[A familial form of ventricular non compaction in a mother and two of his sons in St. Louis, Senegal]. / Une forme familiale de la non-compaction ventriculaire chez une mère et deux de ses fils à Saint-Louis du Sénégal.

We report a familial form of ventricular non compaction in a mother and two of her sons. It was a young man of 25 years who presented with NYHA stage III dyspnea and a cough with bloody sputum. The clinical examination found left ventricular failure. The echocardiogram done showed left ventricular dilatation with large trabeculae separated by deep intertrabecular recesses in both ventricles suggestive of a non-biventricular compaction. It was possible to note from the family screening by echocardiography of the mother and half-brother a left ventricular non compaction while they were asymptomatic. Thus we concluded a familial form of ventricular non-compaction. This is the first familial case described in Senegal.

Evaluation of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasonography in detection and location of prostate transition-zone cancer.

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasonography (CEHU), diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and CEHU plus DW-MRI for the diagnosis of prostate transition-zone (TZ) cancer. In total, 31 TZ cancers in 28 patients and 25 peripheral zone (PZ) cancers in 21 patients without a TZ cancer were evaluated. All patients underwent DW-MRI and CEHU followed by radical prostatectomy. Predictors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer were evaluated in three protocols (CEHU, DW-MRI, CEHU plus DW-MRI). Statistical analysis of the differences between these protocols and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were carried out. CEHU plus DW-MRI had a significantly higher sensitivity, accuracy and negative-predictive value (90.3%, 73.2% and 81.3%, respectively) for TZ cancer than either method alone. The area under the ROC curve values were 0.659, 0.679 and 0.712 for CEHU, DW-MRI, and CEHU plus DW-MRI, respectively. In conclusion, CEHU plus DW-MRI might be a useful protocol for the detection and location of TZ cancer.

Increased levels of osteocalcin-positive endothelial progenitor cells in patients affected by erectile dysfunction and cavernous atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) was shown to be the expression of a systemic vascular disease that can precede coronary artery disease of some years. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a population of circulating cells with endothelial-regenerative potential that may be reduced in ED and coronary patients. Recently, increased levels of osteocalcin (OCN)-positive EPC have been reported in coronary patients. AIM: Investigate the correlation between OCN-positive EPC and cavernous atherosclerotic lesion in ED patients. METHODS: A total of 35 subjects (20 ED patients and 15 controls) were evaluated in our andrological center and enrolled in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All subjects underwent routine clinical examination. Patients were also evaluated with high resolution echo color doppler of penile districts (intima media thickness [IMT] before and after intracavernous alprostadil injection) and circulating levels of progenitor cells (PC), EPC, and OCN-positive fraction of EPC. RESULTS: A progressive reduction of circulating EPC with the severity of cavernous artery atherosclerosis was found. Conversely circulating OCN-positive EPC levels undergo to a significant increase with cavernous atherogenesis progression. CONCLUSIONS: OCN-positive EPC levels in association with penile-color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of cavernous IMT could be predictive markers of subsequent coronary artery disease in ED patients.

Effects of parasympathetic blockade on hepatic and portal venous flow.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the effect of parasympathetic blockade on the hepatic circulation, a study was performed in healthy men because the precise knowledge of factors to affect the hepatic circulation is required for the evaluation of liver diseases. METHODOLOGY: Doppler measurements of the hepatic venous and portal venous flow were obtained with measurements of cardiac function before and after the administration of atropine sulfate, 0.02 mg/kg. RESULTS: Parasympathetic blockade increased heart rate and cardiac output and changed diastolic right ventricular filling pattern. However, portal venous flow remained unchanged. Hepatic venous flow was triphasic at rest in 15 of the 20 subjects (75%). The amplitude of the oscillation of hepatic venous flow velocity was significantly reduced in association with an increase in heart rate and the hepatic venous flow pattern was significantly influenced by parasympathetic blockade in accordance with a change in right ventricular filling pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The autoregulation of portal venous flow was suggested to exist and that the influences of parasympathetic activity and/or heart rate affected hepatic venous flow pattern.

Validation of color Doppler EUS for azygos blood flow measurement in patients with cirrhosis: application to the acute hemodynamic effects of somatostatin, octreotide, or placebo.

BACKGROUND: Color Doppler EUS (CD-EUS) allows minimally invasive measurement of azygos blood flow (AzBF) in portal hypertension, but further validation of the method is needed. Because a limited number of patients has been studied, the acute hemodynamic effects of somatostatin and octreotide on AzBF and gastric mucosal perfusion are poorly defined in portal hypertension. METHODS: A double-blind hemodynamic study was designed to assess rapid changes in AzBF over a 60-minute period after intravenous administration of somatostatin, octreotide, and placebo in 30 stable patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis. AzBF was measured by using both CD-EUS and the invasive thermal dilution technique in the first 10 patients (phase 1). Then, with CD-EUS alone, the hemodynamic study was extended to a further 20 patients (phase 2). In addition, gastric mucosal perfusion changes were assessed by using laser Doppler flowmetry at endoscopy. RESULTS: In phase 1, the 2 methods for AzBF measurement showed significant correlations both for baseline values (r = 0.685) and for AzBF changes over 60 minutes after drug administration (r = 0.733). In phase 2, a reduction was observed in AzBF 10 minutes after octreotide or somatostatin administration (-47% and -23%, p < 0.0001 vs. placebo, p = 0.058 vs. placebo, respectively). After 60 minutes of somatostatin infusion, AzBF increased 27% over placebo values (p < 0.04). Gastric mucosal perfusion was transiently reduced 5 minutes after octreotide or somatostatin (-21% and -32%, respectively, p < 0.02 vs. placebo). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to validate CD-EUS AzBF measurement with reference to the invasive thermodilution technique in cirrhosis. It confirmed the transient effects of somatostatin and octreotide on both AzBF and gastric mucosal perfusion. In addition, a significant rebound phenomenon after 60 minutes of continuous intravenous somatostatin infusion was observed.

[Axillary plexus catheter block in accidental intra-arterial levomethadone HCl injection in an HIV-positive, hepatitis B and C active drug dependent patient]. / Axilläre Plexuskatheterblockade bei akzidenteller intraarterieller Levomethadon-HCl-Injektion bei einem HIV-positiven, Hepatitis B- und C-aktiven Drogenpatienten.

We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient who inadvertently injected intraarterially (radial artery) levomethadon-HCl-solution (15 ml corresponding to 37.5 mg) which was intended for substitutional use only. He subsequently developed all clinical signs of malperfusion of his left lower arm and entire hand. Reaching the clinic only two hours after the injection, he received a continuous axillary plexus block which led to the nearly complete restoration of the perfusion of his left lower arm and hand. Thus, we were able to avoid further surgical interventions. We were using the new local anesthetic substance Ropivacain (Naropin), which offers the advantage of 12-hour-injection intervals. Already 36 hours after the "trauma", colour-coded Doppler sonography demonstrated normal flow-rates of the radial, ulnar, and common digital arteries. Only the arterial flow of the index and middle fingers was not detectable at that time--corresponding to partial hypaesthesia of the tip of the second and radial side of the third digits. Even if there are no studies concerning the continuous axillary plexus block in HIV, hepatitis B- and C-positive patients, this anaesthesiological technique should not be withheld from this group of immunocompromised patients.

Use of color Doppler EUS in assessing azygos blood flow for patients with portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Azygos blood flow is an index of blood flow through gastroesophageal collateral vessels and varices in portal hypertension. Conventional measurement of azygos blood flow involves catheterization of the azygos vein. We studied the feasibility of assessing azygos blood flow with color Doppler endosonography and of monitoring the effects of vasoactive agents on azygos blood flow. METHODS: Patients with portal hypertension were examined by means of linear array color Doppler endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Patients who had taken propranolol or nitrates in the 4 weeks before the day of measurement of azygos blood flow were excluded. After identification of the azygos vein and recording of baseline readings of mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, and azygos blood flow, patients were selected in a random manner to receive a bolus injection of 2 mg terlipressin, 250 microg somatostatin, or saline solution (control). Azygos blood flow was measured 1, 5, and 10 minutes after injection (AzBF-1, AzBF-5, AzBF-10). RESULTS: Six patients were recruited in each treatment group. Basal azygos blood flow showed a positive association with the Child-Pugh grade of cirrhosis (p < 0.005). After bolus injection of terlipressin and somatostatin, there was a marked decrease in AzBF-1 (24% and 37%), AzBF-5 (42% and 19%), and AzBF-10 (40% both) compared with baseline. The control group showed no significant change in azygos blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler EUS is useful in assessing azygos blood flow in portal hypertension and in monitoring the effects of vasoactive agents.

Valor predictivo del ecodoppler color peneano con inyección de droga vasoactiva en pacientes con disfunción eréctil / Penile color Doppler US predictive value after vasoactive drug injection in patients with erectile disfunction

A fin de demostrar la utilidad del eco Doppler con drogas vasoactivas para definir la terapéutica en pacientes con disfunción eréctil se estudiaron 54 pacientes con tumescencia nocturna insuficiente, a quienes se les realizó ecografía peneana y Doppler color de las materias cavernosas en condiciones basales y con inyección intracavernosa de 1 cm3 de Trimix, registrándose las velocidades sistólicas basales y postinyección temprana, tardía y postestímulo y evaluando las velocidades sistólicas, distólicas y los índices de resistencia. Los estudios permitieron clasificar a los pacientes en 5 grupos de acuerdo a la etiología de la disfunción y de ese modo brindarles la terapéutica adecuada

Valor predictivo del ecodoppler color peneano con inyección de droga vasoactiva en pacientes con disfunción eréctil / Penile color Doppler US predictive value after vasoactive drug injection in patients with erectile disfunction

A fin de demostrar la utilidad del eco Doppler con drogas vasoactivas para definir la terapéutica en pacientes con disfunción eréctil se estudiaron 54 pacientes con tumescencia nocturna insuficiente, a quienes se les realizó ecografía peneana y Doppler color de las materias cavernosas en condiciones basales y con inyección intracavernosa de 1 cm3 de Trimix, registrándose las velocidades sistólicas basales y postinyección temprana, tardía y postestímulo y evaluando las velocidades sistólicas, distólicas y los índices de resistencia. Los estudios permitieron clasificar a los pacientes en 5 grupos de acuerdo a la etiología de la disfunción y de ese modo brindarles la terapéutica adecuada (AU)

Transcranial Doppler echo contrast studies using different colour processing modes.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of different colour imaging modes on the contrast-medium-enhanced image of the intracranial cerebral arteries. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers were studied transcranially after administration of 10 ml BY963 successively with Power Doppler (p-TCCS) and with colour Doppler frequency imaging mode (f-TCCS) in a randomized order. RESULTS: The latency time (mean+/-SD) from the injection until the signal enhancement in the middle cerebral artery was 17.1+/-5.8 s for p-TCCS and 17.8+/-4 s for f-TCCS, and the duration of the optimal diagnostically useful signal enhancement was 44.2+/-8.2 s and 40.2+/-12.6 s respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the measured parameters, both imaging modes were of equal value. Theoretical differences in sensitivity of the two methods play no particular role facing the immense signal enhancement after echo contrast application.

Duplex Doppler ultrasonography allows a multiorgan noninvasive approach to splanchnic pharmacodynamics in patients with cirrhosis.

UNLABELLED: Duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DDU) is a suitable method to evaluate acute splanchnic hemodynamic effects of vasoactive drugs. It allows the contemporary evaluation of arterial and venous splanchnic parameters. Forty-six cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices were investigated by DDU. Portal blood flow mean velocity (PBV) (cm/s), portal blood flow volume (PBF) (ml/min), pulsatility index (PI) [(maximum-minimum)/mean velocity] in the superior mesenteric artery, in intrahepatic arteries (main branches), in an instrasplenic artery, and in interlobar arteries of the kidneys were measured before and 120-180 min after the administration of nadolol (80 mg p.o.) in 24 patients, and before and 120 min after placebo administration in 9 patients. In 13 patients who were chronically treated with nadolol, DDU parameters were evaluated before and 90 min after the administration of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (20 mg p.o.). RESULTS: placebo caused no hemodynamic change. After nadolol, heart rate decreased (-22 +/- 8%), and so did PBV and PBF (8.8 +/- 3.4 vs. 10.9 +/- 3.2, -20 +/- 17%, p < 0.0001; 660 +/- 347 vs. 852 +/- 371, -24 +/- 18%, p < 0.0001). Mesenteric PI increased (2.72 +/- 0.67 vs. 2.28 +/- 0.56, +21 +/- 25%, p = 0.005). Hepatic, splenic, and renal PIs showed slight, not significant changes (1.42 +/- 0.41 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.32, p = NS; 1.05 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.21, p = NS; 1.24 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.19 +/- 0.20, p = NS, respectively). After the administration of isosorbide-5-mononitrate, PBV decreased (8.2 +/- 2.0 vs. 9.4 +/- 2.3, -12 +/- 13%, p = 0.006), while PBF did not modify (648 +/- 189 vs. 711 +/- 209, p = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Changes in orbital hemodynamics caused by nitroglycerin and nifedipine. A study using color duplex ultrasound]. / Veränderungen der orbitalen Hämodynamik durch Glyzerintrinitrat und Nifedipin. Eine Studie mit Hilfe der Farb-Duplex-Sonographie.

Color Doppler imaging has demonstrated orbital hemodynamic changes in diseases such as central vein occlusion, the ocular ischemic syndrome and diabetic retinopathy. Reports of pharmacologically induced changes are, however, rare and inconsistent. In order to verify the sensitivity of color Doppler imaging to demonstrate pharmacologically induced changes in orbital hemodynamics, nitroglycerin and nifedipine served as vasoactive agents with a clear pharmacological spectrum. Twelve healthy volunteers were examined before and after drug application. After the administration of 0.8 mg nitroglycerin, the end diastolic bloodflow velocity was increased in the central retinal artery (before: Vdiastolic 2.2 +/- 1.0 cm/s, after: Vdiastolic 3.1 +/- 1.1 cm/s) as well as the ophthalmic artery (before: Vdiastolic 5.8 +/- 1.7 cm/s, after: Vdiastolic 7.4 +/- 1.8 cm/s). The resistance index of orbital blood flow decreased in all three vessels. After sublingual administration of 10 mg nifedipine, peak systolic blood flow velocity was slightly higher in the ciliary arteries and in the ophthalmic artery (before: Vsystolic 34.7 +/- 4.6 cm/s, after: Vsystolic 37.8 +/- 3.6 cm/s). Blood-flow velocity in the central retinal vein was elevated as well (before: Vmax 3.81 +/- 0.66 cm/s, after: Vmax 4.66 +/- 0.83 cm/s). Those slightly divergent results may be due to the different pharmacological spectrum of the two drugs investigated While nitroglycerin leads to dilatation of venous vessels, nifedipine acts primarily on small arteries. As nifedipine and other calcium channel blockers have been tested in patients with low-tension glaucoma, future color Doppler studies of such a population seem to be promising.

[Results of color-coded duplex ultrasound diagnosis (angiodynography) after intraurethral administration of PgE1 in erectile dysfunction]. / Ergebnisse der Color-coded-duplex-Sonographie (Angiodynographie) nach intraurethraler Applikation von Pg E1 bei ED.

When the pathomechanism of erectile dysfunction is obscure, intraurethral administration of prostaglandin E1 is followed by a marked increase in blood flow velocity in the penile arteries as measured by color-coded Duplex sonography. This increase compares to that following intracavernous administration of half the dose of prostaglandin E1. The difference in the effects after intraurethral and intracavernous administration is the missing rigidity after intraurethral application; there must be a loss of pharmacological efficacy to the smooth penile muscles. Clinical efficacy is to be expected with higher intraurethral dosage.

Colour Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of transplant renal artery stenosis.

The validity of colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) in the detection of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) was investigated. 93 patients presenting with deteriorating hypertension underwent CDU. Seven out of 93 patients (8%) were excluded from the study because of incomplete visualization of the transplant vessels. The CDU diagnosis of TRAS was made when all of the following criteria were present: 1. local increase in flow velocity exceeding 150% of the values found in other sections of the transplant artery and 2. marked turbulences in the artery distally of a region with local flow increase. 86 CDU examinations obtained in 86 patients [52 male, 34 female; mean age 45.7 +/- 12.6 years; examined on average 28.8 months (1-156) after transplantation] were compared with 40 angiographies. Patients showing stenosis in the CDU (n = 12) or receiving combined antihypertensive therapy with 3 or more drugs (n = 28) had an angiography performed. Angiography confirmed 11 out of the 12 arterial stenoses that had been found with CDU and detected one segment artery stenosis of 30-50% that was not detected by CDU. In 4 stenosed arteries, peak velocities were higher than the maximum velocity measurable with the pw-Doppler (higher than 350 cm/s). Peak velocities measured by CDU within 8 stenoses exceeded the flow speeds obtained elsewhere in the artery by 193 +/- 35% (286 +/- 82 cm/s). Using the criteria of stenosis as defined in this paper, CDU may be employed as screening method to detect TRAS with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 96%.