[Translated article] Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their post-operative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year post-operative mortality rates; 30-day post-operative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. RESULTS: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% versus 4.1%, p=.16) and 1-year post-operative (4.3% versus 16.3%, p=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% versus 16.3%, p=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year post-operative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.

Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early. / Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. RESULTS: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.

Bottom-Up Nanofabrication with Extreme-Ultraviolet Light: Metal-Organic Frameworks on Patterned Monolayers.

The fabrication of integrated circuits with ever smaller (sub-10 nm) features poses fundamental challenges in chemistry and materials science. As smaller nanostructures are fabricated, thinner layers of materials are required, and surfaces and interfaces gain a more important role in the formation of nanopatterns. We present a new bottom-up approach in which we use the high optical resolution offered by extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to print patterns on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Upon radiation, low-energy electrons induce chemical changes in the SAM so that the projected image is transferred to the substrate surface. We use the chemical differences between exposed and unexposed regions to promote a selective growth of hybrid structures that can act as an etch-resistant layer for further pattern transfer or can be used as functional nanostructures. The EUV doses required to promote selective growth on exposed areas are close to industrial requirements. Furthermore, this method allows for the independent tuning of different steps in the EUV lithography process (photo-induced chemistry, spatially resolved chemical contrast, and formation of nanopatterns), an advantage over current resists, in which the same material plays all roles.

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Do locking plates keep the reduction better than conventional plates? / Fracturas intraarticulares de calcáneo. ¿Las placas bloqueadas mantienen la reducción mejor que las convencionales?

INTRODUCTION: Since the development of locking plates, calcaneal fractures have been considered ideal for this type of fixation, due to the need to maintain the height of the subastragaline joint after depression fractures in a location where bone quality tends to be poor. However, there are no comparative studies that support the theoretical superiority of these plates over conventional plates. The aim of this study was to compare the results of intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated using locking plates vs. conventional plates in terms of radiological reduction, complications and number of reinterventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a comparative study of calcaneal fractures operated in our centre using the "L" approach. Two groups were established: group B, comprising 15 patients operated between 2010 and 2015 with calcaneal locking plates, and group A, comprising a stratified random sample of 23 patients taken from a historical cohort of 90 patients operated in our centre between 1997 and 2007 using conventional calcaneal plates. Demographic data were recorded (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking) and data relating to the fracture (type of fracture according to Sander's classification system, complications, presurgical delay). To evaluate loss of reduction, varus angulation of the calcaneus (measured from the axial view), Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle were assessed radiographically. These angles were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the end of follow-up. Finally, we recorded complications and the number of reinterventions. RESULTS: There were no differences in terms of age, sex or fracture type between the 2 groups. There was greater loss of varus angulation in group A, 0.6 vs. 0.41°, and there was greater reduction in Böhler's angle in group A, 3.79 vs. 2.6°, while Gissane's angle decreased more in group B, 4.13 vs. 2.52°. There were no significant differences in the proportion of complications and reinterventions between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In our study we observed no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of radiological reduction, complications or number of reinterventions. However, we did observe a greater loss of reduction of Böhler's angle in the patients who were operated using conventional plates.

Analysis of surgical delay and its influence on morbimortality in patients with hip fracture. / Análisis de las causas de demora quirúrgica y su influencia en la morbimortalidad de los pacientes con fractura de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical delay for hip fractures (>48h) has been associated with greater adverse clinical events. However, the influence of the reasons for delay is unclear. The objective of this study was to analyse the causes of surgical delay and its influence on morbidity and mortality, in patients with hip fracture with indication for surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cohort of 376 hip fractures operated at our centre between January 2012 and December 2016 was retrospectively reviewed. Patients younger than 65 years and pathological fractures were excluded. Of these, 280 patients were operated with a surgical delay>48h. The causes of the delay were: antiaggregation (AG), anticoagulation (AC), medical reasons (MM), preoperative cardiac tests or administrative/organizational reasons. Surgical wound complications, general complications and mortality were compared. RESULTS: There was a greater proportion of surgical wound complications in the AC group (P=.063). Patients in the AG, AC, and MM groups had higher rates of general associated complications (P=.3). Seven point fifty-one percent of the patients included died one year after surgery. The mortality rate at one year was highest in the MM group (P=.005). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was statistically significantly higher in the MM group. When comparing results, patients in the AG, AC, and MM groups presented higher rates of general complications.

Detección del virus herpes simple tipo 2 en mujeres indígenas del estado Zulia / Detection of herpes simplex type 2 in indian women state Zulia

El virus herpes simple tipo 2 (VHS-2), es una infección de transmisión sexual prevalente en el mundo a pesar de los avances diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Según estimaciones en el 2012, se calculaba que existían 417 millones de personas infectadas en todo el mundo. El objetivo de este proyecto fue detectar el VHS-2 en mujeres indígenas del estado Zulia, para ello se seleccionaron 100 mujeres de las etnias wayúu y añú sin discriminar edad y/o paridad. El médico procedió a realizar la toma de muestras con un hisopo de alginato, para el procesamiento de las mismas se utilizó el método de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR) para detectar el VHS-2, en muestras de origen cérvico-uterino, y el diagnostico citológico se realizó a través de la coloración con hematoxilina- eosina. Se obtuvo un 22% de muestras positivas para VHS-2, los hallazgos obtenidos, demuestran que un porcentaje considerable de las pacientes presentan infección por el VHS- 2, siendo este de suma importancia debido a que el mismo puede contribuir a la progresión de procesos inflamatorios persistentes.

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted infection prevalent in the world; in spite of despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances. According to estimates in 2012, it was calculated that there were 417 million people infected worldwide. The objective of this project was to detect HSV-2 in indigenous women of the Zulia state, for that 100 women of the Wayúu and Añú ethnic groups, were selected without discriminating age and/or parity. The physician proceeded to sample with an alginate swab, for the processing of the same was used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to detect HSV-2 in samples of cervical-uterine origin, and cytological diagnosis was made through staining with hematoxylin-eosin. 22% of HSV-2 positive samples were obtained, the results show that a considerable percentage of patients present HSV-2 infection, which is extremely important because it can contribute to the progression of processes inflammatory agents.

Insuficiencia hepática crónica y hemostasia / Chronic Liver Failure and Hemostasis

Resumen La insuficiencia hepática es un estado patológico que condiciona la síntesis y metabolismo de diversas biomoléculas, siendo las alteraciones a la hemostasia una de las primeras consecuencias a nivel sistémico que se hacen presentes; debido a esto y por la dimensión de los riesgos de esta situación, no es raro que las pruebas de coagulación sean indispensables para formular las escalas pronósticas en pacientes hepatópatas. Los conocimientos sobre hemostasia han avanzado en la última década; la clásica cascada de activación de los factores de la coagulación ha sido perfeccionada hasta conformarse el ahora vigente modelo celular que considera la valiosa e indispensable participación del endotelio y las plaquetas. Gracias a esto es posible comprender que, en pacientes con insuficiencia hepática, el riesgo de sangrado no obedece únicamente a la deficiencia en la producción de los factores de la coagulación y, por tanto, es cuestionable la administración de vitamina K. Más relevante aún es que, gracias a estos conocimientos, se puede comprender el a veces contradictorio riesgo de trombosis en estos pacientes, complicación potencialmente mortal.

Abstract Hepatic insufficiency is a pathology that conditions synthesis and metabolism of various biomolecules. Alterations of hemostasis is one of its first systemic consequences. Because of this and the size of the risks, it is not uncommon for clotting tests to be indispensable for formulating prognostic scales in patients with liver disease. Knowledge about hemostasis has advanced in the last decade, and the classic cascade of activation of coagulation factors has been perfected until it has become the now-current cellular model that considers the valuable and indispensable participation of the endothelium and platelets. Thanks to this, it is possible to understand that the risk of bleeding in patients who have hepatic insufficiency is not only due to deficiencies in production of coagulation factors, and that for this reason administration of vitamin K is questionable. Even more relevant, is the fact that, thanks to this this knowledge, we can understand the sometimes contradictory and potentially life-threatening complication of thrombosis in these patients.

Fisiopatología del síndrome miofascial ¿qué sustenta la terapéutica actual? / Pathophysiology of myofascial syndrome: what sustains the current therapeutic?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a disorder that has had a great interest in the last years. Its pathophysiology still not completely understood makes the physiological basis of the treatment incomplete. In this paper the scientific evidence and theories that exist on every component of myofascial pain syndrome and how they can be part of the treatments used are described...

El síndrome de dolor miofascial es un trastorno cuya difusión ha ido en aumento en los últimos años; sin embargo, su fisiopatología aún sigue sin dilucidarse por completo; esto conlleva a que no se conozcan las bases fisiológicas que sustentan la terapéutica que se utiliza para su manejo. En este texto se describen la evidencia científica y las teorías que existen ante cada una de las partes que componen el síndrome de dolor miofascial y cómo pueden formar parte de los tratamientos que se emplean...

Influence of droplet deformability on the coalescence rate of emulsions.

In this article the influence of deformation on the coalescence rates of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is analyzed. Calculations for doublets and many-particles systems were performed based on a Brownian dynamics algorithm. Extensional and bending energies were included in order to quantify the effect of the changes in the surface geometry on the coalescence rates. Also, the hydrodynamic resistance due to the flat film was included through a correction to the diffusion coefficient in the lubrication limit. Results of two particles calculations were compared with previous analytical evaluations of the coalescence time in absence of highly repulsive barriers [Danov, Langmuir 9, 1731 (1993)]. Lifetime of doublets was calculated as a function of the particle radius from 100 nm to 100 microm. It was found that the doublets lifetime strongly depends on the interplay between the potential of interaction between the droplets and the hydrodynamic resistance. Depending on the repulsive barrier either a monotonous increase of the lifetime with the droplet size or a maximum value is observed. Finally, the evolution of O/W emulsions with a volume fraction of phi=0.10 was studied. For these many-particle systems, the results show a sensitive dependence of the aggregation behavior on the interfacial tension. The procedure reported here allows us to include Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) and non-DLVO forces and the film drainage velocity of many different systems.

Prevalencia de enteroparasitos, rotavirus y adenovirus en niños aparentemente sanos / Prevalence of enteroparasites, rotavirus and adenovirus in apparently healthy children

Para determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales, rotavirus y adenovirus en niños aparentemente sanos, se realizó el estudio parasitológico de 101 muestras fecales de individuos de uno u otro sexo, con edades comprendidas entre 2 meses y 14 años, así como el estudio virológico en 70 muestras de los niños menores de 5 años. A cada espécimen fecal se le realizó un examen coproparasitológico directo, concentración de Formol-Éter y coloración de Kinyoun. Para determinar Rotavirus y Adenovirus se empleó la técnica de Ensayo Inmunoenzimático (ELISA). Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el Ji-cuadrado (χ²) y la prueba Z. Se observó un elevado porcentaje de individuos parasitados (85,15 por ciento), los protozoarios más frecuentes fueron: Blastocystis hominis (52,47 por ciento), Giardia lamblia (26,73 por ciento) y Entamoeba coli (20,79 por ciento) y entre los helmintos Trichuris trichiura (50,49 por ciento), Ascaris lumbricoides (48,51 por ciento) y Strongyloides stercoralis (7,92 por ciento). Se observó una frecuencia de Rotavirus del 2,86 por ciento y ausencia de infección por Adenovirus. La elevada prevalencia parasitaria demuestra las condiciones de insalubridad de la comunidad, a pesar de ello, lo contrario ocurrió con los virus estudiados. Para Rotavirus quizás influyó la adquisición de anticuerpos a través de la lactancia materna, mientras que para Adenovirus entéricos, probablemente el desarrollo de anticuerpos a edad temprana

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, rotavirus and adenovirus in apparently healthy children, a parasitological study of 101 fecal samples from persons between 2 months and 14 years from both sexes was performed, as well as a virological study of 70 samples of less than 5 years of age. For each fecal specimen, a direct coproparasitological examination was performed, with Formol - Ether concentration and Modified Zielh-Nielsen tincture techniques was made. To determine the Rotavirus and Adenovirus, the immunoenzymatic assay technique (ELISA) was used. The Ji-square (c2) and the Z test were used for statistical analysis. A high percentage of people with parasites was found (85.15 percent). The most frequent protozoan species were: Blastocystis hominis (52.47 percent), Giardia lamblia (26.73. percent) and Entamoeba coli (20.79 percent); among the helminthes were Trichuris trichiura (50.49 percent), Ascaris lumbricoides (48.51 percent) and Strongyloides stercoralis (7.92 percent). Rotavirus frequency was 2.86 percent, while Adenovirus infection was absent. The high prevalence of parasites demonstrates unhealthy conditions in the community; despite these, the opposite occurred regarding the virus being studied. Perhaps the acquisition of antibodies through maternal lactation influenced the Rotovirus percentages, whereas development of antibodies at an early age probably influenced the enteric Adenovirus

Differential expression of STAT5 and Bcl-xL, and high expression of Neu and STAT3 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

Experimental evidence suggests that in lung cancer, development, progression and an increased proliferation rate can be linked to apoptosis-related factors. The objective of this study is to evaluate the status of Neu, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, STAT5 and Bcl-xL expression in non-small-cell lung cancer. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of these proteins in 92 non-small-cell lung cancer specimens to establish their role in lung cancer pathogenesis. Neu was overexpressed in 65% of cases, and although STAT3 was overexpressed in 52.1% in cytoplasm, it was expressed in nucleus (activated) in 60.8%. Meanwhile, STAT5 was found overexpressed in 41.3% in cytoplasm and 32.6% in nucleus. Thus, Bcl-xL was overexpressed in cytoplasm in 81.5%. Interestingly, we found nuclear expression of Bcl-xL in 30.4% of cases. Finally, we found correlation among histological types of lung cancer and nuclear expression of both STAT5 (P=0.005) and nuclear Bcl-xL (P=0.003). Besides, nuclear expression of Bcl-xL was correlated with TNM stage IV (distant metastasis) (P=0.02). These results suggest for the first time, a relevant role for STAT5 and Bcl-xL as apoptosis-regulatory proteins in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, and overexpression of both Neu and activated STAT3, could be related with the proliferation rate in lung carcinoma cells.

[Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children of Yukpa Ethnia in Toromo, Zulia State, Venezuela]. / Prevalencia de enteroparásitos en niños de la etnia Yukpa de Toromo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: Yupkpa community in Perijá Sierra does not have drinking water or sewage elimination systems. Thus it becomes a propitious place for infection with intestinal parasites. AIM: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children, ages 0 to 14 years, in the Yukpa ethnic population of Toromo in the Perijá Mountains, Zulia State, Venezuela. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety one fecal samples were analyzed by the following coproparasitologic methods: saline solution and lugol fresh mount, formalin-ether concentration (Ritchie), and Kinyoun stain for intestinal coccidians. RESULTS: Overall parasite infection prevalence was 83.5%. The most frequently observed parasites were: Ascaris lumbricoides (57.1%), Trichuris trichiura (20.8%), Hymenolepis nana (14.2%), Blastocystis hominis (51.6%), Giardia lamblia (30.7%), and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex (21.9%). Coccidians were nont observed in any of the stool samples. CONCLUSIONS: The large number of infected people is directly related to the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the population studied.

Prevalencia de enteroparásitos en niños de la etnia Yukpa de Toromo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Children of Yukpa Ethnia in Toromo, Zulia State, Venezuela

Background: Yupkpa community in Perijá Sierra does not have drinking water or sewage elimination systems. Thus it becomes a propitious place for infection with intestinal parasites. Aim: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children, ages 0 to 14 years, in the Yukpa ethnic population of Toromo in the Perijá Mountains, Zulia State, Venezuela. Material and Methods: Ninety one fecal samples were analyzed by the following coproparasitologic methods: saline solution and lugol fresh mount, formalin-ether concentration (Ritchie), and Kinyoun stain for intestinal coccidians. Results: Overall parasite infection prevalence was 83.5%. The most frequently observed parasites were: Ascaris lumbricoides (57.1%), Trichuris trichiura (20.8%), Hymenolepis nana (14.2%), Blastocystis hominis (51.6%), Giardia lamblia (30.7%), and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex (21.9%). Coccidians were nont observed in any of the stool samples. Conclusions: The large number of infected people is directly related to the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the population studied.

Anestesia de larga duración (bupivacaína HCL 0.5 por ciento) usada como refuerzo para control del dolor postoperatorio. Efectos sobre el dolor postoperatorio inmediato y de duración media en cirugía ósea periodontal / Long-acting anesthesia (0.5 per cent bupivacaine HLC) used as a reinforcement for postoperative pain control. Its effects on immediate and half term postoperative pain in periodontal surgery

Dos aspectos clínicos principales son atribuidos a los anestésicos de larga duración (ALD): un efecto anestésico más prolongado y un retardo en la aparición del dolor, cuando son comparados con anestésicos convencionales. Atendiendo a esta segunda observación, se diseñó un estudio doble ciego, contrabalanceado, de muestras correlacionadas, usando un segmento de la boca como grupo experimental y otro como grupo control (boca dividida), para analizar la respuesta a la aparición de dolor inmediato y de plazo medio, posterior a la desaparición del efecto de un ALD (bupivacaína), usado a la manera de un refuerzo postoperatorio en pacientes que recibirían cirugía ósea periodontal contralateralmente. El uso postoperatorio del ALD fue establecido para mejor control de su administración y dosificación, así como para superar la aminorada potencia hemostática de su vasoconstrictor, debida a su gran dilución (1:200,000). El uso postoperatorio de bupivacaína produjo, al ser comparado con lidocaína con epinefrina, un mayor tiempo de analgesia operatoria (dolor inmediato), una disminución en el consumo de analgésicos, la duración del dolor postoperatorio fue menor (dolor de plazo medio) y un número mayor de casos sin dolor postoperatorio alguno. Una discreta preferencia por bupivacaína fue expresada por los participantes en el estudio. Interesantemente, el registro de "intensidad dolorosa" (valoración del dolor postoperatorio por un período de 24 horas), no nostró diferencia significativa debido al hecho de que en algunos resultados del grupo experimental mostraron cifras extremas

Enfermedades sistémicas en diabetes mellitus. Prevalencia y significancia clínica en 341 diabéticos de una población de 10.980 pacientes dentales / Systemic diseases in diabetes mellitus. Clinical prevalence and significance in 341 diabetic patients from a population of 10.980 dental patients

De un grupo de 10.980 pacientes entrevistados, 341 fueron identificados como diabéticos tipo I o II. Sus enfermedades sistémicas fueron registradas y comparadas con las del resto de la muestra. Algunas enfermedades, particularmente las cardiovasculares se encontraron incrementadas en los diabéticos. En general los diabéticos tendieron a mostrar cifras más altas de prevalencia que los no diabéticos. Entre los diabéticos, dos diferencias principales fueron encontradas, una mayor prevalencia de desbalances metabólicos en los de tipo I y un aumento de enfermedades vasculares en los de tipo II. Se presenta y son discutidas las tablas de frecuencia para enfermedades individuales y agrupadas

Control infeccioso en el consultorio odontológico. Estudio sobre conocimientos y actitudes / Infection control in the dental office. A study on knowledges and attitudes

Una encuesta fue realizada entre profesionales con más de tres años de ejercicio para ponderar su conocimiento y actitudes sobre el control infeccioso. Los resultados encontrados demuestran que se requiere un mayor conocimiento de los propósitos y recursos que se requieren para la adecuada ejecución de un programa óptimo de control infeccioso. Dos datos fueron claros: conocimiento parcial y falsa seguridad

Control infeccioso en odontología. Segunda parte / Infection control in dentistry. Second part

Se presenta un panorama completo de las medidas de higiene y esterilización que deben ser adoptadas en los lugares donde se llevan a cabo servicios de atención odontológica. Se presenta este breve resumen pues es lectura obligada

Control infeccioso en odontología. Primera parte / Infection control in dentistry. First part

Se presenta un panorama completo de todas aquellas medidas de higiene y esterilización que deben ser adoptadas en todos aquellos lugares donde se llevan a cabo servicios de atención odontológica, este breve resumen es lectura obligada

Significance of an atrial septal aneurysm in the presence of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect. A transesophageal echocardiographic study.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which an atrial septal aneurysm is formed in the presence of an atrial septal defect by characterizing the distinguishing echocardiographic features of atrial septal defects between patients with and without an atrial septal aneurysm. The transesophageal echocardiograms of 30 consecutive patients who underwent surgical closure of a secundum atrial septal defect were compared with those of 8 normal controls. In patients with secundum atrial septal defect, the maximal diameter (mean +/- SD) of the fossa ovalis was 21.73 +/- 3.43 compared to 11.43 +/- 1.00 mm in the control group (p < 0.01). In the 7 (23%) patients with atrial septal aneurysm, the mean maximal diameter of the fossa ovalis was 25.28 +/- 3.03 compared to 20.65 +/- 2.78 mm in those without an atrial septal aneurysm (p < 0.01). The atrial septal defect was smaller in patients with than in those without an atrial septal aneurysm. In 4 patients with atrial septal aneurysm who had a history of a cerebrovascular event, the interatrial communication was only detected by contrast echocardiography. In conclusion, in patients with atrial septal aneurysm, atrial septal defects tend to be smaller but the incidence of cerebrovascular events is greater.