Revascularización de arteria humeral con vena safena invertida, en traumatismo vascular por arma blanca / Revascularization of the humeral artery with a vein saphenous inverted in vascular trauma by stabbing

Introducción: Los traumatismos vasculares de los miembros son muy frecuentes en la actualidad, cuando no reciben la atención requerida, pueden evolucionar a complicaciones graves: pérdida del miembro y muerte del paciente. Objetivo: Describir la técnica de reparación de la arteria humeral mediante el uso de vena safena, en un caso con traumatismo de la arteria humeral, con compromiso vascular. Caso clínico: Paciente de 37 años de edad con antecedentes de enfermedad psiquiátrica, con diagnóstico de herida por arma blanca con compromiso vascular en antebrazo izquierdo, de cuatro horas de evolución. Al ingreso se encontraba inestable, con choque hipovolémico, miembro cianótico y ausencia de pulsos distales. Se indicó, por vía parenteral, antibióticos, soluciones cristaloides y sangre. En el quirófano se encontró sección de total de la arteria humeral, se realizó revascularización con injerto de vena safena invertida. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente y egresó al tercer día. Once meses después se realizó ecografía dópler y se constató buena permeabilidad del injerto. Conclusiones: La técnica de revascularización con vena safena invertida contribuyó de forma satisfactoria en la supervivencia y calidad de vida del paciente tratado (AU)

Introduction: The vascular traumatisms of the limbs are very frequent at present. When these injuries do not receive the required care they can evolve to serious complications, which includes the loss of the limb or death. Objective: To describe the brachial artery repair technique using the saphenous vein in a case with brachial artery trauma with vascular compromise. Clinical case: 37-year-old patient with a history of psychiatric illness, with a diagnosis of a stab wound with vascular compromise in the left forearm of four hours of evolution. On admission, he was unstable, hypovolemic shock, with cyanotic limb and absence of distal pulses. Intravenous antibiotics, crystalloid solution and blood were indicated. The patient was transferred to the surgery and a total section of the brachial artery was found. The revascularization technique was performed with an inverted saphenous vein graft. The patient evolved favorably and was discharged on the third day. Eleven months later, Doppler ultrasound was performed and good graft patency was confirmed. Conclusions: The inverted saphenous vein revascularization technique contributed satisfactorily to the survival and quality of life of the treated case(AU)

Late cardiac tamponade in a patient victim of penetrating trauma - case report

Abstract Case Presentation: A case of a 49-year-old patient, male, victim of stab wound, developing belatedly cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic stability was reported. The patient underwent a pericardial window with drainage of pericardial effusion of blackened aspect; however, without visualization of the cardiac lesion, enlargement of the incision by median sternotomy was opted for. A hematoma was spotted at the left ventricle with epicardial lesion and a patch of pericardium was made with 3-0 polypropylene. The patient developed acute pulmonary edema and atrial fibrillation, which improved after the intensive care unit clinical management, with hospital discharge in the 7th postoperative day.

Long-term traumatic and asymptomatic aorto-right atrial fistula

Abstract Aorto-atrial fistulas due to cardiac trauma are rare, and survivors require immediate surgical correction. Here, we report a case of an aorto-right atrial fistula due to penetrating trauma after a 16-year evolution, which developed symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and was treated with myocardial revascularization and correction of the aorto-cameral fistula.

Role of microRNAs 221/222 on Statin Induced Nitric Oxide Release in Human Endothelial Cells / Papel dos microRNAs 221/222 na Liberação de Óxido Nítrico Induzida por Estatinas em Células Endoteliais Humanas

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been largely associated with cardiovascular protection through improvement of endothelial function. Recently, new evidence about modulation of NO release by microRNAs (miRs) has been reported, which could be involved with statin-dependent pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties related to vascular endothelium function. Objective: To evaluate the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs including the inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, atorvastatin and simvastatin, and the inhibitor of cholesterol absorption ezetimibe on NO release, NOS3 mRNA expression and miRs potentially involved in NO bioavailability. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to atorvastatin, simvastatin or ezetimibe (0 to 5.0 μM). Cells were submitted to total RNA extraction and relative quantification of NOS3 mRNA and miRs -221, -222 and -1303 by qPCR. NO release was measured in supernatants by ozone-chemiluminescence. Results: Both statins increased NO levels and NOS3 mRNA expression but no influence was observed for ezetimibe treatment. Atorvastatin, simvastatin and ezetimibe down-regulated the expression of miR-221, whereas miR-222 was reduced only after the atorvastatin treatment. The magnitude of the reduction of miR-221 and miR-222 after treatment with statins correlated with the increment in NOS3 mRNA levels. No influence was observed on the miR-1303 expression after treatments. Conclusion: NO release in endothelial cells is increased by statins but not by the inhibitor of cholesterol absorption, ezetimibe. Our results provide new evidence about the participation of regulatory miRs 221/222 on NO release induction mediated by statins. Although ezetimibe did not modulate NO levels, the down-regulation of miR-221 could involve potential effects on endothelial function. .

Fundamento: O óxido nítrico (NO) tem sido amplamente associado com proteção cardiovascular através de melhoria da função endotelial. Recentemente, novas evidências sobre a modulação do NO na liberação de microRNAs (miRs) têm sido relatadas, o que poderia estar envolvido com efeitos pleiotrópicos dependentes de estatinas, incluindo propriedades anti-inflamatórias relacionadas com a função do endotélio vascular. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos dos medicamentos redutores de colesterol, incluindo os inibidores da síntese de colesterol, atorvastatina e sinvastatina, e o inibidor da absorção de colesterol, ezetimiba, na liberação de NO, expressão do mRNA do NOS3 e miRs potencialmente envolvidos na biodisponibilidade do NO. Métodos: Células endoteliais da veia umbilical humana (HUVEC) foram expostas à atorvastatina, sinvastatina ou ezetimiba (0 a 5,0 μM). As células foram submetidas à extração do RNA total e quantificação relativa de mRNA do NOS3 e dos miRs-221,-222 e -1303 por qPCR. A liberação de NO foi medida em sobrenadantes por ozônio-quimioluminescência. Resultados: Ambas as estatinas aumentaram os níveis de NO e a expressão do mRNA do NOS3, mas nenhum efeito foi observado em relação ao tratamento com ezetimiba. A atorvastatina, sinvastatina e ezetimiba regularam negativamente a expressão do miR-221, enquanto que o miR-222 reduziu somente após o tratamento com atorvastatina. A magnitude da redução de miR-221 e miR-222 após tratamento com estatinas correlacionou com o incremento nos níveis de mRNA do NOS3. Nenhuma influência foi observada sobre a expressão do miR-1303 após os tratamentos. Conclusão: A liberação de NO pelas células endoteliais é aumentada por estatinas, mas não pelo inibidor da absorção de colesterol ezetimiba. Nossos resultados fornecem novas evidências sobre a participação dos miRs regulatórios 221/222 na liberação de NO mediada por estatinas. Embora a ezetimiba não tenha modulado os níveis de NO, a regulação negativa ...

Secção medular subtotal por ferimento de arma branca / Section Subtotal for Spinal Cord Injury White Gun

Lesão demedula espinhal por arma branca é incomum, sendo responsável por 12% dos traumas raquimedulares. Os autores descrevem um caso de secção demedula espinhal cervical subtotal por arma branca em um paciente de 18 anos.

A spinal cord injury by stab is uncommon, accounting for 12% of spinal cord trauma. The authors describe a case of cervical spinal cord section subtotal stab wound in a patient of 18 years.

Three years with a knife stuck in the brain / Três anos com uma faca cravada no encéfalo

Cranial stabbing injuries penetrating the brain are not commonly encountered. The cases in which the knife is retained constitute a challenge to the neurosurgeon. When a long-term permanence occurs, the reaction to the presence of the foreign body causes adherence to the nervous tissue and a higher risk is expected from the removal. The procedure should be performed with meticulous dissection and minimal oscillation of the blade thus avoiding damage to the adjacent structures. We report a case of a man who remained three years with a knife blade deeply lodged in the brain. After obtaining informed consent, the blade was removed; there were no postoperative complications. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which, after years of permanence, a knife blade was removed from the brain through a craniotomy.

Lesões cranianas por arma branca com penetração do encéfalo não são comuns. Os casos em que a faca encontra-se retida constituem um desafio para o neurocirurgião. Quando ocorre uma longa permanência, a reação à presença do corpo estranho causa aderência ao tecido nervoso e um maior risco é previsto para a remoção. O procedimento deve ser realizado com dissecção meticulosa e mínima oscilação da lâmina, evitando, assim, lesão das estruturas adjacentes. Apresentamos o caso de um indivíduo que permaneceu três anos com a lâmina de uma faca alojada profundamente no encéfalo. Após obtermos consentimento informado, a lâmina foi removida; não houve complicações pós-operatórias. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso em que, após anos de permanência, a lâmina de uma faca foi removida do encéfalo por meio de uma craniotomia.

Thoracoscopic and endovascular management of retained haemothoarx associated with an intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm.

Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm (IAP) is a rare entity and may complicate a percutaneous intervention through an intercostal space or follow thoracic trauma. Its rupture into the pleural space can give rise to haemothorax, which if untreated may lead to a retained haemothorax (RH). Traditionally both the IAP and the RH are managed by a thoracotomy. We report a patient who developed an IAP with haemothorax following a trauma. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography. The patient was treated by endovascular embolisation of the IAP followed by thoracoscopic decortications of the RH.

Pontos de adesão nas ritidoplastias: estudo comparativo / Adhesion stitches in rhytidoplasty: a comparative study

INTRODUÇÃO: Os hematomas constituem uma das complicações mais frequentes no pós-operatório imediato de ritidoplastias. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia do emprego de pontos de adesão na prevenção de hematomas em ritidoplastias. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, 2 grupos constituídos por 88 pacientes submetidos a ritidoplastia. Os pacientes do grupo 1 não receberam pontos de adesão, que foram aplicados em todos os pacientes do grupo 2. RESULTADOS: No grupo 1, foram observados 5 (5,7%) hematomas extensos, que foram tratados cirurgicamente, e 12 (13,6%) hematomas de pequeno porte, solucionados com punção local. No grupo 2, não foi verificado nenhum hematoma que necessitasse limpeza cirúrgica. Foram observados 5 (5,68%) casos com pequenas coleções hemáticas, solucionados com punção local, e 4 (4,54%) seromas. CONCLUSÕES: Durante ritidoplastias, a aplicação de 12 a 15 pontos de adesão nas áreas dissecadas, bilateralmente, proporcionou melhor recuperação no período pós-operatório, com ausência de hematomas que exigissem limpeza cirúrgica.

BACKGROUND: Hematomas are one of the most frequent complications in the immediate postoperative period following rhytidoplasty. In the present study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of using adhesion stitches to prevent the development of hematomas following rhytidoplasty. METHODS: We performed a retrospective assessment of 2 groups of 88 patients who underwent rhytidoplasty. Adhesion stitches were applied to all patients in group 2, but not to those in group 1. RESULTS: Five patients (5.7%) in group 1 developed massive hematomas that were treated surgically and 12 patients (13.6%) developed small hematomas that were resolved by local puncture. The patients in group 2 did not develop any hematoma that required surgical evacuation. Five patients (5.68%) developed small hematomas that were resolved by local puncture and 4 patients (4.54%) developed seromas. CONCLUSIONS: During rhytidoplasty, the bilateral application of 12-15 adhesion stitches in the dissected areas prevented the development of hematomas that required surgical evacuation, thus improving postoperative recovery.

Trismus in cephalic tetanus from a foot injury

No abstract available.

Percutaneous closure of a post-traumatic ventricular septal defect with a patent ductus arteriosus occluder

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular septal defects resulting from post-traumatic cardiac injury are very rare. Percutaneous closure has emerged as a method for treating this disorder. We wish to report our experience in three patients who underwent percutaneous closure of a post-traumatic ventricular septal defect with a patent ductus arteriosus occluder. METHODS: We treated three patients with post-traumatic ventricular septal defects caused by stab wounds with knives. After the heart wound was repaired, patient examinations revealed ventricular septal defects with pulmonary/systemic flow ratios (Qp/Qs) of over 1.7. The post-traumatic ventricular septal defects were closed percutaneously with a patent ductus arteriosus occluder (Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., LTD, Guangdong, China) utilizing standard techniques. RESULTS: Post-operative transthoracic echocardiography revealed no residual left-to-right shunt and indicated normal ventricular function. In addition, 320-slice computerized tomography showed that the occluder was well placed and exhibited normal morphology. CONCLUSION: Our experiences indicate that closure of a post-traumatic ventricular septal defect using a patent ductus arteriosus occluder is feasible, safe, and effective.

Pseudoaneurisma de aorta como causa de síndrome da veia cava superior: relato de caso / Aortic pseudoaneurysm as cause of superior vena cava syndrome: a case report

A síndrome da veia cava superior representa o conjunto de sinais e sintomas decorrentes da sua obstrução. A síndrome tem como principais etiologias tumores malignos, como o carcinoma broncogênico, o linfoma e a metástase mediastinal. O câncer de pulmão é responsável por 80% dos casos, os linfomas mediastinais por 15%, e 5% correspondem às demais causas. Este relato de caso objetiva apresentar um caso incomum dessa síndrome, ocorrido em um paciente do sexo masculino após ferimento penetrante no tórax, resultando em pseudoaneurisma de arco aórtico e a síndrome da veia cava superior.

The superior vena cava syndrome represents the set of signs and symptoms resulting from obstruction of superior vena cava. The syndrome has as main causes malignant tumors such as bronchogenic carcinoma, lymphoma and mediastinal metastases. Lung cancer accounts for 80% of cases, mediastinal lymphomas by 15% and 5% correspond to other causes. This case report aims to present an unusual case of this syndrome, which occurred in a male patient after penetrating wound in the chest, which developed a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch and superior vena cava syndrome.

Lesão da valva tricúspide por trauma torácico penetrante / Lesión de la válvula tricúspide por trauma torácico penetrante / Tricuspid valve lesion due to penetrating chest trauma

As lesões da valva tricúspide decorrentes de trauma torácico penetrante são raras e frequentemente subdiagnosticadas. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de insuficiência tricúspide grave secundária a acidente por arma branca com evolução insidiosa, diagnosticada 19 anos após o ocorrido. O caso enfatiza a importância do acompanhamento adequado dos pacientes vítimas de trauma torácico penetrante por longo período após a injúria, para detecção de possíveis complicações tardias do trauma.

Tricuspid valve lesions caused by penetrating chest trauma are rare and often underdiagnosed. The objective of this report is to describe a case of severe tricuspid insufficiency secondary to a knifing incident with an insidious evolution, diagnosed 19 years after the incident. The case emphasizes the importance of adequate follow-up of patients that are victims of penetrating chest trauma for a long period after the injury, to detect possible late complications of the trauma.

Las lesiones de la válvula tricúspide resultantes de trauma torácico penetrante son raras y frecuentemente subdiagnosticadas. El objetivo de este relato es describir un caso de insuficiencia tricúspide severa secundaria a accidente por arma blanca con evolución insidiosa, diagnosticada 19 años tras lo sucedido. El caso enfatiza la importancia del seguimiento adecuado de los pacientes víctimas de trauma torácico penetrante por largo período tras la injuria, para detección de posibles complicaciones tardías del trauma.

Trauma torácico: análise de 124 pacientes submetidos à toracotomia / Thoracic trauma: analysis of 124 patients who underwent thoracotomy

OBJETIVO: Analisar os pacientes submetidos à toracotomia para o tratamento de traumatismo torácico. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários nos dois principais hospitais de referência para trauma em adultos desta cidade, por um período de cinco anos, interessando dados epidemiológicos, agente causal, indicações, tipo de incisão, classificação do escore anatômico do trauma, fatores prognósticos e a mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foi analisado neste estudo 124 pacientes submetidos à toracotomia com idade média de 28 anos, tendo como o agente causal mais incidente a arma branca (68 por cento dos casos). A principal indicação da toracotomia foi hemotórax maciço com 50,7 por cento dos casos, seguido de choque cardiogênico ou hipovolêmico com 48,4 por cento. Ocorreram 28 óbitos (20,6 por cento), sendo que os pacientes com lesões de veia cava (cinco pacientes) e aorta (dois pacientes) tiveram uma mortalidade de 100 por cento. Observou-se uma maior mortalidade em pacientes com escore anatômico do trauma superior a 14 (p=0,004) e maior quantidade de sangue transfundido (p=0,090). CONCLUSÃO: O perfil do paciente que foi vítima de traumatismo torácico e submetido à toracotomia exploradora é o seguinte: jovem, do sexo masculino e vítima de trauma por arma branca. Os fatores que mais contribuíram para o êxito letal foram o elevado escore anatômico do trauma e a associação com lesões vasculares importantes, como da artéria aorta e veia cava.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze patients who underwent thoracotomy for the treatment of chest trauma in the City of Manaus. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study through analyzed records in the two main reference hospitals for trauma adults in this city during a period of 5 years. We considered for this study the epidemiological data, causal agent, type of incision, anatomical classification score of trauma, prognostic factors and mortality. RESULTS: We analyzed 124 patients who underwent thoracotomy with a mean age of 28 years. Stab wounds were the most common casual agent (68 percent). The main indication for thoracotomy was massive hemothorax with 50.7 percent of cases, followed by cardiogenic or hypovolemic shock with 48.4 percent. There were 28 deaths (20.6 percent). Patients with vena cava injuries (5 patients) and aorta lesions (2 patients) had 100 percent mortality rate. There was a higher mortality in patients with major index of trauma (p = 0004), and largest quantity of blood transfused (p = 0090). CONCLUSION: Thoracic trauma patients submitted to exploratory thoracotomy were young, males and victims of stab wound trauma. The most contributing death factors were the lethal anatomical score, more than 15 points, and the association with major vascular lesions, as the aorta and vena cava.

Gastrointestinal fistula: audit of management in a remote hospital

The management of gastrointestinal fistula continues to present considerable challenge to the surgeon in general and gastrointestinal surgeon in particular. To audit the management and report the outcome of the gastrointestinal fistula in a remote hospital. Eldamazeen Hospital is a regional hospital in the Blue Nile state, south east of Sudan. Retrospective analysis of demographic and clinical data of patients with gastrointestinal fistula admitted to the surgical department in the period from Feb 2003 through Feb 2008. 10 [83.3%] patients had high out-put fistula. Two fistulas were complex and 10 were simple. The small intestine was the commonest site of fistula followed by the large bowel. The commonest causes of the gastrointestinal fistula are emergency operations for stab wounds, laparotomy and caesarean section. The overall mortality rate is 2 [16, 7%] patients mainly due to inter-abdominal abscesses. Conservative treatment with nutritional support is the corner stay for successful treatment. However, early surgical management of septic foci should be considered

Pericardial window used in the diagnosis of cardiac injury

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the results of subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) and transdiaphragmatic pericardial window (TDP) procedures comparing the two techniques. METHODS: During the period of January, 1994 to December, 2004, at UNICAMP, 245 patients underwent a pericardial window (PW) procedure to evaluate the possibility of cardiac injury. We reviewed the medical records of those patients in order to compare both procedures. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven patients (84.5 percent) underwent the SPW procedure, and 38 (15.5 percent) underwent the TDP procedure. Of the patients who underwent a SPW procedure, 151 (72.9 percent) had gunshots injuries, and 56 (27.1 percent) had stab wounds. In the group of patients submitted to TDP procedure, the wound was caused by gunshot in 26 (68.4 percent). The SPW method has shown a sensitivity of 97.5 percent, specificity of 95.8 percent, and an accuracy of 96.1 percent. The TDP method demonstrated a sensitivity of 100 percent, specificity of 97 percent and a 97.4 percent of accuracy rate. This review showed 8 (3.3 percent) false positive results. There was a single case (2.6 percent) of complications directly associated to the TDP, and this patient developed pericarditis. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques presented an equally great result, with high sensitivity and specificity. Both surgical techniques must be carefully done to avoid false positive results.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados da janela pericárdica subxifóidea (JPSX) e da janela pericárdica transdiafragmática (JPTD), comparando as duas técnicas. MÉTODOS: Durante o período entre Janeiro de 1994 a Dezembro de 2004, 245 pacientes foram submetidos à janela pericárdica (JP) na Unicamp, a fim de avaliar a presença de lesão cardíaca. Foram revisadas as informações destes pacientes a fim de comparar as técnicas de JP. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e sete (84,5 por cento) pacientes foram submetidos à JPSX, e 38 (15,5 por cento) à JPTD. Dos pacientes que realizaram a JPSX, 151 (72,9 por cento) foram vítimas de lesões provocadas por projétil de arma de fogo (FPAF), e 56 (27,1 por cento) por arma branca (FAB). Em relação aos pacientes submetidos à JPTD, o ferimento foi causado por FPAF em 26 (68,4 por cento). O método JPSX teve uma sensibilidade de 97,5 por cento, especificidade de 95,8 por cento, e uma acurácia de 96,1 por cento. A JPTD resultou numa sensibilidade de 100 por cento, especificidade de 97 por cento e 97,4 por cento de acurácia. Em 8 pacientes (3,3 por cento) o resultado foi falso-positivo. Houve um único caso (2,6 por cento) de complicação diretamente relacionada à JPTD. CONCLUSÕES: Ambas as técnicas apresentaram um bom resultado, com alta sensibilidade e especificidade. Entretanto, estes procedimentos cirúrgicos devem ser efetuados com cuidado, a fim de evitar resultados falso-positivos.

Uso adjunto de NovoSeven (factor VII-a recombinante) en trauma cardiaco penetrante / Adjunct use of NovoSeven (recombinant factor VIIa) for penetrating cardiac trauma

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled bleeding leads to 40-86% of preventable deaths due to trauma. Use of NovoSeven (rFVIIa) in trauma is promising, although data supporting its utilization are limited. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient who sustained a penetrating grade V cardiac injury (AAST-OIS) and presented postoperative massive coagulopathic bleeding arrested by the administration of platelet pools and NovoSeven. DISCUSSION: This report represents our initial experience and the very first case of successful use of NovoSeven for the treatment of traumatic coagulopathic hemorrhage at the Central Military Hospital in Mexico City. A further prospective trial justifying its use in our institution is warranted.

Penetrating ureteral trauma

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series is to report our experience in managing ureteral trauma, focusing on the importance of early diagnosis, correct treatment, and the impact of associated injuries on the management and morbid-mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2002, 1487 laparotomies for abdominal trauma were performed and 20 patients with ureteral lesions were identified, all of them secondary to penetrating injury. Medical charts were analyzed as well as information about trauma mechanisms, diagnostic routine, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: All patients were men. Mean age was 27 years. The mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds in 18 cases (90 percent) and stab wounds in two (10 percent). All penetrating abdominal injuries had primary indication of laparotomy, and neither excretory urography nor computed tomography were used in any case before surgery. The diagnosis of ureteric injury was made intra-operatively in 17 cases (85 percent). Two ureteral injuries (10 percent) were initially missed. All patients had associated injuries. The treatment was dictated by the location, extension and time necessary to identify the injury. The overall incidence of complications was 55 percent. The presence of shock on admission, delayed diagnosis, Abdominal Trauma Index > 25, Injury Severity Score > 25 and colon injuries were associated to a high complication rate, however, there was no statistically significant difference. There were no mortalities in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of ureteral injuries. A thorough exploration of all retroperitoneal hematoma after penetrating trauma should be an accurate method of diagnosis; even though it failed in 10 percent of our cases.

Piercing: una moda con riesgos para la salud / Piercing: a fashion putting health at risk

El uso de piercings se ha incrementado notablemente en el mundo Su práctica y creciente popularidad representa actualmente un auténtico fenómeno social(1). Los portadores corren series riesgos de salud, por la falta de medidas de higiene en los cuidados posteriores y la falta de capacitación de los colocadores. Esto favorece la aparición de algunas infecciones poco habituales y cuando se colocan en labios, lengua, frenillos, carrillos o úvula provocan frecuentemente lesiones en la cavidad bucal. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar las condiciones clínicas y radiográficas de piezas dentarias, mucosas y patologías óseas en 5 adolescentes que utilizan piercing bucal, atendidos en la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la FOUBA durante el año 2005. En el examen clínico y radiográfico de los pacientes se observó movilidad dentaria, pérdida ósea, fractura dentaria, infección con supuración ene l sitio del piercing, diastema y lesiones periodontales. Conclusiones: el personal de slaud debe orientar sobre el uso de piercing y ayudar a prevenir patologías asociadas, informando a los portadores sobre vacunación previa y cuidados posteriores a la instalación

Implicaciones médico-legales de las perforaciones corporales / Medical-legal implications of body piercings

La perforación corporal es una actividad cada vez más común en nuestro medio, por lo tanto es de importancia tanto para el médico como para el especialista en medicina legal pues ya se les exige que tengan un amplio conocimiento acerca de la técnica correcta de la perforación corporal, de los cuidados necesarios y las principales complicaciones de los piercings. En la prática hospitalaria hoy día es frecuente encontrarse con personas que consultan ya sea porque desean colocarse un piercing y quieren escuchar un consejo de su médico o personas que consultan a causa de las múltiples complicaciones que pueden ocurrir.