Importance of blood pressure monitoring in the acute phase of stroke. An update.

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of blood pressure (BP) is essential in the acute phase of stroke. Although ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a validated method for BP control, there are few studies assessing the usefulness of ABPM in the acute phase of stroke. DEVELOPMENT: A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA criteria in the PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases. Those articles that analysed the use of ABPM in the first days after suffering a stroke from 1992 to 2022 were selected. Those articles focused on the post-acute or sequelae phase of the stroke, with a sample size of less than 20 and those where the primary objective was different from the defined one. A total of 28 articles were included. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ABPM in patients with recent stroke demonstrates that the normal circadian profile of BP is altered in more than two-thirds of patients and that this will be fundamentally conditioned by the haemodynamic changes that occur on autoregulation of cerebral blood flow, the type of stroke or the response to treatment. Furthermore, these changes in BP have prognostic implications and are correlated with functional status, stroke recurrence and mortality, among others. However, although they continue to be a growing area of research, new studies are needed to clarify the real role of this technique in patients with acute stroke.

Importancia de la hipertensión en pacientes con primer episodio de ictus isquémico: estudio retrospectivo de 20 años / Importance of hypertension in patients after the first stroke: retrospective cohort study

Antecedentes y objetivos: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es un factor de riesgo clave para el ictus. Evaluamos si la importancia de la HTA sobre el riesgo de ictus isquémico ha aumentado en las últimas décadas. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con ictus isquémico dados de alta en 3 hospitales de Sevilla (España), durante los periodos: 1999-2001, 2014-2016 y 2019-2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.379 pacientes, 42,6% mujeres, edad media 69,1 (±11) años. La HTA fue el factor de riesgo vascular más prevalente en todos los periodos, con un aumento progresivo de pacientes hipertensos (65,9 vs. 69,6 vs. 74%; p=0,029). La HTA fue especialmente frecuente en pacientes≥80 años (73 vs. 81,9 vs. 85,2%; p=0,029). Al alta se utilizaron progresivamente más fármacos antihipertensivos (en el 65 vs. 85,1 vs. 90,2% de los pacientes; p=0,0001), con un claro aumento en el número de fármacos antihipertensivos utilizados (media 0,9±0,8 vs. 1,5±1 vs. 1,8±0,8 fármacos; p=0,0001). El uso de diuréticos (13,7-39,3-65,3%; p=0,0001), IECA (35,5-43,3-53,4%; p=0,0001) y bloqueadores de los receptores de angiotensina (12,2-24-32,4%; p=0,0001) aumentó progresivamente. Por el contrario, disminuyó el uso de antagonistas del calcio (24-19,9-13,7; p=0,0001). Conclusiones: En las últimas 2 décadas existe un mayor protagonismo de la HTA entre los pacientes con primer evento cerebrovascular isquémico. Es necesario un mayor y mejor control de la HTA para disminuir la enorme carga de la enfermedad cerebrovascular. (AU)

Background and objectives: Hypertension (HT) is a key risk factor for stroke. We evaluated whether the importance of hypertension on the risk of ischemic stroke has increased in recent decades. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with ischemic stroke discharged from 3 hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods: 1999-2001, 2014-2016 and 2019-2020. Results: 1,379 patients were included, 42.6% women, mean age 69.1 (±11) years. HT was the most prevalent vascular risk factor in all periods, with a progressive increase in hypertensive patients (65.9% vs 69.6% vs 74%; P=.029). HT was especially frequent in patients≥80 years (73% vs 81.9% vs 85.2%; P=.029). At discharge, progressively more antihypertensive drugs were used (in 65% vs 85.1 vs 90.2% of patients; P=.0001), with a clear increase in the number of antihypertensive drugs used (mean 0.9±0.8 vs 1.5±1 vs 1.8±0.8 drugs, P=.0001). The use of diuretics (13.7%-39.3%-65.3%; p=0.0001), ACE inhibitors (35.5%-43.3%-53.4%; P=.0001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (12.2%-24%-32.4%; P=.0001) increased progressively. On the contrary, the use of calcium antagonists decreased (24%-19.9%-13.7%; P=.0001). Conclusions: In the last 2 decades there has been a greater role for HT among patients with their first ischemic cerebrovascular event. Greater and better control of HT is necessary to reduce the enormous burden of cerebrovascular disease. (AU)

Mortality and cardiovascular risk in vasculitis ANCA. Importance of hypertension and renal function. Experience from southern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the principal causes of death in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-(ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mortality and it's causes and CVD and its vascular risk factors (VRFs) in AAV patients in Andalusia. METHODS: A multicenter cohort of 220 AAV patients followed-up from 1979 until June 2020 was studied in Andalussia, south of Spain. The information, including socio-demographic and clinical data was recorded retrospectively through chart review. Data was analysed using Chi2, ANOVA and Cox proportional hazards regresion as uni and multivariate test with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: During a mean ± standard deviation follow-up of 96.79 ± 75.83 months, 51 patients died and 30 presented at least one CVE. Independent prognostic factors of mortality were age (HR 1.083, p=0.001) and baseline creatinine (HR 4.41, p=0.01). Independent prognostic factors of CVE were age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.042, p=0.005] and the presence of hypertension (HTN) six months after diagnosis (HR 4.641, p=0.01). HTN, diabetes and renal failure, all of these important VRFs, are more prevalent in AAV patients than it is described in matched general population. CONCLUSIONS: Age and baseline renal function, but not CVEs, are predictors of mortality and age and early HTN are independent predictors for having a CVE. CVD screening in AAV patients is demanded.

[Importance of hypertension in patients after the first stroke: retrospective cohort study]. / Importancia de la hipertensión en pacientes con primer episodio de ictus isquémico: estudio retrospectivo de 20 años.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HT) is a key risk factor for stroke. We evaluated whether the importance of hypertension on the risk of ischemic stroke has increased in recent decades. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with ischemic stroke discharged from 3 hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods: 1999-2001, 2014-2016 and 2019-2020. RESULTS: 1,379 patients were included, 42.6% women, mean age 69.1 (±11) years. HT was the most prevalent vascular risk factor in all periods, with a progressive increase in hypertensive patients (65.9% vs 69.6% vs 74%; P=.029). HT was especially frequent in patients≥80 years (73% vs 81.9% vs 85.2%; P=.029). At discharge, progressively more antihypertensive drugs were used (in 65% vs 85.1 vs 90.2% of patients; P=.0001), with a clear increase in the number of antihypertensive drugs used (mean 0.9±0.8 vs 1.5±1 vs 1.8±0.8 drugs, P=.0001). The use of diuretics (13.7%-39.3%-65.3%; p=0.0001), ACE inhibitors (35.5%-43.3%-53.4%; P=.0001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (12.2%-24%-32.4%; P=.0001) increased progressively. On the contrary, the use of calcium antagonists decreased (24%-19.9%-13.7%; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the last 2 decades there has been a greater role for HT among patients with their first ischemic cerebrovascular event. Greater and better control of HT is necessary to reduce the enormous burden of cerebrovascular disease.

Terapia farmacológica en la prevención secundaria del ictus isquémico en los muy ancianos: ¿ha mejorado en las últimas décadas? / Pharmacological therapy in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in the oldest-old patients: has it improved in recent decades?

Introduction Population aging has caused an increase in strokes in very elderly patients (VEP). We assess how secondary prevention of ischemic stroke has changed in VEP in recent decades. Method Retrospective study of discharges due to ischemic stroke in the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocio and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods 1999–2001, 2014−16 and 2019−2020. VEP were considered those with ≥80 years. Result We studied 1806 patients, 349 (19.3%) were VEP. Over the years, VEPs have doubled (13.5% vs. 25.9% and 28% p = 0.0001) and age has increased (83.3 ± 3 vs. 84.1 ± 3 vs. 85.2 ± 4 p = 0.001). Comparing the periods, the VEPs have more hypertension (69.9% vs. 84.8% vs. 84.6%; p = 0.0001) and dyslipidemia (12% vs. 41.7% vs. 52.3%; p = 0.0001) and have prescribed more antihypertensives (69.1% vs. 86.7% vs. 92.3%; p = 0.0001), statins (5.3% vs. 78% vs. 81.5%; p = 0.0001) and anticoagulants (16.5% vs. 19.4% vs. 53.1%; p = 0.001), increasing the number of antihypertensives (1 ± 0.9 vs. 1.6 ± 0, 9 vs. 1.9 ± 0.8 drugs p = 0.0001), and high-intensity statins (2.3% vs. 42.7 vs. 69.2% p = 0.0001). Comparing the VEPs with the younger ones, there were no differences in antihypertensive treatment in any period, there were differences in antithrombotic treatment in the first period, and with statins the differences were maintained until the end. Conclusions In the last 20 years the number of VEPs has doubled, exceeding a quarter of the discharges. Although there is improvement in secondary stroke prevention in VEPs, there is room for improvement (AU)

Introducción El envejecimiento poblacional ha provocado un aumento de los ictus en los pacientes muy ancianos (PMA). Valoramos cómo ha cambiado la prevención secundaria del ictus isquémico en PMA en las últimas décadas. Método Estudio retrospectivo de las altas por ictus isquémico en los hospitales Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío y Virgen de Valme de Sevilla (España), durante los períodos 1999-2001, 2014-2016 y 2019-2020. Se consideró PMA ≥ 80 años. Resultado Estudiamos a 1.806 pacientes, de los cuales 349 (19,3%) eran PMA. Con los años se han duplicado los PMA (13,5% vs. 25,9% y 28%; p = 0,0001) y aumentado la edad (83,3 ± 3 vs. 84,1 ± 3 vs. 85,2 ± 4; p = 0,001). Comparando los períodos, los PMA tienen más hipertensión (69,9 vs. 84,8% vs. 84,6%; p = 0,0001) y dislipidemia (12 vs. 41,7% vs. 52,3%; p = 0,0001) y tienen prescritos más antihipertensivos (69,1% vs. 86,7% vs. 92,3%; p = 0,0001), estatinas (5,3% vs. 78% vs. 81,5%; p = 0,0001) y anticoagulantes (16,5% vs. 19,4% vs. 53,1%; p = 0,001); también ha aumentado el número de antihipertensivos (1 ± 0,9 vs. 1,6 ± 0,9 vs. 1,9 ± 0,8 fármacos; p = 0,0001) y de estatinas de alta intensidad (2,3% vs. 42,7% vs. 69,2%; p = 0,0001). Comparando los PMA con pacientes más jóvenes, no hubo diferencias en el tratamiento antihipertensivo en ningún período, aunque sí hubo diferencias en el tratamiento antitrombótico en el primer período y con las estatinas las diferencias se mantuvieron hasta el final. Conclusiones En los últimos 20 años el número de PMA se ha duplicado y supera la cuarta parte de las altas. Aunque existe mejoría en la prevención secundaria del ictus en los PMA, existe margen de mejora (AU)

Pharmacological therapy in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in the oldest-old patients: has it improved in recent decades?

INTRODUCTION: Population aging has caused an increase in strokes in very elderly patients (VEP). We assess how secondary prevention of ischemic stroke has changed in VEP in recent decades. METHOD: Retrospective study of discharges due to ischemic stroke in the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocio and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods 1999-2001, 2014-16 and 2019-2020. VEP were considered those with ≥80 years. RESULT: We studied 1806 patients, 349 (19.3%) were VEP. Over the years, VEPs have doubled (13.5% vs. 25.9% and 28% p = 0.0001) and age has increased (83.3 ±â€¯3 vs. 84.1 ±â€¯3 vs. 85.2 ±â€¯4 p = 0.001). Comparing the periods, the VEPs have more hypertension (69.9% vs. 84.8% vs. 84.6%; p = 0.0001) and dyslipidemia (12% vs. 41.7% vs. 52.3%; p = 0.0001) and have prescribed more antihypertensives (69.1% vs. 86.7% vs. 92.3%; p = 0.0001), statins (5.3% vs. 78% vs. 81.5%; p = 0.0001) and anticoagulants (16.5% vs. 19.4% vs. 53.1%; p = 0.001), increasing the number of antihypertensives (1 ±â€¯0.9 vs. 1.6 ±â€¯0, 9 vs. 1.9 ±â€¯0.8 drugs p = 0.0001), and high-intensity statins (2.3% vs. 42.7 vs. 69.2% p = 0.0001). Comparing the VEPs with the younger ones, there were no differences in antihypertensive treatment in any period, there were differences in antithrombotic treatment in the first period, and with statins the differences were maintained until the end. CONCLUSIONS: In the last 20 years the number of VEPs has doubled, exceeding a quarter of the discharges. Although there is improvement in secondary stroke prevention in VEPs, there is room for improvement.

Tendencias en el uso de estatinas tras un ictus isquémico. ¿Hemos cambiado nuestra práctica clínica? / Trends in the use of statins after ischaemic stroke: Have clinical practices changed?

Introducción: El papel de las estatinas tras el ictus isquémico cambió con la publicación del estudio SPARCL en 2006. Nos planteamos valorar cómo ha influido en la prescripción de estatinas en esta población.MétodoEstudio retrospectivo de las altas por ictus isquémico en los hospitales Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío y Valme de Sevilla durante dos periodos: 1999-2001 y 2014-2016.ResultadoIncluimos 1.575 pacientes, 661 (42%) mujeres, edad media 69 (± 10) años. Comparando los dos períodos, los pacientes del grupo post-SPARCL tienen mayor edad (68 ± 10 vs. 71 ± 11, p = 0,0001), mayor proporción de mujeres y mayor frecuencia de dislipidemia, hipertensión y diabetes. Al alta se utilizaron estatinas en el 18,7% frente al 86,9% (p = 0,0001), y estatinas de alta intensidad en el 11,1% frente al 54,4% (p = 0,0001), respectivamente. En ambos períodos la atorvastatina fue la estatina más recetada (80 mg, 6% vs. 42,7%; 40 mg, 5,1% vs. 11,1%). En el primer grupo, el uso de estatinas y de estatinas de alta intensidad se correlacionó con la hipercolesterolemia, y de forma inversa con la edad. En el segundo grupo, el uso de estatinas se correlacionó con la hipertensión y la hipercolesterolemia, y el de estatinas de alta intensidad, con la cardiopatía isquémica y, de forma inversa, con la edad.ConclusiónExiste un cambio evidente en la prescripción de estatinas al alta en pacientes con ictus isquémico. No obstante, muchos pacientes siguen infratratados y es preciso optimizar su uso. (AU)

Introduction: The role of statins after ischaemic stroke changed with the publication of the SPARCL study in 2006. We analyse how this has influenced the prescription of statins in this patient population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged with ischaemic stroke at the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain) over two periods: 1999-2001 and 2014-2016.ResultsThe study included 1575 patients: 661 (42%) were women and mean age (standard deviation) was 69 (10) years. Patients from the later period are older (68 [10] vs 71 [11]; P = .0001); include a higher proportion of women; and present higher rates of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. At discharge, statins were used in 18.7% of patients (vs 86.9% in the first period; P = .0001), with high-intensity statins prescribed in 11.1% of cases (vs 54.4%; P = .0001). In both periods, atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (80 mg: 6% vs 42.7%; 40 mg: 5.1% vs 11.1%). In the first period, the use of statins and high-intensity statins was correlated with hypercholesterolaemia, and inversely correlated with age. In the second period, statin use was correlated with hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, and high-intensity statin use was correlated with ischaemic heart disease and inversely correlated with age.ConclusionThere has been a clear change in the prescription of statins to patients with ischaemic stroke at discharge. However, many patients remain undertreated and the use of these drugs needs to be optimised. (AU)

Trends in the use of statins after ischaemic stroke: Have clinical practices changed?

INTRODUCTION: The role of statins after ischaemic stroke changed with the publication of the SPARCL study in 2006. We analyse how this has influenced the prescription of statins in this patient population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged with ischaemic stroke at the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain) over two periods: 1999-2001 and 2014-2016. RESULTS: The study included 1575 patients: 661 (42%) were women and mean age (standard deviation) was 69 (10) years. Patients from the later period are older (68 [10] vs 71 [11]; P = .0001); include a higher proportion of women; and present higher rates of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. At discharge, statins were used in 18.7% of patients (vs 86.9% in the first period; P = .0001), with high-intensity statins prescribed in 11.1% of cases (vs 54.4%; P = .0001). In both periods, atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (80 mg: 6% vs 42.7%; 40 mg: 5.1% vs 11.1%). In the first period, the use of statins and high-intensity statins was correlated with hypercholesterolaemia, and inversely correlated with age. In the second period, statin use was correlated with hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, and high-intensity statin use was correlated with ischaemic heart disease and inversely correlated with age. CONCLUSION: There has been a clear change in the prescription of statins to patients with ischaemic stroke at discharge. However, many patients remain undertreated and the use of these drugs needs to be optimised.

Incremento matutino de la presión arterial en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente: el factor olvidado / Morning blood pressure surge in patients with recent ischaemic stroke: the neglected factor

Introducción: Un incremento matutino de presión arterial (IMPA) elevado se asocia con la aparición de eventos cardiovasculares. Evaluamos la presencia de un IMPA elevado en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio casos-control. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con un ictus isquémico en los 6 meses previos y 50 pacientes hipertensos sin enfermedad cardiovascular como controles. Resultados: Se estudiaron 61 ictus lacunares (LAC) y 39 no lacunares (NLAC). La edad media fue de 65±11 años, y 60 (40%) pacientes eran mujeres. El IMPA elevado estaba presente en el 9% de los ictus (en 5 LAC y 4 NLAC) y en el 8% de los controles (p no significativa [NS]), con un valor medio similar de IMPA en ambos grupos: 23,9±14mmHg y 24,9±15mmHg respectivamente (p=NS), aunque los pacientes controles presentaron una PA más alta en consulta (sistólica [p=0,008] y diastólica [p=0,0001]), PA sistólica de 24h (p=0,028) y PA sistólica diurna (p=0,022). Entre los pacientes con ictus, un IMPA elevado se asoció con enfermedad coronaria previa (p=0,005), con el patrón circadiano de PA (p=0,029), pero no con el tratamiento antihipertensivo prescrito. En el análisis multivariante, el IMPA elevado solo se asoció con enfermedad coronaria previa (p=0,001). Conclusiones: Aproximadamente uno de cada 10 pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente presenta un IMPA elevado. Se deberían implementar estrategias para la detección y tratamiento del IMPA tras un ictus.

Introduction: High morning BP surge (MBPS) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We evaluated the presence of a high MBPS in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. Material and methods: A case-control study was carried out. One hundred patients with an ischaemic stroke in the previous 6 months and fifty hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease were included as controls. Results: 61 lacunar (LAC) and 39 non-lacunar (NLAC) strokes were studied. The mean age was 65±11 years, and 60 (40%) patients were women. High MBPS was present in 9% of strokes (in 5 LAC and 4 NLAC) and in 8% of controls (p not significant [NS]), with a similar mean value of MBPS in both groups: 23.9±14mmHg and 24.9±15mmHg respectively (p=NS), although the control patients had a higher office BP (systolic [p=.008] and diastolic [p=.0001]), 24h systolic BP (p=.028) and daytime systolic BP (p=.022). Among the stroke patients, high MBPS was associated with previous coronary heart disease (p=.005), circadian BP pattern (p=.029), but not with the type of antihypertensive treatment prescribed. In multivariate analysis, elevated MBPS was only associated with previous coronary artery disease (p=.001). Conclusions: Approximately one in ten patients with recent ischaemic stroke has a high MBPS. Strategies to detect and treat high MBPS after a stroke are needed.

[Morning blood pressure surge in patients with recent ischaemic stroke: the neglected factor]. / Incremento matutino de la presión arterial en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente: el factor olvidado.

INTRODUCTION: High morning BP surge (MBPS) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We evaluated the presence of a high MBPS in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out. One hundred patients with an ischaemic stroke in the previous 6 months and fifty hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease were included as controls. RESULTS: 61 lacunar (LAC) and 39 non-lacunar (NLAC) strokes were studied. The mean age was 65±11 years, and 60 (40%) patients were women. High MBPS was present in 9% of strokes (in 5 LAC and 4 NLAC) and in 8% of controls (p not significant [NS]), with a similar mean value of MBPS in both groups: 23.9±14mmHg and 24.9±15mmHg respectively (p=NS), although the control patients had a higher office BP (systolic [p=.008] and diastolic [p=.0001]), 24h systolic BP (p=.028) and daytime systolic BP (p=.022). Among the stroke patients, high MBPS was associated with previous coronary heart disease (p=.005), circadian BP pattern (p=.029), but not with the type of antihypertensive treatment prescribed. In multivariate analysis, elevated MBPS was only associated with previous coronary artery disease (p=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in ten patients with recent ischaemic stroke has a high MBPS. Strategies to detect and treat high MBPS after a stroke are needed.

Resistant hypertension and Morgagni hernia: The importance of nocturnal hypoxaemia

A 51-year-old woman consulted for resistant arterial hypertension despite adequate antihypertensive treatment. Physical examination and analytical study showed no relevant abnormalities, with pulse oximeter saturation of 95%. The study highlighted nocturnal respiratory polygraphy with data of mild intensity sleep apnoea syndrome, and severe nocturnal hypoxaemia (apnoea hypopnoea index per hours of sleep [AHI] 7.8; desaturation index per hour [ODI]: 12.6. Oxygen-medium saturation: 89%, minimum saturation: 72%. CT90: 34.2%). The chest X-ray showed elevation of the right hemidiaphragm, and the chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a Morgagni hernia with a maximum diameter of 20cm. After adjusting the antihypertensive treatment, the patient was referred to General Surgery for intervention. The onset of resistant hypertension secondary to severe nocturnal hypoxemia from a large Morgagni hernia has not been previously described in the literature.(AU)

Mujer de 51 años de edad que consultó por hipertensión arterial resistente, pese a tratamiento antihipertensivo adecuado. Presentaba una exploración y estudio analítico sin alteraciones relevantes, con saturación del 95% por pulsioximetría. En el estudio destacaba una poligrafía respiratoria nocturna con datos de síndrome de apnea del sueño de intensidad leve, e hipoxemia nocturna grave (índice de apneas hipopnea por horas de sueño [IAHH] 7,8; índice de desaturaciones por hora [IDH]: 12,6. Oxígeno-saturación media: 89%, saturación mínima: 72%. CT90: 34,2%). La radiografía de tórax mostró una elevación de hemidiafragma derecho, comprobándose en la tomografía computarizada (TC) torácica una hernia de Morgagni de 20 cm de diámetro máximo. Tras ajustar el tratamiento antihipertensivo, la paciente se derivó a cirugía general para su intervención. La aparición de hipertensión resistente secundaria a hipoxemia nocturna grave por una gran hernia de Morgagni no ha sido descrita previamente en la literatura.(AU)

[Hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) and stroke. A case report of a family with early-onset severe atherosclerotic disease]. / Hiperlipoproteinemia(a) e ictus. A propósito de una familia con enfermedad ateroesclerótica grave precoz.

TITLE: Hiperlipoproteinemia(a) e ictus. A propósito de una familia con enfermedad ateroesclerótica grave precoz.

Resistant hypertension and Morgagni hernia: The importance of nocturnal hypoxaemia.

A 51-year-old woman consulted for resistant arterial hypertension despite adequate antihypertensive treatment. Physical examination and analytical study showed no relevant abnormalities, with pulse oximeter saturation of 95%. The study highlighted nocturnal respiratory polygraphy with data of mild intensity sleep apnoea syndrome, and severe nocturnal hypoxaemia (apnoea hypopnoea index per hours of sleep [AHI] 7.8; desaturation index per hour [ODI]: 12.6. Oxygen-medium saturation: 89%, minimum saturation: 72%. CT90: 34.2%). The chest X-ray showed elevation of the right hemidiaphragm, and the chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a Morgagni hernia with a maximum diameter of 20cm. After adjusting the antihypertensive treatment, the patient was referred to General Surgery for intervention. The onset of resistant hypertension secondary to severe nocturnal hypoxemia from a large Morgagni hernia has not been previously described in the literature.

Utility of Doppler ultrasound for the study of ocular vascular disease.

Ocular vascular problems represent an emerging pathology within the activity of the internist. Ocular ultrasound is a widely used technique to evaluate a variety of eye conditions. Specifically, Doppler ultrasound of the ophthalmic vessels has become a very useful tool in diagnosing various eye diseases. Doppler ultrasound allows for examining blood flow in the eye even in the presence of eye opacities that impede viewing the posterior segment of the eye. In this review, we describe the principles and techniques of an ocular vascular Doppler ultrasound examination in clinical practice and provide a general approach to the ultrasound characteristics of the most important vascular eye disorders for internists. These include central retinal artery and vein occlusions, chronic retinal ischemic syndrome, anterior optic ischemic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy.