Immunoadsorption therapy for a meningococcemia patient with myocarditis, adrenal hemorrhage, and purpura fulminans: a case report

Abstract Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, is a relatively uncommon cause of invasive infection, but when it occurs, it is frequently severe and potentially life-threatening. A ten-year-old female patient developed a purpuric rash with fever. Upon arrival to the pediatric intensive care department, she was unconscious and in a poor general condition. We combined treatment with antibiotics, volume resuscitation, hydrocortisone, and CytoSorb® therapy resulted in a stabilization of hemodynamics, as well as control of hyperinflammation. We observed a significant decrease in vasopressor dosage in this patient.

Hemorragia adrenal bilateral en paciente recuperado de neumonía COVID-19 Grave: caso Radiológico / Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage after severe COVID-19 infection: report of one case

We report a 47-year-old male with a severe disease caused by COVID-19, who required mechanical ventilation for 18 ays. During the hospital stay he received dexamethasone and anticoagulation with heparin. After discharge a new chest CT scan showed homogeneous hypo vascular enlargement of both adrenal glands, not present in the initial imaging studies. It was interpreted as a subacute bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. The patient remained stable and without any complaint.

Predictors of complication after adrenalectomy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate risk factors for complications in patients undergoing adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective search of our institutional database was performed of patients who underwent adrenalectomy, between 2014 and 2018. Clinical parameters and adrenal disorder characteristics were assessed and correlated to intra and post-operative course. Complications were analyzed within 30-days after surgery. A logistic regression was performed in order to identify independent predictors of morbidity in patients after adrenalectomy. Results: The files of 154 patients were reviewed. Median age and Body Mass Index (BMI) were 52-years and 27.8kg/m2, respectively. Mean tumor size was 4.9±4cm. Median surgery duration and estimated blood loss were 140min and 50mL, respectively. There were six conversions to open surgery. Minor and major post-operative complications occurred in 17.5% and 8.4% of the patients. Intra-operative complications occurred in 26.6% of the patients. Four patients died. Mean hospitalization duration was 4-days (Interquartile Range: 3-8). Patients age (p=0.004), comorbidities (p=0.003) and pathological diagnosis (p=0.003) were independent predictors of post-operative complications. Tumor size (p<0.001) and BMI (p=0.009) were independent predictors of intra-operative complications. Pathological diagnosis (p<0.001) and Charlson score (p=0.013) were independent predictors of death. Conclusion: Diligent care is needed with older patients, with multiple comorbidities and harboring unfavorable adrenal disorders (adrenocortical carcinoma and pheocromocytoma), who have greater risk of post-operative complications. Patients with elevated BMI and larger tumors have higher risk of intra, but not of post-operative complications.

Manejo quirúrgico del quiste adrenal gigante: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Surgical management of giant adrenal cyst: case report and review of the literature

OBJETIVO: Presentar un caso de quiste adrenal (QA) gigante resecado por vía mínimamente invasiva y realizar una revisión narrativa de la literatura disponible al respecto. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 54 años, con una masa retroperitoneal izquierda de crecimiento lento, asintomático, con imágenes y biopsia sugiriendo un QA complejo con sospecha de infiltración renal. Se indica una resección laparoscópica transabdominal. RESULTADOS: Se encuentra como hallazgo intraoperatorio un QA complejo hemorrágico de 9 cm de diámetro, con adherencia a la fascia de Gerota izquierda, logrando exéresis completa del QA por mínima invasión. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente y fue dado de alta al segundo día posoperatorio. Es asintomático en 19 meses de seguimiento. Si bien los QA son benignos, los QA gigantes con crecimiento rápido, sintomáticos o de conversión hemorrágica, pueden ser resecados por adrenalectomía laparoscópica sin aumento de morbimortalidad. DISCUSIÓN: El abordaje laparoscópico de los QA no funcionales gigantes debe ser considerado como el manejo de elección. Es necesaria más evidencia sobre resultados en diferentes abordajes para generar recomendaciones claras. CONCLUSIÓN: Este reporte se suma a la evidencia actual en cuanto al abordaje mínimamente invasivo para QA gigantes hemorrágicos.

OBJECTIVE: Present a giant adrenal cyst (AC) case treated with minimally invasive resection and to perform a narrative literature review available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 54 year-old male presents with a left retroperitoneal slow growing mass, no symptoms, with a complex AC evidenced by previous images and mass biopsy, with suspected renal infiltration. A transabdominal laparoscopic resection is indicated. RESULTS: A complex hemorrhagic 9 cm diameter AC was found, with adhesions to left Gerota's fascia. Complete resection of the AC was achieved through minimally invasive approach. The patient had an uneventful clinical recovery and was discharged on the second postoperative day. On 19th month of follow-up is completely asymptomatic. Even though the AC are benign lesions, the symptomatic giant AC, with fast growing ratio, and/or hemorrhagic conversion could be resected though laparoscopic adrenalectomy, with no increased morbidity or mortality. DISCUSSION: The laparoscopic approach for giant non-functional AC should be considered as the standard of care. More evidence is required in terms of surgical approach outcomes to define clear recommendations. CONCLUSION: This report adds to the actual evidence in terms of minimally invasive approach for hemorrhagic giant AC.

Presentación de tres casos y revisión en la literatura: Síndrome de Cushing / Presentation of three cases and review in the literature: Cushing's syndrome

El hipercortisolismo es una enfermedad rara, con afección de múltiples sistemas, asociada a elevada morbilidad y mortalidad sino es tratada a tiempo. El sistema cardiovascular es uno de los que más se afecta en esta enfermedad. El pronóstico de la enfermedad se ve afectado principalmente por las dificultades en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento, los cuales siguen siendo un desafío actualmente. El síndrome de Cushing se clasifica como dependiente o independiente de hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH). Los ACTH dependientes son los más comunes. Los ACTH independientes corresponden a menos de 15% de los casos y son causados por enfermedades suprarrenales.A continuación, describimos los casos de los tres pacientes, a quienes se les estableció el diagnóstico de síndrome de Cushing de origen adrenal y se realiza una revisión acerca de los tópicos principales en este tema..(AU)

Hypercortisolims is an infrequent disease with multi-systemic compromise and increases morbility and mortality. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common complica-tions associaded with Cushing syndrome. The prognosis of this disease is affected by the difficulties associated with its diagnosis and treatment. Clearly, Cushing syndrome is still a clinical challenge. Cushing syndrome can be classified in ACTH dependent or ACTH independent. ACTH-dependent causes are more frequent, however, CTHindependent causes are responsible of less than 15% of Cushing`s syndrome and are secondary to adrenal tumors. Three cases of adrenal Cushing are reported with a review of the main clinical points of Cushing syndrome..(AU)

Experiência de 20 anos em adrenalectomia videolaparoscópica / Twenty-year experience in laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Introdução: As operações na glândula adrenal são realizadas para determinados cânceres, todas as massas biologicamente ativas, metástases, massas com mais de 4-5 cm encontradas incidentalmente e hiperplasia adrenal primária. Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo. Foram analisados os prontuários dos pacientes submetidos a adrenalectomia videolaparoscópica entre agosto de 1994 e novembro de 2014. Resultados: Foram realizadas 146 adrenalectomias videolaparoscópicas. Em 134 casos, foi realizada com sucesso, mas em 12 casos (8,2%), o procedimento foi convertido. Foram 97 pacientes do sexo feminino e 49 do sexo masculino, com idade variando de 9 a 81 anos (média de 46,7 anos). Foram removidas 56 adrenais direitas, 75 esquerdas e 15 bilaterais. O tamanho médio das adrenais foi de 5,7 cm, variando de 0,9 a 15 cm. A mediana do tempo de internação hospitalar pós-operatória foi de 4,5 dias. A mediana do tempo de cirurgia foi de 144 minutos. Houve complicações em 22,5% dos casos (maiores ­ casos em que houve conversão para cirurgia aberta, necessidade de reinternação hospitalar e óbito­ e menores), sendo 10,9% complicações intraoperatórias e 11,6% pós-operatórias. Apenas sete (4,7%) pacientes foram considerados complicações maiores. Conclusão: A cirurgia realizada em nosso serviço está de acordo com o descrito na literatura, com taxas aceitáveis de complicações, com motivos de conversão compatíveis e com as indicações totalmente aceitáveis e condizentes. A adrenalectomia videolaparoscópica é a cirurgia de escolha para patologias cirúrgicas da glândula adrenal, exceto em casos de carcinoma adrenal localmente invasivo com comprometimento de outras estruturas (AU)

Introduction: Adrenal gland surgery is performed for some types of cancer, all biologically active masses, metastases, masses larger than 4-5 cm found incidentally, and primary adrenal hyperplasia. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy from August 1994 to November 2014 were analyzed. Results: A total of 146 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed. In 134 cases, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully performed, but in 12 cases (8.2%), the procedure was converted. There were 97 female patients and 49 male patients. Fifty-six right adrenal glands and 75 left adrenal glands were removed, and 15 patients had both of them removed. The average size of adrenal glands was 5.7 cm, ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 cm. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.5 days, ranging from 1 to 55 days. The median surgery time was 144 minutes. There were 22.5% of complications (major ones ­ cases that required conversion to open surgery, hospital readmission, and death ­ and minor ones), of which 10.9% were intraoperative and 11.6% were postoperative. Only seven (4.7%) patients were classified as having major complications. Conclusion: The surgery performed in our department is consistent with the literature, showing acceptable rates of complications, compatible reasons for conversion, and completely acceptable and consistent indications. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the surgery of choice for diseases of the adrenal gland, except for locally invasive adrenal carcinoma compromising other structures (AU)

Suprarrenalectomía videolaparoscópica transperitoneal: nuestra experiencia / Transperitoneal laparoscopic suprarrenalectomy: our experience

Introducción: El abordaje laparoscópico representa el tratamiento quirúrgico ideal de las enfermedades de las glándulas suprarrenales, debido a las ventajas respecto a las técnicas abiertas en cuanto a seguridad, eficacia, menor morbilidad y pronta recuperación del paciente. Objetivo: Describir nuestros resultados en suprarrenalectomía videolaparoscópica transperitoneal. Pacientes y método: Observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transverso. Se presentan 14 casos de pacientes sometidos a suprarrenalectomía videolaparoscópica en un periodo de 2004 a 2016, con los diagnósticos de feocromocitomas en 8 casos, 2 adenomas con síndrome de Cushing, 1 adenoma no funcionante, 1 mielolipoma, 1 síndrome de Conn y 1 quiste epitelial benigno. Describimos la localización, el tamaño, el tiempo quirúrgico y de hospitalización, la pérdida sanguínea, complicaciones y evolución. Resultados: Fueron 13 mujeres y un varón, con edades comprendidas entre 18 a 55 años (promedio 31,1 años). Hubo equivalencia en cuanto a la localización izquierda y derecha. El tamaño varió de 5 a 10 cm (promedio de 8 cm). La media del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 125 min y de hospitalización de 3,5 días. El sangrado operatorio medio fue de 90 cc (de 30 a 260 cc). Como complicaciones tuvimos un caso de sangrado intraoperatorio a través de uno de los puertos, que se consigue cohibir mediante punto hemostático transparietal y otro caso de neumótorax derecho post punción de catéter de vía venosa central pre operatorio que requirió la colocación de un tubo de drenaje pleural. En ningún caso fue necesaria la conversión a cirugía abierta. No tuvimos óbitos. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia la suprarrenalectomía videolaparoscópica trasperitoneal es una técnica segura para el tratamiento de las enfermedades de las glándulas suprarrenales, con 14,3% de complicaciones y ningún óbito, así como estadía hospitalaria corta.

Introduction: The laparoscopic approach for adrenal tumors are the best option because of his safety to perform, poor or nothing morbidity and fast recovery. Objective: to describe the results of transperitoneal laparoscopic suprarrenalectomy (TLS). Patient and method: an observational, retrospective study of 14 patients who underwent TLS between 2004 to 2016. Results: 13 women and 1 man, with a range of age of 18 to 55 years, without difference of tumor localization side. The average size of the tumor was 8 cm and the OR time 125 min in most of the cases. The average of discharge from hospital was 3,5 days. The complications presented were a trocar hemorrhage resolved with a stich and a pneumothorax after yugular punction that required a pleural drainage. Conclusions: The TLS is a safety technique for adrenal tumors, with a complication rate of 14,3% and a short hospital admission.

Lipoma suprarrenal en una fémina / Adrenal lipoma in a woman

Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer de 51 años de edad, clínicamente asintomática, que fue remitida a la consulta de Endocrinología del Hospital “Dr. Federico Bolaños Moreira” en la ciudad de Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador, por hallársele un tumor en la glándula suprarrenal derecha de manera casual durante un estudio de tomografía axial computarizada de abdomen. Se repitieron los exámenes complementarios e imagenológicos, y estos últimos revelaron la presencia de una masa neoplásica predominantemente grasa. A la paciente le fue practicada una laparotomía y se extrajo el tumor, que consistía en un lipoma suprarrenal, según mostró el estudio histopatológico; actualmente se encuentra sin ninguna incidencia clínica.

The case report of a 51 years clinically asymptomatic woman who was referred to the Endocrinology Service of “Dr. Federico Bolaños Moreira” Hospital in Milagro city, Guayas, Ecuador, is presented, due to a malignancy in the right adrenal gland found by chance during a computerized axial tomography study in her abdomen. The complementary and imaging tests were repeated, and these last ones revealed the presence of a neoplastic mass mainly fatty. The patient underwent a laparotomy and the malignancy was removed consisting in an adrenal lipoma, as shown by the histopathological study; at present she has no clinical incidence.

DISSEMINATED FUNGAL INFECTION WITH ADRENAL INVOLVEMENT: REPORT OF TWO HIV NEGATIVE BRAZILIAN PATIENTS / Infecções fúngicas disseminadas com acometimento das supra-renais: descrição de dois pacientes brasileiros HIV-negativos

Paracoccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis are systemic fungal infections endemic in Brazil. Disseminated clinical forms are uncommon in immunocompetent individuals. We describe two HIV-negative patients with disseminated fungal infections, paracoccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis, who were diagnosed by biopsies of suprarenal lesions. Both were treated for a prolonged period with oral antifungal agents, and both showed favorable outcomes.

A paracoccidioidomicose e a histoplasmose são infecções fúngicas sistêmicas endêmicas no Brasil. As formas clínicas disseminadas são incomuns em pacientes imunocompetentes. Nós descrevemos dois pacientes HIV-negativos com infecções fúngicas disseminadas, paracoccidioidomicose e histoplasmose, que foram diagnosticadas por biópsias de lesões de supra-renal. Ambos foram tratados por períodos prolongados com antifúngicos orais, evoluindo com boa resposta terapêutica.

Hemorragia suprarrenal que se manifiesta como hematoma escrotal en el recién nacido: A propósito de un caso / Adrenal hemorrhage presenting as a scrotal hematoma in the newborn: A case report

La hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal es poco frecuente. Se presenta en el 0,2% de los recién nacidos. El 10% de los casos son bilaterales. Puede estar asociada a un traumatismo al nacimiento, peso alto al nacer o un curso neonatal complicado por hipoxia, asfixia, hipotensión o coagulopatía. El hematoma escrotal es una manifestación extremadamente rara de la hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal. La mayoría de los pacientes presentan tumefacción escrotal con coloración azulada. En los recién nacidos, la tumefacción escrotal, con o sin coloración azulada, puede deberse a diferentes causas. Comunicamos un caso inusual de hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal secundaria a asfixia perinatal, que se manifestó con un hematoma escrotal. El diagnóstico de hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal y hematoma escrotal fue ecográfico; el tratamiento conservador evitó la exploración quirúrgica innecesaria.

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is uncommon. It is present in 0,2% of newborns. Ten percent of the cases occur bilaterally. It can be associated with birth trauma, large birth weight, or neonatal course complicated by hypoxia and asphyxia, hypotension, or coagulopathy. Scrotal hematoma is an extremely rare manifestation of NAH. Most patients present scrotal swelling with bluish discolouration. Scrotal swelling with/without bluish discoloration in newborns may result from different causes. We report an unusual case of neonatal adrenal hemorrage secondary to perinatal asphyxia, associated with SH. Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage and scrotal hematoma were diagnosedby ultrasonography and treated by conservative treatment, avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration.

La suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica, lecciones aprendidas / Learnt lessons from laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Introducción: La suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica se ha convertido en el estándar de tratamiento de las enfermedades benignas funcionales y no funcionales de las glándulas suprarrenales. Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar los resultados de la suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Métodos: entre febrero de 2001 y septiembre de 2011, se condujo un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo que incluyó 41 suprarrenalectomías laparoscópicas, realizadas en 36 pacientes. La evaluación diagnóstica preoperatoria se realizó en el Instituto Nacional de Endocrinología, y la prescripción del tratamiento quirúrgico en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso, basados en un manejo multicéntrico y multidisciplinario. Los parámetros relacionados con el diagnóstico preoperatorio, detalles del procedimiento quirúrgico y cuidados posoperatorios, fueron analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: en 18 pacientes se extirpó la glándula suprarrenal izquierda, en 13 la derecha y en 5 pacientes la exéresis fue bilateral. El 75,6 por ciento de las intervenciones fueron realizadas en pacientes con enfermedad funcionante: hipercortisolismo endógeno (25), hiperaldosteronismo primario (3) y feocromocitoma (3). Las indicaciones por incidentalomas (10) fueron menos frecuentes. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 41 años (rango 21-65); el tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 210 min (rango 90-360); el sangrado intraoperatorio promedio de 84 mL (rango 10-400); el tamaño medio del tumor 4,6 cm (rango 0,9-8,5). Hubo 2 conversiones estadísticamente correlacionadas con el tamaño del tumor mayor de 5 cm (p= 0,046). No se reportaron complicaciones intraoperatorias y la sepsis de la herida quirúrgica se presentó en 2 pacientes. La mortalidad fue 0. Conclusiones: el enfoque multicéntrico y multidisciplinario, basado en las experiencias en el manejo endocrinológico y el acceso laparoscópico de 2 centros referenciales cubanos, permitió obtener resultados funcionales excelentes, una morbilidad perioperatoria mínima y una mortalidad nula(AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has turned into the standard treatment of functional and non-functional benign diseases in the adrenal glands. This study was aimed at evaluating the results of the laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the National Center of Minimal Access Surgery. Methods: a descriptive, observational and prospective study was conducted from February 2001 through September 2011 in which laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed to 36 patients. The preoperative diagnostic assessment was made at the National Institute of Endocrinology and the surgical treatment was prescribed in the National Center of Minimal Access Surgery, both based on the multicenter and multidisciplinary management. The preoperative diagnosis-related parameters, the surgical procedure details and the postoperative care were all statistically analyzed. Results: left adrenal gland was removed from 18 patients, the right one was removed in 13 and both glands in 5 patients. 75.6 percent of surgeries were performed in patients with functioning disease, endogenous hypercortisolism (25), primary hyperaldosteronism (3) and pheochromocytoma (3). Prescriptions for incidentalomas were less frequent. The mean age of patients was 41 years (range of 21-65); the average surgical time was 210 minutes (range of 90-360); the average intraoperative bleeding was 84mL (range of 10-400); the average size of tumor was 4.6 cm (range of 0.9-8.5). There were two conversions which are statistically correlated with over 5 cm tumors (p= 0.046). Intraoperative complications were unreported whereas surgical wound sepsis affected 2 patients. Mortality was null. Conclusions: the multicenter and multidisciplinary approach, based on experiences in endocrine management and laparoscopic access of two Cuban reference centers, allowed achieving excellent functional results, minimal perioperative morbidity and null mortality(AU)

Surgical management of adrenal cysts: a single-institution experience

Objective To analyze surgical methods and evaluate treatment efficacy and safety for managing adrenal cystic lesions. Materials and methods All patients presenting with adrenal lesions of the West China Hospital were reviewed retrospectively from January 2003 to April 2013 and 47 were diagnosed as adrenal cysts. Basic information, clinical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasound and enhanced computed tomography were detailed noted. Cysts with different surgical management were analyzed and surgery option operative time, postoperative complications and after-surgery hospital stay were all noted. The final diagnosis was judged by histopathology. Patients were followed from 3 month to 10 years. Results All the 47 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years were managed by surgical intervention. Compared laparoscopic technology with open technology, the laparoscopic has the advantage of a shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay after surgery and enhanced cosmesis. The histopathologic result was: 23 (50%) were endothelial cysts and 16 (35%) were pseudocysts. One patient had evidence to recurrence at the followed-up stage. Conclusion Adrenal cysts are rare and with the development of imaging techniques many of these are diagnosed incidentally. CT has advantages in detecting the cysts with haemorrhage, intracystic debris, calcification and mixed adrenal mass. Minimally invasive surgery offers equivalent efficacy to traditional open procedures, while providing a shorter operation time, shorter convalescence and improved cosmesis. Patients after surgical resection should be followed up closely especially if functional cysts and histopathology of cystic tumor are present. .

Cirugía laparoscópica de quistes adrenales: resultados de una serie de 18 pacientes / Laparoscopic surgery of adrenal cysts: results of a series of 18 patients

Introduction: Adrenal cysts have an incidence of 0.064 percent to 0.18 percent at autopsy. Aim: To show our experience in 18 patients with an adrenal cyst operated by laparoscopy. Material and Methods: The series consisted of 18 patients operated, in a series of 344 laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed between 1993 and 2011. The age range was 20 to 61 years with an average of 38 years, 11 women and 7 men. Results: Thirteen cysts were left and 5 were right sided. The lesion size varied between 4.5 and 12.5 cm, with an average of 9.2 cm. Eight patients complained of abdominal discomfort and in the remaining 12 patients there were no signs or symptoms of clinical suspicion. The surgery performed was a laparoscopic decortication-marsupialization in 11 patients, laparoscopic adrenalectomy in 8 cases and partial adrenalectomy in 1 case. Mean operative time was 83.1 minutes (30-180 minutes), and mean hospital stay was 36 hours. Intraoperative complications occurred in 2 patients: 1 diaphragm injury and one renal vein injury, repaired in the same surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients, both Clavien 3a, treated by conservative management. Conclusion: Small and non-functional lesions require observation. Partial or total laparoscopic adrenalectomy is indicated in large lesions or in functional and suspected malignant lesions.

Introducción: Los quistes suprarrenales tienen una incidencia de 0,064 por ciento a 0,18 por ciento en autopsias. El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en 18 pacientes portadores de un quiste adrenal operados por vía laparoscópica. Material y Métodos: La serie está constituida por 18 pacientes, de una serie de 344 adrenalectomías laparoscópicas realizadas entre los años 1993 y 2011. El rango de edad fue de 20 a 61 años, con un promedio de 38 años, 11 mujeres y 7 hombres. Resultados: Trece quistes eran del lado izquierdo y 5 del derecho. El tamaño de la lesión varió entre 4,5 y 12,5 cm, con un promedio de 9,2 cm. En 8 pacientes hubo molestias abdominales vagas y en los restantes 12 pacientes no hubo signos ni síntomas de sospecha clínica. La cirugía realizada fue una decorticación-marsupialización laparoscópica en 11 pacientes, adrenalectomía laparoscópica en bloque en 8 casos y adrenalectomía parcial en 1 caso. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 83,1 min (30-180 min), y el tiempo medio de hospitalización fue de 36 h. Complicaciones intraoperatorias ocurrieron en 2 pacientes: 1 lesión de diafragma y 1 lesión de vena renal, reparadas en el mismo acto quirúrgico. Complicaciones postoperatorias ocurrieron en 2 pacientes, ambas Clavien 3a y de manejo conservador. Conclusión: Las lesiones pequeñas y no funcionantes requieren observación. La adrenalectomía laparoscópica parcial o total está indicada en lesiones de gran tamaño, con importante compromiso de la glándula o ante la sospecha de lesión funcionante o malignidad.

Morphological changes and parasite load of the adrenal from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis / Alterações morfológicas e carga parasitária da adrenal de cães com leishmaniose visceral

The objective of this study was to analyze morphological changes and parasite loads in the adrenal gland from 45 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The animals were from the Zoonosis Control Center of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, which is an endemic region for the disease. These animals were euthanized due to positive diagnoses of VL. The dogs were classified into asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic groups. The parasite load was determined by immunohistochemistry, using VL-positive dog hyperimmune serum. Nine dogs showed an inflammatory infiltrate composed, predominantly, of plasma cells and macrophages. However, only eight dogs showed macrophages with amastigote forms of the parasite, immunolabeled in the cytoplasm. The medullary and reticular layers were the most affected areas, possibly due to a favorable microenvironment created by hormones in these regions. The density of parasites in the glandular tissue was not associated with clinical signs of VL (P > 0.05). However, the presence of the parasite was always associated with the presence of a granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate. This gland may not be an ideal place for the parasite's multiplication, but the presence of injuries to the glandular tissue could influence the dog's immune system, thus favoring the parasite's survival in the host's different organs.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as alterações morfológicas e a carga parasitária da glândula adrenal de 45 cães com leishmaniose visceral (LV). Os animais eram provenientes do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ) de Araçatuba (SP), região endêmica para a doença. Esses animais são submetidos à eutanásia, devido ao diagnóstico positivo para LV. Os cães foram classificados nos grupos assintomático, oligossintomático e sintomático. A determinação da carga parasitária foi feita por imuno-histoquímica, com utilização de soro hiperimune de cão positivo para LV. Em nove cães, verificou-se um infiltrado inflamatório, composto predominantemente por plasmócitos e macrófagos. Entretanto, apenas oito cães apresentaram macrófagos com formas amastigotas do parasito imunomarcadas em seu citoplasma. As camadas medular e reticulada foram as mais afetadas, possivelmente por um microambiente favorável criado pelos hormônios nestas regiões. A densidade de parasitos no tecido glandular não foi relacionada com os sinais clínicos de LV (P > 0,05). No entanto, a presença do parasito sempre esteve associada à presença de infiltrado inflamatório granulomatoso. Possivelmente, essa glândula não é um sítio ideal para a multiplicação do protozoário, mas a presença de injúrias no tecido glandular poderia influenciar o sistema imune do cão, favorecendo a sobrevivência do parasito nos diferentes órgãos do hospedeiro.

Optimización del uso de las imágenes en la patología suprarrenal (parte 1) / Optimization of the use of imaging in adrenal pathology (part 1)

Objetivos de aprendizaje: El objetivo de este trabajo es proponer un algoritmo de estudio por imágenes de las lesiones suprarrenales que permita arribar a un diagnóstico correcto en el menor tiempo posible. Esto favorece la adopción de la conducta terapéutica más apropiada para cada patología y puede modificar en forma sustancial un tratamiento. Aunque las características estructurales de las lesiones generalmente son inespecíficas, es posible, a través de las técnicas de imágenes actuales, diferenciar las lesiones compatibles con procesos benignos de las compatibles con procesos malignos y, con la colaboración del endocrinólogo y el laboratorio, también se pueden distinguir las lesiones funcionantes de las no funcionantes. Revisión de tema: Se evaluaron en forma retrospectiva, entre mayo del 2009 y diciembre del 2011, 157 pacientes con patología suprarrenal. En total, eran 95 mujeres y 61 hombres, de 33 a 78 años (media: 55 años). El protocolo de estudio consistió en una tomografía computada (TC) sin contraste intravenoso (IV), con toma de la densidad de la lesión, seguida de una tomografía computada con contraste intravenoso y tiempo de lavado con toma de densidad de la lesión en tiempo portal y tardío a los 15 minutos (tiempo de lavado o wash-out). Las mediciones y cálculos realizados fueron: tamaño de la lesión suprarrenal, densidad media de la misma durante las tres fases estudiadas y porcentajes de lavado relativo y absoluto. Se realizó resonancia magnética (RM) y tomografía computada por emisión de positrones con 18F-fluorodesoxiglucosa (FDG-PET/TC) sólo en aquellos pacientes que así lo requirieron. Además, se compararon los resultados con los de la literatura actualizada sobre el tema. Hallazgos en imágenes: La conjunción de los datos clínicos, de laboratorio y las imágenes con el algoritmo propuesto permitió identificar 59 adenomas no funcionantes (49 unilaterales y 10 bilaterales), 29 adenomas funcionantes, 9 hiperplasias bilaterales, 4...

Objectives of training: The aim of this study is to propose an algorithm for the evaluation of adrenal lesions in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis in the shortest possible time.This method would favor the most appropriate therapeutic procedures for each pathology and may substantially modifi ed a given treatment. In spite of the fact that the structural features of lesions are generally non-specifi c, it is possible with imaging techniques, to establish compatible features which could help us differentiate benign from malignant lesions and with the contribution of the endocrinologist and the laboratory, to distinguish functional from non-functional ones.Topic revision: A retrospective evaluation was carried out from May 2009 to December 2011 on 157 patients with adrenal diseases, including 95 females and 61 males, from 33 to 78 years of age (mean age 55). The study protocol consisted of non-contrasted intravenous computed tomography, with lesion density measurement, followed by contrasted intravenous computed tomography and wash out time with lesion density determination in portal time and later at 15’ during wash out.Measurements and calculations were: adrenal lesion size, medium density and absolute and relative washing percentiles. Magnetic resonance and 18F-fl uorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography was only performed on those patients who required these techniques. A comparison of the present results with those in the literature is included.Imaging fi ndings: Fifty-nine patients with non-functional adenoma were identifi ed (49 unilateral and 10 bilateral), 29 functional adenomas, 9 with bilateral hyperplasia, 4 myelolipomas (2 in a female patient with simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia), 2 cysts, 2 hematomas, 3 lymphomas (2 secondary and 1 primary bilateral), 30 metastases, 5 adrenocortical carcinomas, 12 pheochromocytomas,1 malignant pheochromocytoma, and 1 ganglioneuroma...