Diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation for neurodegenerative disease: a critical review / Utilidade diagnóstica da estimulação magnética transcraniana para doenças neurodegenerativas: uma revisão crítica

ABSTRACT. Neurodegenerative diseases pose significant challenges due to their impact on brain structure, function, and cognition. As life expectancy rises, the prevalence of these disorders is rapidly increasing, resulting in substantial personal, familial, and societal burdens. Efforts have been made to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, primarily focusing on clinical, cognitive, and imaging characterization. However, the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), offers unique functional insights and diagnostic potential. TMS allows direct evaluation of brain function, providing valuable information inaccessible through other methods. This review aims to summarize the current and potential diagnostic utility of TMS in investigating neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its relevance to the field of cognitive neuroscience. The findings presented herein contribute to the growing body of research focused on improving our understanding and management of these debilitating conditions, particularly in regions with limited resources and a pressing need for innovative approaches.

RESUMO. As doenças neurodegenerativas representam desafio significativo por seu impacto na estrutura cerebral, função e cognição. À medida que a expectativa de vida aumenta, a prevalência dessas doenças cresce rapidamente, resultando em substanciais encargos pessoais, familiares e sociais. Esforços têm sido feitos para otimizar os processos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, com foco principal na caracterização clínica, cognitiva e de imagem. No entanto, o surgimento de técnicas de estimulação cerebral não invasivas, especificamente a estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT), oferece compreensão funcional e potencial diagnóstico únicos. A TMS permite a avaliação direta da função cerebral, fornecendo informações valiosas inacessíveis por outros métodos. Esta revisão teve como objetivo resumir a utilidade diagnóstica atual e potencial da EMT na investigação de doenças neurodegenerativas, destacando sua relevância para o campo da neurociência cognitiva. As conclusões aqui apresentadas contribuem para o crescente corpo de investigação centrado na melhoria da nossa compreensão e gestão dessas condições debilitantes, particularmente em regiões com recursos limitados e necessidade premente de abordagens inovadoras.

Electroencefalograma cuantitativo en la predicción precoz de la isquemia cerebral tardía en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática: reporte de un caso / Quantitative electroencephalogram for prediction of delayed ischemia in subarachnoid haemorrhage: report of one case

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease, with a mortality rate of 35%. Among patients who survive the initial bleeding, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality is delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Electroencephalography (EEG) can detect cerebral ischemia in the early stages. We report a 66-year-old female patient who consulted for ictal headache and impaired consciousness. On admission, she was confused, dysarthric, and with meningeal signs. Brain angio-CT showed SAH FISHER IV and an aneurysm of the left posterior cerebral artery. After excluding the aneurysm (by coiling), the patient recovered the altered consciousness. Continuous EEG monitoring was initiated. On the sixth day of follow up, she had a transient headache and apathy. The brain MRI showed low cerebral blood flow in the left frontotemporal area, without ischemic lesions. On the seventh day, she presented expression aphasia and right facial-brachial paresis. Angiography confirmed severe vasospasm in M1 and M2 segments bilaterally. Pharmacological angioplasty with nimodipine was performed, with an excellent radiological response, although not clinical. A second MRI was carried out on the eighth day, which showed a left insular infarction and generalized vasospasm. A second therapeutic angiography was performed; the patient persisted with aphasia and left central facial paresis. The quantitative EEG analysis performed retrospectively showed a generalized reduction in the spectral edge frequency 95 (SEF95; meaning slowing in the EEG signal) at the fourth day of follow up, three days earlier than the clinical and imaging diagnosis of DCI was established.

Encefalopatía subaguda en una paciente con policondritis recidivante: caso clínico / Subacute encephalopathy associated with relapsing polychondritis: report of one case

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of cartilages, with preference for auricular, nasal and laryngotracheal cartilages. RP may also affect proteoglycan-rich structures, such as, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in less than 3% of patients. We report a 32-year-old female with RP associated with a progressive subacute encephalopathy characterized by behavioral disturbances, auditory and visual hallucinations. The EEG showed generalized slow activity and a mononuclear pleocytosis with increased protein was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple supra and infratentorial nodular inflammatory lesions. After initiating treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, a significant improvement in chondritis and neurological status was observed.

Acuerdo entre los hallazgos de la cinedeglución con esofagograma con respecto a la evaluación funcional endoscópica de la deglución, en pacientes con disfagia / Agreement between the findings in barium swallow pharyngoesophagography and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, in patients with dysphagia

Introducción: La disfagia y sus complicaciones son una consulta frecuente en nuestra práctica clínica. En nuestro medio y en la literatura, el trago de bario ha sido tradicionalmente considerado el patrón de oro en la evaluación de los trastornos de la deglución; sin embargo, hemos observado que existen casos donde la sintomatología del paciente no concuerda con los resultados reportados en el examen. Revisando la literatura no encontramos un estudio comparativo entre la evaluación endoscópica y radiológica de la disfagia que soporte la necesidad de realizar ambas pruebas de forma no exclusiva. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de acuerdo entre los hallazgos en la Evaluación Euncional Endoscópica de la Deglución (EFED) y la Cinedeglución con Esofagograma (CE) en pacientes con disfagia. Diseño: Estudio de evaluación de la concordancia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de evaluación de la concordancia con 47 pacientes, donde por medio de la revisión de historias clínicas se analizó la presencia o no de vertimiento, residuo faríngeo, penetración o aspiración en los reportes de CE y EFED, así como las características de la población estudiada. Resultados: El nivel de acuerdo (coeficiente de kappa) para residuo faríngeo fue de 0,123 (IC 95% -0.075; 0.321), para el hallazgo de penetración fue de 0,382 (IC 95% 0.158; 0.605) y para aspiración fue de 0,356 (IC 95% 0.086; 0.626). Para vertimiento no pudo ser calculado. Conclusiones: Reconociendo las limitaciones del estudio y conociendo las ventajas y desventajas de estos exámenes, consideramos que el no acuerdo justifica la realización de ambos exámenes porque según lo observado no hay un nivel de concordancia suficiente para realizar uno solo como método diagnóstico en algunos pacientes.

Background: Dysphagia and its complications are a frequent chief complaint in our clinical practice. Barium Swallow Pharyngoesophagography (BSP) has been traditionally considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of swallowing disorders. However, we have observed that in some cases the symptoms referred by the patient do not match the results reported by this test. As far as we know, there is no study that compares the endoscopic and radiological evaluation of swallowing disorders, in order to explain the importance of performing both tests in a non-exclusive way. Objectives: To determine the level of agreement between the findings in Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and BSP when evaluating patients with dysphagia. Methods: Agreement evaluation study, of medical records form 47 patients. An analysis of the reports for BSP and FEES was made, evaluating the presence or not of premature spillage, pharyngeal residue, penetration and aspiration. The characteristics of the population studied were also analyzed. Results: The level of agreement (kappa's coefficient) for pharyngeal residue was 0.123 (CI 95% -0.075; 0.321), for penetration was 0.382 (CI 95% 0.158; 0.605) and for aspiration was 0.356 (CI 95% 0.086; 0.626). The value for premature spillage could not be calculated. Conclusion: Recognizing the limitations of the study and acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages of both exams, we believe the non-agreement supports the fact of performing both exams, because according to the results, there is not enough concordance between the findings on FEES and the BSP in order to perform only one of them in some patients.

Evaluación de levaduras nativas productoras de etanol presentes en el bagazo de caña de azúcar / Evaluation of producing ethanol native yeasts present in sugar cane bagasse

RESUMEN La hidrólisis química o enzimática del bagazo de caña de azúcar permite la obtención de azúcares fermentables, utilizados en la producción biotecnológica de etanol, mediante el empleo de levaduras comerciales o autóctonas obtenidas de diferentes materiales lignocelulósicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue valorar la capacidad de producción de e tanol de cepas de levaduras nativas, aisladas en medio YPD e hidrolizado de bagazo de caña de azúcar, concentrado hasta un 75 %. Utilizando como variables de estudio el tipo de cepa y el tiempo de proceso, se realizó un análisis multifactorial (ANOVA) para su evaluación. Los resultados obtenidos con la cepa seleccionada UAT-3, fueron para Yp/s de 0.441 7 g/g y QP de 0.076 7 g/L-h a las 120 h. Las condiciones de proceso utilizadas en el presente estudio permitieron aislar y seleccionar cepas nativas de Sacharomyces cereviseae, con características adecuadas para ser utilizadas en procesos biotecnológicos industriales de producción de etanol, utilizando como sustrato residuos o subproductos derivados de la in dustria azucarera como el bagazo de caña de azúcar.

ABSTRACT The chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse, allows the obtaining of fermentable sugars used in the biotechnological production of ethanol by using commercial or native yeasts obtained from different lignocellulosic materials. The purpose of this study was to assess the production capacity of ethanol from a native yeast strain isolated in YPD and hydrolyzed sugar cane bagasse concentrated up to 75 %. Using as study variables the type of strain and processing time, a multivariate analysis (ANOVA) was performed for its evaluation. The results achieved with the selected strain UAT-3, were 0.441 7 g/g for Yp/s and 0.076 7 g/L-h to 120 h for QP. The process conditions used in the present study allowed to isolate and select native strains of Sacharomyces cereviseae, with characteristics suitable to be used in industrial biotechnological proceses of ethanol production, using as substrate residues or by-products derived from the sugar industry such as bagasse of sugar.

Variations in the anatomical relationship between the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein:: An ultrasonographic study / Variaciones de la relación anatómica de la arteria carótida común y la vena yugular interna:: Estudio ecográfico

Introduction: The internal jugular vein locates anterior or anterolateral to the common carotid artery in two-thirds of the subjects studied by ultrasound when the head is in a rotated position. Aim:To identify variables associated with the anterior location of the internal jugular vein. Methods: Ultrasound examinations were performed with the patients in the supine position, with the head rotated to the opposite side. The proximal third of the neck was visualized transversely with a 7.5-mHz transducer. The relationship between the vessels was described in accordance with the proportion of the artery overlapped by the vein. Univariate comparisons and a multivariate analysis of potential variables that may affect the anatomic relationships were performed. Results: Seventy-eight patients were included, 44 of whom were men. The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 90 years (median= 64.0, interquartile range 41-73). The right and left sides were studied 75 and 73 times, respectively. The vein was located lateral to the artery in 24.3% (95%CI= 17.4-32.2) of the studies, anterolateral in 33.8% (95%CI= 26.2-41.4) and anterior in 41.9% (95%CI 33.9-49.8). The multivariate analysis identified age group (OR= 3.7, 95%CI= 2.1-6.4) and, less significantly, the left side (OR= 1.7, 95%CI 0.8-3.5) and male gender (OR= 1.2, 95%CI= 0.6-2.7) as variables associated with the anterior position of the vein. Conclusion: The anterior position of the internal jugular vein relative to the common carotid artery increases gradually with age. Additionally, left-sided localization and male sex further increased the probability of an anterior position.

Introducción: La vena yugular interna es anterior o anterolateral a la arteria carótida común en las dos terceras partes de los sujetos estudiados sonográficamente, con la cabeza rotada. Objetivo:Se examinó la asociación de diferentes variables con la ubicación anterior de la vena. Métodos: Las ecografías se realizaron en posición supino, con la cabeza rotada hacia el lado contrario al examinado. Se visualizó transversalmente el tercio proximal del cuello, con un transductor de 7.5 mHz. La relación entre los vasos se describió de acuerdo con la proporción de la arteria cubierta por la vena. Se hicieron comparaciones univariadas con la prueba Chi2 de Pearson y un análisis multivariado de las variables candidatas a afectar las relaciones anatómicas estudiadas Resultados: Se incluyeron 78 individuos, 44 hombres, con edad entre 17-90 años (mediana 64.0, rango= 41-73 años). Se estudió el lado derecho en 75 ocasiones y el izquierdo en 73. La vena se localizó lateral en el 24.3% (IC95%= 17.4-32.2) de los vasos estudiados, anterolateral en el 33.8% (IC95%= 26.2-41.4) y anterior en el 41.9% (IC95%= 33.9-49.8). El análisis multivariado identificó: el grupo etáreo (OR= 3.7, IC95%= 2.1-6.4) y sugiere el lado izquierdo (OR= 1.7, IC95%= 0.8-3.5) y el género masculino (OR= 1.2, IC95%= 0.6-2.7), como variables asociadas con la posición anterior de la vena. Conclusión: La ubicación anterior de la vena yugular interna respecto a la arteria carótida común aumenta gradualmente con la edad. La localización izquierda y el género masculino pueden aumentar adicionalmente esta probabilidad.

The fight against prejudice in older adults: perspective taking effectiveness / Combatiendo el prejuicio en personas mayores: efectividad de la toma de perspectiva

Inhibition of prejudice appears to be more problematic for older adults, hence the need to develop programs to reduce intergroup bias at later stages in life. Perspective taking was analyzed in this study, as one of various cognitive strategies that have been shown to reduce such bias. Data on a sample of 63 Spanish participants with a mean age of 64.1 years was gathered after an intervention based on mental imagery, aimed at reducing explicit prejudice. A wide array of variables was measured (personality traits, values, empathy, and attribution) which may moderate effectiveness in perspective taking. Despite no main effect was found, effects due to interaction of perspective taking found in OLS regression analysis revealed that perspective taking based intervention was effective for some older adults, particularly those who had low scores on agreeableness, empathy, and universalism, and high scores on conformity. The conclusions suggest that perspective taking might be successfully applied to some profiles of older people albeit it is not as strong and transferable strategy as it used to be thought.

La inhibición del prejuicio resulta más problemática en personas mayores, de lo que se deriva la necesidad de desarrollar programas que reduzcan el sesgo intergrupal en los estadios avanzados de la vida. En el presente estudio se analizó la toma de perspectiva como una de las estrategias capaces de reducir este tipo de sesgo. Se recogieron datos en una muestra de 63 participantes españoles con una edad media de 64.1 años, en la que se implementó una intervención basada en imaginería mental, dirigida a la reducción del prejuicio. Asimismo, se midieron diversas variables que podían modular la efectividad de la toma de perspectiva (personalidad, valores, empatía y atribución). Aunque no se encontró ningún efecto principal, los debidos a la interacción de la toma de perspectiva y los moduladores, hallados en el análisis de regresión por mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, revelaron que la intervención basada en la inducción de toma de perspectiva fue efectiva en determinadas personas mayores, particularmente en aquellas que puntuaron bajo en amabilidad, empatía y universalismo, y alto en conformismo. En las conclusiones se sugiere que la toma de perspectiva podría ser aplicada con éxito en determinados perfiles de adultos mayores, aunque no se trata de una estrategia tan potente y transferible como se pensaba.

Manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas y cognitivas en demencia frontotemporal y esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: dos polos de una entidad común / Overlapping features of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Recent genetic and neuropathologic advances support the concept that frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are overlapping multisystem disorders. While 10-15% of ALS patients fulfil criteria for FTD, features of motor neuron disease appear in approximately 15% of FTD patients, during the evolution of the disease. This overlap has been reinforced by the discovery of Transactive Response DNA Binding Protein 43 kDa (TDP43) inclusions as the main neuropathologic finding in the majority of ALS cases and almost a half of FTD cases. Also, an expansion in the intron of C9ORF72 (chromosome 9p21) has been identified in families affected by ALS, ALS-FTD and FTD. This review provides an update on the recent genetic and neuropathologic findings of ALS and FTD and a characterization of their clinical presentation forms, based on the current diagnostic criteria. Finally it underscores the importance of having a national registry of patients with ALS and FTD, to provide an earlier diagnosis and a multidisciplinary care.

Esporotricosis en la población pediátrica: a propósito de dos casos / Sporotrichosis in children: two-case presentation

La esporotricosis es una micosis subcutánea poco frecuente en la población pediátrica, que resulta de la inoculación y penetración del moho del complejo Sporothrix schenckii a través de pequeñas heridas en la piel al entrar en contacto con la tierra, follaje, madera, paja o residuos vegetales contaminados y, algunas veces, por rasguños o mordeduras de animales. Según la cantidad del inóculo y el estado de inmunidad del huésped, se clasifica en esporotricosis tegumentaria fija, cutáneo-linfangítica, diseminada (cutánea y sistémica) y extracutánea (ósea, articular, otros órganos). El diagnóstico de la enfermedad se fundamenta en el aspecto morfológico de sus lesiones, apoyado en el examen directo y el cultivo, el estudio histopatológico o la prueba de intradermorreacción con polisacáridos purificados obtenidos de la fase de micelio del hongo (prueba de González- Ochoa). El tratamiento de elección es el yoduro de potasio por vía oral a razón de 1 a 3 g repartidos en tres dosis; son también de utilidad los imidazoles sistémicos y la terbinafina durante tres a cinco meses. Se presentan dos casos infantiles, enfatizando el reconocimiento clínico de las lesiones tegumentarias y las opciones terapéuticas disponibles.

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon subcutaneous disease in children. It is a fungal infection produced by Sporothrix schenckii mold, and it is generally associated with small skin injuries that become exposed to contaminated soil, hay, wood or vegetation, or sometimes by scratches or bites made by infected animals. According to the quantity of the inoculum and the host´s immunity, it is classified in fixed cutaneous form, lymphocutaneous presentation, disseminated (cutaneous and systemic) and extracutaneous form (osteoarticular, other organs). Diagnosis is based on the morphological characteristics of the skin lesions, supported by KOH examination and culture, histopathology analysis and sporotrichin skin test. When possible, the gold standard treatment for this mycosis is potassium iodine, 1-3 g in three doses; oral imidazol and terbinafine are also very effective. We present two cases of infected children, emphasizing its typical clinical course and presentation, as well as different therapeutic options available.

Déficit de vitamina B-12 en adultos mayores: ¿Un problema de salud pública en Chile? / Prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in older adults

Background: There is a correlation between aging and the decrease of plasma levels of vitamin B-12. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency and its hematological impact among older adults (AM). Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, in 1028 subjects aged 65 to 87years, living in community and evaluated between 2005 and 2008. Percentile distribution of vitamin B-12, folate, hemoglobin, packed red cell volume and mean cell volume by gender and age were analyzed. Deficiency was defined as vitamin B-12 levels < 148 pmol/L, marginal deficiency as vitamin B-12 levels < 221 pmol/L, anemia was defined as a hemoglobin < 13 and 12 g/dL among men and women, respectively. Results: The prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency was 12 percent and the figure for marginal deficiency was 25.4 percent. Males were more affected than females (p < 0.001). The frequency of anemia was 8.6 percento, and was higher among women (p = 0.004). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of full blown and marginal deficit of vitamin B-12 among the elderly. This deficiency should be considered for correction through public nutrition policies.

Cierre percutáneo de la comunicación inter-atrial con dispositivo de Amplatzer: experiencia de 42 casos / Percutaneous closure of inter-atrial communication with the Amplatzer device: experience with 42 cases

We report our experience on 42 patients treated with atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion using Amplatzer device. Thirty patients were females and 12 were males, mean ages 26.5-years-old +/- 12 years (interval from 7 to 69 years). Average weight was 57.1 +/- 13.8 kg (32.3-85.0 kg). Forty-two devices (ranging diameters from 13 mm to 40 mm) were deployed, 40 of which were placed successfully and attempts were unsuccessful in two cases (diameter devices 36 mm and 40 mm, respectively). We used the [quot ]balloon on the left or right upper pulmonary vein[quot ] in 5 patients, achieving good deployment. Echocardiography showed total occlusion in 37 patients (93.5%), trivial leak in 2 (4.7%), and light leak in 1 patient (2.3%). Follow up was at 1 to 12 months (mean 6.5). Total occlusion was observed at one month on both patients with trivial leak, and at 6 months on the patient with light leak. Failure to deploy the device appropriately on the two patients with unsuccessful result was due to unfavorable anatomy: very large defects in both cases (occluder size 36 mm and 40 mm), very thin postero-superior 6 mm rim on one of them and aortic rim absence on the other one. Stretched diameters were 34 mm and 38 mm on patients with 36 mm and 40 mm devices, respectively. Both of them were sent to surgery. We conclude that percutaneus closure of atrial septal defect with the Amplatzer device is a save and have good results.

Atresia tricuspídea asociada a tronco común: reporte de un caso / Tricuspid atresia associated with common trunk: a case report

The tricuspid atresia associated with persistent truncus arteriosus is a rare anomaly. A case is presented of one male patient of three months age in which was detected a cardiac murmur. The diagnosis was made by echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac catheterization. The first step of the palliation was done with disconnection of the trunk of the pulmonary artery combined with a systemic- to- pulmonary shunt of 4 mm. The patient died 24 hours later for persistent metabolic acidosis.

Citocinas TH2 (IL 4e IL10) en el niño desnutrido: Universidad del Zulia: Maracaibo-Venezuela / TH2 cytokines (IL 4e IL 10) in the malnourished child: Universidad del Zulia: Maracaibo-Venezuela

Determinar las concentraciones séricas de citocinas Th2 (IL4 e IL10), en niños desnutridos y eutróficos sin infección, en edades comprendidas entre 6 meses y 6 años. Se seleccionaron 89 niños; 64 niños con algún grado de desnutrición (leve, moderada y grave) y 25 niños eutróficos. Las citocinas se midieron en sangre periférica utilizando el método de ELISA doble sandwich. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizo el test de ANOVA con post test de Tukey. Se presentan como media + DE. La IL4 mostró en el grupo de desnutridos, niveles más elevados: leves (0.46 ± 0.04 pg/ml), moderados (0.48 ± 0.10 pg/ml) y graves (0.55 ± 0.006 pg/ml), presentando cada grupo diferencias significativas p < 0.001 en relación con el grupo control (0.37 ± 0.004 pg/ml). También hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos de desnutridos leves y moderados con los graves p < 0.001. La IL10 mostró diferencias significativas entre los desnutridos moderados (9.91 ± 3.17 pg/ml) y graves (10.88 ± 5.13 pg/ml) con el grupo control (6.53 ± 2.59 pg/ml) p < 0.01. Los valores elevados de IL4 e IL10 en el niño desnutrido son consecuencia de un daño en la capacidad de activación de las células inmunitarias en los mismos, sumándose el grado de infestación parasitaria con helmintos que presentan, que condiciona la elevación de IL4.

To determine the cytokine serum measurements Th2 (IL4 and IL10), in malnourished children and eutrophic without infection, in ages understood between 6 months and 6 years. 89 children were selected; 64 children with some grade of malnourishment (mild, moderate and severe) and 25 eutrophic children. The cytokines was measured in outlying blood using ELISA'S double sandwich method. For the statistical analysis we use the test of ANOVA with post test of Tukey. They are presented like Mean + SD. The IL4 showed in the group of malnourished, higher levels: mild (0.46 ± 0.04 pg/ml), moderate (0.48 ± 0.10 pg/ml) and severe (0.55 ± 0.006 pg/ml), presenting each group significant differences (p < 0.001) in relation with the control group (0.37 ± 0.004 pg/ml). There were also significant differences among the groups of mild malnourished and moderate with the severe ones p < 0.001. The IL10 showed significant differences among the moderate malnourished (9.91 ± 3.17 pg/ml) and the severe (10.88 ± 5.13 pg/ml) with the control group (6.53 ± 2.59 pg/ml) (p < 0.01). The high values of IL4 and IL10 in the malnourished children are consequence of damage in the capacity of activation of the immune cells in the same ones, being added the grade of parasitic infection with worms that present that conditions the rise of IL4.

Biopsia endomiocárdica: revisión y experiencia de 176 procedimientos / Endomyocardial biopsy: revision and experience of 176 procedures

Endomyocardial biopsy (EB) is often used in the clinical evaluation of several cardiac disease. Hundred-seventy-six consecutive procedures were performed in 65 patients, 43 men and 22 women mean age was 29.86 +/- 11.53 (range 4 days to 66 years). Group A, 26 postcardiac transplantation patients in whom 137 EB were performed (39 heterotopic and 98 orthotopic), average sample 5.2 biopsy for each patient. Group B (n = 39) was studied for several cardiac diseases during cardiac diagnostic catheterism. The jugular venous approach was performed in 3 patients (1.7%), femoral in 173 patients. Major complications were found in 3 (1.7%) cases consisting in cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and coronary fistula into the right ventricle. Endomyocardial biopsy provides a low incidence of adverse reactions, mortality was 0%.

Trombo en ventriculo derecho y aneurismas de arterias pulmonares en enfermedad de Behçet: reporte de un caso / Right ventricular thrombous and pulmonary artery aneurysms in Behçet's disease: report of one case

Behçet's disease uncommon in the pediatric population. Intracardiac thrombus and bilateral pulmonary artery aneurysms are uncommon manifestations. We are reporting one case. A 14 years old patient was admitted, with high fever, dyspnea and hemoptysis since 4 months ago. Two years ago, fever, oral ulcers, aphthae (gingival, palate, tonsils), nose ulceration in and arthralgias-arthritis were noted. Chest radiograph showed round mass in the right lower lung field. The chest tomographic computed scan and pulmonary centellography were done to investigate malformations arterial. An Intracardiac thrombus of 27 x 12 mm was identified in the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography. Catheterization and pulmonary angiography showed an aneurism located in the right and left lobares arteries. Medical management with immunosuppressive and anticoagulation therapy resulted in complete remission of the clinical manifestations. Due to heamodynamic compromise surgical removal of the intracardiac thrombus was done. IN SUMMARY: The Behçet's disease is rare disease in children. Intracardiac thrombus and bilateral pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare complications. Medical treatment (immunosupressive and anticoagulation) is the first line therapy with resolution of the mucous, skin, cardiac and pulmonary manifestations.

Cierre de conducto arterioso persistente con dispositivo Nit-Occlud: Experiencia de 13 casos / Patent ductus arteriosus closure with a Nit-Occluded device: Experience with 13 cases

Se presenta la experiencia de 13 pacientes con diagnóstico de persistencia de conducto arterioso permeable tratados por vía percutánea con un dispositivo de nitinol (aleación de níquel y titanio), llamado Nit-Occlud. Fueron 10 mujeres y 3 hombres con edad promedio de 23.2 ±21.1 años. La angiografía en la aorta descendente previa al cierre reportó diámetro promedio del conducto arterioso de 3.8 ± 0.8 mm y la morfología del mismo fue de 10 conductos tipo A, 2 tipo E y 1 tipo C según la clasificación de Krichenko. El tamaño del oclusor seleccionado se basó en el diámetro de la ámpula aórtica y del sitio más estrecho del conducto. Se utilizaron 8 dispositivos 11x6 mm, 4 dispositivos 9x6 mm y 1 dispositivo 7x6 mm. Tres pacientes (25%) mostraron oclusión del 100% en forma inmediata (15 min después de la liberación del dispositivo), 7 (53%) presentaron fuga leve y difusa y sólo 2 pacientes (16.6%) mostraron fuga moderada a severa. Un paciente presentó migración del dispositivo a la rama izquierda de la arteria pulmonar (RIAP), se logró su rescate por vía percutánea enviándose el paciente posteriormente a cirugía. En el seguimiento ecocardiográfico a las 24 h 9 pacientes (69%) mostraron oclusión del 100%. A los 6 meses de seguimiento 10 tienen oclusión al 100% y sólo 2 pacientes tienen fuga residual leve (15%). Un paciente desarrolló cuadro de endocarditis infecciosa que finalmente provocó su deceso. Se concluye que el dispositivo Nit-Occlud es útil para el cierre de esta patología aunque hace falta mayor experiencia.

We report our experience with the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with a Nit-Occlud device made of Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium alloy) in 13 patients; 10 women and 3 men, average age of 23.2 ±21.1 years. Average diameters were 3.8 + 0.8 mm and the morphologies, according to Krichenko's classification, were 10 type A, 2 type E, and 1 type C. The device was selected according to the aortic ampule and the narrowest part of the ductus. We implanted 8 occluders of 11 x 6 mm, 4 of 9 x 6 mm, and 1 of 7 x 6 mm. In three patients (25%) total occlusion was observed 15 minutes after implantation, in seven (54%) a trivial leak was observed, and in only two patients (16.6%) was the leak moderate to severe. In on patient, the occluder migrate to the pulmonary artery trunk and was successfully removed percutaneously; the patient was subjected then to surgical closure. Echocardiography follow-up 24 h later showed total occlusion in nine patients (69%). Six months after the procedure, two patient presented trivial leak (15%). One patient developed an endocarditic infection and died. We concluded that this occluder might be useful for this pathology, but further studies must be done.

Cierre percutáneo de foramen oval permeable con dispositivo de Amplatzer: Presentación de dos casos / Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with Amplatzer device: Report of two cases

Propósito: Se presentan los 2 casos de foramen oval permeable tratados con dispositivo de Amplatzer por vía percutánea. Método: El primero del sexo femenino de 48 años y con antecedentes de enfermedad de Ebstein moderada a severa y de 3 accidentes vasculares cerebrales, siendo el último bajo efecto anticoagulante, manejada con antiarrítmicos a pesar de lo cual presentó bloqueo auriculoventricular (a-v) de primer grado, aumento del automatismo supraventricular y ventricular de diferente foco y bloqueo de rama derecha. El segundo paciente masculino de 22 años con antecedente de un evento embólico cerebral a los 21 años con secuelas de crisis convulsivas. Ambos fueron tratados por vía percutánea para implante de dispositivo de Amplatzer, el primero para foramen oval permeable (FOP) y el segundo con dispositivo para comunicación interatrial por el diámetro del foramen. Los dos pacientes se encuentran asintomáticos. Conclusiones: El cierre de FOP por vía percutánea está indicado en pacientes con antecedentes de eventos cerebrales transitorios o permanentes y se sospeche esta vía como fuente embolígena. La técnica es fácil de realizar pero se requiere de un mayor número de pacientes para concluir.

Objective: We present two cases of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) treated with percutaneous Amplatzer device. Method: The first case corresponds to 48 years old woman with Ebstein's disease with moderate to severe hemodynamic repercussion and three cerebrovascular accidents, the last one under coumarin treatment, she received antiarrhythmic medication and despite of it developed 1st degree AV block, supraventricular and ventricular ectopia, rigth branch block. The second case corresponds to a 22 years old man with antecedents of cerebrovascular accident at the age of 21 with sequelae of convulsive crisis. Both patients were percutaneously treated with Amplatzer devices. The first patient was treated with a foramen ovale device and second with septal occluder due to the diameter of the foramen. Both patients have remained asymptomatic during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The PFO devices are indicated for patients with a history of cerebrovascular accidents.

La enseñanza virtual en el contexto de la educación actual / Virtual education in current education

La enseñanza virtual ha venido incursionando en forma progresiva en la educación actual, principalmente como método de formación y actualización en la población adulta después de graduada. Sus características exigen un replanteamiento de las funciones tanto de los alumnos como de los docentes. Este artículo pretende, por un lado, evaluar las similitudes y diferencias entre la enseñanza presencial y la virtual, y, por otro, mostrar algunas de las habilidades requeridas por los docentes para realizarla.