Clinical, Diagnostic, and Treatment Features of Body Packing in Brazil: Drugs, Cell Phones, and Beyond.

INTRODUCTION: Body packing consists of the concealment of substances (drugs and non-narcotics) or products inside the human body with the purpose of smuggling and may represent an emergency due to the fatal risk of narcotic toxicity, intestinal obstruction, and visceral perforation. However, non-narcotic body packing, especially in developing countries, is under-evaluated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate cases of body packers in Brazil as regards narcotic and non-narcotic contents. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzes the medical records of body packers admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 at one of the main tertiary hospitals in central Brazil. RESULTS: Ten cases of body packing were observed. We found that five patients carried drugs, while seven carried non-narcotic substances such as cell phones and accessories. All the patients were male, prisoners, and young adults. In six patients, there was gastrointestinal obstruction, and in three, there was acute narcotic intoxication. Abdominal radiography diagnosed eight of the cases. In nine of the cases, emergency laparotomy was required, but all patients successfully recovered. CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of body packing of non-narcotic content; however, diagnostic and surgical approaches were similar to those of narcotic content. Clinicians must be aware of both non-narcotic and narcotic body packing.

[Manometric evaluation of upper esophageal sphincter in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas' disease]. / Avaliação eletromanométrica do esfíncter superior do esôfago em portadores da forma indeterminada da doença de Chagas.

The objective was to study the disorders of upper esophageal sphincter in 37 patients with indeterminate clinical form of Chagas' disease. Eighty (48.6%) patients with synchronic waves were found. The average maximum pressure value of the upper esophageal sphincter was significantly higher in the synchronic group. Subjects with indeterminate clinical form of Chagas' disease may have functional disorders demonstrated by an increase in the pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter.

[Electromanometry and acid pHmetry of 24 hours in postoperative evaluation of the hiatoplasty and total antireflux wrap laparoscopic]. / Eletromanometria esofágica e pHmetria de 24 horas na avaliação pós-operatória da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica.

BACKGROUND: The electromanometry and 24-hour esophageal pHmetry has been proposed as objective method in postoperative evaluation of antireflux surgery. AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of cruroplasty and total fundoplication in the treatment of non-complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease based on comparative results of pre and post operative manometry and pHmetry findings. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive individuals with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were prospectively studied. All patients were submitted to a laparoscopic short floppy Nissen fundoplication between March, 2002 and August, 2003. All patients were submitted pre and postoperatively (3 months) to upper digestive endoscopy, manometry and pHmetry 24 hours. RESULTS: Eighteen (30.5%) patients were male and 41 (69.5%) female, their average age was 43.8 years. There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the manometrical findings in the following items: localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (41.2 cm and 42.3 cm). Extension o f the lower esophageal sphincter preoperative (2.0 cm and 2.5 cm), resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (15.0 mm Hg and 21.5 mm Hg), and pressure of the esophageal body (78.0 mm Hg and 70.0 mm Hg). There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the pHmetrical findings in the following items: total number of acid refluxes (68.0 and 3.0), total number of acid refluxes more than 5 minutes (2.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in supine position (1.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in upright position (0.0 and 0.0), acidification period (5.5 and 0.1 min), DeMeester score (33.0 and 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The esophageal manometry and pHmetry findings were improved in the post operative period with statistical significance when compared to the pre operative period. The exams were considered efficient in the evaluation of the surgical procedure.

[Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated by common hepatic duct plasty by the laparoscopic route]. / Colangite esclerosante secundária em paciente com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida tratada com plastia do ducto hepático comum por via laparoscópica.

We report the case of a patient with obstructive jaundice caused by sclerosing cholangitis secondary to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related cholangiopathy, patients present with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, fever, diarrhea and characteristic biliary alterations. The patient was submitted to transverse plasty of the common hepatic duct by laparoscopic route.

Evaluation of the response of cortisol, corticotropin and blood platelets kinetics after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the behavior of serum cortisol and ACTH levels and platelet kinetics after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 31 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis submitted to elective cholecystectomy, 17 by the laparoscopic route and 14 by the open route, were compared. Peripheral blood samples were collected on admission of the patient, during anesthetic induction, and 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the surgical incision. Platelets were counted in hematoxylin-eosin-stained specimens under a light microscope at 100x magnification. Cortisol and ACTH were measured by chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Cortisol and ACTH levels showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) within the first hours after surgery compared to preoperative values. At 2 hours, a significantly higher cortisol concentration was observed in the laparoscopic group compared to the open surgery group (p = 0.0365). A return to basal levels during the later postoperative periods (24 and 48 hours) was only observed for ACTH, while serum cortisol continued to be elevated during the same period, being significantly higher in the open surgery group than in the laparoscopic group (p24 = 0.0248 and p48 = 0.032). Different platelet response curves were obtained for the two groups, but their levels were normal at all times studied. No significant difference (p > 0.05) between the post- and preoperative periods was observed for either group. CONCLUSION: A hormonal response was observed for both procedures studied, but the surgical stress was higher and longer lasting in open surgery compared to the laparoscopic approach. However, no significant variation in platelet kinetics in response to tissue injury was observed between the two procedures.

[A serological survey of the infection by Echinococcus sp. in the municipality of Sena Madureira, AC]. / Inquérito sorológico da infecção pelo Echinococcus sp no município de Sena Madureira, AC.

A serological inquiry was performed in the municipality of Sena Madureira, Acre State, Brazil, to evaluate the individual contact with Echinococcus sp. The participants were recruited from two distinct populations: residents in the urban and rural areas, the latter distributed among riverside communities of the region. A total of 1,064 individuals were evaluated: 851 from the urban zone and 213 from the rural area. The study was divided into two phases: a serological screening, in which the blood samples were collected and then sent to the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (Serology Laboratory), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, for the serological test by counterimmunoelectrophoresis technique; and secondly an epidemiological inquiry for evaluating the individuals and their dwelling conditions and customs. Comparing the results of serological tests, the prevalence in the rural area was 6% against 3.5% in the urban area. The overall prevalence was 4%. The possibility of the existence of another intermediate host in the life cycle of Echinococcus vogeli was analyzed and the findings indicated the domestic pig as being the most probable.

[Polycystic hydatid disease: report of two cases from the city of Sena Madureira, Acre, in Brazilian Amazon]. / Hidatidose policística: relato de dois casos procedentes de Sena Madureira, Acre, na Amazônia brasileira.

Two cases of Polycystic hydatid disease (PH) are reported from the same municipal district of the Brazilian Amazon region (Sena Madureira, Acre). Both had a similar clinical presentation and course over two years of follow-up. Initially the patients complained of pain in the right hypochondrium or upper abdomen and presented obstructive jaundice, fever, increased abdominal volume and weight loss. By image analysis, in addition to splenomegaly, multiple and coalescent cysts were detected in the liver. Serum samples were reactive by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Treatment with albendazole resulted in partial improvement, with symptomatic relief and reduction in size of the lesions. This report stresses the importance of performing clinical-epidemiological studies of polycystic hydatid disease in the Brazilian Amazon and especially in the municipality of Sena Madureira where many other cases of PH may remain undiagnosed.

Assessment of positive perioperative cholangiography in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the positivity of cholangiography in patients without formal indication of this exam undergoing elective cholecystectomy. METHODS: We included, in the study, 100 patients whose clinical, laboratory and imaging not older than 10 days before the operation showed no change and therefore kept us unsuspicious of choledocholithiasis. The cholangiographies were analyzed and examined by the surgical team, the radiologist and the authors. The reports were compared and correlated with patients' previous clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS: The incidence of preoperatively unsuspected choledocholithiasis was only one case (1%). CONCLUSION: The use of selective cholangiography is safe and should be used in the treatment of calculous cholecystitis.

Tracheoesophageal fistula after caustic ingestion.

Tracheoesophageal fistulas are uncommon and present diverse etiologies, among which is burning of the esophagus due to caustic ingestion. Herein, we report the case of a 27-year-old male patient having ingested a caustic substance 14 days prior and presenting burning retrosternal pain, weakness, productive cough with purulent sputum and dyspnea accompanied by hoarseness for the preceding 24 h. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract revealed a tracheoesophageal fistula. Treatment consisted of cervical exclusion of the esophageal transit, together with gastrostomy. Subsequently, the nutrient transit was reconstructed through pharyngocoloplasty. The postoperative evolution was favorable.

Cecal diverticulitis or appendicitis: when should I suspect? A case report

The objective of this article was to report a case of cecal diverticulitis and point out the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The clinical manifestations of these pathological conditions are similar, and the accurate diagnosis of cecal diverticulitis before the surgery is difficult. Therefore, most diagnoses are made during the surgery. Moreover, cecal diverticulum is uncommon in western countries, but it is prevalent in Asian people and their descendants. We report a case of a 55-year-old female patient, whose imaging exams (ultrasonography and computed tomography) and blood tests were not enough to diagnose the affection, requiring laparotomy and pathological exams for the final diagnosis. Some studies suggesting the best practice in case of diverticulum of the cecum were revised, as the diagnosis usually occurs during the surgery. (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de diverticulite no ceco e chamar a atenção para o diagnóstico diferencial com apendicite aguda. As manifestações clínicas das duas afecções são semelhantes, dificultando o diagnóstico exato de diverticulite cecal, além de ser incomum, em nosso meio, o aparecimento de divertículo em cólon direito, sendo essa entidade mais comum em asiáticos e em seus descendentes. Relata-se atendimento a uma paciente de 55 anos, cujos exames de imagem (ultrassonografia e tomografia computadorizada) e de sangue não foram suficientes para o diagnóstico. Houve necessidade de realizar-se laparotomia exploradora e exames anatomopatológicos para a confirmação. Também foram revisados alguns trabalhos que sugerem qual a melhor conduta a ser tomada quando se encontra divertículo cecal no perioperatório, já que, na maioria das vezes, o diagnóstico é feito neste momento. (AU)

Agenesia verdadeira de vesícula biliar: dificuldades no diagnóstico pré-operatório / Real agenesis gallbladder: problems in pre-operative diagnosing

Relata-se um caso de agenesia de vesícula. Paciente, 33 anos, feminino, com dor tipo cólica em hipocôndrio direito, há 3 anos. Baseado na história e no exame de ultrassonografia (US) de abdome, que evidenciou presença de imagens ecogênicas com sombra acústica posterior na topografia da vesícula biliar US, indicou-se a colecistectomia. Durante a laparotomia, notou-se a ausência completa da vesícula biliar em sua anatomia usual. No pós-operatório, foi solicitada uma tomografia computadorizada (TC) de abdome, relatando ausência de vesícula biliar. Essa anomalia é rara e de difícil diagnóstico clínico, com sintomatologia semelhante à colelitíase em até 50% dos casos. Apesar dos avançosdos métodos de imagem para diagnóstico de doenças gastrointestinais, o diagnóstico de agenesia de vesícula ainda é por laparotomia, o que justificam os esforços para implementar métodos diagnósticos pré-operatórios de maior sensibilidade.

The authors report a case-agenesis of vesicle. Patient, 33 years, female, with pain type colic hypochondrium right, for 3 years. Based on history and examination, the ultrasound (US) of the abdomen showed presenceof echogenic images with acoustic shadow later in the topography of gallbladder US, indicating the cholecystectomy. During laparotomy, has been noted complete absence of gallbladder in its anatomy routine. At postoperative was requested a computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, reporting absence of gallbladder. This anomaly is rare and difficult clinical diagnosis, with similar symptom to cholelithiasis in up to 50% of cases. Despite the progress of imaging methods for diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, the diagnosis of agenesis of vesicle is still by laparotomy, which justifying efforts to implement diagnostic methods pre-op for greater sensitivity.

Tumor carcinoide primário do fígado / Primary hepatic carcinoid tumor

O tumor carcinoide hepático primário é entidade rara, sendo importante o relato do caso. Paciente, H. L. S., masculino, 43 anos, portador de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, tabagista e etilista; deu entrada no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de Uberaba, com quadro de dor abdominal difusa, dispneia. Ao exame físico apresentava-se com hepatomegalia e ictérico. O diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide foi firmado pela biópsia de nódulos hepáticos. O sítio primário foi considerado o fígado após resultados negativos para a pesquisa de outros sítios. Foram realizados: endoscopia digestiva alta, colonoscopia, ultrassonografia abdominal, radiografia simples de tórax, abdome e tomografia computadorizada. Após diagnóstico, paciente evoluiu durante dois meses com piora do quadro e óbito. Esse relato mostra o caso de um paciente com tumor carcinoide hepático em estágio avançado quando do diagnóstico, possivelmente pela sintomatologia frustra e indolência desse tipo de tumor.

The primary hepatic carcinoid tumor is rare entity been important to the account of the case. A 43-year-old man, the patient H.L.S., with systemic arterial hypertension, congestive cardiac insufficient, smoking and alcohol consumption; has been admitted at Hospital Universitário da Universidade de Uberaba, with a state of diffuse abdominal pain, dyspneia. According to the physical exam he presented with hepatomegaly and jaundiced. The carcinoid tumor diagnosis was confirmed by the biopsy of hepatic nodules. The primary site was considered the liver after negative results for the research in other sites, have been undergone: high digestive endoscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, simple chest radiography, abdomen and computeraided tomography. After the diagnosis the patient had an evolution during 2 months with a worse of the picture followed by death. This relate shows the case of a patient with hepatic carcinoid tumor in advanced stage when the diagnosis occurred, possibly by the frustrated symptomatology and indolence of this sort of tumor.

Avaliação da positividade da colangiografia peroperatória em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica eletiva / Assessment of positive perioperative cholangiography in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJETIVO: A colecistectomia laparoscópica é o tratamento de escolha para pacientes com colecistopatia calculosa, embora o manejo da coledocolitíase associada ainda permaneça assunto controverso. O presente estudo baseou-se na análise prospectiva de pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia eletiva com colangiografia peroperatória, pretendendo assim avaliar a positividade do exame contrastado das vias biliares em pacientes com colelitíase sem indicação para colangiografia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos, no estudo, 100 pacientes cujos parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e de imagem feitos até no máximo 10 dias antes da colecistectomia não apresentaram qualquer alteração no pré-operatório e, portanto, considerados pacientes insuspeitáveis para coledocolitíase. As colangiografias foram analisadas e examinadas pela equipe cirúrgica, pelo radiologista e pelos autores deste estudo. Os laudos foram comparados e correlacionados com achados clínicos e laboratoriais prévios dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: A incidência de coledocolitíase insuspeitável no pré-operatório foi de apenas um único caso entre 100 pacientes sem indicação para o exame (1% de positividade). CONCLUSÃO: Com base neste material, pode-se concluir que o emprego da colangiografia seletiva é segura e deve ser empregada no tratamento da colecistite calculosa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the positivity of cholangiography in patients without formal indication of this exam undergoing elective cholecystectomy. METHODS: We included, in the study, 100 patients whose clinical, laboratory and imaging not older than 10 days before the operation showed no change and therefore kept us unsuspicious of choledocholithiasis. The cholangiographies were analyzed and examined by the surgical team, the radiologist and the authors. The reports were compared and correlated with patients' previous clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS: The incidence of preoperatively unsuspected choledocholithiasis was only one case (1%). CONCLUSION: The use of selective cholangiography is safe and should be used in the treatment of calculous cholecystitis.

Fístula esôfago-traqueal após ingestão cáustica / Tracheoesophageal fistula after caustic ingestion

As fístulas esôfago-traqueais são incomuns e apresentam diversas etiologias, entre elas, a queimadura química esofágica devida à ingestão cáustica. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 27 anos com história de ingestão cáustica havia catorze dias, com dor retroesternal em queimação, fraqueza, tosse com escarro purulento e dispnéia associada à rouquidão no último dia. A endoscopia digestiva alta e a broncofibroscopia revelaram fístula esôfago-traqueal. O tratamento consistiu no suporte clínico, drenagem torácica bilateral, exclusão do transito esofágico com esofagostomia cervical terminal e gastrostomia. Houve cicatrização espontânea da fístula esôfago traqueal em seis semanas. Posteriormente, realizou-se a reconstrução do trânsito alimentar através de faringocoloplastia. A evolução pós-operatória foi satisfatória.

Tracheoesophageal fistulas are uncommon and present diverse etiologies, among which is burning of the esophagus due to caustic ingestion. Herein, we report the case of a 27-year-old male patient having ingested a caustic substance 14 days prior and presenting burning retrosternal pain, weakness, productive cough with purulent sputum and dyspnea accompanied by hoarseness for the preceding 24 h. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract revealed a tracheoesophageal fistula. Treatment consisted of cervical exclusion of the esophageal transit, together with gastrostomy. Subsequently, the nutrient transit was reconstructed through pharyngocoloplasty. The postoperative evolution was favorable.

Avaliacão eletromanométrica do esfíncter superior do esôfago em portadores da forma indeterminada da doenca de Chagas / Manometric evaluation of upper esophageal sphincter in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas' disease

Objetivou-se avaliar as alteracões do esfíncter superior esofágico pela eletromanometria em 37 pacientes portadores da forma clínica indeterminada da doenca de Chagas. Foram encontrados 18 (48,6 por cento) pacientes portadores de ondas sincrônicas. A média das pressões máximas do esfíncter foi significativamente maior entre os portadores de ondas sincrônicas. Assim, alguns indivíduos portadores da forma indeterminada da doenca de Chagas possuem alteracões funcionais caracterizadas pelo aumento da pressão do esfíncter superior do esôfago, que podem ser detectadas à eletromanometria.

Eletromanometria esofágica e pHmetria de 24 horas na avaliação pós-operatória da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica / Electromanometry and acid pHmetry of 24 hours in postoperative evaluation of the hiatoplasty and total antireflux wrap laparoscopic

RACIONAL: A operação de "short floppy Nissen" tem como objetivo tratar o refluxo gastroesofágico. Avaliações clínicas e endoscópicas de sua eficiência têm sido demonstradas por diferentes autores, porém estudos comparando pHmetria ácida de 24 horas com exames realizados no pré e pós-operatório têm sido pouco freqüentes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica no tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico não complicada através de estudo comparativo pré e pós-operatório de aspectos manométricos e pHmétricos. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove indivíduos com sintomas típicos de refluxo gastroesofágico submetidos a cirurgia de "short floppy Nissen" por laparoscopia foram estudados prospectiva e consecutivamente no período de março de 2002 a agosto de 2003. Realizou-se no período pré e pós-operatório, em um tempo mínimo de 3 meses, endoscopia digestiva alta, manometria esofágica e pHmetria ácida de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Dezoito (30,5 por cento) doentes eram do sexo masculino e 41 (69,5 por cento) do feminino, com idade média de 43,8 anos. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados manométricos, quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: localização do esfíncter inferior do esôfago em relação à borda nasal; extensão do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão de repouso do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão do corpo esofágico. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados pHmétricos quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: redução do número de refluxo ácidos totais; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em decúbito dorsal; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em posição ereta; fração de tempo de acidificação em minutos; índice de DeMeester. CONCLUSÕES: A eletromanometria e a pHmetria esofágicas mostraram melhora em cada um dos seus parâmetros com significância estatística entre os pacientes no período pré e pós-operatório de hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo, demonstrando a eficiência do procedimento operatório quando avaliado por esses exames.

BACKGROUND: The electromanometry and 24-hour esophageal pHmetry has been proposed as objective method in postoperative evaluation of antireflux surgery. AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of cruroplasty and total fundoplication in the treatment of non-complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease based on comparative results of pre and post operative manometry and pHmetry findings. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive individuals with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were prospectively studied. All patients were submitted to a laparoscopic short floppy Nissen fundoplication between March, 2002 and August, 2003. All patients were submitted pre and postoperatively (3 months) to upper digestive endoscopy, manometry and pHmetry 24 hours. RESULTS: Eighteen (30.5 percent) patients were male and 41 (69.5 percent) female, their average age was 43.8 years. There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the manometrical findings in the following items: localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (41.2 cm and 42.3 cm). Extension o f the lower esophageal sphincter preoperative (2.0 cm and 2.5 cm), resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (15.0 mm Hg and 21.5 mm Hg), and pressure of the esophageal body (78.0 mm Hg and 70.0 mm Hg). There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the pHmetrical findings in the following items: total number of acid refluxes (68.0 and 3.0), total number of acid refluxes more than 5 minutes (2.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in supine position (1.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in upright position (0.0 and 0.0), acidification period (5.5 and 0.1 min), DeMeester score (33.0 and 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The esophageal manometry and pHmetry findings were improved in the post operative period with statistical significance when compared to the pre operative period. The exams were considered efficient in the evaluation of the surgical procedure.

Evaluation of the response of cortisol, corticotropin and blood platelets kinetics after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

OBJETIVO: Comparar o comportamento dos níveis séricos de cortisol, ACTH e da cinética das plaquetas nas colecistectomias laparoscópica e aberta. MÉTODOS: Esse estudo prospectivo compara 31 pacientes portadores de colelitíase sintomática que se submeteram a colecistectomia eletiva, sendo que 17 por via laparoscópica e 14 por via aberta. Amostras de sangue periférico foram colhidas na internação do paciente, na indução anestésica, às 2, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas da incisão cirúrgica. A contagem de plaquetas foi realizada no microscópio óptico- aumento de 100X- pela coloração de Hematoxilina- eosina . As dosagens de cortisol e ACTH foram realizadas através da técnica de quimioluminescência. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que as concentrações de cortisol e ACTH elevaram-se significativamente (p< 0.05) nas primeiras horas em relação aos valores do pré-operatório. Às 2 horas, houve elevação maior do nível de cortisol no grupo laparoscópico com diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0365;p<0.05) em relação ao grupo aberto. Observou-se retorno a valores basais no pós-operatório tardio (24 e 48 horas) somente para o ACTH, enquanto que o nível sérico de cortisol manteve-se elevado nesse mesmo período, com valores maiores e estatisticamente significante ( p24=0,0248 e p48=0,0320;p< 0.05) no grupo aberto em relação ao laparoscópico. As plaquetas apresentaram curvas de respostas diferentes entre os grupos, todavia mantiveram níveis normais em todos os momentos estudados. Não houve diferença estatística significante (p<0.05) entre os períodos pós e pré-operatórios em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A resposta hormonal ocorre em ambos procedimentos estudados, porém o estresse cirúrgico é maior e mais duradouro na cirurgia aberta quando comparada à laparoscópica. Não obstante, a cinética das plaquetas não mostrou variação significativa em ambos procedimentos diante da injúria tecidual.

Colangite esclerosante secundária em paciente com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida tratada com plastia do ducto hepático comum por via laparoscópica / Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated by common hepatic duct plasty by the laparoscopic route

Relatamos o caso de um paciente com icterícia obstrutiva cuja causa era colangite esclerosante secundária à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. Na colangiopatia relacionada à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, os pacientes apresentam dor no quadrante superior direito ou epigástrico, febre, diarréia e alterações biliares características. O paciente foi submetido à plastia transversa do ducto hepático comum por via laparoscópica.

Inquérito sorológico da infecçäo pelo Echinococcus sp no município de Sena Madureira, AC / A serological survey of the infection by Echinococcus sp. in the municipal ity of Sena Madureira, AC

Foi realizado no município de Sena Madureira, Acre, um inquérito soroepidemiológico para avaliar o contato de indivíduos com o Echinococcus sp. Escolheu-se duas populações distintas, uma residente na área urbana e a outra na área rural do município, distribuída em comunidades ribeirinhas da regiäo. Foram avaliados no total 1.064 indivíduos, dos quais 851 pertencentes à área urbana e 213 à área rural. O estudo foi dividido em duas partes: inquérito sorológico, no qual foram coletadas e enviadas amostras de sangue ao Laboratório de Sorologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, onde foram realizados os testes imunológicos pela técnica de contraimunoeletroforese; inquérito epidemiológico para avaliaçäo individual, além de as condições de moradia e hábitos dos indivíduos. A prevalência sorológica na área rural foi 6 por cento, enquanto na urbana fomos 3,5 por cento. A prevalência geral foi 4 por cento. Quando analisada a possibilidade da existência de outros hospedeiros intermediários no ciclo do Echinococcus vogeli, foram encontrados resultados que sugerem ser o porco doméstico o mais provável

Hidatidose policística: relato de dois casos procedentes de Sena Madureira, Acre, na Amazônia brasileira / Polycystic hydatid disease: report of two cases from the city of Sena Madureira, Acre, in Brazilian Amazon

Dois casos de hidatidose policística (HP) säo relatados, oriundos do mesmo município da regiäo amazônica brasileira (Sena Madureira, Acre). Ambos tiveram a mesma apresentaçäo e evoluçäo clínica ao longo de dois anos de acompanhamento. Inicialmente os pacientes queixaram-se de dor abdominal no andar superior ou no hipocôndrio direito e apresentaram icterícia obstrutiva, febre, aumento de volume abdominal e emagrecimento. Por exame de imagem, além de esplenomegalia, cistos múltiplos e coalescentes foram detectados no fígado. Amostras de soro foram reagentes por contraimunoeletroforese. O tratamento com albendazol resultou em melhora parcial, com alívio sintomático e reduçäo no tamanho das lesöes. Este relato reforça a importância de estudos clínico-epidemiológicos da hidatidose policística na regiäo amazônica brasileira, especialmente no município de Sena Madureira, onde outros pacientes com HP podem estar sem diagnóstico