Extensive Longitudinal Transverse Myelitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Presentation of a Case and Literature Review.

Acute transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory disease that manifests with motor, sensory, and autonomic symptoms of rapid progression with catastrophic outcomes; the three main causes of acute TM are demyelinating diseases, infections, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TM is one of the 19 neuropsychiatric diseases associated with SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and has been described as affecting 1 to 2% of all cases of SLE and is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This report highlights the case of a 25-year-old woman with a history of SLE who consulted for a progressive decrease in lower limb strength and loss of sphincter control, accompanied by dysesthesias from the abdomen to the feet. Upon examination, she exhibited severe paraparesis and preserved myotendinous reflexes, and a sensory level at T10 was documented. A contrast-enhanced MRI of the thoracolumbar spine was performed, showing signal hyperintensity on T2 and Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) from T6 to T10. These findings are compatible with TM. Given the refractory response to initial management, the use of cyclophosphamide was required. After one week of hospital treatment, the patient achieved partial neurological recovery and was discharged for continued outpatient rheumatology care. For the diagnosis of TM in patients with SLE, a high clinical suspicion is required. Recognizing and immediately addressing this condition is crucial to prevent catastrophic outcomes and the high morbidity and mortality that stem from this association.

Clinical, histopathological, and molecular characterization of leprosy in an endemic area of the colombian caribbean.

Background: Mycobacterium leprae was considered the only causal agent of leprosy until Mycobacterium lepromatosis was identified' which it has been suggested has greater pathogenicity and is linked to diffuse lepromatous leprosy (DLL) and Lucio's phenomenon (LPh). Our objective is to identify Mycobacterium spp. in an endemic area of leprosy in Colombia. Methods: The study included cases with a diagnosis of leprosy by clinical and histopathological analysis. DNA extraction and two specific rounds of semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed in paraffin biopsies skin to identify M. leprae and M. lepromatosis. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were extracted and tabulated for analysis. Results: Forty-one cases of leprosy were analyzed. The most frequent clinical diagnosis was lepromatous leprosy (36.6%); there was one case with DLL and two with LPh. The most common histopathological finding was tuberculoid leprosy (36.59%); three cases had negative histopathology. M. lepromatosis was not detected; all cases corresponded to M. leprae including cases with negative histopathology' DLL, and LPh. Conclusion: In this study, M. leprae was the causative agent of leprosy, encompassing even its most severe phenotypic forms. It is appropriate to consider PCR as an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of leprosy and to continue to carry out the active search for M. lepromatosis.

Ataque al personal de la salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Latinoamérica / Attacks on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America

Resumen En la actualidad los profesionales de la salud son el recurso más valioso con el que cuenta cada país para combatir la enfermedad COVID-19. Las tasas de contagio intrahospitalario son altas y ligadas al acto de atención sanitaria. Las medidas de protección por parte de los empleadores son fundamentales para el cuidado de los que cuidan. La situación de pánico generada por el temor a contraer o transmitir la enfermedad, siendo primeros respondedores en la línea de combate ante la pandemia, ha sido amplificada por varios factores. Cuestiones como presión psicológica, carga laboral, mediatización, aspectos judiciales, desprotección, falta de descanso, nuevos roles, discriminación y agresiones son algunas de las situaciones a las que se los profesionales se deben enfrentar.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1975).

Abstract Today, healthcare professionals are a country's most valuable resource for combating COVID-19. Hospital contagion rates are high and linked to the practice of health care. Employers' protective measures are essential in caring for the caregivers. The panic resulting from a fear of contracting or transmitting the disease, with first responders being at the front line of the battle against the pandemic, has been amplified by various factors. Issues such as psychological pressure, workload, media coverage, legal aspects, lack of protection, lack of rest, new roles, discrimination and assaults are some of the situations faced by these professionals.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1975).

De la enseñanza de la Medicina a la formación integral de médicos: [Editorial] / Of medical education to comprehensive medical training: [Editorial]

La Medicina, como construcción social, puede estudiarse desde múltiples puntos de vista; de igual forma, se puede problematizar desde diferentes conceptualizaciones y metodologías. Sin embargo, al tratar de analizarla, el tema de los médicos como agentes y actores centrales en la praxis tanto de la medicina individual como de la medicina social, se vuelve un referente obligado de reflexión...