Evolution features of hypertensive patients with primary aldosteronism--prospective study.

Background: Primary aldosteronism is the leading cause of secondary hypertension, the management of this disease requiring an interdisciplinary approach.

Objectives: Evaluation of evolutionary features of patients with secondary hypertension and primary aldosteronism.

Methodology: We have followed 26 patients diagnosed with secondary hypertension and primary aldosteronism, who were admitted consecutively to "C.

In vitro biocompatibility testing of some synthetic polymers used for the achievement of nervous conduits.

Biocompatible synthetic polymers are largely used in the bio-medical domain, tissue engineering and in controlled release of medicines. Polymers can be used in the achievement of cardiac and vascular devices, mammary implants, eye lenses, surgical threads, nervous conduits, adhesives, blood substitutes, etc. Our study was axed on the development of cytotoxicity tests for 3 synthetic polymers, namely polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl chloride.

Traumatic brain injury in infants and toddlers, 0-3 years old.

Object: Children 0-3 years old present a completely different neurotraumatic pathology. The growing and the development processes in this age group imply specific anatomical and pathophysiological features of the skull, subarachnoid space, CSF flow, and brain. Most common specific neurotraumatic entities in children 0-3 years old are cephalhematoma, subaponeurotic (subgaleal) hematoma, diastatic skull fracture, grow skull fracture, depressed ('ping-pong') skull fracture, and extradural hematoma.

New application of diffusion tensor imaging in neurosurgery.

Diffusion tensor imaging is a MRI technique that enables the measurement of the diffusion of water in tissue in order to produce neural tract images. Advanced methods such as color coding and tractography (fiber tracking) have been used to investigate the directionality. The localization of tumors in relation to the white matter tracts (infiltration, deflection), has been one the most important initial applications.

Idiopathic venous thromboembolism and thrombophilia.

During the past decade idiopathic venous thromboembolism has become a separate entity, a chronic illness which has required prolonged anticoagulation and other prevention strategies to avoid recurrences. This article reviews recent developments regarding unprovoked venous thromboembolism and its relation with thrombophilia. In the beginning, the latest definition of idiopathic venous thromboembolism is presented.

Forequarter amputation (upper limb and shoulder girdle) in a synovial sarcoma case--case report.

We are often confronted with severe cases - patients with very aggressive tumours that suppose a complex and in the same time radical approach--in our medical practice. The correct approach and management of such cases ensure both the surgical success and the patient survival. In this paper, we present the case of a young woman, who has been admitted in our clinic with a giant, irradiated tumour involving left axilla, shoulder and scapula.

Overview about the keloid scars and the elaboration of a non-invasive, unconventional treatment.

Although the healing means 2 types of biological mechanisms that seem to be "pathologic", the swell and the granulations are a normal process in the biology of the human being, representing two systemic functions: the adaptation and the morphogenesis. There is a pathological healing in which the fundamental healing phenomenon is deviated from the normal. There are three variable parameters responsible for the pathological evolution of a scar: the cellular population, the fundamental matrix and the fibers.

Molecular basis of vascular events following spinal cord injury.

The aim of this article is to analyze the effects of the molecular basis of vascular events following spinal cord injury and their contribution in pathogenesis. First of all, we reviewed the anatomy of spinal cord vessels. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injuries revealed two types of pathogenic mechanisms.

A life threatening problem in infants: supratentorial epidural hematoma.

Traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) represents a rare head injury complication in infants. Its diagnosis can be quite challenging because its clinical presentation is usually subtle and nonspecific. Authors present a study on 30 infants with epidural hematoma (EDH) admitted in the Pediatric Department of Neurosurgery of the "Bagdasar-Arseni" Clinical Hospital in the period of 1990-2007 (17 years).

Cardiac dysfunctions following spinal cord injury.

The aim of this article is to analyze cardiac dysfunctions occurring after spinal cord injury (SCI). Cardiac dysfunctions are common complications following SCI. Cardiovascular disturbances are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both acute and chronic stages of SCI.

Genetics of craniosynostosis: review of the literature.

Craniosynostosis represents a defection of the skull caused by early fusion of one or more cranial sutures. The shape alteration of the cranial vault varies, depending on the fused sutures, so that compensatory growth occurs in dimensions not restricted by sutures. Craniosynostosis can be divided into two main groups: syndromic and nonsyndromic.

Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist valsartan on cardiac remodeling and left ventricular function in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an important predictor of mid and long-term prognosis. Pathological cardiac remodeling is associated with the development of LV systolic dysfunction and of congestive heart failure. The role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in preventing cardiac remodeling and LV function improvement is well-known.