The Relationship Between Anti-SSA-52 and Interstitial Lung Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess whether a relationship between anti-SSA-52 and interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be further defined, and to enhance screening, detection, and potentially guide treatment. METHODS: A historical cohort study of 201 patients was conducted at a single tertiary care center between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. All included patients were anti-SSA-52 antibody positive. Chart review was performed for laboratory values, symptoms, pulmonary function tests, treatment, and imaging. Chest computed tomographies were reviewed by chest radiologists. RESULTS: Among anti-SSA-52 antibody-positive patients, ILD was found in 125 (62.2%) compared with 76 (37.8%) with no ILD (p = 0.001). For those with ILD, 78 (62.4%) were diagnosed with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated ILD, 28 (22.4%) were diagnosed ILD only, and 19 (15.2%) met the criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. In patients with CTD-ILD, 18 (23.0%) had their ILD diagnosis made over 6 months before a CTD diagnosis, and an additional 43 (55.1%) had their ILD and CTD diagnosed within 6 months of each other (p < 0.001). Common computed tomography patterns were nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/organizing pneumonia overlap in 44 (35.2%), 25 (20.0%) nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and 15 (12%) usual interstitial pneumonia. Twenty-eight (35.9%) had antisynthetase syndrome, followed by 16 (20.5%) with dermatomyositis, 10 (12.8%) with CTD overlap, and 6 (7.7%) with systemic scleroderma. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between anti-SSA-52 antibodies and ILD across a wide spectrum of rheumatological diagnoses. A significant portion of patients were diagnosed with ILD either at the same time or before their CTD diagnosis. Further study will be needed to assess effective treatment and response.

Thoracic Complications of Liver-Directed Therapy and Interventions.

ABSTRACT: Liver-directed percutaneous and endovascular therapies are effective methods to diagnose and treat various hepatic disorders and malignancies. Because of the close anatomic proximity of the liver to the right hemidiaphragm, pleura, and lung bases, complications can arise involving these structures. Although they are rare, awareness of intrathoracic complications associated with liver-directed therapies and their imaging features will ensure timely detection and management. We aim to review the clinical and imaging features of thoracic complications related to liver-directed therapy and interventions.

Imaging modalities (MRI, CT, PET/CT), indications, differential diagnosis and imaging characteristics of cystic mediastinal masses: a review.

Cystic mediastinal masses have traditionally represented a diagnostic dilemma with differentiation of malignant masses a particular area of concern. Each imaging modality has strengths and weaknesses in mediastinal imaging-computed tomography (CT) offers increased spatial resolution at the cost of poorer soft tissue differentiation and requiring ionizing radiation, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast/characterization at significantly greater cost. Ultrasound offers real-time visualization but is operator and tissue dependent. [18F]fluoro-D-glucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (F-18 FDG PET) CT provides functional information, but poorer spatial resolution. Recent advances have focused upon the use of magnetic resonance imaging to aid in characterization of cystic mediastinal lesions, particularly in the context of indeterminate CT findings. The mediastinum may be divided into three anatomic compartments: prevascular, visceral, and paravertebral. All three compartments extend superiorly from the thoracic inlet and inferiorly to the diaphragm. These compartments provide a useful framework for categorizing normal and pathologic mediastinal processes. In this article, we will review the imaging characteristics of mediastinal cystic lesions via a case-based review divided by anatomical mediastinal compartments. Characteristic imaging features and troubleshooting are particular areas of focus. Normal variants that may mimic cystic pathology are discussed. The roles of CT and MRI will be emphasized. Cases from our institution are presented as illustrative examples.

Invasive Nocardiosis Versus Colonization at a Tertiary Care Center: Clinical and Radiological Characteristics.

Objective: To describe the clinical and radiographic findings in a large cohort of patients with positive cultures for Nocardia emphasizing the differences between invasive disease and colonization. Patients and Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 133 patients with a positive Nocardia isolate between August 1, 1998, and November 30, 2018, and a computed tomography (CT) of the chest within 30 days before or after the bacteria isolation date. Results: Patients with colonization were older (71 vs 65 years; P=.004), frequently with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (56.8% vs 16.9%; P<.001) and coronary artery disease (47.7% vs 27%, P=.021), and had Nocardia isolated exclusively from lung specimens (100% vs 83.1%; P=.003). On CT of the chest, they had frequent airway disease (84.1% vs 51.7%; P<.001). Patients with invasive nocardiosis had significantly (P<.05) more diabetes, chronic kidney disease, solid organ transplant, use of corticosteroids, antirejection drugs, and prophylactic sulfa. They had more fever (25.8% vs 2.3%; P<.001), cutaneous lesions (14.6% vs 0%; P=.005), fatigue (18% vs 0%; P=.001), pulmonary nodules (52.8% vs 27.3%; P=.006), and free-flowing pleural fluid (63.6% vs 29.4%; P=.024). The patterns of nodule distribution were different-diffuse for invasive nocardiosis and peribronchiolar for Nocardia colonization. Conclusion: The isolation of Nocardia in sputum from a patient with respiratory symptoms does not equal active infection. Only by combining clinical and chest CT findings, one could better differentiate between invasive nocardiosis and Nocardia colonization.

Leptospira Infection in Rural Areas of Urabá Region, Colombia: A Prospective Study.

The objective of this study was to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of Leptospira seroprevalence and seroincidence and its associated factors in two municipalities of northwest Colombia. A prospective study was performed in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia. The study enrolled 597 people between November 2015 and January 2016, of which 274 were followed up 1 year later. Serologic testing was performed by a microscopic agglutination. The outcomes were seroprevalent and seroincident cases, and the primary exposure was an outdoor occupation. A binary and mixed-effect multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate factors associated with seroprevalent or seroincident cases of Leptospira infection. The overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 27.81% (95% confidence interval: 23.62-32.49), and the overall cumulative seroincidence for Leptospira was 14.60% (95% confidence interval: 10.33-20.23). Multivariable analysis showed that factors associated with L. interrogans serogroups seropositivity were outdoor occupation, male gender, older age, the presence of dirt floor in the household, and the presence of piglets and opossums. It also showed that factors associated with other Leptospira species serogroups were the presence of pit latrines and of turkeys. In addition, the multivariable model of seroincident cases of L. interrogans serogroups evidenced outdoor occupations, the presence of rats, and corn cultivation as risk factors. Likewise, the multivariable model for seroincident cases of other Leptospira species showed that the presence of hunting canines and cassava cultivation were risk factors. We found specific factors associated with the transmission of Leptospira serogroups contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology of Leptospira infection in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia.

Sedación administrada por médicos generales para procedimientos endoscópicos de baja complejidad: experiencia en una unidad de endoscopia de una clínica de alta complejidad en Cali / Sedation Administered by General Practitioners for Low Complexity Endoscopic Procedures: Experience in an Endoscopy Unit of a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Cali

Resumen Objetivos: en Colombia se ha venido implementando la sedación por médicos no anestesiólogos para procedimientos endoscópicos fuera del quirófano. Se describió la experiencia en la unidad de gastroenterología de una clínica de alto nivel de atención en Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, de tipo cohorte analítica para describir la frecuencia y el tipo de eventos adversos asociados a los procedimientos de sedación por médicos generales, y evaluar los factores asociados a su ocurrencia en pacientes que acudieron a la unidad de endoscopia de la Fundación Valle del Lili para la realización de estudios endoscópicos bajo sedación intravenosa que, por ser de bajo riesgo, fue aplicada por un médico no anestesiólogo entre noviembre de 2018 y junio de 2019. Se realizó análisis descriptivo, se calcularon mediana y rango intercuartílico para las variables numéricas, y frecuencias para las variables cualitativas. Resultados: se incluyeron 1506 participantes, 59,4 % ASA I y 40,6 % ASA II. En promedio, la dosis inicial de propofol fue de 60 mg y la dosis total, de 140 mg. Se registraron eventos adversos no serios en 46 pacientes (3,05 %) y el más común fue la desaturación transitoria (80,4 %). Ningún paciente presentó eventos adversos serios. El puntaje inicial promedio de la escala de Aldrete fue 8, mientras que al alta el puntaje promedio fue de 10. Conclusiones: la sedación para procedimientos endoscópicos dada por médicos no anestesiólogos es segura, siempre y cuando sea realizado por personal entrenado que realice una adecuada valoración de los antecedentes (cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y neurológicos) y factores de riesgo del paciente dentro del marco de los lineamientos institucionales vigentes.

Abstract Objectives: in Colombia, sedation by non-anesthesiologists for endoscopic procedures outside the operating room has been implemented. A description of an experience in the gastroenterology unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Cali, Colombia, was conducted. Materials and methods: an analytical cohort observational study to describe the frequency and type of adverse events associated with sedation procedures performed by general practitioners and evaluate the factors related to their occurrence in patients who attended the endoscopy unit of Fundación Valle del Lili for endoscopic studies under intravenous sedation. Between November 2018 and June 2019, non-anesthesiologist physicians performed this procedure due to the minimal risk implied. A descriptive analysis was completed, and the median and interquartile range were calculated for numerical variables and frequencies for qualitative variables. Results: There were 1506 participants, 59.4% ASA I and 40.6% ASA II in this study. On average, the starting dose of propofol was 60 mg, and the total dose was 140 mg. Forty-six patients (3.05%) reported non-severe adverse events; the most common occurrence was transient desaturation (80.4%). No patients experienced severe adverse events. The average initial Aldrete scale score was 8, while at discharge, the average score was 10. Conclusions: sedation for endoscopic procedures performed by non-anesthesiologists is safe provided that it is performed by trained personnel conducting a correct assessment of the patient's (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological) history and risk factors within the framework of the current institutional guidelines.

Atypical Causes of Dyspnea: A Review of Neuromuscular and Chest Wall Disorders that Compromise Ventilation.

Dyspnea is a common presenting symptom among patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. However, several neuromuscular and chest wall conditions are often overlooked and under-recognized causes of dyspnea. These disorders frequently adversely affect the structure and function of the ventilatory pump (diaphragm, accessory muscles of ventilation) and can precipitate respiratory failure despite normal lung parenchyma. Weakened musculature impairs clearance of airway secretions leading to aspiration and pneumonia, further compromising respiratory function. Radiologists should be aware of the pathophysiology and imaging manifestations of these conditions and might suggest them to be causes of dyspnea which otherwise may not have been considered by referring clinicians.

Age Under 30 Years As a Predictor of Poor Survival in a Cohort of Mexican Women With Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Young women under 30 years with breast cancer (BC) are an emerging challenge. The purpose is to identify prognostic factors for survival in young women under 30 years of age with BC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women younger than or equal to 40 years with BC and who were treated at the State Cancer Center during the period 2012-2017. Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessed survival predictors using Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: 282 young women were included. The >30-year-old subgroup showed a significant association with excess weight (P = .002) compared to the <30-year-old group. The <30-year-old subgroup showed a poor overall survival (56.7%), as well as highly significant values in advanced clinical stages, metastatic nodules, metastasis, and neoadjuvant therapy (P < .001). In Model 3 of the multivariate analysis, age <30 years (HR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.1 to 8.6), triple negative subtype (HR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.0), tumor size >5 cm HR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.03 to 5.1), and advanced clinical stages (HR = 6.6 95% CI 1.3 to 35.5) persisted as predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Being very young (<30 years) is a predictor for limited survival compared to the age of 30-40 years, as well as the tumor covariates for a worse prognosis: triple negative subtype, advanced stages, positive lymph nodes, and distant metastases in liver.

Epidemiology of Rickettsial Infection in the Municipality of Uramita, Colombia.

This study aimed to analyze epidemiological indicators related to seroprevalent and seroincident cases of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and to identify housing conditions related to tick infestation. A prospective study (2016-2018) was conducted to examine rickettsial seropositivity in humans, domestic animals, and wild mammals in the municipality of Uramita, Antioquia, Colombia, where a previous Rickettsia rickettsii outbreak was reported from 2014 to 2015. The seroprevalence and its associated factors were estimated at baseline, and the seroincidence and its risk factors for humans were estimated 20 months later. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to evaluate the housing conditions linked to tick infestation. The SFGR seroprevalence was 26.70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.79-31.37), and the factors associated with SFGR seropositivity were male sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [PRa], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.19-2.32), age (evaluated in 5-year increments) (PRa, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09), and household proximity (PRascattered vs. very near=3.87; 95% CI, 1.12-8.66). The overall seroincidence was 7.40% (95% CI, 4.71-11.06), and the factors associated with SFGR seroincident cases were the presence of wild animals (adjusted relative risk [RRa], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.06-4.72) and the presence of trees in the peri-domiciliary area (RRa, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23-0.94). The prevalence of house tick infestation was 27.81% (95% CI, 21.93-34.80), and the factors associated with infestation were dirt floors (PRa, 5.88; 95% CI, 2.28-10.31), fiber cement roofs (PRa, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.07-2.83), and the presence of canines in peri-domiciliary or intra-domiciliary areas (PRa, 5.05; 95% CI, 3.31-7.19). Seropositivity rates for canines and opossums were 35.62% (26/73) and 100% (6/6), respectively. Identification of these factors will help to implement efficient surveillance programs in Colombia.

Characteristics of healthy behavior in Mexican women who survived breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess diet and lifestyle by designing a healthy behavior index (HBI) related to the educational level and time of breast cancer (BC) diagnosis. METHODS: 241 female breast cancer survivors treated at Centro Estatal de Cancerología (State Cancer Center) in Mexico were assessed based on dietary pattern, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, body size and shape, sleep disorders with increasing scores that represent less healthy characteristics. The odds ratios (OR) and quartiles of the healthy behavior index and the time of diagnosis were estimated. The regression model was used to assess the association between HBI and the BC covariates. RESULTS: The healthy behavior index for the two first quartiles was that of p < 0.001. The graphic behavior of correspondence with the covariates (age, schooling and moderate physical activity) showed a different three-dimensional effect on healthy behaviors. According to diagnosis time ≤ three years, the following covariates were significant: socioeconomic status, (OR: 4.34 CI 95% 1.2-9.5), sleep disturbances (p = 020) and protective intake of fruits and vegetables (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, survivors with a high level of education are significantly more likely to show a healthy behavior (OR: 0.3 95% CI 0.12 - 0.8); as well as the early clinical stages (OR: 0.4 95% CI 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSION: In breast cancer survivors, both the high level of education and early clinical stages were important healthy behavior modifiers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Since diets are potentially modifiable, the findings may have further implications to promote a careful dietary pattern to prevent breast cancer. These variables should be assessed as a strategy in cancer survivor preventive programs.

Adaptation and performance of a mobile application for early detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Detection and management of neglected tropical diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis present unmet challenges stemming from their prevalence in remote, rural, resource constrained areas having limited access to health services. These challenges are frequently compounded by armed conflict or illicit extractive industries. The use of mobile health technologies has shown promise in such settings, yet data on outcomes in the field remain scarce. METHODS: We adapted a validated prediction rule for the presumptive diagnosis of CL to create a mobile application for use by community health volunteers. We used human-centered design practices and agile development for app iteration. We tested the application in three rural areas where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic and an urban setting where patients seek medical attention in the municipality of Tumaco, Colombia. The application was assessed for usability, sensitivity and inter-rater reliability (kappa) when used by community health volunteers (CHV), health workers and a general practitioner, study physician. RESULTS: The application was readily used and understood. Among 122 screened cases with cutaneous ulcers, sensitivity to detect parasitologically proven CL was >95%. The proportion of participants with parasitologically confirmed CL was high (88%), precluding evaluation of specificity, and driving a high level of crude agreement between the app and parasitological diagnosis. The chance-adjusted agreement (kappa) varied across the components of the risk score. Time to diagnosis was reduced significantly, from 8 to 4 weeks on average when CHV conducted active case detection using the application, compared to passive case detection by health facility-based personnel. CONCLUSIONS: Translating a validated prediction rule to a mHealth technology has shown the potential to improve the capacity of community health workers and healthcare personnel to provide opportune care, and access to health services for underserved populations. These findings support the use of mHealth tools for NTD research and healthcare.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis Patients: Comparison With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) may involve the kidney, respiratory tract, skin, or central and peripheral nervous system. Reports of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in AAV (AAV-ILD) have been increasing. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients with AAV-ILD between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, and compared their pulmonary involvement to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). RESULTS: We identified 24 patients with AAV-ILD: 14 with microscopic polyangiitis, 8 with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and 2 with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Perinuclear or myeloperoxidase ANCA was present in 16 cases (66.7%), whereas cytoplasmic or proteinase 3 ANCA was positive in 8 (33.3%). Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was seen in 11 (45.8%), probable UIP in 1 (4.2%), indeterminate UIP in 2 (8.3%), and an alternate diagnosis in 10 (41.7%), and was further characterized as chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like pattern seen in 6 (25%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia-like pattern in 3 (12.5%), and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia-like pattern in 1 (4.2%). Forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity declined over time in patients with AAV-ILD. When compared with the IPF cohort, patients with AAV-ILD had intermediate survival and speed of lung function decline (3-year survival in AAV-ILD group was 94% vs 69% in IPF). CONCLUSIONS: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis ILD is a progressive and potentially fatal condition. Although most cases in the literature are associated with p-ANCA and positive myeloperoxidase, we found that a third of patients had c-ANCA or granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Our cohort adds experience in this rare manifestation of AAV.

Smooth Muscle Conditions of the Chest: A Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Review.

Smooth muscle conditions of the chest have diverse clinical and imaging manifestations and may involve nearly every thoracic structure. Differentiation among these conditions requires the integration of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data. Histologic examination in conjunction with immunohistochemistry is essential for differentiation from other spindle cell neoplastic mimics. Familiarity with these entities will ensure the inclusion of smooth muscle conditions in the differential diagnosis of thoracic soft tissue lesions and potentially guide the clinician in appropriate management. We review the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of thoracic smooth muscle-related conditions organized by the anatomic structures affected.

Three-dimensional printing facilitates surgical planning for resection of an atypical cardiac myxoma.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxomas are common and account for 50% of primary intracardiac tumors. Atypical locations of cardiac myxoma increase the risk of intraoperative iatrogenic injuries. Herein, we report a case of using three-dimensional printing (3D) to facilitate the removal of an atypical cardiac myxoma in a 63-year-old woman. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mass in the high posterior atrial septum was confirmed through imaging. Due to the potential involvement of the mass to surrounding vital structures, 3D printing of the cardiac mass was performed. The tumor was completely resected via median sternotomy and the resulting defect was repaired with the bovine pericardium. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course except for the development of sick sinus syndrome. One-year follow-up showed no tumor recurrent. CONCLUSION: 3D printing technology in patients with atypical cardiac tumors enhances our understanding of the extent of the tumor invasion and facilitates planning the operation to avoid intraoperative complications.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in Chagas' disease: a parallel with electrophysiologic studies.

Chagas' disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is the leading cause of cardiac disability from infectious diseases in Central and South America. The disease progresses through an extended, asymptomatic form characterized by latency without clinical manifestations into a symptomatic form with cardiac and gastro-intestinal manifestations. In the terminal phase, chronic Chagas' myocarditis results in extensive myocardial fibrosis, chamber enlargement with aneurysms and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has proven useful in characterizing myocardial fibrosis (MF). Sub-epicardial and mid-wall fibrosis are less common patterns of MF in CHD than transmural scar, which resembles myocardial infarction. Commonly involved areas of MF include the left ventricular apex and basal infero-lateral wall, suggesting a role for watershed ischemia in the pathophysiology of MF. Electrophysiology studies have helped refine the relationship between MF and VT in this setting. This article reviews the patterns of MF in CHD and correlate these patterns with electrogram patterns to predict risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.

Descripción clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en una clínica de cuarto nivel en Cali / Clinical-epidemiological description of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a fourth level clinic in Cali

Resumen Introducción: en América Latina, la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) es poco frecuente y la información, limitada. Se describieron características de los pacientes con EII en una unidad de gastroenterología de una clínica de alto nivel de atención en Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de pacientes que consultaron con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Crohn (EC) o colitis ulcerativa (CU) a la Clínica Fundación Valle del Lili entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2015. Se realizó un análisis con Statistical Package for the Social Sciences de IBM (SPSS) versión 19, se calcularon la mediana y el rango intercuartílico para las variables numéricas, y frecuencias para las variables cualitativas. Resultados: se incluyeron 416 participantes, 115 con EC y 301 con CU. El 41 % se clasificó como enfermedad leve, 23,5 % moderada y 35,3 % grave. Se realizó cirugía a 24 pacientes (9,0 %) con CU y 53 (46,1 %) con EC. En esta última, el manejo más frecuente fue los medicamentos biológicos (32,2 %), seguidos de inmunomoduladores (27,8 %), esteroides (20 %) y ácido 5-aminosalicílico (5-ASA) (11,3 %). El tratamiento más frecuente de CU fue 5-ASA (84,8 %), seguido de esteroides (32,19 %), azatioprina (24,6 %) y biológicos (15,9 %). Conclusiones: el diagnóstico precoz sigue siendo un reto. La gravedad de la CU en los pacientes estudiados fue menor a la reportada en el mundo, lo cual no ocurrió con los pacientes con EC y podría estar en relación con el retraso diagnóstico. El uso de medicamentos biológicos se acercó a lo reportado en el primer mundo. Es difícil determinar si las menores tasas de cirugía se deben a una mejor respuesta clínica o a un difícil acceso a estas intervenciones.

Abstract Objectives: In Latin America, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare, and information about it is limited. This article describes characteristics of IBD patients in a gastroenterology unit at a high-level clinic in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive study of patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) at the Clínica Fundación Valle de Lili between January 2011 and December 2015. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 19. Medians and interquartile ranges were calculated for numerical variables. Frequencies were calculated for qualitative variables. Results: The 416 participants included 115 with CD and 301 with UC. Of the total cases, 41% were classified as mild, 23.5% as moderate and 35.3% as severe. Surgery was performed in 24 patients (9.0%) with UC and 53 (46.1%) with CD. CD was most frequently managed with biologicals (32.2%), followed by immunomodulators (27.8%), steroids (20%) and 5-ASA (11.3%). The most frequent treatment for UC was 5-ASA (84.8%), but 32.19% received steroids, 24.6% received azathioprine and 15.9% received biologicals. Conclusions: Early diagnosis remains a challenge. The severity of UC but not CD in the patients studied was less than that reported elsewhere in the world. The difference could be related to diagnostic delay. The use of biologicals was close to that reported in the first world. It is difficult to determine if lower surgery rates are due to better clinical response or to difficult access to these interventions.

Signs of Increased Intrapericardial Pressure on Chest Computed Tomography: Pictorial Review With Echocardiography, Cardiac Computed Tomography, and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation.

We sought to describe incidental imaging features of increased intrapericardial pressure due to pericardial effusion on chest computed tomography (CT) and correlate them with cardiac CT, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography. It is important for the radiologist to become familiar with imaging findings of increased intrapericardial pressure in the setting of pericardial effusion when identified on chest CT. Recognizing the imaging findings of increased intrapericardial pressure can better guide the care of these patients.

Infected ("Mycotic") coronary artery aneurysm: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Infected coronary artery aneurysms (ICAA) represent a rare but potentially fatal complication of pre-existent atherosclerotic or non-atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary artery intervention, endocarditis or extracardiac infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of four cases in addition to 51 infected coronary artery aneurysms from the literature, for a total of 55 ICAA was performed. Clinical and morphological information including age, sex, clinical presentation, microbial cultures, size, location and associated abnormalities as well as patient outcome was reviewed. RESULTS: 83% of affected patients were adult males, with an average age of 55.24 years. The right coronary artery was the most commonly affected vessel (40%). In nearly 80% of the time, the responsible organism was either Staphylococcus aureus (53.3%), or Streptococcus (20%) infection. ICAA are typically large, on average 3.4 cm in diameter and can measure up to 9 cm. On contrast enhanced CT, imaging features include lobulated contour or saccular shape (54.2%) with thick wall or mural thrombus (87.5%). Associated abnormal appearance of the pericardium with either pericardial fluid, thickening or loculation is common (79.2%). CONCLUSION: ICAA are typically large, and characterized by a thick wall with a lobulated or saccular shape. Association with mediastinal, chest wall or pericardial abnormalities are common. This combination of findings, in the setting of fever, known infection, or recent coronary intervention should raise concern for ICAA.

Does FMI Correlate Better than BMI with the Occurrence of Metabolic Changes in Obese Patients? Study Based on 2007 Consecutive Mexican Patients.

BACKGROUND: The body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used anthropometric indicator. However, it does not discern among the different body components. The body fat content, expressed as fat mass index (FMI), is an accurate way to estimate adiposity. Since most metabolic diseases are associated with excess fat tissue, our aims were to comparatively analyze the frequency of associated metabolic abnormalities in patients with different obesity degrees based on BMI and FMI and to determine the best cut-off value of both indicators to predict metabolic abnormalities. METHODS: From a cohort of 2007 patients, BMI and FMI were calculated using DXA. Individuals were classified into the different obesity degrees according to the reference ranges from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A comparative analysis between BMI, FMI, and their correlation to the presence of metabolic alterations was performed. RESULTS: BMI underestimated the degree of obesity when compared with FMI. Spearman's rank-order correlation for both indexes resulted in very high coefficients (rho Spearman's = 0.857; p = 0.0001). The prevalence of metabolic alterations increased as BMI and FMI also increased. Despite the high positive statistical correlation between BMI and FMI, it was seen that some comorbidities were more specifically related to one particular index. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between the BMI and the FMI for predicting the degree of obesity. Likewise, there were no significant differences between them for the prediction of metabolic alterations.