Papel del radiofarmacéutico clínico en la seguridad del paciente durante los estudios de perfusión miocárdica de esfuerzo con vasodilatadores / Role of the clinical radiopharmacist in patient safety during myocardial perfusion imaging with vasodilator stress agents

Objetivos: Evaluar el papel del radiofarmacéutico en un equipo multidisciplinar en la detección de contraindicaciones del regadenosón para su uso seguro en pacientes a los que se solicitó una SPECT de perfusión miocárdica. Métodos: Se estudió ambispectivamente su uso seguro en 1.905 pacientes (54,1% mujeres, edad media: 66,6±11,7 años, rango: 20-95años). Se registraron datos relativos al sexo, a la edad, al historial médico, a la medicación, a las alergias medicamentosas y a las contraindicaciones para el estrés farmacológico, así como las recomendaciones realizadas al médico nuclear responsable. Resultados: Las contraindicaciones detectadas y las correspondientes recomendaciones fueron las siguientes: riesgo de prolongación del intervalo QTc (7,5%): comprobación previa del intervalo QTc y monitorización del ECG; ictus o AIT previo (4,2%): evaluación de estenosis carotídea; alergia a salicilatos y/o sulfamidas (3,1%): empleo de [99mTc]Tc-MIBI; epilepsia o riesgo de convulsiones (2,4%): uso de adenosina o reconsiderar su indicación; tratamiento con corticosteroides sistémicos en EPOC severa (1,3%): reevaluar las condiciones del paciente; EPOC reagudizada (0,8%): posponer hasta la resolución del episodio agudo; asma grave (0,4%): no realizar la prueba; toma de metilxantinas (0,3%): evitar su consumo previo; otras (6,1%): evaluación de cada contraindicación. No se observaron contraindicaciones en el 73,6% de los pacientes. Se anularon el 2,9% de las peticiones debido a contraindicaciones absolutas. Conclusiones: Empleando una metodología de trabajo sistemática, el radiofarmacéutico detectó un elevado número de incidencias, presentando uno de cada cuatro pacientes alguna contraindicación clínica. Las recomendaciones emitidas fueron aceptadas por los médicos nucleares, que modificaron su enfoque, incrementando así la seguridad de estos pacientes.(AU)

Aim: To assess the radiopharmacist's role in a multidisciplinary team focused on the contraindications of regadenoson in order to ensure the safe use of pharmacologic vasodilator stress agents in patients undergoing SPECT-MPI. Methods: We ambispectively studied its safe use in 1905 patients (54.1% female, mean age: 66.6±11.7 years, range: 20-95years). Sex, age, medical history, medications, drug allergies, and contraindications for stress testing were registered together with recommendations for the nuclear physician in charge. Results: Detected contraindications and corresponding recommendations were as follows: risk factors for QTc interval prolongation 7.5% — measurement of QTc interval previously to test and monitor ECG; prior stroke or TIA 4.2% — consider carotid stenosis assessment; salicylates/sulfonamides allergy 3.1% — use 99mTc-sestamibi; epilepsy or risk factors for seizures 2.4% — use of adenosine or reconsider test indication; systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe COPD 1.3% — reassessment of patient's condition; acute exacerbation of COPD 0.8% — defer test until acute episode is over; severe asthma 0.4% — do not perform test; methylxanthine ingestion 0.3% — avoid consumption previously; other 6.1% — evaluation of other contraindications. No contraindications were detected in 73.6% of patients. The test was cancelled due to absolute contraindications in 2.9% of the requests. Conclusions: Working in a systematic way, the radiopharmacist was able to detect a high number of issues related to regadenoson, with one out of four patients presenting some clinical contraindication. The recommendations given by the radiopharmacist were well accepted by the nuclear physicians who changed their approach contributing to increase the safety of patients referred for MPI.(AU)

Role of the clinical radiopharmacist in patient safety during myocardial perfusion imaging with vasodilator stress agents.

AIM: To assess the radiopharmacist's role in a multidisciplinary team focused on the contraindications of regadenoson in order to ensure the safe use of pharmacologic vasodilator stress agents in patients undergoing SPECT-MPI. METHODS: We ambispectively studied its safe use in 1905 patients (54.1% female, mean age: 66.6±11.7 years, range: 20-95 years). Sex, age, medical history, medications, drug allergies, and contraindications for stress testing were registered together with recommendations for the nuclear physician in charge. RESULTS: Detected contraindications and corresponding recommendations were as follows: risk factors for QTc interval prolongation 7.5% - measurement of QTc interval previously to test and monitor ECG; prior stroke or TIA 4.2% - consider carotid stenosis assessment; salicylates/sulfonamides allergy 3.1% - use 99mTc-sestamibi; epilepsy or risk factors for seizures 2.4% - use of adenosine or reconsider test indication; systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe COPD 1.3% - reassessment of patient's condition; acute exacerbation of COPD 0.8% - defer test until acute episode is over; severe asthma 0.4% - do not perform test; methylxanthine ingestion 0.3% - avoid consumption previously; other 6.1% - evaluation of other contraindications. No contraindications were detected in 73.6% of patients. The test was canceled due to absolute contraindications in 2.9% of the requests. CONCLUSIONS: Working in a systematic way, the radiopharmacist was able to detect a high number of issues related to regadenoson, with one out of four patients presenting some clinical contraindication. The recommendations given by the radiopharmacist were well accepted by the nuclear physicians who changed their approach contributing to increase the safety of patients referred for MPI.

BNCT research activities at the Granada group and the project NeMeSis: Neutrons for medicine and sciences, towards an accelerator-based facility for new BNCT therapies, medical isotope production and other scientific neutron applications.

The Granada group in BNCT research is currently performing studies on: nuclear and radiobiological data for BNCT, new boron compounds and a new design for a neutron source for BNCT and other applications, including the production of medical radioisotopes. All these activities are described in this report.

Desarrollo de un mapa de riesgos para la tomografía por emisión de positrones / Development of a positron emission tomography risks map

La seguridad del paciente es un componente esencial de la calidad asistencial, especialmente cuando la complejidad de la asistencia ha alcanzado niveles extremos. En la actualidad, conseguir esta seguridad se considera una estrategia básica del sistema nacional de salud. Los servicios de Medicina Nuclear muestran unas particularidades que los hacen especiales en materia de seguridad del paciente, con situaciones que se salen de la práctica asistencial común de los servicios del resto del marco hospitalario. Estas particularidades vienen definidas por el hecho de utilizar en la actividad diaria radiaciones ionizantes, tanto encapsuladas como no encapsuladas. Además, y concretamente en el caso de la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET), el hecho de realizar la exploración implica de modo indispensable la coordinación de numerosos grupos de profesionales, tanto de la propia unidad de gestión clínica como de otros servicios del hospital (incluso de empresas ajenas al propio hospital y al propio sistema sanitario público). El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido identificar los riesgos a los que puede exponerse un paciente que va a ser explorado mediante PET en un servicio de Medicina Nuclear y elaborar el mapa de riesgos para el proceso PET. La metodología empleada se enmarca genéricamente en la propuesta por el Ministerio de Sanidad (2007) y su concreción práctica (dada la escasa literatura disponible en Medicina Nuclear) sigue en lo posible lo desarrollado en áreas asistenciales afines (radiodiagnóstico y radioterapia). Para ello, se constituyó un equipo multidisciplinar de profesionales directamente relacionados con el proceso PET, se utilizó la metodología análisis modal de fallos y efectos con la intención de identificar los posibles fallos, sus causas y los potenciales eventos adversos que provocan cada uno de los fallos. Como paso final, se creó el mapa de riesgos, ubicando en cada etapa del proceso los fallos previamente identificados. El presente trabajo expone el proceso PET, el cual ha permitido describir los riesgos que puede correr un paciente cuando es requerido para realizarse una exploración PET, así como los eventos adversos derivados de ellos. Todo ello ha quedado plasmado en un mapa de riesgos del proceso PET

Patient safety is an essential component of quality of care, especially when the complexity of care has reached extreme levels. Currently achieving this safety is considered a basic strategy of the National Health System. Nuclear Medicine departments have certain peculiarities that make them special in terms of patient safety, with situations that go beyond the common healthcare practice of other departments. Namely, that both encapsulated and non-encapsulated ionizing radiation is used in daily practice, and numerous groups of professionals must be coordinated to undertake positron emission tomography (PET) specifically, from the clinical management unit itself, and from other departments of the hospital (as well as companies outside the hospital itself and the Public Health System). The objective of this paper was to identify the risks to which a patient who is to be explored through PET can be exposed in a Nuclear Medicine department and draw up a risk map for the PET process. The methodology used is part of the proposal of the Ministry of Health (2007), and its practical implementation (given the limited literature available on Nuclear Medicine), follows as far as possible that of related care areas (radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy). For this purpose, a multidisciplinary team of professionals directly related to the PET process was created, using the modal analysis of faults and effects methodology to identify possible failures, their causes and the potential adverse events causing each. As a final step, a risk map was created, locating the previously identified faults at each stage of the process. This paper exposes the PET process, and describes the risks that patients might run when a PET scan is required, as well as the adverse events deriving from it. All this is shown in a risk map of the PET process

Development of a positron emission tomography risks map. / Desarrollo de un mapa de riesgos para la tomografía por emisión de positrones.

Patient safety is an essential component of quality of care, especially when the complexity of care has reached extreme levels. Currently achieving this safety is considered a basic strategy of the National Health System. Nuclear Medicine departments have certain peculiarities that make them special in terms of patient safety, with situations that go beyond the common healthcare practice of other departments. Namely, that both encapsulated and non-encapsulated ionizing radiation is used in daily practice, and numerous groups of professionals must be coordinated to undertake positron emission tomography (PET) specifically, from the clinical management unit itself, and from other departments of the hospital (as well as companies outside the hospital itself and the Public Health System). The objective of this paper was to identify the risks to which a patient who is to be explored through PET can be exposed in a Nuclear Medicine department and draw up a risk map for the PET process. The methodology used is part of the proposal of the Ministry of Health (2007), and its practical implementation (given the limited literature available on Nuclear Medicine), follows as far as possible that of related care areas (radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy). For this purpose, a multidisciplinary team of professionals directly related to the PET process was created, using the modal analysis of faults and effects methodology to identify possible failures, their causes and the potential adverse events causing each. As a final step, a risk map was created, locating the previously identified faults at each stage of the process. This paper exposes the PET process, and describes the risks that patients might run when a PET scan is required, as well as the adverse events deriving from it. All this is shown in a risk map of the PET process.

Hibernoma as an incidental finding on 18F-FDG-PET/CT in lymphoma patient follow-up / Hibernoma como hallazgo incidental en la 18F-FDG-PET/TC en paciente en seguimiento por linfoma

No disponible

Change of the melanocortin system caused by bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES - Determine whether bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with an increase in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and/or resistance to inhibition by leptin in relation to post-surgery weight gain. MATERIALS AND METHODS - This prospective study included 20 patients who underwent bilateral STN-DBS and 17 who refused surgery. Data were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months on neurological and nutritional status, including determination of body mass index (BMI) and serum NPY and leptin levels. RESULTS - NPY and leptin levels changed over time, with a distinct pattern. The BMI increase at 6 months was greater in the surgical group (5.5 ± 6.3% vs 0.5 ± 3.5%; P = 0.035). Medical group exhibited a reduction in leptin level (-2.0 ± 4.3 ng/ml) and a consequent increase in NPY level (72.4 ± 58.7 pmol/ml). However, STN-DBS patients showed an increase in leptin (3.1 ± 5.0 ng/ml; P = 0.001 vs medical group) and also in NPY (12.1 ± 53.6 pmol/ml; P = 0.022 vs medical group) levels, which suggests resistance to inhibition by leptin. Rise in NPY level correlated with higher stimulation voltages. CONCLUSIONS - Bilateral STN-DBS causes disruption of the melanocortin system, probably related to diffusion of the electric current to the hypothalamus. This mechanism may in part explain the weight gain of patients with PD after surgery.

PET-TAC: captación pulmonar focal de FDG sin alteracion estructural en TAC / PET/CT: Focal lung uptake of 18F-fluordeoxiglucose on PET but no structural alterations on CT

La combinación de la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) y la tomografía computarizada (TAC) en un único equipo (PET/TAC) supone una potente herramienta diagnóstica que abre nuevos horizontes en el diagnóstico por imagen. Para la correcta interpretación de los estudios PET/TAC, es necesario conocer la biodistribución de la 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa, las variables fisiológicas así como los posibles artefactos ante los que nos podemos encontrar. Presentamos cuatro casos en los cuales en el contexto de seguimiento/diagnóstico de un proceso oncológico se realiza un estudio 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa-PET/TAC. Dicho estudio mostró en todos los casos captación focal en el parénquima pulmonar en el estudio de la PET en ausencia de alteraciones estructurales en las imágenes de la TAC. La extravasación de radiotrazador en tres de ellos así como una modificación reciente de la técnica de inyección utilizada hicieron pensar en la existencia de un artefacto responsable de dichas discordancias(AU)

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in a single device (PET/CT) offers a powerful diagnostic tool that opens up new horizons for imaging diagnosis. In order to correctly interpret PET/CT studies, knowledge of the biodistribution of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), the physiological variants as well as the pitfalls, including artefacts, which may be found, is necessary. We report four cases performed during the follow-up diagnostic context of an oncology study performed with 18F-FDG-PET/CT. In every case, this study showed focal uptake in the lung parenchyma in the PET study with no structural lesions being found on the CT scan. Radiotracer extravasation in three of these patients and a recent change in the injection protocol used suggest that an artefact was responsible for these discrepancies(AU)

[PET/CT: focal lung uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose on PET but no structural alterations on CT]. / PET-TAC: captación pulmonar focal de FDG sin alteracion estructural en TAC.

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in a single device (PET/CT) offers a powerful diagnostic tool that opens up new horizons for imaging diagnosis. In order to correctly interpret PET/CT studies, knowledge of the biodistribution of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), the physiological variants as well as the pitfalls, including artefacts, which may be found, is necessary. We report four cases performed during the follow-up diagnostic context of an oncology study performed with 18F-FDG-PET/CT. In every case, this study showed focal uptake in the lung parenchyma in the PET study with no structural lesions being found on the CT scan. Radiotracer extravasation in three of these patients and a recent change in the injection protocol used suggest that an artefact was responsible for these discrepancies.

[Quality control dose calibrators]. / Control de calidad de activímetros.

We have reviewed the legislation about the quality control of dose calibrator. The importance of verifying the correct work of these instruments, is fundamental in daily practice of radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine. The Spanish legislation establishes to include these controls as part of the quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, and the program of quality assurance in nuclear medicine. We have reviewed guides and protocols from international eminent organizations, summarizing the recommended tests and periodicity of them.

Control de calidad de activímetros / Quality control of dose calibrators

Hemos realizado una revisión del control de calidad de activímetros, debido a la importancia de verificar el correcto funcionamiento de estos instrumentos, importantes en la práctica diaria de la radiofarmacia y la medicina nuclear. La normativa española establece la necesidad de incluir estos controles como parte del control de calidad de radiofármacos y del programa de garantía de calidad de medicina nuclear. En el trabajo hemos revisado diferentes guías y protocolos de organismos internacionales de reconocido prestigio, apuntando las principales pruebas que se deben realizar y la periodicidad aconsejada (AU)

We have reviewed the legislation about the quality control of dose calibrator. The importance of verifying the correct work of these instruments, is fundamental in daily practice of radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine. The Spanish legislation establishes to include these controls as part of the quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, and the program of quality assurance in nuclear medicine. We have reviewed guides and protocols from international eminent organizations, summarizing the recommended tests and periodicity of them (AU)

Anestesia multimodal infantil: analgesia epidural / Pediatric multimodal anesthesia: epidural analgesia

La aplicación de fármacos anestésicos y analgésicos por punción epidural lumbar constituye en la actualidad una técnica escasamente usada en enfermos pediátricos, aunque las aportaciones en este campo ponen de manifiesto su elevada eficacia clínica. El objetivo del presente trabajo es sintetizar, en base a la literatura médica de referencia y la experiencia personal de los autores, la metodología correcta de aplicación de la técnica en enfermos pediátricos sometidos a intervención quirúrgica, así como exponer sistemáticamente el cuadro de complicaciones susceptibles de aparecer en este tipo de pacientes (AU)

Diagnóstico de hipertensión vasculorrenal mediante gammagrafía renal con 99mTc-DMSA pre y postcaptopril / Diagnosis of vasculorenal hypertension by pre- and post-captopril renal scintigraphy with 99mtc-dmsa

Objetivo: Valorar la utilidad de los estudios con 99mTc-DMSA pre y postcaptopril (imagen gammagráfica y función renal unilateral) para identificar el origen vasculorrenal o renal de la enfermedad en pacientes hipertensos con alta sospecha clínica de hipertensión vasculorrenal. Pacientes y Métodos: Se han estudiado 27 pacientes hipertensos (12 varones, 15 mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 23 y 65 años (edad media 49 años, DE: 9,46) con alta sospecha clínica de hipertensión vasculorrenal, a los que se les realizó protocolo general analítico, ecográfico y radiológico incluyendo arteriografía renal que se utilizó como gold standard. A todos se les practicaron dos estudios gammagráficos con 99mTc-DMSA, uno basal y otro una hora después de la administración de 50 mg de captopril, con una semana de intervalo entre ambos. Los estudios gammagráficos se obtuvieron a las 4 horas de la administración de 3 mCi (111MBq) de 99mTc-DMSA, obteniéndose imágenes en anterior y posterior, y evaluándose los resultados cualitativamente y cuantitativamente mediante el cálculo de la función renal unilateral porcentual. Se consideraron positivos para hipertensión vasculorrenal los estudios con disminución de 5 puntos porcentuales de la función renal unilateral porcentual o la aparición de un defecto nuevo no existente en el estudio basal. Los resultados gammagráficos fueron comparados con el estudio arteriográfico para determinar la sensibilidad y valores predictivos. Resultados: El estudio arteriográfico demostró la existencia de un 18,5 por ciento de pacientes con estenosis de la arteria renal angiográficamente significativa ( > 50 por ciento de la luz).Los estudios gammagráficos pre y postcaptopril con 99mTcDMSA mostraron una sensibilidad del 60 por ciento, especificidad del 91 por ciento, valor predictivo positivo del 60 por ciento y valor predictivo negativo del 91 por ciento. Se identificaron 3 pacientes con defectos de captación segmentarios compatibles con cicatrices pielonefríticas crónicas. Conclusiones: Los estudios con 99mTc-DMSA basal y tras captopril presentan una alta especificidad y son útiles en pacientes con alta sospecha clínica de hipertensión vasculorrenal, identificando adecuadamente un alto porcentaje de pacientes con estenosis arterial renal significativa. La capacidad del DMSA para identificar la presencia o ausencia de anomalías renales, sobre todo cicatrices pielonefríticas, aporta un valor añadido a los estudios de renograma tras IECAs con otros trazadores pudiendo identificar causas renales de hipertensión diferentes a la estenosis de la arteria renal (AU)

[Diagnosis of renovascular hypertension by pre- and post-captopril renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DMSA]. / Diagnóstico de hipertensión vasculorrenal mediante gammagrafía renal con 99mTe-DMSA pre y postcaptopril.

AIM: Value the utility of studies with 99mTc-DMSA with captopril (scintigraphy imaging and unilateral renal function) in identifying renovascular disease or renal disease in hypertension patients with high probability of renovascular hypertension. METHODS: We studied 27 hypertension patients (12 males, 15 females) mean age 49 years, SD: 9.46, with high probability of renovascular disease. General analysis and radiology was made to all of them including renal arteriography as gold standard. Two renal scintigraphies with 99mTc-DMSA were made to all of them, baseline study and one hour after administration of 50 mg of captopril, a week between both studies. Renal scintigraphy (anterior and posterior images) was obtained 4 hours after the administration of 111 MBq (3 mCi) of 99mTc-DMSA and results were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively calculating unilateral renal function. We considered positive for renovascular hypertension studies with decrease of more than five percentual points in unilateral renal function or a new defect absent in baseline study. Scintigraphic results were compared with arteriography to determine sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: Arteriography demonstrated significant renal artery stenosis in 18.5% of patients. Renal scintigraphy with captopril using 99mTc-DMSA demonstrated sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 60% and negative predictive value of 91%. We identified 3 patients with segmental defects of uptake consistent with chronic pyelonephritis scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Studies with 99mTc-DMSA using captopril present high specificity and are useful in patients with high probability for renovascular hypertension, identifying high number of patients with significant renal artery stenosis. The utility of DMSA in identify renal abnormalities, as specially pyelonephritis scarring, add value to renal studies with captopril using others tracers. DMSA could identify renal etiologies of renovascular hypertension different to renal artery stenosis.

Hormonal response to surgical stress in schoolchildren.

PURPOSE: To determine hormone concentrations (ACTH, cortisol, beta-endorphin) in children before and after surgery, to assess the correlation between any hormonal changes and to study the influence exercised on them by the severity of surgical stress and the elective/emergency nature of the surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort of 78 children (age= 10+/-2.6 years, range 6-13 years) undergoing elective or emergency surgery. Preoperative and postoperative (1 and 24 hours postoperation) plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol and beta-endorphin were determined in all children. The severity of surgical stress was evaluated as low (< 6) or high (> 6) according to the Oxford scale. Student's t-test was used to analyse hormonal changes and the influence of degree of surgical stress and elective/emergency character of the surgery, and Pearson's coefficient for correlations between hormonal values. p < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in hormonal concentrations one hour after surgery. ACTH and cortisol values normalised 24 hours after surgery, but beta-endorphin concentrations remained increased. There was a correlation between ACTH and beta-endorphin values both before surgery and one hour after. Operations with high surgical stress significantly increased cortisol concentrations one hour after surgery and beta-endorphin concentrations 24 hours after surgery. Patients selected for emergency surgery showed significantly higher concentrations of cortisol and ACTH both before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative hormonal response among children of school age is characterised by increases in ACTH, cortisol and beta-endorphin one hour after surgery, and by high concentrations of beta-endorphin 24 hours after surgery. Cortisol is an index of surgical stress. Emergency surgery is associated with significant increases in ACTH and cortisol.

Estrés quirúrgico y activación hipófiso-suprarrenal en edad pediátrica / Surgical stress and hipophysal-suprarrenal, activation in the paediatric age

Introducción. El estudio de las alteraciones fisiológicas secundarias a la agresión quirúrgica (estrés quirúrgico), ampliamente desarrollado en pacientes adultos, se halla aún por delimitar con precisión en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación es la cuantificación del estrés quirúrgico en niños (evaluado según la escala de Oxford en bajolalto en valores inferiores o superiores a 6) mediante las modificaciones de los niveles plasmáticos de hormona adrenocorticotropa (ACTH),13-endorfina y cortisol en niños. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observaeional analítico tipo cohorte prospectiva con comparación interna de grupos expuestos. Treinta y tres pacientes sometidos a intervención quirúrgica (edad 10 ñ 2,6; rango 514). Variables resultado: concentraciones plasmáticas de ACTH,13-endorfina y cortisol determinadas pre y postoperatoriamente (1 y 24 horas tras la intervención), mediante técnicas de radioinmunoanálisis. Resultados. Elevación significativa (p < 0,05) a la hora de la intervención de las tres hormonas consideradas con descenso a valores preoperatorios a las 24 horas de la intervención. Relación significativa de la concentración de la beta-endorrma (a la hora 24 postoperación) y del cortisol (una hora postoperación), con el grado de estrés quirúrgico. Conclusiones. La cirugía en el niño activa el eje hipófiso-suprarrenal, recuperando la normalidad precozmente a las 24 horas de la intervención. Existe un patrón específico de comportamiento de la f3-endorfina, pudiéndose afirmar que ésta es una 'hormona de estrés' en cuanto que refleja el impacto de la agresión quirúrgica. El cortisol se muestra como índice fiable de la cuantía del estrés quirúrgico (AU)

Utility of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in differentiated thyroid carcinoma with negative radioiodine scans and elevated serum thyroglobulin levels.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the follow-up of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and iodine-131 ((131)I) ablation therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer and presented increased thyroglobulin levels with negative (131)I and thallium-201 ((201)Tl) scans. METHODS: Two patients with follicular carcinoma and eight with papillary tumors underwent total thyroidectomy and (131)I therapy until the (131)I scan was negative. (131)I and (201)Tl scans were performed with negative results in all cases, while serum thyroglobulin measurements were all positive with negative thyroglobulin autoantibodies. One week after the (131)I scans, all the patients underwent FDG-PET whole-body scans. RESULTS: The FDG-PET scan detected in 4 patients, a single focal increase of FDG uptake in one lymph node metastasis (subsequently confirmed histologically); in 1 patient, multiple pathological focal uptakes in brain, neck, and chest; and in 1 patient, two mild focal uptakes in the mediastinum, close to the tracheal branch. In 2 other patients, pathological FDG uptakes in cervical spine and mediastinum were not confirmed by other imaging techniques, and in the 2 remaining patients the scan results were inconclusive. The sensitivity of FDG-PET whole-body scan for detecting metastatic thyroid cancer was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the FDG-PET whole-body scan is a useful tool in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, negative (131)I and (201)Tl scans and elevated serum thyroglobulin levels. The FDG-PET scan detects metastatic disease in 60% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, enabling surgical therapy to be performed on accessible lesions.

[Surgical stress and hypophyseal-adrenal activation in childhood]. / Estrés quirúrgico y activación hipófiso-suprarrenal en edad pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: The study on the physiological alterations due to surgical aggression (surgical stress), widely investigated in adults, is less known in paediatric age. THE OBJECTIVE: Of this work is to quantify surgical stress (evaluated by means of Oxford Scale as high or low depending on its value bigger or lower than 6), after determining changes of plasmatic concentrations of ACTH, beta-endorphin and cortisol in operated children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational analytic design of a prospective cohort with internal comparison of the groups. SAMPLE SIZE: 33 (age 10 +/- 2.6 years; range 5 to 14 years). DEPENDENT VARIABLES: plasmatic concentrations of ACTH, beta-endorphin and cortisol determined before and after the intervention (1 and 24 hours after surgery), by radio-immune-analysis. RESULTS: Significative increase of the three considered hormones one hour after surgery, with decrease of them until preoperative levels 24 hours later. Significative correlation between beta-endorphin (24 hours after surgery), cortisol (1 hour after surgery) and surgical stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in children provokes the activation of hipophysal-suprarrenal system. These levels early came back to normal ones, 24 hours after surgery. There is a specific change in beta-endorphin, that is why it is possible to assure that beta-endorphin is a "stress-hormone", since it is affected by surgical aggression. Cortisol seems to be a good index of level of surgical stress.