Surgical closure of persistent ductus arteriosus in small premature infants in an incubator

In premature neonates a patent ductus arteriosus causes often other complications thus the immediate closure of the patent ductus arteriosus should be preferred or recommended. Performing the surgical closure of the ductus within the incubator can avoid complications during transportation from the premature neonates intensive care unit to the operating room. 25 very small premature neonates or those with another burden in addition were operated upon in the incubator on the premature infants intensive care unit of our hospital during the period from January 1987 to April 1989. No complications occurred during the operation, especially not caused by the strange circumstances for the operating team. Wound infections because of possible bacterial contamination of the incubator or the room were not observed during the postoperative period.     

I-123 MIBG and serial radionuclide angiocardiography in doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity.

In six patients with doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity, the severity of decrease in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was associated with faster myocardial I-123 MIBG washout rates. In four patients with severely decreased LVEF (range 19% to 28%), the 4-hour washout rate varied from 43% to 56%. In two patients with moderate cardiotoxicity (LVEF 42% and 43%), the washout rates were 37% and 35%, respectively. In contrast, in another patient thought to have initial left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF dropped from 66% to 54%), the myocardial I-123 MIBG retention rate was not reduced (6% washout). Subsequent continuation of chemotherapy in this patient was without complication. Reduced I-123 MIBG uptake in the left ventricle generally correlated with areas with abnormal Fourier amplitude values, but in one of the patients with moderate cardiotoxicity, the I-123 MIBG uptake was not reduced in a region with loss of amplitude, indicating dysfunction but probably no myocardial denervation. Analysis of the regional myocardial retention in patients with cardiotoxicity showed no significant difference in the I-123 MIBG washout rates of both segments with or without loss of amplitude. These data suggest that in spite of a localized loss of ventricular function demonstrated by radionuclide angiocardiography, doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity appears to be based on a global process of myocardial adrenergic derangement.     

Micro-Raman line broadening in synthetic carbonated hydroxyapatite

Using a Raman microspectrometer, we have recorded Raman spectra of synthetically produced hydroxyapatite samples with varying carbonate contents. The apatites were produced from aqueous solutions at about 40 degrees C. From line-broadening values of the symmetric phosphate stretch, it was concluded that the carbonate substitution in these lattices has a maximum of 4.5 wt %. Both phosphate and hydroxyl ions seem to be involved in the carbonate substitution process.     

Should the Retention trial of the Test of Memory Malingering be optional?

The present study examined the false negative error rate associated with the optional use of the Retention trial the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM). TOMM scores from 150 traumatic brain injury and 150 chronic pain patients were examined. Results indicated that early termination of the TOMM resulted in 3% of patients going undetected by the TOMM. The practical cost of this error was minimized by the inclusion of at least one other SVT. Clinical implications are discussed.     

Short-Ti inversion-recovery pulse sequence: analysis and initial experience in cancer imaging

Inversion recovery (IR), commonly considered a pulse sequence capable of producing T1-weighted images with excellent display of normal anatomy, is versatile: The null point and peak time provide a useful, succinct summary of the properties of IR and its capacity for producing both T1- and T2-weighted images. Shortening of the inversion time (TI) and creation of a short-TI inversion-recovery (STIR) pulse sequence increases sensitivity to malignancy and other abnormalities by making the effects of prolonged T1 and T2 on signal intensity additive and by nulling the signal from fat. The authors examined over 300 patients with various malignancies and compared STIR images with T1- and T2-weighted images obtained at 0.5 T. In 43 cases, signal-difference-to-noise ratios (SD/Ns) were calculated between tumor, fat, and muscle. In general, STIR images demonstrated tumor as a conspicuously high-intensity area in a background of muted, discernible anatomic detail. The good contrast achieved with STIR sequences between tumor and fat (SD/N = 18.1) and tumor and muscle (SD/N = 12.9) consolidated into a single image the information contained separately on T1- and T2-weighted images, which facilitates efficient detection and localization of malignancy.     

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: findings at barium enema study and defecography

Sixteen cases of histopathologically proved solitary rectal ulcer syndrome were encountered. Fifteen patients underwent barium enema study; in nine cases the findings--including rectal stricture, granularity of the mucosa, and thickened rectal folds-were nonspecific. In six cases the study was normal. All patients had a long history of defecation disorders, and defecography was performed in all. In seven cases, intussusception of the rectal wall was seen; in another case the intussusception was accompanied by a rectocele. One case showed rectal prolapse. In four cases, failed relaxation of the puborectalis occurred and prevented the passage of the bolus; in another case there was abnormal perineal descent. In two patients studies were normal. In patients with defecation disorders, the possibility of this syndrome should be considered. Defecography is the method of choice for establishing the diagnosis.