Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in primary care. / Utilidad de la ecografía en el cribado del aneurisma de aorta abdominal en atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) constitutes a pathology with high mortality. There is currently no screening program implemented in primary care in Spain. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound in the detection of AAA in the at-risk population in primary care. Secondarily, to identify subjects whose vascular risk (VR) should be reclassified and to determine whether AAA is associated with the presence of carotid plaque and other risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter, national, descriptive study in primary care. SUBJECTS: A consecutive selection of hypertensive males aged between 65 and 75 who are either smokers or former smokers, or individuals over the age of 50 of both sexes with a family history of AAA. MEASUREMENTS: Diameter of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries; detection of abdominal aortic and carotid atherosclerotic plaque. VR was calculated at the beginning and after testing (SCORE). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients were analyzed (age: 68.3±5 years; 89.3% male). Baseline RV was high/very high in 55.3%. AAA was detected in 12 patients (8%; 95% CI: 4-12); aortic ectasia in 13 (8.7%); abdominal aortic plaque in 44% and carotid plaque in 62% of the participants. VR was reclassified in 50% of subjects. The detection of AAA or ectasia was associated with the presence of carotid plaque, current smoking and lipoprotein(a), p<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AAA in patients with VR is high. Ultrasound in primary care allows detection of AAA and subclinical atherosclerosis and consequently reclassification of the VR, demonstrating its utility in screening for AAA in the at-risk population.

Hallazgos tomográficos posoperatorios en pacientes con traumatismos torácicos / Tomographic postoperative findings in patients with thoracic trauma

Introducción: El trauma torácico se encuentra entre las primeras causas de muerte, fundamentalmente en personas jóvenes. Objetivos: Caracterizar a una población operada por traumatismos torácicos según variables clinicoepidemiológicas y describir los hallazgos tomográficos posquirúrgicos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 48 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Radiología del Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, de enero del 2016 a diciembre del 2018, a los cuales se les realizó tomografía computarizada multidetector. Resultados: Los traumas torácicos predominaron en personas jóvenes del sexo masculino, asociadas fundamentalmente a acciones violentas que provocaron traumas abiertos. La contusión pulmonar resultó ser el hallazgo tomográfico inicial más frecuente, en tanto, el neumotórax persistente y el hemotórax coagulado constituyeron los hallazgos tomográficos más influyentes en la decisión de una reintervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones: La tomografía es un medio diagnóstico que permite una descripción detallada del estado posoperatorio de los órganos afectados, con un alto valor orientativo para decidir procedimientos quirúrgicos posteriores.

Introduction: The thoracic trauma is among the first causes of death, fundamentally in young people. Objectives: To characterize a population operated due to thoracic trauma according to clinical epidemiological variables and describe the postsurgical tomographic findings. Methods: An observational and descriptive study of 48 patients assisted in the Radiology Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to December, 2018, to whom a multidetector computed tomography was carried out. Results: The thoracic traumas prevailed in young male people, fundamentally associated with violent actions that caused open traumas. The lung contusion was the most frequent initial tomographic finding, as long as, the persistent pneumothorax and the coagulated hemothorax constituted the most influential tomographic findings in the decision of a surgical reintervention. Conclusions: Tomography is a diagnostic means that allows a detailed description of the postoperative state in the affected organs, with a high orientative value to decide later surgical procedures.

Carotid artery stenting has similar outcomes in men and women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of carotid interventions is to prevent cerebrovascular events. Endovascular treatment (carotid-artery-stenting/CAS) has become established as an alternative to open surgery in some cases. Historically, female sex has been considered as a perioperative risk factor, however, there are few studies regarding this hypothesis when it comes to CAS. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the CAS results in our center adjusted by sex. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed, including patients with carotid atheromatosis operated at a single center from January 2016 to June 2019. Our objective was to compare cardiovascular risk, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality, by sex. Follow-up rates of stent patency, restenosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death were reported. RESULTS: 71 interventions were performed in 50 men (70.42%) and 21 women (29.57%). Mean age was 70.50 ± 10.72 years for men and 73.62 ± 11.78 years for women. Cardiovascular risk factors did not differ significantly between sexes. Mean follow-up was 11.28 ± 11.28 months. There were no significant differences in neurological events during follow-up. No adverse cardiological events were detected at any time. Regarding the mortality rate, during medium-term follow up there were 2 neurological related deaths with no significant differences between sexes (p=0.8432). Neither sex had higher rated of restenosis during long term follow-up (5.63% vs. 1.41%, p = 0.9693) or reoperation (1.41% vs. 1.41%, p = 0.4971). All procedures remained patent (<50% restenosis). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of our study, CAS is a therapeutic option that is as effective and safe in women as in men. No sex differences were observed.

CONTEXTO: As intervenções carotídeas visam prevenir eventos cerebrovasculares. O tratamento endovascular (implante de stent na artéria carótida) se estabeleceu como uma alternativa à cirurgia aberta em alguns casos. Historicamente, o sexo feminino é considerado um fator de risco perioperatório, mas há poucos estudos abordando essa hipótese em casos de stent de carótida. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os resultados do CAS em nosso centro ajustados por sexo. MÉTODOS: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluiu pacientes com ateromatose carotídea operados em um centro de janeiro de 2016 a junho de 2019. Nosso objetivo foi comparar o risco cardiovascular, incluindo infarto do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e mortalidade, de acordo com o sexo. No seguimento, foram descritos patência do stent, reestenose, acidente vascular cerebral, infarto do miocárdio e morte. RESULTADOS: Setenta e uma intervenções foram realizadas: 50 homens (70,42%) e 21 mulheres (29,57%). A média de idade foi de 70,50 ± 10,72 anos nos homens e 73,62 ± 11,78 anos nas mulheres. Os fatores de risco cardiovascular não diferiram significativamente entre os sexos. A média de seguimento foi de 11,28 ± 11,28 meses. Durante o seguimento, não houve diferenças significativas nos eventos neurológicos. Nenhum evento cardiológico adverso foi detectado. Quanto à taxa de mortalidade, durante o seguimento de médio prazo ocorreram 2 óbitos neurológicos sem diferenças significativas entre os sexos (p = 0,8432). Não foi observada maior taxa de reestenose no seguimento de longo prazo (5,63% vs. 1,41%, p = 0,9693) ou de reoperação (1,41% vs. 1,41%, p = 0,4971) ao comparar os dois sexos. Todos os procedimentos permaneceram pérvios (< 50% de reestenose). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das limitações deste estudo, o stent de carótida em mulheres é uma opção terapêutica tão eficaz e segura quanto em homens. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os sexos.

Carotid artery stenting has similar outcomes in men and women / Implante de stent na artéria carótida tem desfechos semelhantes em homens e mulheres

Abstract Background The aim of carotid interventions is to prevent cerebrovascular events. Endovascular treatment (carotid-artery-stenting/CAS) has become established as an alternative to open surgery in some cases. Historically, female sex has been considered as a perioperative risk factor, however, there are few studies regarding this hypothesis when it comes to CAS. Objectives To analyze the CAS results in our center adjusted by sex. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed, including patients with carotid atheromatosis operated at a single center from January 2016 to June 2019. Our objective was to compare cardiovascular risk, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality, by sex. Follow-up rates of stent patency, restenosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death were reported. Results 71 interventions were performed in 50 men (70.42%) and 21 women (29.57%). Mean age was 70.50 ± 10.72 years for men and 73.62 ± 11.78 years for women. Cardiovascular risk factors did not differ significantly between sexes. Mean follow-up was 11.28 ± 11.28 months. There were no significant differences in neurological events during follow-up. No adverse cardiological events were detected at any time. Regarding the mortality rate, during medium-term follow up there were 2 neurological related deaths with no significant differences between sexes (p=0.8432). Neither sex had higher rated of restenosis during long term follow-up (5.63% vs. 1.41%, p = 0.9693) or reoperation (1.41% vs. 1.41%, p = 0.4971). All procedures remained patent (<50% restenosis). Conclusions Despite the limitations of our study, CAS is a therapeutic option that is as effective and safe in women as in men. No sex differences were observed.

Resumo Contexto As intervenções carotídeas visam prevenir eventos cerebrovasculares. O tratamento endovascular (implante de stent na artéria carótida) se estabeleceu como uma alternativa à cirurgia aberta em alguns casos. Historicamente, o sexo feminino é considerado um fator de risco perioperatório, mas há poucos estudos abordando essa hipótese em casos de stent de carótida. Objetivos Analisar os resultados do CAS em nosso centro ajustados por sexo. Métodos Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluiu pacientes com ateromatose carotídea operados em um centro de janeiro de 2016 a junho de 2019. Nosso objetivo foi comparar o risco cardiovascular, incluindo infarto do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e mortalidade, de acordo com o sexo. No seguimento, foram descritos patência do stent, reestenose, acidente vascular cerebral, infarto do miocárdio e morte. Resultados Setenta e uma intervenções foram realizadas: 50 homens (70,42%) e 21 mulheres (29,57%). A média de idade foi de 70,50 ± 10,72 anos nos homens e 73,62 ± 11,78 anos nas mulheres. Os fatores de risco cardiovascular não diferiram significativamente entre os sexos. A média de seguimento foi de 11,28 ± 11,28 meses. Durante o seguimento, não houve diferenças significativas nos eventos neurológicos. Nenhum evento cardiológico adverso foi detectado. Quanto à taxa de mortalidade, durante o seguimento de médio prazo ocorreram 2 óbitos neurológicos sem diferenças significativas entre os sexos (p = 0,8432). Não foi observada maior taxa de reestenose no seguimento de longo prazo (5,63% vs. 1,41%, p = 0,9693) ou de reoperação (1,41% vs. 1,41%, p = 0,4971) ao comparar os dois sexos. Todos os procedimentos permaneceram pérvios (< 50% de reestenose). Conclusões Apesar das limitações deste estudo, o stent de carótida em mulheres é uma opção terapêutica tão eficaz e segura quanto em homens. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os sexos.

Ecografía Doppler en el diagnóstico de trombosis venosa profunda de miembros inferiores / Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs / Ultrassom doppler no diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda de membros inferiores

RESUMEN Introducción: las trombosis que se producen en el sistema venoso profundo son más importantes que las del sistema venoso superficial, debido a la gravedad de sus complicaciones, que pueden llegar a ser fatales. Objetivo: describir los hallazgos por ecografía Doppler en pacientes portadores de trombosis venosa de miembros inferiores. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de serie de casos, de pacientes con diagnóstico de trombosis venosa de miembros inferiores, atendidos en el Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2015 hasta junio de 2017. Resultados: la ecografía Doppler mostró como localización del trombo más frecuente el confluente Safeno-femoral (58,6 %). La visualización del trombo como signo directo, estuvo presente en 94,8 %, coincidiendo con igual porcentaje la presencia de dilataciones venosas como signo indirecto. Conclusiones: la ecografía Doppler evidenció la visualización del trombo y la falta de compresibilidad como signos ecográficos más frecuentes; diagnóstico realizado predominantemente entre las 24 y 48 horas resultando la vena femoral común la más afectada.

ABSTRACT Introduction: thrombosis that occurs in the deep venous system is more important than those of the superficial venous system, due to the severity of its complications, which can become fatal. Objective: describe Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with lower limb venous thrombosis. Methods: an observational, descriptive study of series of cases was carried out of patients diagnosed with venous thrombosis of lower limbs, attended in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of the Provincial Teaching Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, from January 2015 to June 2017. Results: doppler ultrasound showed safeno-femoral confluent (58.6%). The visualization of thrombus as a direct sign was present at 94.8%, coinciding with equal percentage the presence of venous dilations as an indirect sign. Conclusions: doppler ultrasound showed thrombus visualization and lack of compresibility as more common ultrasound signs; diagnosis made predominantly between 24 and 48 hours resulting in the most affected common femoral vein.

RESUMO Introdução: a trombose que ocorre no sistema venoso profundo é mais importante do que as do sistema venoso superficial, devido à gravidade de suas complicações, que podem se tornar fatais. Objetivo: descrever os achados do ultrassom doppler em pacientes com trombose venosa do membro inferior. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional e descritivo de série de casos de pacientes diagnosticados com trombose venosa de membros inferiores, atendidos no Serviço de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular do Hospital Universitário Provincial Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, de janeiro de 2015 a junho de 2017. Resultados: o ultrassom doppler mostrou confluente safeno-femoral (58,6%). A visualização de multidões como sinal direto estava presente em 94,8%, coincidindo com igual percentual a presença de dilatações venosas como sinal indireto. Conclusões: o ultrassom doppler mostrou visualização de trombos e falta de compreensão como sinais de ultrassom mais comuns; diagnóstico feito predominantemente entre 24 e 48 horas resultando na veia femoral comum mais afetada.

Correspondencia ecográfica y tomográfica en el diagnóstico de cáncer de vejiga / Echographic and tomographic correspondence in the diagnosis of bladder cancer

Introducción: El diagnóstico eficaz y precoz del cáncer vesical es de extrema importancia para lograr un tratamiento potencialmente curativo y, con ello, elevar la supervivencia de los afectados. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos ecográficos y tomográficos en pacientes con tumores malignos de vejiga. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 250 pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de cáncer vesical a los cuales se les había realizado previamente ecografía y tomografía en el Servicio de Imagenología del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2013 hasta diciembre de 2017. Resultados: En la serie resultaron más frecuentes los hombres mayores de 60 años. Al analizar los hallazgos ecográficos se obtuvo un predominio de la estructura ecogénica, así como de los tumores bien definidos, mayores de 3 cm y vascularizados, además de otras características como calcificaciones, necrosis, adenopatías e infiltración en estructuras vecinas. En la tomografía se observaron mayormente la estructura mixta, los tumores captantes y prácticamente las mismas características encontradas en la ecografía, de manera que hubo una coincidencia casi absoluta entre ambos medios diagnósticos. Conclusiones: La imagen ecográfica del cáncer de vejiga es ecogénica y mixta en comparación con la tomográfica, lo que posibilita un diagnóstico indiscutible de la enfermedad; no obstante, la tomografía perfila las características y los detalles coherentes en correspondencia con los hallazgos aportados por otras técnicas imagenológicas.

Introduction: The effective and early diagnosis of vesical cancer is of extreme importance to achieve a potentially healing treatment and, with it, to elevate the survival in those affected. Objective: To describe the echographic and tomographic findings in patients with bladder malignancies. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 250 patients with confirmed diagnosis of vesical cancer was carried out to whom had been previously performed echography and tomography in the Imagenology Service of the Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2013 to December, 2017. Results: In the series men over 60 years were more frequent. When analyzing the echographic findings there was prevalence of the echogenic structure, as well as of the bigger than 3 cm and vascularized very well defined tumors, besides other characteristics as calcifications, necrosis, adenopathies and infiltration in close structures. In the tomography the mixed image, captant tumors and practically the same characteristics found in the echography were mostly observed, so that there was an almost absolute coincidence between both diagnostic means. Conclusions: The echographic image of bladder cancer is echogenic and mixed in comparison with the tomographic image, what facilitates an unquestionable diagnosis of the disease; nevertheless, the tomography profiles the characteristics and the coherent details in correspondence with the findings contributed by other imaging techniques.

National Diagnostic Reference Levels for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Optimisation Strategies.

OBJECTIVE: The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has highlighted the large number of medical specialties using fluoroscopy outside imaging departments without programmes of radiation protection (RP) for patients and staff. Vascular surgery is one of these specialties and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is one of the most challenging procedures requiring RP guidance and optimisation actions. The recent European Directive on Basic Safety Standards requires the use and regular update of diagnostic reference levels (DRL) for interventional procedures. The objective of the study was to know the doses of patients undergoing EVAR with mobile Xray systems and with hybrid rooms (fixed Xray systems), to obtain national DRLs and suggest optimisation actions. METHODS: The Spanish Chapter of Endovascular Surgery launched a national survey that involved hospitals for 10 autonomous communities representing the 77% of the Spanish population (46.7 million inhabitants). Patient dose values from mobile Xray systems were available from nine hospitals (sample of 165 EVAR procedures) and data from hybrid rooms, from seven hospitals, with dosimetric data from 123 procedures. The initial national DRLs have been obtained, as the third quartile of the median values from the different centres involved in the survey. RESULTS: The proposed national DRLs are 278 Gy cm2 for hybrid rooms and 87 Gy cm2 for mobile Xray systems, and for cumulative air kerma (cumulative AK) at the patient entrance reference point, 1403 mGy for hybrid rooms, and 292 mGy for mobile systems. CONCLUSION: An audit of patient doses for EVAR procedures to identify optimised imaging protocol strategies is needed. It is also appropriate to evaluate the diagnostic information required for EVAR procedures. The increase by a factor of 3.2 (for kerma area product) and 4.8 (for cumulative AK) in the DRLs needs to be justified when the procedures are performed in the hybrid rooms rather than with mobile Xray systems.

Aspectos tomográficos e histológicos en pacientes con neoplasia exocrina de páncreas / Tomographic and histologic aspects in patients with pancreas exocrine neoplasm

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas se origina en la glándula pancreática y es una de las neoplasias más invasivas debido a su rápida diseminación, la falta de síntomas específicos en sus inicios y su diagnóstico tardío. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con cáncer de páncreas según variables de interés. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en el Servicio de Imagenología del Hospital Provincial Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2013 hasta diciembre de 2017, de 70 pacientes con diagnóstico tomográfico sugestivo de dicha neoplasia maligna. Resultados: En la serie el tumor exocrino pancreático primó en pacientes mayores de 60 años de edad (37,1 %), del sexo masculino (54,2 %) y de la raza mestiza (61,4 %). El diagnóstico histológico predominante fue el de adenocarcinoma ductal poco diferenciado (47,2 %), en tanto, los factores de riesgo mayormente asociados al proceso neoplásico fueron las comidas grasas (68,6 %), el tabaquismo (61,4 %) y el alcoholismo (50,0 %), y el antecedente patológico personal más frecuente, la diabetes mellitus (37,1 %). Conclusiones: La tomografía axial computarizada proporciona una descripción detallada de las neoplasias pancreáticas y su extensión, lo cual es de gran utilidad para la estadificación de estas y, además, determina la conducta terapéutica a seguir.

Introduction: The pancreas cancer originates in the pancreatic gland and it is one of the more invasive neoplasms due to its quick dissemination, lack of specific symptoms in its beginnings and its late diagnosis. Objective: To characterize patients with pancreas cancer according to variables of interest. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Imaging Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2013 to December, 2017 to 70 patients with suggestive tomographic diagnosis of this malignancy. Results: In the series the pancreatic exocrine tumor prevailed in patients older than 60 years (37.1 %), the male sex (54.2 %) and mixed race (61.4 %). The predominant histologic diagnosis was the ductal adenocarcinoma hardly differentiated (47.2 %), as long as, the risk factors mostly associated with the neoplasm were fatty foods (68.6 %), nicotine addiction (61.4 %) and alcoholism (50.0 %), and the most frequent personal pathological history was diabetes mellitus (37.1 %). Conclusions: The computerized axial tomography provides a detailed description of the pancreatic neoplasms and their extension, which is very useful for the staging of these malignancies and, also, it determines the therapeutic behavior we should follow.

COVID-19-Related Aortic Thrombosis: A Report of Four Cases.

COVID-19 may predispose patients to an increased risk of thrombotic complications through various pathophysiological mechanisms. Most of the reports on a high incidence of thrombotic complications are in relation to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, while the evidence about arterial thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 is limited. We describe 4 cases of aortic thrombosis and associated ischemic complications in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Características clinicoepidemiológicas de pacientes con trombosis venosa profunda en los miembros inferiores / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with deep venous thrombosis in lower limbs

Introducción: La trombosis venosa profunda consiste en la formación de un trombo en un trayecto de una vena profunda, lo que provoca la oclusión total o parcial de esta. Objetivo: Caracterizar una población de afectados por esta entidad clínica, según variables de interés. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de serie de casos, de pacientes con presunto diagnóstico clínico de trombosis venosa de miembros inferiores, atendidos en el Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Provincial Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba desde enero de 2015 hasta junio de 2017, en quienes se realizó ecografía Doppler para confirmar la presencia de este episodio vascular. Resultados: La enfermedad primó en el grupo etario de 65 y más años (32,1 %) y en el sexo femenino (74,1 %). La inmovilidad de miembros inferiores constituyó el factor de riesgo predominante (27,0 %), en tanto el dolor, el edema y la taquicardia resultaron las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes (20,5 % en cada una), y el miembro inferior izquierdo fue el más afectado (69,0 %). Conclusiones: La trombosis venosa de los miembros inferiores se presentó como propia de las edades avanzadas de la vida, fundamentalmente en mujeres, con un cuadro clínico que indicaba claramente su existencia.

Introduction: The deep venous thrombosis consists on the formation of a clot in a deep vein way, what causes its total or partial occlusion. Objective: To characterize a population affected by this clinical entity, according to variables of interest. Methods: An observational and descriptive study of a serial cases, of patients with presumed clinical diagnosis of venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, assisted in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba from January, 2015 to June, 2017, to whom a Doppler echography to confirm the presence of this vascular episode was carried out. Results: The disease prevailed in the 65 and more age group (32.1 %) and in the female sex (74.1 %). The immobility of lower limbs constituted the predominant risk factor (27.0 %), as long as pain, edema and tachycardia were the most frequent clinical manifestations (20.5 % in each one), and the left lower limb was the most affected (69.0 %). Conclusions: The venous thrombosis of lower limbs was presented as characteristic of the advanced ages of life, mainly in women, with a clinical pattern that indicated with high clarity its existence.

Atrial Fibrillation and Surgical Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice and its prevalence rate significantly increases with age. The prognostic implication of AF in surgical patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been analyzed. The aims of this study were to analyze the prevalence of AF among patients operated on with symptomatic PAD, and to determine whether these patients are at a higher risk of death or amputation. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study, from January 2013 to December 2017, in which we analyzed the medical records of all consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD admitted to our hospital and underwent a vascular procedure. We compared the outcomes of patients with and without AF. All statistically significant demographic variables that underwent a univariate analysis were inserted in the stepwise multivariate model along with AF. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with mortality through a Cox regression model. P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Four hundred three patients were admitted in-hospital with symptomatic PAD and they underwent a vascular intervention. The mean follow-up was 2 years. Seventy-six patients (18.8%) had AF. These patients were older (78 ± 9.1 years) than the 327 patients without AF (68 ± 12.37 years) (P < 0.0001), and more likely to undergo emergency surgery (18.42% vs. 7.34%, P = 0.0029). Age and emergency admission were dependent associates of AF. The patients with AF were frequently men (69.7%) with previous hypertension (96% %). The presence of AF was associated with higher rate of all-cause mortality (55.26%, P < 0.0001, hazard ratio 2.24, confidence interval 1.55-3.25), but the multivariate analysis adjusted for risk factors showed that the mortality was only associated with age because these patients were older and with many comorbidities. The majority of this population with AF showed some tissue lesion when they were admitted in-hospital (Rutherford V-VI, AF 80.2%, P = 0.0004), and this fact justified that a 22.36% underwent a major amputation affecting the ischemic lower limb in admission (P = 0.018). During the follow-up the free amputation rate was similar between groups (60.5% AF vs. 78.3% non-AF). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the high prevalence of AF in patients with symptomatic PAD that required surgical admission in-hospital. The presence of AF was related with a greater and serious risk of mortality, but this was independently associated to age, because patients with AF were older and frailer. Clearly, this group of patients had a high risk of amputation when they arrived to the hospital and they needed emergency surgery.

Pharmacogenetics in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Current Progress Regarding Implementation in the Clinical Routine.

There is a special interest in the implementation of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice, although there are some barriers that are preventing this integration. A large part of these pharmacogenetic tests are focused on drugs used in oncology and psychiatry fields and for antiviral drugs. However, the scientific evidence is also high for other drugs used in other medical areas, for example, in cardiology. In this article, we discuss the evidence and guidelines currently available on pharmacogenetics for clopidogrel, warfarin, acenocoumarol, and simvastatin and its implementation in daily clinical practice.

Cost-effectiveness of Carotid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determinate the cost-effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) versus transfemoral stenting (TFS) and transcervical stenting (TCS) in a short- and long-term basis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2014, patients from the vascular department, with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis, who were clinically and anatomically suitable for TFS, TCS, or CEA, were included. Prospective cost data for each individual procedure and complication during follow-up were obtained from the diagnosis-related group. The quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated. Analysis of data was by treatment received. All statistical tests were two-sided. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 349 patients were enrolled: 61 for CEA (17.5%), 159 for TFS (45.5%), and 129 for TCS (37%). A total of 220 (63%) patients were symptomatic and 129 (37%) were asymptomatic. The median procedural cost and overall cost were lower on CEA (5499€ and 5595€, respectively). However, QALYs, for symptomatic patients, were better on TCS (7.3), whereas for asymptomatic patients, QALYs were better on CEA (9.6). Cost-effectiveness for symptomatic patients was better with TCS (803€/QALY), and for asymptomatic patients, it was with CEA (654€/QALY). CONCLUSIONS: TFS and TCS were associated with clinical outcomes equivalent to CEA on both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Cost-effectiveness ratios for symptomatic patients were better on TCS, whereas the CEA showed the best results in asymptomatic patients.

Ganancia en el aprendizaje del concepto de fuerza y cambio en las actitudes hacia la física en estudiantes de la Escuela Preparatoria de Tonalá / Gain in learning the force concept and change in attitudes toward Physics in students of the Tonala High School

RESUMEN Desde la perspectiva de la educación basada en competencias, en México, el pertenecer al Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato implica la adopción de estrategias orientadas y centradas en las necesidades de los estudiantes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la eficacia en el aula de la academia de Física de la Escuela Preparatoria de Tonalá, Jalisco, México, para el logro de actitudes favorables hacia la física y el aprendizaje del concepto de fuerza. Para ello, fue necesario el uso de los factores de concentración y de Hake, con la finalidad de conocer las tendencias en las respuestas y la ganancia en el aprendizaje de conceptos, respectivamente. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de la aplicación de dos cuestionarios, la encuesta sobre expectativas hacia la física y la prueba inventario sobre el concepto de fuerza, a alumnos de los cursos de Física I y Mecánica de materiales cerámicos, impartidos en el Bachillerato General por Competencias, durante el primer semestre, y en el Bachillerato Tecnológico en Cerámica, durante el segundo ciclo. El resultado del análisis da información de la baja zona de ganancia en el aprendizaje del concepto de fuerza (G = 0.000 1). El avance en el porcentaje de respuestas favorables hacia la física fue pequeño (1.2 %) en ambos programas de bachillerato, y además hubo una disminución de la pre-prueba a la post-prueba de la actitud favorable en tres grupos. Los patrones de respuesta en la zona aleatoria sugieren que los estudiantes tienen dificultad con el aprendizaje de la física.

ABSTRACT From the perspective of competency-based education, in Mexico, to be part of the National High School System implies the adoption of strategies oriented toward and centered on the students' needs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the physics academy of the Tonala High School, Jalisco, Mexico, for the attainment of favorable attitudes toward physics and the learning of the force concept. For that, it was necessary to use the concentration and the Hake factor with the goal to know the trends in the answers and the gain in the learning of concepts respectively. The data were obtained from the administration of two questionnaires, the Maryland Physics Expectations Survey and the Force concept inventory, to students of Physics I and ceramic materials mechanics courses. These courses are taught in the first semester of the competency-based General High school Program, and in the second semester of the Ceramics-oriented High School Technological Program, respectively. The result of the analysis gives information of the low gain zone in learning of the force concept (G = 0.000 1). The progress in percentage of favorable responses towards physics was small (1.2 %) in both high school programs. In addition, there was a decrease in favorable attitude from pre-test to post-test in three groups. The response patterns in the random zone suggest that the students have difficulty with physics learning.

[Prognostic factors in renal cancer with venous thrombus survival analysis.] / Factores pronósticos en cáncer renal con trombo en vena. Análisis de supervivencia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze surgery for renal cancer with venous thrombus at different levels, perioperative complications and prognostic factors associated to overall, cancer-specific and disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 42 cases of renal cancer with venous thrombus performed between 2005 and 2015. The level reached by the thrombus was established according to the Mayo Clinic classification. Postoperative complications were staged according to Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Most frequent in males. Mean age 65.7 years. 16.6% were tumors with level II thrombus. Subcostal approach was performed in 58.9%. Extracorporeal circulation with cardiac arrest and hypothermia was established in 2 patients. Resection of metastatic disease was performed in 3 patients during radical nephrectomy. Reoperation was 2.3% while, perioperative mortality was 4.7%. 30% presented with metastases at diagnosis. Twenty patients progressed at 15.5 months (3-55). Overall survival was 60 months. The cancer-specific mortality was 75%. Disease-free survival was 30% at 55 months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of renal cancer with venous thrombus requires a multidisciplinary management. The surgical technique varies according to the level reached by the venous thrombus. Tumor stage is the most important prognostic factor. Thrombus level influences prognosis, with longer survival for patients with tumor thrombus confined to the renal vein (pT3a) in comparison to tumors with thrombus in the atrium (pT3c).

Lower Expression of Genes Involved in Protection against Oxidative Stress in Symptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is increased in atherosclerosis, manifested both in blood and tissue (atherosclerotic plaque). We aim at describing the expression of a number of genes related to oxidative stress response in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and their relation to symptomatic state. METHODS: We have studied the messenger RNA expression levels for genes related to oxidative stress in a population of 44 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, according to the presence (24 patients) or absence (20 patients) of symptoms. Samples were homogenized, RNA was extracted, and gene expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction arrays. RESULTS: Data showed a decrease in expression of oxidative stress protective genes in symptomatic patients and increased expression of pro-oxidant genes. Asymptomatic patients maintain higher levels of expression of protective genes in the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a close relationship between symptoms and levels of expression of genes that protect against oxidative stress. We propose the existence of a mechanism that silences these genes, causing a more severe atherosclerotic disease state.

Prognostic significance of an elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the amputation-free survival of patients with chronic critical limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of admission neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting the amputation-free survival (AFS) of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) who underwent an elective infrainguinal therapeutic intervention. METHODS: All patients with CLI undergoing elective infrainguinal vascular surgery (open or endovascular) at a single university teaching hospital between January 2005 and December 2009 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. The primary end point was AFS. The cut-off of NLR >5 was used to categorize patients into low- and high-NLR groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis and long-rank test were used to compare survival between both groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine independent factors affecting the AFS. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 31 months, 561 patients with chronic CLI underwent infrainguinal revascularization. Five-year mortality was lower in the NLR <5 group (33%) than in the NLR >5 group (49%) (P ≤ 0.001), and the AFS was significantly higher in the NLR <5 group (50%) than in the NLR >5 group (26%) (P ≤ 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, preoperative NLR >5 was independently associated with 5-year AFS (hazard ratio 2.325, 95% CI 1.732-3.121). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NLR predicts a worse AFS in patients undergoing infrainguinal vascular revascularization with chronic CLI, suggesting that the NLR conveys powerful prognostic information that is independent of other conventional clinical risk factors.

Endovascular management of radiotherapy-induced injury to brachiocephalic artery using covered stents.

Actinic vascular lesions tend to be stenotic-occlusive lesions. In this article, we present 2 exceptional cases of pseudoaneurysms caused by radionecrosis of the supra-aortic trunks. Both patients were treated by a retrograde carotid approach and deployment of a self-expanding covered stent. Proper exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm was attained in both cases; the first patient remained asymptomatic 12 months later; the second patient died of mediastinitis. Compared with conventional surgery, endovascular management is a viable, less invasive alternative in select patients, especially in life-threatening cases.

Screening for polyphenols, antioxidant and antimicrobial activitiesof extracts from eleven Helianthemum taxa (Cistaceae) used in folk medicine in south-eastern Spain.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Helianthemum genus contains approximately one hundred taxa. Some of them are important medicinal plants used in several countries for many different purposes. However, studies addressing the phytochemistry of many of these species or their biological activities are currently nonexistent. AIM OF THE STUDY: To perform a comparative analysis of the qualitative composition of secondary metabolites and biological activities of the leaves of the most commonly distributed and used Spanish Helianthemum taxa in order to find a relationship between chemotype, biological activity and uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: water and 80% methanolic extracts derived from 11 different Helianthemum taxa were analyzed for their phytochemical composition using standard methods. Furthermore, HPLC analysis was performed for the estimation of gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannins and flavonols as marker compounds. The antioxidant activity was measured by employing the scavenging activity on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radicals. The 80% methanolic extracts were evaluated for antibacterial (Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) activity using the micro dilution technique. RESULTS: The total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capabilities differed significantly among the Helianthemum leaf extracts. A strong correlation between total phenolic content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity was found. The polyphenolic profile was specific for each taxon. Whereas Helianthemum alypoides, Helianthemum cinereum subsp. rotundifolium, Helianthemum hirtum, Helianthemum asperum, and Helianthemum marifolium subsp. marifolium were characterized by the presence of gallic acid, egallic derivatives and ellagitannins; the polyphenolic profile of Helianthemum apenninum subsp. cavanillesianum, Helianthemum syriacum and Helianthemum polygonoides was mostly based on flavonoids. Helianthemum cinereum, Helianthemum alypoides and Helianthemum marifolium consistently presented the strongest radical scavenging activity (in water extracts EC50 ranges from 29.88 to 38.1 against DPPH and from 8.11 to 20.8 against ABTS, and in 80% MeOH extracts from 25.3 to 31.8 against DPPH and from 6.15 to 8.6 against ABTS), total phenol content (>117mg GAE/l) and antimicrobial activities. CONCLUSION: The Helianthemum taxa used in folk medicine did not cluster in a unique section, being equally distributed in two out of the four sections analysed. There was not a clear relationship between the chemotype, based on the polyphenolic composition of the taxa, and their taxonomical classification. However, the composition of the methanolic and water extracts from the leaves of plants belonging to the Helianthemum genus was strongly related to their medicinal uses.