Fatores preditivos de insucesso do biofeedback para tratamento da incontinência fecal em mulheres / Predictors of unsuccessful of treatment for fecal incontinence biofeedback for fecal incontinence in female

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Biofeedback is an effective method of treatment for fecal incontinence but there is controversy regarding factors that may be correlated with its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback in the treatment of fecal incontinence, identifying the predictive factors for unsuccessful treatment. METHODS: Consecutive female patients who had fecal incontinence and were treated with a full course of biofeedback were screened. The symptoms were evaluated using Cleveland Clinic incontinence (CCF) score before and six months after the completion of therapy. Patients had a satisfactory clinical response to biofeedback if the CCF score had decreased by more than 50% at six months (GI) and an unsatisfactory response if the CCF score did not decrease or if the score decreased by <50% (GII). The groups were compared with regard to age, score, anal resting and squeeze pressures and sustained squeeze pressure by manometry, history of vaginal delivery, number of vaginal deliveries, menopause, hysterectomy, and previous anorectal surgery. RESULTS: Of 124 women were included, 70 (56%) in GI and 54 (44%) in GII. The median CCF score decreased significantly from 10 to 5 (P=0.00). FI scores were higher in GII. Patients from GII had more previous vaginal deliveries and previous surgeries. The mean sustained squeeze pressure was higher in GI. Patients from GI and GII had similar ages, number of vaginal deliveries, menopause, hysterectomy, anal pressures, and sphincter defects. The median sustained squeeze pressure increased significantly before and after biofeedback in GI. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback therapy shows effective treatment with 50% reductions in FI score in half of patients. Factors associated with unsuccessful outcome include FI score ≥10, previous vaginal delivery, previous anorectal and/or colorectal surgery, and reduced mean sustained squeeze pressure.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Biofeedback é um método eficaz de tratamento para a incontinência fecal. No entanto, há controvérsias sobre fatores que podem ser correlacionados com a sua eficácia. Objetivo - Avaliar a eficácia do biofeedback no tratamento da incontinência fecal (IF), identificando os fatores preditivos relacionados ao insucesso do tratamento. MÉTODOS: Consecutivos pacientes do sexo feminino com IF e submetidos a terapia com biofeedback que aceitaram participar do estudo foram incluídos. Os sintomas foram avaliados utilizando o escore de incontinência da Cleveland Clinic-CCF antes e seis meses após termino da terapia. Os pacientes com resposta satisfatória ao biofeedback apresentaram redução no escore de IF ≥50% (GI) e resposta insatisfatória a redução no escore de IF <50% (GII) em seis meses. Os grupos foram comparados de acordo com a idade, escore, pressões anais quantificada pela manometria anorretal (repouso, contração e capacidade de sustentação em 30 segundos), parto vaginal prévio, número de partos vaginais, menopausa, histerectomia e cirurgia anorretal e/ou colorretal prévia. RESULTADOS: Total de 124 mulheres incluídas, 70 (56%) em GI e 54 (44%) em GII. A mediana do CCF escore reduziu significativamente de 10 para 5 (P=0.00). FI escore foi mais elevado no GII, assim como foi observado o maior número de mulheres submetidas a partos vaginais e cirurgias prévias. A pressão média de contração foi significante maior no GI. No entanto, idade, número de partos vaginais, menopausa, histerectomia, pressões anais e presença de defeito esfincteriano foram similares nos dois grupos. A pressão média de sustentação mantida por 30 seg aumentou significamente comparando pré com pós biofeedback no GI. CONCLUSÃO: O biofeedback é um tratamento eficaz com redução em 50% no escore de IF em mais da metade dos pacientes. Os fatores associados ao insucesso do tratamento incluem o escore de IF ≥10, parto vaginal prévio, cirurgia anorretal prévia e pressão média de sustentação reduzida.

Three-Dimensional Soft-Tissue Facial Morphometry in Caucasian Obese Adults

Objective: To evaluate the facial morphology of Caucasian obese adults in relation to normal weight peers, and to study the association between three-dimensional soft-tissue facial measurements and cardiometabolic risk factors. Material and Methods: Nineteen Caucasian obese subjects aged 25 to 73 years underwent anthropometric measurements, blood samples and a stereophotogrammetric facial scan. Soft-tissue facial linear distances, angles, and volumes were obtained and compared to those collected on normal weight subjects by computing z-scores. Spearman correlation was used to assess the associations between facial measurements and metabolic parameters. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex and age was used to assess the risk of metabolic syndrome associated to the facial measurements. Results: Overall, when compared to normal weight persons, obese adults had a wider face in the horizontal dimension, with a middle face (maxilla) that was larger both in absolute value and relatively to the lower face (mandible), and a larger right side gonial angle (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.01). Only the mean (left and right) gonial angle was positively associated to serum triglycerides level, while the other facial measurements were associated with none of the cardiometabolic parameters. Moreover, none of the facial measurements was associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Despite larger facial dimensions and altered mandible/maxilla volume ratio, three-dimensional soft-tissue facial morphometry in Caucasian obese adults is not related to cardiometabolic risk factors. The actual association between morphological facial characteristics and clinical information on the health conditions of patients is still to be investigated.

O ultrassom anorretal tridimensional pode ser incluído como um método diagnóstico na avaliação da fístula anal antes e após o tratamento cirúrgico? / Can three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography be included as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of anal fistula before and after surgical treatment?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is no a clear knowledge concerning the division of any part of the anal sphincter complex and the effect of this procedure on the function of the anal canal during the treatment of perianal fistula. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of 3D anorectal ultrasound in the assessment of anal fistula, quantifying the length of the sphincter muscle to be transected, selecting patients for different approaches and identifying healing, failure or recurrence after the surgical treatment. METHODS: A prospective study included patients with primarily cryptogenic transsphincteric anal fistula assessed by fecal Incontinence score, tri-dimensional anorectal ultrasound and anal manometry before and after surgery. Based on 3D-AUS, patients with ≥50% external sphincter or external sphincter+puborectalis muscle involvement in males and ≥40% external sphincter or external sphincter+puborectalis muscle in females were referred for the ligation of the intersphincteric tract (LIFT) or seton placement and subsequent fistulotomy; and with <50% involvement in males and <40% in females were referred to one-stage fistulotomy. After surgery, the fibrosis (muscles divided) and residual muscles were measured and compared with the pre-operative. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients was included. The indication for the LIFT was significantly higher in females (47%), one-stage fistulotomy was significantly higher in the males (46%) and similar in seton placement. The minor postoperative incontinence was identified in 31% of patients underwent sphincter divided and were similar in both genders. The 3D-AUS identified seven failed cases. CONCLUSION: The 3D ultrasound was shown to be an effective method in the preoperative assessment of anal fistulas by quantifying the length of muscle to be divided, as the results were similar at the post-operative, providing a safe treatment approach according to the gender and percentage of muscle involvement. Additionally, 3D ultrasound successfully identified the healing tissue and the type of failure or recurrence.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Não há dados definitivos quanto a níveis diferentes na secção do complexo esfincteriano e o efeito na função do canal anal no tratamento das fístulas anais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicação do ultrassom anorretal tridimensional no diagnóstico da fístula anal, quantificando o comprimento da musculatura que será seccionada, selecionando pacientes para diferente abordagens e identificando cicatrização e recorrência após tratamento. MÉTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo incluindo paciente portadores de fístula anal criptoglandular, tipo trans-esfinctérica avaliados pelo escore de incontinência fecal, ultrassom anorretal 3D e manometria anorretal antes e após a cirurgia. De acordo com os dados do ultrassom, pacientes do sexo masculino com envolvimento ≥50% do esfíncter externo anterior ou esfíncter externo+puborretal e do sexo feminino com envolvimento ≥40% foram referidos para cirurgia de ligadura do trajeto no espaço inter-esfinctérico (LIFT) ou colocação do sedenho. Aqueles com envolvimento <50% em homens e <40% mulheres foram indicados para fistulotomia em um tempo. Após a cirurgia, a musculatura secccionada (fibrose) e o músculo residual foram medidos e comparados no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Um total de 73 pacientes foi incluído. A indicação para LIFT foi significativamente maior em mulheres (47%) e a fistulotomia em homens (46%) e o sedenho similar em ambos os sexos. Sintomas de incontinência leve foi identificado em 31% dos submetidos à cirurgia com divisão de esfíncter e similar em ambos os sexos. O ultrassom identificou sete casos que não cicatrizaram. CONCLUSÃO: O ultrassom anorretal tridimensional demonstrou ser um método efetivo na avaliação da fístula anal, quantificando o comprimento do esfíncter a ser dividido, como demonstrado no resultado pós-operatório, fornecendo um tratamento seguro de acordo com sexo e percentual de músculo envolvido. Adicionalmente, identifica o tecido cicatrizado, tipo de recorrência e a falha no tratamento.

Multiple factors affect the regeneration of liver

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To study factors affecting the liver regeneration after hepatectomy METHODS With 3D reconstitution technology, liver regeneration ability of 117 patients was analysed, and relative factors were studied. RESULTS There was no statistically difference between the volume of simulated liver resection and the actual liver resection. All livers had different degrees of regeneration after surgery. Age, gender and blood indicators had no impact on liver regeneration, while surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, blood flow blocking time and different ways of liver resection had a significant impact on liver regeneration; In addition, the patients' own pathological status, including, hepatitis and liver fibrosis all had a significant impact on liver regeneration. CONCLUSION 3D reconstitution model is a good model to calculate liver volume. Age, gender, blood indicators and biochemistry indicators have no impact on liver regeneration, but surgery indicators and patients' own pathological status have influence on liver regeneration.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estudar os fatores que afetam a regeneração hepática após hepatectomia. MÉTODOS A capacidade de regeneração hepática de 117 pacientes foi analisada com a tecnologia de reconstituição 3D e foram estudados os fatores relacionados. RESULTADOS Não houve diferença estatística significante entre o volume de ressecção hepática simulada e a ressecção atual. Todos os fígados apresentaram diferentes graus de regeneração após cirurgia. Idade, gênero e indicadores sanguíneos não tiveram impacto na regeneração hepática, enquanto que tempo de cirurgia, perda sanguínea intraoperatória, tempo de bloqueio do fluxo sanguíneo e diferentes formas de ressecção mostraram impacto significante na regeneração do órgão. Além disso, condições patológicas dos pacientes, incluindo hepatite e fibrose hepática, tiveram impacto significante na regeneração hepática. CONCLUSÃO O modelo de reconstituição 3D é um bom modelo para calcular o volume do fígado. Idade, gênero, indicadores sanguíneos e bioquímicos não tiveram impacto na regeneração hepática, mas indicadores operatórios e condição patológica dos pacientes mostraram influência na regeneração do órgão.

Pulmonary Vein Anatomy is Associated with Cryo Kinetics during Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation / A Anatomia da Veia Pulmonar está Associada à Criocinética durante a Ablação por Criobalão da Fibrilação Atrial

Abstract Background: The influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on cryo kinetics during cryoballoon (CB) ablation is unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship between PV anatomy and cryo kinetics during CB ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. PV anatomy, including ostial diameters (long, short and corrected), ratio between short and long diameters, ostium shape (round, oval, triangular, and narrow), and drainage pattern (typical, with common trunk, common antrum, ostial branch and supernumerary PV) were evaluated on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images pre-procedure. Cryo kinetics parameters [balloon freeze time from 0 to -30ºC (BFT), balloon nadir temperature (BNT) and balloon warming time from -30 to +15ºC (BWT)] were recorded during procedure. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: 606 times of freezing cycle were accomplished. Moderate negative correlation was documented between BNT and corrected PV diameter (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) when using 23-mm CBs, and mild negative correlation (r = - 0.32, p = 0.001) was found when using 28-mm CBs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PV corrected ostial diameter (OR, 1.4; p = 0.004) predicted a BNT < -51ºC when using 23-mm CBs, while PV ostium oval shape (OR, 0.3; p = 0.033) and PV locations (left inferior PV: OR, 0.04; p = 0.005; right superior PV: OR, 4.3; p = 0.025) predicted BNT < -51ºC when using 28-mm CBs. Conclusions: MDCT can provide PV anatomy accurate evaluation prior CB ablation. PV anatomy is associated with cryo kinetics during ablation.

Resumo Fundamentos: A influência da anatomia da veia pulmonar (VP) na criocinética durante a ablação por criobalão (CB) não está clara. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre a anatomia da VP e a criocinética durante a ablação com CB para fibrilação atrial (FA). Métodos: sessenta pacientes consecutivos foram matriculados. Foram avaliados em imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectora (TCMD) pré-procedimento a anatomia da VP, incluindo diâmetros dos óstios (longo, curto e corrigido), relação entre diâmetros curtos e longos, forma do óstio (redondo, oval, triangular e estreito) e padrão de drenagem (típico, com tronco comum, antro comum, ramo ostial e VP supranumerária). Os parâmetros criocinéticos [tempo de congelamento de balão de 0 a -30ºC (TCB), temperatura do nadir do balão (TNB) e tempo de aquecimento do balão de -30 a + 15ºC (TAB)] foram registrados durante o procedimento. Todos os valores de p são bicaudais, com valores de p < 0,05 considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: o ciclo de congelamento foi realizado 606 vezes. Correlação negativa moderada foi documentada entre o TNB e o diâmetro VP corrigido (r = - 0,51, p < 0,001) ao usar CBs de 23 mm e correlação negativa leve (r = - 0,32, p = 0,001) foi encontrada ao usar 28- mm CBs. A análise de regressão logística multivariada revelou que o diâmetro corrigido do óstio da VP (OR, 1,4; p = 0,004) previu um TNB < -51ºC ao usar CB de 23 mm, enquanto a forma oval do óstio VP (OR, 0,3; p = 0,033) e as localizações da VP (VP inferior: OR, 0,04; p = 0,005; VP superior direito: OR, 4,3; p = 0,025) previram TNB < -51ºC ao usar CBs de 28 mm. Conclusões: A TCMD pode fornecer uma avaliação precisa da anatomia da VP antes da ablação por CB. A anatomia da VP está associada à criocinética durante a ablação.

Use of the Uro Dyna-CT in endourology - the new frontier

ABSTRACT We describe the use of the Uro Dyna-CT, an imaging system used in the operating room that produces real-time three-dimensional (3D) imaging and cross-sectional image reconstructions similar to an intraoperative computerized tomography, during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy and a contralateral flexible ureteroscopy in a complete supine position. A 65 year-old female patient had an incomplete calyceal staghorn stone in the right kidney and a 10mm in the left one. The procedure was uneventful and the intraoperative use of the Uro Dyna-CT identified 2 residual stones that were not found by digital fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy at the end of surgery, helping us to render the patient stone-free in one procedure, which was confirmed by a postoperative CT scan. Prospective studies will define the real role of the Uro Dyna-CT for endourological procedures, but its use seems to be a very promising tool for improving stone free rates and decreasing auxiliary procedures, especially for complex cases.

Correlation of the three-dimensional ultrasound findings with pathology in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis submitted to surgery / Correlação dos achados da ultrassonografia tridimensional com o anatomopatológico em pacientes com endometriose pélvica infiltrativa profunda submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico

Objective: This study aims to correlate the findings of the three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography (3D-AUS) with pathological findings in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis. Methods: Prospective study of a series of 40 patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis diagnosed by three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography and who were submitted to a laparoscopy. The specimens were examined histologically and compared with the results of the three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography. The research was conducted between March 2008 and March 2011. Results: The results of the examinations were: 72.5% of patients (n = 29) with endometriosis, 12.5% (n = 5) with nonspecific chronic inflammatory reaction, 5% (n = 2) with nonspecific fibrous tissue, 2.5% (n = 1) with adenomyoma, 2.5% (n = 1) with colonic mucosa with foci of recent hemorrhage, edema of lamina propria and superficial erosions, 2.5% (n = 1) with hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, and the remaining 2.5% (n = 1) with peritoneal tissue within normal limits. Conclusion: We conclude that the use of three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis aid in the diagnosis of rectal lesions, when compared with the pathological findings of surgical specimens.

Objetivo: Este estudo visa correlacionar os achados da ultrassonografia tridimensional com os achados anatomopatológicos em pacientes com endometriose pélvica infiltrativa profunda submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Métodos Estudo prospectivo de uma série de 40 pacientes com endometriose pélvica: infiltrativa profunda diagnosticados pela USR-3D e submetidos à videolaparoscopia. As peças cirúrgicas foram analisadas histologicamente e comparadas com os resultados das USR-3D. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida entre março de 2008 a março de 2011. Resultados: Os resultados dos estudos histopatológicos foram: 72,5% das pacientes (n = 29) com endometriose, 12,5% (n = 5) com reação inflamatória crônica inespecífica, 5% (n = 2) com tecido fibroso inespecífico, 2,5% (n = 1) com adenomioma, 2,5% (n = 1) com mucosa colônica com presença de focos de hemorragia recente, edema de lâmina própria e erosões superficiais, 2,5% (n = 1) com hiperplasia de folículos linfoides e o restante, 2,5% (n = 1), com tecido peritoneal dentro dos limites da normalidade. Conclusão: Conclui-se, portanto que a ultrassonografia anorretal tridimensional em pacientes portadoras de endometriose pélvica infiltrativa profunda ajuda no diagnóstico de lesões retais, quando essa técnica é comparada com os achados anatomopatológicos das peças cirúrgicas.

Differentiation between tuberculosis and leukemia in abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics of tubercular vs. leukemic involvement of abdominopelvic lymph nodes using multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed multidetector computed tomography features including lymph node size, shape, enhancement patterns, and anatomical distribution, in 106 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, untreated tuberculosis (55 patients; 52%) or leukemia (51 patients; 48%). In patients with leukemia, 32 (62.7%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 19 (37.3%) had acute leukemias; of these, 10 (19.6%) had acute myeloid leukemia, and 9 (17.6%) had acute lymphocytic leukemia. RESULTS: The lower para-aortic (30.9% for tuberculosis, 63.2% for acute leukemias and 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and inguinal (9.1% for tuberculosis, 57.9% for acute leukemias and 53.1% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) lymph nodes were involved more frequently in the three types of leukemia than in tuberculosis (both with p <0.017). Tuberculosis showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, in 43 (78.2%) patients, whereas patients with leukemia (78.9% for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) demonstrated predominantly homogeneous enhancement (both with p <0.017). For the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the analysis showed that a peripheral enhancement pattern had a sensitivity of 78.2%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 88.7%. For the diagnosis of leukemia, the analysis showed that a homogeneous enhancement pattern was associated with a sensitivity of 84.3%, a specificity of 94.5%, and an accuracy of 89.6%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the anatomical distribution and enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on multidetector computed tomography are useful for differentiating between untreated tuberculosis and leukemia of the abdominopelvic lymph nodes. .

In adolescents with epilepsy, high scores of anxiety and depression are associated with occurrence of seizures in public places / Em adolescentes com epilepsia, altos escores de ansiedade e depressão foram associados com ocorrência de crises em lugares públicos

Objective To assess depression and anxiety symptoms of adolescents with epilepsy compared with adolescents without epilepsy. Method The study sample consisted of: case participants (50 subjects) attending the pediatric epilepsy clinic of a tertiary hospital and control participants (51 subjects) from public schools. The instruments utilized were: identification card with demographic and epilepsy data, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results No significant differences were founded between the groups regarding scores for depression and anxiety symptoms but both groups presented moderate scores of anxiety. A correlation was found between low scores anxiety and not frequent seizures, low scores anxiety and perception of seizure control, high scores of anxiety and depression and occurrence of seizures in public places. Conclusion Low scores of anxiety are associated with not frequent seizures; high scores of anxiety and depression are associated with occurrence of seizures in public places. .

Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão de adolescentes com epilepsia comparados com adolescentes sem epilepsia. Método A amostra consistiu: grupo caso (50 indivíduos) atendidos no ambulatório de epilepsia infantil do Hospital Universitário e grupo controle (51 indivíduos) de escolas públicas. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: cartão com dados demográficos e de epilepsia, Beck Depression Inventory e State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Resultados Os resultados não mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação à depressão e ansiedade, mas ambos os grupos apresentaram escores moderados de ansiedade. Foi encontrada correlação entre baixa pontuação de ansiedade e crises não frequentes e percepção de controle de crises; altas pontuações de ansiedade e depressão e ocorrência de crises em lugares públicos. Conclusão Variáveis psicossociais e da doença são contingências importantes no comportamento adaptativo e controle do humor em uma doença crônica como a epilepsia. .

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser’s performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Morphological distinguish of rupture status between sidewall and bifurcation cerebral aneurysms / Caracterización morfológica del estado de ruptura entre aneurismas cerebrales en paredes laterales y bifurcaciones

We suspect that morphological change of two types of aneurysms in ruptured and unruptured aneurysms are distinguishing because of different location and haemodynamics. So it is necessary to discuss sidewall and bifurcation type aneurysms in ruptured and unruptured state respectively. We used 209 consecutive aneurysms (144 ruptured, 65 bifurcation type) to assess the following parameters in 3D: maximum diameter (Dmax), maximum height (Hmax), aspect ratio (AR), size ratio (SR), height/width ratio (HW), bottleneck factor (BNF, width/neck) and inflow angle (IR). These aneurysms were divided into four groups by whether ruptured and sidewall or bifurcation. 4 groups were pairwise compared by univariate analysis and some parameters with significant variation were analyzed by multinomial logistic. Hmax (P=0.014) and HW (P=0.001) were different significantly between ruptured bifurcation and sidewall by multinomial logistic. There was no difference between unruptured bifurcation and sidewall (P>0.05) except for SR (P=0.002) by multinomial logistic. All data of ruptured aneurysms are different significantly from unruptured aneurysms (P<0.05) except for sidewall HW (P=0.414) by univariate analysis. But only SR (P < 0.001) and IR (P=0.006) of sidewall and SR (P=0.011) and HW (P=0.001) of bifurcation was significantly different by multinomial logistic. Volume of sidewall aneurysms are larger than bifurcation aneurysms and stretch characteristic of bifurcation is more obvious in ruptured aneurysms. Flow angle is the important criteria to predict fracture not in bifurcation aneurysms but in sidewall aneurysms. Size ratio is always a very important parameter to predict rupture of aneurysm no matter in bifurcation and sidewall type.

Sospechamos que el cambio morfológico de dos tipos de aneurismas, con y sin ruptura, son distinguibles por diferencias en su hemodinamia y ubicación. Por esto, es necesario discutir sobre el estado de ruptura en los aneurismas ubicados en una pared lateral o bifurcación, respectivamente. Utilizamos 209 aneurismas consecutivos (144 con ruptura y 65 de bifurcación) para evaluar los siguientes parámetros en tres dimensiones: diámetro máximo (Dmax), altura máxima (Amax), relación de aspecto (RA), relación de tamaño (RT), relación de altura/ancho (AA), factor de cuello de botella (FCB, ancho/cuello) y ángulo de entrada (AE). Los aneurismas se dividieron en cuatro grupos por su estado de ruptura (rotos y no rotos) y ubicación (pared lateral y bifurcación). Los grupos se compararon por pares mediante análisis univariado y quienes presentaran variación significativa fueron analizados por logística multinomial. La Amax (P=0,014) y AA (P=0,001) mostraron diferencias significativas entre aneurismas con ruptura en bifurcación y pared lateral, según la logística multinomial. No hubo diferencias entre los aneurismas sin ruptura en bifurcación y pared lateral (P>0,05), excepto para RT (P=0,002) por logística multinomial. Todos los datos de aneurismas con ruptura mostraron diferencias significativas con los sin ruptura (P<0,05), excepto para la AA en la pared lateral (P=0,414) según el análisis univariado. Sólo las RT (P<0,001) y AE (P=0,006) de la pared lateral, y RT (P=0,011) y AA (P=0,001) en bifurcación tuvieron diferencias significativas mediante logística multinomial. El volúmen de los aneurismas de pared lateral fue mayor que los de bifurcación, así como la ruptura fue más evidente en el tramo característico de la bifurcación. El AE es un criterio importante para predecir la rotura en los aneurismas de pared lateral. La RT siempre es un parámetro importante para predecir la rotura de un aneurisma, tanto para los que ocurren en bifurcación y en la pared lateral.

Ablação de arritmias por cateter com mapeamento eletroanatômico exclusivo: uma série de casos / Catheter ablation of arrhythmias exclusively using electroanatomic mapping: a series of cases

FUNDAMENTO: A ablação por cateter possibilita tratamento curativo para diversas arritmias cardíacas. A fluoroscopia é utilizada para localizar e direcionar os cateteres aos pontos causadores de arritmias. Contudo, a fluoroscopia apresenta diversos riscos. O mapeamento eletroanatômico (MEA) apresenta imagem tridimensional sem utilizar raios X, reduzindo os riscos da fluoroscopia. OBJETIVO: Descrevemos uma série de pacientes nos quais foi realizada ablação de arritmias cardíacas com o uso exclusivo de MEA. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados prospectivamente, de março de 2011 a março de 2012, pacientes com arritmias cardíacas refratárias ao tratamento farmacológico para realização de ablação de arritmias com o uso exclusivo de MEA. Não participaram aqueles com indicação de estudo eletrofisiológico diagnóstico e ablação de fibrilação atrial, taquiarritmias de átrio esquerdo e arritmia ventricular hemodinamicamente instável. Observamos tempo total de procedimento, taxa de sucesso, complicações e se ocorreu necessidade de uso de fluoroscopia durante o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Participaram 11 pacientes, sendo sete do sexo feminino (63%), com idade média de 50 anos (DP ± 16,5). As indicações dos procedimentos foram quatro casos (35%) de flutter atrial, três casos (27%) de síndrome de pré-excitação, dois casos (19%) de taquicardia supraventricular paroxística e dois casos (19%) de extrassístoles ventriculares. A média de duração do procedimento foi de 86,6 min (DP ± 26 min). O sucesso imediato (na alta hospitalar) do procedimento ocorreu em nove pacientes (81%). Não houve complicações durante os procedimentos. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, foi demonstrado que é viável a realização de ablação de arritmias apenas com o uso do MEA, com resultados satisfatórios.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is a treatment that can cure various cardiac arrhythmias. Fluoroscopy is used to locate and direct catheters to areas that cause arrhythmias. However, fluoroscopy has several risks. Electroanatomic mapping (EAM) facilitates three-dimensional imaging without X-rays, which reduces risks associated with fluoroscopy. OBJECTIVE: We describe a series of patient cases wherein cardiac arrhythmia ablation was exclusively performed using EAM. METHODS: Patients who presented with cardiac arrhythmias that were unresponsive to pharmacological therapy were prospectively selected between March 2011 and March 2012 for arrhythmia ablation exclusively through EAM. Patients with indications for a diagnostic electrophysiology study and ablation of atrial fibrillation, left atrial tachyarrhythmias as well as hemodynamically unstable ventricular arrhythmia were excluded. We documented the procedure time, success rate and complications as well as whether fluoroscopy was necessary during the procedure. RESULTS: In total, 11 patients were enrolled in the study, including seven female patients (63%). The mean age of the patients was 50years (SD ±16.5). Indications for the investigated procedures included four cases (35%) of atrial flutter, three cases (27%) of pre-excitation syndrome, two cases (19%) of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and two cases (19%) of ventricular extrasystoles. The mean procedure duration was 86.6 min (SD ± 26 min). Immediate success (at discharge) of the procedure was evident for nine patients (81%). There were no complications during the procedures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing an arrhythmia ablation exclusively using EAM with satisfactory results.

Fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática: un enigma médico / Retroperitoneal fibrosis: a medical enigma

La fibrosis retroperitoneal es una enfermedad rara de causa desconocida. Fue descrita por primera vez en la literatura inglesa en 1948 por Ormond. Sin embargo, la primera descripción conocida de esta enfermedad fue realizada por el urólogo francés Albarran en 1905. Se caracteriza por una inflamación crónica e inespecífica del retroperitoneo, la cual puede atrapar y obstruir las estructuras que allí se encuentran, particularmente a los uréteres. Es frecuente que la enfermedad se detecte en etapas avanzadas, cuando se manifiesta por falla renal crónica. Los avances en las técnicas imaginológicas y el mayor conocimiento de la entidad han permitido que el diagnóstico se realice con mayor frecuencia en etapas más tempranas, cuando los pacientes aún no se encuentran obstruidos. Como resultado de las observaciones que muestran que los aneurismas inflamatorios de la aorta abdominal difieren de la enfermedad de Ormond sólo en el diámetro de la aorta inflamada, se ha sugerido que ambos síndromes representan variaciones de la misma patología, la cual se ha llamado "periaortitis crónica".

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon disease of unclear cause. It was described for the first time in English literature by Ormond, in 1948. However, the first known description of this disease was done by the French urologist Albarran, around 1905. It is characterized by chronic nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum that can entrap and obstruct retroperitoneal structures, notably the urethers. This disease frequently is detected only after severe renal failure is present. However, advances in imaging techniques and increased awareness of the disease have resulted in an earlier diagnosis in unobstructed patients. As a result of the observations that showed that the only difference between an inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and Ormond's disease is the diameter of the vessel, it had been suggested that both syndromes represent variations of the same pathology, which has been named "chronic periaortitis".