The Black Box of Cellular and Molecular Events of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Invasion into Reticulocytes.

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria parasite affecting humans worldwide, causing ~5 million cases yearly. Despite the disease's extensive burden, there are gaps in the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms by which P. vivax invades reticulocytes. In contrast, this crucial step is better understood for P. falciparum, the less widely distributed but more often fatal malaria parasite. This discrepancy is due to the difficulty of studying P. vivax's exclusive invasion of reticulocytes, which represent 1-2% of circulating cells. Its accurate targeting mechanism has not yet been clarified, hindering the establishment of long-term continuous in vitro culture systems. So far, only three reticulocyte invasion pathways have been characterised based on parasite interactions with DARC, TfR1 and CD98 host proteins. However, exposing the parasite's alternative invasion mechanisms is currently being considered, opening up a large field for exploring the entry receptors used by P. vivax for invading host cells. New methods must be developed to ensure better understanding of the parasite to control malarial transmission and to eradicate the disease. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on cellular and molecular mechanisms of P. vivax's merozoite invasion to contribute to a better understanding of the parasite's biology, pathogenesis and epidemiology.

Knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Chile toward Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders: A cross-sectional nation-wide study.

Objective: Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders originated in the early 1960s with the establishment of advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These orders aim to limit therapeutic efforts in cases where it may be futile. The decision not to resuscitate a patient is a process that involves a series of ethical, legal, and clinical considerations. Still, it also requires a process in which priority is given to the patients and their autonomy. The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of physicians working in Chile toward Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which a digital questionnaire was sent to physicians from different regions of Chile. Quantitative variables were analyzed using measures of central tendency and dispersion (e.g., median and interquartile range), while qualitative variables were evaluated using frequencies and percentages. Results: Four hundred and thirty-one physicians completed the survey. 85.4% were familiar with the ethical and legal guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the rights and duties of the patient. 39.2% believed that patients should have the final decision Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders, especially if they themselves requested not to be resuscitated. 87.7% mentioned that the Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders should be reassessed if the patient's prognosis improves. In addition, it was found that the decision not to resuscitate was not always discussed with the patient or their family. Conclusions: The study revealed an ethical conflict regarding Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders and their management by Chilean physicians. Therefore, it is necessary to create recommendations and provide training to guide professionals in this process, which should also involve patients and their families.

Knowledge and attitudes of health professionals in Chile towards people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A cross-national survey.

Introduction: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) often experience discrimination from both other individuals and the health personnel who care for them. Chile has experienced a marked increase in the number of new HIV cases.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. The HIV/AIDS questionnaire for providers and health personnel was obtained from the International Planned Parenthood Federation, initially carrying out a pilot test and evaluating its validity.Results: A total of 784 health professionals answered the questionnaire correctly. Among them, 68.4% (n = 536) were women, and 36.2% (n = 284) were physicians. The study revealed that more than 90% of respondents had a positive attitude towards caring for people living with HIV, and more than 75% did not mind buying food from them or sharing services with them. Furthermore, more than 99% rejected the religiously endorsed labeling of people living with HIV/AIDS as immoral. Additionally, 95.5% (n = 749) mentioned that they did not feel anxious about knowing whether the next patient on their care list was living with HIV, and 76.9% (n = 603) of the respondents felt safe taking blood samples.Conclusions: Chilean health professionals have good knowledge about HIV infection and its mode transmission. Their attitudes towards people living with HIV are also generally positive.

Research and Publication Trends in Pediatric Surgery in Latin America: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis from 2012 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric surgery is a developing specialty with increasing volume in Latin America. However, the research and scientific activity trends carried out in this region in recent years are unknown. This study aimed to analyze and visualize Latin American research in pediatric surgery from 2012 to 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bibliometric cross-sectional study of scientific articles on pediatric surgery published by Latin American authors from 2012 to 2021 in Scopus was performed. Statistical and visual analysis was performed with R programming language and VOS viewer. RESULTS: 449 articles were found. Observational studies (44.7%; n = 201), case reports (20.4%; n = 92) and narrative reviews (11.4%; n = 51) were found to be the most common study designs. The published articles were predominantly monocentric (73.1%; n = 328), only 17% (n = 76) involved authors from 2 or more countries, and mostly there was no collaboration with high-income countries (80.6%; n = 362). The Journal of Pediatric Surgery was the journal with the highest volume of articles published (n = 37). The most used terms were Laparoscopy, Complications, and Liver Transplantation, and the countries with the highest number of articles published were Brazil and Argentina. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a progressive increase in the scientific activity of Latin authors in pediatric surgery from 2012 to 2021. The evidence produced was mainly from observational studies and case reports, predominantly conducted in Brazil. Multinational and international collaboration was low; the most frequent topics of interest were laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Evolution of Plasmodium vivax and resistance patterns for infection based on Duffy genotype and phenotype.

The Duffy protein, a transmembrane molecule, acts as a receptor for various chemokines and facilitates binding between reticulocytes and the Plasmodium Duffy antigen binding protein. Duffy expression is associated with the Duffy chemokine receptor antigen genotype on chromosome 1 and exhibits variation across different geographic regions. Traditionally, the Duffy negative genotype and phenotype have been described to confer a certain level of protection against infection and symptom development. However, recent data suggest a shift in this behavior, with significantly higher prevalence observed in individuals with Duffy negative genotype or phenotype. Given that malaria is an endemic vector-borne disease in regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, posing a substantial global burden of disease and prioritizing public and global health, identifying evolutionary changes in infection and resistance patterns holds great importance for the design of strategies and reevaluation of conventional interventions. Hence, the aim of this review was to analyze the evolution of Plasmodium vivax and infection resistance patterns based on Duffy genotype and phenotype. The distribution of genotypes, phenotypes, and polymorphisms of P. vivax ligands and erythrocyte receptors varies geographically, notably resistance patterns of this microorganism in individuals with Duffy negative genotype and phenotype have significantly changed compared to studies conducted 30 years ago. The prevalence of vivax malaria in individuals with a Duffy negative status can reach up to 100%. Consequently, prioritizing research on this topic is essential for public health.

Relationship between Duffy Genotype/Phenotype and Prevalence of Plasmodium vivax Infection: A Systematic Review.

The Duffy protein, a transmembrane molecule, functions as a receptor for various chemokines and facilitates attachment between the reticulocyte and the Plasmodium Duffy antigen-binding protein. Duffy expression correlates with the Duffy receptor gene for the chemokine, located on chromosome 1, and exhibits geographical variability worldwide. Traditionally, researchers have described the Duffy negative genotype as a protective factor against Plasmodium vivax infection. However, recent studies suggest that this microorganism's evolution could potentially diminish this protective effect. Nevertheless, there is currently insufficient global data to demonstrate this phenomenon. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the Duffy genotype/phenotype and the prevalence of P. vivax infection. The protocol for the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022353427 and involved reviewing published studies from 2012 to 2022. The Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases were consulted. Assessments of study quality were conducted using the STROBE and GRADE tools. A total of 34 studies were included, with Africa accounting for the majority of recorded studies. The results varied significantly regarding the relationship between the Duffy genotype/phenotype and P. vivax invasion. Some studies predominantly featured the negative Duffy genotype yet reported no malaria cases. Other studies identified minor percentages of infections. Conversely, certain studies observed a higher prevalence (99%) of Duffy-negative individuals infected with P. vivax. In conclusion, this systematic review found that the homozygous Duffy genotype positive for the A allele (FY*A/*A) is associated with a higher incidence of P. vivax infection. Furthermore, the negative Duffy genotype does not confer protection against vivax malaria.

Predictors for limb amputation in war vascular trauma: A 20-years retrospective analysis from the Colombian armed conflict.

BACKGROUND: The Latin American military vascular trauma is virtually unknown. The aim of this study was to describe severe war vascular trauma during the last 20 years of the Colombian armed conflict, and to identify predictors of limb amputation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a follow-up cohort from 1999 to 2019 of patients with associated severe vascular injuries (ISS >15) in the Colombian armed conflict treated at the Hospital Militar Central. RESULTS: Out of 5948 patients, 243 had military vascular trauma with 430 vascular injuries. The most frequent trauma mechanisms were gunshot wounds (n = 153; 63%). The most common injured vessels were femoral. 24 (10%) patients required amputations. Mortality was 4.1%. Amputation was associated with arteriovenous lesions (RR 4.82, p = 0.025), compartment syndrome (RR 4.2, p = 0.007), arteriovenous femoropopliteal injuries (RR 3.5, p = 0.0026), multiple arterial injuries (RR 3.35, p = 0.0218), associated fractures (RR 3.1, p = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant arteriovenous injuries in popliteal and femoropopliteal lesions, multiple arterial lesions, bone fractures, and compartment syndrome are associated with amputation in severe vascular injury.

Surgical research in Colombia part 3: Authorship and publications of Colombian medical students in surgery in Colombian medical journals-cross-sectional study.

Research training, scientific activity and publications are cornerstones of academic surgery. Knowing the activity and trends of medical students aspiring to become surgeons it allows to identify gaps and skills to be strengthened. Currently, there is no data on the authorship and scientific activity of medical students in surgery in Latin America and Colombia. Methods: A bibliometric cross-sectional study was carried out, in which the Colombian medical journals were reviewed from 2010 to 2020. The articles with topics in general surgery and subspecialties where the authorship of medical students could be identified, were selected. Data on the sociodemographic and scientific characteristics of the authors and their publications were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 14 383 articles from 34 Colombian medical journals were reviewed. From 2010 to 2020, 807 articles related to surgery were published in Colombia. The most frequent typology of these articles was original articles (n=298; 37%), followed by case reports (n=222; 28.2%) and reviews (n=137; 17.3%). A total of 132 medical students and 141 authorships and were found, specifically in 9.9% (n=80/807) of these publications, with a higher frequency in original articles (n=32; 40%) and case reports (n=29; 36.2%). Collaboration of students with professors or surgeons was evidenced in 97.5% of the publications. Conclusions: The authorship of Colombian medical students in scientific publications in surgery in Colombian medical journals was low. From 2010 to 2020, student authors were found in 1 out of every 10 publications, mainly in original articles and clinical cases.

[Latin American research in heart failure: visual and bibliometric analysis of the last 20 years]. / Investigación latinoamericana en falla cardiaca: análisis visual y bibliométrico de los últimos 20 años.

Objective: To visually and bibliometrically analyze Latin American research on heart failure in the last 20 years. Materials and methods: A bibliometric study using the Scopus database. A non-systematic search was carried out to collect data, which were analyzed using Bibliometrix, a tool of the R programming language. Results: A total of 10204 documents were included in a period between 2003 to 2023. Of these, 66.9% (n=6824) corresponded to original articles, followed by review articles (15.5%; n=1583). International collaboration was present in 38.41% (n=3919) of the articles. Brazil stood out with the highest number of prolific authors and institutions (70% and 60%, respectively), consolidating its position as leader in the region, followed by Argentina and Mexico. These countries also presented the papers with the highest impact and most outstanding metrics. Conclusions: This study identified a significant increase in heart failure research in Latin America over the last two decades, with Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico being the main drivers of this trend. Extensive and strong collaboration, mainly with high-income countries, appears to be critical to the momentum and the advancement of research in this area. Data systematization and resynchronization therapy are some of the topics of greatest interest at present.

Surgical research in Colombia part 1: Scientific and academic productivity of the Colombian research groups in surgery.

Introduction: Global surgery has become the undisputed starting point for addressing a myriad of problems in surgery today. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly evaluate the scientific productivity in surgery, its behavior, validity and impact. In Latin America, specifically in Colombia, there are no studies that have analyzed this production. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional bibliometric study was carried out, in which the Colombian Ministry of Science database was consulted with the validated results up to July 2021. In the search section for research groups, the key word "Surgery" was used, and all associated GrupLAC (platform where the information of the research groups can be found) and their registered products were reviewed. Results: 40 groups were included. Only 5 (12.5%) were registered in surgery as main line of research. The great majority of the groups were in the medium-low category, 50% in category C and 22.5% in category B. The vast majority of surgical groups are located in Bogotá (19; 47.5%). The first surgery group in the country was created in 1994 and the last one in 2017. In 27 years of surgical research, a total of 4121 registered scientific articles were found, 83 books, 713 book chapters, 2891 products associated with participation in scientific events, 1221 theses directed, and 1670 projects in colombian surgical research groups. There was evidence of a high rate of underreporting of data, due to duplication of products and incomplete registration of data. Conclusions: There is a high rate of underreporting of products and data in the GrupLAC of Colombian surgical research groups. Most of the production is located in the Andes region (Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Bogotá), and is predominantly composed of scientific articles and products associated with participation in scientific events.

Impact of helminthiasis on gestational anemia in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 19,000 women.

Intestinal helminthiasis are a common public health problem in developed and developing countries. It is thought that they can influence pregnancy by causing gestational anemia. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between helminth infection and gestational anemia. A structured review of scientific literature was conducted through active search in the electronic databases MEDLINE® and LILACS® until December 2021, following 2020 PRISMA statement. The studies were reviewed independently by two authors, extracting the most relevant information from each study. Cross-sectional studies, case-control and ecological studies were included, with no date or language limit. Randomized clinical trials were excluded. A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review. The study populations of all studies belonged to low- and middle-income countries: 28 studies from Africa, 6 from Asia, 3 from Latin America and 1 from Oceania. Overall, the average prevalence of gestational anemia among the included studies was 40% (95% CI 34-46%). Hookworm was the predominant species detected in most studies (19/38; 50%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (15/38; 39.5%). Gestational anemia was positively associated with A. lumbricoides (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12-3.08) and hookworms (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.99-4.78). Prevalence of malaria was not associated with the magnitude of the effect of hookworm on anemia risk during meta-regression (p=0.5182). The results of this review indicate that there is a statistically significant association between helminthiasis and gestational anemia. Although hookworm is the main species associated with the outcome, prevalence of malaria was not associated with the magnitude of the effect of hookworm on anemia risk. The impact of other species needs to be defined given the expected bias that arises from polyparasitism when defining comparison groups.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide: An in-depth review of relevant historical aspects.

End-of-life care is an increasingly relevant topic due to advances in biomedical research and the establishment of new disciplines in evidence-based medicine and bioethics. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are two terms widely discussed in medicine, which cause displeasure on many occasions and cause relief on others. The evolution of these terms and the events associated with their study have allowed the evaluation of cases that have established useful definitions for the legal regulation of palliative care and public policies in the different health systems. However, there are still many aspects to be elucidated and defined. Based on the above, this review aimed to compile relevant historical aspects on the evolution of euthanasia and assisted suicide, which will allow understanding the use and research of these terms.

Perception of Physicians Working in Chile Toward Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Assisted suicide and euthanasia are controversial issues today and have been throughout the history of humanity, mainly because there are individuals for and against them. Currently, the legalization of these practices is being discussed in Chile, and the perception of physicians regarding this issue is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess physicians' perception of Chile's euthanasia and assisted suicide. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Chile. A questionnaire of physicians' attitudes and opinions on assisted suicide and euthanasia was used. The population was the doctors who work in Chile, and the sample was convenient with a sample calculation of 384 physicians. About 20 variables were considered and included in a form created through the Google forms option, which was distributed through social networks: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. To guarantee the anonymity of the participants, the option to request and remember the participant's email was deactivated. A generated database allowed the quantitative analysis of the variables and their expression through frequencies, percentages, and graphs. The European University of the Atlantic's research ethics committee approved this study as stated in the document CE-55 of March 2021. RESULTS: A total of 410 physicians were surveyed. 50.7% (n = 208) of the participants identified themselves as men, and 69.8% (n = 286) were Chilean. The city of Santiago was the area of residence of 72.9% (n = 299) of the participants. About 34.6% (n = 142) of participants were general practitioners, and 39.3% (n = 161) of the physicians had more than 20 years of experience. About 68.7% had favorable attitudes toward euthanasia and 54.4% toward assisted suicide; However, although the majority favored legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, approximately 48.8% stated that they would not participate in an assisted suicide procedure. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of support for the implementation and legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide by physicians in Chile. However, there are still professionals who have not yet decided on a definitive position on these practices.

Surgical research in Colombia part 2: Scientific production of Colombian academic surgeons.

Introduction: The production of quality surgical evidence and the development of academic surgery have emerged as priorities for the solution of current barriers to achieving the objectives of global surgery. The academic training and scientific production of academic surgeons is essential for the production of new knowledge. In Latin America, specifically in Colombia, there are no studies that have analyzed this production. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional bibliometric study was carried out, in which the Colombian Ministry of Science database was consulted with the validated results up to July 2021. In the search section for research profiles, the key word "Surgery" was used, and all associated CvLAC (profiles where the information of Colombian researchers can be found) and their registered products were reviewed. Results: A total of 1701 researchers in surgery were registered in the database of the Colombian Ministry of Science, of which only 380 corresponded to academic surgeons with correct registration. Only 6 (1.6%) were found to have a Ph.D., 45 (11.8%) a fellow, and 20 (5.3%) a master's degree. 79.5% (n = 302) of Colombian academic surgeons are men. Only 10.2% (n = 39) are formally categorized as researchers. 45.3% (n = 172) have not published scientific articles. The total number of published articles was 2386, and most of them were published in Q4 journals (n = 1121; 47%) or not indexed by SJR/Publindex (n = 517; 21.6%). Only 3 surgeons have more than 100 articles. 9.5% have published at least 1 book, and 40% have participated in at least 1 project. Conclusions: According to data registered with the Colombian Ministry of Science, a large part of the scientific production of Colombian academic surgeons is concentrated in scientific articles, most of which are found in Q4 or non-categorized journals. Approximately half of the academic surgeons have not published at least one scientific article. However, one fifth of those who have, have published at least 8 articles. Less than 20% of surgeons have additional postgraduate studies, and only 1 in 4 academic surgeons is a woman.

[Pituitary apoplexy in pediatric patients: systematic review]. / Apoplejía hipofisaria en pacientes pediátricos: revisión sistemática.

Introduction: Necrosis or hemorrhage associated with pituitary tumors is an infrequent complication. The term pituitary apoplexy is related to the development of an inflammatory process that leads to irritation of the meningeal and periselar areas. Regardless of the mechanism (hemorrhage or infarction), the extent of the hemorrhage and necrosis will produce an increase in intraselar pressure which, in turn, will lead to a more or less pronounced compression of neighboring structures, thus explaining the broad spectrum clinical. Methods: We carried out a systematic review of cases published internationally. The analysis of 8 cases published in the literature was carried out, 5 cases in the male pediatric population (62.5%), and 3 cases of the female gender (37.5%). Results: The mean age was 12.8 years (SD ± 2.5). The clinical manifestations included: headache, impaired vision, nausea and vomiting, fever, cranial nerve involvement, and, to a lesser extent, compromise of consciousness. Seventy-five percent (n = 6) of the patients had a headache, 16.6% had a frontal location, 16.6% accompanied by retroorbital pain, and 66.6% did not specify the location. On the other hand, only 37.5% of the patients had nausea and/or vomiting. While 25% were admitted with fever and 12.5% (n = 1) had changes in the state of consciousness. Conclusion: Pituitary apoplexy is a pathology that requires a multidisciplinary approach at the pediatric level. Management directed by pediatric neurosurgery and endocrinology will allow us to offer our patients the best, evidence-based treatment available.

Introducción: Introducción: La necrosis o hemorragia asociada a tumores hipofisiarios es una complicación infrecuente. El termino apoplejía pituitaria está relacionado con el desarrollo de un proceso inflamatorio que conduce a irritación meníngea y de las zonas periselares. A nivel pediátrico, la apoplejía pituitaria es una patología muy rara y poco analizada en la literatura. Métodos: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de casos publicados a nivel internacional. Se realizo el análisis de 8 casos publicados en la literatura, 5 casos en población pediátrica masculina (62.5%), y 3 casos del género femenino (37.5%). Resultados: La media de edad fue de 12,8 años (DE ±2.5). Las manifestaciones clínicas abarcaron: cefalea, alteración en la visión, náuseas y vómitos, fiebre, compromiso de pares craneales y en menor medida compromiso del estado de conciencia. El 75% (n=6) de los pacientes cursó con cefalea, el 16.6% de localización frontal, 16.6% acompañado de dolor retroorbitario, y un 66.6% no especificaron la localización. Por otro lado, solo el 37.5% de los pacientes presentaron nauseas y/o vómitos. Mientras que un 25% ingresaron con fiebre y un 12.5% (n=1) tuvieron cambios en el estado de conciencia. Conclusión: La apoplejía pituitaria es una patología que requiere un abordaje multidisciplinario a nivel pediátrico, el manejo dirigido por neurocirugía y endocrinología pediátrica permitirá ofrecer a nuestros pacientes el mejor, tratamiento disponible basado en la evidencia.

[May-Thurner syndrome as a cause of abdominal pain: Case report]. / Síndrome de May-Thurner como causa de dolor abdominal: caso clínico.

BACKGROUND: The May-Thurner syndrome consists of an anatomical anomaly of the iliac veins that predisposes the person presenting it to the appearance of venous insufficiency and recurrent thrombotic episodes of the lower limbs. The aim of this article was to present a case of this pathology, highlighting a rare symptom that led to its diagnosis. CASE REPORT: 46-year-old woman with severe abdominal pain in the right iliac fossa not associated with other gastrointestinal symptoms or fever. Contrast tomography of the abdomen and pelvis reported bilateral common iliac vein thrombosis. After ruling out acute surgical abdomen or immunological pathologies, an abdominal-pelvic angiography was performed, which led to the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome. It was performed endovascularly, pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis, balloon plasty, and stent installation. CONCLUSIONS: This type of abdominal vascular compression syndromes are rare and require a high index of suspicion to be diagnosed, which is why publications of this type of pathology take on relevance since they teach readers about the pathology.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el síndrome de May-Thurner consiste en una anomalía anatómica de las venas ilíacas que predispone a quien la presenta a la aparición de insuficiencia venosa y episodios trombóticos recurrentes de los miembros inferiores. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar un caso de esta patología, destacando un síntoma poco frecuente que motivó su diagnóstico. CASO CLÍNICO: mujer de 46 años con dolor abdominal severo en fosa ilíaca derecha, no asociado a otros síntomas gastrointestinales ni fiebre. La tomografía con contraste de abdomen y pelvis ayudó a diagnosticar trombosis de las venas ilíacas comunes bilaterales. Tras descartar abdomen agudo quirúrgico o patologías inmunológicas, se realizó una angiotomografía abdómino-pélvica que condujo al diagnóstico de síndrome de May-Thurner. Se realizó endovascularmente, trombólisis fármaco-mecánica, angioplastia con balón e instalación de stent. CONCLUSIONES: este tipo de síndromes de compresión vascular abdominal son poco comunes y requieren de un alto índice de sospecha para ser diagnosticados, es por ello que publicaciones de este tipo de patología adquieren relevancia, dado que ilustran a los lectores sobre la patología en cuestión.

[Spontaneous digital hematoma, Achenbach Sindrome.] / Hematoma digital espontaneo, síndrome de Achenbach.

INTRODUCTION: The Achenbach syndrome was described in the '50s by the German physician Walter Achenbach and corresponds to an entity characterized by the appearance of ecchymosis or purpura and even bruises on the fingers and sometimes on the feet. It courses benignly and is self-limited. METHODS: We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who was diagnosed with this syndrome after performing laboratory tests, antibodies and images without finding alterations in them, with improvement after receiving analgesia and physical means. RESULTS: The Achenbach syndrome continues to be an unknown entity, with few reports in the literature. Up to the year 2 016, 12 case reports had been identified worldwide, concluding that it is a pathology that mainly affects women between the fifth and sixth decade of life. CONCLUSION: Although this nosological entity is benign and its pathophysiology is not entirely clear, it is important that during the initial approach it is consulted for similar episodes in the past and if it is an acute event, look for other alterations such as delay in capillary refill, coldness distal, absence of pulses and thus discarding acute ischemic pathology with diagnostic exams.

Introducción: El síndrome de Achenbach fue descrito en los años 50' por el médico alemán Walter Achenbach y corresponde a una entidad caracterizada por la aparición de equimosis o purpuras e incluso hematomas en los dedos de las manos y en algunas ocasiones de los pies. Cursa de forma benigna y es autolimitada. Métodos: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 60 años a quien se diagnosticó este síndrome luego de realizar exámenes de laboratorio, anticuerpos e imágenes sin encontrar alteraciones en ellos, con mejoría luego de recibir analgesia y medios físicos. Resultados: El síndrome de Achenbach continúa siendo una entidad desconocida, con pocos reportes en la literatura. Hasta el año 2 016 se habían identificado 12 reportes de caso a nivel mundial concluyendo que es una patología que afecta principalmente a mujeres entre la quinta y sexta década de vida. . Conclusión: Aunque esta entidad nosológica es benigna y su fisiopatología no está del todo clara, es importante que durante el abordaje inicial se consulte por episodios similares en el pasado y en caso de ser un evento agudo, buscar otras alteraciones como retardo en el llenado capilar, frialdad distal, ausencia de pulsos y de ese modo se descarte patología isquémica aguda con ayudas diagnosticas