Apendicectomía en pacientes con situs inversus: Serie de tres casos con manejo laparoscópico / Appendectomy in patients with situs inversus: Three cases series with laparoscopic approach

Introducción. La transposición de los órganos debido al situs inversus (SI) es una rara afección que dificulta el diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda. Esta condición hace que la sintomatología del paciente y los hallazgos al examen físico puedan ser atípicos, lo que demanda el uso de imágenes para la confirmación diagnóstica en la mayoría de los casos. Métodos. Se describieron tres casos de apendicitis en pacientes con diagnóstico de situs inversus. Dos de ellos tenían el antecedente conocido, mientras el tercer caso fue diagnosticado de forma intraoperatoria. Resultados. En dos pacientes se decidió llevar a cirugía vía laparoscópica sin imágenes diagnósticas adicionales. Los pacientes evolucionaron de manera satisfactoria. Conclusión. Siempre se debe considerar la apendicitis dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales en los pacientes con dolor en fosa ilíaca izquierda. Es fundamental diagnosticar y tratar la apendicitis de manera efectiva para minimizar las complicaciones asociadas. La importancia de la anamnesis y la sospecha clínica del examinador son vitales en estos casos, que se pueden confirmar con las imágenes diagnósticas. Pueden existir casos en donde la condición clínica del paciente no permita la realización de estudios diagnósticos por imágenes; esto apoya cada vez más el uso del abordaje laparoscópico. Se recomienda considerar el abordaje laparoscópico en primera instancia, ya que nos permite la confirmación diagnóstica de situs inversus totalis en caso de que el antecedente sea desconocido y facilita el manejo oportuno de la urgencia.

Introduction. Organ transposition due to situs inversus (SI) is a rare condition that makes the diagnosis of acute appendicitis difficult. This condition entails that the patient' symptoms and physical examination findings may be atypical, which requires the use of images for diagnostic confirmation in most cases. Clinical cases. Three cases of appendicitis in patients diagnosed with situs inversus are described. Two of them had a known medical history, while the third case was diagnosed intraoperatively. Results. In two patients it was decided to undergo laparoscopic surgery without additional diagnostic images. The patients progressed satisfactorily. Conclusion. Appendicitis should always be considered in the differential diagnoses in patients with pain in the left iliac fossa. It is essential to diagnose and treat appendicitis effectively to minimize associated complications. The importance of the anamnesis and the examiner's clinical suspicion are vital in these cases, which can be confirmed with diagnostic images. There may be cases where the patient's clinical condition does not allow diagnostic imaging studies to be performed, increasingly supports the use of the laparoscopic approach. It is recommended to consider the laparoscopic approach in the first instance, since it allows us to confirm the diagnosis of situs inversus totalisin case the history is unknown and facilitates timely management of the emergency.

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas. Reporte de caso / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. Case report

Introducción. La neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, también conocida como tumor de Frantz, es una patología poco frecuente, que comprende menos del 3 % de los tumores pancreáticos, y la mayor incidencia se observa en mujeres jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida. Su etiología es desconocida. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica sin linfadenectomía cuando se encuentra bien localizado. Inclusive aún cuando hay evidencia de metástasis o invasión local, el manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Caso clínico. Mujer de 24 años de edad, con masa abdominal palpable, dolorosa, de tres semanas de evolución. La tomografía computarizada mencionó como presunción diagnóstica un tumor de origen pancreático. En la laparotomía se encontró una masa dependiente del cuerpo del páncreas. Se realizó pancreatectomía distal radical con esplenectomía y omentectomía parcial en bloque. Resultados. Durante la cirugía no se presentaron complicaciones y hasta el sexto mes de seguimiento, la evolución fue adecuada y sin recidiva tumoral. Conclusiones. Ante la presencia de masa abdominal, con compromiso pancreático documentado por tomografía computarizada, se debe considerar el diagnóstico de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, o tumor de Frantz. El tumor de Frantz es una entidad poco frecuente que generalmente se diagnostica de forma incidental o por síntomas inespecíficos en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y manejo de esta neoplasia representa un reto y la resección quirúrgica continúa siendo el tratamiento indicado.

Introduction. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, also known as Frantz tumor, is a rare pathology, comprising less than 3% of pancreatic tumors, and the highest incidence is observed in young women between the second and third decades of life. Its etiology is unknown. The treatment of choice is surgical resection without lymphadenectomy when it is well located. Even when there is evidence of metastasis or local invasion, surgical management remains the treatment of choice. Clinical case. A 24-year-old woman presented with a palpable, painful abdominal mass of three weeks' duration. The computed tomography mentioned a tumor of pancreatic origin as a presumptive diagnosis. At laparotomy, a mass dependent on the body of the pancreas was found. Radical distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and en bloc partial omentectomy was performed. Results. During the surgery there were no complications and until the sixth month of follow-up, the evolution was adequate and without tumor recurrence. Conclusions. In the presence of an abdominal mass, with pancreatic involvement documented by computed tomography, the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, or Frantz tumor, should be considered, which must be treated surgically. Frantz tumor is a rare entity that is generally diagnosed incidentally or due to nonspecific symptoms in advanced stages. The diagnosis and management of this neoplasia represents a challenge and surgical resection continues to be the indicated treatment.

Esplenúnculo intrapancreático simulando neoplasia / Intrapancreatic splenunculus simulating neoplasia

Introducción. El esplenúnculo se ha descrito con una incidencia global del 10 al 30 %. Puede ser una entidad de origen congénito o adquirida, frecuentemente está asociada a trauma abdominal o antecedente de esplenectomía por diversas causas. Caso clínico. Mujer en edad media, con antecedente de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía por ruptura traumática, quien 30 años después presenta un cuadro de dolor abdominal. Los estudios imagenológicos identificaron una masa sólida intrapancreática. Resultados. Fue llevada a pancreatectomía distal. Los hallazgos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos confirmaron que la masa pancreática correspondía a un esplenúnculo intrapancreático adquirido, asociado al evento traumático previo. Conclusión. Los esplenúnculos suelen constituir un "incidentaloma". Los estudios imagenológicos se encuentran limitados, pues la tomografía computarizada, la resonancia nuclear magnética y la ultrasonografía presentan características imagenológicas similares con los tumores pancreáticos hipervascularizados, por lo que se debe practicar el estudio histopatológico durante su valoración. Esta entidad se debe incluir dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, con mayor énfasis en aquellos pacientes con historia de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía asociada, un escenario en el que esta lesión puede simular una neoplasia sólida del páncreas, con características malignas.

Introduction. Splenunculus has been described with an overall incidence of 10 to 30%. It can be an entity of congenital or acquired origin, it is frequently associated with abdominal trauma or a history of splenectomy for various reasons. Clinical case. Middle-aged woman, with a history of abdominal trauma and splenectomy due to traumatic rupture, who 30 years later presents with abdominal pain. Imaging studies identified a solid intrapancreatic mass. Results. She was taken to OR for distal pancreatectomy. The histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed that the pancreatic mass corresponded to an acquired intrapancreatic splenunculus, associated with the previous traumatic event. Conclusion. Splenuncles usually constitute an "incidentaloma". Imaging studies are limited, since computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography present similar imaging characteristics with hypervascularized pancreatic tumors, so histopathological study must be included during their evaluation. This entity should be included in the differential diagnoses, with greater emphasis on those patients with a history of abdominal trauma and associated splenectomy, a scenario in which this lesion can simulate a solid neoplasm of the pancreas, with malignant characteristics.

Parkinsonism in liver diseases or dysfunction.

Parkinsonism in liver diseases or dysfunction, mainly including neurological manifestations in hereditary liver diseases and neurological complications of advanced liver diseases, occur in isolation or in combination with other movement disorders, and progress along disease course. Prominent akinetic-rigidity syndrome, various onset and progression, poor levodopa response and metabolism abnormalities reflected by serum biomarkers and neuroimaging, make this atypical parkinsonism recognizable and notable in clinical practice. Different susceptibility of brain areas, especially in basal ganglia, to manganese, iron, copper, ammonia overload, together with subsequent oxidative stress, neurotransmitter alterations, disturbed glia-neuron homeostasis and eventually neurotoxicity, contribute to parkinsonism under the circumstances of insufficient liver clearance ability. These mechanisms are interrelated and may interact collectively, adding to the complexity of clinical manifestations and treatment responses. This review summarizes shared clinical features of parkinsonism in liver diseases or dysfunction, depicts their underlying mechanisms and suggests practical flowchart for differential diagnosis.

Variantes normales de aspecto epileptiforme en el electroencefalograma. Revisión de la bibliografía e implicaciones clínicas / Normal variants with an epileptiform appearance in electroencephalograms. A literature review and clinical implications

Las variantes normales de aspecto epileptiforme, o variantes epileptiformes benignas, son un reto diagnóstico en la interpretación de los electroencefalogramas que requiere su conocimiento y una amplia experiencia por parte de los responsables del informe electroencefalográfico. Incluyen un grupo heterogéneo de hallazgos, algunos muy infrecuentes, que inicialmente se relacionaron con epilepsia y patologías neurológicas diversas. En la actualidad, la mayoría se consideran variantes sin significado patológico, y su sobreinterpretación habitualmente acarrea diagnósticos erróneos y tratamientos innecesarios. Los datos de prevalencia de estas variantes son muy diversos y proceden habitualmente de poblaciones seleccionadas, por lo que son difícilmente extrapolables a población sana. No obstante, estudios con electrodos invasivos y series más recientes vuelven a asociar algunas de estas variantes con epilepsia. Nuestro objetivo es revisar las características y la prevalencia de las principales variantes epileptiformes benignas y actualizar su significado clínico. (AU)

Síndrome de Rapunzel: atadura sicológica y simulación orgánica / Rapunzel syndrome: psychological bondage and organic simulation

Introducción. El síndrome de Rapunzel es una entidad infrecuente, que se presenta como un tricobezoar a causa de una aglomeración de cabello acumulado dentro del tracto gastrointestinal, por lo que simula otras patologías quirúrgicas. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 10 años de edad, con tricotilomanía y tricofagia, dolor abdominal y síntomas inespecíficos de obstrucción intestinal de ocho meses de evolución. Al examen físico se encontró abdomen con distensión y masa palpable en epigastrio y mesogastrio. La ecografía permitió hacer el diagnóstico de tricobezoar gástrico extendido hasta el intestino delgado, por lo que se llevó a cirugía para gastrotomía y se extrajo el tricobezoar, con evolución satisfactoria de la paciente. El abordaje integral permitió conocer la atadura sicológica por posible maltrato infantil. Resultado. La paciente tuvo una evolución satisfactoria y se dio egreso al quinto día de hospitalización. Actualmente se encuentra en seguimiento por sicología, siquiatría infantil y pediatría. Discusión. El caso clínico denota la importancia en reconocer situaciones de presentación infrecuente en pediatría, que puedan estar asociadas a alteraciones sicológicas o presunción de maltrato infantil y que se presenten como una condición orgánica recurrente que simule otras patologías abdominales frecuentes en la infancia. El retraso diagnóstico puede conducir a un desenlace no deseado con complicaciones. Conclusión. Se hace mandatorio el manejo integral del paciente pediátrico y aumentar la sensibilidad para reconocer situaciones de presunción de maltrato infantil, sobre todo en pacientes con una condición orgánica quirúrgica recurrente.

Introduction. Rapunzel syndrome is an uncommon condition that manifests as trichobezoars, which are hair bundles in the stomach or small intestine that can mimics other surgical illnesses. Multiple complications can arise from delayed diagnosis and treatment. Clinical case. A 10-year-old female patient with trichotillomania and trichophagia, with abdominal pain and nonspecific symptoms of intestinal obstruction of eight months of evolution. Physical examination revealed epigastric tenderness and a solid mass was palpable in the mesogastric and epigastric region. An abdominal ultrasound showed gastric trichobezoar that extended into the small intestine. A gastrotomy was performed and the trichobezoar was extracted with satisfactory evolution of the patient. The comprehensive approach allowed knowing the psychological bond due to possible child abuse. Results. The patient had a satisfactory evolution and was discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. He is currently being monitored by psychology, child psychiatry and pediatrics. Discussion. This clinical case highlights the importance of recognizing situations that seldom present in pediatrics, which may have a psychological aspect due to the presumption of child abuse, and which present as a recurrent organic condition simulating other frequent abdominal pathologies in childhood; all of which may lead to an unwanted outcome due to diagnostic delay. Conclusion. The comprehensive management of the pediatric patient is mandatory to recognize situations of presumed child abuse, in the face of a recurrent surgical conditions.

Carcinoma basocelular de vulva: relato de caso / Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva: case report

Introdução: O carcinoma basocelular (CBC) de vulva é uma condição rara que corresponde a menos de 0,4% dos casos de CBC e de 2% a 4% das neoplasias de vulva. O CBC de vulva é mais comum entre mulheres brancas, multíparas e na pósmenopausa, especialmente na sétima década de vida. O objetivo é relatar um caso de CBC de vulva no qual discutiram-se os aspectos do diagnóstico e tratamento. Relato de Caso: Mulher de 63 anos de idade, G1P1A0, chega ao consultório em janeiro de 2022 para tratamento de lesão persistente em vulva. Realizou-se biópsia incisional que mostrou tratar-se de provável carcinoma basocelular nodular com invasão da derme. A paciente submeteu-se a uma ressecção do tumor com margens macroscópicas livres e sutura primária. A cirurgia não teve complicações no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório. O histopatológico da peça cirúrgica mostrou tratar-se de carcinoma basocelular nodular com área irregular, plana, branco, medindo 0,7x0,4cm, com as margens laterais distando 7,0 e 5,0mm e profundas, 5,9mm; todas livres. Conclusão: O caso relatado é raro, tendo sido o tratamento de ressecção cirúrgica do CBC de vulva com margens bem-sucedido. Catorze meses após a cirurgia, a paciente encontra-se sem evidências de recidiva local ou regional.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the vulva is a rare condition that accounts for less than 0.4% of BCC cases and 2% to 4% of vulvar neoplasms. BCC of the vulva is more common among white, multiparous and postmenopausal women, especially in the seventh decade of life. The aim is to report a case of BCC of the vulva in which aspects of diagnosis and treatment were discussed. Case report: A 63-year-old woman, G1P1A0, arrives at the office in January 2022 for treatment of a persistent lesion on her vulva. An incisional biopsy was performed and showed that it was likely nodular basal cell carcinoma with invasion of the dermis. The patient underwent tumor resection with free macroscopic margins and primary suture. The surgery had no complications preoperatively or postoperatively. The histopathology of the surgical specimen showed that it was a nodular basal cell carcinoma with an irregular, flat, white area, measuring 0.7x0.4cm, with the lateral margins 7.0 and 5.0mm apart and 5.9mm deep; all free. Conclusion: The reported case is rare, with surgical resection of BCC of the vulva with margins being successful. Fourteen months after surgery, the patient has no evidence of local or regional recurrence.

[Translated article] Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Tumor metastásico en tejido blando a nivel del sacro secundario a carcinoma de células claras de riñón. Reporte de caso / Metastatic tumor in soft tissue at the level of the sacrum secondary toclear cell carcinoma of the kidney. A case report

Introducción. El cáncer de riñón es la undécima neoplasia maligna más común en los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. El carcinoma de células claras de riñón (CCR) es considerado la estirpe más frecuente y representa el 2-3 % de todos los cánceres a nivel mundial. En el contexto de la enfermedad metastásica, por lo general se identifica un tumor renal primario y las metástasis se localizan en pulmón, hueso, hígado, cerebro y, raramente, en tejidos blandos. Los pacientes con metástasis a tejidos blandos no tienen síntomas en las etapas iniciales y generalmente se identifican sólo cuando las lesiones aumentan de tamaño o durante el estudio de la pieza de resección quirúrgica. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente en la séptima década de la vida, con una metástasis en tejidos blandos de la región sacra, de 10 años de evolución posterior a una nefrectomía secundario a CCR. Resultados. Hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos de un tumor bien delimitado. Se realizó resección quirúrgica de la lesión, bajo anestesia regional, con extirpación completa. Conclusión. Se recomienda que los pacientes con un sitio metastásico resecable y solitario sean llevados a resección quirúrgica con márgenes libres, como fue el caso de nuestra paciente, por su fácil acceso y ser una lesión única. En el CCR, además de su tratamiento quirúrgico inicial, es indispensable una estrecha vigilancia con examen físico e imágenes transversales, para detectar la presencia de metástasis y con ello evitar tratamientos tardíos.

Introduction. Kidney cancer is the eleventh most common malignancy in the United States of Mexico. Carcinoma renal cell (CRC) is considered the most frequent type and represents 2-3% of all cancers worldwide. In the setting of metastatic disease, a primary renal tumor is usually identified, and metastases are located in the lung, bone, liver, brain, and rarely in soft tissue. Patients with soft tissue metastases do not have symptoms in the initial stages and are generally found only when the lesions increase in size or during the study of the surgical resection piece. Clinical case. In this case, we report a female patient in the seventh decade of life with a soft tissue metastasis located in the sacral region, 10 years after a nephrectomy secondary to CRC. Results. Clinical and radiological findings of a well-defined tumor. Surgical resection of the lesion is performed under regional anesthesia with complete excision. Conclusions. It is recommended that patients with a resectable and solitary metastatic site be candidates for surgical resection with free margins, as was the case with our patient due to its easy access and single lesion. In CRC, in addition to its initial surgical treatment, close surveillance with physical examination and cross-sectional images is essential to monitor the presence of metastases and thus avoid late treatments.

Relationship between periapical lesions and sinus changes on multi-slice computed tomography sean / Relagao entre lesoes periapicais e alteragóes sinusais na tomografia computadorizada multislice

ABSTRACT Differentiating orofacial odontogenic pain/disorders from pain/disorders associated with maxillary sinusitis is important to avoid unnecessary dentalprocedures and to properly refer patients to colleagues/dentists and vice versa. Aim To analyze the association between apical lesions and sinus changes and to evaluate the agreement between the diagnoses of an endodontist, a radiologist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and an otolaryngologist. Materials and Method 385 axial, coronal, and sagittal MSCT scans were selected using an image archiving andcommunication system (PACS). The examinations had been performed between 2018 and 2022. Results Apical lesions were observed in 36.10% of sinusitis cases, 73.8% of unilateralsinusitis cases, 48.7% of sinus floor discontinuity cases, and 67.2% of cases in which endodontic treatment had been performed. Agreement between the diagnoses made by the endodontist and those made by the other investigators was high for most study variables (k > 0.60). The exceptions were mucosal thickening, for which agreement between the endodontist and the other investigators was intermediate (k=0.397), and the presence of periapicallesions (k=0.010), previous endodontic treatment (k=0.013), and mucosal thickness (k=0.024), for which agreement between endodontists and radiologists was low. Conclusions: There was an association between sinus changes and apical lesions.

RESUMO Diferenciar a dor/desordens odontogénicas orofaciais da dor/desordens as sociadas á sinusite maxilar é importante para evitar procedimentos odontológicos desnecessários e para encaminhar adequadamente os pacientes aos colegas/dentistas e vice-versa. Objetivo Analisar a associagdo entre lesoes apicais e alteragóes sinusais e avaliar a concordáncia entre os diagnósticos de um endodontista, um radiologista, um cirurgido bucomaxilofacial e um otorrinolaringologista. Material e Método foram avaliadas 385 imagens. Resultados Aslesoes apicais foram observadas em 36,10% dos casos de sinusite, em 73,8% dos casos de sinusite unilateral, em 48,7% dos casos de descontinuidade do assoalho do seio e em 67,2%odos casos em que o tratamento endodontico havia sido realizado. A concordancia entre os diagnósticos feitos pelo endodontista e os feitos pelos outros pesquisadores foi alta para a maioria das variáveis do estudo (k > 0,60). As excegoes foram o espessamento da mucosa, para o qual a concordáncia entre o endodontista e os outros pesquisadores foi intermediária (k=0,397) e a presenga delesoes periapicais (k=0,010), tratamento endodontico prévio (k=0,013) e espessura da mucosa (k=0,024), para os quais a concordáncia entre endodontistas e radiologistas foi baixa. Conclusoes Houve uma associagdo entre as alteragóes sinusais e aslesoes apicais.

Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors. / Estudio comparativo de lipomas profundos y tumor lipomatoso atípico. Factores pronósticos de malignidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0 mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

The decision-making skills of Brazilian physical therapists for patients with red flags / Capacidade da tomada de decisão dos fisioterapeutas brasileiros para pacientes com bandeiras vermelhas

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The red flags screening purpose is to ensure that signs and symptoms that raise suspicion of serious diseases are being considered during the assessment, assisting physical therapists in their clinical decision process. Brazilian physical therapists are autonomous and can act as first contact professionals in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, therefore, they need to know how to recognize, screen and refer patients with red flags for better therapeutic management. The objectives of this study were to verify whether Brazilian physical therapists can recognize and manage patients who presented red flags, compare professionals' skills regarding different academic degree levels and clinical experience and identify which factors can influence the results. METHODS: A cross-sectional and quantitative research was conducted, collected from an online questionnaire. The target audience consisted of Brazilian physical therapists who have clinical experience in the management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Participants filled demographic data and made clinical decisions based on six clinical cases created by the authors, based on the literature, and reviewed by three experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test of independence and logistic regression. RESULTS: The study analyzed 384 answers from Brazilian physical therapists with clinical experience in musculoskeletal conditions. Brazilian physical therapists, in general, have not shown to be able to properly recognize and manage the clinical cases involving red flags, with 23.2% of the sample performing appropriate management for medical conditions, 53.9% for emergency conditions and 61.8% for medical conditions with associated musculoskeletal dysfunction. More years of clinical experience and post-professional education did not positively influence the outcomes. Higher academic degrees (Doctorate) can influence positively on the management of non-emergency medical conditions. CONCLUSION: Brazilian physical therapists who work with patients with musculoskeletal disorders perform poorly in identifying red flags in hypothetical clinical cases.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo da triagem de bandeiras vermelhas é garantir que sinais e sintomas que levantam suspeitas de doenças graves sejam considerados durante a avaliação, auxiliando os fisioterapeutas no seu processo de decisão clínica. Os fisioterapeutas brasileiros são autônomos e podem atuar como profissionais de primeiro contato no manejo de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos, portanto, precisam saber reconhecer, rastrear e encaminhar pacientes com bandeiras vermelhas para melhor manejo terapêutico. Os objetivos deste estudo foram verificar se os fisioterapeutas brasileiros conseguem reconhecer e tratar pacientes que apresentavam bandeiras vermelhas, comparar as habilidades dos profissionais com diferentes níveis de formação acadêmica e experiência clínica e identificar quais fatores podem influenciar os resultados. METHODS: Uma pesquisa transversal e quantitativa foi realizada, coletada através de um questionário online. O público-alvo consistiu em fisioterapeutas brasileiros com experiência clínica no manejo de pacientes com disfunções musculoesqueléticas. Os participantes preencheram dados demográficos e tomaram decisões clínicas com base em seis casos clínicos criados pelos autores, com base na literatura, e revisados por três especialistas. Os dados foram analisados por estatísticas descritivas, pelo teste qui-quadrado de independência e por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 384 respostas de fisioterapeutas brasileiros com experiência clínica em disfunções musculoesqueléticas. Os fisioterapeutas brasileiros, em geral, não demonstraram ser capazes de reconhecer e manejar adequadamente os casos clínicos envolvendo bandeiras vermelhas, com 23,2% da amostra realizando manejo adequado para condições médicas, 53,9% para condições de emergência e 61,8% para condições médicas com disfunção musculoesquelética associada. Mais anos de experiência clínica e educação pós-profissional não influenciaram positivamente os resultados. Graus acadêmicos mais elevados (Doutorado) podem influenciar positivamente no manejo de condições médicas não emergenciais. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 384 respostas de fisioterapeutas brasileiros com experiência clínica em disfunções musculoesqueléticas. Os fisioterapeutas brasileiros, em geral, não demonstraram ser capazes de reconhecer e manejar adequadamente os casos clínicos envolvendo bandeiras vermelhas, com 23,2% da amostra realizando manejo adequado para condições médicas, 53,9% para condições de emergência e 61,8% para condições médicas com disfunção musculoesquelética associada. Mais anos de experiência clínica e educação pós-profissional não influenciaram positivamente os resultados. Graus acadêmicos mais elevados (Doutorado) podem influenciar positivamente no manejo de condições médicas não emergenciais. CONCLUSÃO: Fisioterapeutas brasileiros que atuam com pacientes com disfunções musculoesqueléticas apresentam um mau desempenho na identificação de bandeiras vermelhas em casos clínicos hipotéticos.

The role of trimethylamine-N-oxide level in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy / Papel do nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina no diagnóstico da retinopatia diabética e no diagnóstico diferencial da retinopatia diabética e não-diabética

ABSTRACT Purpose: Trimethylamine N-oxide serum levels have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. The current study aimed to find out if plasma trimethylamine N-oxide level may be a novel marker in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and if it can be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy. Methods: The study included 30 patients with diabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with nondiabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy, and 30 healthy control participants. Biochemical parameters, serum IL-6, TNF-α, and trimethylamine N-oxide levels were measured in all participants. Results: Trimethylamine N-oxide level was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy than in the other groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in trimethylamine N-oxide levels between nondiabetic retinopathy and control or type 2 diabetes mellitus Groups. There was a significant positive correlation between trimethylamine N-oxide level and elevated FPG, BMI, HOMA-IR score, BUN, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The current study showed that the trimethylamine N-oxide level is elevated in diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest that serum trimethylamine N-oxide level might be a novel marker for diabetic retinopathy, and it might be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os níveis séricos de N-óxido de trimetilamina têm sido associados ao diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e suas complicações. O presente estudo tem como objetivo responder a duas questões, entre elas: O nível plasmático de N-óxido de trimetilamina poderia ser um novo marcador no diagnóstico de retinopatia diabética? e Ele poderia ser utilizado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética? Métodos: Trinta pacientes com retinopatia diabética, 30 pacientes com retinopatia não diabética, 30 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sem retinopatia e 30 participantes saudáveis do grupo controle foram incluídos no estudo. Parâmetros bioquímicos, níveis séricos de IL-6, de TNF-α e de N-óxido de trimetilamina foram medidos em todos os participantes. Resultados: O nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina foi significativamente maior na retinopatia diabética do que nos outros grupos (p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa no nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina entre o grupo de retinopatia não diabética, do grupo controle ou do grupo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina e os níveis elevados de FPG, IMC, HOMA-IR, BUN, IL-6 e TNF-α. Conclusão: O estudo atual mostrou que o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina encontra-se elevado na retinopatia diabética. Esses achados sugerem que o nível sérico de N-óxido de trimetilamina pode ser um novo marcador na retinopatia diabética, podendo ser usado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética.

Immunohistochemical and histopathological analyses of cutaneous innervation to improve the diagnostic efficacy in hansen disease skin lesion / Análises imuno-histoquímica e histopatológica da inervação cutânea para aumento da eficácia diagnóstica nas lesões de pele da hanseníase

Abstract Background The diagnosis of Hansen disease (HD) can be difficult when acid-fast bacilli are not detected in the patient's skin sample. Objective To demonstrate that detailed morphological analysis of nonspecific inflammatory and/or noninflammatory alterations in dermal nerves as well as skin adnexa in leprosy-suspected biopsy samples could improve the efficacy of histopathological diagnosis. Methods Patients with one to five skin lesions were enrolled in the study and classified into three groups by skin histopathology findings: Hansen disease (HD, n = 13), other diseases (OD, n = 11), and inconclusive cases (INC, n = 11). We quantified dermal nerve damage via the nerve lesion index (NLI) and PGP9.5-immunoreactive axon quantitative index in dermal nerves (AQI). We also measured inflammatory involvement of adnexa in cutaneous samples as indirect evidence of HD. Results We observed a higher median endoneurial inflammatory infiltrate NLI (HD = 0.5; INC = 0; OD = 0; p < 0.001) and more frequent inflammatory involvement of skin adnexa in samples of the HD group compared with those of the INC and OD groups (HD = 7; INC = 1; OD = 0). However, samples from the INC and OD groups also showed inflammatory and noninflammatory damage of dermal nerves, with 2 or more kinds of alterations in nerves in the same sample (respectively: INC = in 1 and 2 samples; OD = in 3 and 5 respectively). The quantification of PGP9.5-immunoreactive axons in dermal nerves revealed no difference between the groups. Conclusion A detailed morphological analysis of cutaneous nerves in lesions with a suspicion of HD enabled us to select patients with nonspecific inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions in the dermal nerves in the INC and OD groups, so they may be clinically monitored aiming at a possible future diagnosis of the disease. These INC and OD patients cannot have the HD diagnosis definitely excluded, and HD may coexist with another disease as a comorbidity.

Resumo Antecedentes A hanseníase pode ter o seu diagnóstico histopatológico dificultado quando bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes não são encontrados nas amostras de pele dos pacientes. Objetivo Demonstrar que uma análise morfológica detalhada de alterações histopatológicas dos nervos dérmicos pode aumentar a eficácia diagnóstica. Métodos Foram selecionadas amostras de pele de pacientes com uma a cinco lesões suspeitas de hanseníase. Os casos selecionados foram classificados conforme achados histopatológicos: hanseníase (HD, n = 13), casos inconclusivos (INC, n = 11), e outras doenças (OD, n = 11). Quantificamos as lesões dos nervos cutâneos por meio do índice de lesão de nervos (nerve lesion index, NLI, em inglês) e do índice quantitativo de axônios (axon quantitative index, AQI, em inglês) imunorreativos a PGP9.5 nos nervos cutâneos. Também medimos o envolvimento inflamatório dos anexos em amostras de pele como evidência indireta de hanseníase. Resultados Foram observadas no grupo HD medianas mais altas do NLI com relação a infiltrados inflamatórios endoneurais (HD = 0,5; INC = 0; OD = 0; p < 0,001) e mais alta frequência de acometimento inflamatório de anexos cutâneos (HD = 7; INC = 1; OD = 0). Entretanto, as amostras dos grupos INC e OD também mostraram comprometimento inflamatório e não inflamatório dos nervos cutâneos, com 2 ou mais tipos de alterações de nervos na mesma amostra (respectivamente: INC = 1 e 2; OD = 3 e 5). Não houve diferença significativa na quantidade de axônios endoneurais imunorreativos a PGP9.5 entre os grupos. Conclusão A análise morfológica detalhada dos nervos cutâneos em lesões suspeitas de hanseníase permitiu selecionar pacientes com lesões inespecíficas inflamatórias ou não inflamatórias nos nervos dérmicos nos grupos INC e OD, para que sejam monitorados clinicamente visando um possível diagnóstico futuro da doença. Esses pacientes INC e OD não podem ter o diagnóstico de HD definitivamente excluído, e a hanseníase pode coexistir com outra doença como uma comorbidade.

The dark side of T2: central nervous system lesions with low signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging / The dark side of T2: lesões do sistema nervoso central com baixo sinal em ponderações T2

Abstract The majority of central nervous system diseases show high signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Diseases of the central nervous system with low signal intensity are less common, which makes it a finding that helps narrow the differential diagnosis. This was a retrospective analysis of brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging examinations in which that finding was helpful in the diagnostic investigation. We selected the cases of patients examined between 2015 and 2022. All diagnoses were confirmed on the basis of the clinical-radiological correlation or the histopathological findings. We obtained images of 14 patients with the following central nervous system diseases: arteriovenous malformation; cavernous malformation; metastasis from lymphoma; medulloblastoma; embryonal tumor; metastasis from melanoma; Rathke's cleft cyst; Erdheim-Chester disease; aspergillosis; paracoccidioidomycosis; tuberculosis; syphilis; immunoglobulin G4-related disease; and metastasis from a pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor. We described lesions of different etiologies in which the T2-weighted imaging profile helped narrow the differential diagnosis and facilitated the definitive diagnosis.

Resumo A grande maioria das doenças do sistema nervoso central apresenta alto sinal em ponderações T2 na ressonância magnética. As alterações com baixo sinal são menos comuns, de forma que essa característica permite estreitar o diagnóstico diferencial. Analisamos, retrospectivamente, pacientes com imagens de ressonância magnética de crânio e/ou coluna em que este achado foi útil na investigação diagnóstica. Os pacientes foram selecionados no período entre 2015 e 2022 e todos tiveram seus diagnósticos confirmados por estudo clinicorradiológico ou por estudo histopatológico. Obtivemos imagens de 14 pacientes com as seguintes afecções: malformação arteriovenosa, cavernoma, metástase de linfoma, meduloblastoma, tumor embrionário, metástase de melanoma, cisto da bolsa de Rathke, doença de Erdheim-Chester, aspergilose, paracoccidioidomicose, tuberculose, sífilis, doença relacionada à IgG4 e metástase de tumor neuroendócrino de pulmão. Descrevemos lesões de diversas origens etiológicas que, a partir de suas características nas imagens ponderadas em T2, foi possível reduzir o quadro de diagnósticos diferenciais e chegar mais facilmente à hipótese final.

Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman con afección ganglionar y extraganglionar / Rosai-Dorfman disease with nodal and extranodal involvement

Introducción: la enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman, conocida como histiocitosis sinusal con linfadenopatía masiva, es una variedad muy rara de las histiocitosis reactivas de origen desconocido. Presentación del caso: paciente femenina de 32 años de edad quien consultó por dificultad respiratoria, voz ronca, estridor y múltiples zonas inflamadas en cuello y tronco desde hace 5 años. Al examen físico se detectaron ganglios linfáticos grandes, firmes y móviles submandibulares y múltiples nódulos en tronco. El examen histológico mostró características típicas de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman con afección ganglionar y extraganglionar. Discusión: es un proceso patológico que afecta los ganglios linfáticos cervicales, aunque puede haber lesiones en varias regiones, órganos y sistemas, lo cual puede confundirse con otras neoplasias. Debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de lesiones histiocíticas de tejidos blandos y otros trastornos linfoproliferativos. La mortalidad ocurre por la alteración funcional de órganos y sistemas más que por la propia enfermedad. Conclusión: la enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman con afección ganglionar y extraganglionar es un trastorno histiocítico proliferativo benigno muy raro. Es importante considerarla como diagnóstico diferencial de otras enfermedades histiocíticas proliferativas. Su pronóstico es variable pero relativamente benigno.

Introduction: Rosai-Dorfman disease, known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a very rare variety of reactive histiocytosis of unknown origin. Case presentation: a 32-year-old female patient who consulted for a five-year history of respiratory distress, dysphonia, stridor and multiple swollen areas in the neck and trunk. Physical examination revealed large, firm, and mobile submandibular lymph nodes and numerous nodules on the trunk. Histological examination showed the characteristic features of Rosai-Dorfman disease with nodal and extranodal involvement. Discussion: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a pathological process which affects cervical lymph nodes, although lesions may develop in several sites, organs, and systems, and may be confused with other neoplasms. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue histiocytic lesions and other lymphoproliferative disorders. Death is related to organs and systems dysfunction rather than to the disease itself. Conclusion: Rosai-Dorfman disease including nodal and extranodal involvement, is a very rare benign proliferative histiocytic disorder. It should always be included in the differential diagnosis of other histiocytic proliferative disorders. It carries a variable relatively benign prognosis.

Aproximación diagnóstica a las Cefaleas después de los 65 años

Con el objetivo de facilitar el diagnóstico diferencial de la queja de cefalea después de los 65 años de edad, se llevó a cabo una revisión de la literatura con respecto a las cefaleas primarias y secundarias de acuerdo a la Clasificación de la Sociedad Internacional de Cefaleas, seleccionándose las variedades más frecuentes en las personas mayores, describiéndose su condición aguda o crónica,  su frecuencia, características y particularidades, a manera de facilitar un diagnóstico presuntivo que oriente una intervención específica. Las cefaleas primarias más frecuentes en el adulto mayor son la cefalea tensional y la migraña. Entre las cefaleas secundarias más frecuentes se encuentran la cefalea cervicogénica, la cefalea por abuso de analgésicos, dolor craneal y las diferentes causas de cefaleas metabólicas. Se mencionan los estudios básicos y paraclínicos, así como los criterios para estudio por neuroimagen y las señales de alerta para cefaleas secundarias. (provisto por Infomedic International)

A literature review was conducted to facilitate the differential diagnosis of headaches in individuals over the age of 65. The review focused on primary and secondary headaches according to the International Headache Society Classification, highlighting the most common types among older individuals. The review described the acute or chronic nature, frequency, characteristics, and specific features of these headaches to aid in making a presumptive diagnosis and guide appropriate interventions. The most common primary headaches in older adults are tension-type headache and migraine. Among the secondary headaches, the most frequent ones include cervicogenic headache, medication-overuse headache, cranial pain, and various metabolic causes of headaches. The review also mentioned basic and paraclinical studies, criteria for neuroimaging, and warning signs for secondary headaches. (provided by Infomedic International)

Cisto gigante de segundo arco branquial em adulto: Relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Giant cyst of the second branchial arch in an adult: case report and literature review

Introdução: Os arcos branquiais são os precursores embriológicos da face, pescoço e faringe. As anomalias dos arcos branquiais são a segunda lesão congênita mais comum de cabeça e pescoço em crianças. Entre essas anomalias, estão os cistos de arcos branquiais (BCC), que surgem devido a uma incorreta obliteração das fendas branquiais, ainda no período embrionário. Os BCC podem ser assintomáticos, apenas percebidos incidentalmente, e não se manifestar até a idade adulta. Resultados: Anomalias do segundo arco branquial devem ser consideradas como um dos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais de massas cervicais, especialmente as que se manifestam como um abaulamento em região lateral do pescoço. Os BCC são formações de revestimento epitelial, sem aberturas externas. Após seu diagnóstico, o tratamento é cirúrgico, usualmente por meio de uma incisão cervical transversa e cuidadosa dissecação das estruturas, com o objetivo de extirpar toda a lesão. Conclusão: O método descrito, de excisão da lesão, por meio de incisão transversa em região cervical, dissecção tecidual por planos e ressecção de massa cística, é uma opção para o tratamento dessa deformidade, com adequado resultado estético e boa reprodutibilidade.

Introduction: The branchial arches are the embryological precursors of the face, neck, and pharynx. Branchial arch anomalies are the second most common congenital head and neck lesions in children. Among these anomalies are branchial arch cysts (BCC), which arise due to incorrect obliteration of the branchial slits, still in the embryonic period. BCCs may be asymptomatic, only noticed incidentally, and not manifest until adulthood. Results: Anomalies of the second branchial arch should be considered as one of the possible differential diagnoses of neck masses, especially those that manifest as a bulge in the lateral region of the neck. BCCs are epithelial lining formations without external openings. After diagnosis, treatment is surgical, usually through a transverse cervical incision and careful dissection of the structures, with the aim of extirpating the entire lesion. Conclusion: The method described of excision of the lesion through a transverse incision in the cervical region, tissue dissection in planes, and resection of the cystic mass is an option for the treatment of this deformity, with adequate aesthetic results and good reproducibility.

Aspergilosis pulmonar crónica en asociación con tuberculosis activa: reporte de un caso

La aspergilosis es una infección fúngica causada por el microorganismo Aspergillus spp. Las manifestaciones clínicas dependen del estado inmunológico del paciente y de las alteraciones estructurales del parénquima pulmonar. Pese a su baja incidencia, siempre se debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial en el contexto de pacientes con enfermedades pulmonares de base. Se presenta un caso de hombre de 66 años, agricultor, con antecedente de tuberculosis pulmonar y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, quien consultó por cuadro de 5 meses de disnea progresiva, fiebre, tos, hemoptisis y pérdida de peso. Los hallazgos imagenológicos fueron sugestivos de tuberculosis pulmonar asociado a aspergiloma, lo que fue confirmado por tinción de hidróxido de potasio (KOH) y cultivo de hongos positivo para Aspergillus fumigatus. El Gene Xpert fue positivo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis demostrando coinfección activa.

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the microorganism Aspergillus spp. Clinical manifestations depend on the patient's immune status and structural alterations of the lung parenchyma. Despite its low incidence, it should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in the context of patients with underlying lung diseases. We present the case of a 66-year-old male farmer, with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who presented with progressive dyspnea months, fever, cough, hemoptysis and weight loss for 5 months. Imaging findings were suggestive of aspergiloma- associated pulmonary tuberculosis, which was confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) staining and positive fungal culture for Aspergillus fumigatus. Gene Xpert was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis showing active co-infection.

Dificultad diagnóstica en masa retroperitoneal. Reporte de un caso / Diagnostic difficulty in retroperitoneal mass: A case report

El Schwannoma se origina de la vaina perineural de Schwannoma, se detecta con frecuencia incidentalmente en estudios imagenológicos siendo el principal método diagnóstico la Tomografía Computada. El tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica con márgenes libres. Se presenta una paciente femenina de 49 años, en control por oncología por enfermedad de base, cáncer de mama izquierda, se identifica por TAC y PECT/TC imagen voluminosa en retroperitoneo situación lateroaórtica izquierda de configuración no quística e hipermetabólica, solicita biopsia percutánea, ante la falta de ventana, se decide exeresis completa de masa. Diagnóstico definitivo patológico Schwannoma. Sin indicación de tratamiento adyuvante, cursa buena evolución postoperatoria sin recidiva.

Schwannoma, a benign tumor that arises from Schwann cells of the perineural nerve sheath, is often incidentally detected in imaging tests and mainly diagnosed by CT scan. Treatment consists of surgical resection with clear margins. We present the case of a 49-year-old female patient subject to Oncology Department follow-up due to an underlying disease, left breast cancer. A large, hypermetabolic, noncystic mass in the retroperitoneal region is identified by CT and PECT/CT scan in the left lateral aortic area. A percutaneous biopsy is requested. Due to the limited acoustic window, complete resection of the mass is decided. Final histopathology diagnosis of Schwannoma. No adjuvant treatment indication; undergoing favorable postoperative progress, without recurrence