Diagnosis: What Is the Structure of Its Reasoning?

How does the diagnosis process work? This essay traces the philosophical underpinnings of diagnosis from Hume through Kant, Peirce, and Popper, analyzing how pathologists amalgamate sensibility, intuition, and imagination to form new hypotheses that can be tested by evidence and experience.

Rigidez carotídea y riesgo de eventos vasculares y mortalidad: el estudio REGICOR / Carotid artery stiffness and risk of vascular events and mortality: the REGICOR study

Introducción y objetivos: Los objetivos son analizar la relación dosis-respuesta de la rigidez de la arteria carótida y la mortalidad y evaluar su capacidad predictiva. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte poblacional que incluyó a 6.468 participantes, con una mediana de seguimiento de 6,5 años. Se evaluaron 6 índices de rigidez. Se identificaron los eventos coronarios y cerebrovasculares y la mortalidad. Resultados: La rigidez carotídea, el coeficiente de Peterson y la velocidad de la onda de pulso (VOP) se asociaron de manera lineal y directa con los eventos cerebrovasculares: aumento del 8% (IC95%, 1-16%) por unidad de rigidez, del 7% (IC95%, 2-13%) cada 10 unidades del coeficiente de Peterson y del 26% (IC95%, 8-48%) por unidad de la VOP. La tensión carotídea se asoció de modo no lineal con el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria: en valores <0,09 unidades, cada aumento de 0,01 unidades se asoció con una disminución de un 16% del riesgo (IC95%, –33 a +6%); por encima de 0,09 unidades, cada incremento de 0,01 unidades se asoció con un aumento de un 16% del riesgo (IC95%, 6-27%). La inclusión de estos índices no mejoró la capacidad predictiva de las funciones de riesgo. Conclusiones: La rigidez carotídea, el coeficiente de elasticidad de Peterson y la VOP tienen una relación lineal y directa con el riesgo de enfermedad cerebrovascular. La tensión (strain) carotídea tiene una relación en U con el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria. Estos índices no contribuyen a mejorar la capacidad predictiva de las funciones de riesgo. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the dose-response association of carotid arterial stiffness with vascular outcomes and overall mortality, and to assess their added predictive capacity. Methods: Population-based cohort study including 6468 individuals, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Six carotid artery stiffness indices were assessed: strain, stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Incident coronary, cerebrovascular, global vascular, and total fatal events were identified. Results: Carotid compliance and distensibility coefficients were not associated with any of the outcomes. Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV showed a direct linear relationship to cerebrovascular disease: the risk increased by 8% (95%CI, 1-16) per stiffness unit increase, by 7% (95%CI, 2-13) per 10-unit Peterson elasticity coefficient increase, and by 26% (95%CI, 8-48) per PWV unit increase. Carotid strain showed a nonlinear association with ischemic heart disease. When strain was ≤ 0.09 units, each 0.01-unit increase was associated with a 15% lower risk of coronary events (95%CI,−33 to 6); above 0.09 units, each 0.01 increase in strain was associated with a 16% higher risk of coronary events (95%CI, 6-27). The addition of the stiffness indices did not improve the predictive capacity of validated risk functions. Conclusions: Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV have a direct linear association with cerebrovascular disease risk. Carotid strain is not linearly related to U-shaped ischemic heart disease risk. The inclusion of these indexes does not improve the predictive capacity of risk functions. (AU)

Hipouricemia con hipercalciuria. Estudio longitudinal y revisión del tema / Hypouricemia with hypercalciuria: Longitudinal study and review of the topic

Antecedentes y objetivo: La asociación de hipouricemia e hipercalciuria es poco frecuente. En 1974 se describió un nuevo síndrome nominado Hipouricemia con hipercalciuria y reducción de la densidad ósea. Posteriormente, se publicaron algunos casos con esa asociación en los que la excreción fraccional de urato era superior a 20/100ml FGR. Hemos analizado una serie de niños que fueron diagnosticados de hipouricemia e hipercalciuria y que fueron controlados evolutivamente. El objetivo del trabajo es intentar conocer si nuestros pacientes podrían estar afectos del síndrome antes mencionado o ser portadores de una variante de hipercalciuria idiopática. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo longitudinal en el que se estudiaron las historias clínicas de 8 pacientes (5V y 3M) diagnosticados de hipouricemia e hipercalciuria en la infancia. Se anotaron la clínica al diagnóstico, los hallazgos ecográficos y densitométricos, y determinadas variables bioquímicas, con especial hincapié en el manejo tubular renal del urato. Los resultados se compararon con los de 36 niños afectos de hipercalciuria idiopática sin hipouricemia (14V y 22M). Resultados: En el grupo con hipouricemia los niveles iniciales de uricemia fueron 1,9 (0,3) mg/dl (rango: 1,5-2) y los del cociente calcio/creatinina en primera orina del día, 0,27 (0,05) mg/mg (rango: 0,23-0,31). En todos los casos la excreción fraccional de urato fue inferior a 20ml/100ml FGR. Los valores de z-DMO fueron menores de −1 en 4/8 casos. En el último control, solo en 3 casos persistía el cociente calcio/creatinina elevado, y en todos la uricemia era superior a 2mg/dl. El valor de z-DMO había mejorado en 5 casos y empeorado en otros 3... (AU)

Background and objective: The association of hypouricemia and hypercalciuria is rare. In 1974 a new syndrome named Hypouricemia with hypercalciuria and decreased bone density was described. Afterwards, some cases with such association were published in which the fractional excretion of urate was higher than 20/100ml FGR. We have analyzed a series of children who were diagnosed with hypouricemia and hypercalciuria and who were monitored. The aim of this study was to determine whether our patients could be affected by the aforementioned syndrome or be carriers of a variant of idiopathic hypercalciuria. Patients and methods: Retrospective longitudinal study in which the medical records of eight patients (5V and 3M) diagnosed with hypouricemia and hypercalciuria in childhood. Clinical features at diagnosis, ultrasound and densitometric findings and selected biochemical variables were noted, with special emphasis on renal tubular handling of urate. Results were compared with 36 children with idiopathic hypercalciuria without hypouricemia (14V and 22M). Results: In the hypouricemia group baseline urate levels were 1.9 (0.3)mg/dl (range: 1.5-2) and first day urine calcium/creatinine ratio 0.27 (0.05)mg/mg (range: 0.23-0.31). In all cases fractional urate excretion was less than 20/100ml FGR. The z-DMO values were less than −1 in 4/8 cases. At the last follow-up only three cases still had an elevated calcium/creatinine ratio and in all of them the urates levels was greater than 2mg/dl. The z-DMO value had improved in five cases and worsened in three others. In relation to the group without hypouricemia, no differences were observed between the various parameters studied including the z-DMO value, with the exception of fractional excretion and tubular urate reabsorption although plasmatic uric acid levels were still significantly lower... (AU)

Rendimiento diRendimiento diagnóstico de un algoritmo basado en ecografía clínica para el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en pacientes que consultan en urgencias por disnea / Diagnostic performance of a clinical ultrasound-based algorithm for acute heart failure in patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea

Objetivos. Analizar el rendimiento diagnóstico de un algoritmo ecográfico que incluye el tiempo de desaceleración precoz del flujo mitral (TD) para establecer el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en pacientes que consultan en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) por disnea. Métodos. Análisis prospectivo de una muestra de conveniencia de pacientes que consultan por disnea aguda en un SUH. El algoritmo ecográfico incluyó la ecografía pulmonar y cuatro parámetros ecocardiográficos, se midió MAPSE (desplazamiento sistólico del plano del anillo mitral), medidas doppler de flujo mitral, medidas doppler tisular en el anillo mitral lateral y TD. El diagnóstico final fue asignado por 2 médicos ciegos entre sí y a los hallazgos ecográficos. Resultados. Se incluyeron 166 pacientes adultos, la edad media fue de 76 años (DE 13) y 79 eran mujeres (48%). Hubo 62 pacientes (37%) con un diagnóstico final de ICA. La concordancia entre asignadores fue buena para el diagnóstico de ICA (κ = 0,71). El algoritmo clasificó a todos los pacientes, no hubo ningún diagnóstico indeterminado. El rendimiento diagnóstico del algoritmo mostró un área bajo la curva de 0,91 (IC 95%: 0,86-0,96), sensibilidad del 87% (IC 95%: 76%-94%), especificidad del 95% (IC 95%: 89%-98%), razón de verosimilitud positiva del 18,1 (IC 95%: 7,7-42,8), razón de verosimilitud negativa del 0,14 (IC 95%: 0,07-0,26). Conclusiones. Un algoritmo ecográfico que incluye el TD tiene un buen rendimiento para el diagnóstico de ICA en pacientes que acuden a SUH por disnea. Además, el uso de TD permite clasificar a todos los pacientes. (AU)

Objective. To study the diagnostic performance of an ultrasound-based algorithm that includes the deceleration time (DT) of early mitral filling to establish a diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients who come to an emergency department because of dyspnea. Methods. Prospective analysis in a convenience sample of patients who came to a hospital emergency department with acute dyspnea. The algorithm included ultrasound findings and 4 echocardiographic findings as follows: mitral annular plane systolic excursion, Doppler mitral flow velocity, tissue Doppler imaging measure of the lateral annulus, and the DT of early mitral filling. The definitive diagnosis was made by 2 physicians blinded to each other’s diagnosis and the ultrasound findings. Results. A total of 166 adult patients with a mean (SD) age of 76 (13) years were included; 79 (48%) were women. AHF was the definitive diagnosis in 62 patients (37%). Diagnostic agreement was good between the 2 physicians (κ = 0.71). The algorithm classified all the patients, and there were no undetermined diagnoses. Diagnostic performance indicators for the ultrasound-based algorithm integrating early DT findings were as follows: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96); sensitivity, 87% (95% CI, 76%-94%); specificity, 95% (95% CI, 89%-98%); positive likelihood ratio, 18.1 (95% CI, 7.7-42.8); and negative likelihood ratio, 0.14 (95% CI, 0.07-0.26). Conclusions. The ultrasound-based algorithm integrating the DT of early mitral filling performs well for diagnosing AHF in emergency patients with dyspnea. The inclusion of early DT allows all patients to be diagnosed. (AU)

Safety of direct oral provocation test to delabel reported mild beta-lactam allergy in infants

Background: Around 10% of people report a drug allergy and avoid some medications because of fear of allergic reactions. However, only after a proper diagnostic workup can some of these reactions be confirmed as allergic or nonallergic hypersensitivities. Beta-lactams (BLs) are the most common medication suspected of being involved in drug hypersensivity reactions (DHRs) in children. Recently, direct oral provocation tests (DPT) with BLs gained popularity within pediatric populations as a tool for delabeling children with suspected BL allergies. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of direct provocation tests in infants with mild cutaneous non-immediate reactions to BLs. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed the data of 151 infants between 2015 and 2022, referred for evaluating a suspected allergy to BLs that occurred before age 24 months. Results: The mean age of the children, including 55% male kids, at the suspected reaction was 15.9 months and the mean age at the time of the DPT was 39.6 months. In most cases, antibiotics were prescribed to treat common upper respiratory infections, such as acute otitis (54.3%) and acute tonsillitis (27.2%). Amoxicillin was considered the culprit drug in 62.9% of the cases, and the combination of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid in the case of 33.8% of children. The most frequent associated cutaneous clinical manifestations were maculopapular exanthema in 74.8% and delayed urticaria/angioedema in 25.2%. Of the 151 infants evaluated, parents of 149 infants agreed for a direct DPT, and only three had a positive test (2%). Symptoms resulting from the DPT were mild and easily treatable. Conclusions: A direct DPT without prior tests is a safe and effective procedure to delabel BL allergy, even in infants... (AU)

Impaired intratumoral dendritic cell function and potential predictive value of dendritic cells markers for metastasis in malignant salivary gland tumors

Background: The differentiation between primary and metastatic salivary gland neoplasms (SGNs) helps in determining appropriate management strategies, including the need for additional diagnostic tests, surveillance, or aggressive treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the immature and mature dendritic cells (DCs) in metastatic and no metastatic SGNs and determine its association with clinicopathological findings. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study that includes 33 malignant salivary gland neoplasms [MSGN (6, 18.1% metastatic)], and 22 pleomorphic adenomas (PA), as a control group. Clinical and histopathological characteristics were obtained. Immunohistochemistry for human leukocyte antigen Drelated (HLA-DR), CD1a, CD83, and Ki-67 proteins was done. Positive intra- and peritumoral DCs were counted. Results: Individuals with MSGN had a lower density of intratumoral HLA-DR+ cells than those with PA (p=0.001), Ki-67 immunostaining was significantly higher in MSGN than in PA (6% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001). Metastatic MSGN showed less intratumoral CD1a+ than non-metastatic (3.2 vs. 165.1, p=0.001). No differences in intra- and peritumoral CD83+ cells were found between benign and malignant SGN. Conclusions: These results suggest that the immune-protective function of intratumoral DCs is compromised in MSGNs. DCs markers may represent useful prediction tools for metastases in salivary gland malignancies, with crucial implications in the implementation of appropriate disease management strategies. (AU)

Diabetes y mujer, ¿por qué somos diferentes? / Diabetes and women, why are we different?

La diabetes afecta de manera diferente a hombres y a mujeres, y la presunción equivocada de igualdad en su expresividad clínica puede tener como consecuencia errores y demoras en el proceso diagnóstico y en la estrategia terapéutica que se adopte. El objetivo del artículo es mostrar las diferencias de género que influyen en el abordaje de esta patología y cuál es el papel del médico de familia en el seguimiento de la mujer con diabetes. Es una revisión sobre el impacto de la diabetes en las distintas etapas de la vida de la mujer, cómo los cambios hormonales afectan al control glucémico, la diabetes gestacional, cómo afecta la diabetes al desarrollo de las complicaciones crónicas en la mujer y sus consecuencias, las diferencias existentes en el control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y los aspectos diferenciales por sexo de las distintas familias de fármacos utilizados en el tratamiento de la diabetes. (AU)

Diabetes affects men and women differently and the mistaken assumption of equality in its clinical expression can lead to errors and delays in the diagnostic process and the therapeutic strategy adopted. The objective is to show the gender differences that influence the approach to this pathology and what the role of the family doctor is in the monitoring of women with diabetes. It is a review of the impact of diabetes at different stages of a woman's life, how hormonal changes affect glycemic control, gestational diabetes, how diabetes affects the development of chronic complications in women and their consequences, the existing differences in the control of cardiovascular risk factors and the differential aspects by sex of the different families of drugs used in the treatment of diabetes. (AU)

Detección de las necesidades de capacitación de los asistentes de farmacia / Detection of training needs in pharmacy assistants

Introducción: La capacitación es, sin duda, uno de los temas actuales más importantes cuando se habla de competitividad, innovación y mejora continua de una empresa. Este proceso implica: detección de necesidades, planeación, implementación, evaluación, retroalimentación y seguimiento de resultados. El eje fundamental de este proceso es el Diagnóstico de Necesidades de Capacitación, pues señala de manera precisa los aspectos sobre los cuales ha de trabajar el capacitador. Objetivo: Realizar un diagnóstico de las necesidades de capacitación de los asistentes de farmacia del Municipio Santa Clara. Métodos: Para elaborar el Diagnóstico de Necesidades de Capacitación se utilizó el método comparativo. Este método se basa en la identificación de las discrepancias entre lo que es y lo debe ser, lo que posibilita constatar los requisitos que son necesarios cubrir. Se utilizaron como técnicas la entrevista y la encuesta. Resultados: Finalmente, después del análisis de todos los datos obtenidos de las matrices y preguntas abiertas, se elaboró el Diagnóstico de Necesidades de Capacitación final que se entregó a la Empresa Farmacias y Ópticas. Conclusiones: Estos resultados mostraron que esta empresa necesita de manera inmediata implementar actividades de capacitación a sus asistentes de farmacia en lo referente a conocimientos.

Introduction: training is, undoubtedly one of the most important current issues when talking about competitiveness, innovation and continuous improvement of a company. This process involves: detection of needs, planning, implementation, evaluation, feedback and monitoring of results. The fundamental axis of this process is the Diagnosis of Training Needs, since it indicates precisely the aspects on which the trainer must work. Objective: to carry out a diagnosis of the training needs in pharmacy assistants from Santa Clara municipality. Methods: the comparative method was use to prepare the Training Needs Diagnosis. This method is based on the identification of discrepancies between what is and what should be; it made possible to verify the necessary requirements to be met. Interviews and surveys were used as techniques. Results: Finally, after analyzing all the data obtained from the matrices and the open questions, a final Diagnosis of Training Needs was prepared and delivered to the Pharmacy and Optics Company. Conclusions: these results showed that this company needs to immediately implement training activities for their pharmacy assistants in terms of knowledge.

Hidatidosis pulmonar como causa de hemoptisis recidivante / Pulmonary hydatidosis as a cause of recurrent hemoptysis

La hidatidosis es una zoonosis poco frecuente causada por cestodos del género Echinococcus. El órgano afectado con mayor frecuencia es el hígado, seguido del pulmón. La hidatidosis pulmonar se caracteriza por cursar de forma asintomática en la mayoría de los casos, y en muchas ocasiones suele ser un hallazgo casual en estudios realizados con otros fines. El diagnóstico resulta complejo por la diversidad de la presentación clínica, las pruebas serológicas pueden resultar negativas y los hallazgos de laboratorio son inespecíficos, por lo que debería ser un diagnóstico a tener en cuenta sobre todo en zonas con alta prevalencia de esta infestación. (AU)

Hydatidosis is a rare zoonosis caused by cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. The most frequently affected organ is the liver, followed by the lung. Pulmonary hydatidosis is characterized by an asymptomatic course in most cases, and in many cases it is usually an incidental finding in studies performed for other purposes. The diagnosis is complex due to the diversity of the clinical presentation, serological tests can be negative and laboratory findings are nonspecific, so it should be a diagnosis to consider especially in areas with high prevalence of this infestation. (AU)

Kairos in diagnostics.

Kairos has been a key concept in medicine for millennia and is frequently understood as "the right time" in relation to treatment. In this study we scrutinize kairos in the context of diagnostics. This has become highly topical as technological developments have caused diagnostics to be performed ever earlier in the disease development. Detecting risk factors, precursors, and predictors of disease (in biomarkers, pre-disease, and pre-pre-disease) has resulted in too early diagnoses, i.e., overdiagnoses. Nonetheless, despite vast advances in science and technology, diagnoses also come too late. Accordingly, timing diagnostics right is crucial. In this article we start with giving a brief overview of the etymology and general use of the concepts of kairos and diagnosis. Then we delimit kairos in diagnostics by analysing "too early" and "too late" diagnosis and by scrutinizing various phases of diagnostics. This leads us to define kairos of diagnostics as the time when there is potential for sufficient information for making a diagnosis that is most helpful for the person. It allows us to conclude that kairos is as important in diagnostics as in therapeutics.

Guía de Práctica Clínica para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 en niños, adolescentes y adultos. Guía Técnica / Clinical Practice Guide for the diagnosis and treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in children, adolescents and adults. Technical Guide

El documento contiene los criterios estandarizados para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de la DM-1 en el Perú en los establecimientos de salud del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa) y de los Gobiernos Regionales, contribuyendo a la reducción de las complicaciones y mortalidad por esta enfermedad en todas las etapas de vida.

Manejo y resultados de pacientes con diverticulitis aguda: experiencia de cinco años en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación / Management and results of patients with acute diverticulitis. Five year-experience at the San Vicente Fundación Hospital

Introducción. Los datos epidemiológicos de la diverticulitis en Colombia son limitados. El objetivo de este artículo fue caracterizar una población que ingresó con diverticulitis aguda al Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, un centro de referencia de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, para analizar la presentación y comportamiento de la enfermedad en la población local, con estadísticas propias y desenlaces de la enfermedad en los últimos años. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo, descriptivo, entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Se hizo un estudio exploratorio uni-, bi- y multivariado de factores de riesgo para fallo en el tratamiento y la mortalidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 103 pacientes. Se presentó principalmente en mujeres y la edad promedio fue de 65 años. La diverticulitis Hinchey Ia fue la más frecuente (41,7 %) y el manejo médico fue exitoso en todos los casos, mientras que en las tipo III y IV, todos se manejaron de forma quirúrgica, con tasas de éxito entre el 50 y el 64 %. La presencia de signos de irritación peritoneal al examen físico, el recuento de leucocitos y la PCR, el ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y la mortalidad aumentaron de forma directamente proporcional con el estadio de Hinchey. Conclusiones. Existe una relación directamente proporcional entre la clasificación de Hinchey y los signos de respuesta inflamatoria clínicos y paraclínicos, la necesidad de manejo quirúrgico, la estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y la mortalidad.

Introduction. Epidemiological data on diverticulitis in Colombia are limited. The objective of this article was to characterize a population that was admitted with acute diverticulitis to the San Vicente Fundación University Hospital, a reference center in the city of Medellín, Colombia, to analyze the presentation and behavior of the disease in the local population, with its own statistics, and outcomes of the disease in recent years. Methods. Retrospective descriptive observational study between January 2015 and December 2019. An exploratory uni-, bi- and multivariate study of risk factors for treatment failure and mortality was performed. Results. A total of 103 patients were included. The most frequent Hinchey classification was Ia (41.7%). It occurs mainly in women, mean age 65 years. Hinchey Ia diverticulitis is the most frequent and medical management is successful in 100% of cases; while in III and IV, 100% were managed surgically with success rates between 50 and 64%. The presence of peritoneal signs on physical examination, leukocyte count and CRP, ICU admission and mortality increased directly proportional with Hinchey stage. Conclusions. There is a directly proportional relationship between Hinchey staging with clinical and paraclinical signs of inflammatory response, need for surgical management, ICU stay and mortality.