Low rCBV values in glioblastoma tumor progression under chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: After standard treatment for glioblastoma, perfusion MRI remains challenging for differentiating tumor progression from post-treatment changes. Our objectives were (1) to correlate rCBV values at diagnosis and at first tumor progression and (2) to analyze the relationship of rCBV values at tumor recurrence with enhancing volume, localization of tumor progression, and time elapsed since the end of radiotherapy in tumor recurrence. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were (1) age > 18 years, (2) histologically confirmed glioblastoma treated with STUPP regimen, and (3) tumor progression according to RANO criteria > 12 weeks after radiotherapy. Co-registration of segmented enhancing tumor VOIs with dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI was performed using Olea Sphere software. For tumor recurrence, we correlated rCBV values with enhancing tumor volume, with recurrence localization, and with time elapsed from the end of radiotherapy to progression. Analyses were performed with SPSS software. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients with glioblastoma were included in the study. Changes in rCBV values between diagnosis and first tumor progression were significant (p < 0.001), with a mean and median decreases of 32% and 46%, respectively. Mean rCBV values were also different (p < 0.01) when tumors progressed distally (radiation field rCBV values of 1.679 versus 3.409 distally). However, changes and, therefore, low rCBV values after radiotherapy in tumor recurrence were independent of time. CONCLUSION: Chemoradiation alters tumor perfusion and rCBV values may be decreased in the setting of tumor progression. Changes in rCBV values with respect to diagnosis, with low rCBV in tumor progression, are independent of time but related to the site of recurrence.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Achilles tendon rupture]. / Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas de la ruptura de tendón de Aquiles.

INTRODUCTION: The rupture of the Achilles tendon is one of the most frequent of the lower limb, the increase in its incidence invites to evaluate its associated characteristics that act as triggers or as risk factors. METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, based on clinical history data, using mean, standard deviation and percentages. RESULTS: We evaluated 49 patients: males 83.7%, administrative profession 46.9%, sport injury 61.2% (soccer 38.8%). 75.5% were acute injuries, affecting the left tendon (57.1%). The most referred symptom is sudden pain (95.9%) and the most common sign is Thompson's (89.8%). Ultrasonography was used in 42.9%. 95.5% received treatment by open surgery and spinal anesthesia 85.1%. Intraoperatively they reported complete rupture 95.7%, at 2-5 cm insertion 66%, 98% of them had no associated injuries. The repair was simple tenorrhaphy with Kessler's point (51%) and Vycril as suture material (95.7%). Immobilization was performed with warm-pedium plaster (98%) for a period of 6-8 weeks (91.9%). Surgical waiting was 3.6 days and hospital stay 4.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: Achilles tendon rupture occurred more frequently in sedentary males between 29-48 years, acute presentation in sports activity, affecting the left tendon. Most were complete ruptures located between 2-5 cm from its insertion, performing simple tenorrhaphy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles es una de las más frecuentes del miembro inferior, el aumento de su incidencia invita a evaluar sus características asociadas que actúan como desencadenantes o como factores de riesgo. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, según datos de historias clínicas, utilizando media, desviación estándar y porcentajes. RESULTADOS: Evaluamos 49 pacientes: varones 83.7%, profesión administrativa 46.9%, 61.2% lesión de deporte (fútbol 38.8%). De las lesiones, 75.5% fueron agudas afectando el tendón izquierdo (57.1%). El síntoma más referido fue dolor súbito (95.9%) y el signo más encontrado fue el de Thompson (89.8%). Se usó ecografía en 42.9%. Recibieron tratamiento por cirugía abierta 95.5% y anestesia espinal 85.1%. Intraoperatoriamente reportaron ruptura completa 95.7%, a 2-5 cm de inserción 66%, 98% de ellas no presentaron lesiones asociadas. La reparación fue tenorrafía simple con punto de Kessler (51%) y vycril como material de sutura (95.7%). Se realizó inmovilización con yeso tibio-pedio (98%) por lapso de seis a ocho semanas (91.9%). La espera quirúrgica fue 3.6 días y la estancia hospitalaria 4.9 días. CONCLUSIONES: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles se observó con mayor frecuencia en varones sedentarios entre 29-48 años, presentación aguda en actividad deportiva afectando el tendón izquierdo. La mayoría fueron rupturas completas ubicadas entre 2-5 cm de su inserción, realizando tenorrafía simple.

Pancreatic cancer prognosis is predicted by an ATAC-array technology for assessing chromatin accessibility.

Unlike other malignancies, therapeutic options in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are largely limited to cytotoxic chemotherapy without the benefit of molecular markers predicting response. Here we report tumor-cell-intrinsic chromatin accessibility patterns of treatment-naïve surgically resected PDAC tumors that were subsequently treated with (Gem)/Abraxane adjuvant chemotherapy. By ATAC-seq analyses of EpCAM+ PDAC malignant epithelial cells sorted from 54 freshly resected human tumors, we show here the discovery of a signature of 1092 chromatin loci displaying differential accessibility between patients with disease free survival (DFS) < 1 year and patients with DFS > 1 year. Analyzing transcription factor (TF) binding motifs within these loci, we identify two TFs (ZKSCAN1 and HNF1b) displaying differential nuclear localization between patients with short vs. long DFS. We further develop a chromatin accessibility microarray methodology termed "ATAC-array", an easy-to-use platform obviating the time and cost of next generation sequencing. Applying this methodology to the original ATAC-seq libraries as well as independent libraries generated from patient-derived organoids, we validate ATAC-array technology in both the original ATAC-seq cohort as well as in an independent validation cohort. We conclude that PDAC prognosis can be predicted by ATAC-array, which represents a low-cost, clinically feasible technology for assessing chromatin accessibility profiles.

Heterogeneous ozone effects on the DNA methylome of bronchial cells observed in a crossover study.

We used a randomized crossover experiment to estimate the effects of ozone (vs. clean air) exposure on genome-wide DNA methylation of target bronchial epithelial cells, using 17 volunteers, each randomly exposed on two separated occasions to clean air or 0.3-ppm ozone for two hours. Twenty-four hours after exposure, participants underwent bronchoscopy to collect epithelial cells whose DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina 450 K platform. We performed global and regional tests examining the ozone versus clean air effect on the DNA methylome and calculated Fisher-exact p-values for a series of univariate tests. We found little evidence of an overall effect of ozone on the DNA methylome but some suggestive changes in PLSCR1, HCAR1, and LINC00336 DNA methylation after ozone exposure relative to clean air. We observed some participant-to-participant heterogeneity in ozone responses.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic vacuum therapy for the treatment of perforations and anastomotic leaks of the upper gastrointestinal tract. / Eficacia y seguridad de la terapia de vacío endoscópica para el tratamiento de perforaciones y dehiscencias anastomóticas del tracto digestivo superior.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) in the management of perforations and anastomotic leaks of the upper gastrointestinal tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study which included patients who underwent EVT due to any upper gastrointestinal defect between April 2017 and February 2019 in three Spanish Hospitals. To this end, we used the only medical device approved to date for endoscopic use (Eso-SPONGEr; B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany). RESULTS: 11 patients were referred for EVT of an anastomotic leak after esophagectomy (n=7), gastrectomy (n=2), esophageal perforation secondary to endoscopic Zenker's septomiotomy (n=1) and Boerhaave syndrome (n=1). The median size of the cavity was 8×3cm. The median delay between surgery and EVT was 7 days. The median of EVT duration was 28 days. The median number of sponges used was 7 and the mean period replacement was 3.7 days. In 10 cases (91%), the defect was successfully closed. In 9 cases (82%) clinical resolution of the septic condition was achieved. 5 patients presented some adverse event: 3 anastomotic strictures, 1 retropharyngeal pain and 1 case of new-onset pneumonia. The median hospital stay from the start of EVT was 45 days. 1 patient died owing to septic complications secondary to the anastomotic leak. CONCLUSION: EVT was successful in over 90% of perforations and anastomotic leaks of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, this is a safe therapy with only mild adverse events associated.

Isolation of a novel intertypic recombinant human mastadenovirus B2 from two unrelated bone marrow transplant recipients.

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are well-known opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients but specific associations between HAdV species or individual HAdV types and disease are poorly understood. In this study we report the isolation of a novel HAdV-B2 genotype from two unrelated immunocompromised patients, both recipients of a hematopoietic cell transplant. In both patients, the course of HAdV infection is consistent with a scenario of reactivation of a latent virus rather than a primary opportunistic infection. Archived HAdV PCR-positive plasma, urine, and stool specimens were processed for virus isolation and detailed molecular characterization. Virus isolates were recovered from patient 1 from PCR-positive urine specimens obtained at days 103 and 116 after transplant in association with gross hematuria, and from a stool specimen obtained 138 days after transplant in association with diarrhea. An isolate was recovered from patient 2 from a PCR-positive urine specimen. Hexon and fiber gene amplification and sequencing were carried out for initial molecular typing, identifying the isolates as an intertypic recombinant with a HAdV-11-like hexon gene and a HAdV-77-like fiber gene. Comprehensive restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed on viral DNA purified from urine and stool isolates, and next generation whole genome sequencing was carried out on purified viral genomic DNA. The genomes of the two isolated strains are 99.5% identical and represent the same RFLP genomic variant. The identified virus is a novel HAdV-B2 genotype designated HAdV-78 exhibiting a HAdV-11-like penton base, a HAdV-11-like hexon and a HAdV-77-like fiber (P11H11F77).

The Salivary Mycobiome Contains 2 Ecologically Distinct Mycotypes.

A broad range of fungi has been detected in molecular surveys of the oral mycobiome. However, knowledge is still lacking on interindividual variability of these communities and the ecologic and clinical significance of oral fungal commensals. In this cross-sectional study, we use internal transcribed spacer 1 amplicon sequencing to evaluate the salivary mycobiome in 59 subjects, 36 of whom were scheduled to receive cancer chemotherapy. Analysis of the broad population structure of fungal communities in the whole cohort identified 2 well-demarcated genus-level community types (mycotypes), with Candida and Malassezia as the main taxa driving cluster partitioning. The Candida mycotype had lower diversity than the Malassezia mycotype and was positively correlated with cancer and steroid use in these subjects, smoking, caries, utilizing a removable prosthesis, and plaque index. Mycotypes were also associated with metabolically distinct bacteria indicative of divergent oral environments, with aciduric species enriched in the Candida mycotype and inflammophilic bacteria increased in the Malassezia mycotype. Similar to their fungal counterparts, coexisting bacterial communities associated with the Candida mycotype showed lower diversity than those associated with the Malassezia mycotype, suggesting that common environmental pressures affected bacteria and fungi. Mycotypes were also seen in an independent cohort of 24 subjects, in which cultivation revealed Malassezia as viable oral mycobiome members, although the low-abundance Malassezia sympodialis was the only Malassezia species recovered. There was a high degree of concordance between the molecular detection and cultivability of Candida, while cultivation showed low sensitivity for detection of the Malassezia mycotype. Overall, our work provides insights into the oral mycobiome landscape, revealing 2 community classes with apparently distinct ecologic constraints and specific associations with coexisting bacteria and clinical parameters. The utility of mycotypes as biomarkers for oral diseases warrants further study.

Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary - A case report and literature review.

We present the case of a 27-year old female with an ovarian tumor and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) of 1210 ng/m, a right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and had conservative complementary staging by gynecologic oncologists. The histopathological report was primary hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO), clinical stage IA, complementary treatment was adjuvant chemotherapy with BEP and remains clinical, imaging and biochemically disease free in three years follow up.

Avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la porfiria intermitente aguda / Advances in diagnosis and treatment of acute intermittent porphyria

Resumen: La porfiria intermitente aguda es la más frecuente de las porfirias hepáticas agudas. Ésta es causada por mutaciones de herencia autosómica dominante en el gen HMBS, que generan déficit de la enzima porfobilinógeno desaminasa en la vía biosintética del grupo hemo. Se caracteriza por síntomas neuroviscerales potencialmente letales, que incluyen dolor abdominal, vómito, estreñimiento, debilidad muscular, convulsiones. Estos ataques son desencadenados por medicamentos, ayuno, alcohol, cambios hormonales, estrés, entre otros. Su tratamiento incluye altas cargas de carbohidratos, hemina intravenosa y soporte médico. Algunos pacientes que padecen ataques agudos recurrentes pueden requerir hemina profiláctica o análogos de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina. El trasplante hepático está indicado para los pacientes resistentes a esos tratamientos. Las complicaciones crónicas de la enfermedad incluyen carcinoma hepatocelular, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad renal crónica y dolor crónico.

Abstract: Acute intermittent porphyria is the most frequent of the acute hepatic porphyrias. This is caused by mutations of autosomal dominant inheritance in the HMBS gene, which generate a deficiency of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase in the biosynthetic pathway of the heme group. It is characterized by potentially life-threatening neurovisceral symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness and seizures. Such attacks are triggered by medications, fasting, alcohol, hormonal changes, stress, among others. Its treatment includes high carbohydrate loads, intravenous hemin, and medical support. Some patients who develop recurrent acute attacks may require prophylactic hemin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients refractory to those treatments. Chronic complications of the disease include hepatocellular carcinoma, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic pain.

Review article: the diagnostic approach and current management of chylous ascites.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. An appropriate and stepwise approach to its diagnosis and management is of key importance. AIM: To review the current diagnostic approach and management of chylous ascites. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed using the key words 'chylous', 'ascites', 'cirrhosis', 'pathophysiology', 'nutritional therapy', 'paracentesis", "transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt" and "TIPSS'. Only articles in English were included. RESULTS: Chylous ascites is caused by the traumatic or obstructive disruption of the lymphatic system that leads to extravasation of thoracic or intestinal lymph into the abdominal space and the accumulation of a milky fluid rich in triglycerides. The most common causes are malignancy, cirrhosis and trauma after abdominal surgery. This condition can lead to chyle depletion, which results in nutritional, immunologic and metabolic deficiencies. An ascitic triglyceride concentration above 200 mg/dL is consistent with chylous ascites. Treatment is based on management of the underlying cause and nutritional support. CONCLUSIONS: Chylous ascites is mostly due to malignancy and cirrhosis in adults, and congenital lymphatic disorders in children. Treatment with nutritional optimization and management of the underlying etiology are the cornerstones of therapy. When conservative measures fail, other interventions such as octreotide/somatostatin analogues, surgical ligation, embolization and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis can be considered.

Autecology, feeding preferences and reproductive biology of Chorthippus (Glyptobothrus) vagans (Eversmann, 1848) (Orthoptera: Gomphocerinae) in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Chorthippus vagans is a common species of Gomphocerinae (Orthoptera) on the Iberian Peninsula. It is endangered in Central Europe where information about its ecological requirements is available; however, aspects of its biology are almost unknown in Mediterranean ecosystems, where it is widespread and common. The focus of this study was to determine how C. vagans adjusts its biology to environmental features of this ecosystem and to interpret how it may be affected by the ecological changes related to the re-vegetation programme linked to the construction of the Breña dam (SW Spain). The research parameters included the autoecology, feeding response and some aspects of reproduction of this species in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. To determine the local distribution and phenology of C. vagans, monthly samplings were conducted (2007-2010) in 12 sampling plots. For the food selection tests, ten nymphs and ten adults were placed individually in insectaries under controlled conditions. Grasses (Lolium sp.) and shrubs (Cistus sp.) were supplied ad libitum in two types of tests, monospecific and mixed diet. The reproductive biology was analysed by both observations of anatomical structures (integument, bristles, tibial spines, tarsal claws and mandibles) and ovarian dissections of 29 females and in laboratory rearing experiments with 15 pairs of adults. The results indicate that C. vagans shows an extended activity period which peaks at the end of summer. It is a polyphagous grasshopper, although adults show a slight preference for grasses. In addition, it is a univoltine species with spring-summer breeding activity.

[Quality of life in patients diagnosed of prostate cancer treated with continuous androgen deprivation therapy vs. intermittent therapy]. / Calidad de vida de pacientes con cáncer de próstata en tratamiento con bloqueo androgénico continuo vs intermitente.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with prosta-te cancer, with the same oncologic results as continuous androgen deprivation (CAD). The aim of this paper is to compare, using the CAVIPRES questionnaire, the quality of life between two groups of patients, one treated with CAD and the other with IAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed for 24 months involving 114 patients. After 6 months, patients were randomized to two treatment groups (49 patients in CAD and 51 patients in IAD), controlled at 6, 12 and 18 months from randomisation. The score of the items and the overall score of the CAVIPRES questionnaire between the two groups was compared and their variation over time was studied. RESULTS: Patients with IAD had a better overall score than patients with CAD (p=0.002). Of the 5 blocks of items into which the questionnaire was divided, the IAD group had a better score than CAD in "Psychological aspects" (p=0.009) and "Social and partner support" (p=0.008). At 18 months, IAD improved the overall quality of life of patients relative to the time of randomization (p=0.000), as well as the score for "Sexual Life" (p=0.000) and "Social and partner support" (p=0.002). CAD did not improve overall quality of life or the score for the different blocks throughout the study (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IAD improves overall quality of life of patients at 18 months of stopping treatment.

1236 C/T and 3435 C/T polymorphisms of the ABCB1 gene in Mexican breast cancer patients.

MDR1, which is encoded by the ABCB1 gene, is involved in multidrug resistance (hydrophobic), as well as the elimination of xenotoxic agents. The association between ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in different populations has been described previously; however, the results have been inconclusive. In this study, we examined the association between polymorphisms 3435 C/T and 1236 C/T in the ABCB1 gene and breast cancer development in Mexican women according to their menopausal status and molecular classification. Molecular subtypes as well as allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed. A total of 248 women with initial breast cancer diagnosis and 180 ethnically matched, healthy, unrelated individuals were enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to detect polymorphisms 3435 C/T and 1236 C/T in the ABCB1 gene. Premenopausal T allele carriers of the 3435 C/T polymorphism showed a 2-fold increased risk of breast cancer with respect to the reference and postmenopausal groups, as well as triple-negative expression regarding the luminal A/B molecular subrogated subtypes. In contrast, the CT genotype of the 1236 polymorphism was a protective factor against breast cancer. We conclude that the T allele carrier of the 3435 C/T polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene in combination with an estrogen receptor-negative status may be an important risk factor for breast cancer development in premenopausal women.

Pinzamiento extraarticular de cadera: Reporte de caso / Extraarticular hip impingement: Case report

El pinzamiento femoroacetabular corresponde al contacto mecánico entre el fémur y la pelvis, frecuentemente entre el cuello del fémur y el borde acetabular, ya sea por deformidad del primero (CAM) o del segundo (PINCER);1,2 sin embargo, existen causas extraarticulares de pinzamiento.3,4 A la par del aumento en el diagnóstico de pinzamiento se ha hecho cada vez más frecuente el tratamiento artroscópico de éste siendo hoy el estándar de tratamiento.5 En este reporte se analiza un caso de pinzamiento de cadera extraarticular, causado por un contacto entre el fémur y una espina ilíaca antero inferior (EIAI) prominente debido probablemente a una avulsión antigua consolidada, y a su posterior manejo artroscópico.

Femoroacetabular impingement is the mechanical contact between the femur and the pelvis, frequently between the femur neck and the acetabular rim, whether due to a deformity of the former (cam type) or the latter (pincer type).1,2 However, there may be extraarticular causes of impingement.3,4 Together with the increased diagnosis of impingement, arthroscopic treatment is increasingly frequent and has become the standard treatment.5 This report analyzes a case of extraarticular hip impingement caused by contact between the femur and a prominent anteroinferior iliac spine (AIIS), probably due to a healed old avulsion and its later arthroscopic management.

[Extraarticular hip impingement: Case report]. / Pinzamiento extraarticular de cadera. Reporte de caso.

Femoroacetabular impingement is the mechanical contact between the femur and the pelvis, frequently between the femur neck and the acetabular rim, whether due to a deformity of the former (cam type) or the latter (pincer type). However, there may be extraarticular causes of impingement. Together with the increased diagnosis of impingement, arthroscopic treatment is increasingly frequent and has become the standard treatment. This report analyzes a case of extraarticular hip impingement caused by contact between the femur and a prominent anteroinferior iliac spine (AIIS), probably due to a healed old avulsion and its later arthroscopic management.

Ascorbic acid PEG-2L is superior for early morning colonoscopies in colorectal cancer screening programs: a prospective non-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The quality of colon cleansing and the tolerability of anterograde preparation are essential to the success of colorectal cancer screening. AIM: To compare the tolerability and efficacy of low-volume preparations vs the standard regimen in individuals scheduled for an early morning colonoscopy. STUDY: Participants in a population-based colorectal cancer screening program using the fecal immunochemical test who were scheduled for a colonoscopy from 09:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. were prospectively included and assigned to: (1) control group (PEG-ELS 4L): PEG 4L and electrolytes; (2) group AscPEG-2L: a combination of PEG and ascorbic acid 2L; and (3) group PiMg: sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate 500 mL plus 2L of clear fluids. Tolerability was evaluated with a questionnaire and the quality of bowel preparation with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. RESULTS: A total of 292 participants were included: 98 in the PEG-ELS 4L control group, 96 in the AscPEG-2L study group and 98 in the PiMg study group. Low-volume treatments were better tolerated than the standard solution (AscPEG-2L 94.8% and PiMg 93.9% vs PEG-ELS 4L 75.5%; p < 0.0001). The effectiveness of AscPEG-2L was superior to that of PEG-ELS 4L and PiMg (p = 0.011 and p = 0.032, respectively). Patient acceptance was higher for single-dose than for split-dose administration but efficacy was higher with the split dose than with other doses. CONCLUSIONS: In early morning colonoscopies, ascPEG-2L appears to be the best option, especially when administered in a split-dose.

Review article: the management of portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) are important causes of both acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. AIM: To review the current management of PHG and GAVE. METHODS: PubMed was searched for English language articles using the key words 'GAVE', 'gastric antral vascular ectasia', 'cirrhosis', 'gastrointestinal bleeding', 'acute', 'chronic', 'portal hypertensive gastropathy', 'watermelon stomach', 'radiofrequency ablation', 'band ligation', 'thermoablation' and 'TIPSS'. RESULTS: GAVE and PHG are both encountered in patients with cirrhosis. They can be seen in asymptomatic patients and in those with either acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. PHG, by definition, requires the presence of portal hypertension, with or without cirrhosis, whereas GAVE requires neither cirrhosis nor portal hypertension. They can often be diagnosed on endoscopic appearance alone, but may require biopsy in certain cases. The treatment of PHG is aimed at reducing hepatic venous pressure gradients, most often by pharmacologic means, but may require shunt procedures in severe cases. Management of GAVE on the other hand is predominantly endoscopic, focusing on various ablative techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric antral vascular ectasia and portal hypertensive gastropathy are distinct entities and are both encountered in cirrhotic patients. Management of portal hypertensive gastropathy is centred on reduction in portal pressures, whereas treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia is predominantly endoscopic.

Acquired urethral obstruction in New World camelids: 34 cases (1995-2008).

OBJECTIVE: Document the clinical features, short- and long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in New World camelids with acquired urethral obstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective case study. METHODS: Case data from medical records of 34 New World camelids presenting with acquired urethral obstruction were collected and follow-up information on discharged patients was obtained. Associations with short- and long-term survival were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, exact-logistic regressions and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Of the 34 New World camelids 23 were intact males and 11 were castrated; 4 animals were euthanased upon presentation, 7 were treated medically and 23 surgically, including urethrotomy, bladder marsupialisation, tube cystostomy alone or combined with urethrotomy, urethrostomy or penile reefing. Necrosis of the distal penis was found in 4 animals and all were short-term non-survivors. Short-term survival for surgical cases was 65%, and 57% for medical cases. Incomplete urethral obstruction at admission and surgical treatment were associated with increased odds of short-term survival. Of 14 records available for long-term follow-up, 6 animals were alive and 8 were dead (median follow-up 4.5 years, median survival time 2.5 years). Recurrence of urethral obstruction was associated with long-term non-survival. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically treated New World camelids with incomplete urethral obstruction have the best odds of short-term survival and those with recurrence of urethral obstruction have a poor prognosis for long-term survival.

Enfermedad valvular mitral y embarazo: una amenaza latente / Doença valvular mitral e gravidez: uma ameaça latente / Mitral Valve Heart Disease and Pregnancy: A Latent Threat

La enfermedad valvular mitral durante el embarazo supone un riesgo tanto para las maternas como para el feto. Esta lesión valvular puede causar limitaciones físicas graves e, incluso, la muerte. Debido a que el diagnóstico se hace durante la gestación hasta en el 50% de los casos, aumenta la probabilidad de un resultado adverso. El manejo clínico implica un gran reto debido a que los cambios hemodinámicos durante el embarazo, parto y post-parto, representan riesgos únicos para este grupo de pacientes, lo que puede provocar descompensación clínica como insuficiencia cardiaca, arritmias y la muerte materna.

Mitral valve heart disease during pregnancy is a real risk both for the mother and fetus. This valve lesion can result in severe physical limitations or even death. Because the disease is diagnosed during gestation in up to 50% of cases, the probability of an adverse outcome increases. Clinical management poses a challenge because the hemodynamic changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum represent unique risks for this group of patients, which could cause clinical decompensation, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and maternal death.

A doença valvular mitral durante a gravidez supõe um verdadeiro risco para as maternas como para o feto, esta lesão valvular pode causar limitações físicas graves e inclusive a morte. Devido a que o diagnostico se faz durante a gestação até no 50% dos casos, a probabilidade de um resultado adverso aumenta. O manejo clínico implica um grande repto devido a que as mudanças hemodinâmicas durante a gravidez, parto e pós-parto, representam riscos únicos para este grupo de pacientes, o que pode provocar descompensação clínica como insuficiência cardíaca, arritmias, e a morte materna.