Prevalence of Umbilical Hernias by Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical hernias (UHs) are commonly underdiagnosed due to their asymptomatic presentation. The aim was to determine the prevalence of UHs by computed tomography (CT) in a trauma center, to assess the magnitude of their underdiagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed, using CT studies to evaluate the integrity of the abdominal wall. The images were obtained from consecutive cases of adult patients (≥18 y) from the database of the radiology and imaging service during a 4-mo period. The sociodemographic features, type of CT scan, and description of the abdominal wall were obtained and compared with the radiology report. In the case of UH presence, the transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, as well as its content, were registered. RESULTS: A total of 472 CT scans were included with a 67.6% (n = 319) prevalence of UH. These were most common in men (58.9%, n = 188/319), but women were more likely to have UH ≥ 10 mm (55%, n = 72/131). Of those with UH, 63.6% were unreported by radiology. The most common content was peritoneal fat (87.5%). UH had medians (interquartile range) of 9.1 mm (6.8, 12.5), 8.3 mm (6, 11.5), and 12.8 mm (8.6, 18.2) in its transversal, cephalocaudal, and anteroposterior lengths, respectively. Transversal length had a high positive correlation with cephalocaudal length (r = 0.877). This datum relationship can be explained by at least 76% due to this factor. Interobserver reliability analyses resulted in substantial reliability (ICC>0.85 and k > 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: CT is an effective imaging tool for diagnosing UH. There is a high prevalence among the general adult population, with a high radiologic underreporting.

Main pulmonary artery diameter related to pneumonia severity.

The diameter (mPAD) of the main pulmonary artery (pulmonary artery trunk) is a crucial indicator for cardiovascular health and prognoses in various conditions. Its enlargement is associated with increased mortality and severity in COVID-19-related pneumonia. However, its relevance to non-COVID pneumonia remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to establish an association between mPAD and the severity of non-COVID pneumonia. Eligible participants with qualified Chest Computed Tomography scans from November 2019 to February 2023 were recruited to a cross-sectional retrospective study. They were stratified into pneumonia and non-pneumonia cohorts. Exclusion criteria included pulmonary hypertension, polytrauma, lung neoplasia, or a history of pulmonary stenosis repair. The mPAD was measured in both groups, and medical records were reviewed to identify comorbidities. Pulmonary CT data were classified by pattern and severity, and the mPAD was measured perpendicularly to the long axis of the artery at the point of bifurcation on an axial slice. Analysis of 380 CT scans (52.6% men, 47.4% women; mean age 52.88 ± 17.58) revealed a significant difference in mPAD between pneumonia and non-pneumonia cases (mean difference: 1.19 mm, 95% CI [0.46, 1.92], p = 0.001). Age correlated positively with mPAD (r = 0.231, 95% CI [0.028, 0.069], p < 0.0001), and this correlation persisted after adjusting for confounders (r = 0.220, 95% CI [0.019, 0.073], p = 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression indicated 1.28 times higher odds of severe pneumonia with a larger diameter. The study highlights associations between mPAD, pneumonia, and severity, suggesting clinical relevance. Furthermore, the mPAD should be carefully considered in defining severity criteria for adverse outcomes in pneumonia patients. Further research is needed to refine clinical criteria on the basis of these findings.

Initial evaluation and external validation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in tubarial gland characterization.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotracer 68Ga-PSMA-11 used in PET/CT scans allows for identification and localization of gland tissue. It allows for their consideration in clinical scenarios and to design further and stronger research to answer pertinent questions regarding their function and implications. We aimed to externally validate first reported findings of location, size, and ligand uptake of the tubarial glands using 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT studies of patients with prostate cancer confirmed diagnosis from the database of the Radiology Department from 2018 to 2022. The maximum cephalocaudal length (CCL) in the tubarial glands and the Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) of major glands were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were included (mean age 67.43 ± 8.5). The mean CCL of the tubarial glands was 37.38 ± 9.84 and a SUVmax of 6.56 ± 2.14. The rest of the glands were as follows: parotid 15.12 ± 4.43, submandibular 16.82 ± 5.43 and sublingual 5.84 ± 3.24. No differences were found between laterality. A weak correlation between age and SUVmax of tubarial glands was identified. Tubarial glands had a similar 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake to that of sublingual glands. CONCLUSION: This study corroborates the existence of a conglomerate of glands in the nasopharynx roof, near the posterolateral pharyngeal recess. It serves as validation in a different population with similar results in previous research. Without 68GA-PSMA-11 PET/CT the abundance, configuration and potential clinical relevance of these glands would probably not have been identified. Radiotracer uptake was similar amongst the major salivary glands, with a more similar uptake to that shown by the sublingual gland.

Comment on Sallam, M. ChatGPT Utility in Healthcare Education, Research, and Practice: Systematic Review on the Promising Perspectives and Valid Concerns. Healthcare 2023, 11, 887.

We read with great interest and applaud the recently published review paper regarding ChatGPT and its implications in research and education [...].

Surgical management of an abdominal impalement injury: a case report / Manejo quirúrgico de una lesion por empalamiento abdominal: reporte de caso

Impalement injuries are a complex and rare type of penetrating abdominal trauma that happens when an object such as a post or a pole penetrates a person injuring several organs, making it a life-threatening situation in which time and correct management play an important part in the survival of the patient. A 37-year-old man suffered abdominal impalement injury with a metal signal post, penetrating the left flank of the abdomen. On examination, there is a hypoventilated left hemithorax with intercostal retractions, increased heart rate, weak distal pulses, delayed capillary refill, and pale skin. A 1-meter-long metal post (approximately 7cm diameter) penetrates the left flank with the entry in the posterior lumbar region. Abdominal viscera, omentum, intestinal content, and ischemic loops of the small intestine are visible. An exploratory laparotomy was performed; left hemicolectomy, end colostomy and Hartmann procedure, resection of the affected jejunum, and end-to-end anastomosis were performed. On the ninth postoperative day, an abdominal tomography was performed due to the presence of fever peaks, which reported thrombosis of the left renal artery and emphysematous pyelonephritis, with the presence of a left pararenal collection. A simple left nephrectomy was performed. Postoperative surveillance was satisfactory during the following 5 days. The patient was discharged. An impaled injury is a complex lesion that needs special attention from the medical field for correct management. Although there is some literature about it, we encourage more research to be done about impalement injuries.

Las lesiones por empalamiento son un tipo de traumatismo abdominal penetrante complejo y raro de que se produce cuando un objeto, como un poste o una vara, penetra a una persona lesionando varios órganos, lo que la convierte en una situación potencialmente mortal en la que el tiempo y el manejo correcto juegan un papel importante en la supervivencia del paciente. Un hombre de 37 años sufrió una herida por empalamiento abdominal con un poste de señales de metal, penetrando el flanco izquierdo del abdomen. A la exploración física, hay un hemitórax izquierdo hipoventilado con retracciones intercostales, aumento de la frecuencia cardíaca, pulsos distales débiles, relleno capilar retrasado y piel pálida. Un poste metálico de 1 metro de largo (aproximadamente 7 cm de diámetro) penetra el flanco izquierdo con entrada en la región lumbar posterior. Son visibles las vísceras abdominales, el epiplón, el contenido intestinal y las asas isquémicas del intestino delgado. Se realizó una laparotomía exploradora; Se realizó hemicolectomía izquierda, colostomía terminal y procedimiento de Hartmann, resección del yeyuno afectado y anastomosis terminoterminal. Al noveno día postoperatorio se realiza tomografía abdominal por presencia de picos febriles, que reporta trombosis de arteria renal izquierda y pielonefritis enfisematosa, con presencia de colección pararrenal izquierda. Se realizó nefrectomía izquierda simple. La vigilancia postoperatoria fue satisfactoria durante los siguientes 5 días. El paciente fue dado de alta. Una lesión por empalamiento es una lesión compleja que necesita una atención especial desde el ámbito médico para su correcto manejo. Aunque existe cierta literatura al respecto, alentamos a que se realicen más investigaciones sobre estas lesiones.

Respiratory distress and tracheal deviation secondary to sigmoid volvulus / Dificultad respiratoria y desviación traqueal secundaria a vólvulo sigmoideo ­ Un reporte de caso

INTRODUCTION: The trachea is a semiflexible tube of 1.5 to 2 cm in width and 10 to 13 cm in length. Its deviation might be caused by not only diverse thoracic but also abdominal pathologies, which may compromise the airway. We present a case of a severe tracheal deviation due to an abdominal pathology causing displacement of mediastinal structures. CLINICAL CASE: A 78-year-old woman presents with difficulty breathing. History of chronic bedridden and frequently constipated, last stool 5 days prior. On physical examination, cachectic complexion, dry mucous membranes, breathing superficially with scarce wheezing, SatO2 82% on room air. Abdomen distended with an absence of bowel sounds. Chest x-rays show severe tracheal deviation and abdominal x-ray with coffee bean sign. A laparotomy evidences a large sigmoid volvulus. A sigmoidectomy and descending colon colostomy is performed. Room air oxygen saturation improved after extubation to 96%.CONCLUSION: Desaturation and tracheal deviation were caused by a large sigmoid volvulus. Although these pathologies were thoracic, clinicians should suspect different underlying pathologies, in this case, abdominal

INTRODUCCIÓN: La tráquea es un tubo semiflexible de 1-5 a 2 cm de ancho y 10 a 13 cm de longitud. Puede presentar desviaciones en su trayecto, no solo por patologías torácicas, sino también abdominales, las cuales pueden comprometer la vía aérea. Presentamos el caso de una desviación severa de la tráquea por una patología abdominal que ocasionó desplazamiento de las estructuras mediastinales. REPORTE DE CASO: Mujer de 78 años que se presenta por dificultad respiratoria. Antecedente de postramiento crónico en cama y estreñimiento frecuente, con última deposición 5 días previos. En la exploración física presenta complexión caquéctica, mucosas secas, respiración superficial con sibilancias, saturando 82% al aire ambiente. Abdomen distendido con ausencia de ruidos intestinales. Radiografía torácica muestra desviación traqueal severa y la radiografía abdominal muestra signo del grano de café. En el abordaje por laparotomía se evidencia un vólvulo sigmoideo grande. Se realizó sigmoidectomía y colostomía del colon descendiente. La saturación al aire ambiente mejoró después de la extubación a 96%. CONCLUSIÓN: La desaturación y desviación traqueal fueron causadas por un vólvulo sigmoideo grande. Aunque estas patologías eran torácicas, el clínico debe sospechar diferentes patologías de base, como en este caso, abdominales.

Acute Hepatitis in a Pediatric Patient with COVID -19: Case Report / Hepatitis Aguda en un paciente pediátrico con COVID-19

COVID-19 typically courses with mild clinical manifestations; however, a pediatric patient might get severe sequelae and complications when there is an infection. There is no information about liver complications due to COVID-19 in children in Mexico. This case report will set a precedent about timely diagnosis for hepatitis as a complication for COVID-19 disease in young patients in Mexico. Clinical case: A 12-years-old man has intermittent generalized abdominal pain misdiagnosed and treated for irritable bowel syndrome 3 days prior. The abdominal pain stayed, and a day after the patient vomited 3 times (each one after every meal). The patient started with orangish urine, weakness, fatigue and hyporexia 1 day prior to admission. The day of the admittance, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test was performed, giving a positive result. Once he was admitted, laboratory tests were made, showing an increase of liver enzyme levels, showing liver disease as a complication for the viral infection. Conclusion: Pediatrics patients might get Hepatitis due to COVID-19. In a patient with abdominal pain or other liver disease symptoms while coursing with the virus or even after the infection, further investigation must be made.

El COVID-19 típicamente cursa con manifestaciones clínicas leves, sin embargo, un paciente pediátrico puede presentar secuelas y complicaciones graves cuando existe una infección. No hay información sobre complicaciones hepáticas por COVID-19 en niños en México. Este reporte de caso sentará un precedente sobre el diagnóstico oportuno de hepatitis como complicación de la enfermedad COVID-19 en pacientes jóvenes en México. Caso clínico: Varón de 12 años con dolor abdominal generalizado intermitente mal diagnosticado y tratado por colon irritable 3 días antes. El dolor abdominal se mantuvo, y al día siguiente el paciente vomitó 3 veces (cada una después de cada comida). El paciente comenzó con orina anaranjada, debilidad, fatiga e hiporexia 1 día antes de su ingreso. El día del ingreso se le realizó una prueba de RT-PCR de COVID-19 dando positivo. Una vez que ingresó, se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio que mostraron un aumento de los niveles de enzimas hepáticas, lo que mostró una enfermedad hepática como complicación de la infección viral. Conclusión: Los pacientes pediátricos pueden contraer hepatitis por COVID-19. En un paciente con dolor abdominal u otros síntomas de enfermedad hepática mientras cursa con el virus o incluso después de la infección, se debe realizar una investigación adicional.

Trauma cervical penetrante: experiencia de un hospital de enseñanza en México / Penetrating cervical trauma: experience of a teaching hospital in Mexico

Introducción. El trauma cervical penetrante es una entidad poco frecuente, con tendencia al alza, de considerable morbimortalidad. Es fundamental conocer su manejo por cirujanos en entrenamiento, quienes en su mayoría son comúnmente los proveedores del tratamiento en las áreas de urgencias. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar la experiencia de un centro de trauma en México en el tratamiento de trauma cervical penetrante administrado por cirujanos en entrenamiento. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma cervical penetrante sometidos a exploración cervical entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se identificaron 110 expedientes, se excluyeron 26 por falta de datos indispensables para la investigación y se analizaron los datos de 84 pacientes. Resultados. El 96,4 % de los pacientes fueron hombres, la mayoría entre 16 y 50 años (83,3 %) y la zona anatómica II fue la más comúnmente lesionada (65,4 %). Las etiologías más frecuentes fueron heridas por arma cortopunzante (67,9 %) y heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego (25 %). El 95 % de los procedimientos fueron realizados por residentes de cuarto y quinto año. La mediana de días de estancia hospitalaria fue de 2 días. La incidencia de complicaciones fue de 9,5 % y la mortalidad de 1,2 %. Conclusiones. Los cirujanos generales en etapa de formación entrenados en centros de trauma tienen la capacidad de tratar de forma óptima el trauma cervical penetrante sin modificación de las tasas de morbimortalidad descritas en la literatura internacional.

Introduction. Penetrating cervical trauma is a rare entity, with an upward trend, of considerable morbidity and mortality. It is essential to acknowledge its management by surgeons in training, who are usually the providers in the emergency areas. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the experience of a trauma center in Mexico in the treatment of penetrating cervical trauma by surgeons in training. Methods. This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with penetrating cervical trauma who underwent cervical examination between 2014 and 2019; 110 records were identified, 26 were excluded due to lack of essential data for the analysis, and the data of 84 patients were included. Results. 96.4% of the patients were men, the majority between 16 and 50 years old (83.3%) and the anatomic zone II was the most frequently injured (65.4%). The most common etiologies were stab wounds (67.9%) and gunshot wounds (25%). Ninety five percent of the procedures were performed by fourth- and fifth-year residents. The median number of days of hospital stay was 2 (2-4) days. The incidence of complications was 9.5% and mortality in 1.2%. Conclusions. General surgeons in the trauma training stage can optimally treat penetrating cervical trauma with the same morbidity and mortality rates described in the international literature.

Solving the impossible: penetrating cardiac injuries, a case series of diagnostic workup and management / Resolviendo lo imposible: heridas penetrantes cardíacas, serie de casos del abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico

For a long time, any heart-based injury was an off-limits area for surgeons; a patient with a traumatic cardiac injury was doomed to die. Little more than one hundred years have passed since the first surgical correction of a penetrating cardiac injury and there is still a high rate of mortality, despite the medical advances. We present the case of 6 patients with penetrating cardiac injuries that were repaired at a third level hospital of Mexico, alongside relevant findings on the literature about the topic. From 2019 to 2020, an incidence of 6 patients with penetrating cardiac injuries was present; all men aged 30 years or older. The etiology of 4 (67%) patients was stab wounds and 2 (33%) gunshot wounds. Left anterolateral thoracotomy was used on 5 (83%) patients and midline sternotomy on 1 (17%) patient. 2 (33%) injuries on the left ventricle presented along with coronary arteries injuries. Left ventricle and right atrium injuries presented each 50% of mortality. The mortality was of 33%, 1 patient died due to intraoperative complications and another one due to massive cerebral infarction and polyuric syndrome because of diabetes insipidus. There is a long path ahead of the surgical field on this topic and further to be analyzed. An excellent tool for cardiac tamponade diagnosis due to penetrating cardiac injuries is cardiac ultrasound, therefore it should be used on every hemodynamic unstable patient in the context of PCI. Definitively, time is of the essence, and the survival of patients depends on immediate transport to a hospital and an opportune surgical intervention.

Durante mucho tiempo las heridas en el corazón eran un área prohibida para el cirujano. Cualquier persona con herida penetrante cardíaca estaba condenada a morir. Poco más de cien años han transcurrido desde la primera corrección quirúrgica de una herida penetrante cardíaca y sigue habiendo una tasa alta de mortalidad, a pesar de los avances médicos. Se presenta una serie de casos de 6 pacientes con heridas penetrantes cardíacas que fueron reparadas en un hospital de tercer nivel de México, junto con revisión de la literatura. Desde el 2019 al 2020, hubo una incidencia de 6 pacientes con heridas penetrantes cardíacas; todos fueron hombres de 30 años o mayores. La etiología en 4 (67%) casos fueron heridas por arma blanca y 2 (33%) por herida por proyectil de arma de fuego. Se usó el abordaje por toracotomía anterolateral izquierda en 5 (83%) pacientes y esternotomía media en 1 (17%) paciente. Dos (33%) heridas se suscitaron en el ventrículo izquierdo en conjunto con heridas en arterias coronarias. Heridas en el ventrículo izquierdo y atrio derecho presentaron una mortalidad del 50% cada una. La mortalidad total fue de 33%, 1 paciente falleció por complicaciones intraoperatorias y otro más por infarto cerebral masivo y síndrome poliúrico causado por diabetes insípida. Hay un gran camino por recorrer en el ámbito quirúrgico de este tipo de heridas y más por ser analizado. Una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico del taponamiento cardíaco por heridas penetrantes cardíacas es el ultrasonido cardíaco, y, por ende, debe ser usado en todo paciente con inestabilidad hemodinámica en el contexto de una herida penetrante cardíaca. Definitivamente, el tiempo es vida, y la sobrevivencia de estos pacientes depende del transporte inmediato a un hospital y una intervención quirúrgica oportuna.

Manejo de la ruptura hepática espontánea en el síndrome de HELLP / Management of spontaneous hepatic rupture in HELLP syndrome

Introducción. El síndrome de HELLP es una variante grave de la preeclampsia, con una baja incidencia, entre el 0,5-0,9 % de todos los embarazos. La ruptura hepática espontánea en el embarazo es infrecuente, presenta una alta mortalidad, y se ha relacionado con hemangiomas hepáticos, coriocarcinoma y síndrome de HELLP. Caso clínico. Mujer de 29 años con embarazo de 34,3 semanas, con actividad uterina progresiva, sufrimiento fetal agudo y hallazgos compatibles con síndrome de HELLP. Se practicó cesárea de urgencia encontrando hemoperitoneo y ruptura hepática del lóbulo derecho, por lo que se realizó empaquetamiento abdominal y posterior reintervención quirúrgica. Discusión. La ruptura hepática espontánea en el embarazo es una entidad infrecuente y potencialmente mortal. Es esencial un alto nivel de sospecha para realizar el diagnóstico y la rápida intervención. Requiere un manejo multidisciplinario para un resultado exitoso. Se han descrito múltiples tratamientos que dependen de las manifestaciones clínicas y extensión de la lesión, pero es claro que la laparotomía primaria y el taponamiento constituyen la mejor elección ante el hallazgo intraoperatorio.

Introduction. HELLP syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia with a low incidence, between 0.5-0.9% of all pregnancies. Spontaneous hepatic rupture in pregnancy is rare, has a high mortality, and has been associated with hepatic hemangiomas, choriocarcinoma, and HELLP syndrome. Clinical case. 29-year-old woman with a 34.3-week pregnancy, with progressive uterine activity and acute fetal distress and findings compatible with HELLP syndrome. An emergency cesarean section was performed, finding hemoperitoneum and hepatic rupture of the right lobe, performing abdominal packing and subsequent surgical reoperation. Discussion. Spontaneous liver rupture in pregnancy is a rare and potentially fatal entity. A high level of suspicion is essential to make the diagnosis and prompt intervention. It requires multidisciplinary management for a successful outcome. Multiple treatments have been described that depend on the clinical manifestations and extent of the lesion, but it is clear that primary laparotomy and packing constitute the best choice before the intraoperative finding.