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1.
ARS med. (Santiago, En línea) ; 47(4): 41-44, dic. 26, 2022.
Article in Spanish | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1451646

ABSTRACT

Presentamos el tratamiento eficaz de una filtración espontánea de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) asociada a un síndrome de hipoten-sión/hipovolumen de LCR a nivel cervical alto, caracterizado por delirio y hematomas subdurales secundarios, refractarios al drenaje quirúrgico, que se resolvió con dos parches de sangre epidurales cervicales consecutivos.


We present the case of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypotension/hypovolume syndrome due to a spontaneous CSF fistula at the upper cervical level characterized by loss of consciousness and bilateral subdural hematomas refractory to two drainage surgeries that resolved with two consecutive blood patches on the leak site.

2.
Medicina (B.Aires) ; 81(3): 462-466, jun. 2021. graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1346486

ABSTRACT

Abstract PTH-independent hypercalcemia due to granulomatous disease is well-documented and sarcoidosis is the most characteristic disease, although there are others. We describe a case of sarcoid-like granulomatous myositis. An 87-year-old man was referred with tetraparesis and hypercalcemia (albumin-corrected calcium of 13.4 mg/dl) following a trip to the Caribbean. The evaluation showed a suppressed PTH, 25-hydroxy vitamin D of 7.5 ng/ml, 18F-FDG PET/CT showed markedly increased uptake in intercostal, back, shoulder, but tock and thigh muscles and a deltoid biopsy confirmed extensive granulomatous myositis. He was prescribed glucocorticoids which resulted in normalized plasma calcium levels and complete recovery from tetraparesis. Sarcoid-like granulomatous myositis should be incorporated into the differential diagnosis of PTH-independent hypercalcemia, especially in the absence of clinical features of sarcoidosis and with special emphasis on the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT to ensure a correct approach.


Resumen La hipercalcemia PTH-independiente asociada a enfermedades granulomatosas está bien documentada y la sarcoidosis es la enfermedad más característica, a pesar de que existen otras. Des cribimos un caso de miositis granulomatosa simil-sarcoidea. Un hombre de 87 años consultó por tetraparesia e hipercalcemia (calcio corregido por albúmina 13.4 mg/dl) luego de un viaje al Caribe. La evaluación mostró una PTH suprimida, 25-hidroxivitamina D 7.5 ng/ml, 18F-FDG PET/CT mostró marcado aumento de captación a nivel de musculatura intercostal, dorsal, deltoidea, glúteos y muslos. Una biopsia deltoidea confirmó una miositis granulomatosa extensa. Se prescribieron glucocorticoides, resultando en normalización del calcio plasmático y completa recuperación de la tetraparesia. La miositis granulomatosa simil-sarcoidea debe ser incorporada den tro del diagnóstico diferencial de la hipercalcemia PTH-independiente, especialmente en ausencia de hallazgos clínicos de sarcoidosis y con especial énfasis en el uso de 18F-FDG PET/CT para su correcta aproximación.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Aged, 80 and over , Sarcoidosis/complications , Sarcoidosis/diagnosis , Hypercalcemia/diagnosis , Hypercalcemia/etiology , Myositis/complications , Myositis/diagnosis , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Granuloma/complications , Granuloma/diagnosis
3.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 149(4): 527-532, abr. 2021. tab, graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: biblio-1389481

ABSTRACT

Background: There are multisystemic consequences secondary to SARS- CoV-2 infection. Aim: To characterize neurological complications in patients admitted due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Review of medical records of patients aged over 15 years with COVID-19 evaluated by the neurology team between April and August 2020 at a university hospital. Severity of the infection, referral reasons, neurological diagnoses and laboratory results were registered. The diagnoses were defined by consensus among the members of the hospital neurology group. Cerebrovascular and inflammatory diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system were defined as "probably associated" or "possibly associated" to COVID-19. Results: Ninety-six patients had at least 1 new neu- rological complication. 74% were admitted due to pneumonia and 20% due to a neurological disease. The most common reasons for neurological referral were impaired consciousness (39%), focal neurological deficit (24%), headache (9%) and seizures (5%). The most relevant neurological diagnoses were delirium in 48 patients, stroke in 24, critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy in 17, seizures in 14, brachial plexopathy in 3, compressive neuropathies in 5, encephalitis in 1, possible vasculitis in 1 and Guillain-Barré syndrome in 1. Stroke and epilepsy were associated with increased length of hospital stay, but without differences in mortality. Conclusions: The spectrum of neurological complications of COVID-19 is wide. There are clinical entities typical of critically ill patients and also diseases associated directly and indirectly with the SARS-CoV2 infection.


Subject(s)
Humans , Aged , COVID-19/complications , Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Nervous System Diseases/virology , Neurology , Seizures/epidemiology , Seizures/virology , RNA, Viral , Hospitals, University
4.
Rev. chil. cardiol ; 39(2): 114-121, ago. 2020. tab, graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: biblio-1138524

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cierre percutáneo del foramen oval permeable (FOP) se ha posicionado como el tratamiento de elección para la prevención secundaria de pacientes con infartos encefálicos (IE) criptogénicos asociados a FOP. OBJETIVO: Revisar los cierres de FOP realizados en nuestra institución, evaluando las características clínicas y del procedimiento, los resultados a mediano plazo luego del procedimiento y la tendencia en el número de intervenciones durante el período estudiado. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes consecutivos en que se realizó cierre de FOP, con una mediana de seguimiento de 4,6 años. Se analizaron las características basales de los pacientes, la indicación del cierre de FOP, el éxito del procedimiento y la presencia de shunt residual en ecocardiografía al año. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica estructurada a todos los pacientes, en la cual se preguntó por nuevo IE o crisis isquémica transitoria (CIT), otros eventos cardiovasculares y la presencia de sangrados. El seguimiento fue completado en el 95%. Se calculó el puntaje RoPE ("Risk of Paradoxical Embolism") el cual provee una estimación de la posibilidad de que ese IE se haya debido al FOP y del riesgo de repetir un nuevo IE en caso de no cerrar el FOP para cada paciente. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio fue de 49,1±13,7 años, con 53% mujeres. Sólo en 3 pacientes se diagnosticó una trombofilia. En 96 pacientes la indicación fue para prevención de embolía paradojal e IE (74% IE, 17% CIT y 4% embolía periférica), mientras que en 5% por síndrome de ortodeoxia/platipnea. El cierre de FOP fue exitoso en todos los pacientes. Shunt residual en ecocardiograma al año se observó en 5% - ninguno de estos pacientes presentó un nuevo evento encefálico durante el seguimiento. Se registraron 2 nuevos IE (4 IE por 1000 pacientes/año) y 1 nueva CIT (2 CIT por 1000 pacientes/año) en el seguimiento, con un promedio de presentación de 3,6 años post procedimiento. Esta tasa de eventos fue significativamente menor a lo predicho por el puntaje RoPE en nuestra cohorte. Se observó un marcado aumento en el número de procedimientos desde el año 2017 en adelante. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte, el cierre de FOP fue un procedimiento exitoso y seguro. Se asoció a una baja tasa de nuevos eventos cerebrales, marcadamente menor a lo estimado por el puntaje de riesgo actualmente disponible (RoPE).


INTRODUCTION: The percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been established as the preferred treatment for those with an ischemic stroke (IS) and associated PFO. AIMS: To review the PFO closure experience at our institution, characterizing the patients and procedures, mid-term results and the trend in the number of interventions during the study period. METHODS: One hundred and one consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure were included, with a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Baseline demographics, PFO closure indications, procedural success rates and residual shunt at 1-year were recorded. A telephonic survey was performed to complete follow-up, asking for new IS or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), other cardiovascular events and bleeding. Follow-up was completed by 95%. The RoPE score was calculated for each patient, providing an estimate of the chance a given IS being due to a PFO and the risk of a new event when the defect is not closed. RESULTS: Mean age was 49.1±13.7 years and 53% were females. Whereas the indication for PFO closure was paradoxical embolism in 96 patients (74% IS, 17% TIA and 4% peripheral embolism), in 5 it was for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. All patients had a successful PFO closure procedure. Residual shunt at 1 year was found in 5% - yet, none of these patients experienced a new stroke during the study period. During follow-up there were 2 new IS (4 IS per 1,000 patients/year) and 1 new TIA (2 TIA per 1,000 patients/year), with a mean incidence time of 3.6 years after the procedure. This rate of new events was significantly lower than the one predicted by the RoPE score. From 2017 onwards, there was a marked increase in the number of procedures performed at our institution. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, PFO closure was a successful and safe procedure. It was associated to a low rate of new cerebral events during mid-term follow-up, markedly lower than the RoPE predicted rate.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Foramen Ovale, Patent/surgery , Septal Occluder Device , Follow-Up Studies , Treatment Outcome , Embolism, Paradoxical/prevention & control , Brain Infarction/prevention & control , Secondary Prevention
5.
Rev. chil. cardiol ; 36(2): 89-96, 2017. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: biblio-899572

ABSTRACT

Introducción: La miopatía y fibrosis auricular representan el sustrato protrombótico y proarrítmico en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA). Estudios recientes muestran relación entre el strain auricular izquierdo (SAI), eventos cardiovasculares y recurrencia en pacientes con FA. La asociación entre SAI y bio-marcadores cardíacos como predictores de accidente cerebrovascular silente (ACVs) en pacientes con FA de reciente comienzo (FArc) no ha sido estudiada. Objetivo: Determinar si la asociación entre SAI y biomarcadores cardíacos contribuye a la predicción de ACV en pacientes con FArc. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo que permitió reclutar 57 pacientes con FArc (primer episodio de < de 8 semanas de evolución). Obtenido consentimiento informado (CI) se realizó recolección de datos clínicos y muestras de sangre para determinación de Pro-BNP, Dimero-D y GDF-15. Se realizó resonancia nuclear magnética cerebral (RNMc) y ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) durante los primeros 3 días de inclusión y en ritmo sinusal. Para la evaluación de SAI se consideró la curva de deflexión positiva durante la sístole ventricular (SAIs), derivada de speckle tracking, considerando el promedio de 5 ciclos. Se utilizó Mann Whitney U test y Spearman Rho para análisis estadístico. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 70±8,2 años y el 70% fueron hombres. El CHA2DS2-VASc score promedio fue 3,1±1 y el promedio de pro-BNP, Di-mero-D y GDF-15 fue 96,1±12,4 pg/ml, 990±140 ng/ ml y 12 ng/ml respectivamente. 15% de los pacientes (n=9) presentaban ACVs en la RNMc al momento del diagnóstico. Se observó, además, que los pacientes con ACV presentaban un SAIs más bajo que los pacientes sin eventos (5,5±1,1% y 14,6±7,3% respectivamente p=0.04). Adicionalmente, se encontró una correlación significativa entre SAIs y pro-BNP, Dimero-D y GDF-15. Conclusiones: En este trabajo se evidenció que el 15% de los pacientes con FArc presenta ACVs al momento del diagnóstico. El SAIs bajo se correlaciona de forma inversa con los biomarcadores de sobrecarga, trombogénesis, fibrosis auricular y presencia de ACV silente. Estos resultados pueden ser utilizados para una mejor estratificación del riesgo de ACV en pacientes con FA.


Introduction: Atrial myopathy and fibrosis constitute a pro-arrhythmic and pro-thromboembolic substrate in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent studies using left atrial strain (LAS) have shown that LAS contributes to predict AF recurrence in patients with paroxysmal AF. The association between LAS and cardiac biomarkers in predicting silent stroke (SS) in patients with new AF has not been studied. Aim: The association of LAS and cardiac biomarkers contribute to predict SS in patients with new AF. Methods: We have prospectively evaluated 57 consecutive patients with new AF (first episode with less than 8 weeks of evolution). Baseline clinical characteristics and blood samples for determinations of Pro-BNP, D-Dimer and GDF-15 were obtained. Brain magnetic resonance (BMRI) and 2D Echo were performed within 3 days. In sinus rhythm, the positive deflection during ventricular systole of the LAS curve derived from speckle tracking was considered (mean of 5 cycles) (LASS). Mann Whitney U test and Spearman Rho were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean age was 70±8,2 years, 70% were men. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3,1±1. Mean pro-BNP, D-Dimer and GDF-15 were 96,1±12,4 pg/ml, 990±140 ng/ml and 12 ng/ml, respectively. Fifteen percent of patients (n=9) had evidence of previous SS in BMRI. Patients with SS had significantly less LASS than patients without events (5,5±1,1% and 14,6±7,3% respectively p=0,04). In addition, a significant correlation between LASs and pro-BNP, D-Dimer and GDF-15 was found. Conclusion: Evidence of SS was found in 15% of patients with new AF. This was associated with LASs impairment, which was inversely correlated with cardiac biomarkers of LV overload, thrombogenesis and LA fibrosis. These findings could be utilized for a better risk stratification of stroke in patients with new AF.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Atrial Fibrillation/complications , Stroke/etiology , Peptide Fragments/blood , Prognosis , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnosis , Atrial Fibrillation/blood , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Echocardiography , Biomarkers/blood , Prospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Stroke/diagnosis , Stroke/blood , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/blood
6.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 141(3): 388-391, mar. 2013. ilus
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-677349

ABSTRACT

We report a 40year-old male presenting in the emergeney room with headache, vértigo and left hemiparesis. A magnetic resonante imaging reporten a left cerebellar infarction with occlusion of the basilar artery ana dissection ofthe right vertebral artery. Thepatient experienced a clinical deterioration with the appearance ofa right hemiparesis. Therefore a brain angiography wasperformed alongwith a mechanical thrombolysis using a Solitaire FR® revascularization device. A thrombus located in the distal third ofthe artery was eliminated obtaining a complete perfusión ofthe artery. Thepatient had a satisfactory evolution.


Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Basilar Artery , Brain Ischemia/therapy , Intracranial Thrombosis/therapy , Mechanical Thrombolysis/instrumentation , Brain Ischemia/etiology , Intracranial Thrombosis/complications , Treatment Outcome
7.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 140(2): 219-224, feb. 2012. ilus
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-627630

ABSTRACT

The use of hypothermia after cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation is a standard clinical practice, however its use for neuroprotection has been extended to other conditions. We report a 23-year-old male with intracranial hypertension secondary to a parenchymal hematoma associated to acute hydrocephalus. An arterial malformation was found and embolized. Due to persistent intracranial hypertension, moderate hypothermia with a target temperature of 33°C was started. After 12 hours of hypothermia, intracranial pressure was controlled. After 13 days of hypothermia a definitive control of intracranial pressure was achieved. The patient was discharged 40 days after admission, remains with a mild hemiparesia and is reassuming his university studies.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Young Adult , Cerebral Hemorrhage/complications , Hematoma/complications , Hypothermia, Induced/methods , Intracranial Hypertension/therapy , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations , Intracranial Hypertension/etiology , Intracranial Pressure/physiology , Time Factors
8.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 138(6): 746-751, jun. 2010. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-567571

ABSTRACT

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory vascular disease with several clinical manifestations and geographical differences in disease expression. In Middle Eastern countries it is one of the most common causes of cerebral venous thrombosis. We report a 29-year-old female admitted for acute headache and vomiting. A magnetic resonance image showed a large thrombosis of sagital and transverse sinuses. She developed oral and genital ulcers a week later. Ophthalmologic examination revealed left anterior uveitis and ipsilateral papilledema. Multiple studies ruled out a hypercoagulability syndrome. The patient used oral contraceptives. Anticoagulant therapy was prescribed. A biopsy of a genital ulcer demonstrated diffuse lymphocytic infiltration with vasculitis. After treatment with topical and systemic corticoids, her condition improved. Venous sinus thrombosis followed by oral and genital ulcers is an unusual presentation of Behçet’s disease.


Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Behcet Syndrome/complications , Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial/etiology , Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial/pathology
9.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 137(7): 936-939, jul. 2009. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-527134

ABSTRACT

Refractory status epilepticus is a catastrophic illness of the central nervous system, with a mortality rate that reaches 50 percent. We report three patients admitted with refractory status epilepticus: a 24 year-old male that discontinued antiepileptic medications, a 46 year-old male with a focal epilepsy secondary to an encephalitis that discontinued medications due to gastrointestinal problems and a 59 year-old male with an ischemic encephalopathy AH were treated with topiramate, delivered through a nasogastric tube with a good response.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Fructose/analogs & derivatives , Status Epilepticus/drug therapy , Administration, Oral , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Fructose/therapeutic use , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/complications , Patient Dropouts , Status Epilepticus/etiology , Young Adult
10.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 137(5): 675-679, mayo 2009. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-521871

ABSTRACT

Limbic encephalitis (LE) can be associated to cancer, viral infection or be idiopathic. One form is associated to voltage dependent potassium channel (VKC) antibodies. The clinical presentation includes impairment of consciousness, amnesia and temporal lobe seizures; typical abnormalities are also found in brain magnetic resonance. We report a 68 year-old male who had LE associated to VKC antibodies. The patient was treated with steroids with a partial response. At the moment of the report he is asymptomatic and continues with prednisone treatment.


Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Autoantibodies/blood , Limbic Encephalitis/immunology , Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/immunology , Electroencephalography , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Limbic Encephalitis/diagnosis , Limbic Encephalitis/drug therapy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Piracetam/analogs & derivatives , Piracetam/therapeutic use , Prednisone/therapeutic use , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Valproic Acid/therapeutic use
11.
Rev. chil. med. intensiv ; 24(4): 209-214, 2009. ilus
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-669734

ABSTRACT

El diagnóstico de infarto cerebeloso en su presentación inicial puede ser difícil, su reconocimiento tardío puede asociarse a graves complicaciones. Aunque sólo representa 2 por ciento a 3 por ciento de los infartos encefálicos, afecta a un importante número de pacientes, muchos de los cuales son jóvenes. De todos los infartos de cerebelo sólo 10 por ciento evolucionará en forma maligna, siendo denominado infarto pseudotumoral de cerebelo. Las causas más habituales son la embolia, la disección de la arteria vertebral y la aterotrombosis. La arteria cerebelosa póstero-inferior es la más frecuentemente comprometida, y en un tercio de los casos se encuentra una fuente cardioembólica. Su rasgo distintivo es el efecto de masa, el mismo que ocasiona compresión de troncoencéfalo e hidrocefalia aguda, generando un deterioro cuantitativo de conciencia. Las neuroimágenes, tomografía computada y resonancia magnética de encéfalo, son de vital importancia para establecer la presencia de un infarto cerebeloso e identificar potenciales complicaciones. Es importante recordar que la tomografía computada es menos sensible que la resonancia magnética para establecer el diagnóstico. El manejo especializado multidisciplinario y la implementación de las medidas de soporte generales y específicas pueden mejorar las posibilidades de sobrevida y recuperación funcional. Ante la presencia de un deterioro de conciencia, un abordaje quirúrgico agresivo pareciera ser la mejor opción de tratamiento.


The diagnosis of cerebellar infarction at initial presentation can be difficult, delayed recognition can be associated with serious complications. Although representing only 2 percent to 3 percent of brain infarcts, affects a significant number of patients, many of whom are young. Only 10 percent of cerebellar infarcts evolve into malignant form, being named pseudotumoral cerebellar infarction. Common causes include embolism, vertebral artery dissection and atherothrombosis. The postero-inferior cerebellar artery is the most frequently committed, and one third of cases there is a cardioemboIic sourse. Its distinguishing feature is the mass effect, causing brain stem compression and acute hydrocephalus, and generating a quantitative impairment of consciousness. The brain imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of brain, are of vital importance to establish the presence of a cerebellar infarct and identify potential complications. It is important to remember that computed tomography is less sensitive than magnetic resonance for diagnosis. The multidisciplinary specialized management and implementation of measures of general and specific support can improve the chances of survival and functional recovery. In the presence of impaired consciousness, an aggressive surgical approach appears to be the best treatment option.


Subject(s)
Humans , Cerebellar Diseases/diagnosis , Cerebellar Diseases/therapy , Cerebral Infarction/diagnosis , Cerebral Infarction/therapy , Cerebellar Neoplasms/diagnosis , Cerebellar Neoplasms/therapy , Cerebellar Diseases/etiology , Cerebellar Diseases/physiopathology , Cerebral Infarction/etiology , Cerebral Infarction/physiopathology , Cerebellar Neoplasms/etiology , Cerebellar Neoplasms/physiopathology , Prognosis
12.
Rev. chil. cardiol ; 27(4): 444-448, dic. 2008. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-515264

ABSTRACT

Antecedentes: El foramen oval permeable (FOP) es un hallazgo frecuente en pacientes con accidente vascular encefálico criptogénico (AVEC), y se discute la utilidad de su cierre percutáneo (CP). Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo de recurrencia de eventos neurológicos en pacientes con AVEC y FOP, y compararlos entre aquellos tratados médicamente y los sometidos a CP. Métodos: Entre los 106 pacientes admitidos por AVEC y FOP, en el período 2003 a 2006, determinamos la aparición de nuevos eventos neurológicos isquémicos (NEN), y estudiamos sus factores determinantes y comparamos los que se sometieron a CP versus lo que continuaron con tratamiento médico, según criterio del tratante. Se consignaron las características clínicas y de la antomía del FOP en el ecocardiograma Los NEN se confirmaron por examen neurológico y/o neuro-imágenes. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó chi-cuadrado y regresión logística.Resultados: Entre los 106 pacientes evaluados, 87 siguieron tratamiento médico y 19 CP. Los pacientes sometidos a CP presentaban mayor asociación de FOP con aneurisma del septum interauricular (ASI) (57,9% versus 35,6%, p=0,05). El seguimiento fue de 27 +/-13 meses. En este período se demostró un 12,6% de nuevo evento neurológico entre los tratados médicamente, mientras que ninguno lo presentó entre los sometidos al CP (NS). El único predictor independiente para NEN fue el ASI asociado con FOP; OR: 8,45 (1,56-60,46). Conclusiones: De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, los pacientes con AVEC y FOP tienen alto riesgo de recurrencia cuando el FOP se asocia a ASI y aparentemente se benefician con CP.


Background: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a frequent finding in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). Theeffect of closing the PFO in this setting is debated. Aim: to evaluate de risk of stroke recurrence in patients with CS and PFO; to compare this risk in patients followed under medical treatment with those undergoing percutaneous closure of PFO. Methods: From 2003 to 2006, 106 patients were admitted with a CS and the presence of PFO was documented by echocardiography. New ischemic strokes and risk factors were compared between those who weresubmitted to percutaneous closure of PFO and those treated in a conventional way. The decision to close thePFO was taken by the physician in charge. Clinical findings and echocardiographic characteristics of thePFO were recorded. New ischemic events were diagnosed by neurologic assessment and/or imaging techniques. Data was analyzed by chi square testing and logistic regression. Results: 87 patients were followed under medical treatment and 19 had closure of the PFO. The latter group had a greater incidence of atrial septal aneurysm (57.9% vs. 35.6%, p=0.05). The mean follow up was 27 +/- 13 months.New ischemic stroke occurred in 12.6% in the medically treated group while none was observed in the PFO closure group (NS). The sole independent predictor of new stroke was the presence of atrial septal aneurysm (OR: 8.45, 95% C.I. 1.56 - 60.46) Conclusion: Patients with CS and PFO are at considerable risk of developing new strokes, especially those with concomitant atrial septal aneurysm. Closure of PFO was apparently useful to prevent this risk.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Stroke/prevention & control , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/complications , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/therapy , Stroke/etiology , Chi-Square Distribution , Follow-Up Studies , Forecasting , Logistic Models , Retrospective Studies , Recurrence/prevention & control
13.
Rev. méd. Chile ; 136(10): 1255-1263, Oct. 2008. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-503892

ABSTRACT

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the treatment of choice for multiple acute and chronic end-stage liver diseases as well as for selected cases of liver malignancy and ¡iver-site metabolic disorders. Neurological impairment is a major source of morbidity and moñality following OLT. Aim: To describe the incidence and the type of neurological complications occurring in the post-operative period of OLT in patients transplanted in our hospital. Material and methods: Between March 1994 and August 2007, 76 adult patients underwent OLT. Data on incidence, time of onset, and outcome of central nervous system (CNS) complications have been obtained from our program data base and patient charts. Results: Twenty three patients (30.3 percent) had CNS complications following OLT. The leading complications were immunosuppressive drug-related neurological impairment in nine patients (39.1 percent), peripheral nerve damage in five patients (21.7 percent), central pontine myelinolysis in four patients (17.4 percent), cerebrovascular disease in three (13 percent) and CNS infection in three (13 percent). Most CNS events (90 percent) occurred in the first 2 weeks after OLT. Five patients with neurological complications died (22 percent). Conclusions: CNS complications occurred in almost one fifth of the population studied, and they had a poor outcome, as previously reported).


Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Central Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Central Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Cerebrovascular Disorders/etiology , Chile/epidemiology , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Liver Transplantation/methods , Longevity , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Population Surveillance/methods , Postoperative Complications/mortality , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Young Adult
14.
Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr ; 41(4): 296-298, oct.-dic. 2003.
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-384538

ABSTRACT

The paper Admission to neurological intensive care: who, when, and why? by Howard RS, Kullmann DM, Hirsch NP published in J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003; 74 (Suppl III): iii2-iii9, lists and briefly comments on the pathologies treated in a neurointensive care unit. Two interesting concepts discussed in the paper are: 1. Exhaustive care given by the nursing staff and early kinesiological treatment are key to achieving positive results among patients hospitalized in any type of intensive care unit; and 2. A patient suffering from a serious neurological illness should be hospitalized in neurointensive care rather than in a general critical care unit since specialized care units can better anticipate a patientÆs needs due to the staffÆs greater knowledge of the nature of neurological illnesses and a keener ability to recognize complications early on.


Subject(s)
Humans , Critical Care/methods , Intensive Care Units/organization & administration
15.
Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr ; 41(1): 25-30, ene.-mar. 2003. ilus, tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-383452

ABSTRACT

Se comunica un caso de Fístula arteriovenosa espinal dorsal. Se revisa la literatura en relación al cuadro clínico, métodos diagnósticos y tratamiento. Se concluye que la terapia definitiva debe contemplar la oclusión de la vena. La cirugía parece tener mejor rendimiento a largo plazo. El pronóstico es bueno, con mejoría o estabilización del cuadro clínico.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Aged , Arteriovenous Fistula/diagnosis , Arteriovenous Fistula/therapy , Spinal Cord
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