Comprehensive assessment of left ventricular myocardial function by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) results from the combined action of longitudinal and circumferential contraction, radial thickening, and basal and apical rotation. The study of these parameters together may lead to an accurate assessment of the cardiac function. METHODS: Ninety healthy volunteers, categorized by gender and age (≤ 55 and >  55 years), were evaluated using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Transversal views of the left ventricle (LV) were obtained to calculate circumferential strain and left ventricular twist, while three apical views were obtained to determine longitudinal strain (LS) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE). We established the integral myocardial function of the LV according to: 1. The Combined Deformation Parameter (CDP), which includes Deformation Product (DP) - Twist x LS (° x %) - and Deformation Index (DefI) -Twist / LS (° / %)-; and 2. the Torsion Index (TorI): Twist / MAPSE (° / cm). RESULTS: The mean age of our patients was 50.3 ± 11.1 years. CDP did not vary with gender or age. The average DP was - 432 ± 172 ° x %, and the average DefI was - 0.96 ± 0.36 ° / %. DP provides information about myocardial function (normal, pseudonormal, depressed), and the DefI quotient indicates which component (s) is/are affected in cases of abnormality. TorI was higher in volunteers over 55 years (16.5 ± 15.2 vs 13.1 ± 5.0 °/cm, p = 0.003), but did not vary with gender. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed parameters integrate values of twisting and longitudinal shortening. They allow a complete physiological assessment of cardiac systolic function, and could be used for the early detection and characterization of its alteration.

A New Coding System for the Identification of Left Ventricular Rotation Patterns and Their Relevance to Myocardial Function.

Rotational mechanics is a fundamental determinant of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The coding system currently employed in clinical practice does not distinguish between rotational patterns. We propose an alternative coding system that makes possible to identify the rotational pattern of the LV and relate it to myocardial function. Echocardiographic images were used to generate speckle tracking-derived transmural global longitudinal strain (tGLS) and rotational parameters. The existence of twist (basal and apical rotations in opposite directions) is expressed as a rotational gradient with a positive value that is the sum of the basal and apical rotation angles. Conversely, when there is rigid rotation (basal and apical rotations in the same direction) the resulting gradient is assigned a negative value that is the subtraction between the two rotation angles. The rotational patterns were evaluated in 87 healthy subjects and 248 patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH) and contrasted with their myocardial function. Our approach allowed us to distinguish between the different rotational patterns. Twist pattern was present in healthy controls and 104 patients with LVH and normal myocardial function (tGLS ≥ 17%, both). Among 144 patients with LVH and myocardial dysfunction (tGLS < 17%), twist was detected in 83.3% and rigid rotation in 16.7%. LVEF was < 50% in 34.7%, and all patients with rigid rotation had a LVEF < 50%. The gradient rotational values showed a close relationship with LVEF (r = 0.73; p < 0.001). The proposed coding system allows us to identify the rotational patterns of the LV and to relate their values with LVEF.

Myocardial Wringing and Rigid Rotation in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Background: The motion of the heart is a result of the helicoidal arrangement of the myofibers in the organ's wall. We aimed to study the relationship between the wringing motion state and the degree of ventricular function in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Methods: Fifty patients with CA and decreased global longitudinal strain (LS) were evaluated using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. We have expressed LS as positive values to facilitate understanding. Normal twist, which occurs when basal and apical rotations occur in opposite directions, was coded as positive. When the apex and base rotate in the same direction (rigid rotation), twist was coded as negative. Left ventricular (LV) wringing (calculated as twist/LS, which takes into account actions that occur simultaneously during LV systole [ie, longitudinal shortening and twist]) was evaluated according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Results: Most of the patients (66%) who participated in the study were diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis. A positive relationship was observed between wringing and LVEF (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). In advanced stages of ventricular dysfunction, rigid rotation appeared in 66.6% of patients with LVEF ≤ 40%, in whom negative values of twist and wringing were observed. LV wringing proved to be a good discriminator of LVEF (area under the curve 0.90, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.97); for example, wringing < 1.30°/% detected LVEF < 50% with 85.7% sensibility and 89.7% specificity. Conclusions: Wringing, which integrates twist and simultaneous LV longitudinal shortening, is a conditioning rotational parameter of the degree of ventricular function in patients with CA.

Contexte: Les mouvements du cœur sont le résultat de l'orientation hélicoïdale des fibres des parois du cœur. L'objectif de notre étude était d'étudier le lien entre le mouvement « d'essorage ¼ et la fonction ventriculaire chez les patients atteints d'amylose cardiaque (AC). Méthodologie: Cinquante patients atteints d'AC et présentant une déformation longitudinale (DL) globale réduite ont fait l'objet d'une évaluation à l'aide de l'échocardiographie bidimensionnelle de suivi des marqueurs acoustiques. Nous avons choisi d'exprimer la DL en valeurs positives pour faciliter la compréhension des données. Une torsion normale, caractérisée par les mouvements de rotation opposés entre la base et l'apex du cœur, a été codée comme positive. Lorsque l'apex et la base opéraient une rotation dans la même direction (rotation rigide), la torsion était codée comme négative. Le mouvement « d'essorage ¼ du ventricule gauche (VG) (calculé comme le rapport torsion/DL, qui tient compte des actions survenant simultanément durant la systole du VG [c.-à-d., raccourcissement longitudinal et torsion]) a été évalué en fonction de la fraction d'éjection du VG (FEVG). Résultats: La plupart des patients (66 %) ayant participé à l'étude avaient reçu un diagnostic d'amylose à transthyrétine. Un lien positif a été établi entre le mouvement d'essorage et la FEVG (coefficient de corrélation [r] = 0,75, p < 0,0001). Aux stades avancés de la dysfonction ventriculaire, une rotation rigide a été observée chez 66,6 % des patients ayant une FEVG ≤ 40 % et chez qui les valeurs de torsion et d'essorage étaient négatives. L'essorage du VG s'est révélé être un facteur fiable de détermination de la FEVG (aire sous la courbe : 0,90; p < 0,001, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,79-0,97); par exemple, un mouvement d'essorage < 1,30 °/% a permis de détecter une FEVG < 50 % avec une sensibilité de 85,7 % et une spécificité de 89,7 %. Conclusions: Le mouvement d'essorage, qui intègre simultanément la torsion et le raccourcissement longitudinal du VG, est un paramètre rotationnel qui influence le degré de fonction ventriculaire chez les patients atteints d'AC.

Long Term Prognostic Value of Contractile Reserve Assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients with Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest has shown prognostic value in patients (pts) with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). Contractile reserve (CR) during exercise stress echo (ESE) estimated via GLS (CR-GLS) could better stratify the asymptomatic patients who could benefit from early intervention. AIMS: To determine the long-term prognostic value of CR-GLS in patients with asymptomatic SAS with an ESE without inducible ischemia. Additionally, to compare the prognostic value of CR assessed via ejection fraction (CR-EF) and CR-GLS. METHODS: In a prospective, single-center, observational study between 2013 and 2019, 101 pts with asymptomatic SAS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 55% were enrolled. CR was considered present with an exercise-rest increase in LVEF (Simpson's rule) ≥ 5 points and > 2 absolute points in GLS. Patients were assigned to 2 groups (G): G1: 56 patients with CR-GLS present; and G2: 45 patients CR-GLS absent. All patients were followed up. RESULTS: G2 Patients were older, with lower exercise capability, less aortic valve area (AVA), a higher peak aortic gradient, and less LVEF (71.5% ± 5.9 vs. 66.8% ± 7.9; p = 0.002) and GLS (%) at exercise (G1: -22.2 ± 2.8 vs. G2: -18.45 ± 2.4; p = 0.001). During mean follow-up of 46.6 ± 3.4 months, events occurred in 45 pts., with higher incidence in G2 (G2 = 57.8% vs. G1 = 42.2%, p < 0.01). At Cox regression analysis, CR-GLS was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.09-3.58, p = 0.025). Event-free survival was lower for patients with CR-GLS absent (log rank test p = 0.022). CR-EF was not outcome predictive (log rank test p 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asymptomatic SAS, the absence of CR-GLS during ESE is associated with worse prognosis. Additionally, CR-GLS was a better predictor of events than CR-EF.

Influence of Ventricular Wringing on the Preservation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of myocardial wringing on ventricular function in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers (group 1) and 34 patients with CA (17 with left ventricular ejection fractions [LVEFs] ≥ 53% [group 2] and 17 with LVEFs < 53% [group 3]) were evaluated using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. A control group of mass-matched patients (n = 20) with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and LVEFs ≥ 53% was also included. Longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain, and LV twist and torsion were calculated. Deformation index (DefI), a new parameter of wringing, calculated as twist/LS, that takes into account actions that occur simultaneously during LV systole (i.e., longitudinal shortening and twist), was evaluated. Torsional and wringing parameters were calculated according to LVEF. RESULTS: Lower global values of LS and circumferential strain were observed among patients with CA (LS: group 1, -20.6 ± 2.5%; group 2, -11.6 ± 4.1%; group 3, -9.0 ± 3.1%; circumferential strain: group 1, -22.7 ± 4.9%; group 2, -14.4 ± 8.0%; group 3, -13.6 ± 3.8%; P < .001 for both). Torsion did not vary between group 2 and group 1 (2.5 ± 1.1°/cm vs 2.7 ± 0.8°/cm, P = NS). In contrast, DefI was greater in group 2 than in group 1 (-1.8 ± 0.8°/% vs -1.0 ± 0.3°/%, P < .01). Torsion and DefI were lower in group 3 (1.2 ± 0.7°/cm and -1.1 ± 0.6°/%, respectively, P < .001 for both) than in group 2. DefI was similar in patients with LV hypertrophy (-1.7 ± 0.6°/%, P = NS) and group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CA, preservation of LVEF depends on greater ventricular wringing. DefI, a parameter that integrates the twist and the simultaneous longitudinal shortening of the left ventricle, is a more accurate indicator of the efficacy of this mechanism.

Relationship Between Oxidative Stress, ER Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes: The Battle Continues.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in which oxidative stress is thought to be a primary cause. Considering that mitochondria are the main source of ROS, we have set out to provide a general overview on how oxidative stress is generated and related to T2D. Enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress occurs in mitochondria as a consequence of an overload of glucose and oxidative phosphorylation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in oxidative stress, as it is also a source of ROS. The tight interconnection between both organelles through mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) means that the ROS generated in mitochondria promote ER stress. Therefore, a state of stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are consequences of this vicious cycle. The implication of mitochondria in insulin release and the exposure of pancreatic ß-cells to hyperglycemia make them especially susceptible to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In fact, crosstalk between both mechanisms is related with alterations in glucose homeostasis and can lead to the diabetes-associated insulin-resistance status. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge of the relationship between oxidative stress, mitochondria, ER stress, inflammation, and lipotoxicity in T2D.

Myocardial Contraction during the Diastolic Isovolumetric Period: Analysis of Longitudinal Strain by Means of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: According to the ventricular myocardial band model, the diastolic isovolumetric period is a contraction phenomenon. Our objective was to employ speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) to analyze myocardial deformation of the left ventricle (LV) and to confirm if it supports the myocardial band model. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study in which 90 healthy volunteers were recruited. We evaluated different types of postsystolic shortening (PSS) from an LV longitudinal strain study. Duration of latest deformation (LD) was calculated as the time from the start of the QRS complex of the ECG to the latest longitudinal deformation peak in the 18 segments of the LV. RESULTS: The mean age of our subjects was 50.3 ± 11.1 years. PSS was observed in 48.4% of the 1620 LV segments studied (19.8%, 13.5%, and 15.1% in the basal, medial, and apical regions, respectively). PSS was more frequent in the basal, medial septal, and apical anteroseptal segments (>50%). LD peaked in the interventricular septum and in the basal segments of the LV. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of PSS and LD revealed by STE suggests there is contraction in the postsystolic phase of the cardiac cycle. The anatomical location of the segments in which this contraction is most frequently observed corresponds to the main path of the ascending component of the myocardial band. This contraction can be attributed to the protodiastolic untwisting of the LV.

Tareas docentes para la formación investigativo-laboral y de gestión del conocimiento desde Enfermería Ginecobstetricia / Teaching tasks for research-labor training and knowledge management through Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing

RESUMEN Fundamento: la estrategia curricular de formación investigativo-laboral y gestión del conocimiento contribuye al desarrollo de habilidades en los estudiantes para la educación permanente. Objetivo: diseñar tareas docentes para la implementación de la estrategia curricular de formación investigativo-laboral y de gestión del conocimiento en la asignatura Enfermería Ginecobstetricia. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal en la carrera de Enfermería durante el curso 2019-2020. Se aplicaron métodos teóricos, y empíricos: la observación a clases, encuesta en forma de cuestionario a profesores y entrevista a directivos y metodólogos. Se seleccionaron expertos para la valoración de las tareas diseñadas, con categoría docente de profesores auxiliares y asistentes, y con 15 o más años de experiencia. Resultados: solo en la menor cantidad de clases observadas se implementó la mencionada estrategia curricular, pocos profesores refirieron tener medianamente conocimientos para su aplicación desde su asignatura. Los directivos y metodólogos opinaron que existían insuficiencias en la preparación metodológica para el diseño de tareas docentes en función de sus objetivos. Conclusiones: se elaboraron tareas docentes, valoradas como adecuadas porque contribuyen al desarrollo de habilidades investigativas en los estudiantes y permiten la apropiación de conocimientos, habilidades y modos de actuación, pertinentes para la solución de problemas profesionales que se presenten durante su futuro desempeño laboral.

ABSTRACT Background: the curricular strategy of research-labor training and knowledge management contributes to the development of skills in students for permanent education. Objective: to design teaching tasks for the implementation of the curricular strategy of research-labor training and knowledge management in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing subject. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out in the Nursing degree during the 2019-2020 academic year. Theoretical and empirical methods were applied: class observation, questionnaire survey to teachers and interview to managers and methodologists. Experts were selected for the assessment of the designed tasks, with the teaching ranks of assistant and associate professors, and with 15 or more years of experience. Results: only in the smallest number of classes observed was the aforementioned curricular strategy implemented, few teachers reported having moderate knowledge for its application from their subject. Managers and methodologists believed that there are shortcomings in the methodological preparation for the design of teaching tasks based on their objectives. Conclusions: teaching tasks were developed, valued as adequate because they contribute to the development of researching skills in students and allow the appropriation of knowledge, skills and modes of action, relevant for the solution of professional problems that arise during their future work performance.

[NT-proBNP levels and hypertension. Their importance in the diagnosis of heart failure]. / Hipertensión y valores de NT-proBNP. Su importancia en el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca.

INTRODUCTION: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful in the diagnosis of heart failure. We compared NT-proBNP levels in patients with and without a diagnosis of arterial hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Participants were recruited from a random sample of 999 inhabitants from the Community of Valencia (eastern Spain). Of these patients, 432 said they suffered from dyspnea and were referred to their hospital (10 hospitals involved), where blood samples were taken, an echo-Doppler study was performed, and the patients completed a questionnaire. Of the 432 participants with dyspnea, 215 gave informed consent for their inclusion in the study, and 202 completed the study. Hypertension was diagnosed in 72 participants and 130 were normotensive. RESULTS: For the whole population, NT-proBNP, expressed as the median and range, was 88 (0-2586) pg/mL. When we compared hypertensive with normotensive participants, we found higher NT-proBNP levels in the former group: median 123, range 0-2184 pg/mL, versus median 77, range 0-2586 pg/mL (P<.01). When we excluded subjects with systolic left ventricular dysfunction, we found higher levels in participants with hypertension: 119 (0-2184 pg/mL) vs 72 (0-997 pg/mL) (P<.01). When we also excluded subjects with diastolic dysfunction, we found (median 85, range 0-430 pg/mL) and (median 66, range 0-997 pg/mL), respectively (p = NS). CONCLUSION: In a population study of subjects with dyspnea, hypertensive patients have higher NT-proBNP levels than subjects with normal blood pressure. This difference disappeared when patients with diastolic dysfunction were excluded from the analysis. Hypertension can thus be a confounding factor that potentially decreases the specificity of NT-proBNP levels for the diagnosis of heart failure. These findings should be taken into account when conducting clinical and epidemiological studies in which patients with both heart failure and hypertension are included.

[NT-proBNP and atrioventricular plane displacement. Relationship and diagnostic implications]. / NT-proBNP y desplazamiento del plano auriculoventricular. Relación e implicaciones diagnósticas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: NT-proBNP is useful in the diagnosis of heart failure and ventricular dysfunction. Left atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) is a consolidated index of ventricular function. Our objective was to carry out a multicenter population-based study to establish the relationship between plasma NT-proBNP levels with AVPD values. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 215 subjects (age 66 9 years; 57.7% women) chosen from a random sample of 432 people from the Community of Valencia, who previously reported suffering from some degree of dyspnea. Doppler echocardiography was done, AVPD was calculated and plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were determined. All studies were completed in 194 patients. RESULTS: For the whole population NT-proBNP was 88 (0-2,586) pg/ml and AVPD was 11.9 1.6 mm. NT-proBNP concentration correlated well with AVPD (r = 0.44; p < 0.00001), and higher peptide levels were obtained in AVPD quartiles that indicated less displacement (p < 0.05). When NT-proBNP values were grouped according to their association with AVPD lower or higher than the 50th percentile AVPD, the difference was significant at p < 0.01. When AVPD values lower and higher than 10 mm were compared, NT-proBNP values were higher in persons with AVPD lower than 10 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This population study found higher NT-proBNP concentrations in subjects with lower AVPD, and illustrates the potential diagnostic usefulness of NT-proBNP in clinical practice.

Perfiles ecocardiográficos del strain 2D permiten diferenciar a la amiloidosis cardíaca de la miocardiopatía hipertrófica con fracción de eyección conservada / Two-dimensional Strain Echocardiography Differentiates Cardiac Amyloidosis from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Preserved Ejection Fraction

RESUMEN Introducción: La fracción de eyección es un parámetro débil para evaluar la función ventricular en la hipertrofia ventricular. Es de fundamental importancia analizar aspectos de la mecánica ventricular que podrían diferenciar una amiloidosis cardiaca de una miocardiopatía hipertrófica. Objetivo: Comparar el comportamiento del strain longitudinal y otros parámetros de la mecánica ventricular entre pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica y amiloidosis cardíaca ambos con fracción de eyección conservada. Material y métodos: Estudio comparativo, prospectivo realizado en 15 pacientes con amiloidosis cardíaca (Grupo G 1) y 15 pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica (G 2), ambos con fracción de eyección conservada (> 50%). Fueron analizados con ecocardiografía por seguimiento de marcas (speckle tracking), parámetros de strain y rotacionales del VI. El strain longitudinal se obtuvo a partir de planos apicales de 4, 3 y 2 cámaras. El strain circunferencial y la rotación ventricular a partir de planos transversales del VI. Se calculó el giro: suma de rotación apical y basal (°), torsión (giro / distancia base-ápex del VI (°/cm)) y los nuevos parámetros: producto de deformación (multiplicación entre el strain longitudinal global y el strain circunferencial apical); índice de deformación (°/%): (giro / strain longitudinal) y el cociente fracción de eyección / strain longitudinal global Resultados: Los pacientes con amiloidosis cardíaca presentaron valores significativamente menores de fracción de eyección (58,08% ± 6,16 vs. 67,15% ± 8,09; p = 0,012) y de strain longitudinal global (-12,61% ± 4,32 vs. -17,15% ± 3,95; p = 0,008) a expensas de los segmentos basales. No se constataron diferencias significativas con el giro, la torsión, el strain circunferencial y el radial. El producto entre strain longitudinal y el circunferencial apical resultó disminuido mientras que el cociente fracción de eyección / strain longitudinal global se encontró aumentado de manera significativa en los pacientes con amiloidosis. Conclusiones: El producto strain longitudinal x strain circunferencial apical y el cociente fracción de eyección / strain longitudinal global son parámetros útiles que permiten diferenciar pacientes con amiloidosis cardíaca de pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica.

ABSTRACT Background: Ejection fraction is a poor parameter to assess left ventricular function in ventricular hypertrophy. It is highly important to analyze aspectis of ventricular mechanics that could differentiate cardiac amyloidosis from hypertrophic car-diomyopathy. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare longitudinal strain and other ventricular mechanical parameters between patientis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis, both with preserved ejection fraction. Methods: A comparative, prospective study was conducted in 15 patientis with cardiac amyloidosis Group (G) 1 and 15 pa-tientis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (G2), both presenting preserved ejection fraction (>50%). Patientis were analyzed with speckle tracking echocardiography and strain and left ventricular (LV) rotational parameters. Longitudinal strain was obtained from apical 4-, 3- and 2-chamber planes. Circumferential strain and ventricular rotation were obtained from LV transverse planes. Twist: algebraic sum of apical and basal rotation (°), torsion [twist/LV base-apex distance (º/cm)] and the new parameters: deformation product (global longitudinal strain × apical circumferential strain); deformation index: twist/ longitudinal strain (°/%) and ejection fraction/global longitudinal strain ratio were calculated. Resultis: Patientis with cardiac amyloidosis presented significantly lower ejection fraction (58.08%±6.16 vs. 67.15%±8.09; p=0.012) and global longitudinal strain values (-12.61%±4.32 vs. -17.15%±3.95; p=0.008) at the expense of basal segmentis. No significant differences were found for twist, torsion, and circumferential and radial strain. The product between longitudinal strain and apical circumferential strain decreased, while the ejection fraction/global longitudinal strain ratio was significantly increased in patientis with cardiac amyloidosis. Conclusions: The product of longitudinal strain × apical circumferential strain and the ejection fraction/global longitudinal strain ratio are useful parameters that allow differentiating cardiac amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patientis.

Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Presentación de un caso / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Presentation of a case

La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica es una enfermedad del sistema nervioso central. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, raza blanca, de 50 años; el que acude a consulta en el Hos-pital Provincial General Docente "Mártires del 9 de abril" por presentar debilidad de los miembros inferiores. El examen físico mostró fasciculaciones musculares diseminadas, debi-lidad muscular próximo-distal (-2) en los cuatro miembros, atrofia muscular que afecta mus-culatura distal y proximal de las extremidades, sialorrea, lenguaje disártrico, reflejos osteo-tendinosos exaltados de forma generalizada y Babinski bilateral. Los exámenes complemen-tarios arrojaron patrón neurógeno dependiente de los miotomas de C6-C8 con signos de denervación. Diagnóstico nosológico: esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. El enfermo refiere histo-rial de esa patología por 14 años, lo que solo se observa en aproximadamente el 10% de los casos

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. The clinical case of a male patient, white race and 50 years old is presented. This one goes to consultation in the Provincial General Hospital "Mártires del 9 de April" for presenting weakness in lower limbs. The physical examination showed disseminated muscle twitching, proximal-distal muscular weakness (-2) in all four limbs, muscular atrophy affecting the distal and proximal muscles of the extremities, sialorrhea, disartic language, generalized extenuated osteotendi-nous reflexes and bilateral Babinski. The complementary tests showed a neurogenic pattern dependent on the C6-C8 myotomes with signs of denervation. Nosological diagnosis: amyo-trophic lateral sclerosis. The patient refers history of that pathology.

[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a complication of an epileptic status]. / Miocardiopatía de Takotsubo como complicación de un estado epiléptico.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiological complications are the most frequent cause of mortality in the epileptic status. Takotsubo cardio-myopathy is a recently reported condition that can appear in a number of medical emergencies, including epileptic status. CASE REPORT: We present a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy within the context of an epileptic status and we also review similar cases reported in the literature. Special attention is given to the semiology and aetiology of the epileptic seizures, patients' epidemiological data, the alterations noted in the electrocardiogram and the complications that occurred. The patient, a 43-year-old female, recovered completely both cardiologically and neurologically, and did not suffer any relapses during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a severe, treatable complication that can occur in the epileptic status.

Pielonefritis aguda recurrente en mujeres / Recurrent acute pyelonephritis in women

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para describir el comportamiento de la pielonefritis aguda recurrente en mujeres de 18 y más años de edad, que ingresaron en el Hospital Mártires del 9 de Abril de Sagua la Grande, de enero de 2004 a junio de 2007. El universo estuvo constituido por las 593 pacientes ingresadas con ese diagnóstico. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por criterios y la muestra quedó constituida por 67 pacientes. Las edades fluctuaron entre 18 y 85 años. Las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes fueron: dolor lumbar, fiebre y síntomas urinarios bajos. En el examen físico se halló dolor a la palpación profunda de las fosas lumbares, prácticamente, en todos los casos. El diagnóstico de certeza se realizó por el urocultivo, en 104 ocasiones. Los gérmenes que con mayor frecuencia infectaron las vías urinarias altas fueron bacilos gramnegativos y E. Coli fue el más común. La mayor sensibilidad fue a la amikacina y la mayor resistencia, a ampicillina, ciprofloxacilo y ácido nalidíxico. Muchas de las pacientes con mayor cantidad de ingresos tenían anomalías estructurales de las vías urinarias. La enfermedad subyacente más frecuentemente asociada fue la diabetes mellitus

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the behavior of recurrent acute pyelonephritis in women of 18 years of age and older who were admitted to Mártires del 9 de Abril Hospital in Sagua La Grande, from January 2004 to June 2007. The universe was composed of the 593 patients who were admitted with this diagnosis. A non-probabilistic sampling criterion was performed and then, the sample was composed of 67 patients. The ages ranged from 18 to 85 years. The most common clinical manifestations were low back pain, fever and low urinary symptoms. On physical examination, pain on deep palpation of the lumbar fosses was found, practically, in all cases. The diagnosis of certainty was made by urine culture in 104 occasions. The most common germs that infected the upper urinary tracts were gram-negative bacilli, and E. coli was the most common. The greatest sensitivity was seen for Amikacin and the resistance was greater to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Nalidixic Acid. Many of the patients with the majority of admissions presented structural anomalies of the urinary tract. The most frequently associated underlying disease was diabetes mellitus

[Urinary NT-proBNP level: relationship with ventricular function parameters in heart failure]. / NT-proBNP en orina y su relación con los parámetros de la función ventricular en la insuficiencia cardiaca.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The plasma N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is a sensitive marker of ventricular dysfunction. The diagnostic and prognostic value of urinary NT-proBNP measurement has been demonstrated. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between established parameters of ventricular function and the urinary NT-proBNP level. METHODS: The study involved 74 patients with heart failure (54 male, age 66 [12] years). A Doppler echocardiographic study was performed to measure atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD), ejection fraction, mitral flow propagation velocity, and E/A. Urinary and plasma NT-proBNP levels, and the plasma aldosterone level were measured. RESULTS: In the whole group, the plasma NT-proBNP level was 948 (961) pg/mL, the urinary NT-proBNP level was 88.7 (17.8) pg/mL, and the aldosterone level, 165 (145) pg/mL. There were correlations between urinary NT-proBNP level and AVPD (r=-0.5; P< .0001), ejection fraction (r=-0.3; P< .01), and mitral flow propagation velocity (r=-0.24; P< .05). On dividing AVPD and ejection fraction measurements into quartiles, respectively, the urinary NT-proBNP levels for these quartiles were Q1: 103 (28) pg/mL, Q2: 89 (9) pg/mL, Q3: 86 (9) pg/mL, and Q4: 78 (9) pg/mL (P< .0001) and Q1: 101 (26) pg/mL, Q2: 85 (12) pg/mL, Q3: 83 (10) pg/mL, and Q4: 85 (11) pg/mL (P< .05), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the plasma NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor of the urinary NT-proBNP level (P< .0001). When the plasma NT-proBNP level was excluded, AVPD and ejection fraction appeared as alternative independent predictors (P< .05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between the urinary NT-proBNP level and left ventricular function parameters. This study supports the use of the urinary NT-proBNP level as a biochemical marker of ventricular function in heart failure patients.

Violencia y esquizofrenia, ¿víctimas o victimarios? / Violence and schizophrenia, victims or killers?

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en una muestra compuesta por pacientes esquizofrénicos, familiares o convivientes y miembros de la comunidad, pertenecientes a las áreas de salud de los policlínicos Lawton, y 30 de Noviembre, que es atendida por el Centro Comunitario de Salud Mental " Lawton" mediante la utilización de la Técnica Cualitativa de Grupos Focales, con el objetivo de explorar aspectos relacionados con la violencia y la esquizofrenia, y conocer el criterio que se tiene con relación a ubicar al paciente en la posición de víctima o victimario. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de enfermos, los convivientes y miembros de la comunidad, en cuanto a la percepción de la violencia (conceptualización, tipos de violencia, mecanismos de producción y reacciones ante ella). Se consideró que el enfermo mental es más victima de violencia que victimario, y sugirieron se realizaran actividades educativas intrasectoriales y transectoriales, para aumentar el conocimiento acerca de las enfermedades mentales, e inculcar el respeto que se merecen como seres humanos