DIGITAL CINERADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF SWALLOWING IN PATIENTS WITH AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

Purpose. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of digital cineradiography in detecting swallowing disorders in dysphagic patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with a view to planning an adequate therapeutic approach. Material and methods. From January 2005 to September 2006, 23 patients (10 men and 13 women; mean age 41.3±8.6 years) affected by ALS were evaluated with digital cineradiography to assess the grade of dysphagia. All patients were classified using the Hillel ALS Severity Scale (ALSSS). All examinations were performed with radiocontrolled equipment provided with a digital C-arm. Results. The cineradiographic technique enabled us to differentiate p…

Airway wall thickness by HRCT in patients with COPD.

Valutazione della riduzione della distensibilità delle vie aeree in relazione alla gravità del quadro di broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva mediante Tc ad alta risoluzione.

Airway distensibility by HRCT decreases with severity of COPD.

Applicazione dell' HRCT nella valutazione dello spessore delle vie aeree nella BPCO

Capecitabine (XEL) and oxaliplatin (OX) in combination with bevacizumab (BEV) in the management of elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACRC): Preliminary outcomes on safety and efficacy.

Background: Older individuals always experience enhanced susceptibility to the side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate impact of BEV in combination with OX and XEL in ACRC elderly patients. Methods: 56 (29 male, 27 female) elderly patients with ACRC (median age: 71; range: 66-80) were enrolled. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) was performed to assess eligibility for chemotherapy. The dose of IRI and XEL was adjusted according to Kintzel-Dorr formula. Primary endpoint: clinical response rates (RR) according to WHO criteria. Secondary endpoints: toxicity profile using NCI-CTC v2.0 and quality of life (QoL) score measured through EORTC QLQ-C30 quest…