Análisis del síndrome de Sturge-Weber: estudio retrospectivo de múltiples variables asociadas / Analysis of Sturge-Weber syndrome: A retrospective study of multiple associated variables

Introducción: El síndrome de Sturge-Weber es un trastorno vascular congénito caracterizado por una malformación facial capilar (mancha en vino de Oporto) asociada a malformaciones venosas y capilares en el cerebro y en el ojo. También pueden observarse alteraciones en otras localizaciones y síntomas neurológicos. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, así como los diferentes tratamientos realizados en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber en un hospital terciario. Material y métodos: Estudio comparativo, retrospectivo y transversal, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber entre los años 1998 y 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes (54% varones, 46% mujeres) diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 15 meses. Presencia de angiomatosis leptomeníngea en el 100% de los casos: hemisferio derecho (46%), hemisferio izquierdo (38%), afectación bilateral (15%). Presencia de angioma facial (61%): derecho (23%), izquierdo (38%) y bilateral (7%). Otras alteraciones cutáneas: 23% de los casos (2 de ellos la afectación en el hemicuerpo del lado en el que se encontraba también la angiomatosis facial y leptomeníngea y en el otro caso la afectación cutánea fue en forma de cutis marmorata generalizada). Encontramos afectación ocular en el 77% de los pacientes, siendo las más frecuentes: glaucoma (46%), estrabismo (23%) y angiomatosis coroidea (23%). Presencia de epilepsia 100% de los casos, siendo las crisis parciales (simples o complejas) las más frecuentes (62%). El control de las crisis epilépticas fue muy variable, ya que el 31% han necesitado probar más de 3 fármacos, 15% 3 fármacos, 31% 2 fármacos y 23% tuvieron buen control con monoterapia. Uno de los pacientes requirió cirugía de la epilepsia (hemisferectomía izquierda), quedando libre de crisis hasta la fecha. En electroencefalogramas lo más frecuente fue: puntas, puntas ondas o polipuntas-ondas en los lóbulos afectados por angiomatosis leptomeníngea (46%). Otros síntomas neurológicos: hemiparesia (39%), cefaleas recurrentes (39%), episodios stroke-like (23%), retraso psicomotor (46%), retraso mental (46%). Presencia calcificaciones leptomeníngeas en la resonancia magnética (85%). Aumento de las calcificaciones en el 70%. Pacientes tratados con ácido acetilsalicílico: 54%. Conclusiones: Son múltiples las manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome de Sturge-Weber, siendo de vital importancia conocerlas todas para poder realizar un correcto diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las mismas, mejorando así la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital vascular disorder characterised by facial capillary malformation (port-wine stain) associated with venous and capillary malformations in the brain and eye. Neurological symptoms and alterations in other locations may also be observed. Objectives: This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and different treatments in a cohort of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: This comparative, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome between 1998 and 2013. Results: The study included 13 patients (54% male, 46% female) diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months. Leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present in 100% of cases: right hemisphere (46%), left hemisphere (38%), and bilateral (15%). Facial angioma was present in 61% of the cases: right (23%), left (38%) and bilateral (7%). Other skin disorders were found in 23% of the cases, including 2 with hemilateral involvement on the side where facial and leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present and one case of generalised cutis marmorata. Ocular disease was found in 77% of patients; the most common conditions were glaucoma (46%), strabismus (23%) and choroidal angioma (23%). Epilepsy was present in 100% of the cases, with partial seizures (simple or complex) being the most frequent (62%). Seizure control was highly variable; 31% of the patients had needed to try more than 3 drugs, 15% 3 drugs, and 31% 2 drugs, while 23% experienced good seizure control with monotherapy. One patient required surgery for epilepsy (left hemispherectomy) and has been seizure-free since then. The most frequent observations in electroencephalograms were spikes, polyspikes, and wave spikes in the lobes affected by leptomeningeal angiomatosis (46%). Other neurological symptoms were hemiparesis (39%), recurrent headaches (39%), stroke-like episodes (23%), psychomotor retardation (46%), and mental retardation (46%). Leptomeningeal calcifications could be seen in 85% of patient MRIs, as well as increased calcification in 70%; 54% of the patients had been treated with aspirin. Conclusions: There are multiple clinical manifestations of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Being familiar with all of them is vitally important for diagnosing and for monitoring and treating the condition correctly, which will improve the quality of life of these patients (AU)

Analysis of Sturge-Weber syndrome: A retrospective study of multiple associated variables. / Análisis del síndrome de Sturge-Weber: estudio retrospectivo de múltiples variables asociadas.

INTRODUCTION: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital vascular disorder characterised by facial capillary malformation (port-wine stain) associated with venous and capillary malformations in the brain and eye. Neurological symptoms and alterations in other locations may also be observed. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and different treatments in a cohort of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome in a tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome between 1998 and 2013. RESULTS: The study included 13 patients (54% male, 46% female) diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months. Leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present in 100% of cases: right hemisphere (46%), left hemisphere (38%), and bilateral (15%). Facial angioma was present in 61% of the cases: right (23%), left (38%) and bilateral (7%). Other skin disorders were found in 23% of the cases, including 2 with hemilateral involvement on the side where facial and leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present and one case of generalised cutis marmorata. Ocular disease was found in 77% of patients; the most common conditions were glaucoma (46%), strabismus (23%) and choroidal angioma (23%). Epilepsy was present in 100% of the cases, with partial seizures (simple or complex) being the most frequent (62%). Seizure control was highly variable; 31% of the patients had needed to try more than 3 drugs, 15% 3 drugs, and 31% 2 drugs, while 23% experienced good seizure control with monotherapy. One patient required surgery for epilepsy (left hemispherectomy) and has been seizure-free since then. The most frequent observations in electroencephalograms were spikes, polyspikes, and wave spikes in the lobes affected by leptomeningeal angiomatosis (46%). Other neurological symptoms were hemiparesis (39%), recurrent headaches (39%), stroke-like episodes (23%), psychomotor retardation (46%), and mental retardation (46%). Leptomeningeal calcifications could be seen in 85% of patient MRIs, as well as increased calcification in 70%; 54% of the patients had been treated with aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple clinical manifestations of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Being familiar with all of them is vitally important for diagnosing and for monitoring and treating the condition correctly, which will improve the quality of life of these patients.

Síndrome afectivo-cognitivo cerebeloso secundario a tumor cerebeloso / Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome secondary to a cerebellar tumour

El síndrome afectivo-cognitivo cerebeloso se caracteriza por alteración en funciones ejecutivas, problemas de organización y memoria visuoespacial, alteración en la producción del lenguaje y trastorno de conducta. Niño de 11 años con dificultades de aprendizaje, trastorno de conducta y problemas de interacción social. En la exploración física destaca conducta inmadura, escaso contacto visual, dificultad para mantener la atención, lenguaje expresivo pobre y disabilidad motriz global con dispraxia para las variantes de la marcha, sin signos cerebelosos definidos. Valoración neuropsicológica: cociente intelectual 84 con datos compatibles con síndrome afectivo-cognitivocerebeloso. RM cerebral: proceso expansivo en vermis cerebeloso inferior, que permanece estable tras 5 años de seguimiento. El cerebelo participa como centro coordinador de funciones cognitivas y emocionales. Ante un niño con un trastorno de aprendizaje con componente conductual y afectivo asociado debe incluirse la patología cerebelosa en el diagnóstico diferencial y descartar una lesión a este nivel

Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome is characterized by disturbances of executive function, impaired spatial cognition, linguistic difficulties, and personality change. The case of an 11 year old boy is presented, with behavior problems, learning difficulties and social interaction problems. In the physical examination he had poor visual contact, immature behavior, reduced expressive language and global motor disability with gait dyspraxia, with no defined cerebellar motor signs. In the neuropsychological evaluation he has a full scale overall intellectual quotient of 84, with signs of cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. A tumour affecting inferior cerebellar vermis was observed in the magnetic resonance imaging, which had not significantly grown during 5 years of follow up. The cerebellum participates in controlling cognitive and affective functions. Cerebellar pathology must be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with cognitive or learning disorder with associated behavioral and emotional components

[Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome secondary to a cerebellar tumour]. / Síndrome afectivo-cognitivo cerebeloso secundario a tumor cerebeloso.

Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome is characterized by disturbances of executive function, impaired spatial cognition, linguistic difficulties, and personality change. The case of an 11 year old boy is presented, with behavior problems, learning difficulties and social interaction problems. In the physical examination he had poor visual contact, immature behavior, reduced expressive language and global motor disability with gait dyspraxia, with no defined cerebellar motor signs. In the neuropsychological evaluation he has a full scale overall intellectual quotient of 84, with signs of cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. A tumour affecting inferior cerebellar vermis was observed in the magnetic resonance imaging, which had not significantly grown during 5 years of follow up. The cerebellum participates in controlling cognitive and affective functions. Cerebellar pathology must be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with cognitive or learning disorder with associated behavioral and emotional components.

Manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal / Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception

INTRODUCCIÓN: La invaginación intestinal es una enfermedad obstructiva potencialmente grave que se produce cuando un segmento del intestino se introduce en el interior de otro segmento intestinal distal vecino. La tríada clásica de vómitos, dolor abdominal y hematoquecia aparece en menos de un 25% de los casos. Existen formas de presentación atípica, con clínica sistémica y/o neurológica predominante. La alteración brusca de la consciencia puede ser el único signo clínico en lactantes. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia y la naturaleza de las manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal y describir las características específicas de este subgrupo de pacientes. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de 351 niños diagnosticados de invaginación intestinal entre los años 2000 y 2012. En todos los pacientes analizamos: datos epidemiológicos generales, sintomatología digestiva y neurológica, duración del cuadro clínico y eficacia del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: En 15 de los 351 pacientes totales (4,27%) se recogieron distintos síntomas y signos neurológicos, destacando la letargia (66,66%), seguida por los episodios paroxísticos, hipotonía global, debilidad aguda y fluctuación del nivel de consciencia. Un 60% de estos pacientes tenían solo clínica neurológica y un 73,3% de ellos necesitaron cirugía. CONCLUSIONES: Se debe considerar la invaginación intestinal en el diagnóstico diferencial de los lactantes y niños pequeños que acuden al Servicio de Urgencias con cuadros de letargia, hipotonía, debilidad aguda, alteración brusca del nivel de conciencia y/o episodios paroxísticos, aunque no exista ninguno de los signos clásicos de presentación de la enfermedad. Un diagnóstico precoz en estos casos puede evitar el desarrollo de complicaciones vasculares intestinales irreversibles

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a potentially severe obstructive disease that occurs when amore proximal portion of bowel invaginates into a more distal part of the bowel. Patients with intussusception often present with a wide range of non-specific systemic symptoms, with less than one quarter presenting with the classic triad of vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. An acute change in level of consciousness could be the only clinical symptom of this disorder. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the frequency and nature of the neurological symptoms in children with intussusception, and to describe the characteristics of the patients presenting in this atypical way. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 351 children presenting with intussusception from 2000 to 2012. General epidemiological data, abdominal and neurological signs and symptoms, duration of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment, were analysed in all patients. RESULTS: Of the 351 patients studied, 15 (4.27%) had one or more neurological symptoms recorded at presentation, with lethargy being the most frequent (66.66%), followed by hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events, and fluctuating consciousness. Sixty per cent of these fifteen patients showed isolated neurological symptomatology, and eleven of them (73.3%) needed a laparotomy to reduce the intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in infants and young children presenting as a pediatric emergency with lethargy, hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events and/or sudden changes in consciousness, even in the absence of the classical symptoms of intussusception. An early recognition of intussusception may improve the global prognosis and avoid ischaemic intestinal sequelae

[Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception]. / Manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a potentially severe obstructive disease that occurs when a more proximal portion of bowel invaginates into a more distal part of the bowel. Patients with intussusception often present with a wide range of non-specific systemic symptoms, with less than one quarter presenting with the classic triad of vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. An acute change in level of consciousness could be the only clinical symptom of this disorder. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the frequency and nature of the neurological symptoms in children with intussusception, and to describe the characteristics of the patients presenting in this atypical way. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 351 children presenting with intussusception from 2000 to 2012. General epidemiological data, abdominal and neurological signs and symptoms, duration of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment, were analysed in all patients. RESULTS: Of the 351 patients studied, 15 (4.27%) had one or more neurological symptoms recorded at presentation, with lethargy being the most frequent (66.66%), followed by hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events, and fluctuating consciousness. Sixty per cent of these fifteen patients showed isolated neurological symptomatology, and eleven of them (73.3%) needed a laparotomy to reduce the intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in infants and young children presenting as a pediatric emergency with lethargy, hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events and/or sudden changes in consciousness, even in the absence of the classical symptoms of intussusception. An early recognition of intussusception may improve the global prognosis and avoid ischaemic intestinal sequelae.

Autismo, epilepsia y esclerosis tuberosa: un modelo de conexión funcional a través de la vía mTOR / Autism, epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex: a functional model linked to mTOR pathway

Introducción. El complejo esclerosis tuberosa (CET) es un trastorno neurocutáneo que resulta de la mutación de los genes TSC1 y TSC2, y se asocia con la formación de hamartomas en múltiples órganos y sistemas. La afectación neurológica supone una de las manifestaciones más frecuentes y graves del CET, incluyendo espasmos epilépticos infantiles, epilepsia refractaria, tumores cerebrales, trastornos neurocognitivos diversos y autismo. TSC1 y TSC2 codifican proteínas que modulan la función celular a través de la vía mTOR, implicada en el crecimiento y la proliferación celulares. Objetivo. Revisar los mecanismos etiopatogénicos y la historia natural de la asociación autismo-epilepsia en el CET. Desarrollo. Diversos rasgos clínicos y neurorradiológicos del CET, incluyendo el inicio precoz de la epilepsia y la localización de los tuberomas en el lóbulo temporal, así como el mecanismo molecular de actuación de la vía mTOR, implicada no sólo en el crecimiento celular, sino también en la sinaptogénesis, la plasticidad sináptica y la función neuronal, sugieren un origen multifactorial del autismo en estos pacientes. Conclusiones. El mejor conocimiento de los mecanismos patogénicos involucrados en el desarrollo del autismo en el CET puede ayudar en la selección de dianas terapéuticas y realizar así estrategias de tratamiento más eficaces. Los fármacos antagonistas de la vía mTOR, como rapamicina y everolimus, suponen una nueva vía terapéutica para estos pacientes con CET (AU)

Introduction. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes and is associated with hamartoma formation in multiple organ systems. Brain disorders are the origin of more frequent and severe problems and include infantile spasms, intractable epilepsy, brain tumors, cognitive disabilities, and autism. TSC1 or TSC2 encoded proteins modulate cell function via the mTOR signaling cascade and serve as keystones in regulating cell growth and proliferation. Aim. To review the etiopathogenic mechanisms and the natural course of the association of autism and epilepsy in TSC. Development. Both the clinical and the neuroimaging findings of TSC, including early onset epilepsy and the localization of cortical tubers in the temporal lobes, and the molecular understanding of the mTOR signaling pathway, not only involved in cell growth, but also in synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuronal functioning, have suggested a multimodal origin of autism in these patients. Conclusions. A greater understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying autism in TSC could help in devising targeted and potentially more effective treatment strategies. Antagonism of the mTOR pathway with rapamycin and everolimus may provide new therapeutic options for these TSC patients (AU)