Isthmocele: an overview of diagnosis and treatment

SUMMARY An isthmocele, a cesarean scar defect or uterine niche, is any indentation representing myometrial discontinuity or a triangular anechoic defect in the anterior uterine wall, with the base communicating to the uterine cavity, at the site of a previous cesarean section scar. It can be classified as a small or large defect, depending on the wall thickness of the myometrial deficiency. Although usually asymptomatic, its primary symptom is abnormal or postmenstrual bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain may also occur. Infertility, placenta accrete or praevia, scar dehiscence, uterine rupture, and cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy may also appear as complications of this condition. The risk factors of isthmocele proven to date include retroflexed uterus and multiple cesarean sections. Nevertheless, factors such as a lower position of cesarean section, incomplete closure of the hysterotomy, early adhesions of the uterine wall and a genetic predisposition may also contribute to the development of a niche. As there are no definitive criteria for diagnosing an isthmocele, several imaging methods can be used to assess the integrity of the uterine wall and thus diagnose an isthmocele. However, transvaginal ultrasound and saline infusion sonohysterography emerge as specific, sensitive and cost-effective methods to diagnose isthmocele. The treatment includes clinical or surgical management, depending on the size of the defect, the presence of symptoms, the presence of secondary infertility and plans of childbearing. Surgical management includes minimally invasive approaches with sparing techniques such as hysteroscopic, laparoscopic or transvaginal procedures according to the defect size.

RESUMO A istmocele ou nicho uterino é representada por uma descontinuidade miometrial ou um defeito anecoico triangular na parede uterina anterior, com a base se comunicando com a cavidade uterina no local de uma cicatriz anterior de cesárea. O defeito pode ser classificado como pequeno ou grande, dependendo da espessura da parede miometrial deficiente. Embora geralmente assintomático, seu principal sintoma é o sangramento uterino anormal ou pós-menstrual; a dor pélvica crônica também pode ocorrer. Infertilidade, placenta acreta ou prévia, deiscência de cicatriz, ruptura uterina e gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea prévia também podem aparecer como complicações dessa condição. Os fatores de risco para desenvolvimento da istmocele comprovados até o momento incluem útero retroverso e múltiplas cesarianas. No entanto, fatores como localização mais inferior de uma cesárea prévia, fechamento incompleto da histerotomia, aderências precoces na parede uterina e predisposição genética também podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de um nicho. Como não existem critérios definitivos para o diagnóstico de uma istmocele, vários métodos de imagem podem ser usados para avaliar a integridade da parede uterina e, assim, diagnosticar uma istmocele. Entretanto, ultrassonografia transvaginal e sono-histerografia com infusão salina surgem como métodos específicos, sensíveis e custo-efetivos para o diagnóstico de istmocele. O tratamento inclui manejo clínico ou cirúrgico, dependendo do tamanho do defeito, da presença de sintomas, da presença de infertilidade secundária e de planos de gravidez. O manejo cirúrgico inclui abordagens minimamente invasivas como histeroscopia, laparoscopia ou transvaginal, de acordo com o tamanho do defeito.

Isthmocele: from risk factors to management / Istmocele: de fatores de risco ao manejo

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to provide a complete and clear picture of isthmocele-a hypoechoic area within themyometriumat the site of the uterine scar of a previous cesarean section-by exploring in depth every aspect of this condition. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify the most relevant studies about this topic. Results Every aspect of isthmocele has been studied and described: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, classification, and diagnosis. Its treatment, both medical and surgical, has also been reported according to the actual literature data. Conclusion Cesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide, and one of the consequences of this technique is isthmocele. A single and systematic classification of isthmocele is needed to improve its diagnosis and management. Further studies should be performed to better understand its pathogenesis.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão abrangente da literatura a fim de fornecer um quadro completo e claro da istmocele-uma área hipoecoica dentro domiométrio no local da cicatriz uterina de uma cesariana anterior- aprofundando todos os aspectos desta condição Métodos Uma revisão abrangente da literatura foi realizada para identificar os estudos mais relevantes sobre este tema. Resultados Todos os aspectos da istmocele foram estudados e descritos: fisiopatologia, sintomas clínicos, classificação e diagnóstico. Os tratamentos médico e cirúrgico também foram relatados de acordo com os dados reais da literatura. Conclusão A cesárea é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comum realizado em todo o mundo, e uma das consequências desta técnica é a istmocele. Uma classificação única e sistemática da istmocele é necessária para melhorar seu diagnóstico e manejo. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para melhor entender sua patogênese.

Suspicious scars: physical child abuse vs Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Child abuse is a sensitive topic among many medical practitioners and the diagnosis of this entity requires awareness about conditions which can mimic physical child abuse. Here, the authors present a case of a 13-year-old school non-attendee who was referred due to multiple scars, over areas prone to accidental as well as non-accidental injury, who underwent medicolegal examination due to suspicion of physical child abuse. On further inquiry, it was discovered that she had easy bruising and poor wound healing. A diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was established and physical child abuse was excluded. This case emphasizes the importance of identifying conditions which may confound the diagnosis of physical child abuse. This is of utmost importance in avoiding adverse legal and psycho-social implications on the child, family and society.

Manejo de cicatrices patológicas excesivas en el Servicio de Rehabilitación / Management of excessive pathological scars in the Rehabilitation Service

The excessive pathological scars are subdivided into hypertrophic, keloid and contracted. They have a complex pathophysiology, not entirely known that only exists in humans. Although the frequency of presentation is not high, excessive pathological scars can affect several areas of human functioning, in the first level of functions and body structures and in the second level of activities of daily life and participation. The evaluation of patients must be complete, including the scar, and any other affected body system, together with psychological, functional and socioeconomic factors. In the treatment of excessive scars there are multiple options that must be combined for a better result. The non-surgical treatments of the most used scars are the pressotherapy, silicone plates, intralesional injections and laser. There are other rehabilitation treatments that although without solid evidence could have a role in patients. The referral to the rehabilitation service is recommended for patients with excessive pathological scars located in areas of folds or special areas and / or, which are accompanied by pain, alterations in the function of the body segment or limitations in activities of daily life, for comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary management. (AU)

Análise de diagnósticos radiográfico periapicais sugestivos de lesões refratárias / Analysis of periapical radiographic diagnosis that suggest persistent lesion

Cicatrizes fibrosas periapicais podem ter aspecto radiográfico semelhante a lesões periapicais, levando ao plano de tratamento incorreto. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um confronto entre o diagnóstico radiográfico e histopatológico de dentes que foram tratados endodonticamente e apresentaram“lesões periapicais” detectadas radiograficamente após 18 meses do tratamento. Dez pacientes submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico adequado e apresentando imagem radiolúcia persistente 18 meses pós-tratamento, tiveram cirurgia paraendodôntica indicada. Durante a cirurgia, o tecido em volta do ápice foi removido e mergulhado em solução de formalina 10% para processamento histopatológico através de coloração de HE. O ápice removido na apicectomia foi mantido em glutaraldeído 2% e processado para análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Dentre os 10 casos sugestivos de lesão periapical, em apenas um caso foi confirmado diagnóstico de cisto, um caso de granuloma, e os outros oito casos confirmaram cicatriz fibrosa. Em nenhum dos casos foi detectada a presença de bactéria extrarradicular, somente infiltrado inflamatório e presença de células de defesa como linfócitos e neutrófilos, além de hemácias, tecido conjuntivo e colágeno. Pode-se concluir que a radiográfica convencional não constitui ponto conclusivo no diagnóstico de lesões periapicais.

Periapical fibrous scars may have similar radiographic appearance of periapical lesions that canresult in incorrect diagnosis. The aim of this study was a confrontation between the radiographic and histopathologic diagnosis of teeth that were endodontically treated and presented “persistent periapical lesions” detected radiographically after 18 months of treatment. Ten patients under going adequate endodontic treatment and presenting persistent radiolucent image at 18 months post-treatment, had surgery Para endodontic indicated. During surgery, the tissue around the apex was removed and immersedin 10% formalin solution for histological processing by HE staining. The apex oh the tooth was removed and immersed in 2% glutaral dehyde for scanning electron microscopy processing. Among the 10 radiographically suggestive cases of persistent periapical lesion, only 1 case was confirmed diagnosis of cyst, 1 case of granuloma, and the other 8 cases were fibrous scar. In neither case was observed the presence of bacteria, only inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of defense cells such as lymphocytes and neutrophils, red blood cells, connective tissue and collagen. It can be concluded that the conventional radiography is not conclusive point in the diagnosis of periapical lesions.

Prevalencia de cicatrices retinocoroideas por toxoplasma en una población del Paraguay / Prevalence of toxoplasma retinochoroidal scars in a paraguayan population

El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de cicatrices retinianas por toxoplasmosis en la población adulta en el municipio de San Francisco de Atyra en Paraguay. Se examinó dicha población desde julio del 2013 hasta marzo 2014, con la participaron en forma voluntaria de 61 familias seleccionadas al azar y dentro de cada una de ellas un integrante mayor de 18 años igualmente seleccionado al azar. Se realizó la toma de la agudeza visual utilizando la cartilla de Snellen en cada ojo por separado a 6 metros del paciente, refracción automatizada, prueba refractiva, biomicroscopía en lámpara de hendidura con énfasis en la profundidad de la cámara anterior de forma inmediata se descartaron pacientes con cámaras anteriores pandas o estrechas (utilización de gonioscopio mirrow 4 mini), presión intraocular, instilación de Tropicamida 0,5%/Fenilefrina HCL 5% en cada ojo, evaluación del polo posterior en lámpara de hendidura con lente de 90D Superfield, oftalmoscopia indirecta con lente de 20D y fotografía en la cámara no midriática. El diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis ocular fue basado en criterios clínicos, y aspectos de la cicatriz de la lesión por retinocoroiditis. Recibieron evaluación oftalmológica 61 pacientes de los cuales 6 pacientes fueron excluidos. La prevalencia de cicatrices corioretininanas fue del 9,1%, siendo más frecuente en hombres sin predilección de edad ni de lateralidad ocular, con agudeza visual igual o mejor a 20/40 con su mejor corrección.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of retinal scars caused bytoxoplasmosis in an adult population from the municipality of San Francisco de Atyra inParaguay. The population of this town was examined from July, 2013 to March 2014.Sixty families, randomly selected, participated voluntarily and within each of them amember older than 18 years of age also selected randomly. Visual acuity was measuredusing the Snellen chart in each eye separately at 6 meters from the patient, as well as theautomated refraction, refraction test, biomicroscopy with a slit lamp with emphasis in thedepth of the anterior chamber. Patients with panda or narrow front chambers (use of amini 4 mirror gonioscope) were discarded. Intraocular pressure, instillation of tropicamide0.5%/phenylephrine HCl 5% in each eye, evaluation of the posterior pole in a slit lampwith 90D Superfield lens, indirect ophtalmoscopy with 20D lenses and photography with non-mydriatic camera were also carried out. The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis wasbased in clinical criteria and aspects of the lesion scar by retinochoroiditis. Sixty onepatients were evaluated ophtalmologically and six were excluded. The prevalence ofchorioretinal scars was 9.1% being more frequent in men without age predominance orocular laterality, with visual acuity equal to or better than 20/40 with its best correction.

Prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas em exames angiográficos / Prevalence of chorioretinal scars in angiographics exams

RESUMO A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose que tem como agente etiológico o Toxoplasma gondii, que se caracteriza por ser uma doença infecciosa de distribuição mundial. Considera-se que no mundo existam mais de 2 bilhões de pessoas infectadas pela toxoplasmose. É bem conhecido que a toxoplasmose é uma causa frequente de cicatriz coriorretiniana. Nesse grupo de doenças, o exame angiográfico (ou angiofluoresceinografia de retina) é de fundamental importância para o diagnóstico. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento da prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas em angiografias em serviço privado na região de Cascavel (PR), Brasil. Métodos: Realização um estudo retrospectivo, transversal, com levantamento de documentos fonte, onde foram analisados 8719 laudos de angiografias de retina realizadas no Instituto da Visão na cidade de Cascavel (PR), Brasil, entre os anos de 2000 a 2011, sendo selecionados como primeiro diagnóstico de cada paciente, completando um total de 4928 exames válidos. As alterações encontradas foram classificadas de acordo com o tipo de cicatriz visualizada, e divididas conforme frequência percentual. Resultados: Observou-se uma prevalência de cicatrizes de 6,38%, sendo que o percentual de cicatriz coriorretiniana encontrado foi de 6,14%. Conclusão: A baixa prevalência de cicatrizes coriorretinianas encontrada na região de Cascavel (PR), Brasil, quando comparada à de Erechim (RS), Brasil, se deve a diversos fatores, tanto climáticos, socioculturais e institucionais. Além das cicatrizes coriorretinianas, que representaram o maior número entre as cicatrizes, foram encontrados outros subtipos cicatriciais com prevalências menores.

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis whose etiologic agent is Toxoplasma gondii, which is characterized as an infectious disease of worldwide distribution. There are thought to be more than 2 billion people globally infected with toxoplasmosis. It is well known that toxoplasmosis is a frequent cause of chorioretinal scarring. In this group of diseases, the angiographic examination (or retinal fluorescein angiography) is very important for diagnosis. Objective: To perform a survey on the prevalence of chorioretinal scars in angiography at a private clinic in the area of Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study with collection of data from source documents, involving the analysis of 8,719 reports of retinal angiograms performed at the Instituto da Visão of Cascavel, Brazil, between the years 2000-2011. The first diagnosis of each patient was selected, completing a total of 4,928 valid exams. The changes were classified according to the type of visualized scarring, and divided as percentage frequency. Results: We observed a prevalence of 6.38% scars, and the percentage of chorioretinal scars was found to be 6.14%. Conclusion: The low prevalence of chorioretinal scars found in the region of Cascavel, Brazil, when compared with the region of Erechim (Rio Grande do Sul State), Brazil, is due to climatic, sociocultural and institutional factors. Besides the chorioretinal scars, which represent the largest group of scars, other subtypes of scars with lower prevalence were found.

Síndrome Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur syndrome: about a case and review of the literature

El Síndrome Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur (GLPLS) corresponde a una variante clínica del llamado Liquen plano pilar y se caracteriza por presentar alopecia cicatrizal progresiva de cuero cabelludo con las características del Liquen plano pilar, alopecia no cicatrizal que compromete axilas y pubis, y erupción folicular liquenoide en tronco, extremidades, cara y/o cejas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 19 años que ha sido diagnosticada con GLPLS y cuyo curso ha sido de difícil manejo.

The Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur Syndrome (GLPLS) corresponds to a clinical variant of Lichen planopilaris and is characterized by progressive scarring scalp alopecia with features of flat lichen, non-scarring alopecia localized in the armpits and pubis, and lichenoid follicular eruption in trunk, extremities, face and / or eyebrows. We present the case of a 19-year-old female patient who has been diagnosed with GLPLS and whose course has been difficult to manage.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Scar Imaging for Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Stratification in Patients with Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

In patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and selection of patients who would benefit from prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators remains challenging. We aim to discuss the evidence of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial scar for the prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in NICM. From the 15 studies analyzed, with a total of 2747 patients, the average prevalence of myocardial scar was 41%. In patients with myocardial scar, the risk for adverse cardiac events was more than 3-fold higher, and risk for arrhythmic events 5-fold higher, as compared to patients without scar. Based on the available observational, single center studies, CMR scar assessment may be a promising new tool for SCD risk stratification, which merits further investigation.

What’s new in cicatricial alopecia.

Scalp hairs complete the body self-image and patients with alopecia suffer from overt disfi guration, leading to psychosocial embarrassment and signifi cant lack of self-esteem. Hence an early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment in the case of active hair loss are crucial in the management of scarring alopecia. This review presents a comprehensive study of newer theories in aetiopathogenesis, evolving diagnostic modalities and a step ladder approach in management of primary cicatricial alopecia.

Hysteroscopic findings in patients with post-menstrual spotting with prior cesarean section / Achados histeroscópicos em pacientes com sangramento pós-menstrual tipo escape com cesárea anterior

Objective: To identify uterine hysteroscopic findings among patients with prior cesarean section and whom had post-menstrual bleeding spotting type. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study between June 2008 and December 2009 involving women admitted to our clinic in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil, and who complained of prolonged genital bleeding after menstrual period. A total of 20 women with the simultaneous following characteristics were selected: at least one prior cesarean section, aged between 18 and 45 years, no use of hormonal contraceptives, and no history of uterine surgery that could change the cavity anatomy. All participants underwent a hysteroscopic examination. Results: During hysteroscopy, in 90% of the patients, the presence of a cesarean section scar was observed in the last third of the cervix. This scarring causes an anomaly in the uterine cavity anatomy, characterized by the viewing of an enlargement followed by a retraction of the anterior wall, which affords the presence of a pseudocavity with depth and lumen narrowing in variable degrees. Two patients did not present the pseudocavity. Conclusion: Pseudocavities in cesarean section scar are usually found in hysteroscopic examination of patients with prior cesarean section and abnormal uterine spotting.

Objetivo: Identificar os achados histeroscópicos uterino em grupo de pacientes com operação cesariana anterior e sangramento pós-menstrual tipo escape. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e prospectivo, com mulheres que compareceram em consultório em Ji-Paraná (RO), entre junho de 2008 e dezembro de 2009, com queixa de sangramento genital prolongado tipo escape após período menstrual. Destas, foram selecionadas 20 mulheres que apresentavam, simultaneamente, as seguintes características: ao menos uma cesárea prévia; idade entre 18 e 45 anos; sem uso de método anticoncepcional hormonal; e ausência de qualquer outra cirurgia uterina capaz de alterar a anatomia da cavidade. As pacientes selecionadas foram submetidas a exame histeroscópico. Resultados: À histeroscopia, em 90% das pacientes, observou-se, no terço final do colo, a presença da cicatriz de cesárea. Essa cicatriz causa, no interior da cavidade uterina, uma anomalia em sua anatomia, caracterizada pela visualização, na parede anterior, de uma dilatação seguida de retração, que proporciona a presença de pseudocavidade com profundidade e oclusão da luz em graus variáveis. Já em duas pacientes, não foi detectada a pseudocavidade. Conclusão: A pseudocavidade na cicatriz da cesariana é o achado mais freqüente à observação histeroscópica em pacientes com cesárea prévia e sangramento uterino anormal pós-menstrual tipo escape.

Sarcoidose em cicatrizes prévias / Sarcoidosis on previous scar

A sarcoidose é uma doença sistêmica de etiologia desconhecida, com apresentação clínica variável, onde 30 a 50% dos pacientes são assintomáticos ao diagnóstico. Afeta a pele, pulmões, sistema linfático, fígado e olhos. Outras áreas menos frequentemente afetadas são falanges ósseas, miocárdio, sistema nervoso central, fígado, baço e parótidas. A pele está envolvida em 25 a 35% dos casos, com diferentes formas de apresentação das lesões cutâneas. Relata-se caso de paciente de 26 anos cuja manifestação inicial da sarcoidose foram nódulos cutâneos em cicatrizes prévias e em que na investigação adicional mostrou-se haver acometimento pulmonar e mediastinal.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder of unknown etiology and variable clinical presentation, where 30-50% of patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis. It affects the skin, lungs, lymphatic system, liver, and eyes. Less frequently affected areas are bone phalanxes, myocardium, central nervous system, liver, spleen and parotids. The skin is involved in 25-35% of the cases with different forms of presentation of skin lesions. Here the authors report the case of a 26-year-oldwhose initial manifestation of sarcoidosis were skin nodules on previous scars and which further investigation showed affected lung and mediastinum.

Renal scar formation in children with recurrent urinary tract infections

Reports of renal scar formation in children even in the absence of vesicoureteral reflux necessitates studying other causes of this major complication. The present study mainly focuses on the role of recurrent urinary tract infections [UTI] in renal scar formation. The records of 53 patients with recurrent UTI and the data on their regular follow up visits were reviewed. Renal scar formation was confirmed by dimercapto-succinic acid [DMSA] scan. DMSA scan, done at a mean age of 8.31 years, revealed renal scar formation in 12 cases [22.44%]. Seventy-five percent of the patients with scar formation and 80.5% without scar were older than 3 years at the time of the first documented UTI. The etiologic organism was found to be Escherichia coli in 89.2% of the infections in the scar forming versus 78.8% in the non-scar forming group. In the presence of normal urinary tract anatomy, recurrent UTI can be a significant cause of renal scar formation in children

Development of Korean Academy of Medical Sciences Guideline on the Skin and Related System: Impairment Evaluation of Disfigurement in Skin and Appearance

The purpose of this study is to develop new standards for the disability evaluation with reference to existing laws and other study reports regarding disabilities for the rational evaluation of the diverse kinds of disfigurement in appearance and skin. Three plastic surgery specialists and 3 dermatology specialists developed a new standard for the disability evaluation which is appropriate for circumstances in Korea. Disability rate does not take into account the social occupation, gender or age of the patient, but instead, evaluate the Activity of Daily Living and the social adaptability of the appearance and skin disfigurement regardless of the balance between different disabilities. We tried to include most cutaneous disorders and categorized them into 3 types; congenital (Type 1), acquired (Type 2) as well as any permanent skin impairment sequelae of disease, trauma or treatment process (Type 3). For type 3 disorders, we tried to rate the score according to the size of involved skin lesion. The disability rate is determined by dividing the disability class into 8 steps based on the seriousness of each type of disability.

Differentiation of Acute Myocardial Infarction from Chronic Myocardial Scar with MRI

No Abstract available.

Differentiation of Recently Infarcted Myocardium from Chronic Myocardial Scar: The Value of Contrast-Enhanced SSFP-Based Cine MR Imaging

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether the signal intensity (SI) of myocardial infarction (MI) on contrast enhanced (CE)-cine MRI is useful for differentiating recently infarcted myocardium from chronic scar. This study included 24 patients with acute MI (36-84 years, mean age: 57) and 19 patients with chronic MI (44-80 years, mean age: 64). The diagnosis of acute MI was based on the presence of typical symptoms, i.e. elevation of the cardiac enzymes and the absence of any remote infarction history. The diagnosis of chronic MI was based on a history of MI or coronary artery disease of more than one month duration and on the absence of any recent MI within the previous six months. Retrospectively, the ECG-gated breath-hold cine imaging was performed in the short axis plane using a segmented, balanced, turbo-field, echo-pulse sequence two minutes after the administration of Gd-DTPA at a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg body weight. Delayed contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE MRI) in the same plane was performed 10 to 15 minutes after contrast administration, and this was served as the gold standard of reference. The SI of the infarcted myocardium on the CE-cine MRI was compared with that of the normal myocardium on the same image. The area of abnormal SI on the CE-cine MRI was compared with the area of hyperenhancement on the DCE MRI. The area of high SI on the CE-cine MRI was detected in 23 of 24 patients with acute MI (10 with homogenous high SI, 13 high SI with subendocardial low SI, and one with iso SI). The area of high SI on the CE-cine MRI was larger than that seen on the DCE MRI (p < 0.05). In contrast, the areas of chronic MI were seen as iso-SI with thin subendocardial low SI on the CE-cine MR in all the chronic MI patients. The presence of high SI on both the CE-cine MRI and the DCE MRI is more sensitive (95.8%) for determining the age of a MI than the presence of myocardial thinning (66.7%). This study showed the different SI patterns between recently infarcted myocardium and chronic scar on the CE-cine MRI. CE-cine MRI is thought to be quite useful for determining the age of myocardial infarction, in addition to its utility for assessing myocardial contractility.

Biocirugía: utilización de larvas de insectos necrófagos en la curación de heridas. La terapia larval / Biosurgery: use of larvae of necrophage insects in wound healing. The larval therapy

La terapia larval es una técnica que permite aplicar las larvas de algunas especies de dípteros sobre heridas crónicas o sobre focos de infección localizados, con la finalidad de restaurar el tejido afectado. La velocidad y la eficacia del tratamiento, sumadas a la casi nula pérdida de tejido sano durante el proceso de reparación tisular, han hecho de la terapia larval o biocirugía una alternativa viable para la curación de heridas asociadas con entidades como pie diabético, úlceras venosas, úlceras crónicas de la piel y quemaduras, así como de ciertos tipos de tumores beningos, abscesos y osteomielitis.Aunque la medicina moderna ha sido, en muchos casos, reticente a la aplicación de terapias de esta índole, eventos como la resistencia a los antibióticos y las alteraciones en el proceso de cicatrización en las heridas crónicas han permitido modificar la posición inicial de muchos médicos al respecto.

Evaluation of renal scars by technetium-99 m labeled dimercaptosuccinis acid scan and ultrasonography: a comparative study

This study was performed to compare and contrast ultrasonography and Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in the diagnosis of renal scars. This is a prospective study of a random sample of 15 children with proven UTI. All patients were assessed for the development of renal scar by US and DMSA scan. The sensitivity and specificity of both methods in the detection of renal scar were calculated. Vesico-ureteric reflux was demonstrable in 15 kidneys by both methods. US and DMSA scan were in agreement in 18 normal and in six scarred kidneys. Five scarred kidneys were detected by DMSA only and one by US. The sensitivity and specificity for DMSA scan and US were 94%, 100%, 67% and 96% respectively. All children with vesico-uretic reflex and / or UTI should have DMSA scan and US. Follow-up depends on method of detection and should be by US in all US positive cases and by DMSA scan if it was the only postive diagnostic modality