Large Case Series (large + case_series)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: A clinico-radiologic review from a single centre in South India

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
A Singh
Summary Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare tumours but are the commonest mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. To our knowledge, there is no large case series in Asian countries in which a clinico-radiological descriptive analysis of these tumours has been carried out. In this retrospective study, we analysed our experience of 70 patients with histopathologically proven GISTs, who were presurgically investigated by using CT, and describe the demography, anatomical distribution, imaging features and clinical course of the GIST. We found an unusually large predominance of males in our study, stomach and small bowel appeared to have been involved similarly and small bowel tumours had a higher rate of metastases. We also highlight some unusual CT features of these tumours that we encountered during the study, such as the presence of metastatic lymphadenopathy and satellite nodules, relapse in appendices epiploicae of the bowel, metachronous liposarcoma, adrenal and lung metastases, multiplicity of lesions and aneurysmal dilatation of the bowel. Two of our patients also had multiple neurofibromas, whose association with GIST has been seen in earlier reports. To the best of our knowledge, this article presents one of the largest series of articles on GISTs, to date, in Asian countries. We conclude with a differential diagnosis of GIST, with salient features distinguishing each entity. [source]


Comparison of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK) and University of Wisconsin solution (UW) in adult liver transplantation,

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2006
Richard S. Mangus
Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK) and University of Wisconsin solution (UW) have been shown to have similar outcomes in cadaveric kidney, pancreas, and liver transplantation. Our institution changed from UW to HTK as the primary preservation solution for liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation. This study compares the perioperative and first year outcomes of liver transplantation using UW or HTK. Primary use of HTK began on May 1, 2003. We reviewed the records of all adult liver transplant recipients from July 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004. Recipients were compared based on organ preservation solution (UW n=204, HTK n=174). Outcomes included 1-, 6- and 12-month graft and patient survival and 1-, 7-, 14-, and 30-day liver function and serum creatinine. During the entire study period, the two groups were managed similarly in operative technique, immunosuppressive regimens, and donor liver criteria. Over 30 months, 378 adult patients underwent liver transplantation. There were no significant differences between UW and HTK in 1-, 6-, or 12-month graft or patient survival. The HTK group had a higher day 1 median AST, ALT, and total bilirubin, but the two groups were similar thereafter. An anticipated difference in infused volume between UW and HTK was demonstrated. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first reported large case series from North America comparing HTK and UW in liver transplantation with 2- to 12-month follow-up. There were no significant differences between HTK and UW in this population when comparing 1 month graft function and first-year graft and patient survival. Liver Transpl 12:226,230, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source]


Periodic fever syndromes: a diagnostic challenge for the allergist

ALLERGY, Issue 12 2007
M. Lierl
The objective was to present a case of periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA), summarize the medical literature on PFAPA, review the differential diagnosis and suggest a diagnostic approach to periodic fevers in children. A PubMed search was conducted for all case reports and series of patients with PFAPA. The references of these papers yielded further case reports. Review articles or large case series were used for sources of information regarding the other periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes. All cases reported as PFAPA were included in the review, even though a few of the cases may not have been accurately diagnosed. The periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes of childhood are a group of diseases that cause repeated febrile illnesses with various associated symptoms. Except for PFAPA, each of these diseases is caused by a known genetic mutation. Effective treatment options and long-term prognosis varies among these syndromes. Children with periodic fever or autoinflammatory syndromes sometimes present to an Allergy/Immunology clinic for immunologic evaluation. It is important for the Allergy/Immunology specialist to be familiar with the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment of these conditions. [source]


Role of Biphosphonates and Lymphatic Drainage Type Leduc in the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Shoulder,Hand Syndrome)

PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009
Andrea Santamato MD
ABSTRACT Background., Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical entity that has been termed in numerous ways in the last years. Clinically, CRPS describes an array of painful conditions that are characterized by a continuing (spontaneous and/or evoked) regional pain that is seemingly disproportionate in time or degree to the usual course of any known trauma or other lesion. The pain is regional and usually has a distal predominance of abnormal sensory, motor, sudomotor, vasomotor, and/or trophic findings. Design., Case report. Setting., University Medical Center. Patients., In this report, we described the case of a 68-year-old hemiplegic female affected by cerebrovascular accident that presented a clinical case of CRPS shoulder,hand syndrome (CRPS-SHS) at the right hand after a hemorrhagic stroke. Interventions., This report evaluated the effects of biphosphonates and lymphatic drainage type Leduc in CRPS-SHS. Outcome Measures., The pain level of the patients was measured with the visual analog scale. A scoring system for the clinical severity of CRPS-SHS, laboratory tests, and X-ray films were also performed. Results., We reported in this patient a great improvement of pain and edema of the right hand, with a significant reduction of bone demineralization. Conclusions., This combined treatment may be a viable alternative for this syndrome; however, further investigation is needed to determine its reproducibility in large case series. [source]


The PediSedate® device, a novel approach to pediatric sedation that provides distraction and inhaled nitrous oxide: clinical evaluation in a large case series

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2007
WILLIAM T. DENMAN MD FRCA
Summary Background:, Pediatric sedation is of paramount importance but can be challenging. Fear and anticipatory anxiety before invasive procedures often lead to uncooperativeness. A novel device (PediSedate®) provides sedation through a combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and distraction (video game). We evaluated the acceptability and safety of the PediSedate® device in children. Methods:, We enrolled children between 3 and 9 years old who were scheduled to undergo surgical procedures that required general inhalational anesthesia. After the device was applied, he/she played a video game while listening to the audio portion of the game through the earphones. Nitrous oxide in oxygen was administered via the nasal piece of the headset starting at 50% and increasing to 70%, in 10% increments every 8 min. Treatment failures, vital signs, arterial oxygen saturation, depth of sedation, airway patency, side effects, acceptance of the device and parental satisfaction were all evaluated. Results:, Of 100 children included, treatment failure occurred in 18% mainly because of poor tolerance of the device. At least 96% of the children who completed the study exhibited an excellent degree of sedation, 22% had side effects, and none experienced serious airway obstruction. Nausea and vomiting were the most common side effects and no patients had hemodynamic instability. Conclusions:, The PediSedate® device combines nonpharmacologic with pharmacologic methods of sedation. Most of the children we evaluated were able to tolerate the PediSedate® device and achieved an adequate degree of sedation. [source]


Annotation: PANDAS: a model for human autoimmune disease

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 3 2005
Susan E. Swedo
Background:, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus infections (PANDAS) is a recently recognized syndrome in which pre-adolescent children have abrupt onsets of tics and/or obsessive-compulsive symptoms, a recurring and remitting course of illness temporally related to streptococcal infections, and associated neurologic findings including adventitious movements, hyperactivity and emotional lability. Methods:, Inspired by observations of similar symptoms in children with Sydenham's chorea, a search was undertaken for clinical and laboratory evidence in support of the new syndrome. Results:, Consistent and predictable clinical findings have been described in a large case series. Magnetic resonance imaging has supported the postulated pathobiology of the syndrome with evidence of inflammatory changes in basal ganglia. Antibasal ganglia antibodies have been found in some acute cases, mimicking streptococcal antigen epitopes. Conclusions:, While PANDAS remains a controversial diagnostic concept, it has stimulated new research endeavors into the possible links between bacterial pathogens, autoimmune reactions, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. [source]