Enfermedades asintomáticas o diagnósticos incipientes / Asymptomatic diseases or early diagnoses

RESUMEN Introducción: Constituye hecho relevante en el ejercicio de la medicina, individual o poblacional, conocer precozmente la instauración de las enfermedades, y por ello se tratan de realizar los diagnósticos clínicos precozmente. Sin embargo, un grupo de enfermedades, infecciosas o no infecciosas, agudas o crónicas, se caracterizan por escasas manifestaciones clínicas, por lo que el conocimiento de su existencia es de vital importancia, por ejemplo, la hipertensión arterial o la diabetes mellitus, cuyas expresiones sintomáticas pueden aparecer tardíamente. En igual medida, la actual pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, ha proliferado rápidamente debido al gran número de personas infectadas que no expresan síntomas. Objetivo: Caracterizar aspectos clínicos relevantes sobre las enfermedades asintomáticas y la importancia de los diagnósticos clínicos o biotecnológicos incipientes, individuales y poblacionales. Métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas bibliográficas de los últimos cinco años en libros clásicos de Medicina Interna, se analizaron artículos publicados en revistas nacionales e internacionales, específicamente en revistas de alto impacto como Lancet y The New England Journal of Medicine. Se consideraron bases de datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, así como lo expuesto en Infomed; además se utilizó Google Académico, con los descriptores de interés al respecto. Conclusiones: Por el momento siempre serán parciales, pues se enfatiza en las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud sobre la actual pandemia, para la identificación y control del SARS-CoV-2; se acentúa en la importancia de los métodos clínicos y epidemiológicos, así como en el desarrollo de la biotecnología para el conocimiento de las enfermedades.

ABSTRACT Introduction: early detection of the onset of diseases constitutes a relevant fact in the practice of individual or population medicine that is why early clinical diagnoses are tried to be made. However, a group of infectious or non-infectious, acute or chronic clinical diseases are characterized by few clinical manifestations, for which knowledge of their existence is of vital importance, for example, arterial hypertension or diabetes mellitus, whose symptomatic expressions may appear late. To the same extent, the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has proliferated rapidly due to the large number of infected people who do not express symptoms. Objective: to characterize relevant clinical aspects of asymptomatic diseases and the importance of incipient, individual and population clinical or biotechnological diagnoses. Methods: bibliographic searches of the last five years were carried out in classic books on Internal Medicine, articles published in national and international journals were analyzed, specifically in high-impact journals such as the Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine. Databases of the World Health Organization were considered, as well as what was exposed in Infomed; in addition, Google Scholar was used, with the descriptors of interest in this regard. Conclusions: conclusions will always be partial for the moment, since the recommendations of the World Health Organization for the identification and control of SARS-CoV-2 are emphasized; the importance of clinical and epidemiological methods is highlighted, as well as the development of biotechnology for the knowledge of diseases.

Caracterización de la enfermedad renal crónica subclínica en Chile

Contexto al realizar cribado en la población de riesgo se encontró que la enfermedad renal crónica subclínica (ERCs) está escasamente caracterizada en Chile y su conocimiento contribuiría al mejor manejo y tratamiento precoz, atenuando sus consecuencias. Objetivo describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la población con ERCs en Chile. Metodología estudio descriptivo transversal en una población de 1032 sujetos provenientes de tres regiones de Chile: Coquimbo (n = 902), Metropolitana (n = 70) y De Los Ríos (n = 60), provenientes de programas cardiovasculares, otros programas de APS y familiares directos de pacientes en diálisis. A los pacientes se les aplicó: un consentimiento informado, una encuesta, un examen físico (presión arterial, peso y talla) y se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio (creatininemia y albuminuria/creatininuria). Se definió ERC por guía KDOQI-2012 y velocidad de filtración glomerular según MDRD. La albuminuria se midió mediante relación albuminuria/creatininuria de primera micción (mg/g). VFG < 60 ml/min o albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g, definieron ERCs. Se determinaron frecuencias y comparaciones (chi-cuadrado, t student y Anova), con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Resultados presentaron ERCs 205 sujetos (19,9 %), siendo significativamente más frecuente en ≥ 65 años (35,7 %), quienes alcanzaron estudios básicos (26,6 %), labores de servicio doméstico (44 %), pensionados (40 %), quienes tenían familiares en diálisis (24,6 %) y diabéticos insulino-requirentes (70,6 %). En el grupo ≥ 65 años hubo una significativa menor frecuencia de ERCs en aquellos que realizaban actividad física, comparado con los sedentarios (48,8 %). A mayor intensidad de HTA y presión de pulso (PP) se observó una mayor frecuencia de ERCs. Conclusiones estos datos aportan información epidemiológica útil para la programación de mejores estrategias de detección de ERCs en Chile.

Introduction subclinical chronic kidney disease (CKDs), performing screening in at-risk populations, is poorly characterized in Chile. Its knowledge would contribute to better management and early treatment, mitigating its consequences. Objective to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the population with CKDs in Chile. Methodology cross-sectional descriptive study in a population of 1,032 subjects from three regions of Chile; Coquimbo (n=902), Metropolitana (n=70) and De Los Ríos (n=60), from cardiovascular programs, other Primary Care programs and direct relatives of dialysis patients. Informed consent, survey, physical examination (blood pressure, weight and height) and laboratory tests (creatinine and albumin/creatinine urinary ratio) were performed. CKD was defined by KDOQI-2012 guideline and Glomerular Filtration Rate according to MDRD formula. Albuminuria by relation albumin/creatinine of first urination (mg/g). eVFG <60 ml/min and/or Albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g, defined CKDs. Frequencies and comparisons were determined (chi-square, t student and ANOVA), with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results 205 subjects (19.9%) presented CKDs, being significantly more frequent in ≥65 years (35.7%), who achieved elementary school studies (26.6%), domestic service workers (44%), retired workers (40%), having a family member on dialysis (24.6%) and insulin-requesting diabetics (70.6%). In the ≥65 year-old group, there was a significantly lower frequency of CKDs in those who performed physical activity, compared to sedentary (48.8%). The higher the intensity of hypertension and pulse pressure (PP), the higher the frequency of CKDs. Conclusions These data provide useful epidemiological information for the programming of better detection strategies for CKDs in Chile.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic people over a 5 month survey in Argentina / Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG contra el SARS-CoV-2 en personas asintomáticas y paucisintomáticas en un estudio de 5 meses en Argentina / Soroprevalência de IgG contra SARS-CoV-2 em indivíduos assintomáticos e paucissintomáticos em um inquérito de 5 meses na Argentina

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in pauci-symptomatic and asymptomatic people, the associated epidemiological factors, and IgG antibody kinetic over a 5-month period to get a better knowledge of the disease transmissibility and the rate of susceptible persons that might be infected. Methods. Seroprevalence was evaluated by a cross-sectional study based on the general population of Santa Fe, Argentina (non-probabilistic sample) carried out between July and November 2020. A subgroup of 20 seropositive individuals was followed-up to analyze IgG persistence. For the IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection, the COVID-AR IgG® ELISA kit was used. Results. 3 000 individuals were included conforming asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic groups (n=1 500 each). From the total sample, only 8.83% (n=265) presented reactivity for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. A significant association was observed between positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and a history of contact with a confirmed case; the transmission rate within households was approximately 30%. In the pauci-symptomatic group, among the seropositive ones, anosmia and fever presented an OR of 16.8 (95% CI 9.5-29.8) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.6-4.6), respectively (p <0.001). In asymptomatic patients, IgG levels were lower compared to pauci-symptomatic patients, tending to decline after 4 months since the symptoms onset. Conclusion. We observed a low seroprevalence, suggestive of a large population susceptible to the infection. Anosmia and fever were independent significant predictors for seropositivity. Asymptomatic patients showed lower levels of antibodies during the 5-month follow-up. IgG antibodies tended to decrease over the end of this period regardless of symptoms.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la seroprevalencia de la infección por el virus causante de la COVID-19 en personas paucisintomáticas y asintomáticas, los factores epidemiológicos asociados y la cinética de los anticuerpos IgG durante un período de cinco meses para conocer mejor la transmisibilidad de la enfermedad y la tasa de personas susceptibles a estar infectadas. Métodos. Se evaluó la seroprevalencia mediante un estudio transversal basado en la población general de Santa Fe, Argentina (muestra no probabilística) llevado a cabo entre julio y noviembre del 2020. Se realizó un seguimiento de un subgrupo de 20 personas seropositivas para analizar la persistencia de los anticuerpos IgG. Para la detección de los anticuerpos IgG contra SARS-COV-2, se empleó el kit ELISA COVID-AR IgG®. Resultados. Hubo 3 000 participantes divididos en un grupo asintomático y un grupo paucisintomático (n=1 500 cada grupo). De la muestra total, solo 8,83% (n=265) presentó una reactividad de IgG contra el SARS-CoV-2. Se observó una asociación significativa entre anticuerpos IgG positivos contra el SARS-CoV-2 y antecedente de contacto con un caso confirmado. La tasa de transmisión en el hogar fue de 30% aproximadamente. En el grupo paucisintomático, entre las personas seropositivas, la anosmia y la fiebre presentaron un OR de 16,8 (IC 95% 9,5-29,8) y 2,7 (IC 95% 1,6-4,6), respectivamente (p <0,001). En los pacientes asintomáticos, los niveles de IgG fueron inferiores en comparación con los pacientes paucisintomáticos, con tendencia a la baja pasados cuatro meses desde la aparición de los síntomas. Conclusiones. Se observó una seroprevalencia baja, indicadora de una gran población susceptible a la infección. La anosmia y la fiebre fueron factores predictivos independientes de relevancia para la seropositividad. Los pacientes asintomáticos mostraron niveles inferiores de anticuerpos durante el seguimiento de cinco meses. Los anticuerpos IgG tendieron a disminuir hacia el final del período con independencia de los síntomas.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra a COVID-19 em indivíduos paucissintomáticos e assintomáticos, os fatores epidemiológicos associados e a cinética dos anticorpos da classe IgG em um período de 5 meses, visando aprimorar o conhecimento sobre a transmissibilidade da doença e a taxa de suscetíveis à infecção. Métodos. Inquérito transversal de soroprevalência realizado na população geral (amostra não probabilística) de Santa Fé, na Argentina, entre julho e novembro de 2020. Um subgrupo de 20 indivíduos soropositivos foi acompanhado para analisar a persistência de anticorpos IgG. O kit de ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) COVID-AR IgG® foi usado para a detecção de anticorpos IgG contra SARS-CoV-2. Resultados. A amostra compreendeu 3 000 indivíduos, divididos entre assintomáticos e paucissintomáticos (n = 1.500 por grupo). Deste total, somente 8,83% (n = 265) apresentaram reatividade, com a detecção de anticorpos IgG contra SARS-CoV-2. Observou-se uma associação significativa entre a presença de anticorpos IgG contra SARS-CoV-2 e histórico de contato com caso confirmado. A taxa de transmissão intradomiciliar foi de aproximadamente 30%. No grupo paucissintomático, entre os soropositivos, o odds ratio (OR) para anosmia foi de 16,8 (IC 95% 9,5-29,8), e para febre, 2,7 (IC 95% 1,6-4,6) (p <0,001). Os indivíduos assintomáticos apresentaram níveis de IgG mais baixos que os paucissintomáticos, com uma tendência de declínio após 4 meses do início dos sintomas. Conclusões. Observou-se uma soroprevalência baixa de anticorpos contra a COVID-19 na população estudada, o que indica um grande número de pessoas suscetíveis à infecção. Anosmia e febre foram preditores importantes independentes de soropositividade. Os assintomáticos apresentaram níveis mais baixos de anticorpos aos 5 meses de acompanhamento. Houve uma tendência de redução dos anticorpos IgG ao final deste período, independentemente da presença de sintomas.

Características clinicoepidemiológicas de pacientes con evolución asintomática de la COVID-19 en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with asymptomatic clinical course of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba province

Introducción: La COVID-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, la cual se presenta de forma asintomática en hasta 80 % de los casos a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con evolución asintomática de la COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, con recolección retrospectiva de la información, de marzo a mayo del 2020, de 13 pacientes con la enfermedad que no manifestaron cuadro sintomático de esta al establecer el diagnóstico. Resultados: De los pacientes que dieron positivo por coronavirus en la provincia, 26,0 % estaban asintomáticos; en estos últimos predominaron los grupos etarios de 20-39 años (38,4 %) y de 60 y más años (30,7 %), así como el sexo femenino (84,6 %). Igualmente, 30,7 % padecía enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles y 38,5 % resultó ser fuente de contagio a otras personas. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de pacientes asintomáticos en Santiago de Cuba fue diferente de la notificada en el resto del país y en otras naciones, lo cual pudo estar condicionado por la no aparición de episodios o brotes y la baja incidencia registrada; no obstante, en el análisis de las variables no existieron discrepancias con los informes sobre pacientes con esta forma clínica de la enfermedad.

Introduction: The COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is presented in an asymptomatic way in up to 80 % of the cases at world level. Objective: To characterize the patients with asymptomatic clinical course of the COVID-19. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in Santiago de Cuba province, with retrospective gathering of the information, from March to May, 2020, belonging to 13 patients with diagnosis of the disease and no symptomatic manifestation of it. Results: Of the patients with positive results for coronavirus in the province, 26,0 % were asymptomatic; there was a predominance of the 20-39 years-old (38,4 %), and the 60 and more years (30,7 %) in these age groups, as well as of the female sex (84,6 %). Equally, 30,7 % suffered from non-communicable chronic diseases and 38,5 % turned out to be infection source to other people. Conclusions: The frequency of asymptomatic patients in Santiago de Cuba was different from that notified in the rest of the country and in other nations, which could be conditioned by the absence of episodes or outbreaks and the low registered incidence; nevertheless, in the analysis of the variables there were no discrepancies with the reports on patients with this clinical form of the disease.

Valor pronóstico del strain longitudinal, medido por velocity vector imaging, en la estenosis aórtica grave asintomática con fracción de eyección conservada / Prognostic Value of Longitudinal Strain Measured by Velocity Vector Imaging, in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis with Preserved Ejection

RESUMEN Introducción: Se han descripto alteraciones en el strain longitudinal sistólico (SLS) en pacientes con fracción de eyección (FE) conservada. El valor pronóstico del SLS en la estenosis aórtica (EAo) grave asintomática está en discusión. Objetivos: Evaluar si la medición de SLS mediante velocity vector imaging (VVI) predice la progresión y la indicación de reemplazo valvular aórtico (RVA) en pacientes asintomáticos con EAo grave y FE conservada, inicialmente asintomáticos. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes con EAo grave y FE conservada que fueron considerados asintomáticos sin indicación inicial de RVA. A todos los pacientes se les realizó un ecocardiograma que evaluó el SLS de cada segmento en dos y tres y cuatro cámaras y el SLS global por el método VVI. Además, se realizó la medición del NT-proBNP. Se consideró como punto final el requerimiento de RVA. Resultados: Se evaluaron 57 pacientes con una edad de 69 ± 8 años, 49% mujeres. Luego de dos años de seguimiento 13 pacientes (22,8%) requirieron RVA. El grupo que requirió RVA presentó menor SLS global (-15,5 ± 3,4 versus -18,9 ± 3,1, p = 0,03) y SLS en dos cámaras (-12,8 ± 5,5 versus -16,3 ± 5,6, p = 0,04). En el análisis univariado, el SLS global, en NT-proBNP y la relación E/e´ fueron predictores del punto final, mientras que, en el multivariado, solo el SLS global se comportó como predictor independiente de requerimiento de RVA (HR: 1,28 (IC 95% 1,04-1,58), p = 0,01). Conclusiones: El SLS global medido por VVI fue predictor independiente de requerimiento de RVA.

ABSTRACT Background: Longitudinal systolic strain (LSS) abnormalitiess have been described in patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF). The prognostic value of LSS in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AoS) is under discussion. Objetive: The aim of this study was to assess whether LSS assessment using velocity vector imaging (VVI) predicts the progression and indication of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in asymptomatic patients with severe AoS and preserved EF. Methods: The study included patients with severe AoS and preserved EF who were considered asymptomatic and without initial indication for AVR. They underwent two, three and four-chamber echocardiography that evaluated LSS of each segment and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by VVI, as well as NT-proBNP assessment. The primary endpoint was need for AVR. Results: A total of 57 patients with mean age 69±8 years, 49% women, were included in the study. After two years of follow-up, 13 patients (22.8%) required AVR. This group had lower GLS (-15.5±3.4 vs.-18.9±3.1, p=0.03) and two-chamber LSS (-12.8±5.5 vs.-16.3±5.6, p=0.04). In univariate analysis, GLS, NT-proBNP and the E/e' ratio were predictors of the endpoint, while in the multivariate analysis, only GLS was an independent predictor of need for AVR (HR: 1.28 (95% CI 1.04-1.58), p=0.01). Conclusions: Global longitudinal strain measured by VVI was an independent predictor of need for AVR.

Relative factors and follow up research of asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the progress and influence factors of asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH).@*Methods@#MRI was performed on the contralateral hips of 174 patients with unilateral symptomatic ONFH who admitted at Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2012 to December 2018. Eighty-three of 174 patients with unilateral ONFH were found suffering from contralateral ONFH(47.7%), of which 77 patients were followed up.There were 28 males and 49 females with age of 48.6 years (range: 21-73 years). The pathogenesis, ARCO classfication, areas and position of osteonecrosis were collected.Independent sample t test, χ2 test, Fisher exact test, multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the potential influence factors.@*Results@#Patients were followed up for 36.7 months. During the following up period, ARCO classification of 28 patients (36.4%) progressed.The progress of asymptomatic ONFH was not related to the gender, age and original ARCO classification, but related to the pathogenesis, position and area of osteonecrosis (all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The progress of asymptomatic osteonecrosis is related to the pathogenesis, position and area of osteonecrosis,but most of asymptomatic ONFH will not progress.

Enfermedad coronaria asintomática en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Asymptomatic coronary disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / Doença coronária assintomática em pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Introducción: la enfermedad coronaria es una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial; se sabe que la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es un factor de riesgo importante para esta patología y que puede producir una forma asintomática o con manifestaciones atípicas. Objetivos: exponer los principales datos epidemiológicos, pronósticos y determinantes de la enfermedad coronaria asintomática en DM2 y discutir las formas de tamización y su utilidad en diabéticos asintomáticos. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, LILACS y SciELO usando las palabras clave "Diabetes Mellitus, type 2", "Coronary disease", "Coronary Artery Disease", "Coronary Vessels", "Atherosclerosis", "Arteriosclerosis", "Asymptomatic Diseases", "Asymptomatic", "Silent" y "Myocardcial infarction", ajustando la búsqueda según las necesidades de cada base de datos. Se incluyeron artículos que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión y no los de exclusión, a consideración de los autores, así como algunas referencias adicionales. Resultados: se revisó el título y resumen de 504 artículos encontrados en las bases de datos, tras lo cual se escogieron 81 para su lectura total. De ellos, 56 fueron incluidos, así como 48 publicaciones adicionales conocidas por los autores o referenciados en las artículos leídos, lo que dio un total de 104 artículos incluidos en la revisión final. Conclusiones: los pacientes con DM2 presentan altas prevalencias de enfermedad coronaria asintomática que aumentan en presencia de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular o de mayor duración o progresión de la DM2. Si bien existen varios métodos anatómicos o funcionales para su detección, la tamización de esta población no ha mostrado beneficio alguno, por lo que no puede recomendarse de rutina en asintomáticos

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is well known that type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is an important risk factor for CAD, and that it can produce an asymptomatic form of the disease or one with atypical manifestations. The association between DM2 and coronary atherogenesis is such that CAD has been reported in up to 91% of asymptomatic diabetic patients, a higher prevalence than that of non-diabetic controls. In this narrative review we summarize the main epidemiologic, prognostic and determinant factors of asymptomatic CAD in DM2. We also discuss the screening methods available and the usefulness of routine screening for asymptomatic diabetics.

A doença coronária é uma das principais causas mundiais de morbi-mortalidade e a diabetes mellitus tipo 2 é um fator de risco importante, pode desenvolver-se de forma assintomática ou apresentando manifestações pouco comuns. Até 91% dos pacientes diabéticos apresentam doença coronária, um dado bem maior do que no caso dos pacientes no diabéticos. No presente artigo apresentam-se OS principados dados epidemiológicos, diagnósticos, pronósticos e determinantes da doença coronária em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2. Do mesmo jeito discute-se métodos diagnósticas

Prevalencia de la disfunción tiroidea en la población adulta mayor de consulta externa / Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the elderly population of an outpatient clinic

Resumen Introducción: el metabolismo y función de la hormona tiroidea se modifica con el envejecimiento. Los rangos de referencia para las hormonas tiroideas, derivan de poblaciones más jóvenes. Con estos rangos la prevalencia de la disfunción tiroidea subclínica es mayor en los ancianos. Existe controversia en el tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedad subclínica. Objetivo: describir la prevalencia de disfunción tiroidea en adultos mayores de la consulta externa de medicina interna en un periodo de tres meses. Material y métodos: estudio de corte transversal realizado en un hospital universitario. Participaron los pacientes de 60 años o más que asistieron a la consulta externa de medicina interna. A todos se les diligenció un cuestionario que incluye el índice de Wayne y el puntaje de Zulewski. Se solicitaron los niveles de TSH y T4 libre. Posteriormente, se contactó telefónicamente a cada paciente para registrar los resultados. Resultados: ingresaron 93 personas al estudio, 57% eran mujeres. El 32% de los pacientes recibían suplencia hormonal con levotiroxina, 73% eran mujeres. El 66% de los pacientes que recibían suplencia no tenían niveles de TSH en metas de tratamiento. Se encontraron dos casos de hipertiroidismo subclínico, ninguno de hipertiroidismo manifiesto. El acuerdo más allá del azar entre las escalas clínicas y el diagnóstico a partir de laboratorios fue nulo. Conclusiones: es alta la prevalencia de disfunción tiroidea en nuestro país, se requieren más estudios con estandarización en las herramientas diagnósticas, para definir puntos de corte de diagnóstico y tratamiento en estos pacientes. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 24-30).

Abstract Introduction: the metabolism and function of thyroid hormone is modified with aging. The reference ranges for thyroid hormones are derived from younger populations. With these ranges, the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction is higher in the elderly. There is controversy in the treatment of patients with subclinical disease. Objective: to describe the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in older adults of the internal medicine outpatient clinic in a period of three months. Material and Methods: cross-sectional study carried out in a university hospital. Participants were those patients 60 years old or older who attended the internal medicine outpatient clinic. They all filled out a questionnaire that included Wayne's index and Zulewski's score. TSH and free T4 levels were requested. Subsequently, each patient was contacted by telephone to record the results. Results: 93 people entered the study; 57% were women. 32% of patients received hormone replacement with levothyroxine; 73% were women. 66% of the patients receiving substitution did not have TSH levels in treatment goals.Two cases of subclinical hyperthyroidism were found and none of overt hyperthyroidism. The agreement beyond chance between the clinical scales and the diagnosis from laboratories was null. Conclusions: the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in our country is high. More studies with standardization in diagnostic tools are required to define diagnostic and treatment cut-off points in these patients. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 24-30).

A Case of Incidental Chronic Appendicitis: Appendiceal Wall Thickening in an Asymptomatic Patient

Chronic appendicitis is caused by inflammation of the appendix for several weeks, and the patients have symptoms such as mild nausea, abdominal pain, and tenderness. Diagnosis of chronic appendicitis is difficult because the symptoms are mild and vague compared to the acute appendicitis. In radiologic examination, appendicitis usually appears dilatation with diffuse wall thickening of appendix. Surgical treatment of the appendix (appendectomy) could be recommended against complications such as acute appendicitis or perforation. We have incidentally experienced an unusual case of chronic appendicitis without symptoms, and report its radiologic findings and clinical manifestations.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of silent brain infarction / 中华神经科杂志

The prevalence of silent brain infarction (SBI) in elderly people is as high as 28％,which could progress to symptomatic cerebral infarction and cognitive impairment.In order to standardize diagnosis and treatment of SBI,Chinese Society of Neurology and Chinese Stroke Society organize experts in China to show strong evidence and give advices on the following issues:(1) MRI is superior to CT on the diagnosis of SBI,and associated sequence of MRI is described.(2) How to identify SBI to avoid misdiagnosis.(3) Management of SBI mainly focuses on the prevention of risk factors,such as hypertension,diabetes,atrial fibrillation and so on.An appropriate diagnosis and treatment path is proposed to avoid over diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Findings of Asymptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical differences between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have asymptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and those who have symptomatic CTS. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with DM were assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and ultrasonographic evaluation of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve. According to the BCTQ responses and NCS results, the patients were divided into the following three groups: group 1 (n=16), in which NCS results did not reveal CTS; group 2 (n=19), in which NCS results revealed CTS but the group scored 0 points on the BCTQ (asymptomatic); and group 3 (n=28), in which NCS results revealed CTS and the group scored >1 point on the BCTQ (symptomatic). The clinical findings, NCS results, and CSA of the median nerve were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, DM duration, glycated hemoglobin levels, and presence of diabetic polyneuropathy among the three groups. The peak latency of the median sensory nerve action potential was significantly shorter in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001); however, no difference was observed between groups 2 and 3. CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel in group 2 was significantly larger than that in group 1 and smaller than that in group 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the symptoms of CTS in patients with diabetes are related to CSA of the median nerve, which is consistent with swelling of the nerve.

Asymptomatic Bone Cement Pulmonary Embolism after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Case Report

Pulmonary embolism is a rare complication after percutaneous vertebroplasty for compression fracture. Embolization is related to cement leakage outside the treated vertebral body into the adjacent venous system. We report on a case of pulmonary embolism with bone cement in the right pulmonary artery in a 75-year-old female who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty 2 months before. Her simple X-ray of the spine captured polymethyl metacrylate leakage from the vertebral body, which indicated the pathophysiology of this event.

Asymptomatic Synchronous Tuberculosis Involving Stomach and Small Bowel in Immunocompetent Patient / 대한소화기학회지

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis that is not an unusual form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and it is usually associated with immunocompromised condition that may present with clinical symptoms including fever, weight loss or pain. Terminal ileum and cecum are the common sites of involvement, but involvement of the stomach is rare. Furthermore, synchronous tuberculosis involving both the stomach and lower gastrointestinal tract has been reported in very few cases. Herein, we report a case of incidentally detected synchronous tuberculosis involving both the stomach and terminal ileum that was successfully treated by antituberculosis therapy in an asymptomatic immunocompetent patient.

Uroflowmetry in a Large Population of Brazilian Men Submitted to a health check up program and its correlation with ipss and prostate size

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the uroflowmetry data in a large population of asymptomatic Brazilian men submitted to a health check up program and their correlation to IPSS and prostate size. Materials and Methods Asymptomatic men underwent a health check-up program between January and December 2012. The inclusion criteria were men between 40 and 70 years, IPSS ≤ 7, without bladder, prostate, urethral surgery, neurological diseases, urinary tract infection, PSA < 4.0 ng/dL and urinary volume higher than 150 mL. Urological assessment consisted of clinical history, IPSS, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate specific antigen (PSA), urinalysis, ultrasonography and uroflowmetry. Results A total of 1041 asymptomatic men were included in this study. The average age was 49 years and average maximum flow rate was 17.4 mL/s. In spite of IPSS and prostate size increase with aging, they had a weak correlation with Qmax cutoffs (10 mL/s and 15 mL/s). A total of 85 men (8.3%) had more than 60 years, and even in this group, Qmax was higher than 15 mL/s. Out of 1041 men, 117 had IPSS less than 8 and Qmax less than 10 mL/s. Conclusions In asymptomatic men there is a weak correlation between IPSS, prostate size and uroflowmetric data. The establishment of different normal cutoffs seems to be complicated and uroflowmetry data should be interpreted with caution in order to avoid misdiagnosis. .

Management of Asymptomatic Erosive Esophagitis: An E-Mail Survey of Physician's Opinions

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The management of asymptomatic erosive esophagitis is controversial. We surveyed physicians' opinions on asymptomatic erosive esophagitis using e-mail. METHODS: All members of the Korean Society of Neurogastro-enterology and Motility were invited to answer the questionnaire on the treatment and follow-up of patients with asymptomatic erosive esophagitis by e-mail. RESULTS: A total of 73 members answered the questionnaire (response rate, 18%). As initial management, 41% of respondents chose pharmacologic treatment, whereas 59% chose nonpharmacologic treatment. In the case of pharmacologic treatment, proton pump inhibitors were the preferred medication. The most common treatment duration was 4 weeks (43%), followed by 8 weeks (38%), and 6 months (11%). Sixty-two percent of the respondents recommended follow-up endoscopy annually, whereas 29% chose no endoscopic follow-up. Thirty-four percent of the respondents answered that they would talk about reflux-related sleep disturbances. Only 25% of the respondents explained the possibility of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma to their patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial practice variations in the management of asymptomatic erosive esophagitis in Korea.

Researche progress on monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and asymptomatic multiple myeloma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Nowadays there is still an insufficient understanding of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance(MGUS) and asymptomatic multiple myeloma,which are considered as multiple myeloma (MM) precursor diseases. In this review, the advances in diagnosis, risk-stratification as well as views on the treatment of the two diseases were presented.