Efficacy of pulsed-xenon ultraviolet light for disinfection of high-touch surfaces in an Ecuadorian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Hospital environment in patient care has been linked on healthcare-associated infections (HAI). No touch disinfection technologies that utilize pulsed xenon ultraviolet light has been recognized to prevent infection in contaminated environments. The purpose of this study was: 1) to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed-xenon ultraviolet light (PX-UV) disinfection for the reduction of bacteria on environmental surfaces of Hospital General Enrique Garcés, and 2) to evaluate the in-vitro efficacy against multi-drug resistance microorganisms. METHODS: This was a quality-improvement study looking at cleaning and disinfection of patient areas. During the study, a total of 146 surfaces from 17 rooms were sampled in a secondary 329-bed public medical center. Microbiological samples of high-touch surfaces were taken after terminal manual cleaning and after pulsed xenon ultraviolet disinfection. Cleaning staff were blinded to the study purpose and told clean following their usual protocols. For positive cultures PCR identification for carbapenemase-resistance genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM) were analyzed and confirmed by sequencing. The total number of colony forming units (CFU) were obtained and statistical analyses were conducted using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests to evaluate the difference in CFU between terminal manual cleaning and after pulsed xenon ultraviolet disinfection. RESULTS: After manual disinfection of 124 surfaces showed a total of 3569 CFU which dropped to 889 CFU in 80 surfaces after pulsed xenon disinfection (p < 0.001). Overall, the surface and environmental contamination was reduced by 75% after PX-UV compared to manual cleaning and disinfection. There were statistically significant decreases in CFU counts of high touch surfaces in OR 87% (p < 0.001) and patient rooms 76% (p < 0.001). Four rooms presented serine carbapenemases blaKPC, and metallo beta-lactamases blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP. confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The in-vitro testing with endemic strains found that after five minutes of pulsed xenon ultraviolet exposure an 8-log reduction was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: This study is one of the first of its kind in an Ecuador Hospital. We found that pulsed-xenon ultraviolet disinfection technology is an efficacious complement to the established manual cleaning protocols and guidelines in the significant reduction of MDRO.

Economic burden of Huntington's disease in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive disability, and over time to total dependence. The economic impact of HD on patients living in developing countries like Peru is still unknown. This study aims to estimate the economic burden by estimating direct and indirect costs of Huntington's disease in Peru, as well as the proportion of direct costs borne by patients and their families. METHODS: Disease-cost cross-sectional study where 97 participants and their primary caregivers were interviewed using a common questionnaire. Prevalence and human capital approaches were used to estimate direct and indirect costs, respectively. RESULTS: The average annual cost of HD reached USD 8120 per patient in 2015. Direct non-healthcare costs represented 78.3% of total cost, indirect costs 14.4% and direct healthcare costs the remaining 7.3%. The mean cost of HD increased with the degree of patient dependency: from USD 6572 for Barthel 4 & 5 (slight dependency and total independency, respectively) to USD 23,251 for Barthel 1 (total dependency). Direct costs were primarily financed by patients and their families. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated annual cost of HD for Peruvian society reached USD 1.2 million in 2015. The cost impact of HD on patients and their families is very high, becoming catastrophic for most dependent patients, and thus making it essential to prioritize full coverage by the State.

[Hydatid cysts in pancreas: laparoscopic approach]. / Quiste hidatídico de páncreas: abordaje laparoscópico.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus and is endemic in many areas of the world. Hydatid cysts are commonly located in the liver and lung. Pancreas affection is very rare even in endemic areas. CASE REPORT: 36-year-old female with the suspicion of hydatid disease of the pancreas 5 years before her admission. The patient gave history of epigastric pain and weight lose. CT scan and MRI showed a cystic lesion of the tail of the pancreas and the diagnosis of hydatid disease was confirmed with ELIZA and Western Blot. The patient underwent a laparoscopic distal spleno pancreatectomy. The recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Hydatid disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the cystic lesions of the pancreas, especially in patients who come from endemic areas.

Global human footprint on the linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in reef fishes.

Difficulties in scaling up theoretical and experimental results have raised controversy over the consequences of biodiversity loss for the functioning of natural ecosystems. Using a global survey of reef fish assemblages, we show that in contrast to previous theoretical and experimental studies, ecosystem functioning (as measured by standing biomass) scales in a non-saturating manner with biodiversity (as measured by species and functional richness) in this ecosystem. Our field study also shows a significant and negative interaction between human population density and biodiversity on ecosystem functioning (i.e., for the same human density there were larger reductions in standing biomass at more diverse reefs). Human effects were found to be related to fishing, coastal development, and land use stressors, and currently affect over 75% of the world's coral reefs. Our results indicate that the consequences of biodiversity loss in coral reefs have been considerably underestimated based on existing knowledge and that reef fish assemblages, particularly the most diverse, are greatly vulnerable to the expansion and intensity of anthropogenic stressors in coastal areas.

[Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas in Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, Peru]. / Neoplasias mucinosas papilares intraductales de páncreas en el Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze retrospectively the clinical, radiologic and pathologic features as well as the surgical results of the patients with diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with diagnosis of IPMN who underwent pancreatectomy were identified from January 2006 to September 2013, using the prospective data base of the Pancreas, Spleen and retroperitoneum HNGAI service. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were found (9 females and 2 males). The mean age was 67.36 years. 2 were main duct type IPMN, 3 branch type and 6 mixed type. All patients had symptoms. The pain was the most frequent symptom, 27% had pancreatitis. For the diagnosis 100% had CT scan, 90% MRI. 10 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and 1 distal pancreatectomy. 2 patients had type C pancreatic fistula. 2 patients underwent reoperation and 1 died. 5 patients had low grade dysplasia, 2 moderate dysplasia, 1 high grade dysplasia and 3 invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This entity is present in our country being more common in women. The mixed type IPMN is the most frequent type. Complication with the highest incidence is the pancreatic fistula and the mortality rate is low. The IPMN´s malignancy potential founded was high.

[Pancreatoduodenectomy for ampullary adenocarcinoma and and re-intervention for ganglinonar recurrency]. / Pancreatoduodenectomía durante el embarazo por adenocarcinoma de ampolla de Vater y posterior resección de recurrencia ganglionar con buen resultado a corto y largo plazo.

A 30 years old woman in the 13 week of her second pregnancy who had severe anemia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and weight loss. She was given the endoscopic diagnosis of a well differentiated ampullary adenocarcinoma. She underwent a pancreato duodenectomy during the 16 week of pregnancy without complications. After 4 months of follow up we identified a ganglionar local recurrence so that's why she underwent a cesarean in the 34 week of pregnancy. The product was a healthy 2500 gr. newborn. We decided a reoperation for the resection of the recurrence and it was carried out successfully. Currently the patient has 36 months of follow up without evidence of recurrence and her baby has a normal grow up.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas: Clinicopathological features and long-term survival after surgical resection.

INTRODUCTION: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas can progress from low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective series, we analyze the clinicopathological features and long-term follow up of patients who underwent pancreatic resection for IPMN, from January 2009 to December 2019. RESULTS: 31 patients were diagnosed with IPMN: 9 males and 22 females. Mean age was 67 years. Twenty-seven patients (87%) were symptomatic. Seven patients had main duct IPMN, 11 branch-type IPMN and 13 mixed-type IPMN. High-risk stigmata were found in 20 patients (64.5%) and worrisome features in 10 patients (32.2%). Thirteen patients (41.9%) had an associated invasive carcinoma, 4 (12.9%) high-grade dysplasia and 14 (45.2%) low-grade dysplasia. The follow-up was from 2 to 12 years. Median survival for patients with IPMN and associated invasive carcinoma was 45.8 months, and disease-free survival was 40.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: IPMN had a higher prevalence in females, mostly symptomatic and high incidence of associated invasive carcinoma with branch type. The 5-year survival was good even with associated invasive carcinoma.

Distal pancreatectomy: experience in a National Hospital.

AIMS: To compare the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing open DP (ODP) and laparoscopic DP (LDP); and to analyze the association between the section site of the pancreas and pancreatic fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, perioperative, and histopathologic data of patients who underwent ODP and LDP between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 70 patients were included. 39 (56%) underwent ODP and 31 (44%) underwent LDP. The tumor size in ODP group was 70mm and in LDP group was 45mm (p = 0,032) Blood loss was lower in LDP group (229mL versus 498mL) (p = 0,001). Operative time, spleen preservation, B/C pancreatic fistula, major morbidity, reoperation, and length of hospital stay, were similar in both groups. There was no postoperative mortality. No differences were found in B/C pancreatic fistula rate regarding to pancreatic transection site. CONCLUSIONS: LDP is a safe procedure, with perioperative outcomes similar to ODP and with less blood loss. The pancreatic transection site did not influence post-operative pancreatic fistula rate.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar los resultados a corto plazo de pacientes intervenidos mediante pancreatectomía distal abierta (PDA) y laparoscópica (PDL); y analizar si el lugar de la sección del páncreas tiene relación con la formación de fístula pancreática. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Serie retrospectiva y descriptiva de las PD realizadas, desde enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2019. Se compararon las características clínicas, perioperatorias e histopatológicas de pacientes con PDA y PDL. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes. Treinta y nueve casos (56%) con PDA y 31 casos (44%) con PDL. El tamaño tumoral promedio en la PDA fue de 70 mm y en la PDL 45 mm (p = 0.032). La pérdida sanguínea fue menor en la PDL (229 vs. 498 ml) (p = 0.001). No se encontró diferencia significativa en tiempo operatorio, porcentaje de preservación esplénica, fístula pancreática B/C, reoperación, morbilidad mayor y estancia hospitalaria. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. No hubo diferencias en la formación de fístula pancreática con respecto al lugar de sección del páncreas. CONCLUSIONES: La PDL es un procedimiento seguro, con resultados perioperatorios similares a la PDA y con menor pérdida sanguínea. El lugar de sección del páncreas no tuvo relación con la formación de fístula pancreática.

[Pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: critical analysis of prospective randomised trials]. / Pancreaticogastrostomía versus pancreaticoyeyunostomía después de pancreaticoduodenectomía: análisis crítico de los ensayos prospectivos aleatorizados.

This is a critical analysis of prospective randomised trials that compare pancreatic reconstruction techniques with the stomach and the intestine, after pancreaticoduodenectomy. A questionnaire with questions from the Evidence Based Medicine Centre of Oxford University (PICO analysis) was used, following the criteria for the evaluation of randomised prospective studies for surgical interventions of the McMaster University in Ontario. It was found that the studies differed in methodological aspects, the most important being the lack of a uniform definition of a pancreatic fistula. The techniques for performing pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy were not homogeneous. There were no differences in the percentage of pancreatic fistula in three of these studies; one which modified the pancreaticogastrostomy technique had more favourable results. New comparative studies should use new definitions of the complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy and standardise the pancreatic reconstruction technique.

[Infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement]. / Pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada. Desbridamiento retroperitoneal video asistido.

The step-up approach for infected necrotizing pancreatitis, consisting of broad-spectrum antibiotics, drainage followed, if necessary, by minimally invasive necrosectomy, has replaced open surgery as the standard of management. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a surgical minimally invasive necrosectomy. This is a 5 cases series (2 female and 3 males) with severe acute pancreatitis and infected pancreatic necrosis who underwent step up approach and VARD. The age ranged from 27 to 60 years old. Al patients had biliary pancreatitis. APACHE II ranged from 16 to 20. The time to percutaneous lumbar drainage ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. There was one complication associated with percutaneous drainage (duodenal fistula) with nonoperative management. All necrotizing pancreatitis had positive cultures. The time to perform VARD ranged from 6 to 10 weeks. One patient required two procedures. There were two type B pancreatic fistulas associated with VARD, managed nonoperatively. There was no mortality. During long-term follow-up two patients were diagnosed with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. We conclude that VARD is a safe and effective procedure in patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis requiring debridement, and with good long-term outcomes.

El tratamiento escalonado de la pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada consiste en el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, drenaje y necrosectomía mínimamente invasiva, si fuese necesaria. Esto ha reemplazado a la cirugía abierta como el estándar de tratamiento. El desbridamiento retroperitoneal video asistido (VARD), es una forma de necrosectomía quirúrgica mínimamente invasiva. Presentamos una serie de 5 casos (2 mujeres y 3 varones) con pancreatitis aguda grave y necrosis pancreática infectada tratados de forma escalonada y VARD. El rango de edad fue de 27 a 60 años. Todos los pacientes tuvieron pancreatitis de etiología biliar. El rango del APACHE II fue de 16 a 20. El rango del tiempo para el drenaje percutáneo lumbar fue de 4 a 7 semanas. Hubo una complicación del drenaje percutáneo (fistula duodenal) que se resolvió con tratamiento médico. Los cultivos de todas las necrosis fueron positivos. El tiempo para la realización del VARD tuvo un rango de 6 a 10 semanas. Un paciente requirió dos procedimientos. Hubo dos fístulas pancreáticas tipo B asociadas al VARD, que se trataron conservadoramente. No hubo mortalidad. A largo plazo, dos pacientes fueron diagnosticados de insuficiencia pancreática exocrina y endocrina. Concluimos que en los pacientes con necrosis pancreática infectada que requieran desbridamiento, el VARD es una alternativa segura, efectiva y con buenos resultados a largo plazo.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a practical comprehensive literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The exponential growth of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission during the first months of 2020 has placed substantial pressure on most health systems around the world. The complications derived from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vary due to comorbidities, sex and age, with more than 50% of the patients requiring some level of intensive care developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The authors carried out an extensive and comprehensive literature review on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the clinical, pathological, and radiological presentation as well as the current treatment strategies. AREAS COVERED: Various complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified, the most lethal being the acute respiratory distress syndrome, caused most likely by the presence of severe immune cell response and the concomitant alveolus inflammation. The new treatment strategies are updated, and the analysis of the physiopathology is included in this review. EXPERT OPINION: ARDS is one of the most frequent complications in patients with COVID-19. Information regarding the etiology and physiopathology are still unfolding and for the prevention and amelioration, good clinical management, adequate ventilatory support and the use of systemic corticoids seem to be the most efficient way to reduce mortality and to reduce hospital lengths.

[Characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm in patients treated at a National Hospital in Peru]. / Características de la neoplasia quística mucinosa del páncreas en pacientes atendidos en un Hospital Nacional del Perú.

In order to analyze the clinical, pathological, and surgical characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), an analysis of the patients from the Pancreas, Spleen, and Retroperitoneal Surgery Service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, Peru, was performed from January 2009 to October 2018. The presence of ovarian stroma was used as a diagnostic criterion for MCN. From ten patients with an average age of 47.8 years, nine were women; the lesions were located in the distal pancreas, and the average tumor size was 88.6 mm. All patients underwent a distal pancreatectomy, three of which were laparoscopic; there were no reoperations or deaths; two patients had associated invasive carcinoma. In conclusion, the frequency of MCN is higher in middle-aged women, being the location in the distal pancreas and the percentage of malignancy is low. Laparoscopic surgery is a disease management option.

Con el objetivo de analizar las características clínico, patológicas y quirúrgicas de la Neoplasia Quística Mucinosa de páncreas (NQM), se realizó un análisis de los pacientes del servicio de Cirugía de Páncreas, Bazo y Retroperitoneo del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen en Lima, Perú desde enero del 2009 hasta octubre del 2018. La presencia del estroma ovárico se usó como criterio diagnóstico de NQM. De diez pacientes con edad promedio de 47,8 años, nueve fueron mujeres, las lesiones estuvieron localizadas en el páncreas distal, el tamaño tumoral promedio fue de 88,6 mm. En todos los pacientes se realizó una pancreatectomía distal siendo tres laparoscópicas, no hubo reoperaciones ni fallecidos, dos pacientes tuvieron carcinoma invasor asociado. En conclusión, la presentación de NQM es mayor en mujeres de edad media siendo la localización en el páncreas distal y el porcentaje de malignidad bajo. La cirugía laparoscópica es una alternativa de manejo.

Predictability of reef fish recruitment in a highly variable nursery habitat.

There has been a lengthy debate on whether the abundance of adult reef fishes depends on prerecruitment or postrecruitment processes; however, we still do not have the ability to predict the magnitude of local fish recruitment. Here we show that the success of the leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea) recruitment in the Gulf of California, Mexico, is determined by the availability of nursery habitat, which in turn is strongly correlated to climate conditions. Observational and experimental studies showed that leopard grouper larvae recruit preferentially on shallow rocky bottoms with brown algal (Sargassum spp.) beds, and that abundance of recruits is determined by the availability of Sargassum. The biomass of Sargassum decreases linearly with an increase in the Multivariate El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index (MEI; an index positively correlated with water temperature and negatively correlated with nutrient availability). We analyzed the relationship between the interannual variation of MEI and the recruitment of the leopard grouper using field estimates of abundance of juvenile groupers. Our results show that there is a nonlinear relationship between recruitment and the oceanographic climate, in that the density of recruits decreases exponentially with increasing MEI. The predictability of leopard grouper recruitment has important implications for fisheries management, since it could allow adaptive management without expensive stock assessment programs.

Abordaje laparoscópico de la neoplasia mucinosa apendicular de bajo grado / Laparoscopic approach of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

RESUMEN Las neoplasias mucinosas apendiculares son infrecuentes y se clasifican en neoplasias mucinosas de bajo grado, de alto grado y adenocarcinoma mucinoso. Se consideran precursoras del pseudomixoma peritoneal, caracterizado por la acumulación de mucina dentro de la cavidad abdominal. Informamos tres casos de neoplasia mucinosa apendicular de bajo grado, dos varones y una mujer, que presentaron dolor abdominal agudo, diagnosticados preoperatoriamente mediante tomografía y que fueron manejados con un abordaje laparoscópico (apendicectomía, resección parcial de ciego y colectomía derecha, respectivamente). Los tres casos tuvieron una buena evolución posoperatoria y no hubo complicaciones. Se concluye que las neoplasias mucinosas apendiculares son raras y no tienen una presentación clínica específica. El abordaje laparoscópico es una opción segura y factible. La frecuencia y la duración del seguimiento de estos pacientes es motivo de controversia.

ABSTRACT Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare and are classified in low-grade mucinous neoplasm, high-grade mucinous neoplasm and mucinous adenocarcinoma. They are considered precursors of pseudomyxoma peritonei, characterized by the accumulation of mucin within the abdominal cavity. We report three cases of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, two men and one woman, who presented with acute abdominal pain. The diagnoses were made preoperatively by computed tomography scan and the tumors were managed through laparoscopic approach (appendectomy, partial resection of the cecum and right colectomy, respectively). The three patients evolved with favorable postoperative outcome without complications. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare without specific clinical presentation. The laparoscopic approach is a safe and feasible option. The frequency and duration of surveillance in these patients are still controversial.

Splanchnic vein thrombosis as a manifestation of latent myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with sticky platelet syndrome / Trombosis esplácnica como presentación de neoplasia mieloproliferativa latente asociada con síndrome de plaqueta pegajosa

Abstract Vein thrombosis of unusual sites such as the splanchnic region continues to be not only a diagnostic but also a therapeutic challenge for the clinician due to its manifestation and associated pathologies. Latent JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) positive myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with sticky platelet syndrome is unusual. We present a clinical case of a 38-year-old female patient who presented with sudden onset abdominal pain of a possible vascular origin. Splanchnic thrombosis was diagnosed in latent myeloproliferative neoplasm by identifying the JAK2V617F mutation and sticky platelet syndrome via platelet aggregometry. Off-label anticoagulation with rivaroxaban 20 mg/day was administered. During her outpatient follow-up, she did not suffer any new thrombotic episodes.

Resumen La trombosis venosa de sitios inusuales como la esplácnica continúa siendo un reto no solo diagnóstico sino también terapéutico para el clínico debido a su forma de presentación y las patologías asociadas. La neoplasia mieloproliferativa latente JAK2 (cinasa de Janus 2) positiva asociada con síndrome de plaqueta pegajosa es inusual. Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente de 38 años de edad que debutó con dolor abdominal de inicio súbito que sugirió un posible origen vascular. Se diagnosticó trombosis esplácnica en relación con neoplasia mieloproliferativa latente por la identificación de la mutación de la JAK2V617F y síndrome de plaqueta pegajosa mediante agregometría plaquetaria. Se administró de manera off-label anticoagulación con rivaroxabán 20 mg/día. Durante su seguimiento ambulatorio no ha presentado nuevos episodios trombóticos.

Una presentación inusual de fístula carótido-cavernosa secundaria a trauma craneoencefálico leve: reporte de caso / An unusual presentation of carotid-cavernosa fistula secondary to mild craneoenephalic trauma: a case report

Resumen La fístula carótido-cavernosa es cualquier comunicación anómala entre la arteria carótida y el seno cavernoso que genera un shunt arteriovenoso patológico, se manifiesta en forma anterógrada a la órbita, causa ceguera y oftalmoparesia. Su asociación con trauma craneoencefálico leve es escasa y poco reportada, por lo que se desconoce su prevalencia. Se reporta un paciente masculino de 54 años proveniente de Cali, Colombia, con antecedente de trauma craneoencefálico leve 2 meses antes del ingreso, quien presenta cuadro de cefalea holocraneal y alteraciones visuales. Al examen físico presentó oftalmoparesia, con ptosis palpebral bilateral asimétrica y proptosis pulsátil izquierda; se realizó resonancia magnética cerebral simple y angioresonancia, con hallazgos sugestivos de fístula carótido-cavernosa. El paciente fue llevado a arteriografía más embolización, logrando un resultado favorable. La presencia de cefalea con banderas rojas, alteraciones visuales, proptosis pulsátil y el antecedente de trauma craneoencefálico, sin importar su grado, pueden hacer sospechar la presencia de esta entidad.

Abstract The carotid-cavernous fistula is any abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, generating a pathological arteriovenous shunt manifesting anterograde to the orbit, causing blindness and ophthalmoparesis. Its association with mild head trauma is scarce and underreported, its prevalence being unknown. A 54-year-old male patient from Cali - Colombia is reported, with a history of mild cranioencephalic trauma 2 months ago, who consulted for a holocranial headache and visual disturbances. On physical examination he presented ophthalmoparesis, with bilateral asymmetric palpebral ptosis with left pulsatile proptosis. A simple brain magnetic resonance and angio-MRI was performed, with findings suggestive of a carotid-cavernous fistula. The patient was taken to arteriography plus embolization, achieving a favorable result. The presence of headache with red flags, visual disturbances, pulsatile proptosis, and a history of head trauma, regardless of its degree, can lead to suspect the presence of this entity.

Structure of Caribbean coral reef communities across a large gradient of fish biomass.

The collapse of Caribbean coral reefs has been attributed in part to historic overfishing, but whether fish assemblages can recover and how such recovery might affect the benthic reef community has not been tested across appropriate scales. We surveyed the biomass of reef communities across a range in fish abundance from 14 to 593 g m(-2), a gradient exceeding that of any previously reported for coral reefs. Increased fish biomass was correlated with an increased proportion of apex predators, which were abundant only inside large marine reserves. Increased herbivorous fish biomass was correlated with a decrease in fleshy algal biomass but corals have not yet recovered.

Pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada. Desbridamiento retroperitoneal video asistido / Infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement

Resumen El tratamiento escalonado de la pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada consiste en el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, drenaje y necrosectomía mínimamente invasiva, si fuese necesaria. Esto ha reemplazado a la cirugía abierta como el estándar de tratamiento. El desbridamiento retroperitoneal video asistido (VARD), es una forma de necrosectomía quirúrgica mínimamente invasiva. Presentamos una serie de 5 casos (2 mujeres y 3 varones) con pancreatitis aguda grave y necrosis pancreática infectada tratados de forma escalonada y VARD. El rango de edad fue de 27 a 60 años. Todos los pacientes tuvieron pancreatitis de etiología biliar. El rango del APACHE II fue de 16 a 20. El rango del tiempo para el drenaje percutáneo lumbar fue de 4 a 7 semanas. Hubo una complicación del drenaje percutáneo (fistula duodenal) que se resolvió con tratamiento médico. Los cultivos de todas las necrosis fueron positivos. El tiempo para la realización del VARD tuvo un rango de 6 a 10 semanas. Un paciente requirió dos procedimientos. Hubo dos fístulas pancreáticas tipo B asociadas al VARD, que se trataron conservadoramente. No hubo mortalidad. A largo plazo, dos pacientes fueron diagnosticados de insuficiencia pancreática exocrina y endocrina. Concluimos que en los pacientes con necrosis pancreática infectada que requieran desbridamiento, el VARD es una alternativa segura, efectiva y con buenos resultados a largo plazo.

Abstract The step-up approach for infected necrotizing pancreatitis, consisting of broad-spectrum antibiotics, drainage followed, if necessary, by minimally invasive necrosectomy, has replaced open surgery as the standard of management. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a surgical minimally invasive necrosectomy. This is a 5 cases series (2 female and 3 males) with severe acute pancreatitis and infected pancreatic necrosis who underwent step up approach and VARD. The age ranged from 27 to 60 years old. Al patients had biliary pancreatitis. APACHE II ranged from 16 to 20. The time to percutaneous lumbar drainage ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. There was one complication associated with percutaneous drainage (duodenal fistula) with nonoperative management. All necrotizing pancreatitis had positive cultures. The time to perform VARD ranged from 6 to 10 weeks. One patient required two procedures. There were two type B pancreatic fistulas associated with VARD, managed nonoperatively. There was no mortality. During long-term follow-up two patients were diagnosed with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. We conclude that VARD is a safe and effective procedure in patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis requiring debridement, and with good long-term outcomes.

Vólvulo de ciego / Cecal volvulus

RESUMEN El vólvulo de ciego involucra al colon derecho proximal, el ciego y el íleon terminal. Se necesitan dos requisitos, una fijación incompleta del ciego y la limitación del movimiento intestinal en un punto fijo que sirve como apoyo y eje para la rotación. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 52 años que presentó una obstrucción intestinal aguda. Se hizo el diagnóstico preoperatorio con una tomografía y se realizó una colectomía derecha asistida por laparoscopía con anastomosis primaria. En estos pacientes se recomienda la colectomía derecha no oncológica ya que elimina por completo la posibilidad de recurrencia. No se recomienda la colonoscopía, la cecopexia, ni la cecostomía por su alto riesgo de recurrencia y morbimortalidad asociadas.

ABSTRACT Cecal volvulus involves the proximal right colon, the cecum and the terminal ileum. Two requirements are needed, an incomplete fixation of the cecum and the restriction of the bowel movement at a fixed point which serves as a fulcrum for rotation. We present a case of a 52-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of an acute intestinal obstruction. The preoperative diagnosis was made with a tomography and she underwent a laparoscopic assisted right colectomy with primary anastomosis. In these patients, the right colon nononcologic surgical resection is recommended because eliminates the possibility of volvulus recurrence. Colonoscopy, cecopexy, or cecostomy should be avoided because its associated significant recurrence, morbidity and mortality.