Incidence of appendiceal neoplasms in appendectomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-operative management has been suggested as a therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis. Notwithstanding, the risk of missing an appendiceal tumor must be considered, being the surgical piece crucial to rule out neoplasms. Therefore, we aim to determine the incidence of appendiceal neoplasms in patients with acute appendicitis, tumor types and the importance of the anatomopathological study of the surgical piece. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study in which we described patients who underwent emergent appendectomy with histopathological findings of appendiceal neoplasms from January 2012 to September 2018. Descriptive analysis included demographic variables, diagnostic methods, and surgical techniques. RESULTS: 2993 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who underwent an emergency appendectomy. 64 neoplasms of the appendix were found with an incidence of 2,14%. 67.2% were women, the mean age was 46,4 years (± 19.5). The most frequent appendiceal neoplasms were neuroendocrine tumors (42,2%), followed by appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (35,9%), sessile serrated adenomas (18,8%), and adenocarcinomas (3,1%). In 89,1% of the cases, acute appendicitis was determined by imaging, and 14% of cases were suspected intraoperatively. Appendectomy was performed in 78,1% without additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Appendiceal tumors are rare and must be ruled out in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. The incidence of incidental neoplasms is higher in this study than in the previously reported series. This information must be included in decision-making when considering treatment options for acute appendicitis.

Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss and Microglial Activation in a SOD1G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebral cortex. In this pathology, both neurons and glial cells are affected. However, few studies have analyzed retinal microglia in ALS models. In this study, we quantified the signs of microglial activation and the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model at 120 days (advanced stage of the disease) in retinal whole-mounts. For SOD1G93A animals (compared to the wild-type), we found, in microglial cells, (i) a significant increase in the area occupied by each microglial cell in the total area of the retina; (ii) a significant increase in the arbor area in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) inferior sector; (iii) the presence of cells with retracted processes; (iv) areas of cell groupings in some sectors; (v) no significant increase in the number of microglial cells; (vi) the expression of IFN-γ and IL-1ß; and (vii) the non-expression of IL-10 and arginase-I. For the RGCs, we found a decrease in their number. In conclusion, in the SOD1G93A model (at 120 days), retinal microglial activation occurred, taking a pro-inflammatory phenotype M1, which affected the OPL and inner retinal layers and could be related to RGC loss.

The role of negative pressure wound therapy in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa: a case report and literature review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease affecting skin that bears apocrine glands. It is characterised by the presence of tender subcutaneous nodules that may rupture, resulting in deep dermal abscesses, fibrosis with dermal contractures and induration of the skin. The management of HS is a challenge for physicians as the pathogenesis is not clearly defined and prevents the use and development of directed therapies. Treatment options are oral agents (antibiotics, immunomodulators) and surgical excision. Historically, surgical management has been complicated by difficult closure and high recurrent rates. In the last 10 years, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has proven to be a great adjunct for wound management as it provides the adequate conditions for wound healing, promotes granulation and helps to control infection. Here, we report a case of severe perineal HS treated with radical excision and NPWT as an adjunct. The patient only had a recurrence 3 years after primary treatment and was surgically treated for cosmetic reasons without any complications. Finally, we present a review of the relevant literature.

Does tranexamic acid reduce transfusion requirements in children with cerebral palsy undergoing osteotomies? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy have postural alterations and hip displacements are common among them, for which osteotomies must be carried out, involving great blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a fibrinolysis inhibitor, has been shown to reduce bleeding in osteotomies. However, the effectiveness of TXA in children with cerebral palsy has not been well studied, so a comprehensive meta-analysis is required to evaluate its impact. Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of tranexamic acid administration in reducing blood loss and transfusions during osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Databases were searched until April 17, 2024, for randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies comparing TXA use versus a control group. The primary outcome was overall transfusion.Secondary outcomes included intraoperative transfusion, postoperative transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb), postoperative hematocrit (Hct), drop in Hct, drop in Hb, length of stay, total blood loss (TBL) and estimated blood loss (EBL). The analysis utilized pooled relative risk ratios (RR) for categorical variables, and mean difference (MD) for numerical variables. We utilized the fixed-effects model utilizing the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results: The analysis included 7 articles, which collectively provided data on 943 patients. It was found thatTXA administration decreases overall transfusion rate (RR = 0,65, 95 % CI: 0.47 to 0,90, p = 0,008),postoperative transfusion rate (RR = 0.53, 95 % CI: 0.36 to 0,79, p = 0.002) and TBL (MD = -139,41, 95 % CI: 221,34 to -57,48, p = 0,0009). There was less length of stay in the control group (MD = 0,47, 95 % CI: 0.10 to0,84, p = 0,01). TXA doesn't demonstrate significant differences in EBL, intraoperative transfusion rate, postoperative Hb, postoperative Hct, drop in Hct or drop in Hb. Conclusion: TXA reduces the need of transfusion and total blood loss and increased length of hospital stay. And TXA doesn't demonstrate significant differences in EBL, intraoperative transfusion rate, postoperative Hb, postoperative Hct, drop in Hct or drop in Hb.

Metastasis of the abdominal wall in a patient with diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma: An interesting finding.

Tumors of the abdominal wall are rare, divided into benign and malignant lesions that are composed of primary tumors and by the parietal invasion of intra-abdominal tumors and metastatic parietal implants. In the case of metastases in the abdominal wall, the most frequent are metastases from neoplasms of colonic origin. The case described below is that of a 68-year-old patient with a history of stage IIA left lung adenocarcinoma who received partial response radiotherapy with an indication for chemotherapy, which she refused and lost follow-up.

Neuro-Ophthalmological Findings in Friedreich's Ataxia.

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a severe autosomal recessive genetic disorder of the central nervous (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), affecting children and young adults. Its onset is before 25 years of age, with mean ages of onset and death between 11 and 38 years, respectively. The incidence is 1 in 30,000-50,000 persons. It is caused, in 97% of cases, by a homozygous guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide mutation in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene on chromosome 9 (9q13-q1.1). The mutation of this gene causes a deficiency of frataxin, which induces an altered inflow of iron into the mitochondria, increasing the nervous system's vulnerability to oxidative stress. The main clinical signs include spinocerebellar ataxia with sensory loss and disappearance of deep tendon reflexes, cerebellar dysarthria, cardiomyopathy, and scoliosis. Diabetes, hearing loss, and pes cavus may also occur, and although most patients with FRDA do not present with symptomatic visual impairment, 73% present with clinical neuro-ophthalmological alterations such as optic atrophy and altered eye movement, among others. This review provides a brief overview of the main aspects of FRDA and then focuses on the ocular involvement of this pathology and the possible use of retinal biomarkers.

Management of Middle Hepatic Vein Injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report.

Background Cholecystectomy continues to be the first choice for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Especially in patients with acute cholecystitis, a laparoscopic approach has become the standard treatment option. Intraoperative complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy include: bile duct injury, organ damage, and bleeding due to vascular injury. Difficult hemorrhage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurs in 0.1 to 1.9% of all cases. Besides major vessel injuries, gallbladder bed vasculature is reported as a common injury site, mostly secondary to middle hepatic vein lesions. Case Presentation We present a case report of a patient taken for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, inadvertent middle hepatic vein injury occurs. Here we describe the management approach selected for this type of injury. Discussion We recommend careful dissection during the final steps of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Following cystic duct and cystic artery ligation, surgeons often inappropriately relax through the last part of the dissection. During this final dissection, if care is not taken, small vascular structures can be missed and injured.

Non surgical management for massive gastric lipomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric lipomatosis (GL) is defined as a lipomatous lesion with diffuse infiltration of the submucosal layer by adipose tissue with multiple lesions and must be differentiated from gastrointestinal lipomas, which are solitary submucosal masses composed of well-differentiated adipose tissue surrounded by a fibrous capsule. GL are uncommon, represents 5 % of gastrointestinal tract lipomas and less than 1∼3 % of all gastric tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman, who underwent non-operatively approach by Gastric lipomatosis. Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms and endoscopic examination ruled out the possibility of mucosal ulceration or bleeding. Endoscopic ultrasonography and abdominal CT that confirmed gastric lipomatosis. DISCUSSION: Gastric lipomas are usually small, solitary and asymptomatic, and are hence often detected incidentally, surgical management in asymptomatic patients still be a in debate. CONCLUSION: Non operative management in massive gastic lipomatosis is appropiate when the patient is asymptomatic without mucosal ulceration, regardless of the amount of gastric lipomas. Avoiding patient the morbidity of a total gastrectomy.

Endoscopic trans gastric assisted surgery for gastric tumors: Case report and description of a new surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive intragastric surgery [IGS] was first described by Ohashi in 1995 for early gastric cancer, with 3 trocars placed in the gastric lumen. Prior abdominal surgery is not a contraindication to IGS while the abdominal cavity is not explored, always that exist transilumination. But conversion to laparoscopic and open surgery can be challenging owing to the insufflated stomach and/or small bowel, although gas can be easily released via the gastrostomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old female patient, presented with a sub epithelial gastric antrum lesion confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography managed with surgical endoscopic percutaneous assisted transgastric technique [EPATS] using a gastrostomy tube and the endoscope. DISCUSSION: We have been developing this operation since 2018. Nevertheless, we think EPATS is worthy to master, as PEIGS can salvage the entire stomach of patients with sub epithelial lesions in the lesser curve and in the esophagogastric junction, who otherwise would have to undergo total or proximal gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: We need to perform more cases for future comparative studies with percutaneous endoscopic intragastric surgery [PEIGS] in terms of parameters as pain, inflammation, complications, stenosis, oncological results and cosmesis.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Neurodegenerative Motor Neuron Disease With Ocular Involvement.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration of the lower and upper motor neurons and is the most prevalent motor neuron disease. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness, stiffness, and hyperreflexia. Patients survive for a short period from the onset of the disease. Most cases are sporadic, with only 10% of the cases being genetic. Many genes are now known to be involved in familial ALS cases, including some of the sporadic cases. It has also been observed that, in addition to genetic factors, there are numerous molecular mechanisms involved in these pathologies, such as excitotoxicity, mitochondrial disorders, alterations in axonal transport, oxidative stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and neuroinflammation. This pathology affects the motor neurons, the spinal cord, the cerebellum, and the brain, but recently, it has been shown that it also affects the visual system. This impact occurs not only at the level of the oculomotor system but also at the retinal level, which is why the retina is being proposed as a possible biomarker of this pathology. The current review discusses the main aspects mentioned above related to ALS, such as the main genes involved, the most important molecular mechanisms that affect this pathology, its ocular involvement, and the possible usefulness of the retina as a biomarker.

Ocular Involvement in Friedreich Ataxia Patients and its Relationship with Neurological Disability, a Follow-up Study.

: Background: This study compared functional and structural visual changes in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) patients with healthy controls (HC) and correlated these changes with neurological disability. METHODS: Eight FRDA Spanish patients and eight HC were selected from 2014 to 2018. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF), optic coherence tomography (OCT), and neurological disability measured by "scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia" (SARA) were taken in a basal exploration and repeated after 6 months. A linear mixed analysis and Bonferroni p-value correction were performed. RESULTS: FRDA baseline and follow-up patients showed statistically significant decreases in BCVA, VF, and OCT parameters compared with the HC. Some of the VF measurements and most of the OCT parameters had an inverse mild-to-strong correlation with SARA. Moreover, the analysis of the ROC curve demonstrated that the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) average thickness was the best parameter to discriminate between FRDA patients and HC. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up study showed a progression in OCT parameters. Findings showed a sequential effect in pRNFL, ganglion cell complex (GCC), and macula. The VF and the OCT could be useful biomarkers in FRDA, both for their correlation with neurological disease as well as for their ability to evaluate disease progression.

Early Recognition and Diagnosis of Buried Bumper Syndrome: A Report of Three Cases.

Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) was described as a complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) that occurs when the internal stump of the probe migrates and is located between the gastric wall and the skin. The increase of compression between the internal stump and the external stump of the gastrostomy tube causes pain and the inability to feed. We present the cases of three patients with BBS managed by the metabolic and nutritional support department. These cases intend to illustrate one of the less frequent complications of PEG, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and especially clinical management. Although there are no defined gold standards for its management, the most important points in the management of this condition are early recognition, recommendations to avoid ischemic process at the moment of the insertion of the tube, specific care of the gastrostomy tube, and a periodic nutrition evaluation to avoid overweight, which causes traction and excessive pressure in the gastric wall. It is important for physicians to be aware of the recommendations to prevent BBS and its complications, especially in patients in whom communication can be difficult secondary to their pathologies and comorbidities.

Tension pneumoperitoneum: Case report of a rare form of acute abdominal compartment syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Tension pneumoperitoneum is a severe and rare form of pneumoperitoneum with concomitant hemodynamic instability and respiratory failure. It is a variant of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) causing an abrupt increase in intra-abdominal pressure. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of pneumoperitoneum, after an endoscopic mucosal resection with the development of ACS. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous decompression. DISCUSSION: Decompressive laparotomy is the first treatment option for both most forms of pneumoperitoneum and ACS; nevertheless, this issue is controversial. Recent reports have shown that some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive catheter decompression avoiding major decompressive surgery. Identifying these patients is vital to avoiding unnecessary surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Tension pneumoperitoneum is a life-threatening event, early detection and intervention is critical in order to provide prompt and optimal treatment approaches.

Consenso colombiano de Falla Intestinal Crónica en Síndrome de Intestino Corto / Colombian Consensus on Chronic Intestinal Failure in Short Bowel Syndrome

Introducción. Los términos falla intestinal crónica, síndrome de intestino corto (SIC) y nutrición parenteral total son muy frecuentes en la práctica clínica cotidiana.El objetivo de esta guía fue establecer un marco de referencia de práctica clínica basado en el mejor de nivel de evidencia en pacientes con falla intestinal crónica secundaria a síndrome de intestino corto. Métodos. Se estableció un grupo de expertos interdisciplinarios en el manejo de la falla intestinal crónica quienes, previa revisión de la literatura escogida, se reunieron de manera virtual acogiendo el método Delphi para discutir una serie de preguntas seleccionadas, enfocadas en el contexto terapéutico de la falla intestinal crónica asociada al síndrome de intestino corto. Resultados. La recomendación del grupo de expertos colombianos es que se aconseje a los pacientes con SIC consumir dietas regulares de alimentos integrales que genere hiperfagia para compensar la malabsorción. Las necesidades proteicas y energéticas dependen de las características individuales de cada paciente; la adecuación del régimen debe ser evaluada a través de pruebas clínicas, antropométricas y parámetros bioquímicos. Se sugiere, especialmente a corto plazo después de la resección intestinal, el uso de análogos de somatostatina para pacientes con yeyunostomía de alto gasto en quienes el manejo de líquidos y electrolitos es problemático. En pacientes con SIC, que son candidatos a tratamiento con enterohormonas, Teduglutida es la primera opción. Conclusión. Existen recomendaciones en el manejo integral de la rehabilitación intestinal respaldadas ampliamente por este consenso y es importante el reconocimiento de alternativas terapéuticos enmarcadas en el principio de buenas prácticas clínicas.

Introduction. The terms chronic intestinal failure, short bowel syndrome (SBS), and total parenteral nutrition are very common in daily clinical practice. The objective of this guideline was to establish a reference framework for clinical practice based on the best level of evidence in patients with chronic intestinal failure secondary to short bowel syndrome. Methods. A group of interdisciplinary experts in the management of chronic intestinal failure was established who, after reviewing the selected literature, met virtually using the Delphi method to discuss a series of selected questions, focused on the therapeutic context of chronic intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome. Results. The recommendation of the Colombian expert group is that patients with SBS be advised to consume regular diets of whole foods that generate hyperphagia to compensate malabsorption. Protein and energy needs depend on the individual characteristics of each patient; the adequacy of the regimen must be evaluated through clinical, anthropometric tests and biochemical parameters. The use of somatostatin analogue is suggested, especially in the short term after bowel resection, for patients with high-output jejunostomy in whom fluid and electrolyte management is problematic. In SBS, who are candidates for enterohormonal therapy, Teduglutide is the first choice. Conclusion. There are recommendations on the comprehensive management of intestinal rehabilitation that are widely supported by this consensus and it is important to recognize therapeutic alternatives framed in the principle of good clinical practice.

Terapia asistida con vacío y estoma flotante (floating stoma): una nueva forma de tratar un absceso periostomal / Vacuum assisted therapy and floating stoma: S new way to treat a periostomal abscess

Resumen Introducción: Los estomas flotantes se definen como un estoma que no está fijado a la piel de la pared abdominal, esta técnica se ha descrito en cirugía para fístulas entero-atmosféricas y de control de daños. Caso Clínico: Presentamos un reporte de caso de manejo de absceso paraostomal en paciente con antecedente de laparotomía por abdomen agudo, por lo que se decide uso de terapia de presión negativa asociada a estoma flotante, demostrando su utilidad en este tipo complejo de pacientes.

Introduction: Floating stomata are defined as a stoma that is not attached to the skin of the abdominal wall, this technique is described in surgery for entero-atmospheric fistulas and damage control. Clinical Case: We present a case report of the management of paraostomal abscess in a patient with a history of laparotomy due to acute abdomen, it was decided to use negative pressure therapy associated with a floating stoma, demonstrating its usefulness in this complex type of patient.

Biomarkers for intestinal failure in short bowel syndrome: A new era in GI rehabilitation? / Biomarcadores para la insuficiencia intestinal en síndrome de intestino corto: ¿Una nueva era en la rehabilitación gastrointestinal?

Damage control and gastrointestinal surgery have come a long way from the first reported case of an enterocutaneous fistula to advances in Intestinal transplant and vacuum assisted therapy. Everything we have known in between such as intestinal resections, enteral/parenteral nutrition, delayed abdominal wall closure and intestinal reconstruction have all lead to an exponential increase in our knowledge of gastrointestinal surgery. One area that still remains a significant challenge and clinical dilemma to the general surgeon is intestinal failure in short bowel syndrome. Not only does the anatomical complexity of short bowel syndrome offer difficulties in the definite reconstruction, but also the accompanying intestinal failure increases patient morbidity and mortality. There are no current algorithms or systematic approaches to these daunting clinical scenarios and although surgery has come a long way, there is still room for determining optimal approaches. Therefore, it is critical to keep researching new ways to treat these patients. A relatively new horizon in managing intestinal failure in short bowel syndrome is the use of biomarkers. Here we present a short review on the possible future treatment. The aim of this paper is to provide a pathway for future research into the treatment of this complex area of general surgery

La cirugía gastrointestinal y de control de daños ha tenido un recorrido amplio desde el primer caso reportado de fístula entero-cutánea, hasta llegar al uso de presión subatmosférica para el cierre asistido y el trasplante intestinal. Todos los avances propuestos en el intermedio, como las resecciones intestinales, los planes de nutrición entérica y parenteral, el cierre postergado de la pared abdominal y la reconstrucción intestinal, han llevado a un aumento exponencial del conocimiento de la cirugía gastrointestinal. A pesar de esto, hay un área que permanece como un reto significativo y un dilema clínico para el cirujano general: la falla intestinal en el síndrome de intestino corto. En esta, su complejidad anatómica presenta dificultades a la hora de su reconstrucción, y su alteración funcional aumenta la morbimortalidad del paciente. Así como sucede en la mayoría de las fallas específicas de órganos, esta se caracteriza por cambios en los marcadores séricos que ya han sido bien descritos en la literatura médica. En la falla cardiaca hay elevación del péptido natriurético auricular; en la falla renal, elevación de la creatinina sérica; en la falla hepática, elevación de las transaminasas, y así sucesivamente. Estos marcadores no solo indican la gravedad de la situación, sino que se relacionan con la suficiencia del órgano en cuanto a su función y su mejoría con la rehabilitación. Ahora, ¿cuáles son los marcadores del sistema gastrointestinal? Recientemente, la seriedad de la falla intestinal y su solución han sido objeto de la observación clínica y sintomática con el fin de determinar la orientación de la rehabilitación intestinal y el momento ideal para el inicio de la vía oral. En los últimos años han surgido biomarcadores pertinentes al estudio del sistema digestivo. En esta revisión se discuten los aspectos relacionados con el presente y el futuro de los marcadores serológicos intestinales en el síndrome de intestino corto

Fístulas gastrointestinales en abdomen abierto (fístulas enterostómica) / Gastrointestinal fistulae in open abdromen (entero stomic fistulae)

Las fistulas enterocutáneas constituyen uno de los problemas más complejos que debe enfrentar el cirujano. En este artículo presentamos la clasificación de las fístulas, una revisión de la literatura y nuestra experiencia con las fístulas enterostómicas (las que drenan a través de una laparostomía), en las cuales no hay piel que las soporte. Para este tipo de fístulas hemos utilizado con éxito la técnica del cierre asistido por vacío. En el artículo se ilustra la técnica, la cual representa un notable avance en el manejo de estos pacientes, que requieren además terapias adyuvantes, como la somatostina y el soporte nutricional agresivo, parenteral y, en casos seleccionados, enteral. Las fístulas enterocutáneas constituyen uno de los problemas más complicados que debe enfrentar el cirujano e implica la aplicación de conocimientos como son el manejo de líquidos y electrólitos, soporte metabólico y nutricional, y técnicas diagnósticas y quirúrgicas complejas.Definición de fístula: La fístula es una comunicación anormal entre dos superficies epitelizadas, por lo general con tejido de granulación.Clasificación: Por su localización anatómica las fístulas intestinales se clasifican en internas o externas. Las internas comunican dos órganos y las externas lo hacen de manera directa o indirecta con la superficie corporal. Pueden ser simples, con una sola conexión o complicadas, con varios tractos o, conectadas a una cavidad abscedada; cuando se habla de la clasificación fisiológica se refiere al flujo; las de flujo alto son aquellas que drenan más de 500 mL/día, y las de flujo bajo drenan menos de 500 mL/día. Stiges-Serra y Schein propusieron clasificarlas con base en su localizacióny si drenan a través de un defecto grande de la pared abdominal (Schein y Decker, 1991; Stiges-Serra y col., 1982)...

Paraganglioma del órgano de zuckerkandl / Paraganglioma of the organ of zuckerkandl

Los paragangliomas del órgano de Zuckerkandl son un problema clínico infrecuente. Aunque los pacientes presentan síntomas característicos, como hipertensión arterial de difícil manejo, cefalea y palpitaciones, su diagnóstico se debe considerar de exclusión. En este artículo se hace una revisión de la literatura y se presenta con caso clínico.

Paragangliomas of the Organ of Zuckerkandl constitute an infrequent clinical problem. Although the patients present with the classical triad of hypertension, headaches and palpitations, they should always be considered by exclusion diagnosis. This article includes a literature review and a case presentation.

Fascitis necrotizante: una emergencia / Necrotizing fascitis: a medical emergency

Las infecciones necrotizantes de los tejidos blandos constituyen una emergencia real, pues el retraso en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se traducen en elevadas cifras de mortalidad. El diagnóstico es esencialmente clínico. Los exámenes de laboratorio y las imágenes evalúan la severidad y extensión del proceso. Los elementos fundamentales en el tratamiento son la reanimación y soporte (hemodinámico, ventilatorio, nutricional), el desbridamiento quirúrgico y la antibioticoterapia adecuada. La biopsia por congelación confirma el diagnóstico y los cultivos orientarán la terapéutica más apropiada. La administración de oxígeno hiperbárico aún requiere más análisis para establecer su real utilidad