14 yr (mean 3 yr, 11 mth); 11 pts died between 45 d and 14 yr. No RF was identified for premature late death. HD included, the actuarial survival rate at 1, 5, 10 yr is: 57% (+/- 7%), 44% (+/- 8%), 30% (+/- 10%), respectively.

Surgery for post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD): risk factors for hospital death and long term results.

OBJECTIVE: Repair of post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is still a challenging procedure with a high risk of recurrence of the VSD and subsequent mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess if technical change in the surgical procedure was followed by an improvement in recurrence of the VSD and operative results. METHOD: This retrospective study from 1971 to 2001 included 85 patients operated on early (<15 days) after the occurrence of a post infarction VSD. Double patch technique was introduced in 1986. A total of 44 variables were studied by a uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Hospital death occurred in 36 patients. Significant factors for hospital mortality included: preoperative and evolution of the clinical status, right ventricular function and type of repair (one or two patches). Moreover, no recurrence was observed in patients repaired with the double patch technique (P=0.09). None of the studied variables were significant for long term survival. Concomitant CABG was not associated with higher hospital mortality and long-term survival rate was similar in patients with or without concomitant CABG. CONCLUSION: The use of the double patch technique and glue by avoiding recurrence of the VSD played a role in the reduction of the hospital mortality. This technique has to be recommended in the early repair of post infarction VSD. Concomitant CABG can be done safely to control the added risk of an associated coronary artery lesion.

Lower extremity arterial disease in sports.

The recent description of exercise-induced intimal fibrosis affecting mainly the iliac artery (and therefore usually described as external iliac artery endofibrosis) has dramatically changed the diagnostic approach of unexplained recurrent lower limb exercise pain, especially in cyclists. Because arterial disease is often associated with the aftereffect of various concomitant musculotendinous lesions, several months may pass before an arterial origin is suspected. The arterial origin of the pain must not be eliminated on normal ankle-to-arm index or normal Doppler velocity profiles at rest. Ultrasound examinations taken at rest may show the lesions in 80% of endofibrotic patients and allow for the diagnosis of popliteal entrapment syndrome during dorsiflexion of the foot. However, the hemodynamic consequences of a stenosis on the aortoiliofemoral axis can only be proved by measurement of the ankle-to-arm index after exercise. A cutoff of this index <0.5 provides an 85% sensitivity in the detection of endofibrosis. Invasive investigations (arteriography or angioscopy) will confirm the diagnosis before surgery is discussed. Although long-term results in endofibrosis are unknown, most of the surgically treated patients return to competition.

Echography of external iliac artery endofibrosis in cyclists.

Forty-eight cyclists were studied for suspected external iliac artery endofibrosis with ultrasound B-mode imaging. In highly trained competition cyclists, symptoms of external iliac artery endofibrosis were characterized by lower limb claudication during maximal effort that was caused by fibrosis thickening of the intima of the external iliac arterial wall. Typical ultrasound imaging aspects consisted of parietal thickening, enhanced echogenicity of the arterial wall, straightness of the abnormal arterial segment, and mild narrowing of the arterial diameter of the proximal or medial segment of the diseased external iliac artery. Although ultrasound B-mode imaging study seems to be useful in the diagnosis of external iliac artery endofibrosis, results with this technique must be compared with results of clinical examination, physiologic tests, and arteriography.

Naftidrofuryl in chronic arterial disease. Results of a six month controlled multicenter study using Naftidrofuryl tablets 200 mg.

The study was carried out on patients with intermittent claudication (Fontaine's stage II). The arterial and atheromatous origin of the disease was confirmed and localized by angiography or Doppler velocimetry examination. One hundred eighty-six patients were selected initially. Their pain-free walking distance on a treadmill (at a speed of 3 km/hour and an inclination of 10%) had to be 150-300 m. During the first month all patients received 3 placebo tablets daily. At the end of this run-in period (D-30; D 0) and after checking walking distance stability (allowed variation: +/- 20% between the two measurements) the patients were included in the study. One hundred fifty-four patients were selected and 118 remained during the whole study. The study was designed as a double-blind, using two parallel randomly selected groups. Sixty-four patients received for six months Naftidrofuryl (3 X 200 mg tablets daily with meals); 54 patients received placebo under the same conditions. During this period, clinical and paraclinical examinations were carried out every quarter (D 90 and D 180). After checking the initial homogeneity of the Naftidrofuryl and placebo-groups, the comparison between groups indicates a significant improvement in Naftidrofuryl group after 3 and 6 months of treatment. At the end of the study the observed differences in walking distance with Naftidrofuryl are approximately twice the difference in the reference group (D 90: p less than 0.05; D 180: p less than 0.02). The results of this study indicate that Naftidrofuryl is an efficient pharmacological tool for treatment of patients with chronic arterial disease (Fontaine's stage II).

[Angioscopy in peripheral vascular diseases]. / L'angioscopie en pathologie vasculaire périphérique.

Angioscopy is a useful investigation in patients referred for vascular surgery. The material has been improved over the last few years to make available angioscopes with external diameters ranging from 0.55 to 3.2 mm. The angioscopes are either rigid, composed of two groups of fibre optics (image and light transmission) or orientable and more complex. Both systems may carry operating channels. The angioscopy may be performed peroperatively or percutaneously. Other essential equipment includes catheter guides, balloon catheters, counterpulsation balloons or perfusion pumps. This investigation is used for diagnostic evaluation but when used peroperatively it may also help guide therapeutic intervention. Angioscopy is complementary to ultrasonic and radiological methods of vessel imaging.

[Ambulatory measurement of Korotkoff sounds timing (QKD interval) in a normal population]. / Mesure ambulatoire du temps d'apparition des bruits de Korotkoff (intervalle QKD) dans une population normale.

Ambulatory monitoring of Korotkoff sounds appearance time (QKD interval) was performed during 24 hours in 131 normal subjects (85 males, 46 females, aged 14-78 years, mean 36 +/- 15 years) with a new device (Diasys 200RK, Novacor-France). This device allows simultaneous measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and QKD interval at programmed intervals, every 15 minutes in this study. For each patient we calculated the average 24th QKD interval, the QKD interval for a systolic BP of 100 mmHg and a heart rate of 60 bt/min (QKD: 100-60), and the slope (S) of the variations of the QKD interval against systolic BP and pulse pressure (PP). Results are presented for each 10 years age group (mean +/- SD).

[Left atrial extension of bronchial cancer diagnosed by echocardiography. Report of 2 cases]. / Extension intra-auriculaire gauche du cancer bronchique détectée par échocardiographie. A propos de deux observations.

The authors report 2 cases of left atrial extension of bronchial carcinoma detected by echocardiography. There have only been ten previous reports of echocardiography. There have only been ten previous reports of echocardiography detection of this complication as echocardiography is not requested systematically in patients with bronchial carcinoma. Left atrial metastasis is not uncommon at autopsy and the diagnostic value of echocardiography is excellent : the tumour appears as a hyperdense mass invading the roof of the left atrium through the pulmonary veins. Echocardiographic detection of left atrial extension of bronchial carcinoma is important because it implies a poor prognosis and because it may lead to a different therapeutic approach.

[Cardiac myxoma in patients over 75 years of age. Report of 19 cases]. / Myxomes cardiaques chez le sujet âgé de plus de 75 ans. A propos de 19 observations.

Left atrial myxoma is considered to be exceptionally rare in the elderly. The authors observed and reported on 19 cases occurring in patients over 75 years of age out of a series of 100 myxomas diagnosed between 1962 and 1997, in 12 women and 7 men (mean age: 80 years, range 75 to 89 years). In 3 cases, the myxomas were chance findings at echocardiography but the 16 symptomatic patients (85%) had left ventricular failure (47%), positional symptoms (25%), pyrexia and poor general health (17%) or systemic embolism (17%). The location of the myxoma was the left atrium in all cases, with mitral valve obstruction in 13 of the 19 cases. Eighteen tumours were attached to the interatrial septum and one to the atrial surface of the anterior mitral leaflet. Calcifications were observed in 5 patients. Surgical ablation of the tumour was performed in 15 of the 19 patients. The post-operative course was usually uncomplicated: one patient died of a cerebral haemorrhage. Four patients did not undergo surgery because of patient refusal in 3 cases and major associated morbidity in the other case. These cases were included in the study because the tumours had all the characteristics of myxomas. Though the discovery of a myxoma remains a classical surgical emergency, the presence of quiescent, non-obstructive, well circumscribed and calcified myxomas with a low risk of obstruction and of embolism in elderly high risk patients may be exceptions to this traditional dogma.