[Multidisciplinary approach on subglottic pathology: a 5-year review]. / Manejo multidisciplinar de la patología subglótica: revisión a 5 años.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric subglottic pathology still represents a challenge when it comes to choosing the right treatment. We present the management of patients followed in our center for this reason during the last 5 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients followed by glotosubglottic pathology (stenosis, cysts or granulomas) between 2011 and 2016 in a third level hospital. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included in the review. Treatment options varied according to the nature, location and severity of the subglottic stenosis. Two patients with congenital subglottic stenosis were treated by laryngotracheoplasty. Seventeen patients with acquired subglottic stenosis were included: in one (5.9%) laryngotracheoplasty was performed, one (5.9%) received cricotracheal split, two of them (11.8%) underwent partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) , seven patients (41.2%) underwent microsurgery, three (17.6%) received tracheal dilatation, and the last three (17.6%) were submitted to observation without needing further treatment. Five patients with post-intubation subglottic cysts received microsurgery. Of three patients diagnosed with post-intubation subglottic granuloma, two (66%) resolved spontaneously and one (33%) required microsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Management of pediatric subglottic pathology remains a major challenge. Since the creation of the Airway Committee in our center, the improvement in the management of these patients has led to a multidisciplinary management, with the consequent impact on the clinical results.

OBJETIVOS: La patología del espacio subglótico en pacientes pediátricos sigue representando un reto a la hora de elegir el tratamiento idóneo. Presentamos el manejo de los pacientes seguidos en nuestro centro por este motivo durante los últimos 5 años. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes seguidos por patología glotosubglótica (estenosis, quistes o granulomas) entre 2011 y 2016 en un centro de tercer nivel. RESULTADOS: Veintisiete pacientes fueron incluidos en la revisión. Las opciones de tratamiento variaron en función de la naturaleza, la localización y la gravedad de la afectación subglótica. Dos pacientes con estenosis subglótica congénita fueron tratados mediante laringotraqueoplastia. Se incluyeron 17 pacientes con estenosis subglótica adquirida: en uno (5,9%) se realizó laringotraqueoplastia, en uno (5,9%) split cricotiroideo, dos de ellos (11,8%) se intervinieron mediante resección cricotraqueal parcial (PCTR), siete pacientes (41,2%) se sometieron a microcirugía, tres (17,6%) recibieron dilatación traqueal y los tres últimos (17,6%) se sometieron a observación sin necesitar finalmente tratamiento. Cinco pacientes con quistes subglóticos postintubación recibieron microcirugía. De tres pacientes diagnosticados de granuloma subglótico postintubación, dos (66%) se resolvieron espontáneamente y uno (33%) requirió microcirugía. CONCLUSIONES: El manejo de la patología subglótica pediátrica sigue representando un gran desafío. Desde la creación del Comité de Vía Aérea en nuestro centro, la mejoría en la gestión de estos pacientes ha conducido a un manejo multidisciplinar de los mismos, con el consiguiente impacto en los resultados clínicos.

En bloc resection vs. Gips procedure in pilonidal sinus surgery. / Resección en bloque vs. técnica de Gips en cirugía del sinus pilonidal.

INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an infectious/inflammatory condition of the sacrococcygeal region, with frequent relapses. There is no clear consensus as to which management technique is best. The most widely used technique is en bloc resection (EBR), but less invasive methods (Gips procedure) are now being developed. OBJECTIVE: To compare complications and progression of pediatric patients undergoing PS surgery in our institution using two different surgical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients under 16 years of age undergoing PS surgery (EBR/Gips procedure) for the first time from 2014 to 2020 was carried out. Demographic variables, complications in the first month (exudate, wound infection, dehiscence, and bleeding), and result at the end of follow-up were collected. Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: 60 patients underwent surgery. EBR was used in the first group, and the Gips procedure was used in the second group (76.67%, n = 46 vs. 23.33%, n = 14). Both were comparable in terms of sex (32.61% vs. 35.71% male), age (14.04 vs. 13.79 years old), and BMI (26.63 vs. 26.20 kg/m2) at surgery. 6 patients underwent re-intervention (10.87% vs. 7.14%; p = 0.684). Median follow-up time to healing was 6.13 ± 0.98 months vs. 3.31 ± 1.26 months (p < 0.024). The Gips procedure caused no dehiscence, whereas dehiscence rate in EBR was 65.22%. CONCLUSION: The Gips procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to EBR. It avoids dehiscence, and time to healing is shorter. Therefore, it should be regarded as the first-line treatment in PS patients.

INTRODUCCION: El sinus pilonidal (SP) es una enfermedad infecciosa/inflamatoria de la región sacrococcígea, que asocia recaídas frecuentes, sin un consenso claro sobre su manejo óptimo. La técnica más empleada es la resección en bloque (RB), pero se están desarrollando métodos menos invasivos (técnica de Gips). OBJETIVOS: Comparar las complicaciones y evolución de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de SP en nuestro centro con dos técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 16 años intervenidos por primera vez de SP (RB/técnica de Gips) entre 2014 y 2020. Se recogieron variables demográficas, complicaciones en el primer mes (exudado, infección de herida, dehiscencia, sangrado) y resultado al final del seguimiento. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje, y las cuantitativas mediante media y desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 60 pacientes: el primer grupo mediante RB y el segundo mediante técnica de Gips (76,67%, n = 46 vs. 23,33%, n = 14). Ambos fueron comparables en cuanto a sexo (32,61% vs. 35,71% varones), edad (14,04 vs. 13,79 años) e IMC (26,63 vs. 26,20 kg/m2) durante la cirugía. Se reintervinieron 6 pacientes (10,87% vs. 7,14%; p = 0,684). La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento hasta la curación fue de 6,13 ± 0,98 vs. 3,31 ± 1,26 meses (p < 0,024). La técnica de Gips no presenta dehiscencias, a diferencia de la RB con un 65,22%. CONCLUSION: La técnica de Gips es una alternativa mínimamente invasiva a la RB, que evita la dehiscencia y precisa menos tiempo en alcanzar la curación, por lo que debería emplearse como tratamiento de primera elección.

Usefulness of digestive biopsy in the diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease. / Utilidad de la biopsia digestiva para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped.

INTRODUCTION: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), with high morbidity and mortality rates. Intestinal clinical signs are unspecific, which means differential diagnosis with infections and drug-related etiology should be carried out. Even though intestinal biopsy is widely considered as the gold standard technique, there is no consensus as to which sampling method is best. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of the biopsy techniques used in patients with suspected intestinal GVHD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with suspected intestinal GVHD undergoing allo-HSCT from 2010 to 2019 was carried out. They were assessed through digestive biopsy - esophagogastroduodenal biopsy (upper GI endoscopy - UGIE) or rectal biopsy (colonoscopy or direct biopsy). Quantitative variables, expressed as median and interquartile range, and qualitative variables, expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, were collected. RESULTS: 23 patients were studied, 60.9% of whom were male. Median age at biopsy was 9 years (7-14 years). UGIE was used in 47.8% of patients (n=11), colonoscopy was used in 26.1% of patients (n=6), and direct biopsy was used in 34.8% of patients (n=8), with GVHD positive results in 2 (18.2%), 2 (33.3%), and 4 (50%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Samples taken through direct biopsy stand as an effective alternative in GVHD diagnosis.

INTRODUCCION: La enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH) es una complicación frecuente de los trasplantes de células precursoras hematopoyéticas alogénicos (alo-TCPH), con gran morbimortalidad. La clínica intestinal es inespecífica, planteando el diagnóstico diferencial con infecciones y etiología medicamentosa. Aunque las biopsias intestinales son el gold standard, no existe consenso sobre la mejor técnica para obtenerlas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados de las técnicas empleadas para obtener biopsias en pacientes con sospecha de EICH intestinal. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye pacientes sometidos a alo-TCPH entre 2010 y 2019, con sospecha de EICH intestinal estudiados mediante biopsias digestivas: esofagogastroduodenales (endoscopia digestiva alta - EDA) o rectales (colonoscopia o biopsia directa). Recogimos variables cuantitativas, expresadas como mediana y rango intercuartílico; y cualitativas, expresadas en frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje. RESULTADOS: Estudiamos 23 pacientes (60,9% varones). La mediana de edad en el momento de la biopsia fue 9 años (7-14 años). Empleamos EDA en el 47,8% (n= 11), colonoscopia en 26,1% (n= 6) y biopsia directa en el 34,8% (n= 8); siendo positivas para EICH en 2 (18,2%), 2 (33,3%) y 4 (50%), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Las muestras obtenidas mediante biopsia directa se plantean como una alternativa eficiente en el diagnóstico del EICH.

Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience. / Tratamiento con adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia para las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes: resultados tras más de 20 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed. RESULTS: 14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTEF.

INTRODUCCION: La fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente (FTER) representa una complicación frecuente (5-10%) en los pacientes con atresia de esófago (AE). La cirugía abierta de FTER implica una alta morbimortalidad, por lo que los abordajes endoscópicos suponen una alternativa prometedora. Presentamos los resultados a largo plazo de la aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina (AF) en pacientes con FTER secundaria a AE, técnica utilizada por primera vez en 1994 por nuestro equipo. METODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de 1993 a 2019, incluyendo a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de FTER tras la reparación de AE, y tratados con aplicación broncoscópica de AF. En la mayoría de los casos se aplicó diatermia previamente al sellado con AF. El número máximo de sesiones endoscópicas se estableció en cinco; en caso de persistir FTER tras la quinta sesión, se procedió a cirugía abierta. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes con FTER fueron tratados con AF; en todos salvo los primeros 3 casos (11 pacientes, 78,6%) se aplicó diatermia concomitante. El día promedio del primer tratamiento fue el día 85 de vida (14 a 770). Los pacientes recibieron una media de 2,1 (1-5) sesiones endoscópicas. El seguimiento medio fue de 12,1 (10-20) años. El éxito global fue del 71,4%, sin apenas variar con la aplicación o no de diatermia concomitante (72,7% vs. 66,6%). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia representa una excelente opción para el tratamiento de FTER en pacientes con AE. El abordaje endoscópico debe considerarse como tratamiento de primera elección para FTER.

Spontaneous spermatic vein thrombosis in pediatric patients: A condition to be considered. / Trombosis espontánea de la vena espermática en la edad pediátrica: una entidad a tener en cuenta.

Spermatic vein thrombosis is a very rare pathology, with 25 cases published only, 6 of which in patients under 15 years of age. We present the case of a male patient, as well as a review of the literature. A 12-year old boy presented at emergency with 3-day progressive testicular pain. Following abdominal Doppler ultrasound imaging, he was diagnosed with left spermatic vein thrombosis and nutcracker syndrome. Admission and enoxaparin treatment were decided upon. Patient evolution was satisfactory, with subsequent ultrasound imaging demonstrating the absence of thrombus. The patient is currently under follow-up and without treatment. Various treatments are mentioned in the literature, with conservative management being the treatment of choice.

La trombosis de la vena espermática es una patología muy poco frecuente, con solo 25 casos publicados, 6 de los cuales menores de 15 años. De esta manera presentamos el caso de un varón, así como la revisión de la literatura. Un paciente de 12 años de edad acudió a Urgencias por dolor testicular de aumento progresivo, de 3 días de evolución. Mediante ecografía doppler abdominal se diagnosticó de trombosis de la vena espermática izquierda y síndrome de cascanueces. Se decidió ingreso y tratamiento con enoxaparina. La evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria, en la ecografía posterior se observó la desaparición del trombo. El paciente se encuentra en seguimiento y sin tratamiento. Existen varios tratamientos reflejados en la literatura, siendo el de elección el manejo conservador.

[Applicability of a clinical score in patients with suspected foreign body aspiration]. / Aplicabilidad de un score clínico en pacientes con sospecha de aspiración de cuerpo extraño.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the clinical score of Valdivieso et al. in the management of patients with suspected foreign body aspiration in a tertiary hospital. This score raises different scenarios according to the result: bronchoscopy, CT, observation or discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent a bronchoscopy due to suspected tracheobronchial foreign body between November-2015 and November-2018. The variables proposed by the score were collected (choking, stridor, wheezing, unilateral hypoventilation, altered chest X-ray and high-risk foreign body) and the score was calculated for each patient, analyzing the performance of the test using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. RESULTS: Bronchoscopy was performed in 81 patients with a mean age of 2.1 years (7 months-11 years), finding foreign body in 33.3%. The area under the ROC curve of the score was 0.803 (0.695-0.911). In 6 (22.2%) patients with confirmed foreign body the score initially indicated observation in 5 cases and discharge in 1. Excluding the 49 patients with unilateral altered auscultation or when there was a nut suspected, which in our environment are clear indications for bronchoscopy, the score correctly classified the remaining 32 patients, which would have reduced the rate of normal bronchoscopies from 66% to 45%. CONCLUSIONS: The score in our sample presents a high diagnostic power but a non-negligible false negative rate. It has a special utility in patients who do not have unilateral altered auscultation and/or choking with nuts, allowing to reduce the rate of normal bronchoscopies.

OBJETIVOS: Validar el score clínico de Valdivieso y cols. en el manejo de los pacientes con sospecha de aspiración de cuerpo extraño en un hospital de tercer nivel. Dicho score plantea escenarios diferentes según la puntuación obtenida: broncoscopia, TAC, observación o alta. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes a los que se realizó una broncoscopia por sospecha de cuerpo extraño entre noviembre de 2015 y noviembre de 2018. Se recogieron las variables propuestas por el score (atragantamiento presenciado, estridor, sibilancias, hipoventilación unilateral, radiografía alterada y cuerpo extraño de riesgo) y su puntuación para cada paciente, analizando el rendimiento de la prueba mediante la curva COR (característica operativa del receptor). RESULTADOS: Se realizó broncoscopia en 81 pacientes con una edad media de 2,1 años (7 meses-11 años), encontrando cuerpo extraño en el 33,3%. El área bajo la curva COR del score fue de 0,803 (0,695-0,911). En 6 (22,2%) pacientes con cuerpo extraño confirmado el score indicaba inicialmente observación en 5 casos y alta en 1. Excluyendo a los 49 pacientes con atragantamiento con fruto seco o con auscultación alterada unilateral, a los que en nuestro medio se indica directamente broncoscopia, el score clasificó correctamente a los 32 pacientes restantes, lo que hubiese reducido el porcentaje de broncoscopias "blancas" en un 21%. CONCLUSIONES: El score presenta en nuestra muestra un alto rendimiento diagnóstico pero una tasa de falsos negativos no despreciable. En cambio, tiene una especial utilidad en los pacientes que no presentan atragantamiento con fruto seco y/o auscultación alterada unilateral, permitiendo reducir broncoscopias blancas.

[Characteristics of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the healthy area III of Aragon Country]. / Características del síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el área III de salud de la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón.

INTRODUCTION: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acute immune-mediated inflammatory polyneuropathy characterized by flaccid paresia with arreflexia, changeable sensitive disorder and albuminocytologic dissociation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 30 GBS patients diagnosed in Hospital Clínico de Zaragoza between 1999 and 2005. Annual incidence, seasonal distribution, preceding acute infection; clinical, electrophysiological and electrocardiographic (ECG) data and evolution were all evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence was 1.56/100000 inhabitants/year. We observed an upward tendency during winter months. The rates of incidence were higher in men (66.7%) and increased with age in both sexes. Main clinical presentation form was paraparesia of lower limbs followed on cranial nerve palsy. Immunoglobulin therapy was received by 62.5% of patients. The rate of death was 10%. Thirteen per cent of patients had dysautonomia. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were present in 37% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: GBS incidence in Aragon Country is similar to that found in other studies. An increase with age and an upward tendency during the winter months was observed. High percentage of abnormalities in ECG but the majority of patients was asymptomatic.

[Characteristics and management of epileptic seizures in emergency department and diagnostic correlation at discharge]. / Características y manejo de las crisis epilépticas en urgencias y su correlación diagnóstica tras el ingreso.

BACKGROUND: Patients with seizures are common in the emergency department (ED), yet little is known regarding the management of these patients. This study was performed to define the demographic characteristics of patients with seizure disorders in the ED patient population and to determine final disposition, diagnostic and therapeutic activities, and to evaluate the concordance between provisional and definitive diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recorded prospectively all patients which were diagnosed of seizure in ED of Hospital Clínico of Zaragoza between November 1th and April 30th. Chart review was used to gather definitive diagnosis regarding these patients. RESULTS: Of the 54,022 patients who presented to the ED during the study period, 137 (0.36%) had complains related to seizures. Sixty one (44%) of these patients were admitted to the hospital. New-onset seizures were thought to be present in 60% of patients. Blood work was abnormal in 12% of patients and 48% of patients had pathological findings in neuroimaging study. False positive diagnosis was present in 33% of patients. The most important trigger of seizures in epileptic patients was tapped suddenly the antiepileptic drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We found a false positive diagnosis in 33% of patients, and the most important confounding pathology was sincope and stroke. High percentaje of pathological findings in neuroimaging studies were found. Electroencefalographic and toxicological studies were performed less than is recommended.

[Facial diplejia: a regional variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome]. / Diplejia facial: variante regional del síndrome de Guillain-Barré.

Facial palsy is a uncommon clinical manifestation that it can be caused by different etiologies. We show a patient with a chronic periodontal disease who presented a sudden facial palsy, initially in left-face but it becomes bilateral quickly. In few days he associated paresthesias in his right arm and hyporreflexia. These clinical findings with albumin-cytological dissociation, they had allowed to establish the diagnosis of regional variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (SGB). Facial diplejia is an idiopathic manifestation in 25% of patients, and this is the most common cause. However, facial diplejia can be secondary to many etiologies as SGB. The affectation of facial nerve associated to other motor symptoms in SGB is frequent, but it is not frequent the presentation as facial diplejia alone. In conclusion, it is necessary a high clinical suspicion to do a lumbar punction (PL) and MRI to reject neoplasic pathologies and to obtain a diagnosis and an adequate treatment.

Resección en bloque vs. técnica de Gips en cirugía del sinus pilonidal / En bloc resection vs. Gips procedure in pilonidal sinus surgery

Introducción: El sinus pilonidal (SP) es una enfermedad infecciosa/inflamatoria de la región sacrococcígea, que asocia recaídas frecuentes,sin un consenso claro sobre su manejo óptimo. La técnica más empleadaes la resección en bloque (RB), pero se están desarrollando métodosmenos invasivos (técnica de Gips).Objetivo. Comparar las complicaciones y evolución de pacientespediátricos intervenidos de SP en nuestro centro con dos técnicas qui-rúrgicas diferentes.Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes < 16 añosintervenidos por primera vez de SP (RB/técnica de Gips) entre 2014 y2020. Se recogieron variables demográficas, complicaciones en el primermes (exudado, infección de herida, dehiscencia, sangrado) y resultado alfinal del seguimiento. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron mediantefrecuencia absoluta y porcentaje, y las cuantitativas mediante media ydesviación estándar.Resultados: Se intervinieron 60 pacientes: el primer grupo me-diante RB y el segundo mediante técnica de Gips (76,67%, n = 46 vs.23,33%, n = 14). Ambos fueron comparables en cuanto a sexo (32,61%vs. 35,71% varones), edad (14,04 vs. 13,79 años) e IMC (26,63 vs. 26,20kg/m 2 ) durante la cirugía. Se reintervinieron 6 pacientes (10,87% vs.7,14%; p = 0,684). La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento hasta la cu-ración fue de 6,13 ± 0,98 vs. 3,31 ± 1,26 meses (p < 0,024). La técnicade Gips no presenta dehiscencias, a diferencia de la RB con un 65,22%.Conclusiones: La técnica de Gips es una alternativa mínimamenteinvasiva a la RB, que evita la dehiscencia y precisa menos tiempo enalcanzar la curación, por lo que debería emplearse como tratamientode primera elección.

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an infectious/inflammatorycondition of the sacrococcygeal region, with frequent relapses. Thereis no clear consensus as to which management technique is best. Themost widely used technique is en bloc resection (EBR), but less invasivemethods (Gips procedure) are now being developed.Objective: To compare complications and progression of pediatricpatients undergoing PS surgery in our institution using two differentsurgical techniques.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of patients under 16years of age undergoing PS surgery (EBR/Gips procedure) for the firsttime from 2014 to 2020 was carried out. Demographic variables, com-plications in the first month (exudate, wound infection, dehiscence, andbleeding), and result at the end of follow-up were collected. Qualitativevariables were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereasquantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation.Results: 60 patients underwent surgery. EBR was used in the firstgroup, and the Gips procedure was used in the second group (76.67%,n = 46 vs. 23.33%, n = 14). Both were comparable in terms of sex(32.61% vs. 35.71% male), age (14.04 vs. 13.79 years old), and BMI(26.63 vs. 26.20 kg/m2) at surgery. 6 patients underwent re-intervention(10.87% vs. 7.14%; p = 0.684). Median follow-up time to healing was6.13 ± 0.98 months vs. 3.31 ± 1.26 months (p < 0.024). The Gips proce-dure caused no dehiscence, whereas dehiscence rate in EBR was 65.22%.Conclusions: The Gips procedure is a minimally invasive alternativeto EBR. It avoids dehiscence, and time to healing is shorter. Therefore,it should be regarded as the first-line treatment in PS patients.

[Neuronal migration disorders: a cause of curable medication resistant epilepsy]. / Alteraciones de la migración neuronal: una causa de epilepsia farmacorresistente curable.

INTRODUCTION: Focal cortical dysplasia is a neuronal migration disorder that appears with bouts of epileptic seizures that are usually medication resistant. The improvements introduced into neuroimaging techniques in recent years have made it possible to diagnose and offer surgical treatment to certain patients who have been under polytherapy for many years with poor control over their seizures. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 22-year-old male with epileptic fits since the age of 18 months, who was refractory to multiple combinations of oral antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with electroencephalograms that displayed frontal, fast spike-wave discharges, with greater expression on the left side and findings from neuroimaging techniques that were repeatedly normal. After being readmitted to hospital because his seizures had got worse, the neuroimaging study was repeated and left frontal focal cortical dysplasia was observed, which led us to start considering neurosurgery. At present, six months after the intervention, the patient has had no further convulsive fits and therapy with oral AEDs is being reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging studies must be repeated in patients that have already been examined because in this way it may be possible to save a group of patients (who would otherwise have to resign to poor control over their seizures as well as the side effects of many AEDs) from becoming medication resistant.

Utilidad de la biopsia digestiva para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped / Usefulness of digestive biopsy in the diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease

Introducción: La enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH) esuna complicación frecuente de los trasplantes de células precursorashematopoyéticas alogénicos (alo-TCPH), con gran morbimortalidad.La clínica intestinal es inespecífica, planteando el diagnóstico diferencial con infecciones y etiología medicamentosa. Aunque las biopsiasintestinales son el gold standard, no existe consenso sobre la mejortécnica para obtenerlas.nObjetivo: Evaluar los resultados de las técnicas empleadas paraobtener biopsias en pacientes con sospecha de EICH intestinal. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye pacientessometidos a alo-TCPH entre 2010 y 2019, con sospecha de EICH intes-tinal estudiados mediante biopsias digestivas: esofagogastroduodenales(endoscopia digestiva alta - EDA) o rectales (colonoscopia o biopsiadirecta). Recogimos variables cuantitativas, expresadas como medianay rango intercuartílico; y cualitativas, expresadas en frecuencia absolutay porcentaje. Resultados: Estudiamos 23 pacientes (60,9% varones). La medianade edad en el momento de la biopsia fue 9 años (7-14 años). EmpleamosEDA en el 47,8% (n= 11), colonoscopia en 26,1% (n= 6) y biopsiadirecta en el 34,8% (n= 8); siendo positivas para EICH en 2 (18,2%), 2(33,3%) y 4 (50%), respectivamente.Conclusiones. Las muestras obtenidas mediante biopsia directase plantean como una alternativa eficiente en el diagnóstico del EICH.(AU)

Introduction: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequentcomplication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT), with high morbidity and mortality rates. Intestinalclinical signs are unspecific, which means differential diagnosis withinfections and drug-related etiology should be carried out. Even though intestinal biopsy is widely considered as the gold standardtechnique, there is no consensus as to which sampling method is best. Objective: To assess the results of the biopsy techniques usedin patients with suspected intestinal GVHD.Materials and methods. A retrospective study of patients withsuspected intestinal GVHD undergoing allo-HSCT from 2010 to2019 was carried out. They were assessed through digestive biopsy– esophagogastroduodenal biopsy (upper GI endoscopy – UGIE)or rectal biopsy (colonoscopy or direct biopsy). Quantitative vari-ables, expressed as median and interquartile range, and qualitativevariables, expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, werecollected. Results:23 patients were studied, 60.9% of whom were male.Median age at biopsy was 9 years (7-14 years). UGIE was used in47.8% of patients (n=11), colonoscopy was used in 26.1% of pa-tients (n=6), and direct biopsy was used in 34.8% of patients (n=8),with GVHD positive results in 2 (18.2%), 2 (33.3%), and 4 (50%)patients, respectively. Conclusions: Samples taken through direct biopsy stand as aneffective alternative in GVHD diagnosis.(AU)

[A study of the risk factors in transient global amnesia and its differentiation from a transient ischemic attack]. / Estudio de los factores de riesgo en la amnesia global transitoria y su diferenciación del accidente isquémico transitorio

INTRODUCTION: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical condition that has been described in many studies, but its pathophysiology is not fully understood. In recent years the theory of valvular insufficiency in the jugular vein has been added to the classical hypotheses that link it to migraine, to epilepsy and -the most widely accepted- to transient ischemic attacks (TIA), although the real origin of the condition has still not been determined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study we compared 131 patients diagnosed with TGA between 1993 and 2004 with 262 patients who were diagnosed as having TIA over the same period. RESULTS: Mean age was 65.94 years in TGA versus 71.11 years in the case of TIA. There was a higher rate of arterial hypertension among the patients with TGA and diabetes mellitus was more frequent among those with TIA (p<0.05 in both cases). Emboligenic heart disease was scarce among patients with TGA. The number of patients with a history of ischaemic heart disease and a history and the development of cerebrovascular diseases was greater among those with TIA than in cases of TGA (p<0.05). The TGA recurrence rate was 12%. The percentage of pathological findings in the CAT brain scan was higher in patients with TIA (p<0.05). There are no significant differences between patients with TGA and TIA as far as treatment on hospital discharge is concerned. CONCLUSIONS: TGA does not seem to be a symptom of an arteriosclerotic pathology nor does it appear to offer a higher risk of heart or cerebrovascular disease and, therefore, antiaggregating therapy would not be indicated in such cases.

[Differential diagnosis of intracranial calcifications]. / Diagnostico diferencial de las calcificaciones intracraneales.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial calcifications are a frequent chance finding in many neuroimaging tests. We report two clinical cases with intracranial calcifications as a common feature, but which had very different aetiologies and presenting symptoms. CASE REPORTS: The first case involved a 51-year-old male with a single tonic-clonic convulsive seizure associated to hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism who presented extensive brain calcifications affecting the dentate nuclei, pons, periependymal and basal ganglia, and whose convulsive attacks remitted once normal Ca2+ values were restored. The second case was a 25-year-old female patient whose convulsive seizures were yet another symptom of Fahr's syndrome, which was associated to spastic paralysis, athetosis, mental retardation and occasionally hypoplasia of the optic nerve; the calcifications were located in the grey nuclei of the cerebrum and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: A correct history and physical and neurological examination must be carried out, and a detailed study of Ca2+/ P+ and hormonal metabolism is also required. A CAT scan is the preferred neuroimaging technique to achieve a proper differential diagnosis and to decide on the therapeutic approach that is best suited to the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the formation of these calcium deposits.

Tratamiento con adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia para las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes: resultados tras más de 20 años de experiencia / Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente (FTER) representa una complicación frecuente (5-10%) en los pacientes con atresia de esófago (AE). La cirugía abierta de FTER implica una alta morbimortalidad, por lo que los abordajes endoscópicos suponen una alternativa prometedora. Presentamos los resultados a largo plazo de la aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina (AF) en pacientes con FTER secundaria a AE, técnica utilizada por primera vez en 1994 por nuestro equipo. MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de 1993 a 2019, incluyendo a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de FTER tras la reparación de AE y tratados con aplicación broncoscópica de AF. En la mayoría de los casos se aplicó diatermia previamente al sellado con AF. El número máximo de sesiones endoscópicas se estableció en cinco; en caso de persistir FTER tras la quinta sesión, se procedió a cirugía abierta. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes con FTER fueron tratados con AF; en todos salvo los primeros 3 casos (11 pacientes, 78,6%) se aplicó diatermia concomitante. El día promedio del primer tratamiento fue el día 85 de vida (14 a 770). Los pacientes recibieron una media de 2,1 (1-5) sesiones endoscópicas. El seguimiento medio fue de 12,1 (10-20) años. El éxito global fue del 71,4%, sin apenas variar con la aplicación o no de diatermia concomitante (72,7% vs. 66,6%). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia representa una excelente opción para el tratamiento de FTER en pacientes con AE. El abordaje endoscópico debe considerarse como tratamiento de primera elección para FTER

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed. RESULTS: 14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTE

Trombosis espontánea de la vena espermática en la edad pediátrica: una entidad a tener en cuenta / Spontaneous spermatic vein thrombosis in pediatric patients: A condition to be considered

La trombosis de la vena espermática es una patología muy poco frecuente, con solo 25 casos publicados, 6 de los cuales menores de 15 años. De esta manera presentamos el caso de un varón, así como la revisión de la literatura. Un paciente de 12 años de edad acudió a Urgencias por dolor testicular de aumento progresivo, de 3 días de evolución. Mediante ecografía doppler abdominal se diagnosticó de trombosis de la vena espermática izquierda y síndrome de cascanueces. Se decidió ingreso y tratamiento con enoxaparina. La evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria, en la ecografía posterior se observó la desaparición del trombo. El paciente se encuentra en seguimiento y sin tratamiento. Existen varios tratamientos reflejados en la literatura, siendo el de elección el manejo conservador

Spermatic vein thrombosis is a very rare pathology, with 25 cases published only, 6 of which in patients under 15 years of age. We present the case of a male patient, as well as a review of the literature.A 12-year old boy presented at emergency with 3-day progressive testicular pain. Following abdominal Doppler ultrasound imaging, he was diagnosed with left spermatic vein thrombosis and nutcracker syndrome. Admission and enoxaparin treatment were decided upon. Patient evolution was satisfactory, with subsequent ultrasound imaging demonstrating the absence of thrombus. The patient is currently under follow-up and without treatment. Various treatments are mentioned in the literature, with conservative management being the treatment of choice

[Oxygen therapy and other pneumological tools for home use in Barcelones Nord i Maresme. A descriptive study]. / Oxigenoterapia crónica y otros utillajes neumológicos de uso domiciliario en el Barcelonès Nord i Maresme. Estudio descriptivo.

Against a background of differences in prevalence of chronic home oxygen therapy (CHO) and other pneumological tools (nasal continuous positive airway pressure, aerosol therapy, monitoring, assisted ventilation) found in studies of the various regions of Catalonia (Spain), we carried out a descriptive study to determine how these tools were being used in the northern Barcelona and coastal plain health region (population 657,376). Three hundred sixty-six (49.8%) patients used CHO, 39 (5.3%) used aerosol therapy, 52 (7.1%) used nasal continuous positive airway pressure, 3 (0.4%) were monitored at home and 1 (0.1%) was mechanically ventilated at home. Two hundred seventy-three patients about whom we had insufficient data did not keep their appointments with the doctor. Use of CHO was considered appropriate in 302 (82.5%) of the 366 patients reviewed; 6.5% of these were active smokers as indicated by measurement of CO in expired air. The number of patients resistant to treatment (273) is very high in the northern Barcelona and coastal plain region and should be followed up more carefully. Our finding allow us to estimate that CHO is appropriately prescribed in the northern Barcelona and coastal area for 87.5 patients per 100,000 inhabitants, a prevalence that is higher than that observed for other health regions in Catalonia.

[Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. Case report and attempt at pathophysiological classification (author's transl)]. / Hipoaldosteronismo hiporreninémico. Presentación de un caso e intento de clasificación fisiopatológica.

A 75 year-old male presented with hyperkalemia unexplained by a moderate renal insufficiency, low basal levels of aldosterone and renin with a subnormal response to walking and saline depletion, and normal glucocorticoid function. The hyperkalemia was corrected by fluorocortisone administration. The concept of hypoaldosteronism is reviewed, defining it as an isolated aldosterone deficiency and thus excluding the combined deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone and the suprarenal enzyme deficits that simultaneously involve mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid synthesis. Depending on the presence or absence of alterations of the renin-angiotensin axis, this infrequent syndrome can be pathophysiologically classified as low, normal or high renin hypoaldosteronism. The characteristic features of each type are described, and emphasis is made on the need for a high index of suspicion when unexplained hyperkalemia is present in order to perform the appropriate tests to confirm or rule out hypoaldosteronism.

Aplicabilidad de un score clínico en pacientes con sospecha de aspiración de cuerpo extraño / Applicability of a clinical score in patients with suspected foreign body aspiration

Objetivos. Validar el score clínico de Valdivieso y cols. en el manejo de los pacientes con sospecha de aspiración de cuerpo extraño en un hospital de tercer nivel. Dicho score plantea escenarios diferentes según la puntuación obtenida: broncoscopia, TAC, observación o alta. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes a los que se realizó una broncoscopia por sospecha de cuerpo extraño entre noviembre de 2015 y noviembre de 2018. Se recogieron las variables propuestas por el score (atragantamiento presenciado, estridor, sibilancias, hipoventilación unilateral, radiografía alterada y cuerpo extraño de riesgo) y su puntuación para cada paciente, analizando el rendimiento de la prueba mediante la curva COR (característica operativa del receptor). Resultados. Se realizó broncoscopia en 81 pacientes con una edad media de 2,1 años (7 meses-11 años), encontrando cuerpo extraño en el 33,3%. El área bajo la curva COR del score fue de 0,803 (0,695-0,911). En 6 (22,2%) pacientes con cuerpo extraño confirmado el score indicaba inicialmente observación en 5 casos y alta en 1. Excluyendo a los 49 pacientes con atragantamiento con fruto seco o con auscultación alterada unilateral, a los que en nuestro medio se indica directamente broncoscopia, el score clasificó correctamente a los 32 pacientes restantes, lo que hubiese reducido el porcentaje de broncoscopias "blancas" en un 21%. Conclusiones. El score presenta en nuestra muestra un alto rendimiento diagnóstico pero una tasa de falsos negativos no despreciable. En cambio, tiene una especial utilidad en los pacientes que no presentan atragantamiento con fruto seco y/o auscultación alterada unilateral, permitiendo reducir broncoscopias blancas

Objective. To validate the clinical score of Valdivieso et al. in the management of patients with suspected foreign body aspiration in a tertiary hospital. This score raises different scenarios according to the result: bronchoscopy, CT, observation or discharge. Material and methods. Retrospective study of patients who under-went a bronchoscopy due to suspected tracheobronchial foreign body between November-2015 and November-2018. The variables proposed by the score were collected (choking, stridor, wheezing, unilateral hypoventilation, altered chest X-ray and high-risk foreign body) and the score was calculated for each patient, analyzing the performance of the test using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. Results. Bronchoscopy was performed in 81 patients with a mean age of 2.1 years (7 months-11 years), finding foreign body in 33.3%. The area under the ROC curve of the score was 0.803 (0.695-0.911). In 6 (22.2%) patients with confirmed foreign body the score initially indicated observation in 5 cases and discharge in 1. Excluding the 49 patients with unilateral altered auscultation or when there was a nut suspected, which in our environment are clear indications for bronchoscopy, the score correctly classified the remaining 32 patients, which would have reduced the rate of normal bronchoscopies from 66% to 45%. Conclusions. The score in our sample presents a high diagnostic power but a non-negligible false negative rate. It has a special utility in patients who do not have unilateral altered auscultation and/or choking with nuts, allowing to reduce the rate of normal bronchoscopies