תוצאת חיפוש

ח' מצקין, י' קוור, א' שטנגר, ר' אגאי, נ' אסנה, ע' מרימסקי

המחלקות לאורולוגיה ואונקולוגיה, מרכז רפואי סוראסקי, תל-אביב, והפקולטה לרפואה, אוניברסיטת תל-אביב

סרטן הערמונית הוא השאת השכיחה ביותר בגברים מבוגרים. הטיפול בלוקים במחלה מוקדית המוגבלת לבלוטה הוא בניתוח או בהקרנות. בעשור האחרון הוכנסה שיטת הטיפול בקרינה מייננת פנימית – ברכיתרפיה באמצעות גרגירי יוד רדיואקטיביים. אנו מדווחים במאמר זה על 150 חולים ראשונים שטופלו בברכיתרפיה והיו במעקב שנע בין 3-24 חודשים (חציון 15 חודש). בעשרים מהחולים שולבה גם קרינה חיצונית, בהתאם למדדי קבלה מקובלים.

במעקב שנערך ב-89% מהחולים נצפו ערכי PSA נמוכים מ-0.5 נאנוג'/מ"ל, כעדות להחלמה. רק ב-6 חולים נצפתה עלייה מתונה בערכי PSA – כעדות להישנות המחלה או לאי-החלמה ממנה.

התחלואה היתה בינונית, והתבטאה בהפרעות בהטלת שתן כתוצה מחסימה ובגירוי (irritability), שנמשכו כ-3 חודשים בממוצע. לאחר תקופה זו, ערכי ה-IPSS – ניקוד לתסמינים של מוצא השלפוחית – חזרו לערכים טרם הטיפול.

שליש מהחולים התלוננו על אין-אונות, שהופיעה רק לאחר הטיפול. הערכים נמדדו באמצעות שאלון למילוי עצמי (IIEF). החולים לא לקו בסיבוכים קשים, ולכן לא היו זקוקים לניתוח, אישפוז או צנתור ממושכים, ולא הובחנו נזקי קרינה באזור החלחולת.

לסיכום, במאמר זה מדווח לראשונה בישראל על שיטת הטיפול בברכיתרפיה באמצעות יוד-125 בלוקים בסרטן הערמונית. תוצאותיה לטווח קצר ולטווח בינוני מצויות במתאם עם הדיווחים בספרות, ופגיעתה באוחר-החיים של החולה היא מיקטית (minimal), דהיינו הפגיעה בהרגלי ההשתנה והזיקפה של החולים היא נמוכה (רק בשליש מהחולים) ובהשוואה להשפעות-הלוואי והסיבוכים המדווחים בטיפולים חלופיים, כגון ניתוח רדיקלי או קרינה חיצונית.

Prenatal Down's Syndrome Screening at 10-14 Weeks Gestation using the Combined Nuchal Translucency and Maternal Serum Biochemistry: Preliminary Results

Ron Maymon^1*, Marina Bergman², Shmuel Segal²,  Eli Dreazen¹, Zwi Weinraub¹ and Arie Herman¹

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Zerifin 70300 (affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv), Israel. ²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon (affiliated with Ben Gurion University, Be'er-Sheeba), Israel.

We report our preliminary experience of prenatal screening for Down's syndrome (DS) using nuchal translucency (NT) measurement combined with the serum biochemistry analysis of Free b-human chorionic gonadotropin (FbhCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) all measurement at 10-14 weeks of gestation.

Of the 358 parturient women which enrolled in the study, 9 cases were not included because of fetal anomalies or miscarriages. Thus the study group included 349 singleton pregnancies in which complete prenatal and infant follow-up was available.

Forty-four pregnant women were found to be screen positive (12.6%) and in 13 cases (27%) of them fetal chromosomal aneuploidies were diagnosed. Looking into the markers profile we found that the NT was a sensitive marker which was abnormally increased in all the fetal aneuploidies. Serum FbhCG was found to be a promising marker as well, being significantly elevated (2.26[0.86 multiple of the medians, MoM) in DS cases, and decreased (<0.5 MoM) in two cases of Edward's syndrome.

On the contrary, PAPP-A was found less sensitive, and its mean MoM values were not significantly different between DS versus euploid fetuses.

Our preliminary results support the promising success of DS screening using NT and FbhCG.

Eosinophilic Ascites - Presenting Symptom of the Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Sofia Rimbrot1, Michael Bennett², Marina Komorovski², Yishai Levy³

¹Department of Medicine A, ²Department of Haematology, Haemek Medical Center, Afula and ³Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel

We report a case of a 22 year old man with a history of bronchial asthma, suffering from diarrhea, eosinophilic ascites and prominent blood and bone marrow eosinophilia. The patient responded to corticosteroid treatment.

Later, hydroxyurea was added to this treatment because of recurrence of eosinophilia, ascites and hepatosplenomegaly.

Eosinophilic ascites is rarely the outstanding symptom of the hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Following the exclusion of other reasons for eosinophilia, concomitant unexplained hepatosplenomegaly suggested the diagnosis of a hyperereosinophilic syndrome.

Long-Term Sequelae of Malignant Tumors in Childhood

N. M. Peretz, H. Goldberg, A. Kuten, I. Meller, E. Krivoi, A. Lorber, L. Bentur, A. Lightman, V. Gorenberg, M. Ben Arush-Weyl

Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Dept., Oncology Center, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Pulmonology and Gynecology Depts., and Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Rambam Medical Center and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa; and Orthopedic-Oncology Unit, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center and Tel Aviv University

110 children with malignant diseases (leukemia excepted) who survived 5-20 years (median 9) post-therapy were followed (1996-1998). Median age during follow-up was 15 years (range 5-23). The most common malignancies were brain tumors, lymphoma, retinoblastoma and Wilm's tumor.

The 174 late side-effects included endocrine disorders (19%), cognitive impairment (14%), orthopedic dysfunction (12%), alopecia (12%), dental damage (11%), psychological (8%) and neurological (8%) disturbances, and azoospermia or amenorrhea (5%). There was no cardiac or renal damage and no second malignancy.

29% of side-effects were severe. There was significant reduction in quality of life in 54 (49%), in 27 of whom it was severe enough to require psychological intervention. Treatment of brain tumor caused 98 late side-effects in 28 patients (sequelae-to-patient ratio [SPR] 3.3). Most cognitive, endocrine and neurological disorders, and most cases of alopecia, dental and psychological difficulties were in these patients. There were frequent late complications in those treated for retinoblastoma (SPR 1.8), and bone or soft tissue sarcomas (SPR 0.8). Those treated for Wilm's tumor had few side-effects (SPR 0.4).

Late side effects were most frequent after radiation, reaching as high as SPR 2.4. It averaged only 0.5 in those treated with chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery.

Reduction of late side-effects in these patients requires using less toxic modalities, as long as cure rate is not compromised. When considering secondary strategies, screening for early detection of late complications would enable immediate solutions, such as hormonal replacement or providing compensating skills for post-treatment disability.
 

Metallic Stents for Acute Colonic Obstruction

M. Itkin, E. Atar, H. Neuman, D. Kravarosic, Z. Fuko, M. Kaz

Radiology and General Surgery B Depts., Golda Campus; and General Surgery Dept., Beilinson Campus; Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

The traditional treatment of acute colonic obstruction, usually caused by malignant tumor, is a 2-stage surgical procedure. The first operation is emergent and includes primary tumor resection and end colostomy followed by scheduled colostomy closure. These operations are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recently, insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for temporary colonic decompression has been was introduced. With this new technique colostomy can be avoided in the acute phase.

In advanced colonic cancer stent-insertion is the only palliative treatment. It is done in the radiology department under fluoroscopic guidance. We present 2 cases of malignant colonic obstruction treated successfully by stent insertion.

Diagnosis and Therapy in Acute Stroke: A Rehabilitation Center Viewpoint

M. Motin, J. Streifler, A. Tsur, H. Ring

Neurological Rehabilitation Dept., Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center, Ra'anana; Neurological Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Golda Campus, Petah Tikva and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv

The extent of the diagnostic work-up of patients with acute stroke was evaluated in 101 patients admitted for rehabilitation during a 4-month period in 1997. This included specific blood tests and neuro- and cardiac imaging, and compared the extent of work-up in a community hospital versus a rehabilitation center. Comparisons were also made with similar investigations 10 and 20 years earlier.

Results demonstrated that the trend to admit younger stroke patients (<50 years) to neurological (as opposed to medical) departments observed between 1977-1987 persisted in 1997.

The use of CT scan increased dramatically from 1977 to 1987 (19% vs 78%), and in 1997 was actually 100% The use of carotid duplex and echocardiography increased steadily during the 3 decades reaching 26% and 28% respectively. Tests for thrombophilia were seldom done. However, in neurological departments it was done in about 50% of the younger stroke patients. In neurology departments carotid duplex was done 2 to 3 times more often than in medical departments.

During rehabilitation imaging tests were done once or more in almost half the patients. The results and those of additional blood tests, have led to modification of antithrombotic treatment in 14% of the younger group and 4% of the older group.

We have clearly shown that while stroke work-up has become more comprehensive in recent years, there is still much to do in this field. Stroke units or teams in our general hospitals will increase stroke awareness, improve work-up and hasten definitive treatment.
 

Surgical Repair of Myxomatous Mitral Valve

D. Bitran, O. Merin, I. Dzigivker, D.Rosenmann, S. Od-allah, S. Silberman

Depts. of Cardiothoracic Surgery and of Anesthesiology and Cardiology; Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Myxomatous mitral valve disease is now the most common cause of mitral regurgitation in the western world. Repair of the leaking valve has become standard surgical procedure during the past 2 decades. Between 1993-1999 we performed 113 repairs of the mitral valve. In 25 patients the etiology was myxomatous degeneration (no mortality). Long-term clinical results depend on patients' functional class at surgery. Based on this fact, and the good surgical results, it is recommended to refer such patients even with severe mitral incompetence for surgery at an early stage, even if symptoms are minimal.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - 1,000 Procedures in a Surgical Department

Uri Freund, Ami Mayo, Ivan Schwartz, David Neufeld, Haim Paran

Dept. of Surgery A, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba; and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

The first 1,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in our department were reviewed. There was no operative mortality; conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in 2%. In the last 600 cases the rate of conversion had decreased to 0.5%. There was common bile duct injury in 0.3%, with the injuries identified during primary surgery. This clinical experience is consistent with previous studies, which proved that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and should replace open operation as the procedure of choice. 

Dermatitis from Contact with Agave Americana

Haim Golan, Marina Landau, Ilan Goldberg, Sara Brenner

Dermatology Dept., Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center

Various plants induce dermatitis in man. There have been only a few published cases of contact dermatitis caused by Agave americana (AA).

We report intentional exposure to AA in a soldier seeking sick leave, and review our previously reported cases. Treatment with oral antihistamines and topical saline compresses resulted in subsidence of the systemic symptoms within 24h and regression of cutaneous manifestations in 7-10 days.

Physicians should be alert to the possibility of self-inflicted contact dermatitis induced by exposure to plants, especially to A. americana. Systemic signs may accompany the cutaneous lesions.

Anticoagulant Treatment in Pericardial Effusion - A Therapeutic Dilemma 

Marina Katsman, Elie Shiloah, Micha Rappoport

Dept. of Medicine C, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin

Anticoagulant treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and pericardial effusion is controversial, since the treatment might cause hemopericardium and tamponade. On the other hand, anticoagulants are strongly indicated in many situations in AMI, including: left ventricular thrombus, unstable angina, severe heart failure, deep vein thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, as part of thrombolytic treatment, and during cardiac catheterization.

We describe a 70-year-old man who presented with both pericardial effusion and a left ventricular thrombus 3 weeks after an extensive, anterior wall AMI. Anticoagulants and corticosteroids were administered simultaneously under hem-odynamic and echocardiographic monitoring, without complications.

It is our impression that anticoagulant treatment is safe in patients with pericardial effusion.

Testicular Cancer: Self-Awareness and Testicular Self-Examination in Soldiers and Military Physicians

Thomas Tichler, Rony Weitzen, Aharon Feinstone, Raoul Orvieto, Marian Moskovitz, Adam Singer

Depts. of Oncology and Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; Medical Corps, Israel Defence Forces; Gynecology Dept., Hasharon Medical Center, Petah Tikvah; and Medical Dept. B, Fleaman Hospital, Haifa

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in young men. To evaluate knowledge and awareness of that cancer, and of the practice of testicular self-examination (TSE), we developed a questionnaire which was distributed to 717 male soldiers and 200 of their military physicians.

21% of the soldiers had received some explanation of the importance of TSE, but only 16% were actually instructed how to perform TSE, and only 2% practiced it regularly. 24% had never examined their testicles before, 185 only rarely, and 6% often. With increased age, TSE frequency increased, but previous education, type of military unit, and ethnic origin had no affect. 99% of military physicians had been taught how to examine breasts, but only 70% had been taught routine testicular examination. 22% performed it, but 27% never did. 84% had never taught their soldiers the importance of TSE, although 51% taught female soldiers breast self-examination.

There was a significant lack of awareness of the importance of regular practice of TSE among both soldiers and their army physicians.

Mitral Valve Repair in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy with Severeleft Ventricular Dysfunction

Dani Bitran, Ofer Merin, Jeffrey Fisher, Nadiv Shapira, Marc W. Klutstein, Shuli Silberman

Depts. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Anesthesiology and Cardiology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Patients with ischemic mitral insufficiency and poor left ventricular function are high operative risks. We present 101 patients who had mitral valve repair in our department: 21 had severely reduced left ventricular function, 19 were in NYHA functional Class IV, and 2 in Class III. All had concomitant coronary artery bypass.

There was no early operative mortality, but there were 2 late deaths (9.6%). At follow-up (3-36 months) all valves were functioning normally, 9 patients (43%) were in NYHA functional Class I, and 4 (19%) in Class II.

Our experience shows that repair of ischemic mitral insufficiency in the presence of severe left ventricular dysfunction can be performed with good results, and is preferable to mitral valve replacement. Late follow-up showed significant symptomatic improvement.

Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Pulmonary Lobectomy 

Amit Korach, Uzzi Izhar, Ehud Rudis, Amir Elami

Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem

Coronary artery disease amenable to percutaneous interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting, and resectable lung cancer are major causes of morbidity and mortality. We present our experience in the treatment of 3 patients (men aged 64 and 66 and a woman of 77) who each had significant coronary artery disease and a resectable lung tumor. They underwent combined coronary artery bypass grafting and pulmonary lobectomy.

We conclude from our experience and review of the literature that concomitant surgery in such cases is safe and effective, decreases suffering, and decreases the cost of 2 separate invasive procedures.

Carbon Dioxide Gas Embolism during Laparascopic Cholecystectomy

Anat Laver-Segal, Miguel Iuchtman, Paltiel Weiner

Depts. of Anesthesiology, Surgery A and Medicine A, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera and Rappaport Medical School, The Technion, Haifa

A case of carbon dioxide gas embolism during laparascopic cholecystetomy is presented. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment resulted in positive outcome. Laparascopic cholecystectomy is nowadays one of the most common operations for cholecystectomy and certainly the most frequent endoscopic surgical procedure. It is usually safe and effective. However, a number of serious complications have been reported during the procedure.

Gas embolism is one of the complications that may occur during the initial gas insufflation or during dissection of the gall bladder. Symptoms are mainly related to the speed and the amount of gas that reaches the venous system. Early recognition and prompt treatment are required to prevent severe morbidity or even fatal outcome.

Transesophageal echocardiography has detected many unsuspected cases of gas embolism. However, capnograph monitoring of end-tidal CO₂, routinely used in everyday anesthesia, is highly reliable in alerting to the possibility of gas embolism and also in confirming its occurrence.

In cases of suspected gas embolism close collaboration between anesthetist and surgeon is required.

Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy

Eyal Sheiner, Ilana Yanai, David Yohai, Miriam Katz

Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology Unit, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Cervical pregnancy is a rare but serious complication. The most frequent presenting symptom is vaginal bleeding, and is thus common in inevitable abortion. Examination reveals a dilated cervix containing products of conception derived from the emptied uterine cavity. The pathologic criteria are cervical glands opposite the placental site, attachment to and actual invasion of the cervix by the placenta, a portion of the placenta below the posterior reflection, and no fetal parts in the corpus uteri. Treatment ranges from hysterectomy to treatment with chemical agents, mostly methotrexate. We present a case of ectopic, cervical pregnancy with exaggerated placental site in the cervix.