Hybrid operating room with ceiling mounted imaging system assisted pre-operative and intra-operative lung nodule localization for thoracoscopic resections: a 5-year case series.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resections are increasingly popular and localization techniques are necessary to aid resection. We describe our experience with hybrid operating room (OR) cone-beam computed tomography (CT) assisted pre-operative and intra-operative lesion localization of lung nodules for VATS wedge resections, including our novel workflow using the hybrid OR cone-beam CT to re-evaluate patients who have undergone pre-operative localization for those who are unsuitable for intra-operative localization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with small (≤ 20 mm), deep (≥ 10 mm distance from pleura) and/or predominantly ground-glass nodules selected for lesion localization in the Interventional Radiology suite followed by re-evaluation with cone-beam CT in the hybrid OR (pre-operative), or in the hybrid OR alone (intra-operative), prior to intentional VATS wedge performed by a single surgeon at our centre from January 2017 to December 2021. RESULTS: 30 patients with 36 nodules underwent localization. All nodules were successfully resected with a VATS wedge resection, although 10% of localizations had hookwire or coil dislodgement. The median effective radiation dose in the pre-operative group was 10.4 mSV including a median additional radiation exposure of 0.9 mSV in the hybrid OR for reconfirmation of hookwire or coil position prior to surgery (p = 0.87). The median effective radiation dose in the intra-operative group was 3.2 mSV with a higher mean rank than the intra-operative group, suggesting a higher radiation dose (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that our multidisciplinary approach utilizing the hybrid OR is safe and effective. Intra-operative localization is associated with lower radiation doses. Routine use of cone-beam CT to confirm the position of the physical marker prior to surgery in the hybrid OR helps mitigate consequences of localization failure with only a modest increase in radiation exposure.

Relapsing COVID-19 infection as a manifestation of Good syndrome: a case report and literature review.

Good syndrome (GS) is a rare acquired immunodeficiency disease characterized by the presence of thymoma with combined B and T cell immunodeficiency in adults. Recurrent bacterial infections, particularly sinopulmonary infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, remain the most common infective presentation of GS; however, relapsing viral infections have also been reported, likely due to impaired T cell-mediated immunity. Relapsing COVID-19 infection, however, has not been previously reported as a manifestation of GS. We present two cases of relapsing COVID-19 infection in patients with GS; in one case, relapsing COVID-19 was the first manifestation of newly diagnosed GS.

Detection of viable SARS-CoV-2 in deep respiratory specimens despite negative nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR: Occult COVID-19 as an unsuspected cause of pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised patients.

Background: Prolonged shedding/relapse of COVID-19 infection has been reported, particularly in patients who received anti-CD20 agents (eg. rituximab). However, cases of occult COVID-19, in which SARS-CoV-2 persistence in lung parenchyma is diagnosed despite clearance from nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens, are uncommon. Case summary: We describe two cases of occult COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients. Both patients had received rituximab previously. Both cases initially presented as ground-glass infiltrates on lung imaging; the diagnosis was originally not suspected due to repeated demonstration of negative SARS-CoV-2 from NP specimens, and alternative etiologies were originally considered. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in lung parenchyma, however, was demonstrated on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens; additionally, isolation of viable SARS-CoV-2 virus and detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike-protein antigen in lung tissue on immunohistochemistry close to 3-months from primary infection strongly suggested ongoing viral persistence and replication as a driver of the lung parenchymal changes, which resolved after antiviral treatment. Discussion: Occult COVID-19 can be a cause of unexplained ground-glass infiltrates on lung imaging; negative NP samples do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 persistence and invasive sampling must be considered. The unsuspected presence of viable virus on BAL, however, highlights that procedurists perfoming aerosol-generating-procedures during an ongoing pandemic wave must also practise appropriate infection-prevention precautions to limit potential exposure.

Idiopathic recurrent serositis-Off the beaten track.

A 63-year-old female presented with chest pain and fever, and was found to have recurrent pleuropericardial effusions. Extensive investigations including infection screen and serologies, autoimmune screen and pleural and pericardial biopsy revealed no secondary aetiologies. She was diagnosed with idiopathic recurrent serositis (IRS). Our patient developed rash to naproxen, so she was started on colchicine monotherapy and responded well clinically. A review of the literature demonstrated that pleuropericardial effusions are rare occurrences, with patients occasionally being perceived as a medical enigma. This case study recommends an approach to guide physicians in their diagnosis and management of patients with pleuropericardial syndrome. Our case had an inflammatory phenotype, either autoimmune or seronegative serositis of unclear aetiology, which was recurrent and required pharmacological treatment. While the treatment for IRS lies in combined therapy with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine, monotherapy with colchicine was effective in the treatment and preventing recurrence in our unique case.

Reactivation of Chagas disease after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is a protozoan zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Reactivation of CD occurs via drug-induced immunosuppression before and during transplantation. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with classic Hodgkin lymphoma who received highly aggressive conditioning chemotherapy before undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). The patient tested positive for CD in pre-transplantation evaluation. The patient exhibited persistent fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels before and after SCT, and was treated with antibiotics. Micro-Strout test showed evidence of trypomastigotes and he was treated with benznidazole until tested negative. Post-transplantation seropositive patients should be screened for possible reactivation.

Reactivation of Chagas disease after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Chagas disease (CD) is a protozoan zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Reactivation of CD occurs via drug-induced immunosuppression before and during transplantation. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with classic Hodgkin lymphoma who received highly aggressive conditioning chemotherapy before undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). The patient tested positive for CD in pre-transplantation evaluation. The patient exhibited persistent fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels before and after SCT, and was treated with antibiotics. Micro-Strout test showed evidence of trypomastigotes and he was treated with benznidazole until tested negative. Post-transplantation seropositive patients should be screened for possible reactivation.

Sarcopenia and frailty in older adults hospitalized in internal medicine wards / Sarcopenia y fragilidad en adultos mayores hospitalizados en salas medicina interna

Abstract Introduction: sarcopenia and frailty are mutual risk clinical syndromes and adverse outcome indicators. There are currently no data in Latin America regarding the prevalence of these conditions in hospitalized patients. Objective: to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients age 65 and older with sarcopenia in internal medicine wards. Materials and methods: an observational, descriptive, prospective cross-sectional study, including men and women age 65 and older. The EWGSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) and PRISMA 7 criteria were applied to determine sarcopenia and frailty, respectively. Results: out of 124 patients, 41.13% had sarcopenia, 34.68% had frailty and 18.55% had both. The median age was 74; 50.8% were women and 49.2% men. Conclusion: sarcopenia and frailty are highly prevalent in our population, with higher figures than those reported in the available literature. Subsequent studies may determine the effect of these conditions on clinical outcomes and costs. (Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1242)

Resumen Introducción: la sarcopenia y la fragilidad son síndromes clínicos de riesgo mutuo e indicadores de desenlaces adversos. Actualmente no hay datos en Latinoamérica sobre la prevalencia de estas condiciones en pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y características clínicas de los pacientes de 65 años o más con sarcopenia en salas de medicina interna. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal. Incluyó hombres y mujeres de 65 años o más. Se aplicaron criterios de la EWGSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) y PRISMA 7 para la determinación de sarcopenia y fragilidad respectivamente. Resultados: de 124 pacientes, 41.13% tenían sarcopenia, 34.68% fragilidad y las dos condiciones 18.55%. La mediana de edad fue 74 años, 50.8% mujeres y 49.2% hombres. Conclusión: la sarcopenia y la fragilidad tienen una alta prevalencia en nuestra población, cifras superiores a las reportadas en la literatura disponible. Estudios posteriores podrán determinar el efecto de estas condiciones en desenlaces clínicos y costos. (Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1242).

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with refractory seropositive myasthenia gravis: A case report.

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by fatigable weakness of skeletal muscles that results from an antibody-mediated immunological attack directed at acetylcholine postsynaptic receptors. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered as a treatment option in refractory cases of myasthenia gravis. A 56-year-old Colombian male presented with six months of progressive hoarseness and dysphagia, with a positive repetitive stimulation test suggestive of end plate neuromuscular disease. Myasthenia gravis was confirmed with serology testing that reported presence of circulating acetylcholine postsynaptic receptors antibodies. The patient received several lines of pharmacological treatment and thymectomy without control of symptoms, requiring admission to the intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation in two occasions. Patient underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and has been in complete clinical remission for 65 months. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well-tolerated treatment that should be considered over conventional therapy in selected patients with refractory myasthenia gravis.

Terapia secuencial: una opción en el paciente hemofílico que no responde al manejo con monoterapia con agentes puente, estudio observacional del GrHeCol (Grupo Hemofilia Colombia) / Sequential therapy: an option for hemophiliac patients not responding to monotherapy with bypassing agents. Observational study of the GrHeCol (Grupo Hemofilia Colombia)

RESUMEN Introducción: la hemofilia A y B severa son condiciones que predisponen al sangrado espontáneo. Una de las complicaciones de la terapia con concentrados de factores de coagulación es el desarrollo de anticuerpos o inhibidores contra los factores VIII o IX. El tratamiento en casos de inhibidores de título alto, para el control de la hemorragia, es la administración de agentes puente como el complejo protrombínico activado y Factor VII recombinante activado. La respuesta a cada uno de ellos no es predecible, en algunos casos puede ser necesario el uso de la terapia secuencial cuando esta estrategia falla. Objetivo: reportar cinco casos de hemofilia A severa e inhibidores de título alto con sangrado severo, sin respuesta clínica con monoterapia y que recibieron terapia secuencial. Métodos: estudio multicéntrico, descriptivo, observacional. Las variables cualitativas se presentan con frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y las cuantitativas se resumen con medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: cuatro pacientes evaluados que aportaron cinco eventos, la mediana de edad 20 años; mediana de días de monoterapia 10; 8,6 días de terapia secuencial, tiempo a resolver el sangrado cuatro días. Ausencia de complicaciones trombóticas. Conclusiones: la terapia secuencial es una opción para aquellos pacientes que no responden a la monoterapia y requieren control hemostático. En los cinco casos reportados, la terapia secuencial logró controlar el sangrado sin complicaciones.

SUMMARY Introduction and objectives: Patients diagnosed with severe hemophilia are at risk of developing inhibitors of low or high title, being the treatment of choice for this latter group of patients the immune tolerance therapy (ITI). In cases where the immune tolerance fails or presents bleeding events, we can use activated prothrombin complex (APCC) or Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa); however, patients may fail to these agents as monotherapy. The aim of this paper is to report five cases of severe hemophilia and high titer inhibitors with mayor bleeding, which fail to respond to monotherapy and required sequential therapy. Methods: Case report study, qualitative variables are presented as absolute and relative frequencies and quantitative are summarized with measures of central tendency. Results: Five patients with median age 20 years; monotherapy treatment with median 10 days; 8.6 days of sequential therapy, time to control the bleeding: 4 days. There were no thrombotic complications. Conclusions: Sequential therapy is an option for patients who do not respond to monotherapy and requires hemostatic control. In all the cases of this report, the patients were responsive with bleeding control.

Prevalencia de los trastornos del sueño en niños escolares de Sabaneta, Colombia, 2005 / Prevalence of sleep disorders in school children from Sabaneta, Colombia 2005

El sueño es una de las funciones básicas en la vida del niño y condición esencial para el estado de alerta diurno, por tanto su alteración influye negativamente sobre su desarrollo yel bienestar de la familia. Los trastornos del sueño son muy comunes durante la niñez, la Academia Americana de Pediatría en 2001 informó una tasa global de 20% a 30%. Sin embargo,en Colombia han sido escasamente estudiados. Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño en niños escolares del municipio de Sabaneta, los antecedentes familiaresy las características sociodemográficas asociadas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de observación descriptivo, aleatorizado y de corte transversal donde se analizaron los resultadosobtenidos de 296 cuestionarios diligenciados por los padres de niños pertenecientes a colegios de las áreas urbana y rural del municipio. Dicho cuestionario contenía criteriosclínicos para la clasificación de los trastornos del sueño según el DSM-IV. Resultados: la prevalencia de los diferentes trastornos del sueño fue como sigue: ronquido 39,2%;somniloquia 35,1%; bruxismo 33,1%; apnea obstructiva del sueño 16,9; colecho 16,9%; insomnio 14,9%; pesadillas 12,8%; enuresis 9,5%; sonambulismo 7,4%; despertares nocturnos 7,4%; terrores nocturnos 6,1%; resistencia/miedo a dormir 4,1%. Los despertares nocturnos fueronsignificativamente más frecuentes en niños de estratos socioeconómicos altos (IC: 0,19-0,97); la enuresis lo fue en varones (IC: 0,14-0,96) y las pesadillas lo fueron en niños mayores de 9años (IC: 0,24-0,91). Conclusión: la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño en la población escolar del municipio de Sabaneta es alta y similar a la reportada en otros países. Estos resultados deben incentivar a los padres de familia y pediatras a estar alerta para poderhacer un diagnóstico precoz, que evite complicaciones a largo plazo de un trastorno de sueño no tratado.

Sleep is one of the basic needs in a child’s life and it is essential for day time alert state. Any sleep disturbancehas a negative impact on the child’s development, his/her own well-being and that of the family. Sleep disorders are common in childhood. The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics showed in 2001 a prevalence of 20-30%. In Colombia these disorders have not been well investigated. Objective: to find out the prevalence of sleep disorders in schoolchildren of Sabaneta, Colombia,as well as their medical histories and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: an observational, descriptive, randomized, cross sectional studywas carried out, based on the results of 296 questionnaires answered by parents. DSM-IV criteria for the classification of sleep disorders were included in the questionnaire. Results: prevalence of the various disorders was as follows: snoring 39.2%; sleeptalking disorder 35.1%; bruxism 33.1%; obstructive sleep apnea 16.9%; cosleeping 16.9%; insomnia 14.9%;nightmares 12.8%; enuresis 9.5%; sleep walking disorder 7.4%; night awakenings 7.4%; night terrors6.1%; fear to fall asleep 4.1%. Enuresis was significantly more frequent in males (CI: 0.14-0.96), night awakenings in children from higher socioeconomicstrata (CI: 0.19-0.97), and nightmares in those older than 9 years (CI: 0.24-0.91). Conclusion: sleep disorders are frequent in the studied group; theirprevalence is similar to that reported from other countries. These results should motivate parents andpediatricians in order to make early diagnosis and, therefore, to avoid long-term complications.