Análisis de recursos asistenciales para el ictus en España en 2012: ¿beneficios de la Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud? / Analysis of stroke care resources in Spain in 2012: Have we benefitted from the Spanish Health System’s stroke care strategy?

Introducción: La Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud (EISNS) fue un documento de consenso entre las distintas administraciones y sociedades científicas que se desarrolló con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso asistencial y garantizar la equidad territorial. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los recursos asistenciales existentes y si se había cumplido el objetivo de la EISNS. Material y métodos: La encuesta sobre los recursos disponibles se realizó por un comité de neurólogos de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA), los cuales también realizaron la encuesta de 2008. Los ítems incluidos fueron el número de Unidades de Ictus (UI), su dotación (monitorización, neurólogo 24 h/7 días, ratio enfermería, protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, recursos diagnósticos (ecografía cardíaca y arterial cerebral, neuroimagen avanzada), realización de trombolisis intravenosa, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV), cirugía del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) y disponibilidad de la telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 136 hospitales. Existen 45 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI por habitantes y comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/74.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo solo Cantabria y Navarra. Se realizaron por neurólogos 3.237 trombolisis intravenosas en 83 hospitales, con un porcentaje respecto del total de ictus isquémico entre el 0,3 y el 33,7%. Los hospitales sin UI tenían una disponibilidad variable de recursos. Se realiza INV en todas las CC.AA salvo La Rioja, la disponibilidad del INV 24 h/7 días solo existe en 17 ciudades. Hay 46 centros con cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM y 5 con telemedicina. Conclusión: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en cuanto al incremento de hospitales participantes, la mayor aplicación de trombolisis intravenosa y procedimientos endovasculares, también en la cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM, pero con insuficiente implantación de UI y de la telemedicina. La disponibilidad de recursos diagnósticos es buena en la mayoría de las UI, e irregular en el resto de hospitales. Las distintas CC.AA deben avanzar para garantizar el mejor tratamiento y equidad territorial, y así conseguir el objetivo de la EISNS

Introduction: The Spanish Health System’s stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. Material and methods: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain’s regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24 h/7d, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100 000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing iv thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. Results: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3,237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3 to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24 h/7 d basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. Conclusion: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives

Listeria monocytogenes meningoencephalitis in adults: analysis of factors related to unfavourable outcome.

PURPOSE: To analyse the short-term outcome in patients with Listeria monocytogenes meningoencephalitis (LMME) to improve management and outcome. METHODS: Observational study with adult patients with LMME between 1977 and 2009 at a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Parameters that predicted outcome were assessed with univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 59 cases of LMME, 28 occurred in the last decade. Since 1987, a new protocol has been used and 29/45 patients (64%) treated since then received adjuvant dexamethasone. In patients who received this treatment there was a trend towards fewer neurological sequelae (5 vs 33%; p = 0.052). Antiseizure prophylaxis with phenytoin was administered in 13/45 (28%) patients. Seizures occurred in 7/45 (16%) patients, all in the group who did not receive phenytoin. Hydrocephalus presented in 8/59 (14%). It was never present at admission and five patients needed neurosurgical procedures. Sequelae after 3 months were present in 8/45 (18%), mostly cranial nerve palsy. Rhombencephalitis (RE) was related to the presence of neurologic sequelae (OR: 20.4, 95% CI: 1.76-236). Overall mortality was 14/59 (24%), 9/59 (15%) due to neurological causes related to hydrocephalus or seizures. Mortality was defined as early in 36% and late in 64%. In the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for mortality were presence of hydrocephalus (OR: 17.8, 95% CI: 2.753-114) and inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.201-35). CONCLUSIONS: Outcome of LMME may be improved by appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, suspicion and careful management of hydrocephalus. Use of adjuvant dexamethasone or phenytoin in a subgroup of these patients might have a benefit.

Analysis of stroke care resources in Spain in 2012: have we benefitted from the Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy?

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain's regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24h/7d, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100,000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing iv thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. RESULTS: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3,237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3 to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24h/7 d basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. CONCLUSION: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives.

Recursos asistenciales en ictus en España 2010: análisis de una encuesta nacional del Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares / Health care resources for stroke patients in Spain, 2010: analysis of a national survey by the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group

Introduction: Stroke is currently a major social health problem. For this reason, the Spanish Ministry of Health approved the Stroke National Strategy (SNS) in 2008 to improve the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. This plan intends to guarantee 24-hour, 365-days neurological assistance in the whole country by the end of 2010. Our aim was to analyse the situation of stroke assistance in Spain in 2009. Material and methods: A committee of neurologists practicing in the different autonomous communities (AC), and who had not participated in the preparation of the SNS, was created. A national survey was performed including the number of stroke units (SU) and their characteristics (monitoring, 24-h/7-day on-call neurology service, nursing staff ratio and the use of protocols), bed ratio of SU/100,000 people, availability of intravenous thrombolysis therapy, neurovascular intervention (NI) and telemedicine. Results: We included data from 145 hospitals. There are 39 SU in Spain, unevenly distributed. The ratio between SU bed/number of people/AC varied from 1/75,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; Navarra and Cantabria met the goal. Intravenous thrombolysis therapy is used in 80 hospitals; the number of treatments per AC was between 7 and 536 in 2008. NI was performed in the 63% of the AC, with a total of 28 qualified hospitals (although only 1 hospital performed it 24h, 7days a week in 2009). There were 3 hospitals offering clinical telemedicine services. Conclusions: Assistance for stroke patients has improved in Spain compared to previous years, but there are still some important differences between the AC that must be eliminated to achieve the objectives of the SNS (AU)

Introducción: El ictus constituye un importante problema sociosanitario. Por ese motivo, el Ministerio de Sanidad aprobó en 2008 la Estrategia Nacional en Ictus (ENI) con el objetivo de mejorar la prevención, tratamiento y rehabilitación del paciente con ictus. Se pretende garantizar una atención neurológica en todo el país y a cualquier hora del día para final del 2010. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la situación de la atención al ictus en España en el año 2009. Material y métodos: Se constituyó un comité de neurólogos de las diferentes CC. AA. que no hubieran participado en la ENI. Se elaboró una encuesta nacional que recogió el número de unidades de ictus (UI) y la dotación (monitorización, guardia de neurología 24h/7 días, ratio de enfermería y existencia de protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, presencia de trombólisis iv, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV) y telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 145 hospitales. Existen 39 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI/número de habitantes/comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/75.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo Navarra y Cantabria. Se realiza trombólisis iv en 80 hospitales, el número osciló entre 7-536 tratamientos/CC. AA. durante el año 2008. Se realiza INV en el 63% de las CC. AA., teniendo 28 centros capacitados, aunque sólo 1 la realizaba en 2009 las 24h/7 día. Existen 3 centros con telemedicina. Conclusiones: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en España respecto a unos años atrás, pero todavía existen importantes desigualdades por CC. AA. que deberían superarse si se quiere cumplir el objetivo de la ENI (AU)

Health care resources for stroke patients in Spain, 2010: analysis of a national survey by the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is currently a major social health problem. For this reason, the Spanish Ministry of Health approved the Stroke National Strategy (SNS) in 2008 to improve the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. This plan intends to guarantee 24-hour, 365-days neurological assistance in the whole country by the end of 2010. Our aim was to analyse the situation of stroke assistance in Spain in 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A committee of neurologists practicing in the different autonomous communities (AC), and who had not participated in the preparation of the SNS, was created. A national survey was performed including the number of stroke units (SU) and their characteristics (monitoring, 24-h/7-day on-call neurology service, nursing staff ratio and the use of protocols), bed ratio of SU/100,000 people, availability of intravenous thrombolysis therapy, neurovascular intervention (NI) and telemedicine. RESULTS: We included data from 145 hospitals. There are 39 SU in Spain, unevenly distributed. The ratio between SU bed/number of people/AC varied from 1/75,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; Navarra and Cantabria met the goal. Intravenous thrombolysis therapy is used in 80 hospitals; the number of treatments per AC was between 7 and 536 in 2008. NI was performed in the 63% of the AC, with a total of 28 qualified hospitals (although only 1 hospital performed it 24h, 7 days a week in 2009). There were 3 hospitals offering clinical telemedicine services. CONCLUSIONS: Assistance for stroke patients has improved in Spain compared to previous years, but there are still some important differences between the AC that must be eliminated to achieve the objectives of the SNS.

Heterogeneidad topográfica del síndrome de Foix-Chavany-Marie / Heterogeneous topography of Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome

Introducción. El síndrome de Foix-Chavany-Marie (FCM) fue descrito como una diplejía labio-facio-faringo-laringogloso- masticatoria con disociación automático-voluntaria del movimiento. Se correlaciona habitualmente con lesiones corticales bilaterales con afectación de ambos opérculos (síndrome biopercular). Describimos tres pacientes con síndrome de FCM asociado a lesiones isquémicas en dos topografías atípicas: a) subcortical bilateral, y b) opercular unilateral. Casos clínicos. Paciente 1: varón de 66 años que consultó por paresia facial, lingual y faríngea bilaterales junto con anartria de inicio ictal. En la exploración destacaba la presencia de disociación automático-voluntaria de la motilidad facial. La resonancia magnética (RM) craneal mostró un infarto reciente subcortical izquierdo, así como múltiples lesiones isquémicas antiguas subcorticales contralaterales. Paciente 2: varón de 61 años, diabético, que consultó también por anartria y parálisis facial y lingual bilaterales con disociación automático-voluntaria junto con alteración de la deglución de inicio brusco. La RM craneal mostró la presencia de una única lesión isquémica opercular izquierda. Paciente 3: varón de 36 años que consultó por aparición brusca de disartria grave, disfagia, diplejía facial con disociación automático-voluntaria y pérdida de fuerza de la extremidad superior izquierda. La RM craneal mostró un infarto opercular derecho sin lesiones contralaterales. Conclusiones. El síndrome de FCM no se asocia únicamente a lesiones operculares bilaterales, sino que además puede deberse a lesiones subcorticales bilaterales e incluso a lesiones corticales unilaterales

Introduction. Bilateral facio-pharyngo-laryngo-glosso- masticatory palsy with automatic-voluntary dissociation is known as Foix-Chavany-Marie (FCM) syndrome. It is usually due to bilateral cortical lesions involving both anterior opercula (biopercular syndrome). We describe three patients with FCM syndrome associated with ischemic lesions in two atypical localizations: a) bilateral subcortical infarcts, and b) unilateral opercular infarct. Cases report. Patient 1, a 66 year old male, was admitted for a sudden onset of anarthria and facial, lingual and masticatory paralysis. Neurological examination revealed automatic-voluntary dissociation of facial motility. MRI showed an acute left subcortical infarct and multiple bilateral subcortical ischemic lesions. Patient 2, a 61 year old male, also suffered a sudden onset of anarthria, with bilateral facial and lingual paralysis and automatic-voluntary dissociation together with sudden onset swallowing alteration. MRI showed a single ischemic lesion involving the left operculum. Patient 3, a 36 year old male, presented sudden onset of dysarthria, dysphagia and bilateral facial palsy with automatic-voluntary dissociation and loss of force in left upper limb. MRI showed an acute right opercular infarct and no contralateral lesions. Conclusions. FCM syndrome is not only due to bilateral opercular lesions but can also be seen in bilateral subcortical and even unilateral opercular lesions

[Heterogeneous topography of Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome]. / Heterogeneidad topográfica del síndrome de Foix-Chavany-Marie.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral facio-pharyngo-laryngo-glosso-masticatory palsy with automatic-voluntary dissociation is known as Foix-Chavany-Marie (FCM) syndrome. It is usually due to bilateral cortical lesions involving both anterior opercula (biopercular syndrome). We describe three patients with FCM syndrome associated with ischemic lesions in two atypical localizations: a) bilateral subcortical infarcts, and b) unilateral opercular infarct. CASES REPORT: Patient 1, a 66 year old male, was admitted for a sudden onset of anarthria and facial, lingual and masticatory paralysis. Neurological examination revealed automatic-voluntary dissociation of facial motility. MRI showed an acute left subcortical infarct and multiple bilateral subcortical ischemic lesions. Patient 2, a 61 year old male, also suffered a sudden onset of anarthria, with bilateral facial and lingual paralysis and automatic-voluntary dissociation together with sudden onset swallowing alteration. MRI showed a single ischemic lesion involving the left operculum. Patient 3, a 36 year old male, presented sudden onset of dysarthria, dysphagia and bilateral facial palsy with automatic-voluntary dissociation and loss of force in left upper limb. MRI showed an acute right opercular infarct and no contralateral lesions. CONCLUSIONS: FCM syndrome is not only due to bilateral opercular lesions but can also be seen in bilateral subcortical and even unilateral opercular lesions.

[Evolution of the demand for ambulatory neurological care and pathologies attended in neurology clinics in the health care district of Tortosa, Tarragona]. / Evolución de la demanda de asistencia neurológica ambulatoria y patología atendida en la consulta de neurología de la región sanitaria de Tortosa, Tarragona.

AIMS: An analysis was conducted to determine whether there were any changes in the demand for health care, demography and pathologies attended in outpatient departments within the health care district of Tortosa between 1997 and 2003. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data about the demand for and attendance at first neurology visits over the period 1997 and from March 2003 to February 2004 was collected prospectively. Information concerning age, sex, groups of pathologies, diagnoses, rates of requests for first visits, source of the demand and destination after the visit were compared. RESULTS: Mean age rose from 49 to 56 years (p < 0.001). Patients above 70 years of age increased from 23.7% to 35.9% (p < 0.001), while in the population within the area the figure only rose from 15.8 to 17.1%. The proportion of females went up from 52 to 62% (p < 0.001). Demand (that is, the rate of requests for first visits per 1000 inhabitants per year among those over the age of 15) rose from 8.5 to 9.3, 9.8% (p = 0.03). Demand from primary care increased from 52 to 69% (p < 0.001). Cognitive disorders (6.5% and 15.9%) grew by 144.6% (p < 0.001). Headaches (23.9% and 24.1%), the largest diagnostic group, and non-neurological diagnoses (18% and 18.5%) remained unchanged (p = NS). No changes were observed in the number of discharges in the first visit: 22.8% and 21.1% (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The most striking results are the increase in demand (mainly from primary care), the increased age of the population attended and the notable growth in the number of cognitive disorders. These quantitative and qualitative changes in the demand increase the need for resources.

Evolución de la demanda de asistencia neurológica ambulatoria y patología atendida en la consulta de neurología de la región sanitaria de Tortosa, Tarragona / Evolution of the demand for ambulatory neurological care and pathologies attended in neurology clinics in the health care district of Tortosa, Tarragona

Objetivos. Se analiza si existen cambios en la demanda de asistencia, demografía y patología atendida en las consultas externas de neurología de la región sanitaria de Tortosa entre 1997 y 2003. Pacientes y métodos. Se recogieron prospectivamente los datos de la demanda y asistencia de las primeras visitas de neurología los períodos de 1997 y marzo del 2003 a febrero de 2004. Se compararon edad, sexo, grupos de patologías, diagnósticos, índices de solicitud de primera visita, origen de la demanda y destino tras la visita. Resultados. La edad media creció de 49 a 56 años (p < 0,001). Los pacientes mayores de 70 años aumentaron del 23,7% al 35,9% (p < 0,001), mientras en la población del área sólo del 15,8 al 17,1%. La proporción de mujeres pasó del 52 al 62% (p < 0,001). La demanda (índice de solicitudes de primeras visitas/1.000 habitantes y año mayores de 15 años) creció del 8,5 al 9,3, un 9,8% (p = 0,03). La demanda desde atención primaria creció del 52 al 69% (p < 0,001). Los trastornos cognitivos (6,5% y 15,9%) crecieron un 144,6% (p < 0,001). Las cefaleas (23,9% y 24,1%), el mayor grupo diagnóstico, y los diagnósticos no neurológicos (18% y 18,5%) se mantienen (p = NS). Las altas en primera visita no cambian, 22,8% y 21,1% (p = NS). Conclusiones. Destaca el aumento de la demanda, fundamentalmente desde atención primaria, el aumento de edad de la población atendida y el marcado incremento de los trastornos cognitivos. Estos cambios cuantitativos y cualitativos de la demanda incrementan las necesidades de recursos (AU)

Aims. An analysis was conducted to determine whether there were any changes in the demand for health care, demography and pathologies attended in outpatient departments within the health care district of Tortosa between 1997 and 2003. Patients and methods. Data about the demand for and attendance at first neurology visits over the period 1997 and from March 2003 to February 2004 was collected prospectively. Information concerning age, sex, groups of pathologies, diagnoses, rates of requests for first visits, source of the demand and destination after the visit were compared. Results. Mean age rose from 49 to 56 years (p < 0.001). Patients above 70 years of age increased from 23.7% to 35.9% (p < 0.001), while in the population within the area the figure only rose from 15.8 to 17.1%. The proportion of females went up from 52 to 62% (p < 0.001). Demand (that is, the rate of requests for first visits per 1000 inhabitants per year among those over the age of 15) rose from 8.5 to 9.3, 9.8% (p = 0,03). Demand from primary care increased from 52 to 69% (p < 0.001). Cognitive disorders (6.5% and 15.9%) grew by 144.6% (p < 0.001). Headaches (23.9% and 24.1%), the largest diagnostic group, and non-neurological diagnoses (18% and 18.5%) remained unchanged (p = NS). No changes were observed in the number of discharges in the first visit: 22.8% and 21.1% (p = NS). Conclusions. The most striking results are the increase in demand (mainly from primary care), the increased age of the population attended and the notable growth in the number of cognitive disorders. These quantitative and qualitative changes in the demand increase the need for resources (AU)

[Wallenberg's syndrome as the presenting symptom of a cavernous angioma]. / Síndrome de Wallenberg como forma de presentación de un angioma cavernoso.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernous angiomas account for 5-13% of all vascular malformations. In 75% of cases they are situated in the posterior fossa and up to 30% are associated with abnormal venous drainage. The main complication is haemorrhage; the presence of a neurological focus without radiological evidence of bleeding is very rare. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 54-year-old male with cardiovascular risk factors who presented symptoms that progressively deteriorated over a 72-hour period involving the left lower cranial nerves, sensory impairment and coordination disorder, compatible with Wallenberg's syndrome. Two computerised axial tomography scans of the brain were normal and so a tentative diagnosis of ischemic stroke in progression was proposed. Five days later, magnetic resonance imaging (MR) revealed the presence of a venous angioma and associated abnormal venous drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Cavernous angiomas present a dynamic balance between intracavernous bleeding and thrombosis, with very slow venous blood flow. Upsetting this balance leads to an increase in the intracavernous pressure and involvement of the surrounding tissue, with no radiological expression of bleeding. In these cases MR scanning helps to distinguish between a vascular malformation with reduced blood flow and a clinical picture of ischemic stroke of an arterial origin.

Síndrome de Wallenberg como forma de presentación de un angioma cavernoso / Wallenberg's syndrome as the presenting symptom of a cavernous angioma

Introducción. Los angiomas cavernosos representan el 5-13 por ciento del total de malformaciones vasculares. En el 75 por ciento de los casos se encuentran en la fosa posterior, y hasta en el 30 por ciento, asociado a un drenaje venoso anómalo. La principal complicación son las hemorragias; es excepcional la presencia de focalidad neurológica sin evidencia radiológica de sangrado. Caso clínico. Presentamos un caso de un varón de 54 años con factores de riesgo cardiovascular, que muestra un cuadro progresivo en 72 horas de duración de afectación de los pares craneales bajos izquierdos, déficit sensitivo y alteración de la coordinación compatible con un síndrome de Wallenberg. Con la tomografía axial computarizada craneal en dos ocasiones normal, se realizó la orientación diagnóstica de ictus vertebrobasilar en progresión. Cinco días después, la resonancia magnética (RM) demostró la presencia de un angioma venoso y un drenaje venoso anómalo asociado. Conclusión. Los angiomas cavernosos presentan un equilibrio dinámico de sangrado y trombosis de intracavernoma, con un flujo venoso muy lento. Una rotura en este equilibrio supone un aumento de la presión de intracavernoma y la afectación del tejido circundante, sin expresión radiológica de sangrado. La RM ayuda en estos casos a diferenciar una malformación vascular de flujo lento de un cuadro ictal isquémico de origen arterial (AU)

Introduction. Cavernous angiomas account for 5-13% of all vascular malformations. In 75% of cases they are situated in the posterior fossa and up to 30% are associated with abnormal venous drainage. The main complication is haemorrhage; the presence of a neurological focus without radiological evidence of bleeding is very rare. Case report. We report the case of a 54-year-old male with cardiovascular risk factors who presented symptoms that progressively deteriorated over a 72-hour period involving the left lower cranial nerves, sensory impairment and coordination disorder, compatible with Wallenberg’s syndrome. Two computerised axial tomography scans of the brain were normal and so a tentative diagnosis of ischemic stroke in progression was proposed. Five days later, magnetic resonance imaging (MR) revealed the presence of a venous angioma and associated abnormal venous drainage. Conclusions. Cavernous angiomas present a dynamic balance between intracavernous bleeding and thrombosis, with very slow venous blood flow. Upsetting this balance leads to an increase in the intracavernous pressure and involvement of the surrounding tissue, with no radiological expression of bleeding. In these cases MR scanning helps to distinguish between a vascular malformation with reduced blood flow and a clinical picture of ischemic stroke of an arterial origin (AU)

[Cerebral venous thrombosis as the presenting symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus]. / Trombosis venosa cerebral como presentación de lupus eritematoso sistémico.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an infrequent process in systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of a female patient whose initial manifestation of lupus was a CVT. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old female who presented headaches and diminished visual acuity; on exploring the patient bilateral papilloedema was found. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a venous thrombosis in the superior and transversal longitudinal sinus. Complementary explorations showed high levels of antinuclear antibodies with leukopenia and proteinuria. Antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Following treatment with anticoagulants, the patient's condition improved both clinically and radiologically. Months later a biopsy was performed and revealed a grade IV diffuse glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSIONS: In systemic lupus erythematosus, phenomena such as CVT can be the initial form of presentation of the disease. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies plays a partial role in CVT; other phenomena, such as inflammatory processes, should also be taken into account.

Trombosis venosa cerebral como presentación de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Cerebral venous thrombosis as the presenting symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an infrequent process in systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of a female patient whose initial manifestation of lupus was a CVT. Case report. A 30-year-old female who presented headaches and diminished visual acuity; on exploring the patient bilateral papilloedema was found. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a venous thrombosis in the superior and transversal longitudinal sinus. Complementary explorations showed high levels of antinuclear antibodies with leukopenia and proteinuria. Antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Following treatment with anticoagulants, the patient’s condition improved both clinically and radiologically. Months later a biopsy was performed and revealed a grade IV diffuse glomerulonephritis. Conclusions. In systemic lupus erythematosus, phenomena such as CVT can be the initial form of presentation of the disease. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies plays a partial role in CVT; other phenomena, such as inflammatory processes, should also be taken into account (AU)

Introducción. La trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC) no es un proceso habitual en el lupus eritematosos sistémico. Presentamos una paciente cuya manifestación inicial del lupus fue una TVC. Caso clínico. Paciente de 30 años de edad que presenta cefalea y disminución de la agudeza visual; en la exploración destaca un papiledema bilateral. La resonancia magnética realizada demuestra la presencia de una trombosis venosa en el seno longitudinal superior y transverso. Las exploraciones complementarias mostraron altas concentraciones de anticuerpos antinucleares con leucopenia y proteinuria. Los anticuerpos antifosfolípidos fueron negativos. Tras un tratamiento anticoagulante, mejoró clínica y radiológicamente. Meses más tarde se realizó una biopsia, que demostró una glomerulonefritis difusa grado IV. Conclusión. En el lupus eritematoso sistémico, fenómenos como la TVC pueden ser la forma de manifestación inicial de la enfermedad. La presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos participa de forma parcial en la TVC; deberían considerarse otros fenómenos, como los inflamatorios (AU)

Metástasis cerebrales como primera manifestación de un adenocarcinoma ovárico / Brain metastases as the first manifestation of an ovarian adenocarcinoma

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[Transient paraparesis as a manifestation of left carotid stenosis]. / Paraparesia transitoria como manifestación de una estenosis carotídea izquierda.

INTRODUCTION: Paraparesis caused by a cerebrovascular disorder is infrequent, although it is seen in infraction of both anterior cerebral arteries (ACA), in vertebrobasilar insufficiency syndromes or in infarction of the border zones of the anterior circulation. CASE REPORT: Male aged 52 years, right handed, with a history of high blood pressure, who visited because of two episodes of transient paraparesis that lasted 5 minutes and 15 hours. During the last episode the presence of paraparesis and left Babinski sign were observed. Complementary explorations conducted to test for medullar pathology were negative. Cranial MRI showed only bilateral lacunar infarctions in deep territories. Four months later, the patient presented an episode of motor aphasia and paresthesia of the right lower limb, which remitted spontaneously in 10 minutes. Echo Doppler exploration of the supra aortic trunks showed significant stenosis of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) and occlusion of the right artery (RICA). Arteriography of the supra aortic trunks revealed a 99% stenosis of the RICA and 95% of the LICA, with vascularisation of both ACA dependent on the LICA. A left carotid endarterectomy was performed and the patient has remained asymptomatic to date. CONCLUSION: In our patient, both ACA depended on the flow from the LICA. We therefore consider that the symptoms of transient paraparesis were secondary to the left carotid stenosis, either due to a haemodynamic or an artery to artery embolic mechanism.

Paraparesia transitoria como manifestación de una estenosis carotídea izquierda / transient paraparesis as a manifestation of left carotid stenosis

Introducción. La paraparesia por afectación vascular cerebral es infrecuente, aunque se observa en infartos de ambas arterias cerebrales anteriores (ACA), en síndromes de insuficiencia vertebro basilar o en infartos de territorios frontera de la circulación anterior. Caso clínico. Varón de 52 años, diestro, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que consultó por dos episodios transitorios de paraparesia, de 5 minutos y 15 horas de duración. Durante el último episodio, se objetivó la presencia de una paraparesia y un Babinski izquierdo. Las exploraciones complementarias practicadas para el estudio de patología medular fueron negativas. Una RM craneal mostró únicamente infartos lacunares bilaterales en territorios profundos. Cuatro meses después, el paciente presentó un episodio de afasia motora y parestesias de la extremidad inferior derecha, autolimitado en 10 minutos. La ecografía Doppler de los troncos supraórticos reveló una estenosis significativa de carótida interna izquierda (CII) y una oclusión de la derecha (CID). La arteriografía de los troncos supraórticos demostró una estenosis del 99 por ciento de la CIDydel95 por ciento de la CII, con vascularización de ambas ACA dependientes de la CII. Se practicó una endarterectomía carotídea izquierda, y el paciente permaneció asintomático hasta la actualidad. Conclusión. En nuestro paciente, ambas ACA dependían del flujo de la CII. Por ello, consideramos que el cuadro de paraparesia transitoria fue secundario a la estenosis carotídea izquierda, bien por un mecanismo hemodinámico o embólico arteria-arteria (AU)

Ateromatosis y aterotrombosis carotídea. Implicación del factor tisular / Carotid atheromatosis and atherothrombosis. The involvement of the tissue factor

Introducción. Los procesos implicados en la génesis y progresión de la enfermedad aterosclerótica todavía no se conocen bien; es posible que, a lo largo de los años, el crecimiento de las placas ateroscleróticas sea discontinuo en lugar de lineal, con períodos de inactividad relativa interrumpidos por otros de rápida evolución. Desarrollo. Se comentan los estadios diferenciados en la patogénesis de la aterosclerosis, así como el papel que desempe- ña el factor tisular (FT) en la aterotrombosis. Investigaciones recientes destacan la importancia de la vía del FT, anteriormente denominada vía extrínseca del sistema de la coagulación, que es el principal sistema de coagulación in vivo, y lo consideran el principal regulador de la coagulación, de la hemostasia y de la trombosis. El proceso procoagulante se inicia cuando, tras romperse la placa aterosclerótica, se expone a la circulación sanguínea el núcleo graso y su contenido en FT se hace accesible a las pequeñas cantidades de factor VIIa que circulan por la sangre, iniciándose así la deposición plaquetaria y la cascada de la coagulación. Conclusión. En la actualidad se están realizando ensayos clínicos sobre las lesiones ateroscleróticas carotídeas con fármacos anticoagulantes cuyo principal mecanismo de acción se centra en la inhibición de la vía del FT (AU)

Introduction. We still do not have a very clear understanding of the processes involved in the genesis and progression of atherosclerotic disease. With the passing of the years, the growth of atherosclerotic plaques may become discontinuous instead of linear, with periods of relative inactivity that are interrupted by others in which progress is fast. Development. We discuss the different stages in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and also the role played by the tissue factor (TF) in atherothrombosis. Recent research has underlined the importance of the TF pathway (previously known as the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation system), which is the main coagulation system in vivo, and it is seen as being the chief regulator of coagulation, haemostasis and thrombosis. The procoagulation process begins when, after rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque, the lipid nucleus is exposed to the blood stream and its TF content becomes accessible to the small amounts of factor VIIa circulating in the blood, thus triggering plaque deposition and the coagulation cascade. Conclusion. Clinical trials are currently being conducted on carotid atherosclerotic lesions with anticoagulant drugs that act mainly through a mechanism which centres on inhibiting the TF pathway (AU)

[Acute cerebrovascular accident in the primary antiphospholipid syndrome]. / Accidente cerebrovascular agudo en el síndrome antifosfolipídico primario.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of acute cerebrovascular accidents (ACVA) and risk factors for thrombosis among patients diagnosed of primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPLS) and to compare this group with that of patients with PAPLS but not ACVA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of 30 patients consecutively diagnosed of PAPLS. Episodes of ACVA were quantitated and other cardiovascular risk factors were determined. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients (9/30) had one or more ACVA. No significant differences were found when the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors in both groups was compared. CONCLUSIONS: Antiphospholipid antibodies in young patients with ACVA should be determined, although some other cardiovascular risk factors may coexist.

Accidente cerebrovascular agudo en el síndrome antifosfolipídico primario / Acute cerebrovascular accident in the primary antiphospholipid syndrome

Fundamento. Describir la prevalencia de accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos (ACV) y los factores de riesgo trombótico existentes en pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome antifosfolipídico primario (SAFP) y comparar este grupo con el de los pacientes que estando afectados de SAFP no presentaron ACV.Material y métodos. Se revisaron retrospectivamente los datos de 30 pacientes diagnosticados consecutivamente de SAFP. Se cuantificaron los episodios de ACV y se determinaron otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados. El 30 por ciento de los pacientes (9/30) presentaron uno o más ACV. Al comparar la existencia de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular en ambos grupos no se encontraron diferencias significativas.Conclusiones. En los pacientes jóvenes que sufren un ACV deben determinarse anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos, a pesar de que coexistan otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular (AU)