Mauro Di Giancamillo

Publications of Mauro Di Giancamillo

• Metastasizing testicular seminoma in a pet rabbit.

  Authors: Barbara Banco, Damiano Stefanello, Chiara Giudice, Massimo D'Acierno, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Valeria Grieco

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 05/2012; 24(3):608-11.

  In the present study, a case of a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit is described. The rabbit was presented with unilateral testicular enlargement and a palpableIn the present study, a case of a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit is described. The rabbit was presented with unilateral testicular enlargement and a palpable abdominal mass. Spiral computed tomography revealed the presence of an abdominal-pelvic mass in the region of the sublumbar lymph nodes. Testes and lymph nodes were collected, fixed in formalin, and submitted for histopathological examination. Microscopically, the normal architecture of the enlarged testis and lymph node was completely replaced by a diffuse malignant seminoma.

• The survival of metallic residues from gunshot wounds in cremated bone: a radiological study.

  Authors: Alberto Amadasi, Simone Borgonovo, Alberto Brandone, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Cristina Cattaneo

  International journal of legal medicine. 10/2011;

  In literature, many studies have been performed in order to investigate the presence of GSR ("gunshot residue") and metallic residues in general with radiological techniques on several types ofIn literature, many studies have been performed in order to investigate the presence of GSR ("gunshot residue") and metallic residues in general with radiological techniques on several types of material, but the survival of metallic residues on charred samples has never been systematically performed. In this study, 31 adult bovine ribs underwent a shooting test. Every rib was shot with a single bullet, at a near-contact shooting distance, using two kinds of projectile: 17 samples were shot with a full metal-jacketed bullet and the remaining 14 with an unjacketed bullet. After the shooting test, every rib underwent a "charring cycle" in an electric oven up to 800°C. Every sample underwent radiological investigation with conventional radiography, before and after the burning process, to evaluate any changes in number and distribution of metallic residues. Radiographs showed survival of radiopaque residues in every sample, even after the charring process, especially when the bullet used was of the unjacketed type.

• Middle ear cholesteatoma in 11 dogs.

  Authors: Valentina Greci, Olga Travetti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Rocco Lombardo, Chiara Giudice, Barbara Banco, Carlo M Mortellaro

  The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue vétérinaire canadienne. 06/2011; 52(6):631-6.

  Middle ear cholesteatoma is a rare condition in dogs with chronic otitis. Otorrhea, otodinia, and pain on temporomandibular joint palpation are the most common clinical signs. NeurologicalMiddle ear cholesteatoma is a rare condition in dogs with chronic otitis. Otorrhea, otodinia, and pain on temporomandibular joint palpation are the most common clinical signs. Neurological abnormalities are often detectable. Computed tomography reveals the presence of an expansive and invasive unvascularized lesion involving the tympanic cavity and the bulla, with little or no contrast enhancement after administration of contrast mediu. Video-otoscopy may detect pearly growth or white/yellowish scales in the middle ear cavity. Surgery is the only therapy but is associated with a high risk of recurrence.

• Sinonasal tumor in 3 dogs after successful topical treatment for frontal sinus aspergillosis.

  Authors: Valentina Greci, Damiano Stefanello, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Carlo M Mortellaro

  The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue vétérinaire canadienne. 11/2009; 50(11):1191-4.

  Three dogs diagnosed with aspergillosis developed sinonasal tumors several months after successful treatment with topical clotrimazole solution. Chronic rhinosinusitis was also detected in all casesThree dogs diagnosed with aspergillosis developed sinonasal tumors several months after successful treatment with topical clotrimazole solution. Chronic rhinosinusitis was also detected in all cases prior to diagnosis of sinonasal tumors. The inflammatory response to Aspergillus, clotrimazole treatment, and chronic inflammation after treatment are discussed as possible neoplastic promoting factors.

• Feline injection-site sarcoma: Recurrence, tumour grading and surgical margin status evaluated using the three-dimensional histological technique.

  Authors: Chiara Giudice, Damiano Stefanello, Marcello Sala, Matteo Cantatore, Fulvia Russo, Stefano Romussi, Olga Travetti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Valeria Grieco

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 10/2009;

  The three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised felineThe three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised feline injection-site sarcoma specimens. The predictive value of the histological margin status and tumour grading on local recurrence was investigated. In 32/48 cases, the margins were non-infiltrated, whilst in the remaining 16 cases, they were infiltrated. Overall, 6/32 (19%) tumours with non-infiltrated margins and 11/16 (69%) with infiltrated margins recurred. Tumours with infiltrated margins recurred about 10 times more frequently compared to tumours with non-infiltrated margins (P=0.0011). No statistically significant correlation was observed between grading and recurrence. The assessment of margin status using the 3D histology technique showed a good predictivity for post-surgical tumour recurrence. Extensive application of the 3D histology technique is recommended to standardise the evaluation of histological margins and to allow comparison between results from different laboratories.

• Spinal epidural abscess in two calves.

  Authors: Davide D Zani, Laura Romanò, Massimiliano Scandella, Marco Rondena, Pietro Riccaboni, Nicola Morandi, Rocco Lombardo, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Angelo G Belloli, Davide Pravettoni

  Veterinary surgery : VS : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. 01/2009; 37(8):801-8.

  OBJECTIVE: To report clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome in 2 calves with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Calves (n=2).OBJECTIVE: To report clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome in 2 calves with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Calves (n=2). METHODS: Calves had neurologic examination, analysis and antimicrobial culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vertebral column radiographs, myelography, and in 1 calf, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A definitive diagnosis of SEA was confirmed by necropsy in 1 calf and during surgery and histologic examination of vertebral canal tissue in 1 calf. RESULTS: Clinical signs were difficulty in rising, ataxia, fever, apparent spinal pain, hypoesthesia, and paresis/plegia which appeared 15 days before admission. Calf 1 had pelvic limb weakness and difficulty standing and calf 2 had severe ataxia involving both thoracic and pelvic limbs. Extradural spinal cord compression was identified by myelography. SEA suspected in calf 1 with discospondylitis was confirmed at necropsy whereas calf 2 had MRI identification of the lesion and was successfully decompressed by laminectomy and SEA excision. Both calves had peripheral neutrophilia and calf 2 had neutrophilic pleocytosis in CSF. Bacteria were not isolated from CSF, from the surgical site or during necropsy. Calf 2 improved neurologically and had a good long-term outcome. CONCLUSION: Good outcome in a calf with SEA was obtained after adequate surgical decompression and antibiotic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SEA should be included in the list of possible causes of fever, apparent spinal pain, and signs of myelopathy in calves.

• Avian hind-limb digit length ratios measured from radiographs are sexually dimorphic.

  Authors: Barbara Leoni, Diego Rubolini, Maria Romano, Mauro di Giancamillo, Nicola Saino

  Journal of anatomy. 09/2008;

  Sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may,Sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may, however, vary both within and between vertebrate classes. It has been hypothesized that sex differences in digit ratios arise via differential prenatal exposure of the two sexes to steroids, which may affect the expression of the Hox genes controlling the osteometric development of digits and appendices. Among birds, the evidence for sex dimorphism in hind-limb digit ratios is conflicting, though all previous studies were based on measurements of undissected digits, implying that results could be confounded by sex-related variation in soft tissues. Here we report that digit ratios derived from radiographs of both feet of a large passerine bird, the hooded crow (Corvus corone), are sexually dimorphic, males showing larger 2D : 3D (effect size, r = 0.33) and 2D : 4D than females (effect size, r = 0.28). We also observed a good agreement (r = 0.45) between radiographic estimates of digit ratios and digit ratios calculated based on undissected digit measurements (thus including soft tissues). Importantly, we found that the patterns of sex and side differences were largely coherent between the two methods. Therefore, our findings show for the first time in avian species that sex differences in digit ratios have an osteometric basis, a fundamental prerequisite for a role of Hox genes in originating such dimorphism.

• Primary cardiac lipoma in a dog.

  Authors: Paola G Brambilla, Paola Roccabianca, Chiara Locatelli, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Marco Di Marcello, Marta Pittorru

  Journal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 20(3):691-3.

• Feline injection-site sarcoma: Recurrence, tumour grading and surgical margin status evaluated using the three-dimensional histological technique

  Authors: Chiara Giudice, Damiano Stefanello, Marcello Sala, Matteo Cantatore, Fulvia Russo, Stefano Romussi, Olga Travetti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Valeria Grieco

  The Veterinary Journal.

  The three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised felineThe three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised feline injection-site sarcoma specimens. The predictive value of the histological margin status and tumour grading on local recurrence was investigated. In 32/48 cases, the margins were non-infiltrated, whilst in the remaining 16 cases, they were infiltrated. Overall, 6/32 (19%) tumours with non-infiltrated margins and 11/16 (69%) with infiltrated margins recurred. Tumours with infiltrated margins recurred about 10 times more frequently compared to tumours with non-infiltrated margins (P = 0.0011). No statistically significant correlation was observed between grading and recurrence. The assessment of margin status using the 3D histology technique showed a good predictivity for post-surgical tumour recurrence. Extensive application of the 3D histology technique is recommended to standardise the evaluation of histological margins and to allow comparison between results from different laboratories.

• Imaging diagnosis--split cord malformation.

  Authors: Davide D Zani, Donatella De Zani, Nicola Morandi, Marianna Biggi, Angelo G Belloli, Pietro Riccaboni, Marco Rondena, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Davide Pravettoni

  Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association. 51(1):57-60.

  The features of a calf with a split cord malformation are described. Clinically, there was severe cervicothoracic kyphoscoliosis and an interscapular dermal sinus associated with cerebrospinal fluidThe features of a calf with a split cord malformation are described. Clinically, there was severe cervicothoracic kyphoscoliosis and an interscapular dermal sinus associated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Using magnetic resonance imaging, complete duplication of the spinal cord at the cervical intumescence was detected. There was associated syringohydromyelia, multiple cervicothoracic vertebral malformations resulting in kyphoscoliosis and rachischisis, herniation of the cerebellar vermis, meningoencephalocele, and calvarial defects.

• Computed tomography features of middle ear cholesteatoma in dogs.

  Authors: Olga Travetti, Chiara Giudice, Valentina Greci, Rocco Lombardo, Carlo Maria Mortellaro, Mauro Di Giancamillo

  Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association. 51(4):374-9.

  We describe the computed tomography (CT) findings in 11 dogs with middle ear cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma appeared as an expansile tympanic cavity mass with a mean attenuation value of 55.8 +/-We describe the computed tomography (CT) findings in 11 dogs with middle ear cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma appeared as an expansile tympanic cavity mass with a mean attenuation value of 55.8 +/- 4.2 Hounsfield units. There was no appreciable contrast enhancement of the tympanic bulla contense but ring enhancement was seen in four dogs. Due to the slow progressive growth, the lesion causes severe bone changes at the contour of the tympanic bulla, including osteolysis, osteoproliferation and osteosclerosis, expansion of the tympanic cavity, and sclerosis or osteoproliferation of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint and paracondylar process. Cholesteatoma can cause lysis of the petrosal part of the temporal bone, leading to intracranial complications. Although not definitive, CT provides useful information for distinguishing a middle ear cholesteatoma from otitis media and neoplasia. In otitis media, enlargement of the tympanic cavity is not routinely observed. In tumors that primarily affect the middle or inner ear, the predominant signs are lysis of the contour of the tympanic bulla or the petrosal part of the temporal bone, soft tissue swelling around the middle ear and marked contrast enhancement. In tumors that arise from the external ear, a soft tissue mass is visible within the external acusticus meatus, and the middle ear is only involved secondarily.

• Bilateral orbital and nasal aspergillosis in a cat.

  Authors: Laura Barachetti, Carlo M Mortellaro, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Chiara Giudice, Pieranna Martino, Olga Travetti, Paul E Miller

  Veterinary ophthalmology. 12(3):176-82.

  A 12-year-old, 4 kg, castrated male Persian cat was referred with a 2-month history of sneezing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Rhinoscopically acquired nasal biopsies at this timeA 12-year-old, 4 kg, castrated male Persian cat was referred with a 2-month history of sneezing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Rhinoscopically acquired nasal biopsies at this time revealed bilateral lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. A tapering dose of oral prednisone caused the complete remission of the clinical signs, but 2 months after discontinuation of the therapy, the rhinitis recurred and the OD became exophthalmic. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass in both sides of the nasal cavity, both frontal sinuses, the right orbit, and to a lesser extent the left orbit. A fine needle aspirate of the right orbit revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and Aspergillus spp. hyphae. Repeat nasal biopsy demonstrated multi-focal necrosis and a mixed inflammatory cell process which now included macrophages and scattered septate fungal hyphae. A few days later the cat became bilaterally blind and a contrast enhancing lesion involving the optic chiasm was found on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite a poor prognosis, therapy consisted of exenteration of the right orbit and trephination of both frontal sinuses before the planned initiation of medical antifungal therapy. Unfortunately, the cat died of cardiac arrest intraoperatively. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from both orbits at necropsy. Orbital aspergillosis has been rarely reported in cats and its relationship with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is unclear. In this patient lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis or previous antibiotic/corticosteroid therapy may have allowed secondary fungal invasion of the nasal mucosa and subsequently both orbits and the brain. Alternatively, Aspergillus infection may have preceded the lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.