Detection and Quantification of Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Plaques With High-Resolution Imaging in Cryptogenic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) is a powerful tool in diagnosing intracranial vasculopathies not detected on routine imaging. We hypothesized that 7T HR-VWI may detect the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis disease initially misdiagnosed as cryptogenic strokes. METHODS: Patients diagnosed as cryptogenic stroke but suspected of having an intracranial arteriopathy by routine imaging were prospectively imaged with HR-VWI. If intracranial atherosclerotic plaques were identified, they were classified as culprit or nonculprit based on the likelihood of causing the index stroke. Plaque characteristics, such as contrast enhancement, degree of stenosis, and morphology, were analyzed. Contrast enhancement was determined objectively after normalization with the pituitary stalk. A cutoff value for plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast enhancement ratio (CR) was determined for optimal prediction of the presence of a culprit plaque. A revised stroke cause was adjudicated based on clinical and HR-VWI findings. RESULTS: A total of 344 cryptogenic strokes were analyzed, and 38 eligible patients were imaged with 7T HR-VWI. Intracranial atherosclerosis disease was adjudicated as the final stroke cause in 25 patients. A total of 153 intracranial plaques in 374 arterial segments were identified. Culprit plaques (n=36) had higher CR and had concentric morphology when compared with nonculprit plaques (P≤0.001). CR ≥53 had 78% sensitivity for detecting culprit plaques and a 90% negative predictive value. CR ≥53 (P=0.008), stenosis ≥50% (P<0.001), and concentric morphology (P=0.030) were independent predictors of culprit plaques. CONCLUSIONS: 7T HR-VWI allows identification of underlying intracranial atherosclerosis disease in a subset of stroke patients with suspected underlying vasculopathy but otherwise classified as cryptogenic. Plaque analysis in this population demonstrated that culprit plaques had more contrast enhancement (CR ≥53), caused a higher degree of stenosis, and had a concentric morphology.

Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation in Potocki-Lupski syndrome.

Potocki-Lupski syndrome (PTLS) is a genetic disorder that results from an interstitial duplication within chromosome 17p11.2. Children with PTLS typically present with infantile hypotonia, failure to thrive, and global developmental delay with or without major organ system involvement. Systematic clinical studies regarding growth, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive profiles have been published; however, systematic evaluation of central nervous system structure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has not been reported. Herein, we describe three patients with PTLS who were found-in the course of routine clinical care-to have a type 1 Arnold-Chiari malformation (CM-1). This finding raises the question of whether the incidence of CM-1 is increased in PTLS, and hence, if an MRI of the brain should be considered in the evaluation of all patients with this chromosomal duplication syndrome.

Generalized Drug Eruption Secondary to Ticagrelor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Currently, guidelines recommend ticagrelor over clopidogrel as part of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin in treating individuals with acute coronary syndrome. As there is an increased usage of ticagrelor, it is important to keep in mind uncommon adverse events, including hypersensitivity skin reactions. To date, only a few studies have been published regarding ticagrelor-induced skin eruptions. Additionally, there is no consensus on antiplatelet therapy management after a hypersensitivity reaction to antiplatelet agents. Hereinafter, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female who presents with a diffuse erythematous hypersensitivity eruption, including palms and soles, secondary to ticagrelor use. Ticagrelor transitioned to clopidogrel, and the patient was started on steroid taper with an antihistamine. The patient's rash progressively improved after the treatment. Our case demonstrates a rare adverse effect of ticagrelor, which needs prompt diagnosis and switching to one of the thienopyridines to prevent thrombosis.

Volumetric surveillance of brain aneurysms: Pitfalls of MRA.

INTRODUCTION: Untreated brain aneurysms are usually surveilled with serial MR imaging and evaluated with 2D multiplanar measurements. The assessment of aneurysm growth may be more accurate with volumetric analysis. We evaluated the accuracy of a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) segmentation pipeline for aneurysm volume measurement and surveillance. METHODS: A pipeline to determine aneurysm volume was developed and tested on two aneurysm phantoms imaged with time-of flight (TOF) MRA and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA). The accuracy of the pipeline was then evaluated by reconstructing 10 aneurysms imaged with contrast enhanced-MRA (CE-MRA) and 3DRA. This calibrated and refined post-processing pipeline was subsequently used to analyse aneurysms from our prospectively acquired database. Volume changes above the threshold of error were considered true volume changes. The accuracy of these measurements was analysed. RESULTS: TOF-MRA reconstructions were not as accurate as CE-MRA reconstructions. When compared to 3DRA, CE-MRA underestimated aneurysm volume by 7.8% and did not accurately register the presence of blebs. Eighteen aneurysms (13 saccular and 5 fusiform) were analysed with the optimized 3D volume reconstruction pipeline, with a mean follow-up time of 11 months. Artifact accounted for 10.2% error in volume measurements using serial CE-MRA. When this margin of error was used to assess aneurysms volume in serial imaging with CE-MRA, only two fusiform aneurysms changed in volume. The variations in volume of these two fusiform aneurysms were caused by intra-mural and intrasaccular thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: CE-MRA and TOF-MRA 3D volume reconstructions may not register minor morphological changes such as the appearance of blebs. CE-MRA underestimates volume by 7.8% compared to 3DRA. Serial CE-MRA volume measurements had a larger margin of error of approximately 10.2%. MRA-based volumetric measurements may not be appropriate for aneurysm surveillance.

Topographical Analysis of Aneurysm Wall Enhancement With 3-Dimensional Mapping.

Background: Aneurysm wall enhancement has been identified as a potential biomarker for aneurysm instability. Enhancement has been determined by different approaches on 2D multiplanar views. This study describes a new method to quantify enhancement through 3D heatmaps and histograms. Methods: A custom algorithm was developed using orthogonal probes extending from the aneurysm lumen into the wall to create 3D heatmaps and histograms of wall enhancement on 7T-MRI. Three quantitative metrics for general, specific, and focal wall enhancement were generated from the histograms. Results: Thirty-two aneurysms were analyzed and classified based on 3D heatmaps and histograms. Larger aneurysms were more enhancing (Spearman's r=0.472, p=0.006), and had more heterogeneous enhancement (Spearman's r=0.557, p<0.001) than smaller aneurysms. Patterns of enhancement differed between saccular, fusiform, and thrombosed aneurysms. Fusiform aneurysms were larger (p=0.015) and had more heterogenous enhancement compared to saccular aneurysms. Fusiform aneurysms had more areas of focal enhancement (p<0.001) and right skewed histograms (p=0.003). Conclusions: The 3D analysis of aneurysm wall enhancement provides topographic data of the entire aneurysm wall. New metrics developed based on this method showed that large and fusiform aneurysms have heterogenous enhancement.

MRS SOFIA: a multicenter retrospective study for use of Sofia for revascularization of acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Over the past several years there has been increased interest in the use of the Sofia aspiration system (MicroVention, Tustin, California) as a primary aspiration catheter. OBJECTIVE: To perform a multicenter retrospective study examining the efficacy of the Sofia aspiration catheter as a standalone aspiration treatment for large vessel occlusion. METHODS: Consecutive cases in which the Sofia catheter was used for aspiration thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion were included. Exclusion criteria were the following: (1) Sofia not used for first pass, and (2) a stent retriever used as an adjunct on the first pass. The primary outcome of the study was first pass recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2c/3). Secondary outcomes included first pass TICI 2b/3, crossover to other thrombectomy devices, number of passes, time from puncture to recanalization, and complications. RESULTS: 323 patients were included. First pass TICI 2c/3 was achieved in 49.8% of cases (161/323). First pass TICI 2b/3 was achieved in 69.7% (225/323) of cases. 74.8% had TICI 2b/3 with the Sofia alone. Crossover to other thrombectomy devices occurred in 29.1% of cases (94/323). The median number of passes was 1 (IQR=1-3). Median time from puncture to recanalization was 26 min (IQR=17-45). Procedure related complications occurred in 3.1% (10/323) of cases. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the potential advantage of the Sofia aspiration catheter for primary aspiration thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. High rates of first pass recanalization with low crossover rates to other thrombectomy devices were achieved. Median procedure time was low, as were procedural complications.

Performance of Aneurysm Wall Enhancement Compared with Clinical Predictive Scales: PHASES, ELAPSS, and UIATS.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the presence of objectively measured wall enhancement on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) with the clinical predictive scales PHASES, ELAPSS, and UIATS. METHODS: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIAs) prospectively underwent HR-VWI on a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner at diagnosis. Aneurysmal wall enhancement was objectively quantified on T1 postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging using signal intensity values adjusted for the pituitary stalk to calculate a contrast ratio (CRstalk). UIAs with CRstalk ≥0.60 were considered "enhancing." Patients' demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm morphology were reviewed to calculate PHASES, ELAPSS, and UIATS scores. Pearson coefficients were applied for statistical correlation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess for confounders. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-three patients harboring 178 UIAs underwent HR-VWI. A total of 101 patients with 135 UIAs were analyzed. Enhancing UIAs were larger (8.4 ± 5.5 mm vs. 5.5 ± 2.3 mm; P < 0.001), had higher aspect ratio (2.3 ± 1.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7; P = 0.008), higher size ratio (3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.1; P = 0.016), scored higher on PHASES (5.6 ± 3.9 vs. 4.4 ± 2.6; P = 0.04) and ELAPSS (19.4 ± 8.9 vs. 15.4 ± 7.3; P = 0.006) compared with nonenhancing UIAs. Treatment allocation as defined by UIATS was measured independently to enhancement status. No significant differences were found for UIATS between enhancing and nonenhancing UIAs (P = 0.63). Multivariable regression showed that size was the only independent factor significantly associated with UIA enhancement (odds ratio, 1.76; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing UIAs score higher in PHASES and ELAPSS scales. This association is largely explained by aneurysm size, aspect, and size ratios. Morphologic UIA features should be accounted for in clinical predictive scales of aneurysm instability.

High-resolution vessel wall imaging after mechanical thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging has the potential of characterising arterial wall changes after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging features of large intracranial arteries following mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Patients who presented with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and underwent mechanical thrombectomy were prospectively recruited. Subjects underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging within 24 hours of the procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included whole brain T1 pre and post-contrast black-blood imaging, three-dimensional T2, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and susceptibility-weighted imaging. Arterial wall enhancement was objectively assessed after normalisation with the pituitary stalk. The contrast ratio of target vessels was compared with non-affected reference vessels. RESULTS: Twenty patients with 22 target vessels and 20 reference vessels were included in the study. Sixteen patients were treated with stentriever with or without aspiration, and four with contact aspiration only. Significantly higher arterial wall enhancement was identified on the target vessel when compared to the reference vessel (U = 22.5, P < 0.01). The stentriever group had an 82% increase in the contrast ratio of the target vessel (x̄ = 0.75 ± 0.21) when compared to the reference vessel (x̄ = 0.41 ± 0.13), whereas the contact aspiration group had a 64% increase of the contrast ratio difference between target (x̄ = 0.62 ± 0.07) and reference vessels (x̄ = 0.38 ± 0.12). Approximately 65% of patients in the stentriever group had a positive parenchymal susceptibility-weighted imaging versus 25% in the contact aspiration group. There was no statistically significant correlation between susceptibility-weighted imaging volume and the percentage increase in the contrast ratio (rs = 0.098, P = 0.748). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective pilot study used the objective quantification of arterial wall enhancement in determining arterial changes after mechanical thrombectomy. Preliminary data suggest that the use of stentrievers is associated with a higher enhancement as compared to reperfusion catheters.

Insights into the pathogenesis of cerebral fusiform aneurysms: high-resolution MRI and computational analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial fusiform aneurysms are complex and poorly characterized vascular lesions. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and computational morphological analysis may be used to characterize cerebral fusiform aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To use advanced imaging and computational analysis to understand the unique pathophysiology, and determine possible underlying mechanisms of instability of cerebral fusiform aneurysms. METHODS: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms prospectively underwent imaging with 3T HR-MRI at diagnosis. Aneurysmal wall enhancement was objectively quantified using signal intensity after normalization of the contrast ratio (CR) with the pituitary stalk. Enhancement between saccular and fusiform aneurysms was compared, as well as enhancement characteristics of fusiform aneurysms. The presence of microhemorrhages in fusiform aneurysms was determined with quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Three distinct types of fusiform aneurysms were analyzed with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). RESULTS: A total of 130 patients with 160 aneurysms underwent HR-MRI. 136 aneurysms were saccular and 24 were fusiform. Fusiform aneurysms had a significantly higher CR and diameter than saccular aneurysms. Enhancing fusiform aneurysms exhibited more enhancement of reference vessels than non-enhancing fusiform aneurysms. Ten fusiform aneurysms underwent QSM analysis, and five aneurysms showed microhemorrhages. Microhemorrhage-positive aneurysms had a larger volume, diameter, and greater enhancement than aneurysms without microhemorrhage. Three types of fusiform aneurysms exhibited different CFD and FEA patterns. CONCLUSION: Fusiform aneurysms exhibited more contrast enhancement than saccular aneurysms. Enhancing fusiform aneurysms had larger volume and diameter, more enhancement of reference vessels, and more often exhibited microhemorrhage than non-enhancing aneurysms. CFD and FEA suggest that various pathophysiological processes determine the formation and growth of fusiform aneurysms.

Semiautomated 3D mapping of aneurysmal wall enhancement with 7T-MRI.

Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) after the administration of contrast gadolinium is a potential biomarker of unstable intracranial aneurysms. While most studies determine AWE subjectively, this study comprehensively quantified AWE in 3D imaging using a semi-automated method. Thirty patients with 33 unruptured intracranial aneurysms prospectively underwent high-resolution imaging with 7T-MRI. The signal intensity (SI) of the aneurysm wall was mapped and normalized to the pituitary stalk (PS) and corpus callosum (CC). The CC proved to be a more reliable normalizing structure in detecting contrast enhancement (p < 0.0001). 3D-heatmaps and histogram analysis of AWE were used to generate the following metrics: specific aneurysm wall enhancement (SAWE), general aneurysm wall enhancement (GAWE) and focal aneurysm wall enhancement (FAWE). GAWE was more accurate in detecting known morphological determinants of aneurysm instability such as size ≥ 7 mm (p = 0.049), size ratio (p = 0.01) and aspect ratio (p = 0.002). SAWE and FAWE were aneurysm specific metrics used to characterize enhancement patterns within the aneurysm wall and the distribution of enhancement along the aneurysm. Blebs were easily identified on 3D-heatmaps and were more enhancing than aneurysm sacs (p = 0.0017). 3D-AWE mapping may be a powerful objective tool in characterizing different biological processes of the aneurysm wall.

Interlaminar stabilization and decompression for the treatment of bilateral juxtafacet cysts: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar juxtafacet cysts (JFCs) are a common cause of lumbar radiculopathy which tend to occur in areas of increased facet mobility. While resection alone is a possible treatment, recent publications suggest that laminectomy alone for JFCs may not yield as favorable an outcome as laminotomies reinforced with posterior dynamic hardware. The Coflex® is a novel interlaminar stabilization device that has been shown to achieve comparable results to rigid fusion in the management of lumbar stenosis in patients with no more than grade one anterolisthesis, and superior performance compared to laminectomy alone when a combined outcome score was used. We describe the combined use of dynamic posterior element fusion with primary cyst resection in the management of bilateral JFCs. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 71-year-old man who developed a progressive left L4 radiculopathy along with new urinary incontinence was found to have bilateral L3/4 JFCs causing significant lumbar stenosis and neurogenic claudication. After treatment with primary cyst resection and interlaminar stabilization, the patient experienced complete symptom resolution and was discharged to inpatient-rehabilitation on post-operative day 1. DISCUSSION: While current recommendations for the management of juxtafacet cysts causing progressive neurologic symptoms include surgical cyst removal and lumbar decompression with or without fusion, the role of dynamic interlaminar stabilization has not been explored. CONCLUSION: Direct decompression followed by interlaminar stabilization may represent an alternative for patients to simultaneously benefit from a decompression of their juxtafacet cysts while affording posterior element reconstruction.

[The Latin-American Consensus on Chronic Constipation]. / Consenso Latinoamericano de Estreñimiento Crónico.

The Latin-American Consensus on Chronic Constipation aimed to establish guidelines to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in the region. Two coordinators and an honorary coordinator established the process and the topics to be discussed, based on a systematic review of the literature published in the previous 10 years, since 1995. Seventeen members participated with the support of their local gastroenterology societies. The members reviewed the different subjects based on the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation; the topics were then discussed in a plenary session. A written report was drafted and the coordinators prepared the final declarations to be submitted to a vote by all the members in October 2006. The consensus concluded that chronic constipation has an estimated prevalence of 5-21% in the region, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Among individuals with constipation, 75% use some type of medication, with more than 50% using home remedies. A diagnosis based on Rome Criteria was recommended and diagnostic testing only in persons older than 50 years or with alarm symptoms. The use of barium enema as an initial investigation was recommended only in countries with a high prevalence of idiopathic megacolon or Chagas' disease. Recommendations on treatment included an increase in dietary fiber of up to 25-30 g/day (grade C). No evidence was found to recommend measures such as exercise, increased water intake, or frequent visits to the toilet. Fiber supplements such as Psyllium received a grade B and pharmacological treatments such as tegaserod and polyethylene glycol, both grade A. There was insufficient evidence to recommend lactulose, but the consensus did not disadvise its use when necessary. Complementary investigations such as colonic transit followed by anorectal manometry and defecography were only recommended to rule out colonic inertia and/or obstructive defecation in patients not responding to treatment. Biofeedback was recommended (grade B) for those with pelvic dyssynergia.

Vólvulo gástrico en una paciente nonagenaria: intervención endoscópica y laparoscópica. Reporte de caso / Gastric volvulus in a nonagenarian patient: endoscopic and laparoscopic intervention. Case report

Resumen El vólvulo gástrico es una entidad rara que puede presentarse de manera aguda o crónica y se acompaña de síntomas inespecíficos. Es fundamental su rápida identificación, ya que tiene alta mortalidad y el tratamiento oportuno de esta patología determina el pronóstico del paciente. A continuación, presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 89 años, que consulta por cuadro clínico de dolor torácico atípico, con documentación en radiografía de tórax de vólvulo gástrico organoaxial, en quien se realiza inicialmente devolvulación endoscópica con éxito. Sin embargo, en las imágenes de control se evidencia recurrencia del vólvulo, por lo cual se realizó manejo quirúrgico con hiatoplastia y funduplicatura tipo Toupet, además de gastrostomía percutánea de fijación, procedimiento realizado sin complicaciones, con los que se logró la devolvulación completa sin recurrencia.

Abstract Gastric volvulus is a rare condition that can occur acutely or chronically and is accompanied by nonspecific symptoms. Its rapid identification is critical since it has high mortality rate and timely treatment determines the patient's prognosis. The following is the case of an 89-year-old female patient who presented with atypical chest pain, with organoaxial gastric volvulus on chest X-ray, in whom endoscopic devolvulation was initially performed successfully. However, control imaging scans revealed recurrence. Therefore, surgical management included hiatoplasty and Toupet fundoplication, as well as percutaneous fixation gastrostomy, a procedure that was completed without complications and resulted in complete devolvulation without recurrence.

Concordancia entre las escalas Marshall, Ranson y APACHE II como estimadoras de la morbimortalidad en pancreatitis aguda / Agreement between Marshall, Ranson and Apache II as estimators of morbidity and mortality in acute pancreatitis

Resumen Objetivo: actualmente, en Colombia están en uso diferentes escalas para estimar el riesgo de morbimortalidad en pacientes con pancreatitis, lo que genera incertidumbre a la hora de clasificar y manejar a estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la concordancia entre las más usadas en una población atendida a 2670 metros sobre el nivel del mar (msnm). Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron 200 pacientes, entre 18 y 65 años, con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda y manejados en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio de Bogotá (Colombia). Se estimaron tres escalas de riesgo y se clasificaron como pancreatitis con predicción de gravedad si los puntajes de APACHE II eran ≥8, Marshall modificada ≥2, o si tenían 3 o más criterios de Ranson positivos. Se determinó la concordancia entre los resultados usando el estadístico kappa. Resultados: según Marshall, el 45,5 % de los pacientes correspondieron a pancreatitis con predicción de gravedad, mientras que de acuerdo con APACHE II y Ranson se encontró este diagnóstico en un 39,5 % y un 38,5 %, respectivamente. El coeficiente kappa mostró una concordancia débil entre APACHE II y Ranson (kappa: 0,201; intervalo de confianza [IC], 95 %: 0,05-0,34), así como una concordancia pobre entre Ranson y Marshall (kappa: 0,18; IC, 95 %: 0,04-0,32). La concordancia entre APACHE y Marshall fue moderada (kappa: 0,42; IC, 95 %: 0,28-0,56). Conclusiones: existe un pobre acuerdo entre las diferentes escalas de clasificación de riesgo de pancreatitis usadas en Colombia, por lo que no pueden interpretarse como clínicamente equivalentes. Los datos de este estudio demuestran la necesidad de validar las distintas escalas en Colombia y en Latinoamérica. Además, sugieren que la escala de Marshall sobreestima el riesgo en ciudades por encima de los 2000 msnm.

Abstract Introduction: Different scales to estimate the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with pancreatitis are currently in use in Colombia, which leads to uncertainty when classifying and treating these patients. Objective: This study seeks to analyze agreement between the most used scales to estimate the risk of patient morbidity and mortality in a population treated at 2,670 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Materials and methods: Two hundred patients between 18 and 65 years old, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, were evaluated and treated at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá (Colombia). Three risk scales were used for the estimations. Scores ≥ 8 in the APACHE II system, ≥ 2 in the Modified Marshall Score, or 3 or more positive Ranson criteria were classified as pancreatitis with severity prognostic marker. Agreement between the results was determined using the Kappa coefficient. Results: According to the Marshall score, 45.5% of the cases were pancreatitis with predicted severity, while APACHE II and Ranson yielded scores of 39.5% and 38.5%, respectively. The Kappa coefficient showed weak agreement between APACHE II and Ranson (Kappa=0.201; 95%CI 0.05-0.34), poor agreement between Ranson and Marshall (Kappa=0.18; 95%CI 0.04-0.32), and moderate agreement between APACHE II and Marshall (Kappa=0.42; 95%CI 0.28-0.56). Conclusions: There is poor agreement between the pancreatitis severity scoring systems used in Colombia, so they cannot be interpreted as clinically equivalent. The data from this study demonstrate the need to validate the scales in Colombia and Latin America. They also suggest that the Marshall scale overestimates the risk in cities above 2,000 m.a.s.l.

Impacto en la calidad de vida por la asociación entre trastornos de sueño y síndrome de intestino irritable / Impact on the Quality of Life of the Association between Sleep Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objetivos: determinar si la presencia de alteraciones del sueño se asocia con el deterioro en la calidad de vida, medida a través del cuestionario SF-36, en pacientes con síndrome de intestino irritable (SII). Métodos: se diseñó un estudio de corte transversal en el que se incluyeron individuos con SII seleccionados con los criterios de Roma III, a los que se les aplicó la escala de Epworth, el cuestionario de Pittsburgh y los criterios para síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI); de manera simultánea, se les realizó la evaluación de calidad de vida usando la escala SF-36. Resultados: se incluyeron 80 pacientes con SII, la mayoría mujeres; el 81% presentó algún tipo de trastorno del sueño determinado por la alteración en 1 o más escalas. Al estratificar los pacientes con y sin trastornos del sueño, se observó que el subgrupo con trastorno del sueño se asoció con mayores alteraciones en la calidad de vida, con OR 4,8125, IC 95%: 1,17-19,02, p < 0,0076, diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: en este estudio se encontró que hasta un 81% de los pacientes con SII presentan trastornos de sueño, y que las alteraciones del sueño en pacientes con SII se asocian con un mayor compromiso de la calidad de vida según la escala SF-36.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine if sleep disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were associated with impaired quality of life as measured by the SF36 questionnaire. Methods: This is cross-sectional study in which individuals with IBS according to the Rome III criteria were evaluated for sleep disorders with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. They were also evaluated for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and, simultaneously, the Short Form (36) Health Survey was used to evaluate participants’ quality of life. Results: Eighty patients with IBS, mostly women, were included in this study. 81% had some type of specific sleep disorder as measured by at least one of the questionnaires. Patients were groups into those who had sleep disorders, and those who did not. The group which had sleep disorders had statistically significantly more alterations in quality of life (OR 4.8125, 95% CI: 1.17 to 19.02, p <0.0076). Conclusions: This study found that up to 81% of IBS patients have sleep disorders and that sleep disturbances in patients with IBS are associated with decreased quality of life according to the SF36 scale.

Experiencia con argón plasma en lesiones del tracto gastrointestinal en dos instituciones de Bogotá / Experience in the use of argon plasma in gastrointestinal tract lesions in two institutions in Bogotá

La terapia de coagulación con argón plasma (APC) ha tomado importancia en la última década en la endoscopia gastrointestinal, y está posicionada como una técnica efectiva en el tratamiento de lesiones del tracto digestivo. Su efectividad fue inicialmente reportada en el tratamiento paliativo de neoplasias gastrointestinales y, posteriormente, su uso se ha extendido para múltiples indicaciones, entre ellas el tratamiento de sangrado debido a angiodisplasias, proctitis por radioterapia y hoy en día es utilizada para control de hemorragia gastrointestinal en lesiones vasculares como Dieulafoy. En la actualidad su uso se ha extendido, con el advenimiento de la enteroscopia, a lesiones del intestino delgado en especial las angioectasias. En este estudio se describe la experiencia de dos instituciones con el uso endoscópico del APC, y se exponen las indicaciones y efectividad del tratamiento. Métodos: Entre noviembre del 2007 y abril del 2009, la terapia con argón plasma se utilizó para el tratamiento de 65 pacientes con patologías del tracto digestivo con fin terapéutico, ya fuera curativo o paliativo con un total de 134 sesiones. El tratamiento se efectuó en dos centros de cuarto nivel de atención, el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio y la Clínica de Marly en Bogotá - Colombia. Resultados: El tratamiento con APC se realizó en 65 pacientes, utilizando en total 134 sesiones de argón. Las indicaciones para su uso son similares a las reportadas en la literatura: proctitis actínica, angiodisplasias, ectasia vascular antral y control de sangrado por lesiones tumorales. Se utilizó además en control de sangrado por lesión vascular de Dieulafoy y en el control de hemorragia por úlcera péptica sangrante con vaso expuesto. No se presentaron complicaciones mayores, lo que respalda lo expuesto en la literatura en relación a que es una técnica efectiva y segura para el manejo de diversas patologías del tracto digestivo.Conclusiones: La experiencia recogida en este estudio descriptivo demuestra el posicionamiento de la técnica del APC en nuestro medio, con una amplia gama de indicaciones sobre patologías del tracto digestivo y un excelente margen de efectividad y seguridad. Si se tienen presentes las indicaciones y recomendaciones para su aplicación, el uso del argón es una técnica sencilla, útil y efectiva.

In the last decade Argon Plasma Coagulation therapy (APC) has become important in gastrointestinal endoscopy. It is regarded as an effective technique in the treatment of lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Its effectiveness was initially reported in the palliative treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasm, but its use has subsequently been extended to multiple indications such as treatment of bleeding angiodysplastic lesions, proctitis via radiotherapy and for gastrointestinal hemorrhage control of lesions such as Dieulafoy’s lesion. With the advent of enteroscopy its use has been extended to small intestinal lesions, especially to Angioectasias. This study describes indications and effectiveness of treatment in the experience of two institutions that make endoscopic use of APC.Methods: Between November, 2007 and April, 2009 Argon Plasma therapy was used in a total of 134 sessions for either curative or palliative treatment of 65 patients with digestive tract pathologies. Treatments were performed in two level four attention centers, the San Ignacio University Hospital and the Marly Clinic, both located in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: 65 patients received APC treatment in a total of 134 sessions. Indications for its use were similar to those reported in the literature: actinic proctitis, angiodysplasia, antral vascular ectasia and control of bleeding due to tumoral lesions. It was also used to control bleeding from vascular lesions such as Dieulafoy’s lesion and for hemorrhage control for bleeding peptic ulcers with exposed vessels. The absence of greater higher complications validates reports in the literature that this is a safe and effective technique for management of several digestive tract pathologies. Conclusions: The experience collected in this descriptive study shows that the addition of the APC technique in our environment provides a high range of indications about digestive tract pathologies with good effectiveness and safety margin. Reasonable use of Argon Plasma Coagulation therapy (APC), keeping in mind indications and recommendations for its application, is a simple, useful and effective technique

Tumor de intestino delgado / Tumor of small bowel

Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven, que tuvo varios episodios de sangrado digestivo oscuro manifiesto por lo que requirió soporte transfusional, realización de dos esofagogastroduodenoscopias y dos colonoscopias, en las que no se identificó causa del sangrado. Se realizó enteroscopia de doble balón encontrando una lesión subepitelial, ulcerada, de aspecto neoplásico en el íleon, la cual se marcó con tinta china y se tomaron biopsias que no fueron diagnósticas. Después de realizar estudios de extensión que fueron negativos, se llevó a laparotomía diagnóstica y terapéutica resecando el segmento de ileon comprometido por la lesión y cuyo diagnóstico histopatológico y por inmunohistoquímica fue conclusivo de carcinoma neuroendocrino mal diferenciado de alto grado de célula grande. Al final presentamos además, una revisión de sangrado oscuro manifiesto y tumor neuroendocrino de intestino delgado.

Young woman who is having episodes of overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that requires transfusions. The endoscopic study consists of 2 endoscopies of the upper digestive system and two colonoscopies. The tests do not find the cause of the digestive hemorrhage. A double-balloon enteroscopy is performed and it is found that the Ileum has an ulcerate subepitelial lesion with neoplasic appearance which is marked with Chinese ink and biopsies are taken from the tissue which are not diagnosed. Studies of staging are performed ant the result is negative. A laparatomy is performed for diagnosis and treatment which includes the intestinal resection of ileum where the tumor is placed. The result of the test shows to be a neuroendocrine carcinoma of high degree of large cells undifferentiated. One appears in addition a revision to overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and neuroendocrine tumor of small bowel.

Resistencia antibiótica del Helicobacter pylori en el HospitalUniversitario San Ignacio de Bogotá / Antibiotics resistance of Helicobacter pylori at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogota

Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de resistencia del Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) a amoxicilina, claritromicina, tetraciclina y metronidazol en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en Bogotá, y buscar correlación entre la presencia de resistencia y el antecedente de consumo previo de antibióticos. Material y métodos: se estudiaron 115 muestras para cultivo de H. pylori tomadas de pacientes sometidos a endoscopia digestiva alta por síntomas dispépticos. Se determinó la susceptibilidad a antibióticos mediante discos de infusión en los cultivos. Se investigaron los antecedentes de consumo previo de antibióticos e imidazoles y se buscó asociación entre este antecedente y la de resistencia mediante tablas de contingencia y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: se obtuvieron 84 cultivos positivos para H. pylori. Se encontró resistencia a metronidazol en 97,6% de los cultivos, seguida por la resistencia a tetraciclina (85,7%), a claritromicina (63,1%) y a amoxicilina (9,5%). No se encontró relación entre el uso previo de imidazoles o antibióticos y la resistencia a los antibióticos estudiados. Tampoco se encontró asociación entre resistencia antibiótica y otras variables como edad, sexo o hallazgos endoscópicos. Se encontró una mayor probabilidad de resistencia a la claritromicina si había resistencia a la tetraciclina. (RR 4,25; IC 1,18-15,19 p= 0,001). Conclusiones: la resistencia del H. pylori a metronidazol y a tetraciclina sobrepasan el 85% y a claritromicina es superior al 60% en la población estudiada. El antecedente de consumo previo de antibióticos no permite predecir una mayor probabilidad de resistencia. Dado que estos antibióticos son los más usados en los esquemas de erradicación del H. pylori, se debe evaluar en experimentos clínicos la repercusión de estos hallazgos en la efectividad de los diferentes esquemas de erradicación.

Objectives: to determine the frequency of resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, tetracyclin and metronidazole at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá, and to look for correlation between the presence of resistance and previous antibiotic use. Material and methods: samples for H. pylori cultures were taken from 115 patients who underwent endoscopy because of dyspeptic symptoms. Resistance to antibiotics was determined by means of susceptibility discs. Information was collected on previous antibiotic and imidazole intake, and associations with resistance evaluated by means of contingency tables and Fischer’ s exact test. Results: 84 positive cultures for H. pylori were obtained. Resistance to metronidazole was found in 97,6% of cultures, followed by resistance to tetracycline (85,7%), to clarithromycin (63,1%) and to amoxicillin (9,5%). No relationship was found between previous use of antibiotics or imidazoles and the resistance to studied antibiotics. No associations were found between antibiotic resistance and other variables like age, sex or endoscopic findings. There was an increased probability of resistance to clarithromycin if there was also resistance to tetracycline (RR 4.25, IC 1.18-15.19 p= 0.001). Conclusions: resistances of H. pylori to metronidazol and to tetracycline are above 85%, and to clarithromycin above 60% in the studied population. History of previous intake of antibiotics does not increase the probability of resistance. Since these antibiotics are amongst the most widely used for eradication of H. pylori, the clinical impact of these findings in the effectiveness of eradication regimens must be evaluated with clinical trials.