The Effect of Axial Spondyloarthritis on Mental Health: Results from the Atlas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of mental disorders in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to examine the factors associated with this. METHODS: In 2016, a sample of 680 patients with axSpA were interviewed as part of the development process for the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain. The risk of mental disorders in these patients was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire scale. Additionally, the variables associated with the risk of mental disorders were investigated, including sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, relationship, patient association membership, job status, and educational level), disease status (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, spinal stiffness, and functional limitation), and previous diagnosis of mental disorders (depression and anxiety). Bivariate correlation analyses were performed, followed by multiple hierarchical and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 45.6% patients were at risk of mental disorders. All variables except educational level and thoracic stiffness significantly correlated with risk of mental disorders. Nevertheless, disease activity, functional limitation, and age showed the highest coefficient (r = 0.543, p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.378, p ≤ 0.001; r = -0.174, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). In the stepwise regression analysis, 4 variables (disease activity, functional limitation, patient association membership, and cervical stiffness) explained the majority of the variance for the risk of mental disorders. Disease activity displayed the highest explanatory degree (R2 = 0.875, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with axSpA, the prevalence of risk of mental disorders is high. Combined with a certain sociodemographic profile, high disease activity is a good indicator of the risk for mental disorders.

[Posterior spinal instrumentation image guided and assisted by neuronavigation. Experience in 120 cases]. / Fijación vertebral posterior guiada por neuronavegación. Experiencia en 121 casos.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the results of a series of 121 cases of posterior vertebral fixation carried out from Sept 2008 to Sept 2010 using Flouro 2D-TC assisted Vector Vision o Kolibri navigator. ( Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). MATERIAL: The sample included 68 males and 53 females. Age range was 24-75 with an average of 50.35., all with indication for instrumentation by different pathologies. METHOD: Patients presenting vertebral lesions of varying ethiology and lesion level with vertebral posterior fixation indication were included in the study. All underwent a CT before surgery, according to navigation protocol, and the images obtained were merged in the navigator with those obtained in the operating room with a Flouro 2D, which allowed a high quality 3D reconstruction to be performed and thus the capacity to navigate in a real-virtual manner. To evaluate the results of the implant a post-op CT was performed and the position of the implant was defined according to the Heary scale. The calabration time of the material was also evaluated, number of shots with the Flouro-2D, and for clinical evaluation VAS scales were employed, Oswestry and JOA (L), as well as the degree of satisfaction and acceptance of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 580 screws were implanted, distributed in 62 cervicals of which 24 were in C1-C2, 38 dorsals, 370 lumbar and 110 sacral. Open surgery was performed in 42 cases, MIS in 28 and percutaneous in 51. The presision of the implant was 98.45% with a global deviation of 1.55%, that according to the Heary scale was distributed in grade ll: 2 (1 cervical, 1 lumbar) grade lll: 4 (1 cervical, 2 dorsal, 1 lumbar), grade IV: 3 (1 cervical, 2 lumbar). General average time of calibration per procedure was 2 min. 49 seconds and the mean flouroscopic exposure was one shot at cervical and dorsal and two shots at lumbar level. The clinical evaluation at one month of 121 patients was 8.6/3.0 in the VAS, 68.0% / 23.0% in Oswestry and 6.4/13.1 in JOA (L), with those parameters remaining stable at 3 months in 100 and at 6 months in 87 patients respectively, and the degree of satisfaction between being completely and very satisfied with the procedure was 94.9%, and those who would submit to another treatment was more than 94%. CONCLUSION: Navigation with Flouro-2D-CT is a high precision technique that reduces complications of varying severity according to the level operated well as number of reinterventions, radiation exposure and surgical time.

[Posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis. Experience in transarticular and interarticular fixation in 36 patients]. / artrodesis posterior C1-C2. Experiencia en fijación transarticular e interarticular en 36 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: The stabilization of C1-C2 segment has evolved with the appearance of several techniques from sublaminar, transarticular or interarticular fixation and over recent years with the introduction of neuronavegation systems. The aim of the study was to review patients treated in our center with transarticular and interarticualr fixation and compare the results obtained with both techniques. METHODS: Thirty six patients with C1-C2 instability that required a surgical fixation between 1995-2008 were retrostpectively analized. The causes of instability were principaly traumatic (18 cases) or degeneritive (16) and two cases of neoplasic lesions. In the first period (1995-2001) 20 patients were treated with transarticular fixation (Magerl's technique), and later (2002-2008) with interarticular fixation (Goel-Harms technique) in another 16 patients. Data was obtainned regarding complications, radiological evolution and clinical results (EVA pain score) and functionals (PROLO score) at 3, 6, 12 and >12 months post-op, as well as post-op cervical mobility and signs of bone fusion. A good result was considered if clinical improvement exi ted with decrease in EVA pain score > 5 points and funcional if a PROLO score > 4, regular if EVA decreased but <5 and PROLO <3 , and bad if there was no clinical or functional improvement. The results were statistically compared between both techniques. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients treated with transarticular fixation, good results were obtained in 17 cases (85%) , regular in 2 (10%), and bad in 1 (5%). Complications included 1 case of vertebral artery lesion and 3 screw misplacements, one case in contact with vertebral artery. Regarding those treated with interarticualr fixation, in 14 (89%), good results were obtained, regular in 2 (12.5%) with 1 case of screw misplacement and another of postsurgical infection. No statistical significant differences were recorded between both techniques, although in those treated with interarticular fixation there was a higher rate of bone fusion and no cases of vertebral arterial lesions were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Transarticular and interarticular C1- C2 fixation is safe and provides a high rate of good results with few complications. The introduction of neuronavigation systems can increase the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

Fijación vertebral posterior guiada por neuronavegación. Experiencia en 121 casos / Posterior spinal instrumentation image guided and assisted by neuronavigation. Experience in 120 cases

Introducción. Los autores aportan una serie de 121 casos de instrumentación vertebral posterior realizadas desde septiembre del 2008 a diciembre del 2010 mediante la utilización de Fluoro 2D y TC asistida con neuronavegador Vector Visión o Kolibri. (Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). Material. La muestra fue de 68 varones y 53 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 24 y 75 años con una media de 50,35 años, todos ellos con indicación para una instrumentación vertebral posterior por distintas patologías. Método. A todos se les realizó una TC previo al pro- cedimiento según protocolo específico de adquisición de imagen para navegación, estas se fusionaron en el navegador con las adquiridas en el quirófano con un Fluoro 2D, lo cual permitió realizar una reconstrucción de alta calidad y así poder navegar de forma real-virtual. Para valorar los resultados se realizó una TC postoperatorio y se clasificó la posición del implante según la escala tomográfica de Heary. Se valoró también el tiempo de calibración del material y número de disparos con el Fluoro-2D. Los resultados clínicos se valoraron con las escalas de VAS, Oswestry y JOA (L) así como el grado de satisfacción con el procedimiento y aceptación del mismo. Resultados. Se implantaron un total de 580 tornillos distribuidos en 62 cervicales (24 en C1-C2), 38 dorsales, 370 lumbares y 110 sacros. Se realizó cirugía abierta en 42 casos, MIS 28 y percutánea en 51. La precisión del implante fue del 98,45% con una desviación global del 1,55% que según escala de Heary se distribuyeron (..) (AU)

Introduction. The authors present the results of a series of 121 cases of posterior vertebral fixation carried out from Sept 2008 to Sept 2010 using Flouro 2D-TC assisted Vector Vision o Kolibri navigator. ( Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). Material. The sample included 68 males and 53 females. Age range was 24-75 with an average of 50.35., all with indication for instrumentation by different pathologies. Method. Patients presenting vertebral lesions of varying ethiology and lesion level with vertebral posterior fixation indication were included in the study. All under went a CT before surgery, according to navigation protocol, and the images obtained were merged in the navigator with those obtained in the operating room with a Flouro 2D, which allowed a high quality 3D reconstruction to be performed and thus the capacity to navigate in a real-virtual manner. To evaluate the results of the implant a post-op CT was performed and the position of the implant was defined according to the Heary scale. The calabration time of the material was also evaluated, number of shots with the Flouro-2D, and for clinical evaluation VAS scales were employed, Oswestry and JOA (L), as well as the degree of satisfac- tion and acceptance of the procedure. Results. A total of 580 screws were implanted, dis- tributed in 62 cervicals of which 24 were in C1-C2, 38 dorsals, 370 lumbar and 110 sacral. Open surgery was performed in 42 cases, MIS in 28 and percutaneous in 51. The presision of the implant was 98.45% with a global deviation of 1.55%, that according to the Heary scale was distributed in grade ll: 2 (1 cervical, 1 lumbar) grade lll: 4 (1 cervical, 2 dorsal, 1 lumbar), grade IV: 3 (1 cervical, 2 lumbar). General average time of calibration per procedure was 2 min. 49 seconds and the mean flo- uroscopic exposure was one shot at cervical and dorsal and two shots at (..) (AU)

[Upper cervical chondrosarcoma]. / Condrosarcoma cervical alto.

Spinal chondrosarcoma are extremely rare and slowly growing tumors. They have been reported in thoraco-lumbar spine and lower cervical spine. Our case, a female, has a tumor located in the axis with extension into C3 and then caudally to C4 as the disease progressed. We present a technical innovation in spinal stabilization and compare our result with previously reported cases.

Condrosarcoma cervical alto / Upper cervical chondrosarcoma

Los condrosarcomas espinales son tumores extremadamente raros y de crecimiento lento. Su principal localización es toraco-lumbar y cervical baja10. El caso que nosotros presentamos, una mujer, tiene un tumor localizado en la zona cervical alta C2 con extensión caudal a C3 y a lo largo de su evolución hasta C4 de predominio derecho. A pesar de haberse publicado con anterioridad1 aportamos nuevos aspectos de estabilidad cervical instrumentada y comparamos el resultado obtenido con las series publicadas

Spinal chodrosarcoma is extremely rare and slowly growing tumor. They have been reported in thoracolumbar spine and lower cervical spine10. Our case, a female, has a tumor located in the axis with extension into C3 and then caudally to C4 as the disease progressed. We present a technical innovation in spinal stabilization and compared our result with previously reported cases

Sub-galeal coiling of the proximal and distal components of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. An unusual complication and proposed mechanism.

We describe the case of a child in whom proximal migration of the peritoneal catheter and extrusion of the ventricular catheter resulted in the entire ventriculo-peritoneal shunt along with the shunt chamber (Orbis Sigma II valve) lying in a sub-galeal pocket in the occipital region in a tightly coiled fashion. This coiling was very similar in appearance to that of the pre-insertion shunt in the packaging when it is supplied; hence it is postulated that the migration was secondary to retained 'memory' of the shunt tubing. This is a rare complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, which has not been described before.

Myelodysplastic syndrome with atypical eosinophilia in association with ring chromosome 7. A case report.

The presence of morphologically abnormal eosinophils in the bone marrow and/or peripheral blood has been rarely reported as a prominent feature in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Specific chromosomal aberrations have been observed in such cases. We report a case of a 76-year-old man who presented with chronic, transfusion-dependent anemia. Peripheral blood smear analysis revealed anisocytes, mild leukopenia, and occasional hypersegmented eosinophils. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy and aspiration disclosed hypercellularity, and morphologic abnormalities within the megakaryocyte, erythroid, and myeloid series. The myeloid population was predominantly comprised of eosinophils with varying degrees of dyspoiesis. The constellation of hematologic findings were without a precise categorization according to the FAB classification of myelodysplastic syndromes. Subsequent cytogenetic techniques demonstrated a ring chromosome 7 in all 20 metaphases analyzed in cultured bone marrow cells. Eighty-five-percent of the analyzed cells showed a ring chromosome composed of both the long and short arms: r(7)(p22q36). In the remaining metaphases, the ring was composed of only the short arm: r(7)(p22q10). To our knowledge, these uncommon cytogenetic abnormalities have not been previously reported in association with MDS with morphologically atypical bone marrow or peripheral eosinophilia.

Hydroxyethyl lactamide, a dye solvent useful in vital staining.

In a search for new vital stains to reveal the microanatomy of nudibranch mollusks, the slow or very low solubility of many dyes in sea water posed a serious problem. Preliminary dissolution in tap water proved impractical. Hydroxyethyl lactamide, an odorless liquid and dye solvent was found ideal since it permits immediate attainment of saturated solutions of dyes in sea water. Since hydroxyethyl lactamide passed the severe "eolid nudibranch test" and has been found nonirritating for the very sensitive rhinophorial structures, and furthermore since it has been used by the pharmaceutical industry as a vehicle in antibiotic preparations, it appears to be an ideal universal dye solvent for general use in vital staining. It has been used extensively in unpublished research by the writer on vital staining of nudibranchs. It has a low order of physiological activity and can be regarded an essentially inert when used in vital staining.

Bone marrow histology in monoclonal macroglobulinemia.

Rywlin, Arkadi, M., Civantos, Francisco, Ortega, Rolando S., and Dominguez, Carlos J.: Bone marrow histology in monoclonal macroglobulinemiamam J Clin Pathol 63. 769-778, 1975. Histologic sections and smears of aspirated bone marrow particles in 26 cases of monoclonal macroglobulinemia were studied. The bone marrows did not show uniform histologic features. Twenty-two patients had various degrees of lymphoid infiltration of the marrow, including nodules of malignant lymphoma, diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, and normal lymphoid nodules. Four patients had no demonstrable lymphoid collections in the marrow. Additional histologic features of the marrows are summarized. A variant of a Dutcher body consisting of multiple PAS-positive inclusions that by light microscopy appear intranuclear is described. Even though the average macroglobulin levels were higher in patients with abnormal lymphoid infiltrates than in patients with noraml or no lymphoid collections, there was considerable overlap between individual patients values in the different groups. Similarly, no correlation between macroglobulin levels and other histologic features could be established. Patients with monoclonal macroglobulinemia represent a spectrum including benign monoclonal gammopathy, lymphoproliferative disorders of the marrow, nodal or extranodal lymphomas. The separation of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia by arbitrary criteria does not appear justified. (key words: Bone marrow; Monoclonal macroglobulinemia.