Search results for " pulmonary"

Pulmonary balloon angioplasty of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in surgically inaccessible cases.

2003

Abstract The clinical course of patients suffering from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) depends on the distribution pattern of the thromboembolic material. In patients with thromboembolic findings in the central pulmonary segments pulmonary thrombendarterectomy (PTE) has excellent results and acceptable operative risk. This paper presents two surgically inaccessible cases that were successfully treated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Balloon angioplasty improved parenchymal perfusion, increased cardiac index (Delta CI +19.2 % [Case 1], and +15.4 % [2]), reduced pulmonary vascular resistance during follow-up (Delta PVRI -25.0 % [1] and -15.9 % [2]), and is discussed…

Volatile organic compounds fingerprint of Alzheimer’s disease.

2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a profoundly life changing condition and once diagnosis occurs, this is typically at a relatively late stage into the disease process. Therefore, a shift to earlier diagnosis, which means several decades before the onset of the typical manifestation of the disease, will be an important step forward for the patient. A promising diagnostic and screening tool to answer this purpose is represented by breath and exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis. In fact, human exhaled breath contains several thousand of VOCs that vary in abundance and number in correlation with the physiological status. The exhaled VOCs reflect the metabolism, including the neuronal …

Exhaled nitric oxide is associated with cyclic changes in sexual hormones

2013

Abstract Background We hypothesized that changes in the levels of sexual hormones during the menstrual cycle influence the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaled air (FeNO) and alveolar exhaled nitric oxide (CANO). Methods Twelve healthy, non allergic women in their reproductive age (age range 25–37 years) were recruited. Subjects were studied, on alternate days, over the course of their menstrual cycle. At each visit, measurements of FeNO and CANO were performed. Progesterone and 17-β-estradiol concentrations were measured in salivary samples. Results Eight subjects completed the study. The levels of FeNO and CANO were 13 ± 4.7 pbb and 3.5 ± 1.9 pbb, respectively (mean ± SD). The mea…

IL-10 and TNF-α polymorphisms in a sample of sicilian patients affected by tuberculosis: implication for ageing and life span expectancy

2003

Abstract Human longevity seems to be directly correlated with optimal functioning of the immune system, suggesting that some genetic determinants of longevity might reside in those polymorphisms for the immune system genes that regulate immune responses, in particular cytokine gene polymorphisms. In fact, modification of cytokine network is a constant report in studies on age related modification of immune response. Moreover cytokine polymorphisms studies are indicating their involvement in the reshaping of cytokines network as an integral part of the scenario related to a successful ageing. A particular role might be attributed to the influence of cytokine polymorphisms on the efficiency o…

Magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging for pre-operative assessment of acute thrombosis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

2018

Pulmonary artery sarcoma with angiosarcoma phenotype mimicking pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma: a case report

2012

Abstract Primary sarcomas of the major blood vessels can be classified based on location in relationship to the wall or by histologic type. Angiosarcomas are malignant neoplasms that arise from the endothelial lining of the blood vessels; those arising in the intimal compartment of pulmonary artery are rare. We report a case of pulmonary artery angiosarcoma in a 36-year old female with pulmonary masses. The patient had no other primary malignant neoplasm, thus excluding a metastatic lesion. Gross examination revealed a thickened right pulmonary artery and a necrotic and hemorrhagic tumor, filling and occluding the vascular lumen. The mass extended distally, within the pulmonary vasculature …

Integrated care pathways for airway diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs)

2014

International audience; The objective of Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs) is to launch a collaboration to develop multi-sectoral care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases in European countries and regions. AIRWAYS-ICPs has strategic relevance to the European Union Health Strategy and will add value to existing public health knowledge by: 1) proposing a common framework of care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases, which will facilitate comparability and trans-national initiatives; 2) informing cost-effective policy development, strengthening in particular those on smoking and environmental exposure; 3) aiding risk stratification in chronic disease patien…

Comorbidities of Lung Disease in the Elderly

2017

Comorbidities are common in elderly individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. They can affect disease manifestations and severity and can even impact management. Comorbidities can affect the treatment of the lung disease, particularly because of the interaction with the respiratory drugs. Thus, a multidimensional approach with multidisciplinary intervention is suggested for elderly respiratory patients, switching from a disease-oriented scheme to a dysfunction-oriented approach. Unfortunately, older individuals are often excluded from clinical trials because of advanced age and comorbidities. This article reviews the role of comorbidities in the management of respiratory diseases in th…

Why use long acting bronchodilators in chronic obstructive lung diseases? An extensive review on formoterol and salmeterol

2015

Abstract Long-acting β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists, formoterol and salmeterol, represent a milestone in the treatments of chronic obstructive lung diseases. Although no specific indications concerning the choice of one molecule rather than another are provided by asthma and COPD guidelines, they present different pharmacological properties resulting in distinct clinical employment possibilities. In particular, salmeterol has a low intrinsic efficacy working as a partial receptor agonist, while formoterol is a full agonist with high intrinsic efficacy. From a clinical perspective, in the presence of low β 2 -adrenoceptors availability, like in inflamed airways, a full agonist can maintain its b…

Manifesto on small airway involvement and management in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an Interasma (Global Asthma Association - G…

2016

International audience; Evidence that enables us to identify, assess, and access the small airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led INTERASMA (Global Asthma Association) and WAO to take a position on the role of the small airways in these diseases. Starting from an extensive literature review, both organizations developed, discussed, and approved the manifesto, which was subsequently approved and endorsed by the chairs of ARIA and GA2LEN. The manifesto describes the evidence gathered to date and defines and proposes issues on small airway involvement and management in asthma and COPD with the aim of challenging assumptions, fostering commitment, and bringin…