Neuroaxonal Injury May Mediate the Association Between Hyperglycemia and Prognosis in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Hyperglycemia during early brain injury (EBI) period after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with poor outcome, but the underlying physiopathology is unknown. This study assessed if hyperglycemia during EBI is associated with markers of neuroaxonal injury and whether these biomarkers partially account for the association between hyperglycemia and poor clinical outcome. Ninety-two SAH patients admitted within 24 h of bleeding onset were prospectively included. Glucose levels were measured at arrival and every 6 h for 72 h. Serum neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels were measured at 72 h. Functional outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days (poor outcome, mRS > 2). The association between glucose metrics, NFL levels, and clinical outcome was assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the potential chain in which NFL may mediate the relationship between glucose and functional outcome. Higher glucose and NFL levels during EBI were associated with poor clinical outcome in adjusted analysis. NFL levels were associated with older age, higher initial severity, and higher glucose levels during EBI period. In adjusted mediation analyses, the association between glucose and clinical outcome was significantly mediated by NFL levels. The mediator NFL explained 25% of the association between glucose during EBI period and poor functional outcome at 90 days. In SAH, the association between glucose levels during EBI and poor clinical outcome might be significantly mediated by NFL levels. The link between hyperglycemia and poor clinical outcome might be explained in part through secondary neuroaxonal injury.

Contrast-induced encephalopathy in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: What the nephrologist needs to know.

Contrast-induced encephalopathy is a neurological complication related to contrast used in endovascular procedures or computed tomography (CT). The main risk factors are arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperosmolar contrasts, the amount of infused contrast and its direct infusion in the posterior cerebral territory, or pathologies with blood-brain barrier damage. Symptomatology is non-specific and may present as altered level of consciousness, neurological focality or seizures. Diagnosis is done by exclusion after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke has been ruled out; CT or MRI are useful for differentiation. Generally, it appears shortly after exposure and the symptoms lasts 48-72h with complete recovery, although cases with persistence of symptoms or longer duration have been described. Treatment consists of monitoring, supportive measures and kidney replacement therapy (KRT) with hemodialysis (HD) in patients in chronic KRT program. It is important for the nephrologist to be aware of this entity given the susceptibility of the patient on HD as well as its potential therapeutic role in these patients.

Postoperative Imaging of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a highly prevalent disease that affects 10%-15% of women of reproductive age worldwide and is mainly associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. With the widespread use of imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of endometriosis, combined with the ability of surgery to eradicate the disease and address infertility, there has been a significant increase in recent years in imaging examinations for postoperative evaluation of endometriosis. US and MRI are used not only to help diagnose and map endometriosis but also to evaluate refractory symptoms, residual lesions, and complications at posttreatment assessment. Knowledge of surgical techniques and recognition of expected postoperative imaging findings are crucial to differentiate postoperative changes from residual disease and/or recurrence. The authors discuss imaging aspects of postoperative endometriosis, with an emphasis on the imaging approach, comprehension of surgical techniques, recognition of the expected findings, possible complications, and analysis of residual disease or recurrence. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by VanBuren in this issue. The slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: Volumetric quantification of the blood distribution pattern to accurately predict the ruptured aneurysm location.

BACKGROUND: In spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) accurate determination of the bleeding source is paramount to guide treatment. Traditionally, the bleeding pattern has been used to predict the aneurysm location. Here, we have tested a software-based tool, which quantifies the volume of intracranial blood and stratifies it according to the regional distribution, to predict the location of the ruptured aneurysm. METHODS: A consecutive series of SAH patients admitted to a single tertiary centre between 2012-2018, within 72 h of onset, harbouring a single intracranial aneurysm. A semi-automatized method of blood quantification, based on the relative density increase, was applied to initial non-contrast CTs. Five regions were used to define the bleeding patterns and to correlate them with aneurysm location: perimesencephalic, interhemispheric, right/left hemisphere and intraventricular. RESULTS: 68 patients were included for analysis. There was a strong association between the distribution of blood and the aneurysm location (p < 0.001). In particular: ACom and interhemispheric fissure (p < 0.001), MCA and ipsilateral hemisphere (p < 0.001), ICA and ipsilateral hemisphere and perimesencephalic cisterns (p < 0.001), PCom and hemispheric, perimesencephalic and intraventricular (p = 0.019), and PICA and perimesencephalic and intraventricular (p < 0.001). The internal diagnostic value was high (AUROC ≥ 0.900) for these locations. CONCLUSION: Regional automatised volumetry seems a reliable and objective tool to quantify and describe the distribution of blood within the subarachnoid spaces. This tool accurately predicts the location of the ruptured aneurysm; its use may be prospectively considered in the emergency setting when speed and simplicity are attained.

Factores limitantes del rendimiento académico en residentes de la especialidad de Estomatología General Integral

RESUMEN Fundamento Los resultados académicos tienen gran relevancia en la etapa de postgrado del profesional de la salud, al ser determinantes en su ubicación laboral y excelencia en el desempeño profesional. Por ello, resulta provechoso el estudio de los factores que pudieran limitar el rendimiento académico en dicho contexto. Objetivo caracterizar los factores limitantes del desempeño académico de los residentes de Estomatología General Integral durante los exámenes de promoción. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con la participación de residentes (n=29) de la especialidad de Estomatología General Integral, en el periodo de examen de promoción en los meses de junio (para segundo año) y julio (para primer año) de 2020, en el municipio de Campechuela, provincia de Granma. Se aplicaron cuestionario y entrevista a residentes y profesores del tribunal examinador, respectivamente. Se incluyeron como variables del estudio elementos intrísecos y extrínsecos, la situación socio-éconómica y las manifestaciones de estrés. Resultados el 82,76 % identificó a la falta de sistematicidad en el estudio como elemento responsable de los resultados negativos; y el 100 % refirió haber sentido ansiedad, cansancio o agotamiento; en este aspecto, el tribunal constató ansiedad en el 100 % de los residentes, y cansancio o agotamiento en el 79,31 %. Conclusión cuestiones como el nivel económico bajo, y la convivencia con personas enfermas resultaron de las más frecuentes entre las percibidas como factores limitantes del rendimiento académico; sin embargo, otros elementos de carácter subjetivo y mejorables a través del esfuerzo individual, se mostraron en mayor medida aún.

ABSTRACT Background The academic results have great relevance in the postgraduate stage of the health professional, as they are determinant in their work location and excellence in professional performance. Therefore, it is useful to study the factors that could limit academic performance in this context. Objective to characterize the limiting factors of the Comprehensive General Stomatology residents academic performance during the promotion test. Methods a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, with the participation of residents (n=29) of the Comprehensive General Stomatology specialty, during the promotion examination in June (for the second year) and July (for the first year) of 2020, in the Campechuela municipality, Granma province. Questionnaire and interview were applied to residents and professors of the examining board, respectively. Intrinsic and extrinsic elements, socioeconomic status, and stress manifestations were included as study variables. Results 82.76% identified the lack of systematicity in the study as the element responsible for the negative results; and 100 % reported having felt anxiety, tiredness or exhaustion; in this regard, the court found anxiety in 100 % of the residents, and tiredness or exhaustion in 79.31 %. Conclusion issues such as low economic level, and living with sick people were the most frequent among those perceived as limiting factors of academic performance; however, other subjective elements that could be improved through individual effort were shown to an even greater extent.

Lizards from the Alto Sertão region of Sergipe state, northeastern Brazil / Lagartos da região do Alto Sertão de Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract We present the first detailed inventory of the lizard fauna of Alto Sertão region, west of Sergipe state, based on three field expeditions carried out by the authors and specimens deposited at the Herpetological Collection of Universidade Federal de Sergipe. The three inventories were carried out between 2010 and 2016, in the municipalities of Canindé de São Francisco, Poço Redondo, Monte Alegre de Sergipe, Nossa Senhora da Glória, and Porto da Folha. In total, we sampled 9,485 lizards of 19 species (10 families) of which 10 are new records for the study area. The most abundant species were Ameivula ocellifera, Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus. Thirteen species were considered as widely distributed in Caatinga, five presented a relictual distribution and one was exotic. We suggest that future research focus mainly on non-sampled areas and should prioritize the municipalities of Gararu, Nossa Senhora da Glória and Nossa Senhora de Lourdes since they are localities with little or no sampling records.

Resumo Apresentamos o primeiro inventário detalhado da fauna de lagartos da região do Alto Sertão sergipano, nordeste do Brasil, a partir de três expedições de campo realizadas pelos autores e exemplares depositados na Coleção Herpetológica da Universidade Federal de Sergipe. Os três inventários foram realizados entre 2010 e 2016, nos municípios de Canindé de São Francisco, Poço Redondo, Monte Alegre de Sergipe, Nossa Senhora da Glória e Porto da Folha. No total, foram amostrados 9.487 lagartos de 19 espécies (10 famílias), das quais 10 são novos registros para a área de estudo. As espécies mais abundantes foram Ameivula ocellifera, Tropidurus hispidus e T. semitaeniatus. Treze espécies foram consideradas com ampla distribuição na Caatinga, cinco apresentaram distribuição relictual e uma exótica. Sugerimos que futuras pesquisas se concentrem principalmente em áreas não amostradas e priorizem os municípios de Gararu, Nossa Senhora da Glória e Nossa Senhora de Lourdes por se tratarem de localidades com pouca ou nenhuma amostragem.

Association of antibody titers and 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphisms in pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococci / Asociación de títulos de anticuerpos y polimorfismos del gen 5-HTTLPR en trastornos pediátricos neuropsiquiátricos autoinmunes asociados con estreptococo

Abstract Introduction It has been hypothesized that pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) etiology results from an abnormal immune response to streptococcal infection. There is evidence that the serotonergic system is involved in both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) physiopathology and immunological processes. In the 5' promoter region of 5-HTT, gene encoding for the serotonin transporter we can find the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism that has been associated with OCD. Being PANDAS a disorder with OCD symptoms and likely immune abnormalities, 5-HTT polymorphisms may be particularly relevant for this disorder. Objective This study aimed to test the association between the 5-HT genotypes and the presence of serum antibodies in patients with PANDAS. Method We compared the genotype frequencies and serum anti-streptococcal, anti-neural, and anti-enolase antibodies titers between 56 patients with PANDAS and 20 healthy controls from Mexico and Cuba. Results Antibody titers were higher (anti-enolase, anti-streptococcal) in PANDAS patients compared to healthy controls. No differences in anti-neural antibody levels between both groups were detected. The anti-enolase and anti-neural antibody titer increased according to the polymorphism of the PANDAS patients as follows: LL >SL >SS. Discussion and conclusion This is the first study evaluating the association between the 5-HTTLPR genotypes and antibody titers in PANDAS patients. Associations between polymorphisms in serotonergic genes and immune response could provide valuable information about the interaction between both systems. Our results suggest an association between the S allele and elevated antibody levels in PANDAS patients.

Resumen Introducción Se ha hipotetizado que el trastorno pediátrico neuropsiquiátrico autoinmune asociado a estreptococo (PANDAS) es resultado de una respuesta inmune anormal a una infección estreptocócica. Existe evidencia de que el sistema serotoninérgico está involucrado tanto en la fisiopatología del trastorno obsesivo compulsivo (TOC) como en procesos inmunológicos. En la región promotora de 5-HTT, gen que codifica el transportador de serotonina, podemos encontrar el polimorfismo 5-HTTLPR que se ha asociado con el TOC. Siendo PANDAS un trastorno con síntomas de TOC y probables anormalidades inmunes, los polimorfismos de 5-HTT pueden ser relevantes en este trastorno. Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre los genotipos de 5-HT y la presencia de anticuerpos séricos en pacientes con PANDAS. Método Comparamos la frecuencia de genotipos de 5-HT y los títulos de anticuerpos anti-estreptococo, antineurales y antienolasa en suero de 56 pacientes con PANDAS y 20 controles sanos de México y Cuba. Resultados Los títulos de anticuerpos antienolasa y antiestreptococo fueron mayores en pacientes con PANDAS en comparación con los controles. El título de anticuerpos antienolasa y antineural aumentó de acuerdo con el polimorfismo de los pacientes con PANDAS de la siguiente manera: LL >SL >SS. Discusión y conclusión Éste es el primer estudio que evalúa la asociación entre los genotipos de 5-HTTLPR y anticuerpos en pacientes con PANDAS. Las asociaciones entre polimorfismos de genes serotoninérgicos y la respuesta inmune podrían proporcionar información sobre la interacción entre ambos sistemas. Nuestros resultados sugieren una asociación entre el alelo S y niveles altos de anticuerpos en pacientes con PANDAS.

Hemipelvectomy with laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision for epithelioid sarcoma treatment / Hemipelvectomia com amputação laparoscópica do reto para tratamento de sarcoma epitelioide

Abstract The epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an unusual variant of the sarcoma, not reaching 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Initially reported in 1970, it has a more aggressive variant, which was classified as the "proximal-type" in 1997. These are aggressive tumors with high rates of distant metastasis and local relapses. Isolated radio and chemotherapy responses are poor and free-margin surgical resection is the treatment of choice.This is the case report of a 25-year-old male patient diagnosed with "proximal-type" ES in the perineal region. He underwent surgical resection in another institution and was later admitted to our institution with local recurrence with rectal and left thigh muscle invasion. Neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy was performed, followed by laparoscopic abdominoperineal rectal resection and partial left hemipelvectomy associated with left lower-limb amputation. The patient had no postoperative complications and is currently undergoing outpatient follow-up. The anatomopathological analysis showed tumor-free margins.The "proximal-type" ES is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma subtype. High local recurrence, as well as the metastasis rates, makes its treatment a challenging task.

Resumo O sarcoma epitelióide (SE) é um subtipo incomum de sarcoma, não chegando a 1% dos sarcomas de partes moles. Foi inicialmente descrito em 1970, sendo que em 1997 uma variante mais agressiva foi classificada como "tipo proximal". São tumores agressivos, com altas taxas de metástases e recidiva local, com resposta pobre à quimioterapia e radioterapia isoladas. A ressecção cirúrgica com margens livres é o tratamento padrão.Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 25 anos com SE tipo proximal avançado em região perineal, submetido a ressecção em outro serviço, evoluindo com recidiva local com invasão do canal anal e musculatura da coxa esquerda. Foi realizado tratamento radioquimioterápico neoadjuvante seguido de ressecção cirúrgica com amputação abdominoperineal do reto por videolaparoscopia associada a hemipelvectomia parcial esquerda incluindo o membro inferior esquerdo (MIE). O paciente apresentou boa evolução pós operatória e encontra-se em segmento ambulatorial. O anatomopatológico evidenciou margens cirúrgicas livres.O SE proximal é um tipo raro de sarcoma de partes moles, cujo tratamento curativo é desafiador, em virtude dos altos índices de recidiva local e metástases à distância.

Como os Egressos do Provab e Aprovados na Residência Avaliaram a Experiência? / How do Graduates Approved for a Medical Residency Evaluate the Experience?

RESUMO Objetivos Descrever a influência do Programa de Valorização do Profissional da atenção básica (Provab)na aprovação no processo seletivo da residência médica da Secretaria de Saúde de Pernambuco 2014. Métodos Estudo transversal com 67 médicos que realizaram o Provab e foram aprovados na residência médica. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado, com questões sociodemográficas e sobreatividades do programa. Resultados O principal motivo alegado para participação no Provab foi o bônus para aprovação na residência (70,14%), enquanto o interesse em participar na Estratégia de Saúde da Família foi apontado como sem nenhuma importância por 35 dos residentes (52,23%). Quanto à participação e frequência da supervisão, 34,32% afirmaram que teve muita importância e a sua frequência foi adequada. As condições físicas da Unidade Básica de saúde foram consideradas insatisfatórias ou muito insatisfatórias por 56,7% dos residentes. Dos candidatos que utilizaram o adicional na nota da prova de residência, 30 (44,77%) dependeram desse bônus para sua aprovação. Conclusões A principal motivação dos residentes para a realização do Provab foi a bonificação para o processo seletivo da residência médica. São necessárias melhorias nas questões relativas a supervisão e infraestrutura para que seu êxito seja duradouro.

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the influence of the Provab programin the approval of candidates to have participated in the selection process for residency at the Health Department of Pernambuco in 2014. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 physicians to have participated in the Provab program and been acceptedon a residency program. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied in February 2014, inquiring into socio-demographic issuesand the program activities. Results The main reason given for participation in the program was the bonus for approval in residency programs selection tests (70.14%), while an interest in participatingin family health strategy was considered as unimportant by 35 physicians (52.23%). In terms of participation and frequency of supervision, 34.32% affirmed these to be highly important, with thefrequency adequate. The physical conditions of the basic health units were considered unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory by 56.7% of physicians. Of the candidates who used the bonus on the residency test, 30 (44.77%) depended on it for their approval. Conclusions The main motivation for joining the Provab program was the bonus in the selection process used in public service residency programs. The program still needs improvements on issues concerning supervision and infrastructure,in order to demonstrate its success and remain successful in the long term.

Detección de anticuerpos antiestreptococos, anti-enolasa y antineurales en sujetos con trastornos psiquiátricos de inicio temprano / Detection of anti-streptococcal, anti-enolase, and anti-neural antibodies in subjects with earlyonset psychiatric disorders

Introducción. La infección por Estreptococo del grupo A puede ocasionar secuelas post-infecciosas entre las que se han reportado un espectro de trastornos obsesivos-compulsivos y tics de aparición en la edad pediátrica y origen autoinmune (PANDAS). No ha sido diseñada una prueba inmunológica que permita diagnosticar inequívocamente estos trastornos. En este trabajo se evaluó la detección en suero de anticuerpos contra Enolasa cerebral humana (AE), tejido neural (AN) y Estreptococo (AS) como herramienta de laboratorio para el diagnóstico de trastornos psiquiátricos de inicio temprano. Metodología. Los anticuerpos séricos contra Enolasa cerebral humana, proteínas totales del Estreptococo y proteínas totales cerebrales fueron detectados mediante la metodología de ELISA en 37 individuos con diagnóstico presuntivo de PANDAS y en 12 sujetos sanos de México y Cuba. Resultados. Los títulos de anticuerpos contra AE y AS fueron más elevados en el grupo de pacientes vs controles (t-student, tAE=-2.17, P=0.035; tAS=-2.68, P=0.01, n=12 y 37/grupo, gl=47, nivel de significación de 0.05), mientras que los títulos de anticuerpos AN no difirieron entre ambos grupos (P(t)=0.05). La seropositividad (títulos > mediacontrol + IC95) simultánea a los tres anticuerpos fue mayor (51.4 %) en los individuos del grupo de los pacientes comparado con los controles (8.3%) (X2 =5.27, P=0.022, gl=1, n=49). Conclusiones. La detección simultánea de los tres anticuerpos séricos podría brindar información útil para el diagnóstico etiológico de los individuos con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo de inicio temprano asociados con la infección por Estreptococo y en consecuencia para indicar una terapéutica adecuada

Introduction. Infection with group A Streptococcus (Strep A) can cause post-infectious sequelae, including a spectrum of childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive (OCD) and tic disorders with autoimmune origin (PANDAS, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). Until now, no single immunological test has been designed that unequivocally diagnoses these disorders. In this study, we assessed the detection of serum antibodies against human brain enolase (AE), neural tissue (AN) and Streptococcus (AS) as a laboratory tool for the diagnosis of early-onset psychiatric disorders. Methodology. Serum antibodies against human brain enolase, total brain proteins, and total proteins from StrepA were detected by ELISA in 37 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of PANDAS and in 12 healthy subjects from Mexico and Cuba. Results. The antibody titers against human brain enolase (AE) and Streptococcal proteins (AS) were higher in patients than in control subjects (t-student, tAE=-2.17, P=0.035; tAS=-2.68, P=0.01, n=12 and 37/group, df=47, significance level 0.05), while the neural antibody titers did not differ between the two groups (P(t)=0.05). The number of subjects (titers> mean control + CI95) with simultaneous seropositivity to all three antibodies was higher in the patient group (51.4%) than in the control group (8.3%) group (X2 =5.27, P=0.022, df=1, n=49). Conclusions. The simultaneous detection of all three of these antibodies could provide valuable information for the etiologic diagnosis of individuals with early-onset obsessive compulsive disorders associated with streptococcal infection and, consequently, for prescribing suitable therapy

Giant desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall in a patient with Gardner Syndrome

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a rare entity characterized by a triad of familial colonic polyposis, multiple osteomas and soft tissue tumors, including desmoid tumor (DT). This is a case report of a 30 year-old patient with GS who developed giant DT in the abdominal wall after undergoing several laparotomies. The patient has taken a long time to search for medical care, and at first he saw another team that refused to operate him by judging the lesion unresectable. The surgery in our department was performed in three steps. Initially, we resected the lesion with macroscopic margins, and as there were small bowel adhesions in the tumor, we performed enterectomy and closed using the "Bogotá" technique, with skin closure on the bag. On the fourth postoperative day (POD), we reoperated the abdomen without identifying any signs of fistula. On the seventh POD there was another surgical intervention, this time to insert a double-sided mesh. The patient recovered well, and had no debilitating motor deficit, despite the extensive resection of the abdominal muscles. Curative treatment of DT is based on surgical resection and only sequential surveillance allows us an early diagnosis, when the lesion is still resectable. (AU)

Tumor desmoide gigante de parede abdominal em paciente portador da Síndrome de Gardner. A Síndrome de Gardner (SG) é uma entidade rara caracterizada pela tríade polipose colônica familial, múltiplos osteomas e tumores de tecidos moles, dentre eles o tumor desmoide (TD). Tratou-se de um relato de caso de um paciente de 30 anos, com SG que evoluiu com TD gigante em parede abdominal, após ser submetido a diversas laparotomias prévias. O paciente levou longo tempo para procurar o serviço de cirurgia, passando por outra equipe que se negou a abordá-lo por julgar a lesão irressecável. A cirurgia no nosso serviço se deu em três tempos. Inicialmente, foi feita a ressecção da lesão com margens macroscópicas e, por haver aderências de alças no tumor, realizamos enterectomia e fechamos a Bogotá com síntese da pele sobre a bolsa. No quarto dia pós-operatório (DPO), reabordamos o abdômen sem identificar sinal de fístula. No sétimo DPO houve nova abordagem, agora para colocar tela dupla face. O paciente evoluiu bem, sem déficit motor debilitante, apesar da extensa área de ressecção muscular abdominal. O tratamento curativo dos TD é baseado na sua ressecção cirúrgica e somente a vigilância sequencial nos permite seu diagnóstico precoce e a abordagem enquanto a lesão é ressecável. (AU)

Presión aórtica central y parámetros de reflexión de onda. Importancia clínica y análisis de consistencias y discrepancias con niveles de presión periférica / Central aortic pressure wave reflection parameters. Clinical significance and analysis of consistencies and discrepancies with peripheral pressure levels

Introducción: se presenta un trabajo de revisión sobre las diferencias entre la presión aórtica central (PAC) y la presión arterial periférica (PAP), y sobre la importancia biomédica de la PAC. Adicionalmente, se presenta un trabajo de investigación original que permitió determinar curvas por edad para la PAC de una población uruguaya y determinar los porcentajes de individuos (discriminando por edad, sexo y nivel de PAP) que presentan niveles de PAC hipertensivos. Material y método: en 785 uruguayos (edad: 6-79 años), sin enfermedad cardiovascular, hipertensión arterial, diabetes e insuficiencia renal, y sin empleo de fármacos vasoactivos, se midió la PAC y parámetros de reflexión de onda (índice de aumento, presión de aumento aórtica) mediante tonometría de aplanamiento radial y aplicación de una función transferencia generalizada. Resultados: se obtuvieron las tendencias por edad esperables de encontrar para los parámetros de PAC y reflexiones de onda. El 3% y 24% de personas con PAP normal/normal alta, respectivamente, presentaron PAC sistólica mayor del valor deseado. El 32% de personas con PAP clasificable como HTA 1 no presentarían PAC hipertensiva. El 11%-17% de las personas con niveles de PAP óptimos presentaron presión de pulso (PP) aórticas hipertensivas. El 22% y 35% de las personas con PAP normal/normal alta, respectivamente, presentaron PP aórtica hipertensivas. El 43% de personas con niveles de PAP clasificable como HTA 1 no presentaron PP aórtica hipertensiva. Conclusión: medir la PAC contribuiría en la evaluación y clasificación de estados hipertensivos, la valoración de la respuesta al tratamiento y en la determinación del riesgo vascular del paciente.

Terapia de resincronización cardíaca: importancia de los cambios vasculares periféricos en la reducción de la poscarga ventricular y mejora de la eficiencia ventricular / Cardiac resyncronization therapy: importance of peripheral vascular changes en reduction of ventricular after load and improvement of ventricular efficiency

La terapia de resincronización cardíaca (TRC) asociaría cambios vasculares que contribuirían a explicar sus beneficios y a comprender las diferencias en la respuesta a la terapia. Sin embargo, actualmente la evaluación de los efectos y respuesta a la TRC se centra únicamente en la estimación de los cambios en la estructura-función ventricular. Objetivo: 1) caracterizar los cambios en la poscarga y energética ventricular izquierda asociados a la TRC, y 2) analizar la importancia de los cambios vasculares periféricos en el desempeño ventricular postTRC. Método: en 25 pacientes (14 hombres, 61±12 años) consecutivos derivados para TRC, se evaluaron parámetros estándar de estructura y función ventricular y arterial, antes y después de TRC. Se obtuvo la presión aórtica central, el gasto cardíaco (GC), la carga arterial neta, poscarga y sus determinantes. Resultado: la TRC resultó en aumento del GC y la complacencia arterial, y en reducción de la resistencia vascular periférica (RVP), impedancia aórtica, diámetros y volúmenes ventriculares (p<0,05). La conjunción de cambios ventrículo-arteriales resultó en reducción de poscarga (-19%). Si no hubiera caída de la RVP, la poscarga aumentaría (~44-56%), con reducción de la eficiencia ventricular. Conclusión: la TRC resulta en reducción de la poscarga por cambios en las diferentes componentes de carga. Los beneficios de la TRC en términos de desempeño ventricular y reducción de la poscarga se explican por cambios ventriculares y vasculares (simultáneos). La mejora ventricular con aumento del GC sin cambios vasculares periféricos asociados resultaría en detrimento de las condiciones de trabajo ventricular (aumento de poscarga)

Estudio integral no invasivo de la estructura y función arterial: discusión de aspectos teóricos y prácticos del abordaje implementado en CUiiDARTE (centro universitario de investigación, innovación y diagnóstico arterial): [revisión] / Non-invasive integral study of arterial structure and function: discussion of theoretical and practical features of the approach implemented at CUiiDARTE (centro universitario de investigación, innovación y diagnóstico arterial): [review]

Los sistemas de prevención cardiovascular basados en la determinación de factores de riesgo presentan limitaciones para cuantificar el riesgo de un sujeto. Los factores de riesgo son predictores de aterosclerosis en la población, pero fallan en identificar qué sujetos desarrollarán la enfermedad y/o tendrán eventos cardiovasculares; los que frecuentemente se presentan en sujetos de riesgo bajo o intermedio. En este contexto, guías/consensos sugieren realizar estudios no invasivos en sujetos asintomáticos para estratificar el riesgo individual, detectar y tratar la aterosclerosis en etapa subclínica. Para ello se han propuesto diferentes abordajes que permiten caracterizar la estructura y/o función arterial por métodos no invasivos, brindando información complementaria, que adiciona a la obtenida con la determinación de los factores de riesgo. En Uruguay, recientemente se creó un centro universitario interdisciplinario (CUiiDARTE, Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico Arterial), que tiene entre sus objetivos implementar técnicas no invasivas para la evaluación integral de la estructura y función arterial, posibilitando dar respuesta a la necesidad de estratificación individualizada del riesgo cardiovascular y detección de aterosclerosis subclínica. En este trabajo se presenta el abordaje de evaluación vascular empleado en CUiiDARTE y basados en nuestra experiencia, se discuten aspectos teóricos y prácticos de los test no invasivos utilizados y parámetros estudiados.

Traditional risk factors-guided cardiovascular prevention/treatment has clear limitations in individual subjects management. Often, individuals with similar risk factor profiles have differences in the atherosclerosis development and are at different cardiovascular risk. Therefore, while risk factors are good predictors of atherosclerosis in a population, they cannot identify who will develop the disease and/or will have a cardiovascular event. In this context, there have been published guidelines calling for non-invasive atherosclerosis screening and risk stratification in asymptomatic subjects. Several approaches have been proposed for the vascular evaluation, and although the screening tests used vary among laboratories, in general terms their are underused. In Uruguay, it was recently created an interdisciplinary university center (CUiiDARTE, Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico Arterial), which has as a main aim the implementation of non-invasive techniques to evaluate the arterial structural and functional properties, that could allow stratifying the individual cardiovascular risk and identifying sub-clinical atherosclerosis. In this work we present the integral vascular approach used in CUiiDARTE and based in our experience we discuss, theoretical and practical issues related with the tests performed and parameters calculated.

El endotelio mantiene elevada la capacidad de conducción arterial y reduce la poscarga dinámica ventricular de una manera frecuencia-dependiente / Endothelium maintains capacity of arterial conduction high and reduces ventricular dynamic afterload in a frecuency dependent way

Introducción: Las propiedades geométricas y la viscosidad (V) y elasticidad (E) arteriales son determinantes de la función de conducción (FC) y amortiguamiento arterial (FA), así como del trabajo elástico (WE) y viscoso (WV) desarrollado por el ventrículo durante la eyección (poscarga dinámica externa). Se desconoce el rol endotelial en el control de la V, FC, FA, WE y WV, y resta por establecerse si el endotelio controla la poscarga dinámica de manera frecuencia-dependiente. Objetivo: Caracterizar el rol endotelial en la regulación de la V, FC, FA, WE y WV, y analizar el control endotelial de la poscarga dinámica ante aumentos de frecuencia de estimulación. Material y método: Arterias braquiocefálicas ovinas (n=9) se estudiaron en un simulador circulatorio en condiciones hemodinámicas símil fisiológicas. Se midió flujo, presión y diámetro arterial a 60, 80 y 100 latidos/minuto. Para cada frecuencia se calculó E, V, FC, FA, WE y Wv, antes y luego de remover el endotelio. La adecuada eliminación endotelial se comprobó mediante estudios histológicos. Resultados: La presencia de endotelio permitió mantener reducidos E, V, WE y WV, y elevada la FC (p<0,05). La reducción de los determinantes de la poscarga fue mayor a elevados niveles de frecuencia de estimulación (p<0,05). Conclusiones: El endotelio regula la viscoelasticidad arterial, reduciendo la poscarga dinámica, a la vez que permite mantener elevada la FC y no modifica la capacidad de la arteria de autoprotegerse. La mayor reducción de la poscarga a mayor frecuencia (mayor consumo de oxígeno), supone un beneficio adicional sobre la función ventricular.

Introduction: The geometrical properties, the viscosity (V) and elasticity (E) of the arteries determine the arterial conduit (CF) and buffer (BF) functions, as well as the elastic (WE) and viscous (WV) work developed by the ventricle during the ejection (external dynamic afterload). It remains to be established the role of the endothelium in controlling V, CF, BF, WE and WV, and if the endothelium’s regulation of the dynamic afterload depends on the frequency. Objetive: To characterize the endothelial role in the regulation of V, CF, BF, WE and WV, and to analyze the endothelial control of the dynamic afterload during the increase in the frequency of stimulation. Methods: Ovine brachiocephalic arteries (n=9) were studied in a circulation mock during physiological haemodynamic conditions. Arterial flow, pressure and diameter were measured at 60, 80 and 100 cycles/minute. At each frequency E, V, CF, BF, WE y Wv, were calculated before and after the endothelium removal. Hystological studies verified the adequacy of the endotelial removal. Results: The endothelium allowed keeping E, V, WE and WV in low levels, and a high CF (p<0,05). The reduction in the afterload determinants was higher at higher levels of frequency (p<0,05). Conclusions: The endothelium regulates the arterial viscoelasticity, with a reduction in the dynamic afterload; at the time it allows keeping the CF at high levels, and does not change the arterial auto-protection. The higher reduction in the afterload at high frequencies (increased oxigen demand), represents an additional beneficial effect in the ventricle function.

Contrapulsación intraaórtica y determinantes de la poscarga ventricular: estudio experimental en un modelo animal. Cambios en resistencias periféricas, impedancia y elasticidad aórtica y características propagatorias del pulso durante latidos asistidos / Intra-aortic contrapulsation and determinants of ventricular after load: experimental study an animal model

Introducción: los beneficios de la asistencia con balón de contrapulsación intraaórtica (CIAO) se atribuyen principalmente a los efectos hemodinámicos (cambios en presión y resistencias periféricas), determinados por el inflado-desinflado del balón. La poscarga dinámica ventricular depende de la elasticidad e impedancia aórticas y de la velocidad de propagación y nivel de reflexión periférica de la onda de pulso. Los efectos de la CIAO sobre los determinantes de la poscarga dinámica o los mecanismos de los mismos, o ambos, no han sido caracterizados. Objetivo: caracterizar los cambios en los determinantes de la poscarga estática y dinámica ventricular que ocurren durante la CIAO y los mecanismos (pasivos o activos, o ambos) que los determinan. Material y método: en ocho ovinos se midió flujo, diámetro y presión aórtica, en latidos basales (control) y en latidos asistidos (postaumentados), durante CIAO 1:2. Se calculó la resistencia periférica, la impedancia y elasticidad aórticas, la velocidad de propagación del pulso, el coeficiente de reflexión periférico y el índice de desadaptación propagatorio.

Efectos de la contrapulsación intra-aórtica sobre las propiedades mecánicas de la pared aórtica / Effects of intra-aortic counter pulsation on the mechanical properties of the aortic wall

La contrapulsación intra-aórtica (CIAO) produce cambios en las propiedades vasculares que pueden ser cuantificadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar los efectos de la CIAO (1:2) sobre las propiedades mecánicas de la pared aórtica

Efectos de la contrapulsación intra-aórtica sobre las propiedades mecánicas de la pared aórtica / Effects of intra-aortic counter pulsation on the mechanical properties of the aortic wall

La contrapulsación intra-aórtica (CIAO) produce cambios en las propiedades vasculares que pueden ser cuantificadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar los efectos de la CIAO (1:2) sobre las propiedades mecánicas de la pared aórtica(AU)