El fondo de ojo, una ventana a la microvasculatura del paciente hipertenso / The fundus, a window to microvasculature in hypertensive patients

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial constituye una de las enfermedades más frecuentes en la población general. En la actualidad llega a una prevalencia global del 30 al 45 %. La microcirculación retiniana puede considerarse como una representación anatómica de las características fisiológicas y funcionales de la circulación coronaria y cerebral. Objetivos: Profundizar en la relación existente entre los niveles de presión arterial y el daño del órgano diana, específicamente a través del fondo de ojo, así como de las posibles complicaciones oftalmológicas derivadas de la hipertensión arterial, y la comparación de algunas de las clasificaciones existentes sobre los cambios oftalmológicos que esta provoca. Métodos: Se emplearon los métodos de análisis-síntesis y análisis bibliográfico y documental. Los motores de búsqueda utilizados fueron: Google y Google Académico, y las bases de datos Hinari, SciELO Cuba, Pubmed, entre otras. Conclusiones: La retinopatía hipertensiva es una de las complicaciones adversas de la hipertensión arterial aguda o crónica. Por su parte, las oclusiones venosas y la formación de macroaneurismas, constituyen otras de gran envergadura. Mientras más eficaz sea el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos, menos recursos se necesitarán para su tratamiento, y se evitarán así las complicaciones de otros órganos diana como el cerebro y el riñón, lo que provocaría en los pacientes una mayor discapacidad.

Introduction: arterial hypertension is one the most frequent diseases in general population. Nowadays, it reaches a global prevalence of 30 to 45 %. Retinal microcirculation can be considered as an anatomical representation of the physiological and functional characteristics of the coronary and cerebral circulation. Objectives: to delve into the relationship between blood pressure levels and target organ damage, specifically through the fundus, as well as the possible ophthalmological complications derived from arterial hypertension, and the comparison of some of the existing classifications on the ophthalmological changes that it causes. Methods: analysis - synthesis and bibliographic- documentary analyses were the used methods. Google and Google Scholar as well as Hinari, SciELO Cuba, Pubmed and others databases were the search engines. Conclusions: hypertensive retinopathy is one of the adverse complications of acute or chronic arterial hypertension. On the other hand, venous occlusions and the formation of macroaneurysms constitute other serious ones to consider. The more effective the diagnosis and follow-up of hypertensive patients, the fewer resources will be needed for their treatment, thus avoiding complications in other target organs such as the brain and kidney, which would cause greater disability in patients.

Severe bilateral visual loss as the first sign of IgA nephropathy / Perda visual bilateral grave como o primeiro sinal da nefropatia por IgA

ABSTRACT We describe a case of a 33-years-old woman who presents with severe acute bilateral visual loss secondary to massive exudative hypertensive maculopathy as the first sign of immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The patient's ophthalmic examination showed bilateral cotton-wool spots, flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, diffuse narrow arterioles, optic disk edema, and exudative maculopathy. Systemic workup demonstrated a systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 240 mmHg and 160 mmHg, respectively, proteinuria, and hematuria, suggesting kidney disease as the causative condition. A kidney biopsy confirmed immunoglobulin A nephropathy. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and a single bilateral intravitreal injection of aflibercept. There was a prompt resolution of macular edema and vision improvement. Our case draws attention to the fact that severe bilateral visual loss can be the first sign of severe hypertension. Secondary causes, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy, should be ruled out.

RESUMO Nosso objetivo é descrever uma paciente de 33 anos de idade, com perda visual bilateral grave por maculopatia hipertensiva exsudativa como o primeiro sinal da nefropatia por imunoglobulina A. A fundoscopia revelou a presença de manchas algodonosas, hemorragias em chama-de-vela, estreitamento arteriolar difuso, edema de disco óptico e maculopatia exsudativa bilateral. A pressão arterial sistólica foi de 240mmHg e a diastólica de 160 mmHg associado a proteinúria e hematúria, sugerindo a presença de doença renal. A biópsia renal confirmou a nefropatia por imunoglobulina A. A paciente foi tratada como corticoide sistêmico, drogas anti-hipertensivas e uma única dose intravítrea de Aflibercept em ambos os olhos. Houve rápida melhora do edema macular e da acuidade visual. Nosso caso chama a atenção para o fato de que a perda visual bilateral grave pode ser a primeira apresentação de uma doença hipertensiva sistêmica. Causas secundárias como a nefropatia por imunoglobulina A devem ser afastadas.

Impacto de la retinopatía hipertensiva asociada a cardiopatías coronarias

Introducción: La asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y cardiopatías coronarias es un tema de una larga controversia. La retinopatía hipertensiva ha sido definida como un predictor de mortalidad y morbilidad en pacientes hipertensos desde hace mucho tiempo. Además, estudios recientes han demostrado que la microvasculatura retiniana refleja la patología en los pequeños vasos sistémicos, incluida la microcirculación coronaria. Objetivos: El objetivo fue realizar una revisión sistemática y un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo mediante un metanálisis para determinar la asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y cardiopatías coronarias. Métodos: Se realizó la búsqueda sistemática de estudios relacionados con el tema. La fuente de búsqueda fue PubMed y Google Scholar. La revisión sistemática y meta-análisis se desarrollaron con las pautas Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Resultados: Se demostró que existe una asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y la enfermedad de la arteria coronaria. (P=0,01; RR 1,29; IC 95 %: 1,06 a 1,56), se evaluó la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda como desenlace, se encontró un efecto estadísticamente significativo que asocia a la retinopatía hipertensiva con la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (p=0,03; RR: 1,71; IC 95 %: 1,31 a 2,24). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre retinopatía hipertensiva y las cardiopatías coronarias más frecuentes (Enfermedad coronaria e HVI).

Introduction: The association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary heart disease is a subject of long-standing controversy. Hypertensive retinopathy has long been defined as a predictor of mortality and morbidity in hypertensive patients. In addition, recent studies have shown that the retinal microvasculature reflects pathology in small systemic vessels, including the coronary microcirculation. Objectives: The aim was to perform a systematic review and a qualitative and quantitative analysis by meta-analysis to determine the association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary heart disease. Methods: A systematic search for studies related to the topic was performed. The search source was PubMed and Google Scholar. The systematic review and meta-analysis were developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: An association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary artery disease was demonstrated (P=0.01; RR 1.29; 95 % CI: 1.06 to 1.56), left ventricular hypertrophy was evaluated as an outcome, a statistically significant effect was found associating hypertensive retinopathy with left ventricular hypertrophy (P=0.03; RR: 1.71; 95 % CI: 1.31 to 2.24). Conclusions: An association was found between hypertensive retinopathy and the most frequent coronary heart diseases (coronary artery disease and LVH).

Hallazgos de la ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria / Ophthalmic Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Patients with Primary Arterial Hypertension

Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos por ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal con 202 órbitas de 101 pacientes hipertensos, a los que se les realizó fondo de ojo para diagnóstico y gradación de la retinopatía hipertensiva. Por interrogatorio y examen físico se identificaron como factores de riesgo aterosclerótico el consumo excesivo de alcohol y la obesidad. Además, se les hizo ultrasonido orbitario y Doppler carotídeo, y solo en caso de resultar normales, se procedió a evaluar mediante ecografía Doppler las arterias oftálmicas. Resultados: Predominaron los hipertensos entre 40 y 60 años de edad, el sexo masculino, el color mestizo de piel, los casos sin retinopatía hipertensiva, y el grupo entre 10 y 20 años de diagnosticada la hipertensión. Se demostró un incremento de la velocidad del flujo y de la resistencia vascular a nivel de las arterias oftálmicas. En tanto, se evidenció asociación significativa de estos parámetros hemodinámicos con el envejecimiento y el tiempo de diagnóstico de la hipertensión. Sin embargo, no se comprobó asociación significativa con el sexo, el color de la piel, y la presencia o ausencia de obesidad, consumo excesivo de alcohol, y retinopatía hipertensiva independientemente de su gravedad. Conclusiones: La evaluación de las arterias oftálmicas mediante ecografía Doppler permite hacer un estudio y seguimiento más integral de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria(AU)

Objective: To determine ophthalmic arterial Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with primary arterial hypertension. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 202 orbits of 101 hypertensive patients, who underwent fundus examination for diagnosis and grading of hypertensive retinopathy. By interrogation and physical examination, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity were identified as atherosclerotic risk factors. In addition, orbital ultrasound and carotid Doppler were performed, and only if they were normal, the ophthalmic arteries were evaluated using Doppler ultrasound. Results: Hypertensive patients between 40 and 60 years of age, male, mixed skin color, cases without hypertensive retinopathy, and the group between 10 and 20 years after hypertension diagnosis predominated. An increase in flow velocity and vascular resistance at the level of the ophthalmic arteries was demonstrated. Meanwhile, a significant association of these hemodynamic parameters with aging and time of diagnosis of hypertension was evidenced. However, no significant association was found with gender, skin color, and the presence or absence of obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and hypertensive retinopathy regardless of its severity. Conclusions: Evaluation of the ophthalmic arteries using Doppler ultrasound allows a more comprehensive study and follow-up of patients with primary arterial hypertension(AU)

Complicaciones vasculares en pacientes hipertensos jóvenes de un hospital de Paraguay

RESUMEN Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por la elevación sostenida de la presión arterial. Su aparición a temprana edad se ha duplicado en los últimos años, por lo que se espera un incremento de las complicaciones vasculares relacionadas a ella, como la manifestación de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico o hemorrágico, infarto agudo de miocardio, nefropatía hipertensiva, preeclampsia, eclampsia. Los factores de riesgos asociados de gran influencia como el antecedente patológico familiar entre otros se encuentran relacionados a su aparición. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas de pacientes hipertensos menores de 50 años en el Hospital Nacional, Itauguá, Paraguay, en el periodo 2020-2021. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, analítico que incluyo 150 pacientes con hipertensión arterial, de ambos sexos, menores de 50 años. Resultados: la edad media de la muestra fue 39 años, con rango entre 15-50 años, la mayoría provenía del área urbana, con nivel educativo secundario. Hubo predominio del sexo femenino (52%), sin embargo, las complicaciones vasculares fueron más frecuentes en el sexo masculino. Las complicaciones vasculares se detectaron en 89%, predominando el accidente cerebrovascular (26%), la retinopatía hipertensiva (24%) y la nefropatía de origen hipertensivo (22,6%). La mayoría de los pacientes presentaba factores de riesgo cardiovascular asociados, los principales fueron el sedentarismo y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, así como el antecedente patológico familiar de hipertensión arterial. Conclusión: las principales complicaciones fueron el accidente cerebro vascular (26%), la retinopatía hipertensiva (24%) y la nefropatía de origen hipertensivo (22,6%). Se recomienda la detección precoz y el tratamiento oportuno de los hipertensos jóvenes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypertension is a disease characterized by sustained elevation of blood pressure. Its appearance at an early age has doubled in recent years, therefore an increase in vascular complications related to it is expected, such as the manifestation of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, hypertensive nephropathy, preeclampsia, eclampsia. Associated risk factors of great influence, such as family pathological history, among others, are related to its appearance. Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients under 50 years of age at the Hospital Nacional of Itauguá, Paraguay, in the period 2020-2021. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study that included 150 male and female patients with arterial hypertension under 50 years of age. Results: The average age of the sample was 39 years, with a range between 15-50 years, the majority came from the urban area, and had secondary education level. There was a predominance of women (52%), however, vascular complications were more frequent in men. Vascular complications were detected in 89%, predominantly stroke (26%), hypertensive retinopathy (24%) and hypertensive nephropathy (22.6%). Most of the patients had associated cardiovascular risk factors, the main ones being sedentary lifestyle and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as a family pathological history of high blood pressure. Conclusion: The main complications were cerebrovascular accident (26%), hypertensive retinopathy (24%) and hypertensive nephropathy (22.6%). Early detection and timely treatment of young hypertensive patients is recommended.

Retinopatia hipertensiva maligna secundária a lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em adolescente / Malignant hypertensive retinopathy secondary to systemic lupus erythematous in adolescent

RESUMO O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico é uma doença que pode apresentar comprometimento oftalmológico geralmente benigno, sendo as alterações mais encontradas a síndrome do olho seco e a catarata. Nos pacientes com a doença estável, o dano oftalmológico parece estar relacionado ao tratamento sistêmico a longo prazo, o que enfatiza a importância do exame oftalmológico completo de rotina. Porém, quando a doença está em franca atividade e, em especial, quando há o envolvimento renal, deve-se iniciar o tratamento precoce com corticoterapia sistêmica e com medidas de suporte, para se evitarem repercussões mais complexas, como as crises hipertensivas que podem levar ao óbito.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus may present ophthalmological involvement, usually benign, and the most common changes are dry eye syndrome and cataract. In patients with stable disease, ophthalmologic damage appears to be related to long-term systemic treatment, emphasizing the importance of routine complete ophthalmologic examination. However, in full-blown disease, especially when there is renal involvement, early treatment should start with systemic steroid therapy and supportive measures, to avoid major repercussions, such as hypertensive crises that may lead to death.

Endothelial lesion and complement activation in patients with Scleroderma Renal Crisis / Lesão endotelial e ativação do complemento em pacientes com crise renal esclerodérmica

Abstract In kidney biopsies reviews, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is characterized by vascular endothelial injuries, C4d deposits on peritubular vessels, and acute and chronic injuries coexisting on the same biopsy. The clinical signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are described in systemic sclerosis (SSc), nevertheless, it has not been related to acute injuries described on kidney biopsies. We report a case of SRC in a patient with scleroderma-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome, which also showed clinical and histopathological data of TMA. On fundus examination, a severe acute hypertensive retinopathy was found. The kidney biopsy showed severe endothelial damage with widening of mucoid cells at the level of the intima, focal concentric proliferation on most small arterioles, and C3, C4d, and IgM deposits along the capillary walls. The genetic study of complement only showed the presence of membrane cofactor protein (MCP) risk haplotypes, without other genetic complement disorders. We understand that in a patient with TMA and SSc, the kidney damage would be fundamentally endothelial and of an acute type; moreover, we would observe clear evidence of complement activation. Once further studies correlate clinical-analytical data with anatomopathological studies, it is likely that we will be forced to redefine the SRC concept, focusing on the relationship between acute endothelial damage and complement activation.

Resumo Nas revisões de biópsias renais, a crise renal esclerodérmica (CRE) é caracterizada por lesões endoteliais vasculares, depósitos de C4d em vasos peritubulares e lesões agudas e crônicas que coexistem na mesma biópsia. Os sinais clínicos de microangiopatia trombótica (MAT) são descritos na esclerose sistêmica (ES); no entanto, não foram relacionados às lesões agudas descritas nas biópsias renais. Relatamos um caso de CRE em um paciente com síndrome de superposição de esclerodermia-dermatomiosite, que também apresentou dados clínicos e histopatológicos de MAT. No exame de fundo do olho, foi encontrada uma retinopatia hipertensiva aguda grave. A biópsia renal mostrou lesão endotelial grave com alargamento das células mucoides ao nível da íntima, proliferação concêntrica focal na maioria das pequenas arteríolas e depósitos de C3, C4d e IgM ao longo das paredes dos capilares. O estudo genético do complemento mostrou apenas a presença de haplótipos de risco da proteína cofator de membrana (PCM), sem outros distúrbios genéticos do complemento. Entendemos que em um paciente com MAT e ES, o dano renal seria fundamentalmente endotelial e do tipo agudo; além disso, observaríamos evidências claras de ativação do complemento. Uma vez que novos estudos correlacionam dados clínico-analíticos com estudos anatomopatológicos, é provável que sejamos forçados a redefinir o conceito de CRE, enfocando a relação entre dano endotelial agudo e ativação do complemento.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in malignant hypertensive retinopathy / Achados da angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica na retinopatia hipertensiva maligna

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented to our clinic with low vision in both eyes that started during the previous week. Visual acuity was 20/63 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed signs of hypertensive retinopathy; thus, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted for the diagnosis and treatment of this patient. We consulted the nephrology and cardiology departments on this case. Upon diagnosing malignant hypertension and renal failure, the patient was put on hemodialysis. His visual acuity was 20/20 at 6 months, whereas foveal assessment on optical coherence tomography angiography revealed neither marked superficial and deep capillary density loss and foveal avascular zone enlargement nor a decrease in disc flow and radial peripapillary capillary density. Early diagnosis and treatment of malignant hypertension are critical in preventing progression of end-organ damage including the eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography may be useful in cases when fundus fluorescein angiography is relatively contraindicated (e.g., renal failure).

RESUMO Um homem de 33 anos apresentou-se à nossa clínica com baixa visão em ambos os olhos que começou uma semana antes. A acuidade visual foi de 20/63 no olho direito e 20/50 no olho esquerdo. O exame de fundo de olho revelou sinais de retinopatia hipertensiva; então, adotou-se uma abordagem multidisciplinar para o diagnóstico e tratamento desse paciente. Consultamos os departamentos de nefrologia e cardiologia neste caso. Ao diagnosticar hipertensão maligna e insuficiência renal, o paciente foi colocado em hemodiálise. Sua acuidade visual era 20/20 aos 6 meses, enquanto a avaliação foveal com angiotomografia de coerência óptica não revelou perda de densidade capilar superficial e profunda acentuada e aumento da zona avascular foveal nem uma diminuição no fluxo de disco e na densidade capilar peripapilar radial. O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento da hipertensão maligna são fundamentais na preveção da progressão de danos nos órgãos-alvo, incluindo os olhos. A Angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica pode ser útil nos casos em que a angiografia com fluoresceína do fundo de olho é relativamente contraindicada (por exemplo, insuficiência renal).

Medición de la microcirculación retiniana luego del tratamiento antihipertensivo / Measuring retinal circulation after antihypertensive treatment

Background and objective: With the development of image processing techniques, it has become possible to measure the changes in retinal vessels of hypertensive patients by means of eye fundus photographs. Patients and method: In this paper we aim to classify retinal vessels automatically into arterioles and venules. In order to do so, we have compared three different strategies based on the colour of the pixels in images through an analysis of 78 hypertensive patients' eye fundus images. The first strategy classifies all the vessels by applying a clustering algorithm. The second divides the retinal image into four quadrants and classifies the vessels that belong to the same quadrant independently from the rest of the vessels. The third strategy classifies the vessels by dividing the retinal image into four quadrants that are rotated inside the mentioned image. Results: The third strategy was the one that obtained the best results, since it minimizes the number of unclassified vessels. In the initially analysed set of 20 images, we correctly classified 86.53% of the vessels, and this percentage remains similar in a set of 58 images examined by three medical experts. This confirms the validity of the method that automatically calculates the arteriovenous ratio (AVR).Conclusion: Our results are an improvement on those previously described in the bibliography, reducing the number of non-classified vessels. Furthermore, the method entails low computational costs.

Fundamento y objetivo: El desarrollo de técnicas de procesado de imágenes ha devuelto interés para poder medir de una forma objetiva los cambios en la estructura microvascular del hipertenso a través de las fotografías digitales del fondo de ojo. Pacientes y método: Para clasificar de forma automática los vasos de la retina en arteriolas y vénulas, con una elevada precisión, hemos comparado tres estrategias diferentes basadas en la información del color de los pixeles de la imagen del fondo de ojo, analizando 78 imágenes de fondo de ojo de hipertensos. La primera estrategia clasificaría todos los vasos aplicando un algoritmo de agrupamiento. La segunda divide la retina en cuatro cuadrantes y clasifica los vasos que pertenecen al mismo cuadrante independientemente del resto de los vasos. La tercera estrategia clasifica los vasos dividiendo la retina en cuadrantes que son rotados. Resultados: La mejor estrategia resultó la tercera porque minimiza el error y el número de vasos no clasificados. La característica vectorial más determinante está basada en la media o la mediana del componente gris del espacio de color RGB. Para las 20 imágenes inicialmente analizadas hemos clasificado correctamente el 86.53% de los vasos, y este porcentaje permanece similar en el grupo de 58 imágenes examinadas por tres expertos, lo que confirma la validez del método, para el cálculo del índice arteriovenoso de forma automática. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados son superiores a los descritos previamente, reduciendo además el número de vasos no clasificados. Por otro lado, el costo computacional del método es bajo

Síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible con afectación del tronco cerebral y médula espinal y retinopatía hipertensiva grado IV / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and grade iv hypertensive retinopathy

El síndrome de leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible se presenta con síntomas de edema cerebral e imágenes hiperintensas en las secuencias T2 y FLAIR en la resonancia magnética (RM) de cerebro. Las lesiones típicamente comprometen la región parietooccipital, aunque también pueden tener localizaciones atípicas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años que consultó por trastornos visuales asociados con dolor de cabeza intenso e hipertensión grave (220/140 mmHg). El examen del fondo de ojo reveló retinopatía hipertensiva grado IV y la RM mostró lesiones hiperintensas en T2 y FLAIR a nivel centropontino, bulbo y médula espinal, las cuales regresaron tras el control sostenido de la presión arterial. (AU)

The posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome presents with symptoms of cerebral edema. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, hyperintensities on T2 -weighted and FLAIR sequences typically affect the parietal-occipital region; however it may also have atypical locations. We report the case of a 33 year old patient with visual disturbances associated with intense headache and severe hypertension (220/140 mmHg). The Fundus examination revealed grade IV hypertensive retinopathy, and MRI showed hyperintense lesions in T2 and FLAIR affecting the pontine center, medulla and spinal cord, which regressed after sustain blood pressure control. (AU)

Um novo olhar da retinopatia hipertensiva: a aplicação prática de novas tecnologias / A new look at hypertensive retinopathy: the practical application of new technologies

O exame de fundo de olho tem importância histórica e mantém sua relevância nos dias atuais, por possibilitar de maneira não invasiva, observar e avaliar o “interior” do corpo humano, além de ser um importante marcador de lesão de órgão-alvo em hipertensos. O surgimento de tecnologias de aquisição de imagens digitais permitiu acessar o fundo de olho de maneira mais simples, com grande definição, muitas vezes não necessitando dilatação da pupila. Isso tornou a observação do fundo de olho, que outrora era realizada apenas por pessoas com treinamento especial, fosse feita com extrema facilidade e quase sem treinamento. Estas “facilidades” permitiram que inúmeros artigos científicos fossem realizados, estabelecendo características do fundo de olho como relevante marcador de lesão de órgão-alvo em hipertensos. A incorporação de tecnologias virtuais na prática da medicina facilitará o acesso dos pacientes, reduzirá custos e certamente irá revolucionar a relação médico-paciente nos próximos anos.

Eye fundus examination is of historical importance, and maintains its relevance nowadays, by enabling non-intrusive observation and evaluation “inside” the human body, as well as being an important marker of target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The emergence of technologies for digital image acquisition have enabled easier access to the eye fundus, with greater definition, and often without having to dilate the pupil. As a result, eye fundusexamination, once carried out only by people with special training, is now performed with extreme ease and almost no training. These “facilities” have led to numerous scientific articles, establishing the characteristics of the eye fundus as a relevant marker of target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The incorporation of virtual technologies into the practiceof medicine will facilitate patient access, reduce costs, and without doubt, revolutionize the doctor-patient relationship in the coming years.

Emergências hipertensivas: epidemiologia, definição e classificação / Hypertensive emergencies: epidemiology, definition and classification

Embora vários termos tenham sido aplicados para hipertensão grave, tais como crise hipertensiva, emergências ou urgências, todos eles são caracterizados por elevações agudas da pressão arterial que podem estar associados com lesão de órgão-fim (crise hipertensiva). Práticas de tratamento variam consideravelmente por causa da falta de evidências que suportam o uso de um agente terapêutico em detrimento de outro. O objetivo desta revisão foi analisar a fisiopatologia das crises hipertensivas comumente encontradas, incluindo acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), encefalopatia hipertensiva, dissecção aórtica, edema pulmonar agudo e pré-eclâmpsia/eclâmpsia, e fornecer uma abordagem racional para o seu tratamento com base em princípios fisiopatológicos e farmacológicos relevantes.

Although various terms have been applied to severe hypertension, such as hypertensive crisis, emergencies, or urgencies, they are all characterized by acute elevations in blood pressure that may be associated with end-organ damage (hypertensive crisis). Treatment practices vary considerably to because of the lack of the evidence supporting the use of one therapeutic agent over another. The purpose of this review is to examine the pathophysiology of commonly encountered hypertensive crises, including stroke, hypertensive encephalopathy, aortic dissection, acute pulmonary edema and preeclampsia/eclampsia and to provide a rational approach to their treatment based upon relevant pathophysiologic and pharmacologic principles

Retinopatia em pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos em uma unidade de saúde da família / Retinopathy in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in a family health unit

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de alterações à oftalmoscopia direta em pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão e/ou diabetes mellitus em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF). Método: Estudo individual, observacional, prioritariamente descritivo, do tipo transversal, com amostra composta por coorte de 50 pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos matriculados no programa HIPERDIA de uma Unidade de Saúde Familiar (USF) do município de Ananindeua - Pará, entre os meses de setembro e novembro de 2009. Resultados: Foi realizada oftalmoscopia em 46 pacientes. Observou-se alteração à oftalmoscopia em 27 (58,7%). Ao realizar a análise específica (excluindo-se os achados de estreitamento arteriolar e ingurgitamento venoso) houve alterações em 18 (39,1%), sendo 45,5% com DM e HAS, quarenta por cento com DM e 36% com HAS. Conclusão: A elevada prevalência de alterações à oftalmoscopia encontradas no presente estudo demonstra sua eficácia como método de rastreio no contexto da atenção primária a saúde, justificando seu uso. Corrobora, ainda, a importância da atenção primária à saúde na prevenção da retinopatia hipertensiva e diabética, através do controle periódico de pacientes de alto risco vascular como a população estudada. .

Purpose: To identify the prevalence of abnormal ophthalmoscopy in patients with systemic hypertension (SH) and / or diabetes mellitus (DM) in a Family Health Unit (FHU). Method: was performed a individual study, observational, primarily descriptive and crosssectional of a sample of a cohort of 50 patients with hypertension and / or diabetic enrolled in the program HIPERDIA in a FHU of the city of Ananindeua - Para, between the months of september and november 2009. Results: ophthalmoscopy was performed in 46 patients and 27 (58.7%) had some alteration. When performing a specific analysis (excluding the findings of arteriolar narrowing and venous engorgement) were changes in 18 (39.1%), 45.5% with DM and SH, 40% with DM and 36% with SH. Conclusion: The high prevalence of the changes in ophthalmoscopy found in this study demonstrates that effectiveness as a screening method in the context of primary health care, justifying that use. corroborates also the importance of primary care in the prevention of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, through periodic control of patients at high vascular risk as the population studied. .

Valor diágnóstico de la colonoscopia en pacientes con retinopatía hipertensiva

Problema: La hipertensión arterial es una entidad crónica. La afectación de órganos blancos, lechos vasculares, permite plantear la probabilidad de que el colon como parte del aparato digestivo, pueda presentar alteraciones en mucosa, aún no documentadas. Objetivos: Determinar existencia de alteraciones en mucosa colónica de pacientes con retinopatía hipertensiva. Método: A 61 pacientes que asistieron a consulta externa servicio Gastroenterología, Hospital "Dr. Domingo Luciani", de julio - diciembre 2003, se les realizó colonoscopia y fondo de ojo (retinopatía hipertensiva). Resultados: 41 pacientes con hipertensión arterial y 20 no hipertensos. Edad media del grupo 55 años. En el grupo de pacientes no hipertensos habían 07 con retinopatía hipertensiva (35%), y en el grupo con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial, 29 (70.7%) presentaron retinopatía hipertensiva Como referencia 3 patrones de cambios vasculares en la mucosa del colon: 1) Patrón vascular alterado 2) Presencia de angioectasias 3) Patrón vascular alterado más angioectasias. De 61 pacientes (unidad muestral), 24 tenían angioectasias en mucosa colónica, y de estos últimos, 21(87.5%) presentaron retinopatía hipertensiva, evidenciándose que la existencia de angioectasias en la mucosa del colon era el único patrón con valor diagnóstico y correlación positiva con Phi 0.46 para retinopatía hipertensiva. Conclusiones: Las angioectasias en mucosa colónica tienen un valor predictivo positivo para retinopatía hipertensiva en pacientes con hipertensión arterial.

Problem: Hypertension is a chronic condition. The involvement of target organs, vascular beds, opens the likelihood of the colon as part of the digestive system, to present mucosal changes, not yet documented. Objectives: Determine colonic mucosa alterations in patients with hypertensive retinopathy. Methods: Colonoscopy and funduscopic examination (hypertensive retinopathy) was performed in 61 patients who attended the Gastroenterology outpatient service, at Hospital "Dr. Domingo Luciani", from July to December 2003. Results: 41 patients with hypertension and 20 non-hypertensive patients. Mean age 55 years. In the non-hypertensive group 07 patients had hypertensive retinopathy with (35%) and in the hypertensive group 29 (70.7%) had hypertensive retinopathy. As reference 3 vascular changes patterns in the colon lining: 1) vascular pattern altered 2) Presence of angioectasias 3) altered vascular pattern with angioectasias. Of 61 patients, 24 had angioectasias in the colonic mucosa, 21 of them (87.5%) had hypertensive retinopathy showing that the existence of angioectasias in the lining of the colon was the only diagnostic value pattern and positive correlation with Phi of 0.46 for hypertensive retinopathy. Conclusions: Colonic mucosal angioectasias have a positive predictive value for hypertensive retinopathy in patients with hypertension.