Bilateral frosted branch angiitis in an initial case of systemic lupus erythematosus / Angeíte Congelada bilateral em um quadro inicial de Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico

ABSTRACT Frosted branch angiitis is a rare and severe form of retinal vasculitis. It may be idiopathic or arise secondary to a systemic disease. We have reported here an unusually severe case of frosted branch angiitis in a previously healthy 13-year old girl who presented with significantly reduced vision in both eyes. In this case, frosted branch angiitis was one of the presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The characteristic patterns of frosted branch angiitis were observed on fundoscopy in both eyes. An extensive etiological study was conducted, whereby the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed. Only a few such cases have been reported so far in the literature.

RESUMO A angeíte congelada é tipo específico de vasculite retiniana rara e grave. Pode ser idiopática ou secundária à doença sistêmica. Relatamos um incomum caso com associação ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, sendo a angeíte congelada uma das manifestações do quadro. Uma jovem de 13 anos, previamente hígida, apresentou queixa de baixa visual importante bilateral. À fundoscopia foi evidenciado o aspecto de angeíte de vasos congelados em ambos os olhos. Extensa investigação etiológica foi realizada com diagnóstico confirmado de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. Poucos casos foram descritos na literatura.

Bilateral frosted branch angiitis in an initial case of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Frosted branch angiitis is a rare and severe form of retinal vasculitis. It may be idiopathic or arise secondary to a systemic disease. We have reported here an unusually severe case of frosted branch angiitis in a previously healthy 13-year old girl who presented with significantly reduced vision in both eyes. In this case, frosted branch angiitis was one of the presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The characteristic patterns of frosted branch angiitis were observed on fundoscopy in both eyes. An extensive etiological study was conducted, whereby the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed. Only a few such cases have been reported so far in the literature.

Analysis of risk factors for success of lumbar spinal stenosis surgery

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the patient profile that obtains better clinical and quality of life improvement after lumbar spinal stenosis surgery, comparing the results in the pre and postoperative periods. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with lumbar spine stenosis submitted to surgery were prospectively evaluated. Through the 36-Item Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire we performed a preoperative analysis to identify morbidities and social security benefit earning. The SF-36 is a subjective postoperative questionnaire to assess surgical success six months after the surgery. Results: There were unfavorable outcomes in patients who received social security benefits and in those who had morbidities. According to the SF-36 score, the surgical result is better when the patient is non-smoker (p=0.05), non-hypertense (p=0.040), non-diabetic (p =0.010) or non sedentary (p=0.019), respectively on mental health, pain, social aspects and general health domains. Conclusion: The patient profiles that best benefit from the surgery are those who do not have morbidities and had no social security benefit. Evidence Level II, Prospective Study.

Measurement of testicular volume in Wistar rats using a caliper and ultrasonography in experimental surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the measurement of the testicular volume of Wistar rats using a caliper and ultrasonography. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups. A tensile force of 1.6 Newton (N) and 1.0 N was applied to the right spermatic cord in group I and group II, respectively. Group III was the sham group, and group IV served as a control. The initial and final testicular volumes were measured using a caliper and ultrasonography and compared. A significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The Kappa coefficient was equal to 0.292 (p = 0.006). The Pearson correlation coefficient obtained for the percent reduction in the right testicular volume using ultrasonography and a caliper was equal to 0.696 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was reasonable agreement and a significant positive correlation between the percent reduction in the right testicular volume using ultrasonography and a caliper.

Measurement of testicular volume in Wistar rats using a caliper and ultrasonography in experimental surgery

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To compare the measurement of the testicular volume of Wistar rats using a caliper and ultrasonography. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups. A tensile force of 1.6 Newton (N) and 1.0 N was applied to the right spermatic cord in group I and group II, respectively. Group III was the sham group, and group IV served as a control. The initial and final testicular volumes were measured using a caliper and ultrasonography and compared. A significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The Kappa coefficient was equal to 0.292 (p = 0.006). The Pearson correlation coefficient obtained for the percent reduction in the right testicular volume using ultrasonography and a caliper was equal to 0.696 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was reasonable agreement and a significant positive correlation between the percent reduction in the right testicular volume using ultrasonography and a caliper.

ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR SUCCESS OF LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS SURGERY.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the patient profile that obtains better clinical and quality of life improvement after lumbar spinal stenosis surgery, comparing the results in the pre and postoperative periods. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with lumbar spine stenosis submitted to surgery were prospectively evaluated. Through the 36-Item Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire we performed a preoperative analysis to identify morbidities and social security benefit earning. The SF-36 is a subjective postoperative questionnaire to assess surgical success six months after the surgery. RESULTS: There were unfavorable outcomes in patients who received social security benefits and in those who had morbidities. According to the SF-36 score, the surgical result is better when the patient is non-smoker (p=0.05), non-hypertense (p=0.040), non-diabetic (p =0.010) or non sedentary (p=0.019), respectively on mental health, pain, social aspects and general health domains. CONCLUSION: The patient profiles that best benefit from the surgery are those who do not have morbidities and had no social security benefit. Evidence Level II, Prospective Study.