Effects on growth, weight and body composition after CFTR modulators in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is associated with compromised nutrition status, which is responsible for morbidity and mortality along with lung function decline. This study was designed to examine changes in anthropometric markers and body composition parameters by bioelectrical impedance analysis after CFTR modulator (CFTRm) treatment. METHODS: We compared anthropometric parameters and body composition before and after 6 and 12 months of CFTRm treatment. Results are stratified into subgroups according to the modulator used with dual therapy with lumacaftor + ivacaftor or tezacaftor + ivacaftor (LUMA/TEZ + IVA) or triple therapy with elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ELE + TEZ + IVA). Body composition data are available in patients treated with ELE + TEZ + IVA. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four children (55.1% male) were recruited. The median age was 13.6 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] 10.7-16.1). We can observe a statistically significant increase in the weight Z score and BMI Z score after CFTRm. In terms of changes in body composition, we observe a significant increase in fat mass (FM) expressed both in kilograms and as a percentage at 6 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon-test), with no such differences found at 12 months. We also observe a statistically significant increase in fat-free-mass (FFM), expressed in kilograms at 6 and 12 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon-test). CONCLUSION: Weight status improved and changes in body composition occurred in children after CFTRm therapy, including an increase of fat mass. Further studies are needed to confirm these changes in body composition and their impact on disease progression.

[Neurovascular pathology in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. Case report]. / Patología neurovascular en el paciente con neurofibromatosis de tipo 1. A propósito de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Neurovascular involvement in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with a wide spectrum of manifestations. Its frequency is low, albeit probably underestimated. There is currently no known specific treatment, and treatment is based on recommendations with limited evidence. This report describes a case of vascular dysplasia in a patient with NF1. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old woman with a genetic diagnosis of NF1 and a history of multiple exeresis of neurofibromas in the left cervical region. The patient presented with a painful flare-up and swelling in the region. A cervical magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which showed signs of plexiform neurinoma growth and a lesion suggestive of aneurysm in the left cervical internal carotid artery. A subsequent computed tomographic angiography confirmed the presence of a thrombosed aneurysm with associated critical stenosis, and identified three additional aneurysms in the proximal left vertebral artery. Given the asymptomatic presentation and adequate haemodynamic compensation, the patient was prescribed a conservative treatment and clinicoradiological follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular alterations associated with NF1 are infrequent, and the optimal treatment for them is unknown. Studies to define its true prevalence, determine its pathophysiological substrate and estimate the risk of cerebrovascular complications more precisely are needed. This could provide more robust recommendations for the population of NF1 patients, especially in asymptomatic cases.

TITLE: Patología neurovascular en el paciente con neurofibromatosis de tipo 1. A propósito de un caso.Introducción. La afectación neurovascular en pacientes con neurofibromatosis de tipo 1 (NF1) cursa con un amplio espectro de manifestaciones y su frecuencia es baja, aunque probablemente infraestimada. En la actualidad, su tratamiento específico se desconoce y se basa en recomendaciones con bajo nivel de evidencia. Se describe un caso de displasia vascular en una paciente con NF1. Caso clínico. Mujer de 67 años con diagnóstico genético de NF1 e historia de exéresis múltiple de neurofibromas en la región cervical izquierda. La paciente presentaba un cuadro de reagudización dolorosa y tumefacción en dicha región, por lo que se le realizó una resonancia magnética cervical, que mostró signos de crecimiento de neurinomas plexiformes y una lesión sugestiva de aneurisma en la arteria carótida interna izquierda cervical. Un estudio de angiotomografía computarizada posterior confirmó la presencia de un aneurisma trombosado con estenosis crítica asociada e identificó tres aneurismas adicionales en la arteria vertebral izquierda proximal. Ante la presentación asintomática y la adecuada compensación hemodinámica, se decidió tratamiento conservador y seguimiento clinicorradiológico. Conclusiones. Las alteraciones neurovasculares asociadas a la NF1 son infrecuentes y su tratamiento óptimo se desconoce. Son necesarios estudios que definan con mayor precisión su prevalencia real, su sustrato fisiopatológico y una estimación del riesgo de complicaciones cerebrovasculares. De este modo, se podrían ofrecer recomendaciones más sólidas para la población de pacientes con NF1, especialmente en los casos asintomáticos.

Quality of life following transobturator sling surgery for female stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study examines quality of life in women undergoing placement of a midurethral sling for stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study based on data from 51 women consecutively undergoing this procedure at a tertiary hospital in the years 2014 and 2015. The main outcome variable was quality of life assessed through the Sandvick severity test and International Consultation on Incontinence Short Quality of Life Questionnaire (ICIQ-IU-SF) at the time points baseline or presurgery, and 6 months and 5 years postsurgery. Factors associated with treatment failure were determined through binary logistic regression. RESULTS: At 5-year follow up we obtained an absolute reduction of 8.78 points (95% CI 6.43-11.14; p < 0.001) in the ICIQ-IU-SF questionnaire and 4.54 (95% CI 3.25-5.83; p < 0.001) in the Sandvick severity test score, compared to baseline, in the 35 patients that completed follow-up. Out of the 51 patients that were followed, the rate of success in incontinence correction was 86.3% (44/50) with a failure rate of 12% (6/50). Multiparity and previous gynaecological surgery were identified as predisposing factors for treatment failure. Obesity was associated with a worse treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Sling treatment for incontinence was successful in 86.3% (44/50) of participants and remained effective 5 years after surgery in terms of quality of life.

Biometrics of the Hand's Middle Finger to Determine Stature in Chilean University Students / Biometría del Dedo Medio de la Mano para Determinar Estatura en Estudiantes Universitarios Chilenos

SUMMARY: Biometrics and forensic osteology play a significant role in human identification, as the morphological uniqueness of every individual enables the differentiation and recognition of skeletal remains. Through meticulous analysis of human remains, it is possible to determine key demographic attributes such as stature, a significant parameter in the forensic identification process. This information is of practical relevance for the identification of individuals in contexts such as disasters, vehicular accidents, terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, and forensic investigations. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between the hand's middle finger length and stature in a group of Chilean students. A total of 211 students of both sexes from La Araucanía region, Chile, participated in the study. After obtaining informed consent to participate voluntarily in the study, each individual underwent a general anthropometric examination, followed by a specific assessment of the length of the middle finger (MFL) of both hands. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated a significant prediction of stature using the length of the right (R-MFL) and left (L-MFL) middle fingers, F (2, 207) = 79.80, p < 0.001. The equations for estimating stature based on the length of the middle fingers are as follows: for R-MFL, Stature = 91.265 + (8.092 x R-MFL), and for L-MFL, Stature = 83.967 + (8.889 x L-MF). Based on these results, it was found that the length of the middle finger of both hands is predictive of stature.

La biometría y la osteología forense desempeñan un papel relevante en la identificación humana, dado que la singularidad morfológica de cada individuo permite la diferenciación y reconocimiento de restos óseos. Mediante el análisis meticuloso de los restos humanos, es posible determinar atributos demográficos clave como la estatura, un parámetro significativo en el proceso de identificación forense. Esta información posee relevancia práctica para la identificación de personas en contextos de desastres, accidentes vehiculares, ataques terroristas, conflictos armados e investigaciones forenses. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la correlación entre la longitud del dedo medio de la mano con la estatura, en un grupo de estudiantes chilenos. Se evaluaron 211 estudiantes de ambos sexos de la región de La Araucanía, Chile. Tras obtener el consentimiento informado para participar voluntariamente en el estudio, se sometió a cada individuo a un examen antropométrico general, seguido de una evaluación específica de la longitud del dedo medio (MFL) de ambas manos. Los resultados del análisis de las regresiones lineales múltiples indicaron una significativa predicción de estatura utilizando la longitud de los dedos medios derecho (R-MFL) e izquierdo (L-MFL), F (2, 207) = 79.80, p < 0.001. Las ecuaciones para estimar estatura basados en la longitud de los dedos medios son las siguientes: para R-MFL, Stature = 91.265 + (8.092 x R-MFL) y para L-MFL, Stature = 83.967 + (8.889 x L- MF). A partir de estos resultados, se encontró que la longitud del dedo medio de ambos manos es predictora de estatura.

Use of Bladder Epicheck® in the follow-up of non-muscle-invasive Bladder cancer: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, different urinary markers such as the Bladder Epicheck® have been developed in an attempt to reduce the number of cystoscopies in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). AIM: To provide a systematic review of Bladder Epicheck® and its current clinical utility in the follow-up and detection of recurrence of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review based on a literature search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases until October 2023, according to PRISMA and Quadas-2 criteria. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the marker were calculated. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were analyzed (n = 3761) including 86.7% prospective studies. Of the patient series, 53.2% had received previous intravesical instillations. The mean Se of the biomarker in the detection of recurrence varied according to tumor grade (87.9%-high grade/HG vs. 44.9%-low grade/LG, respectively). Their weighted mean Se and Sp were 71.6% and 84.5%, respectively. The mean recurrence rate was 29.1%. The weighted mean PPV and NPV were 56.4% and 92.8% (97.7% non-LG), respectively. The mean AUC was 85.63%. CONCLUSION: Bladder Epicheck® is a useful urinary marker in the follow-up of NMIBC, with significantly high Se and NPV in the detection of recurrences, especially in cases of HG disease. Its use can reduce the number of cystoscopies required in the follow-up of NMIBC, improving the quality of life of patients and potentially increasing health economic savings.

Circumferential Inferior Vena Cavectomy Without Caval Replacement in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renal cell carcinoma presents a unique proclivity for vascular involvement giving rise to a peculiar form of locally advanced disease so-called tumor thrombus. To date, the only curative strategy for these cases remains surgery, which should aim to remove every vestige of macroscopic disease. Most of the preexisting literature advocates opening the vena cava to allow tumor thrombus removal and subsequent venous suture closure. However, inferior vena cava circumferential resection (cavectomy) without caval replacement is possible in the majority of cases since progressive occlusion facilitates the development of a collateral venous network aimed at maintaining cardiac preload. RECENT FINDINGS: Radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy remains a surgical challenge not exempt of operative complications even in experienced hands. In opposition to what traditional cavotomy and thrombus withdrawal can offer, circumferential cavectomy without caval replacement would provide comparable or even better oncologic control, decrease the likelihood of operative bleeding, and prevent the development of perioperative pulmonary embolism. This review focuses on the rationale of circumferential IVC resection without caval replacement and the important technical aspects of this approach in cases of renal cell carcinoma with vascular involvement. We also include an initial report on the surgical outcomes of a contemporary series of patients managed under this approach at our center.

Prevalence and management of urinary incontinece after pelvic organ prolapse surgery (sacrocolpopexy). A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and may occur after its surgical treatment. AIM: To determine the incidence, risk factors and management of SUI during and after POP surgery through a review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Narrative literature review on the incidence and management of SUI after POP surgery after search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo published in Spanish and English between 2013 and 2023. RESULTS: Occult SUI is defined as visible urine leakage when prolapse is reduced in patients without SUI symptoms. De novo SUI develops after prolapse surgery without having previously existed. In continent patients, the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of de novo SUI is estimated to be 9 patients and about 17 to avoid repeat incontinence surgery. In patients with occult UI, the NNT to avoid repeat incontinence surgery is around 7. Patients with POP and concomitant SUI are the group most likely to benefit from combined surgery with a more favorable NNT (NNT 2). CONCLUSION: Quality studies on combined surgery for treatment SUI and POP repair are lacking. Continent patients with prolapse should be warned of the risk of de novo SUI, although concomitant incontinence treatment is not currently recommended. Incontinence surgery should be considered on an individual basis in patients with prolapse and SUI.

Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n=570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP. RESULTS: Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p>0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n=20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p<0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p>0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device. CONCLUSION: The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

[Translated article] Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study. / Condicionantes de acceso a nuevos medicamentos dermatológicos en España: resultados del proyecto EQUIDAD.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Protocol for the treatment of cystoid macular edema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are the leading cause of legal blindness in the working population. Cystic macular edema (CME) is one of the treatable causes of visual loss, affecting up to 50% of the patients. A bibliographic review has been carried out combining "inherited retinal dystrophy", "retinitis pigmentosa", "macular oedema" and a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol according to the levels of evidence and recommendations of the "US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality". This protocol has been discussed in the monthly meetings of the XAREA DHR group with the participation of more than 25 ophthalmologists, creating a consensus document. The etiology of CME is multifactorial: dysfunction of the blood-retinal barrier, retinal pigment epithelium, and Müller cells, inflammation, and vitreous traction. OCT is the test of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of CME associated with IRD. The drugs with the highest degree of scientific evidence are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (IAC). Intravitreal corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane do not have sufficient evidence. A treatment scheme is proposed for the CME in IRD in adults, another for pediatric patients and another for IRD and cataract surgery. Oral and topical IACs are effective in the treatment of CME secondary to IRD. Treatment with corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy are second-line options. Randomized clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic scale in these patients.

Efecto del implante anticonceptivo sub-dérmico de Etonogestrel sobre el peso corporal en mujeres en edad reproductiva

Objetivo: Analizar el efecto sobre el peso corporal de la anticoncepción hormonal continua mediante implante sub-dérmico liberador de etonogestrel (ENG) en mujeres en edad reproductiva atendidas en la consulta de planificación familiar de un hospital venezolano. Métodos: Investigación comparativa, con diseño cuasi experimental, de casos y controles, a etiqueta abierta, y prospectivo; con una muestra intencionada de 60 mujeres separadas para recibir bien sea un implante subdérmico (Implanon NXT®; casos) o un dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) de cobre (T de cobre; controles). Se evaluaron el peso corporal e índice de masa corporal antes y posterior de doce meses del uso del contraceptivo; así como las características demográficas de las usuarias, efectos adversos y efectividad anticonceptiva de cada método. Resultados: Luego de un año con el implante de ENG no se encontraron variaciones significativas respecto a las mediciones iniciales del peso corporal (61,21±8,30 vs. 61,23±9,50, p>0,5) e IMC (25,23±3.89 vs. 25,26 ±4,30; p>0,05); contrariamente, a lo observado entre las usuarias del DIU donde tanto el peso corporal como el IMC tuvieron un aumento significativo (P<0,05). Asimismo, la mayoría de las usuarias se mantuvieron en el mismo rango de peso donde se encontraban al iniciar el método (p<0,001); mientras que la ganancia ponderal fue mayor entre las usuarias del DIU (1,530±2,04 vs. 3,700±3,02; p<0,05). Conclusiones: El implante de ENG no produce aumento del peso corporal luego de 12 meses de uso, con mínimos efectos adversos y alta efectividad contraceptiva.

Aim: To analyse the effect on body weight of continuous hormonal contraception by releasing subdermal implant etonogestrel (ENG) in women of reproductive age treated in the family planning consultation of a Venezuelan hospital. Methods: Comparative and applied research, with quasiexperimental, case-control, open label and prospective design, with an intentional sample of 60 women separated to receive the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®; cases) or a cooper intrauterine device (IUD) (Cooper T; controls) was carried out. Body weight and body mass index were evaluated before and after 12 months of contraceptive use; as well as demographic characteristics of users, side effects, and contraceptive effectiveness of each method. Results: After one year with the ENG implant, no significant variations were found with respect to initial measurements of body weight (61.21±8.30 vs. 61.23±9.50, p>0.5) and BMI (25.23±3.89 vs 25.26±4.30; p>0.05); on the contrary, to what was observed among IUD users where both body weight and BMI had a significant increase (P<0.05). Likewise, most users remained in the same weight range as when starting the method (p<0.001); while weight gain was greater among IUD users (1,530±2.04 vs. 3,700±3.02; p<0.05). Conclusions: The ENG implant does not produce an increase in body weight after 12 months of use, with minimal adverse effects and high contraceptive efficacy.

Periodontal Effects of the Reversible Dipeptidyl Peptidase 1 Inhibitor Brensocatib in Bronchiectasis.

AIMS: Brensocatib is a reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (cathepsin C), in development to treat chronic non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled WILLOW trial (NCT03218917) was conducted to examine whether brensocatib reduced the incidence of pulmonary exacerbations. Brensocatib prolonged the time to the first exacerbation and led to fewer exacerbations than placebo. Because brensocatib potentially affects oral tissues due to its action on neutrophil-mediated inflammation, we analyzed periodontal outcomes in the trial participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with bronchiectasis were randomized 1:1:1 to receive once-daily oral brensocatib 10 or 25 mg or placebo. Periodontal status was monitored throughout the 24-week trial in a prespecified safety analysis. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) at screening, week 8, and week 24 was evaluated. Gingival inflammation was evaluated by a combination of assessing bleeding upon probing and monitoring the Löe-Silness Gingival Index on 3 facial surfaces and the mid-lingual surface. RESULTS: At week 24, mean ± SE PPD reductions were similar across treatment groups: -0.07 ± 0.007, -0.06 ± 0.007, and -0.15 ± 0.007 mm with brensocatib 10 mg, brensocatib 25 mg, and placebo, respectively. The distribution of changes in PPD and the number of patients with multiple increased PPD sites were similar across treatment groups at weeks 8 and 24. The frequencies of gingival index values were generally similar across treatment groups at each assessment. An increase in index values 0-1 and a decrease in index values 2-3 over time and at the end of the study were observed in all groups, indicating improved oral health. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, brensocatib 10 or 25 mg had an acceptable safety profile after 6 months' treatment, with no changes in periodontal status noted. Improvement in oral health at end of the study may be due to regular dental care during the trial and independent of brensocatib treatment. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study suggest that 24 weeks of treatment with brensocatib does not affect periodontal disease progression. This information can be used by clinicians when considering treatment approaches for bronchiectasis and suggests that the use of brensocatib will not be limited by periodontal disease risks. Nevertheless, routine dental/periodontal care should be provided to patients irrespective of brensocatib treatment.

[Translated article] Imaging diagnosis of vertebral metastasis.

The spine is the third most frequent location for metastatic disease, after the lung and liver. On the other hand, the most frequent bone tumours are metastases and the spine is the main location. A review of the different imaging techniques available, both radiological and nuclear medicine, and the morphological appearance of spinal metastases in each of them is performed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for detection of spinal metastases. It is important to make the differential diagnosis between vertebral fracture of osteoporotic and pathological cause. Spinal cord compression is a serious complication of metastatic disease and its assessment by imaging through objective scales is decisive for estimating spinal stability and therefore establishing treatment. Lastly, percutaneous intervention techniques are briefly discussed.

Perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC).

We present three cases of patients aged 66, 80 and 23, who presented unilateral vision loss. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in all of them showed macular oedema and a rounded lesion with hyperreflective wall, and fluorescein angiography (FAG) in two of them showed hyperfluorescent perifoveal aneurysmal dilations with exudation. None of the cases showed response to treatment after one year of follow-up, finally being diagnosed with Perifoveal Exudative Vascular Anomalous Complex (PEVAC).

Modified Chevrel technique for abdominal closure in critically ill patients with abdominal hypertension and limited options for closure.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition seen in critically ill patients, and most often caused by acute pancreatitis, postoperative abdominal vascular thrombosis or mesenteric ischemia. A decompressive laparotomy is sometimes required, often resulting in hernias, and subsequent definitive wall closure is challenging. AIM: This study aims to describe short term results after a modified Chevrel technique for midline laparotomies in patients witch abdominal hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a modified Chevrel as an abdominal closure technique in 9 patients between January 2016 and January 2022. All patients presented varying degrees of abdominal hypertension. RESULTS: Nine patients were treated with new technique (6 male and 3 female), all of whom had conditions that precluded unfolding the contralateral side as a means for closure. The reasons for this were diverse, including presence of ileostomies, intraabdominal drainages, Kher tubes or an inverted T scar from previous transplant. The use of mesh was initially dismissed in 8 of the patients (88,9%) because they required subsequent abdominal surgeries or active infection. None of the patients developed a hernia, although two died 6 months after the procedure. Only one patient developed bulging. A decrease in intrabdominal pressure was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: The modified Chevrel technique can be used as a closure option for midline laparotomies in cases where the entire abdominal wall cannot be used.

Imaging diagnosis of vertebral metastasis. / Diagnóstico por imagen de las metástasis vertebrales.

The spine is the third most frequent location for metastatic disease, after the lung and liver. On the other hand, the most frequent bone tumors are metastases and the spine is the main location. A review of the different imaging techniques available, both radiological and nuclear medicine, and the morphological appearance of spinal metastases in each of them is performed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for detection of spinal metastases. It is important to make the differential diagnosis between vertebral fracture of osteoporotic and pathological cause. Spinal cord compression is a serious complication of metastatic disease and its assessment by imaging through objective scales is decisive for estimating spinal stability and therefore establishing treatment. Lastly, percutaneous intervention techniques are briefly discussed.

Development of an immune-nutritional prognostic index in patients with muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer candidates for radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle-infiltrating bladder tumor (MIBT) has a recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 50% at 5 years. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has increased it by 8%, which group of patients benefits the most from this treatment remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prognostic value of immune-nutritional status in patients with MIBT who are candidates for cystectomy, and to develop a score that allows identifying patients with a worse prognosis (pT3-4 and/or pN0-1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 284 patients with MIBT treated with radical cystectomy. Preoperative laboratory tests were analyzed and immune-nutritional indices were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the PFS. Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship with leukocyte/lymphocyte index (p = 0.0001), neutrophil/lymphocyte index (p = 0.02), prognostic nutritional index (p = 0.002), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the leukocyte/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002) and PNI (p = 0.04) behaved as independent prognostic factors of decreased RFS. Based on these, a prognostic score was developed to classify patients into 3 prognostic groups. Eighty percent of patients with pT3-4 and/or pN0-1 tumors were in the intermediate-poor prognostic groups. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a precystectomy immune-nutritional score in clinical practice would help in the selection of a group of patients with a more unfavorable pathologic stage and worse PFS. We believe that these patients could benefit more from a NACT.