Correlation and concordance of carotid Doppler ultrasound and echocardiography with invasive cardiac output measurement in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critical care management heavily relies on accurate cardiac output (CO) measurement. Echocardiography has been a mainstay in non-invasive cardiac monitoring; however, its comparability to invasive methods warrants further exploration. Recent studies have suggested the potential of carotid Doppler measurements as a promising approach to estimate CO. Despite this potential, the literature presents mixed outcomes regarding its reliability and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the correlation and concordance between carotid Doppler ultrasonography and invasive hemodynamic monitoring in estimating CO in critically ill patients. Furthermore, it assesses the concordance and correlation between echocardiography CO and the standard invasive CO measurements. METHODS: This concordance study involved critically ill adults requiring invasive CO measurement. Patients with arrhythmias, severe valvulopathy, pregnancy, and poor acoustic window were excluded. Statistical analyses comprised univariate analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Ethical approval was granted by the institution's ethics committee. RESULTS: A total of 49 critically ill patients were included, predominantly male (63.27%), with a median age of 57 years. Diagnoses included subarachnoid hemorrhage (53.06%) and heart failure (8.16%). Mean cardiac index was 3.36 ± 0.81 L/min/m2 and mean cardiac output was 5.98 ± 1.47 L/min. Spearman correlation coefficient between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements was 0.58 (p-value = p < 0.001), with an ICC of 0.59 for CO and 0.52 for cardiac index. Carotid measurements displayed no significant correlation with invasive CO. CONCLUSION: There is a moderate correlation and concordance between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements. There is no significant correlation between carotid variables and invasive CO, underscoring the necessity for cautious interpretation and application, particularly in patients with distinctive cerebral blood flow dynamics.

The development and implementation of a low-cost mechanical ventilator in a low-middle-income country during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Unisabana-HERONS.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America generated the need to develop low-cost, fast-manufacturing mechanical ventilators. The Universidad de La Sabana and the Fundacion Neumologica Colombiana designed and manufactured the Unisabana-HERONS (USH) ventilator. Here, we present the preclinical and clinical study results to evaluate its effectiveness and safety characteristics in an animal model (Yorkshire Sow) and five patients with acute respiratory failure receiving mechanical ventilatory support for 24 h. Methods: The effectiveness and safety outcomes included maintaining arterial blood gases and pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2), respiratory pressures and volumes (during continuous monitoring) in the range of ARDS and lung-protective strategy goals, and the occurrence of barotrauma. A significance level of 0.05 was used for statistical tests. This clinical trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04497623) and approved by the ethics committee. Results: Among patients treated with the Unisabana-HERONS, the most frequent causes of acute respiratory failure were pneumonia in 3/5 (60 %) and ARDS in 2/5 (40 %). During the treatment, the ventilatory parameters related to lung protection protocols were kept within the safety range, and vital signs and blood gas were stable. The percentage of time that the respiratory pressures or volumes were out of safety range were plateau pressure >30 cm H2O: 0.00 %; driving pressure >15 cm H2O: 0.06 %; mechanical power >15 J/min: 0.00 %; and Tidal volume >8 mL/kg: 0.00 %. There were no adverse events related to the ventilator. The usability questionnaire retrieved a median score for all items between 9 and 10 (best score: 10), indicating great ease of use. Conclusion: The Unisabana-HERONS ventilator effectively provided adequate gas exchange and maintained the ventilatory parameters in the range of lung protection strategies in humans and an animal model. Furthermore, it is straightforward to use and is a low-cost medical device.

TAFRO syndrome, variant of Castleman's disease: case report. / Síndrome TAFRO, variante de la enfermedad de Castleman: reporte de caso.

INTRODUCTION: Multicentric Castleman's disease is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder that involves multiple enlarged lymph nodes in different areas of the body. Recently, a unique clinic pathological variant of this disease called TAFRO syndrome has been described. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old male with a history of one year and six months of evolution characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy with, night diaphoresis, dyspnea and weight loss. At the third month, hypertension was diagnosed and 8 months later type 2 diabetes mellitus. After his admission, microcytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, pleural effusion and ascites were documented. Based on the findings of the physical examination, a computed tomography scan was performed, where multiple lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly were identified. A lymph node biopsy was performed, which reported Castleman's disease, considering then a diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome due to its association with thrombocytopenia, microcytic anemia, anasarca, fever, renal dysfunction, adenomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly. CONCLUSIONS: There are still doubts about whether it corresponds to a different disease or a subtype of the Castleman disease. It is more frequent in women, occurs in the middle-aged and elderly and given its heterogeneous presentation, it usually represents a diagnostic challenge. Although its management is not standardized, therapeutic options include immunosuppressant such as steroids, cyclosporine, rituximab and anti-IL6.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Castleman multicéntrica es un raro trastorno linfoproliferativo benigno que compromete múltiples nódulos linfáticos agrandados en distintas zonas del cuerpo. Se ha descrito una variante clinicopatológica única de esta enfermedad, denominada síndrome TAFRO. CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 23 años con un cuadro de 1 año y 6 meses de evolución caracterizado por adenopatías generalizadas, diaforesis nocturna, disnea y pérdida de peso. Al tercer mes se diagnosticó hipertensión arterial, y 8 meses después, diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Tras su ingreso se documentó anemia microcítica, trombocitopenia, disfunción renal, derrame pleural y ascitis. Por los hallazgos de la exploración física, se realizó tomografía computarizada, que identificó múltiples adenomegalias y hepatoesplenomegalia. Se realizó biopsia de ganglio linfático, cuyo reporte informó enfermedad de Castleman, considerándose entonces el diagnóstico de síndrome TAFRO por su asociación con trombocitopenia, anemia microcítica, anasarca, fiebre, disfunción renal, adenomegalias y hepatoesplenomegalia. CONCLUSIONES: Aún existen dudas sobre si el síndrome TAFRO corresponde a una enfermedad diferente o a un subtipo de la enfermedad Castleman. Es más frecuente en mujeres y en personas de mediana edad o ancianas, y dada su presentación heterogénea suele representar un reto diagnóstico. Aunque su manejo no se encuentra estandarizado, las opciones terapéuticas incluyen inmunosupresores como esteroides, ciclosporina, rituximab y anti-IL6.

Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis: A Manifestation of Sjögren's Syndrome.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 72-year-old woman with primary Sjögren Syndrome (SS) was diagnosed during an inpatient hospital stay with dry symptoms. The patient had respiratory and constitutional symptoms, requiring a pulmonary imaging evaluation by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Multiple cavitary pulmonary nodules, halo sign, and focal areas of ground-glass opacity with predominance in both bases were found in the images. Complementary studies were done where a neoplastic focus was ruled out. The diagnosis of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis was confirmed with a pulmonary biopsy performed by videothoracoscopy for histopathological study, which reported the formation of nodules in the parenchyma with amyloid deposits and positive immunohistochemical markers for CD3, CD20, and CD38 lymphocytic infiltration. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Initial inpatient management with intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone was given. Subsequent outpatient management was given with high dose glucocorticoids. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We presented a case of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis in a female patient with primary SS, which is a rare pulmonary manifestation of this syndrome.

False-positive fourth-generation hiv test associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: The fourth-generation ELISA human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening test has a high sensitivity and specificity >99% to detect both antigens and antibodies. Estimates are that only 0.5% yield false positive results. Case description: 61-year-old female patient with a clinical picture consisting of malaise, unqualified fever, asthenia and adynamia. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, so a Coombs test was performed, obtaining a positive result along with other findings of mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Two fourth-generation ELISA HIV screening tests were performed obtaining positive results. Given the national recommendations on the diagnosis of HIV infection, a viral load was performed, which turned out to be negative, so the result was considered a false positive. Discussion: Clinical and biological factors are related to false positive results. There are descriptions about autoimmunity phenomena, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with few cases in older adults. Conclusions: Rapid tests have changed the diagnosis of HIV infection worldwide; however, like any other diagnostic test, they may yield false positive results with differential diagnoses, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

RESUMEN Introducción. La prueba de tamizaje para virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) con ELISA de cuarta generación tiene gran sensibilidad y una especificidad >99% para detectar tanto antígenos como anticuerpos. Se estima que solo el 0.5% son falsos positivos. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenino de 61 años con cuadro clínico consistente en malestar general, fiebre no cuantificada, astenia y adinamia. En los paraclínicos se evidenció anemia, por lo que se realizó prueba de Coombs, la cual resultó positiva junto con otros hallazgos de anemia hemolítica autoinmune mixta. Se realizaron dos pruebas de tamizaje para VIH con técnica ELISA de cuarta generación que fueron positivas. Dadas las recomendaciones nacionales sobre el diagnóstico de la infección por VIH, se realizó una carga viral que resultó ser negativa, por lo que se consideró el resultado como un falso positivo. Discusión. Factores clínicos y biológicos se relacionan con resultados falsos positivos. Existen descripciones sobre fenómenos de autoinmunidad, como el lupus eritematoso sistémico o la anemia hemolítica autoinmune, con pocos casos en adultos mayores. Conclusiones. Las pruebas rápidas han cambiado el diagnóstico de la infección por VIH en el mundo; sin embargo, como toda prueba diagnóstica, tienen falsos positivos con diagnósticos diferenciales, incluidos la anemia hemolítica autoinmune.

Panhipopituitarismo secundario a metástasis del sistema nervioso central por un adenocarcinoma broncogénico / Panhypopituitarism secondary to metastasis of the central nervous system due to a bronchogenic adenocarcinoma

Resumen Mujer de 45 años de edad con antecedente de extabaquismo pesado, cursó con cuadro crónico de cefalea en región occipital irradiado a región temporal asociado a disminución de la agudeza visual de ojo izquierdo. El cuadro empeoró en los últimos seis meses y se asoció a polidipsia y poliuria. Presentó cuadro sincopal con amnesia retrógrada, para lo cual se realizó una tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) contrastada de cráneo que mostró múltiples lesiones parenquimatosas cerebrales y del cerebelo compatibles con metástasis. Se hizo estudio hormonal para evaluar la función hipofisiaria evidenciando un panhipopituitarismo secundario. Se detectó foco primario neoplásico mediante TAC contrastada de tórax, evidenciando una lesión espiculada en el lóbulo superior derecho sugestiva de carcinoma broncogénico, posteriormente se tomó biopsia por fibrobroncoscopia el cual confirmó por histopatología e inmunohistoquímica el diagnóstico de un adenocarcinoma broncogénico. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 115-118).

Abstract A 45-year-old woman with a history of heavy extabaquism presented with chronic headache in the occipital region irradiated to the temporal region associated with decreased visual acuity of the left eye. The picture worsened in the last six months and was associated with polydipsia and polyuria. She presented a syncopal picture with retrograde amnesia, for which a contrast computed tomography (CT) of the skull was performed, which showed multiple parenchymal brain and cerebellar lesions compatible with metastasis. Hormonal study was done to evaluate the hypophyseal function evidencing a secondary panhypopituitarism. A primary neoplastic focus was detected by a contrast chest CT scan, showing a spiculated lesion in the right upper lobe suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma. A biopsy was subsequently taken by fibrobronchoscopy, which confirmed the diagnosis of a bronchogenic adenocarcinoma by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 115-118).

Aortitis sifilítica: "una vieja olvidada" / Syphilitic aortitis: Old and forgotten. Report of a case

Resumen Se expone el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 69 años, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, ataque cerebrovascular, fibrilación auricular, insuficiencia aórtica y cardiopatía isquémica, quien ingresa a un hospital de alta complejidad por deterioro de la clase funcional, edema de miembros inferiores y episodios de palpitaciones. En la ecocardiografía se halló fracción de eyección normal, insuficiencia aórtica grave y dilatación de aorta ascendente con criterios quirúrgicos. Dentro de los estudios prequirúrgicos, se documentó VDRL reactivo en títulos altos y confirmación del diagnóstico de sífilis con TP-PA. Se realizó reemplazo valvular aórtico con prótesis biológica e injerto de dacrón en aorta ascendente, y el estudio patológico del material quirúrgico confirmó aortitis sifilítica. Se presenta una revisión respecto a esta patología poco frecuente en la actualidad.

Abstract The case is presented of a 69-year-old male patient with a history of arterial hypertension, smoking, stroke, atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, and ischaemic heart disease, who was admitted to a tertiary hospital due to functional class deterioration, lower limb oedema, and episodes of palpitations. A normal ejection fraction, with severe aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic dilation with surgical criteria, was found on echocardiography. Within pre-surgical studies, the VDRL had high titres and confirmation of the diagnosis of syphilis with TP-PA. Aortic valve replacement was performed using a biological prosthesis and Dacron graft in the ascending aorta. The histopathology study of the surgical material confirmed syphilitic aortitis. A review is presented on the current status of this rare pathology.