Semi-quantitative assessment of cerebral blood flow with 99mTc-HMPAO SPET in type I diabetic patients with no clinical history of cerebrovascular disease

In 65 type I diabetic patients we prospectively evaluated brain perfusion by means of single-photon emission tomography after the injection of 740– 1110 MBq of technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime. Thirty-five of the patients presented complications secondary to their diabetes. None showed CNS symptoms. A semiquantitative analysis was performed drawing 50 symmetrical regions of interest (ROIs) per patient. The relative contribution of each ROI to the total blood flow in each slice was compared with the relative contribution of the same ROI in a control group of ten healthy volunteers. Relative values of any ROI in the study group higher or lower than the mean ±2 SD in respect of the same ROI in the control group were considered abnormal. The results revealed hypoperfusion in 207 ROIs in the 65 patients with diabetes mellitus: of these ROIs, 113 were frontal, 10 frontotemporal, 20 temporal, 18 parietal, 11 occipital and 35 cerebellar. A total of 137 ROIs showed hyperperfusion: 17 frontal, 3 frontotemporal, 19 temporal, 18 parietal, 19 parieto-occipital, 29 occipital and 32 cerebellar. Out of 65 type I diabetic patients, 61 showed at least one hypoperfused ROI (P = 0.0064 vs. controls) and 25 showed more than three hypoperfused ROIs. None of the control subjects showed more than three hypoperfused regions (P<0.001). The results obtained demonstrate the existence of subclinical abnormalities of brain blood perfusion in patients with type I diabetes mellitus and no history of cerebrovascular disease, thereby allowing the initiation of intensive preventive measures. Received 16 July and in revised form 16 August 1997     

The Role of Surgery and Hyperalimentation in Therapy of Gastrointestinal-Cutaneous Fistulae

Thirty-eight patients with external gastrointestinal fistulas arising from different levels of the gastrointestinal tract, observed and treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital, from December 1970 to April 1973, are analyzed. Surgical complications were the causes of fistulization in 77% of the cases. The treatment program included parenteral nutrition through a subclavian line in all cases. The 38 patients were fed parenterally for a total of 2311 days. Spontaneous fistula closure occurred in only 11 of the 38 patients. Surgical procedures were necessary in 71.05% of the cases to control fistula complications or persistent fistula drainage. Operative success rate was 70.4%. Parenteral nutrition effects on metabolic parameters, fistula secretion, nutritional status, morbidity and mortality of fistulas are discussed. Parenteral nutrition hazards are also presented. Overall mortality in this series was 21%. Roles of parenteral nutrition and surgery in the total management of external gastrointestinal fistulas are suggested.     

Novel guidewire‐based stent delivery system: Examination by intravascular ultrasound

This report describes the first‐in‐man experience with a novel 0.014‐in. guidewire‐based, self‐expanding stent delivery system designed for small or tortuous coronary arteries that may be difficult to access with conventional stent‐delivery systems. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Impaired coronary flow reserve in patients with non-ischemic heart failure

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is impaired not only in ischemic heart disease, but also in cardiac diseases that may or may not course with heart failure. The aim of the present study was to determine if the severity of heart failure can influence CFR impairment. METHODS: Forty patients with non-ischemic heart disease and heart failure were studied 41 times. Four groups were established: 1. 10 patients in functional class III-IV; 2. 10 patients in functional class II not taking beta-blockers; 3. 11 patients in class II treated with carvedilol, and 4. 10 patients in class I. These patients had a history of heart failure and systolic dysfunction. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and N-13 ammonia at rest (r) and during adenosine triphosphate (ATP) infusion. RESULTS: MBF and CFR were significantly higher in group 4 (1.95 0.58 and 2.40 0.95 ml/min/g) than in group 1 (1.02 0.52 and 1.46 0.48 ml/min/g). CFR tended to be higher in groups 2 (1.73 0.72), and 3 (1.89 0.75) vs group 1. No significant correlation was found between CFR and the following variables: age, systolic blood pressure, ventricular mass index, ventricular volume indexes, and ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary microvascular function is impaired in non-ischemic heart failure, and the impairment is related to functional class, regardless of the underlying responsible heart disease.