[Subtle and subclinical neurological findings in patients with SARS-CoV-2]. / Hallazgos sutiles y subclínicos neurológicos en pacientes con SARS-CoV-2.

Background: There are severe neurological conditions in patients with COVID-19, such as: cerebrovascular disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy and myelitis. Objective: We describe that the patient with SARS-CoV 2 with respiratory symptoms has subtle or subclinical neurological manifestations. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, analytical study, which included patients aged 18-65 years with respiratory symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Intubated patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases or pre-existing neurological compromise were excluded. Semiology of the headache and neurological examination were performed; Serum levels of glucose, protein, electrolytes, lactate, C-reactive protein, lactic dehydrogenase, and D-dimer were measured. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electroencephalogram (EEG) were also performed in patients who accepted the risks. Results: A high prevalence of subtle neurological manifestations was found in patients with COVID-19 with only a respiratory clinical picture. Headache, anosmia, dysgeusia, and hypopalesthesia predominated in the early stages, with frequent abnormal findings in the CSF (>70%) and less frequently in the EEG (<20%). Conclusions: Headache, anosmia, dysgeusia and hypoesthesia were frequent at the beginning of the infection, together with abnormal findings in CSF and EEG, without other neurological symptoms or neurological disease.

Introducción: existen condiciones neurológicas severas en pacientes con COVID-19, como: enfermedad cerebrovascular, síndrome de Guillain-Barré, encefalitis, encefalopatía necrotizante hemorrágica aguda y mielitis. Objetivo: describimos que el paciente con SARS-CoV-2 con síntomas respiratorios tiene manifestaciones neurológicas sutiles o subclínicas. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, analítico, que incluyó pacientes de 18-65 años con síntomas respiratorios y diagnóstico de COVID-19 confirmado. Se excluyeron pacientes intubados, con enfermedades neurodegenerativas crónicas o compromiso neurológico preexistente. Se realizó semiología de la cefalea y exploración neurológica; Se midieron los niveles séricos de glucosa, proteínas, electrolitos, lactato, proteína C reactiva, deshidrogenasa láctica y dímero D. También se realizaron análisis de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y un electroencefalograma (EEG) en los pacientes que aceptaron los riesgos. Resultados: se encontró alta prevalencia de manifestaciones neurológicas sutiles en pacientes con COVID-19 con solo cuadro clínico respiratorio. Cefalea, anosmia, disgeusia e hipopalestesia predominaron en las primeras etapas, con hallazgos anormales frecuentes en el LCR (>70%) y con menos frecuencia en el EEG (<20%). Conclusiones: la cefalea, anosmia, disgeusia e hipoestesia fueron frecuentes al inicio de la infección, junto con hallazgos anormales en LCR y EEG, sin otros síntomas neurológicos ni enfermedad neurológica.

Extensive extradural pneumorrhachis related to obstetric analgesia.

Iatrogenic extradural pneumorrhachis is a rare clinical entity, but anesthesiologists should be aware of this possibility when using the air technique for the identification of epidural space. Although in most published cases extradural pneumorrhachis is asymptomatic, relevant neurological consequences have been described, such as meningeal irritation, radicular pain, unilateral lower extremity weakness, cauda equina syndrome, paraplegia, and tetraplegia.We describe a very extensive extradural pneumorrachis (T9-S1), related to obstetric analgesia, in a patient with severe and atypical perineal pain after forceps-assisted delivery. Our aim is to synthesize and organize the available scientific evidence, analyzing preventive measures and summarizing the most appropriate diagnostic, follow-up and therapeutic techniques for symptomatic conditions, among which high concentrations of inspired oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and percutaneous or surgical decompression have been described.

Enfermedad por virus sincitial respiratorio en pediatría: más allá del compromiso respiratorio / Respiratory syncytial virus disease in children: beyond respiratory involvement

Introducción: el virus sincitial respiratorio (VSR) suele asociarse con la enfermedad respiratoria en la población pediátrica, sin embargo se han documentado múltiples manifestaciones extrapulmonares, en especial neurológicas. Objetivo: presentar un panorama de los reportes en la literatura indexada sobre el compromiso neurológico en la infección por VSR. Materiales y Métodos: revisión sistemática exploratoria formal de la literatura en las bases de datos Pubmed y SCOPUS, que incluyó estudios primarios y secundarios hasta el 17 de julio 2022, publicadas en inglés, español y francés. Resultados: se consideraron 30 publicaciones que describían la experiencia en 1.681 pacientes con una edad mediana de 17 meses y mayor compromiso del sexo masculino (64.59%), en el marco de la enfermedad respiratoria grave por VSR. Las convulsiones y la apnea central aparecieron como principales manifestaciones, ya sea por invasión viral e inflamación secundaria del sistema nervioso central (SNC) o por la compensación derivada de los ajustes neuroendocrinos ante el daño respiratorio severo. Las secuelas a largo plazo incluyeron retraso en el desarrollo y discapacidad cognitiva. Conclusión: el síndrome por infección respiratoria grave por VSR puede ocurrir con compromiso neurológico, posiblemente derivado de la acción directa del virus a nivel del SNCo de los efectos del proceso adaptativo. Estos dos mecanismos deben considerarse en presencia de enfermedad respiratoria grave por VSR que cursen con deterioro neurológico, para una correcta aproximación diagnóstica y manejo oportuno, con el fin de disminuir el riesgo de secuelas significativas.

Introduction: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is usually associated with respiratory disease in the pediatric population, however, multiple extrapulmonary manifestations especially at neurological level, have been documented. Objective: to present an overview of reports included in the indexed literature on RSV-related neurological involvement. Materials and Methods: formal exploratory, systematic review of the literature in the Pubmed and SCOPUS databases, including primary and secondary studies as of July 17, 2022, published in English, Spanish and French. Results: 30 publications which describe the experience in 1681 patients with a median age of 17 months and greater involvement of the male sex (64.59%), in the setting of severe RSV respiratory disease, were considered. Convulsions and central apnea appeared as the main manifestations, either due to viral invasion and secondary inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS), or due to compensation derived from neuroendocrine adjustments to severe respiratory damage. Long-term sequelae included developmental delay and cognitive disability. Conclusion: Severe RSV respiratory syndrome can result in neurological involvement, possibly derived from direct action of the virus in the CNS or from the effects of the adaptive process. These two mechanisms should be considered in the presence of severe RSV respiratory disease with neurological impairment, for a correct diagnostic approach and timely management, in order to, reduce the risk of significant sequelae.

Diez años del inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP). Una revisión sistemática / Ten years of the prefrontal symptoms inventory (PSI). A systematic review

Introducción: Hace 10 años, Revista de Neurología publicaba la validación de una nueva herramienta gratuita: el inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP), de la que posteriormente se extrajo su versión abreviada (ISP-20). Durante esta década, los autores han acreditado sus excelentes propiedades psicométricas y su utilidad clínica. La presente revisión sistemática, sometida a la declaración PRISMA, tiene el objetivo de analizar el corpus de investigación que ha utilizado el ISP o el ISP-20, para valorar su trascendencia en otros equipos de investigación, en otras poblaciones clínicas e incluso en otras culturas. Materiales y métodos: Se buscaron artículos que hayan utilizado el inventario para realizar trabajos empíricos, en español, inglés, francés y portugués. Finalmente, se seleccionaron 56 trabajos. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que el ISP y el ISP-20 han tenido un uso elevado en España, así como en otros países de habla hispana (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador o Venezuela), y un uso moderado en países de habla no hispana (Bélgica, Brasil, Suecia o Suiza). Las poblaciones clínicas en las que se han utilizado abarcan desde el daño cerebral adquirido y las demencias degenerativas hasta el dolor crónico, la fibromialgia, las conductas adictivas o los trastornos de la personalidad. Dada su versatilidad, también se han usado con población general, incluyendo población reclusa, mujeres en entorno rural, estudiantes universitarios o para el estudio de la reserva cognitiva. Conclusiones: El ISP y el ISP-20 son instrumentos útiles para la investigación y la clínica, cuyo siguiente desafío es la validación de una versión en inglés, en la que se está trabajando.(AU)

Introduction: Ten years ago, Revista de Neurología published the validation of a new free tool: the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI), from which an abbreviated version (PSI-20) was subsequently extracted. Over this decade, authors have demonstrated its excellent psychometric properties and clinical usefulness. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, aims to analyse the body of research that has used the PSI or PSI-20 in order to assess its relevance in other research teams, other clinical populations and even other cultures. Materials and methods: A search was conducted to find articles written in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese that have used the inventory to carry out empirical research. Finally, 56 articles were selected. Results: The results show that the PSI and the PSI-20 have been widely used in Spain as well as in other Spanish-speaking countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador or Venezuela) and employed to a moderate extent in non-Spanish-speaking countries (Belgium, Brazil, Sweden or Switzerland). The clinical populations in which they have been used range from acquired brain injury and degenerative dementias to chronic pain, fibromyalgia, addictive behaviours or personality disorders. Given their versatility, they have also been used with the general population, including prison inmates, women in rural areas, university students or to study cognitive reserve. Conclusions: The PSI and PSI-20 are useful instruments for research and clinical use, and the next challenge is to validate an English version, which is currently being worked on.Key words. Activities of daily living. Neurologic symptoms. Neuropsychology. Prefrontal symptom inventory. Psychometrics. Systematic review.(AU)

La neurología en Las aventuras de Tintín / Neurology in The Adventures of Tintin

Introducción: La presencia de la enfermedad es un hecho recurrente en la famosa saga del autor Hergé, Las aventuras de Tintín, que se ha reflejado en algunos trabajos publicados. No obstante, la aparición de la enfermedad neurológica en la obra ha sido un hecho poco analizado. Desarrollo:Revisión de los síntomas neurológicos en los álbumes publicados desde 1930 a 1976 y su interpretación desde un punto de vista neurológico. Se han analizado los posibles síntomas neurológicos en los principales personajes de la serie. El trauma craneal, las secuelas neurológicas del alcohol y la demencia podrían explicar algunos comportamientos de los personajes. En este trabajo se exponen éstos y su probable interpretación desde un punto de vista neurológico. Conclusión: La presencia de la enfermedad neurológica en la serie Las aventuras de Tintín ha sido poco analizada e interpretada. La obra puede usarse como ejemplo divulgativo de la enfermedad neurológica.(AU)

Introduction: The presence of disease is a recurring theme in Hergé’s famous saga, The Adventures of Tintin, and has been reflected in a number of publications. However, the appearance of neurological disease in the work has received little attention from scholars. Development: A review was conducted of the neurological symptoms that appear in the work published from 1930 to 1976 and their interpretation from a neurological point of view. The possible neurological symptoms in the main characters of the series have been analysed. Head trauma, the neurological sequelae of alcohol and dementia could explain some of the characters’ behaviour. This study outlines these cases and their probable interpretation from a neurological perspective. Conclusion: Hardly any analyses and interpretations have been carried out on the presence of neurological disease in The Adventures of Tintin series. The work can be used as an informative example of neurological disease.(AU)

Infección por COVID-19 y accidente cerebrovascular / COVID-19 Infection and Stroke

La actual pandemia de COVID-19 causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, se caracteriza por una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Algunos estudios han reportado que la frecuencia de ictus en pacientes infectados con el virus oscila entre un 5-20 por ciento. A pesar de estas cifras alarmantes, las vías por las cuales el virus llega al sistema nervioso central y los mecanismos fisiopatológicos por los que puede ocurrir un ictus en estos pacientes no han sido totalmente esclarecidos. Numerosos estudios han demostrado que la infección por SARS-CoV-2 está asociada a un estado protrombótico, capaz de causar un tromboembolismo arterial y venoso. Además, se ha reportado una respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada, con reclutamiento de células sanguíneas y una secreción desproporcionada de citoquinas proinflamatorias. También la hipoxia y fenómenos cardioembólicos han sido propuestos como posibles mecanismos. Es esencial definir con exactitud los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que vincula la infección por SARS-CoV-2 con la ocurrencia del ictus, con la finalidad de aplicar tratamientos más específicos y evitar futuras complicaciones(AU)

The actual Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is an ongoing pandemic, characterized by high morbidity and mortality produced by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Studies reported a stroke frequency around 5-20 percent in infected patients; however, SNC invasion and pathophysiological mechanisms related to stroke in COVID-19 patients are still unknown. Several studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to a prothrombotic state causing venous and arterial thromboembolism. Also, an overstated inflammatory response with recruitment of blood cells and disproportioned secretion of proinflammatory cytokines has been reported. Finally, cardioembolism and hypoxia have been proposed as surrogate mechanisms. It is essential to define the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke during the infection in order to apply more specific treatments to avoid further stroke complications(AU)

Ictus isquémico como forma de presentación de una disección aórtica tipo A / Type A aortic dissection presented as a stroke mimicker

Acute aortic dissection is a rare but lethal cardiac disease involving the aorta and it remains a challenge to diagnose and treat. The range of clinical features is extremely variable. Neurologic symptoms are also present in rare cases but often lead to a misdiagnosis because they mimic stroke. We report a case of a 71-year-old male with aortic dissection presented with acute onset altered mental status and left arm weakness. Aortic dissection presented with neurological symptoms is rare and requires high level of suspicion, especially in cases with unusual presentation. (AU)

[Neurological pathology by liposoluble vitamin-related disorders]. / Patología neurológica por desequilibrio de vitaminas liposolubles.

INTRODUCTION: Background: the clinicians rarely have to cope with diseases of nutritional origin and scarcely, although possible, vitamins alterations produce neurological symptoms. Objectives: to show, based on two clinical cases, the neurological symptoms due to liposoluble vitamins alterations, focusing on vitamins E and A. Conclusions: it is important to consider liposoluble vitamin alterations as a cause of neurological symptoms, despite their rarity, after rolling out the most probable entities.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: en la práctica clínica hospitalaria nos enfrentamos a algunas patologías que tienen origen nutricional. Aunque rara vez, las alteraciones vitamínicas pueden desencadenar trastornos neurológicos graves. Objetivos: mostrar los síntomas neurológicos que pueden darse por alteraciones en los niveles de las vitaminas liposolubles, centrándonos en las vitaminas E y A, mediante la exposición de dos casos clínicos. Conclusiones: es importante tener en mente las alteraciones de vitaminas liposolubles como origen de un trastorno neurológico, a pesar de su escasa frecuencia, habiendo descartado primero las causas más probables.

Should we expect neurological symptoms in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic? / ¿Es esperable que haya cuadros neurológicos por la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2?

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can gain access to the central nervous system (CNS). We revise the literature on coronavirus infection of the CNS associated with neurological diseases. DEVELOPMENT: Neurological symptoms were rarely reported in the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV epidemics, although isolated cases were described. There are also reports of cases of neurological symptoms associated with CoV-OC43 and CoV-229E infection. The presence of neurological lesions, especially demyelinating lesions in the mouse hepatitis virus model, may explain the mechanisms by which coronaviruses enter the CNS, particularly those related with the immune response. This may explain the presence of coronavirus in patients with multiple sclerosis. We review the specific characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and address the question of whether the high number of cases may be associated with greater CNS involvement. CONCLUSION: Although neurological symptoms are not frequent in coronavirus epidemics, the high number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may explain the presence of the virus in the CNS and increase the likelihood of early- or delayed-onset neurological symptoms. Follow-up of patients affected by the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic should include careful assessment of the CNS.

Sintomas neurológicos e exposição à radiação eletromagnética da telefonia celular / Neurological symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones / Síntomas neurológicos y exposición a la radiación electromagnética de teléfonos celulares

A tecnologia de comunicação sem fio, embora produza benefícios à exposição à radiação da telefonia celular, tem aumentado a preocupação da comunidade científica e sociedade em geral devido à possibilidade de efeitos adversos na saúde humana. Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a associação entre exposição à radiação eletromagnética não ionizante (Reni) decorrente da estação radiobase de telefonia celular (TC) e sintomas neurológicos na população residente nos bairros do Bonfim e Monte Serrat do município de Salvador/BA. Em um estudo transversal realizado em Salvador/BA, entrevistaram-se 440 indivíduos. Queixas neurológicas constituíram as variáveis dependentes. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística hierarquizada para avaliação de confundimento. Observou-se associação entre sintomas neurológicos e formas de uso do telefone celular (mais de 30 min/dia, com sinal de cobertura fraco, dois ou mais chips e nunca desligar o celular quando dorme) e com uso de outros eletroeletrônicos. A exposição à Reni/TC foi associada aos sintomas neurológicos independente do sexo e escolaridade. Recomenda-se a adoção de medidas precaucionárias no sentido de se reduzir este tipo de exposição.

While wireless communication technology yields benefits, exposure to Radiation/TC has increased the concern of the scientific community and society at large because of their potential to cause adverse effects on human health. We analyzed the association between exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation arising from the cellular radio base station and neurological symptoms in the population living in the Bonfim and Monte Serrat, neighbourhoods of Salvador/BA. This cross-sectional study in Salvador, Bahia, included 440 interviewees. Neurological complaints were the dependent variables. An analysis of hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to assess confounding. We found an association between neurological effects and residential proximity to the BTS, various forms of cell phone use (more than 30 min/day, with weak signal coverage, near the body, two or more chips, and never turning off the phone while sleeping), and the use of other electronics. Exposure to RENI/MP and other electronics were shown to be associated with neurological effects regardless of sex and education. The adoption of precautionary measures to reduce this type of exposure is recommended.

Aunque la tecnología de comunicación inalámbrica beneficia la exposición a la radiación de la telefonía celular, se ha aumentado la preocupación de la comunidad científica y la sociedad en general por la posibilidad de ocasionar efectos adversos a la salud humana. El presente artículo pretende investigar la asociación entre la exposición a la radiación electromagnética no ionizante (Reni) resultante de la estación base de telefonía celular (TC) y los síntomas neurológicos en la población que vive en los barrios de Bonfim y Monte Serrat en la ciudad de Salvador/BA. El estudio transversal realizado en Salvador/BA entrevistó a 440 personas. Las quejas neurológicas fueron las variables dependientes. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística jerárquica para evaluar la confusión. Se observó una asociación entre los síntomas neurológicos y las formas de uso de la telefonía celular (más de 30 min/día, con una señal de cobertura débil, dos o más chips y la costumbre de nunca apagar el móvil cuando duerme) y con el uso de otros dispositivos electro-electrónicos. La exposición a la Reni/CT se asoció con síntomas neurológicos independientemente del género y el nivel de estudios. Se recomiendan medidas de precaución para reducir este tipo de exposición.

Abordaje de los síntomas neurológicos desde la perspectiva de los cuidados paliativos / Neurological symptoms approach from the perspective of palliative care

Resumen Objetivo: Abordar los síntomas neurológicos desde la perspectiva de los cuidados paliativos a través de la revisión de literatura científica disponible teniendo en cuenta los componentes teóricos del Modelo Revisado del Manejo de Síntomas de Marylin J. Dodd. Metodología: Siguiendo los pasos propuestos por la declaración Prisma, se realizó revisión sistemática de las publicaciones realizadas entre el año 2002 y 2017 de artículos relacionados que abordaban los síntomas neurológicos desde la perspectiva del cuidado paliativo aplicando los componentes del Modelo Revisado del Manejo de Síntomas de Marylin J. Dodd, los cuales incluyen la experiencia del síntoma, los componentes de las estrategias para el manejo de síntomas y el resultado en términos del estado y el impacto del síntoma. Resultados: De los 60 articulos identificados inicalmente, 50 cumplieron con los criterios de selección y se clasificaron según las categorias de la Teoría Manejo de síntomas. Conclusiones: El aporte multidisciplinario optimiza el control de síntomas y la calidad de vida, pero son las enfermeras las responsables de detectar las respuestas humanas y distinguir entre el dolor y la agitación, equilibrar los riesgos de sub y sobremedicación y la posibilidad de acelerar la muerte. Se necesitan enfoques innovadores para alinear los comportamientos profesionales de la salud con el mejor cuidado donde se incluya una atención integral que mejore significativamente la atención al paciente.

Abstract Objective: To address neurological symptoms from the perspective of palliative care through the review of available scientific literature taking into account the theoretical components of the Revised Symptom Management Model of Marylin J. Dodd. Methodology: Following the steps proposed by the PRISMA statement, a systematic review was made of the publications made between 2002 and 2017, of related articles that addressed neurological symptoms from the perspective of palliative care applying any of the components of the Revised Symptom Management Model of Marylin J. Dodd, which include the experience of the symptom, the components of symptoms management strategies and the result in terms of the state and impact of the symptom. Results: According to the search limits defined within the inclusion criteria, 51 articles were selected to be analyzed from the perspective of palliative care applying the components of the Revised Symptom Management Model. It is evident that there is a significant amount of research that addresses delirium as a neurological symptom. Discussion: The multidisciplinary contribution often optimizes the control of neurological symptoms and the quality of life of patients and their families. In the same way, it is important to learn the use of scales and the early recognition of the impact of the symptom on the patient and his family to significantly improve the adaptation process. Conclusions: Although there are not sufficient innovative approaches to improve the management of symptoms as a whole and not as individual manifestations, education and training in the use of non-pharmacological interventions help to provide quality palliative care that complements to the traditional managements.

Avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la porfiria intermitente aguda / Advances in diagnosis and treatment of acute intermittent porphyria

Resumen: La porfiria intermitente aguda es la más frecuente de las porfirias hepáticas agudas. Ésta es causada por mutaciones de herencia autosómica dominante en el gen HMBS, que generan déficit de la enzima porfobilinógeno desaminasa en la vía biosintética del grupo hemo. Se caracteriza por síntomas neuroviscerales potencialmente letales, que incluyen dolor abdominal, vómito, estreñimiento, debilidad muscular, convulsiones. Estos ataques son desencadenados por medicamentos, ayuno, alcohol, cambios hormonales, estrés, entre otros. Su tratamiento incluye altas cargas de carbohidratos, hemina intravenosa y soporte médico. Algunos pacientes que padecen ataques agudos recurrentes pueden requerir hemina profiláctica o análogos de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina. El trasplante hepático está indicado para los pacientes resistentes a esos tratamientos. Las complicaciones crónicas de la enfermedad incluyen carcinoma hepatocelular, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad renal crónica y dolor crónico.

Abstract: Acute intermittent porphyria is the most frequent of the acute hepatic porphyrias. This is caused by mutations of autosomal dominant inheritance in the HMBS gene, which generate a deficiency of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase in the biosynthetic pathway of the heme group. It is characterized by potentially life-threatening neurovisceral symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness and seizures. Such attacks are triggered by medications, fasting, alcohol, hormonal changes, stress, among others. Its treatment includes high carbohydrate loads, intravenous hemin, and medical support. Some patients who develop recurrent acute attacks may require prophylactic hemin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients refractory to those treatments. Chronic complications of the disease include hepatocellular carcinoma, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic pain.

Coreia: uma manifestação rara da arterite de Takayasu / Chorea: A rare manifestation of Takayasu's arteritis

RESUMORelatamos um caso de uma menina com coreia recorrente e diagnóstico de arterite de Takayasu. Esta manifestação clínica foi relatada em apenas um paciente com tal vasculite na faixa etária pediátrica.

ABSTRACTThe case of a girl with recurring chorea and a Takayasu's arteritis diagnosis is reported. This clinical manifestation has been reported in only one patient with this vasculitis in the pediatric group.

[Chorea: a rare manifestation of Takayasu's arteritis]. / Coreia: uma manifestação rara da arterite de Takayasu.

The case of a girl with recurring chorea and a Takayasu's arteritis diagnosis is reported. This clinical manifestation has been reported in only one patient with this vasculitis in the pediatric group.

[Neurological complications associated with ultrasound-guided interscalene and supraclavicular block in elective surgery of the shoulder and arm. Prospective observational study in a university hospital]. / Complicaciones neurológicas asociadas a bloqueos interescalénico y supraclavicular guiados con ecografía en cirugía electiva de hombro y extremidad superior. Estudio observacional prospectivo en un hospital universitario.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms after performing interscalene block varies between 4 and 16%. The majority of cases are resolved spontaneously within a year, but some patients have their symptoms permanently. Our objective was to assess the incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms after performing the ultrasound-assisted interscalene and supraclavicular anaesthetic blocks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and observational study was conducted on consecutive patients who had undergone upper extremity surgery with an interscalene or supraclavicular block as an isolated technique, or as a complement to general anaesthesia. Seven days after the intervention, a telephone interview was conducted that focused on the detection of neurological symptoms in the operated limb. Further serial interviews were conducted on patients with symptoms (after the first, the third and the sixth month, and one year after surgery) until resolution of symptoms. Neurological evaluation was offered to those patients with persistent symptoms after one year. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients were included, on whom 96 interscalene blocks and 22 supraclavicular blocks were performed. Postoperative neurological symptoms were detected in 9.9% (95% CI, 5-15%) of patients during the first week. No significant differences were observed between interscalene (9%) and supraclavicular block (14%). After 3 months the symptoms persisted in 9 patients (7.4%), with symptoms remaining in 4 patients (3.3%) after 1.5 years. Electromyogram was performed on 3 patients who tested positive for nerve damage. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms was observed, and a worrying percentage of permanence of them. There were no significant differences in incidence according to the type of block, or any features of the patient or the anaesthesia technique that were associated with the incidence of these symptoms, except a marginal relationship with age. These complications must be clearly explained to the patients before performing these blocks.

Neurological involvement in visceral leishmaniasis: case report / Envolvimento neurológico na leishmaniose visceral: relato de caso

Visceral leishmaniasis is a severe and potentially fatal vector-borne disease. The most typical symptoms are fever, hepatosplenomegaly, weight loss, bleeding and bacterial infections. Neurological changes are rarely reported. This paper describes a child who presented with neurological signs as the first symptoms of leishmaniasis; tone was diminished and tremors in the extremities were observed. A diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed by parasite detection in the bone marrow. Symptoms were reversed by specific treatment. The nature of a possible mechanism of neurological involvement in visceral leishmaniasis remains unexplained.

A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença severa e potencialmente fatal transmitida pela picada de flebótomos infectados pelo parasita. Os sintomas mais comuns incluem febre, hepatoesplenomegalia, perda de peso, sangramentos e infecções bacterianas. Alterações neurológicas têm sido raramente descritas nesses pacientes. Descrevemos aqui o caso de uma criança que desenvolveu um quadro de infecção pela Leishmania, tendo como principal sintoma tremor de extremidades. O diagnóstico da doença foi confirmado pela demonstração do parasita no aspirado de medula. Os sintomas foram revertidos pelo tratamento específico. A natureza do possível mecanismo do envolvimento neurológico na leishmaniose visceral permanece duvidoso.

Síntomas prodrómicos de migraña / Prodromic symptoms in migraine

Introducción. Los síntomas prodrómicos pueden ofrecer una oportunidad terapéutica a los pacientes con migraña. Objetivos. Determinar las características clínicas de los síntomas prodrómicos y comparar las diferencias de las características entre la migraña con y sin aura y la migraña crónica, en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios colombianos. Material y métodos. Efectuamos un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal a través de una entrevista semiestructurada validada en español para el diagnóstico de cefaleas primarias en estudiantes universitarios. Los estudiantes respondieron un cuestionario diagnóstico de migraña; de ellos, a quienes se les detectó migraña fueron evaluados por un neurólogo mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 141 pacientes con migraña; el 29,8% de ellos tienen síntomas prodrómicos con características variadas y una duración mediana de 30 minutos. El tiempo de máxima intensidad de la cefalea también es variable, con mediana de 13,5 minutos. El 24,1% refieren intensidad máxima de la cefalea desde el inicio. No hubo diferencias en la frecuencia de síntomas prodrómicos, duración o tiempo de máxima intensidad del dolor entre pacientes con migraña con aura, migraña sin aura o migraña crónica. Conclusión. Las medicaciones usadas clínicamente para prevenir un ataque de migraña durante la fase prodrómica sólo son utilizables en la tercera parte de los pacientes con migraña y deben actuar antes de 30 minutos. Estos hallazgos limitan la utilidad clínica de los síntomas prodrómicos y las opciones terapéuticas a utilizar durante la fase prodrómica del ataque de migraña.

Introduction. Prodromic symptoms can offer a therapeutic opportunity to the patients with migraine. Objectives: to determine clinical characteristics of prodromic symptoms and to compare the differences between migraine with and without aura and chronic migraine in an colombian university population. Materials and methods. We guided a cross sectional study by means of a semi-structured, interview validated in spanish designed to identify primary headaches among university students. Students answered a diagnosticquestionnaire of migraine; who were detected with migraine then were interviewed face to face bya a neurologist by a semi structured interview. Results. 141 patients were interviewed with migraine. 29.8% patients with migraine had prodromic symptoms with varied characteristic and a median duration of 30 minutes. The time of maximum intensity of migraine is also variable with a median of 13.5 minutes. 24.1% of the patients describe a maximum intensity of the headache from the beginning. There were not differences in frequency and duration of prodromic symptoms, or time of maximum intensity of the pain among patients with migraine with aura, migraine without aura or chronic migraine. Conclusions. The medication used to prevent a migraine attack during the prodromic phase are only usable in the third part of the patients with migraine and they shoud act before 30 minutes. These findings limit the clinical usefulness of the prodromic symptoms and the therapeutic options to use during the prodrome of the migraine attack.