Polypharmacy, functional outcome and treatment effect of intravenous alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Polypharmacy is an important challenge in clinical practice. Our aim was to determine the effect of polypharmacy on functional outcome and treatment effect of alteplase in acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled WAKE-UP trial of magnetic resonance imaging guided intravenous alteplase in unknown onset stroke. Polypharmacy was defined as an intake of five or more medications at baseline. Comorbidities were assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The primary efficacy variable was favourable outcome defined by a score of 0-1 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Logistic regression analysis was used to test for an association of polypharmacy with functional outcome, and for interaction of polypharmacy and the effect of thrombolysis. RESULTS: Polypharmacy was present in 133/503 (26%) patients. Patients with polypharmacy were older (mean age 70 vs. 64 years; p < 0.0001) and had a higher score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at baseline (median 7 vs. 5; p = 0.0007). A comorbidity load defined by a CCI score ≥ 2 was more frequent in patients with polypharmacy (48% vs. 8%; p < 0.001). Polypharmacy was associated with lower odds of favourable outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.85; p = 0.0099), whilst the CCI score was not. Treatment with alteplase was associated with higher odds of favourable outcome in both groups, with no heterogeneity of treatment effect (test for interaction of treatment and polypharmacy, p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: In stroke patients, polypharmacy is associated with worse functional outcome after intravenous thrombolysis independent of comorbidities. However, polypharmacy does not interact with the beneficial effect of alteplase.

18F-FDG PET/CT in staging and delineation of radiotherapy volume for head and neck cancer. / 18F-FDG PET/TC para la estadificación y la delineación del volumen de radioterapia en el cáncer de cabeza y cuello.

PURPOSE: The aim is to investigate the use of 18F-FDG (fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose) PET/CT in head and neck cancer (HNC) staging and its effect on the therapeutic strategy and radiotherapy (RT) planning. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred patients with HNC were included. Primary tumor sites: 18% oral cavity, 20% oropharynx, 12% hypopharynx, 11% nasopharynx, 37% larynx, 2% paranasal sinuses. Patients were staged according to the American Joint Committee of Cancer 7th edition. Stage: 5% stage I, 7% stage II, 14% stage III, 61% stage IVA, 7% stage IVB and 6% stage IVC. A contrast-enhanced CT and a 18F-FDG PET/CT acquired under RT position were performed. Both exams were compared to analyze patients' staging reclassification. Changes in therapeutic strategy were analyzed. RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET/CT detected 6 distant metastases and treatment intention changed to palliative. Eight synchronous tumors were detected; one received palliative treatment. 18F-FDG PET/CT reclassified cTNM staging in 27patients. Tumor extension changed in 28 (14% up-staged; 14% down-staged), implying a change in GTV (Gross Tumor Volume) delineation. Nodal detection was reclassified in 47 patients: 8 patients down-staged (N2C to N2A/N2B/N1) and 2 were false positive. Nineteen patients were false negatives and 5 staged as N+(N1/N2A/N2B) turned out into N2C. These staging modifications imply adapting the nodal volume to be irradiated. CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG PET/CT reclassification was higher than 10% in almost all categories studied (cTNM, tumor extension and nodal disease) and detects more metastases and synchronous tumors than conventional studies, which has an impact on the therapeutic patient management and RT planning.

Síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal: experiencia de 69 casos / Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: experience with 69 cases

La fetoscopia por síndrome de transfusión feto fetal es la cirugía fetal más realizada en el mundo. Los resultados deben ser reportados, para que las pacientes puedan elegir su opción de atención. Objetivo: Determinar los resultados de cirugía fetal en el síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Lugar: Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile. Participantes: Gestantes con gemelares. Intervenciones: La cirugía fetal se realizó con anestesia local, endoscopios Storz de 3,3 mm, específicos para fetoscopia. Principales medidas de resultados: Sobrevida fetal. Resultados: La serie de casos se inició en el año 2005, y hasta la fecha se han realizado 71 cirugías, con 69 que han resuelto su embarazo. Treinta y tres mujeres tuvieron ambos hijos vivos (48%), 25 solo un hijo vivo (36%) y 11 concluyeron sin hijos vivos (16%). Conclusiones: La tasa de embarazos con uno o ambos niños vivos fue 84%, superando 90% en los últimos 30 casos. Hubo 6 pacientes de Perú, de las cuales cuatro tuvieron ambos hijos vivos.

Fetoscopy for fetal-fetal transfusion syndrome is the most frequent fetal surgery performed in the world. The results should be reported, so that the patients can choose their choice of care. Objective: To determine the results of fetal surgery on twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile. Participants: Pregnant women with twins. Interventions: Fetal surgery was performed under local anesthesia, with 3.3mm fetoscopy-specific Storz endoscopes. Main outcome measures: Fetal survival. Results: The series of cases began in the year 2005, and to date 71 surgeries were carried out, with 69 that resolved their pregnancy. Thirty-three women had both living children (48%), 25 only one living child (36%) and 11 concluded without living children (16%). Conclusions: The rate of pregnancies with one or both children born alive was 84%, exceeding 90% in the last 30 cases. There were 6 patients from Peru, of which four had two living children.

Vasa previa y corioamnionitis: imágenes de un riesgo continuo / Vasa previa and chorioamnionitis

We are presenting a case of vasa previa diagnosed at 22 week’s gestation and then she started with threatened premature labor on week 27th.In spite of attempted tocolysis, labor continued to painless fully dilatation, spontaneous rupture of membranes, umbilical cord prolapse and unexpectedvaginal delivery of a 760 g baby in good conditions. Gross placental examination was in agreement with ultrasound findings and microscopic study demonstrated chorioamnionitis and funisitis associated to vasa previa and prematurity. We consider series of facts that happened in this case as a continuous risk condition from the morbidity to the epilog like “near miss perinatal case”. We discuss the importance of chance in the resultand we think that the preventive intervention was in the medical management and not in the attention system.

Se presenta un caso clínico de vasa previa diagnosticada con ultrasonido a las 22 semanas que evolucionó con amenaza de parto prematuro en semana 27. Pese a la frenación inicial se produjodilatación completa en forma silenciosa, rotura de membranas, procidencia de cordón y parto vaginal sorpresivo de un prematuro de 760 gramos que tuvoevolución favorable. El examen macroscópico placentario fue concordante con las imágenes observadas con ultrasonido y el estudio histológico confirmó corioamnionitis y funisitis asociadas a la vasa previa y la prematurez. La interpretación de la secuencia de eventos es de un riesgo continuo desde su inicio como morbilidad y su epílogo de probable mortalidad perinatal (“near miss”).Se discute la importancia del azar en la evolución y se concluye que una intervención preventiva estuvo en el ámbito del manejo médico y no en el sistema de atención.

Spinal arachnoid cyst as an infrequent cause of spinal cord compression.

Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare lesions that may produce symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. MRI is essential for diagnosing this entity. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts, radiological examinations, and follow-up data of four adults with spinal arachnoid cysts diagnosed in our center over a two-year period (2007-2009). All cysts were located in the thoracic spine. Three were dorsolateral to the spinal cord and one was ventral. Most had multiple septa but one had a single septum. Cyst size varied greatly; one cyst extended through eight vertebral bodies. One patient treated expectantly died of cardiovascular problems one year after the cyst was diagnosed. The other three patients underwent laminectomy and cyst fenestration; two had clinical and imaging signs of relapse after surgery. One of the patients with a relapsed cyst worsened clinically, developing syringomyelia and requiring reintervention with shunting to the subarachnoid space. The outcome of the operation was good in the case of the single septum. Spinal arachnoid cyst is uncommon. Its diagnosis is complex because the symptoms are unspecific and the imaging findings are subtle. Spinal arachnoid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic paraparesis. Imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis, follow-up and management of spinal arachnoid cysts.

Resultados actualizados en el tratamiento por fetoscopía del síndrome de transfusión feto fetal en Clínica Alemana de Santiago / Results in fetoscopy-guided treatment of twin to twin transfusion syndrome in Clinica Alemana

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome diagnosed before 26 weeks has 90 percent mortality and occurs in 15 percent of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Treatment is complex as a screening program, referral, complex surgical procedure and specialized perinatal care are required. The objective is to report the recent results in fetoscopy-guided treatment of TTTS cases in Clínica Alemana. Results: 18 new cases were treated in the latest 2 years, in a series of 36 cases from 2005. Survival of one or both twins was 72.8 percent in the first 18 cases, and 77.8 percent in the latest 18 cases. The number of cases with both survivors increased from 5/18 to 7/18. Conclusions: The outcome was similar to that reported from international series. The results are better in the later cases, according to the increasing experience in our center.

Antecedentes: El Síndrome de Transfusión Feto Fetal (STFF) diagnosticado antes de las 26 semanas tiene una mortalidad de 90 por ciento y se afecta el 15 por ciento de los gemelares monocoriales. El manejo es complejo dado que requiere un proceso de diagnostico en los centros de atención, un proceso de derivación, la cirugía y el manejo perinatal especializado posterior. Objetivo: Actualizar el resultado del tratamiento por fetoscopía en Clínica Alemana de Santiago (CAS) en los casos recientemente tratados. Resultados: Desde 2005 hasta la fecha se han tratado 36 casos con sus embarazos resueltos. La sobrevida de al menos un feto fue 77,8 por ciento en los últimos 18 casos, mostrando una mejora en relación a los primeros (72,8 por ciento). El número de embarazos con ambos fetos vivos aumento de 5 a 7. Conclusiones: El resultado materno-perinatal es similar a las series internacionales y muestran una mejora progresiva en la sobrevida en la serie tratada. Los resultados favorables se mantienen a largo plazo y se consolidan en beneficio de las pacientes.

Utilidad de la ultrasonografía en el diagnóstico de la torsión anexial (TA): revisión / Usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion: review

Adnexal torsion is a gynecological emergency caused by the twisting of the ovary on its pedicle, causing lymphatic and venous stasis later in the evolution ischemia and necrosis when left untreated. There is no specific clinical sign or manifestation, nor any sensitive biochemical marker available for diagnosing adnexal torsion or ischemia. The best imaging tool in the diagnosis of torsion is the gynecologic ultrasound. The purpose of this review is to gather the ultrasound signs (coiling, whirlpool, ovary size, Doppler, etc.) found to make the diagnosis of this pathology easier.

La torsión anexial es una emergencia ginecológica causada por la torsión del ovario sobre el pedículo, lo que lleva a estasia linfática y venosa, más tarde en la evolución isquemia y necrosis, cuando no es tradada. No hay signos ni manifestaciones específicas, no hay marcadores bioquímicos para el diagnóstico de torsión anexial o isquemia. La mejor herramienta, en cuanto a exámenes de imágenes, es la ecografía ginecológica. El propósito de esta revisión es recolectar los hallazgos ecográficos (enbobinado, remolino, tamaño ovárico, Doppler, etc.) encontrados en la torsión para hacer más fácil el diagnóstico de esta patología.

Comparative study of whole-body MRI and bone scintigraphy for the detection of bone metastases.

AIM: To assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scintigraphy in the detection of metastases to bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty randomly selected patients with known malignant tumours were prospectively studied using bone scintigraphy and whole-body MRI. Two patients were excluded. Symptoms of bone metastasis were present in 29 (76%) patients and absent in nine (24%). Findings were classified into four categories according to the probability of bone metastasis: (1) negative, (2) probably negative, (3) probably positive, and (4) positive. Diagnostic accuracy was determined according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The definitive diagnosis was reached using other imaging techniques, biopsy, or 12 months clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Metastases were present in 18 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 94, 90, and 92%, respectively, for whole-body MRI and 72, 75, and 74%, respectively, for bone scintigraphy. Diagnostic accuracy measured by the area under the ROC curve was significantly higher for whole-body MRI (96%) than for bone scintigraphy (77%; p<0.05). Interobserver agreement measured by the kappa index was significantly higher for whole-body MRI (0.895) than for bone scintigraphy (0.524; p<0.05). Whole-body MRI detected lesions in tissues other than bone in 17 (45%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body MRI is more accurate and more objective than bone scintigraphy for the detection of bone metastases. Whole-body MRI can also detect lesions in tissues other than bone.

[Intraventricular fibrous tumor: a case report]. / Tumor fibroso intraventricular: a propósito de un caso.

Solitary fibrous tumor was first reported in the pleura; however, it has since been reported in many other locations. Solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system are uncommon and the intraventricular location is exceptional. To our knowledge, only eight cases of intraventricular solitary fibrous tumor have been reported. We describe a case of intraventricular solitary fibrous tumor.The imaging characteristics of intraventricular solitary fibrous tumors are nonspecific; the differential diagnosis should include other tumors that can affect the ventricular system such as meningioma, high grade glioma, metastasis, subependymoma, choroid plexus papilloma, ependymoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, and neurocytoma. At histological study, immunohistochemical techniques allow solitary fibrous tumor to be differentiated from fibrous meningioma and hemangiopericytoma.

Diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficients to differentiate benign from malignant vertebral bone marrow lesions.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained in diffusion-weighted (DW) MR sequences for the differentiation between malignant and benign bone marrow lesions. METHOD: Forty-five patients with altered signal intensity vertebral bodies on conventional MR sequences were included. The cause of altered signal intensity was benign osteoporotic collapse in 16, acute neoplastic infiltration in 15, and infectious processes in 14; based on plain-film, CT, bone scintigraphy, conventional MR studies, biopsy or follow-up. All patients underwent isotropic DW MR images (multi-shot EPI, b values of 0 and 500 s/mm(2)). Signal intensity at DW MR images was evaluated and ADC values were calculated and compared between malignancy, benign edema and infectious spondylitis. RESULTS: Acute malignant fractures were hyperintense compared to normal vertebral bodies on the diffusion-weighted sequence, except in one patient with sclerotic metastases. Mean ADC value from benign edema (1.9+/-0.39 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) was significantly (p<0.0001) higher than untreated metastasic lesions (0.9+/-1.3 x 10(-3)mm (2)/s). Mean ADC value of infectious spondilytis (0.96+/-0.49 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) was not statistically (p>0.05) different from untreated metastasic lesions. ADC value was low (0.75 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) in one case of subacute benign fracture. CONCLUSIONS: ADC values are a useful complementary tool to characterize bone marrow lesions, in order to distinguish acute benign fractures from malignant or infectious bone lesions. However, ADC values are not valuable in order to differentiate malignancy from infection.

Tratamiento por fetoscopia del síndrome de transfusión feto fetal en Clínica Alemana de Santiago / Fetoscopy guided laser coagulation for twin to twin transfusion syndrome

Antecedentes: El síndrome de transfusión feto fetal (STFF) afecta el 15 por ciento de los gemelares monocoriales y tiene una mortalidad de 90 por ciento cuando se diagnostica antes de las 26 semanas. Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado perinatal mediante fotocoagulación con láser por fetoscopia, de las anastomosis vasculares placentarias en pacientes con STFF. Método: Fotocoagulación láser por fetoscopia de 18 casos de SFF tratados en Clínica Alemana de Santiago entre los años 2005-2008. Resultados: 72,8 por ciento de los embarazos concluyeron con al menos un niño vivo. No se requirió una nueva fetoscopia en ningún caso. No hubo rotura de membranas posprocedimiento en pacientes previamente asintomáticas. No se ha presentado daño neurológico en los niños sobrevivientes. Conclusiones: El resultado materno-perinatal es similar a las series internacionales y demuestra la factibilidad de este procedimiento de ser realizado en nuestro país por profesionales capacitados.

Background: Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs in 15 percent of monochorionic twins and has a 90 percent mortality when diagnosed before 26 weeks. Objective: To evaluated the perinatal outcome following fetoscopy guided laser coagulation of placental anatomoses. Method: Retrospective analysis of 18 cases treated in Clinica Alemana, between 2005 and 2008. Results: 72.8 percent of the pregnancies had at least one survivor at neonatal discharge. No case needed a second fetoscopy. There was no rupture of the membranes in patients without symptoms before surgery. There were no neurological sequels in survivors. Conclusions: The maternal and perinatal outcome is similar to international series and demonstrates feasibility in our country by experienced operators.

High plasma glutamate concentrations are associated with infarct growth in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxic and inflammatory mechanisms have been demonstrated as mediating early neurologic deterioration (END) in patients with cerebral infarction. Here we investigate whether molecular markers associated with END are related to the volume and outcome of the diffusion weighted image (DWI) lesion in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: MRI was performed on admission and at 72 hours in 197 patients with acute hemispheric infarction of <12 hours' duration. DWI lesion enlargement was calculated as the absolute difference between volumes on admission and day 3 of evolution. NIH Stroke Scale was scored at the same intervals. END was defined as an increase >/=4 points within the 3 days. Glutamate, l-arginine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were analyzed in blood samples obtained on admission. RESULTS: DWI lesion growth was found in 144 (73%) patients (median increase 38 [6.5, 83.4] cm(3)) and END occurred in 58 (29.4%) patients. Baseline glutamate (r = 0.71), l-arginine (r = -0.35), and IL-6 levels (r = 0.50) showed a high and significant correlation with the DWI lesion enlargement (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, glutamate levels were the only molecular marker associated with DWI lesion enlargement at 72 hours (beta = 0.21; SD = 0.07; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Molecular markers of early neurologic deterioration may play a role as mediators of lesion growth in cerebral ischemia. Plasma glutamate concentration is the most powerful and independent predictor biomarker of lesion enlargement in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, and so may well be useful as a signature of tissue at risk of infarction.

Curvas de biometría fetal con edad gestacional determinada por ecografía de primer trimestre: Clínica Alemana de Santiago / Ultrasound fetal biometry charts: Clinica Alemana of Santiago, Chile

Antecedentes: La gran mayoría de las curvas ultrasonográficas de crecimiento intrauterino han sido basadas en una edad gestacional (EG) determinada por fecha de última menstruación segura y confiable, la que es discordante con la ecografía de primer trimestre hasta en un 20 por ciento. Objetivo: Presentación de un normograma para diámetro biparietal (DBP), circunferencia abdominal (CA) y fémur (F), en embarazos únicos con EG calculada por ecografía de primer trimestre. Métodos: En la Unidad de Ultrasonografía de la Clínica Alemana de Santiago, durante 2000 y 2004, se analizaron todos los embarazos simples con ecografía de primer trimestre, definida por embrión vivo, único, con longitud céfalo-nalgas entre 3 y 84 mm. Se revisaron todos los informes ecográficos realizados durante el mismo embarazo, con informe de DBP, CA y F. Se seleccionaron 4.762 ecografías realizadas a 2.614 embarazadas. Se comparó los resultados con curvas de referencia nacional e internacional. Resultados: El DBP de nuestra población a las 22 semanas es significativamente mayor que las publicadas por Chitty y Vaccaro, y similares a las de Kurmanavicius y Snijders; mientras que la CA es mayor y el fémur es similar a las demás curvas de referencia. Conclusión: Las curvas obtenidas y determinadas por la ecografía de primer trimestre son diferentes con las curvas de referencias comparadas. Esto deberá considerarse dado que la ecografía precoz para el cálculo de la edad gestacional se ha generalizado en la práctica obstétrica actual.

Background: Several reference charts for fetal biometry are published in the literature. The choice may affect directly on diagnosis of IUGR. Most of these charts defined gestational age by last menstrual period (LMP), nevertheless, LMP has shown to be discordant with first trimester biometry in up to 20 percent of the cases in the best of clinical situations. Objective: To build a normogram of fetal biometry based on first trimester CRL and not on LMP. Methods: Between 2000 and 2004, 20400 scans were performed. First trimester CRL was used for dating second and third trimester biometries. 4762 scans in 2614 pregnant women were used to build our normal biometry charts. Our results were compared to other reference charts. Results: BDP at 22 weeks'GA form our population was significantly greater than that from Chitty and Vaccaro and similar to Kurmanavicius y Snijders. The AC of our population was greater and FL was similar to those of reference charts. Conclusion: The fetal biometry of our population was statistically different from that of local and international reference charts. This is important as gestational age is determined by first trimester ultrasound for obstetrical use.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: CT and MRI findings.

We report a rare case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a 31-year-old man. CT examination showed a mixed soft tissue mass with small calcifications near the right TMJ joint space. MR images revealed a heterogeneous mass on the different sequences and, after contrast administration, originating in the right TMJ. Cytology showed chondroid cellularity. The lesion was surgically removed and final histological study demonstrated the diagnosis of a synovial chondromatosis. We highlight the importance of the complementary findings from CT and MR, especially the important specific feature described for TMJ synovial chondromatosis related to the mixed density within the mass, in order to perform an accurate preoperative diagnosis whenever there is an absence of ossified loose bodies.

Prevalencia de procedimientos invasivos en una población chilena usuaria de métodos de cribado y diagnóstico prenatal / Prevalence of invasive procedures in a chilean population users of screening and prenatal diagnosis methods

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia del uso de procedimientos invasivos prenatales en una población chilena con cribado y diagnóstico de alteraciones morfológicas y/o cromosómicas. Método: Estudio descriptivo en 17.906 embarazadas entre junio de 2000 y octubre de 2006, a las cuales se les realizó cribado ecográfico de aneuploidia y malformaciones congénitas durante el primer y segundo trimestre. Las pacientes fueron informadas y aconsejadas acerca de las implicancias de dichos procedimientos. Los procedimientos efectuados fueron la biopsia de vellosidades coriales (BVC), amniocentesis (AMCT) y cordocentesis. Se calculó la prevalencia y las indicaciones de dichos procedimientos. Resultados:Se realizaron 81 procedimientos invasivos (0,45 por ciento). Las BVC representaron un 43,3 por ciento, las AMCT el 37,0 por ciento y las cordocentesis un 19,7 por ciento. Las principales motivaciones para realizarse un estudio invasivo fueron malformaciones congénitas (48,1 por ciento) y aumento del riesgo de aneuploidia (40,7 por ciento). Los cariotipos alterados fueron 43,2 por ciento del total de los procedimientos, encontrándose 29 por ciento de trisomías 21, 46 por ciento de trisomías 18 y 13 y 20 por ciento de síndrome de Turner. Conclusión: La prevalencia de procedimientos invasivos fue 10 veces inferior a la descrita en países donde el aborto es legal, y aproximadamente la mitad de ellos resultaron alterados. En nuestra población utilizando una asesoría adecuada, la principal motivación para realizarse un procedimiento invasivo fue el mejor manejo obstétrico del embarazo y, secundariamente, la posibilidad de contar con una mejor información sobre la salud del hijo no nacido.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and indications of invasive procedures in a population without termination of pregnancy. Method: This descriptive study was performed in pregnant women who had either assessment of risk for chromosomal abnormalities during the first and second trimester of pregnancy or detection of soft markers or structural defects at any gestational age from June 2000 to October 2006. The patients were counseled with regards their estimated risk, and were informed about invasive diagnostic tests. The invasive testing offered were chorion villous sampling (CVS), amniocentesis (AMCT) and fetal blood sampling (FBS). The prevalence of invasive testing was calculated and its causes analyzed according to the type of screening test. Results: Ultrasound was carried out in 17,906 pregnant women, being 70 percent performed either during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Eighty one invasive procedures were performed (0.45 percent). CVS accounted for 43.3 percent, AMCT for 37.0 percent and FBS for 19.7 percent. The main motivation for opting for invasive testing was fetal abnormalities (48.1 percent) and increased risk of chromosomal anormalities (40.7 percent). Abnormal fetal kaiyotypes were 43.2 percent, being 29 percent Down's syndrome, 46 percent Edwards and Pateau's syndromes, and 20 percent Turner syndrome. Conclusion:Jhe low frequency of invasive procedures observed in this population might be an expression of our social, cultural and legal characteristics, but it is also a demonstration of pragmatic and ethically rational decisions about invasive testing for chromosomal abnormalities.

Impétigo herpetiforme recurrente: manejo exitoso con ciclosporina / Recurrent impetigo herpetiformis: Successfully managed with ciclosporine. Report of one case

Impetigo Herpetiformis is a high-risk gestational skin disease that represents a risk for both the mother and offspring. Its management is based on multisystemic support and maternal steroid therapy. When these measures are insufficient to control the disease, the association of ciclosporine to the treatment has been proposed. We report a 24 year-old woman with a 16 weeks pregnancy, that presented with Impetigo Herpetiformis. The disease was refractory to the use of steroids, the patient had a metabolic decompensation and a dehydration with electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, treatment with ciclosporine was initiated and a rapid regression of the lesions was observed. Gestation was maintained, with a good perinatal outcome.

Actualización en el diagnóstico y manejo de alteraciones hematológicas del feto / Updating in the diagnose and management of hematologic alterations of the fetus

Presentamos una revisión de la literatura de los problemas hematológicos del feto más relevantes, con especial enfoque del diagnóstico y tratamiento prenatal.

[Infiltration of the optic nerve by lymphoma. Diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging]. / Infiltración del nervio óptico por linfoma. Diagnóstico por resonancia magnética.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic lymphoma with meningeal involvement is frequent and diagnosis is based on the clinical features, the study of the cerebrospinal fluid and evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lymphoma with involvement of the orbitary region is more frequent in the optic nerve (ON) than of the eye itself. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a patient with diffuse non Hodgkin gastric lymphoma of the large B cell type, which coursed with amaurosis, exophthalmus and signs of tumorous meningeal involvement. The ophthalmologic study revealed a thrombosis in the central retinal vein. The MRI exploration only showed an infiltration of the ON with no pathological meningeal enhancement. ON involvement consisted in a peripheral enhancement of the sheath with obliteration of the subarachnoid space. This pattern accounts for the existence of an ischemic neuropathy by direct compression over the central retinal vein and artery. There are different anatomopathologic or ophthalmologic studies of neuropathy of the ON by lymphoma in the literature, but there is only one case of diagnosis by MRI. CONCLUSIONS: ON involvement can be the only radiological sign in cases of neoplastic tumours with meningeal involvement. The radiological pattern consists in a peripheral infiltration of the sheath of the ON.