Indications for diagnostic open biopsy of mammographic screen-detected lesions preoperatively diagnosed as fibroadenomas by needle biopsy and their outcomes.

AIM: To identify the clinical, radiological, and histopathological factors that resulted in a diagnostic open biopsy of mammographic screen-detected lesions diagnosed preoperatively as fibroadenomas by needle biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BreastScreen WA data over 10 year period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2008 was reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 760,027 women screened in Western Australia between 1999 and 2008, 31 had a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or a core biopsy (CB) diagnosing a fibroadenoma and subsequently underwent a diagnostic open biopsy (DOB). Three were preoperatively diagnosed as fibroadenoma by initial FNA but subsequent CB showed that these were not fibroadenomas and, therefore, were excluded from the present series. Of the 28 cases, DOB identified 21 fibroadenomas, two cellular fibroadenomas, two benign phyllodes tumours, one malignant phyllodes tumour, one fibroadenoma containing ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and one case of a 40mm adenosis tumour with a small 5mm fibroadenoma. The lesions ranged from 5-100mm in size with an average size of 28mm. DOB and CB results were concordant in 25 (89%) of the cases. The primary clinical indications for undergoing DOB included indeterminate histopathological findings of cellular fibroadenomas versus phyllodes tumour (n = 10), enlarging size (n = 4), large size (n = 5), fibroadenomas with atypia (n = 1), discordant radiological and pathological findings (n = 3), patient preference (n = 1), association with a second screen-detected lesion requiring excision (n = 2), and an unknown indication (n = 1). CONCLUSION: CB diagnosis of fibroadenomas is a safe diagnosis unless it has atypical clinical, radiological, or pathological features.

Effects of pedunculopontine nucleus area stimulation on gait disorders in Parkinson's disease.

Gait disturbances are frequent and disabling in advanced Parkinson's disease. These symptoms respond poorly to usual medical and surgical treatments but were reported to be improved by stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus. We studied the effects of stimulating the pedunculopontine nucleus area in six patients with severe freezing of gait, unresponsive to levodopa and subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the pedunculopontine nucleus area. Electrode placement was checked by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcome measures were a composite gait score, freezing of gait questionnaire score and duration of freezing episodes occurring during a walking protocol at baseline and one-year follow-up. A double-blind cross-over study was carried out from months 4 to 6 after surgery with or without pedunculopontine nucleus area stimulation. At one-year follow-up, the duration of freezing episodes under off-drug condition improved, as well as falls related to freezing. The other primary outcome measures did not significantly change, nor did the results during the double-blind evaluation. Individual results showed major improvement of all gait measures in one patient, moderate improvement of some tests in four patients and global worsening in one patient. Stimulation frequency ranged between 15 and 25 Hz. Oscillopsia and limb myoclonus could hinder voltage increase. No serious adverse events occurred. Although freezing of gait can be improved by low-frequency electrical stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus area in some patients with Parkinson's disease our overall results are disappointing compared to the high levels of expectation raised by previous open label studies. Further controlled studies are needed to determine whether optimization of patient selection, targeting and setting of stimulation parameters might improve the outcome to a point that could transform this experimental approach to a treatment with a reasonable risk-benefit ratio.

[Behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease: from pathophysiology to the mastery of dopaminergic treatment]. / Maladie de Parkinson: de la physiopathologie des troubles psychiques à la maîtrise du traitement dopaminergique.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioral changes in Parkinson's disease are complex and their pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. The dopaminergic system seems to play a major role and most of the behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease can be classified into either hypodopaminergic if related to the disease itself or hyperdopaminergic if related to dopaminergic treatment. STATE OF THE ART: Subthalamic stimulation, which enables withdrawal of dopaminergic medication at an advanced stage in the disease, provides a model for the study of certain nonmotor, dopamine-sensitive symptoms. Such a study has shown that apathy, which is the most frequent behavioral problem in Parkinson's disease, is part of a much broader hypodopaminergic behavioral syndrome which also includes anxiety and depression. Nonmotor fluctuations--essential fluctuations in the patient's psychological state--are an expression of mesolimbic denervation, as shown in positron emission tomography. Drug-induced sensitization of the denervated mesolimbic system accounts for hyperdopaminergic behavioral problems that encompass impulse control disorders that can be alternatively classified as behavioral addictions. The association of impulse control disorders and addiction to the dopaminergic medication has been called dopamine dysregulation syndrome. While L-dopa is the most effective treatment for motor symptoms, dopamine agonists are more effective in improving the nonmotor levodopa-sensitive symptoms. On the other hand, L-dopa induces more motor complications and dopamine agonist more behavioral side effects. There is increasing data and awareness that patients' quality of life appears to be dictated by hypo- and hyperdopaminergic psychological symptoms stemming from mesolimbic denervation and dopaminergic treatment rather than by motor symptoms and motor complications related to nigrostriatal denervation and dopaminergic treatment. PERSPECTIVES: Better management requires knowledge of the clinical syndromes of hyper- and hypodopaminergic behaviors and nonmotor fluctuations, a better understanding of their underlying mechanisms and the development of new evaluation tools for these nonmotor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The neurologist who strives to gain mastery of dopaminergic treatment needs to fine tune the dosage of levodopa and dopamine agonists on an individual basis, depending on the presence of motor and nonmotor signs respectively.

[Embolization of localized pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in adults]. / Embolisation des malformations artérioveineuses pulmonaires localisées de l'adulte.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience using embolization in managing localized pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in adults. MATERIAL: and methods. All patients presenting with localized pulmonary arteriovenous malformations treated with embolization were included in the study. Clinical presentation (respiratory symptoms and previous history of paradoxical embolism) and the characteristics of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (single or multiple, location, diameter of the afferent artery and simple or complex angioarchitecture) before embolization were analyzed. The details of the procedure, including the number of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations embolized, the number of coils used, and the type of intraoperative complications were recorded. Postembolization clinical and imaging follow-up were described. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (26 women, 16 men; mean age, 45 years), including 36 with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia were treated with embolization. Twenty-two patients (53%) were dyspneic and 12 (29%) had a previous history of paradoxical embolism prior to embolization. Forty-seven procedures were carried out on a total of 99 pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (mean, 2.3 per patient), using 530 coils (12.6 per patient). The pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were located in the lower lobes in 60% of cases and a simple architecture was reported in 81% of cases. The average diameter of the afferent artery was 6mm. No preoperative complications were reported. After embolization, two patients (5%) presented with a paradoxical embolism and five patients out of 22 (23%) remained dyspneic. The rate of complete occlusion of treated arteriovenous malformations was 92% using computer tomography. CONCLUSION: Embolization is a highly effective and safe technique for treating pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Improvement in dyspnea and prevention of paradoxical embolism can be expected. A high technical success rate can be obtained by experienced interventional radiologists.

Embolization of the systemic arteries of the lung.

Embolization of the systemic arteries of the lung (described by Remy and colleagues in 1973) is now a useful method for the treatment of hemoptysis or hemorrhagic lesions of the lung prior to surgical treatment, or for local treatment of hemoptysis when surgery is contraindicated or unnecessary. The technique is based on the anatomy of the different divisions of the systemic circulation (bronchial and extrabronchial), which for various physiologic reasons may develop hypervascularization. The results, complications, and contraindications of systemic embolization have previously been described and the technique is now commonly practiced.

[Comparison between arteriography and magnetic resonance angiography in patients with leg peripheral arterial disease ]. / Etude comparative entre l'artériographie des membres inférieurs (AMI) et l'angiographie par résonance magnétique (ARM) dans le diagnostic d'artériopathie distale des membres inférieurs.

PURPOSE: The anatomic information before surgical therapy must be precise. Contrast angiography fails to opacify distal vessels in a large number of cases. We have evaluated the capability of magnetic resonance angiography to depict peripheral arteries. Materials and methods. We examined fourty-eight patients. CA was performed from a femoral or humeral approach, with or without subtraction. MRA were obtained using a 1.5 T magnet. Ankles and feet were placed in a head coil; three sequences were performed: Reconstructions and axial source images were reviewed. RESULTS: MRA is superior to CA to demonstrate patent arterial segments in a majority of cases. CONCLUSION: MRA is an effective method to identify distal lower extremity arteries.

Clinical and economic results of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: High frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an alternative but expensive neurosurgical treatment for parkinsonian patients with levodopa induced motor complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, clinical effects, quality of life, and economic cost of STN stimulation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicentre study in 95 consecutive Parkinson's disease (PD) patients receiving bilateral STN stimulation and assessed its effects over 12 months. A double blind randomised motor evaluation was carried out at 3 month follow up, and quality of life, self care ability, and predictive factors of outcome following surgery were assessed. The cost of PD was estimated over 6 months before and after surgery. RESULTS: The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score improved by 57% (p<0.0001) and activities of daily living improved by 48% (p<0.0001) at 12 month follow up. Double blind motor scoring improved by 51% at 3 month follow up (p<0.0001). The total PD Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQL-37) score improved by 28% (p<0.001). The better the preoperative motor score after a levodopa challenge, the better the outcome after STN stimulation. Five patients developed an intracerebral haematoma during electrode implantation with permanent after effects in two. The 6 month costs of PD decreased from 10,087 euros before surgery to 1673 euros after surgery (p<0.0001) mainly because of the decrease in medication. These savings allowed a return on the procedure investment, estimated at 36,904 euros over 2.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: STN stimulation has good outcomes with relatively low risk and little cost burden in PD patients with levodopa induced motor complications.

The efficacy of intrathecal injection of sufentanil using a microspinal catheter for labor analgesia.

Intrathecal sufentanil can provide labor analgesia. We investigated the efficacy of multiple injections and the maternal and neonatal effects of intrathecal sufentanil during labor. Seventeen healthy women in active labor received multiple injections of intrathecal sufentanil of 5 micrograms each through microspinal catheters. Overall maternal satisfaction of analgesia was quantified using 10 cm visual analogue scales and side effects were evaluated. Neonatal outcome was also determined. Onset of analgesia was less than 5 min after the first injection and lasted approximately 148 min. Tolerance developed for the successive injections. The mean onset times were 12.9 and 20.1 min and the durations were 76.6 and 33.9 min for the second and third injections, respectively (P < 0.05). Failure to obtain analgesia developed in all patients after the forth injection. No motor blockade was observed in any of the patients. Mild or moderate pruritus developed in 88% of the patients. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased by a maximum of 11.3% at 30 min and up to 90 min (P < 0.05) after the first injection; three patients required ephedrine treatment. No significant hemodynamic changes were observed after subsequent injections. Five patients experienced transient decrease in sensation. Neonatal status, as evaluated by Apgar scores, Neurological Adaptive Capacity Scores (NACS), fetal heart rate (FHR), and umbilical cord acid-base status, were within normal limits. Results from our study suggest that multiple small doses of sufentanil administered intrathecally provided satisfactory analgesia for parturients with short duration of labor since acute tolerance developed with multiple injections. High incidence of mild or moderate pruritus was observed during the study. Close attention should be given to hemodynamically unstable patients when this technique is applied.

Preoperative portal vein embolization for extension of hepatectomy indications.

To render hepatectomy feasible in patients with an initially deficient volume of the future remnant liver (FRL), we redistributed portal blood flow rich in hepatotrophic substances toward the FRL. Redistribution was achieved with preoperative portal vein embolization (POPE) feeding the future resected liver. POPE was performed in 31 patients, under fluoroscopic guidance, via a percutaneous access. POPE was well tolerated and surgery was practicable in 24 patients without severe postoperative liver failure. Seven operations were cancelled, but only one due to insufficient hypertrophy of the FRL. FRL volume values were 90 to 560 mL (mean 260 mL) before POPE and 160-783 mL (mean 443 mL) after POPE, which represents a median increase of 79% +/- 50%. Hypertrophy of the FRL was 90% +/- 52% after 30 days with cyanoacrylate, 53% +/- 6% after 43 days with Gelfoam, and 44% +/- 30% after 35 days with coils. Slight shrinkage was obtained in the volume of the embolized liver, for which resection was planned. Overall survival was 2-62 months (mean 26 months), disease-free survival was 0-60 months (mean 19 months), and 7 patients are disease-free and alive 14 to 60 months (mean 43 months) after surgery. Although exclusively applicable in a limited subset of patients, POPE widens the possibilities of curative hepatectomies, because it induces sound hypertrophy of unembolized liver segments. Cyanoacrylate seems to ensure better and faster hypertrophy.

Transcatheter ethanol renal ablation in 20 patients with persistent urine leaks: an alternative to surgical nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter ethanol renal ablation for destruction of a unilateral, poorly functioning kidney with persistent urinary leaks from fistulas or a nephrostomy tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1992 to January 1999, 19 females and 1 male with a history of pelvic neoplasms, which were responsible for ureteral leaks through the nephrostomy tube in 13 cases or fistulas in 7, were treated with transcatheter ethanol renal ablation. Serum creatinine ranged from 60 to 140 micromol./l. (mean 90), and function of the involved kidney determined by diethylenetetraminepentaacetic acid scintigraphy in 16 patients or by morphological imaging in 4 was low. Drainage of the renal cavities and antibiotic therapy preceded renal ablation. After epidural anesthesia or intravenous sedation renal ablation was performed by catheterization of the renal artery and injection of 1. 5 to 12 ml. (mean 4.6) absolute ethanol, and completed by proximal occlusion with coils and absorbable gelatin sponge. RESULTS: Arterial flow was interrupted in all cases. Urinary flow ceased in 2 days in 18 of 20 patients, and drains were removed. Two patients had residual urine that was successfully treated with additional embolization. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter ethanol renal ablation is safe and effective, and permits an in situ nephrectomy that can replace surgical nephrectomy for treatment of urinary leaks.

Endovascular management of bleeding iliac artery pseudoaneurysms complicating radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated arteriographic findings and endovascular treatments of eight patients who had bleeding iliac artery pseudoaneurysms and who had undergone radiation therapy (3000-6500 rad [30-65 Gy]) and surgery for pelvic malignancies. CONCLUSION: Angiography revealed contrast media extravasation in 75% of patients who had bleeding iliac artery pseudoaneurysms and failed to show the source of bleeding in 25%. The patients who had positive findings at angiography were all successfully treated percutaneously, although two patients required additional bypass surgery. Among embolic materials, coils and balloons were safe and efficient, whereas cyanoacrylate was unsafe and led to complications in two of three patients. A covered stent, which was not available for most of our patients, was used in one patient and may be an effective means of treating pseudoaneurysms.

Cystogastric transmural drainage for the treatment of symptomatic cystic metastases from ovarian carcinoma.

Approximately 80% of ovarian cancers are discovered when they have already progressed to stage III or IV lesions. The prognosis is, therefore, poor despite intensive treatment. Intraperitoneal dissemination is one of the most frequent pathways of distant spread ovarian cancer and pseudocystic metastases usually occur. When such cystic metastases remain symptomatic despite antitumor treatment, viable options are limited because palliative surgery generates high operative morbidity and mortality. For many years, in patients in whom the risks associated with surgery are high, percutaneous drainage and sclerosis under radiologic guidance has been performed as an effective alternative option for various forms of abdominal fluid collection. Such a collection in pancreatic pseudocyst benefits from cystogastric transmural drainage to avoid external drainage and achieves the same results as surgical cystogastrostomy. We report this transmural drainage technique under image guidance used to drain a symptomatic cystic metastasis, which was compressing the stomach.

[The perimetric score in Bjerrum's area]. / Le score périmétrique dans l'aire de Bjerrum.

The authors have examined a protocole in automatic perimetry. On glaucoma they have measured, with different instruments, deficits in visual fields in Bjerrum's area. The perimetric score gives them a numeric data which determines rapidly the patient's state. This data may be used on graphics.

Combined percutaneous antegrade and cystoscopic retrograde approach in the treatment of distal ureteric fistulae.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a cystoscopic approach, as definitive treatment of ureteral fistulae, after failure of antegrade ureteral stent insertion. METHODS: Of 43 ureter fistulae encountered over 4 years, 10 postoperative and/or postradiotherapy fistulae could not be stented via an antegrade approach alone. A cystoscopic approach was used, with the antegrade approach available as back-up, if necessary. RESULTS: In two patients the ureteral orifice could not be visualized cystoscopically, thus precluding the retrograde approach. In the eight remaining patients, the retrograde approach alone never allowed successful stenting. In six patients, combined antegrade and retrograde approaches permitted stent insertions. In three of those six patients, a complex catheterization procedure was necessary. In two patients the combined approach failed altogether. Therefore, 6 of 10 patients underwent a successful stenting procedure with the combined approach; all ultimately closed the fistula. CONCLUSION: Antegrade stent insertion remains the treatment of choice for ureteral leaks. If the antegrade approach fails, the retrograde approach alone is not likely to be successful. Instead, a combination of both approaches often does succeed.

The effects of signal salience and caffeine on performance, workload, and stress in an abbreviated vigilance task.

In 2 experiments, a 12-min computerized vigilance task was demonstrated to reproduce the vigilance decrement, high workload (NASA-TLX), and stressful character (Dundee Stress State Questionnaire) of vigilance tasks lasting 30 min or more. In Experiment 1, the abbreviated task was also shown to duplicate the signal salience effect, a major finding associated with long-duration vigilance tasks. Moreover, Experiment 2 showed that performance on the abbreviated task can be enhanced by caffeine - a drug that benefits long-duration tasks. This enhancement effect was limited to performance, however, suggesting that caffeine influences factors that control signal detection but not those that control task-induced stress. The results parallel those obtained with long-duration tasks and support a resource-depletion model of the vigilance decrement. The abbreviated task might be useful in situations in which long-duration tasks are precluded (e.g., performance assessment batteries, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging).