How to reliably evaluate middle ear diseases? Comparison of different methods of post-processing based on multislice computed tomography examination.

Conclusions: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) virtual endoscopy was useful in evaluating mainly post-traumatic and postoperative cases. In other pathological conditions axial images and MPR reformations were most useful.

Objectives: Evaluation of cross-sectional images, multiplanar 2-D reformations, 3-D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy (VE) in assessment of the middle ear in inflammatory diseases, trauma, otosclerosis and tumours.

Differentiation between cholesteatoma and inflammatory process of the middle ear, based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging.

Objective: To assess the usefulness of delayed post-contrast computed tomography (CT) examination for the detection of residual or recurrent cholesteatoma after canal wall up tympanoplasty.

Study Design And Setting: This prospective, non-randomized study, set within an academic medical centre, included 17 consecutive patients who had undergone canal wall up tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma, with possible recurrence. Pre-contrast CT scans and delayed post-contrast images were compared with second look surgical findings.

Colour Doppler ultrasound assessment of well-functioning mature arteriovenous fistulas for haemodialysis access.

Background: A well-functioning mature arteriovenous fistula is essential for the maintenance of haemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure. The Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistula has the best survival characteristics and low rate of complications. The most common reason of fistula failure is thrombosis caused by stenosis.

C-reactive protein and alpha2-macroglobulin plasma activity in medium-severe and severe psoriasis.

Background: An acute phase of psoriasis can be induced by cytokines involved in psoriatic pathogenic phenomena. Activation of the acute phase reaction by proinflammatory cytokines (including interleukins 1 and 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha) may account for systemic symptoms in severe psoriasis, especially in pustular and arthropathic forms of this disease.

Objective: To study the activity of selected acute phase proteins in psoriatics before and after effective treatment.

Fetal blood saturation during the 1st and 2nd stage of labor and its relation to the neonatal outcome.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal blood oxygenation (SpO(2)) by means of continuous pulse oximetry during labor and its relation to the neonatal outcome.

Materials And Methods: Fetal SpO(2) was measured continuously during labor with a noninvasive pulse oximetry for fetal application. The average, minimum and maximum SpO(2) levels were evaluated separately for the 1st and 2nd stage of labor.

Intrapartum cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry in assessing fetal hypoxia.

Objectives: A retrospective analysis of short-term variability (STV), a cardiotocography (CTG) parameter, in relation to fetal blood saturation values (FSpO(2)) obtained by fetal pulse oximetry.

Methods: The study included 26 healthy pregnant women monitored continuously during delivery with both cardiotocography and fetal pulse oximetry.

Results: Lower FSpO(2) values were observed in the group showing STV levels View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Tumor angiogenesis in patients with laryngeal cancer.

Tumor angiogenesis was evaluated in 60 patients with primary laryngeal cancer by quantitating the microvessel density with antibodies against factor VIII. The microvessel density was then correlated with T stage, N stage, histologic grade and patient survival. A direct correlation was found between increased tumor angiogenesis and T stage, histologic grade and a shorter survival rate.