Cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelopathy in AIDS: a case report and review of the literature

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) neurologic disease is a serious complication of the acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS). We report the case of a 40 year-old woman with AIDS who presented paralysis of lower extremities, areflexia, sensory loss, and urinary retention. CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) allowed confirmation of CMV polyradiculomyelopathy (PRAM).

Applicability of the Spanish Translation of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale in a general Puerto Rican population

Voluntary screening has shown to be an effective way to identify depressive symptoms and to provide adequate treatment. If a screening tool was to be used in a general Puerto Rican population, it should be validated in Spanish and be consistent with the particular response style of this group. The main objective of this research study is to assess if the Spanish translation of the Zung SDS is adequate to screen for depression in Puerto Ricans, and if the translation considers the sociocultural peculiarities of this group. Although the Zung SDS is presented as a self-report scale and was found to be reliable by Alpha coefficient and manageable by both the questioner and the participant, the Spanish version used in this activity presented interpretation difficulties. It is recommendable that a Spanish translation of this scale should be developed taking into consideration the particularities of the Puerto Rican population. The use of other screening tools that have already been validated as being culturally sensitive to Puerto Ricans could also be considered.