Hemorragia Intracerebral Imprevisible en un Hombre Joven: La Importancia de la Tomografía computarizada craneal post-mortem / Unpredictable Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Young Male: The Importance of Post-Mortem Cranial Computed Tomography

La muerte súbita es aquella que ocurre dentro de las 24 horas posteriores al inicio de los síntomas y se caracteriza por ser clínicamente inexplicable, inesperada y repentina. Debido a la naturaleza de la muerte súbita, no es posible llegar a un diagnóstico preciso sin una autopsia. En esta comunicación breve, evaluaremos el caso de un empleado de crucero de 33 años, sin historial médico/farmacológico previo, el cual falleció súbitamente mientras reposaba en su camarote. Debido a las sospechas iniciales de una posible muerte causada por una sobredosis de cocaína, se le realizó un panel toxicológico abarcador el cual resultó negativo. Empero, una tomografía computarizada (TC) craneal sin contraste revirtió la hipótesis inicial y la autopsia neuropatológica -sorpresivamente- confirmó que la verdadera causa de muerte fue la ruptura de un aneurisma sacular desconocido en el polígono de Willis.

Sudden death occurs within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and is characterized by being clinically inexplicable, sudden, and unexpected. Due to the nature of sudden death, it is not possible an accurate diagnosis without performing an autopsy. In this brief communication, we will evaluate the case of a 33-year-old cruise employee, with no prior medical/pharmacological history, who suddenly died while resting in his cabin. Due to initial suspicions of a possible cocaine overdose death, a comprehensive toxicology panel was performed, although yielding a negative result. A cranial computed tomography without contrast reversed the initial hypothesis and the neuropathological autopsy -surprisingly- confirmed that the true cause of death was the rupture of an unknown saccular aneurysm in the Circle of Willis.

Anatomical Variations and Clinical Significance of the Cerebral Arterial Circle in Turkish Cadavers / Variaciones Anatómicas y Significancia Clínica del Círculo Arterial Cerebral en Cadáveres Turcos

SUMMARY: The structure formed by the arteries, which is of great importance in the irrigation of the brain, is called the cerebral arterial circle (Polygon of Willis). Since the cerebral arterial circle provides brain nutrition, vascularabnormalities in this region are highly relevant. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the variations of the cerebral arterial circle in cadavers of Turkish individuals. In our study, 32 human cadavers obtained from three different universities were retrospectively examined. Brain tissue obtained from cadavers by craniotomy was kept in 20 % formaldehyde solution for an average of 10 days for fixation. Cerebral arterial circle diagrams were determined in all cadavers by staining and photographs were taken. As a result of the brain examinations, a variation of the cerebral arterial circle was detected in 24/32 brains. Vascular variations have an important place in congenital variations. For this reason, we believe that our brain study will contribute to clinical studies on this topic by investigating variations of the cerebral arterial circle.

La estructura formada por las arterias que tiene una gran importancia en la irrigación del cerebro se denomina círculo arterial cerebral (Polígono de Willis). Dado que el círculo arterial cerebral proporciona la irrigación cerebral, las anomalías vasculares en esta región son muy relevantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue examinar las variaciones del círculo arterial cerebral en cadáveres de individuos turcos. En nuestro estudio, se examinaron retrospectivamente 32 cadáveres humanos obtenidos de tres universidades diferentes. El tejido cerebral de los cadáveres fue obtenido por craneotomía y se mantuvo en solución de formaldehído al 20 %, durante 10 días en promedio para su fijación. Se determinaron los diagramas de círculo arterial cerebral en todos los cadáveres mediante coloración y se tomaron fotografías. Como resultado de los exámenes, se detectó una variación del círculo arterial cerebral en 24/32 de los cerebros. Las variaciones vasculares tienen un lugar importante en las variaciones congénitas. Por esta razón, creemos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a estudios clínicos sobre el tema al pesquisar las variaciones del círculo arterial cerebral.

Thomas Willis' legacy on the 400th anniversary of his birth / O legado de Thomas Willis no 400° aniversário de seu nascimento

Abstract To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Willis, his main contributions to the development of neurosciences, in particular neurology, are presented. Willis coined the term neurology and contributed significantly to the field of neuroanatomy, with the description of the arterial circle—located at the base of the brain—, which bears his name. He also described the striatum and cranial nerves. Furthermore, as a clinical neurologist, Willis participated in the description of various diseases, including myasthenia gravis and restless legs syndrome.

Resumo Na comemoração dos 400 anos de nascimento de Thomas Willis, são apresentadas as suas principais contribuições para o desenvolvimento das neurociências, em particular a neurologia. Willis cunhou o termo neurologia, contribuiu significativamente na área de neuroanatomia, com a descrição do círculo arterial localizado na base do cérebro, que tem o seu nome, além da descrição do corpo estriado, e de nervos cranianos. Da mesma forma, como neurologista clínico, Willis participou da descrição de várias doenças como a miastenia gravis e da síndrome das pernas inquietas, entre outras doenças.

The arterial circle described by Willis, and the contribution of his successors (History of Neurology) / O círculo arterial descrito por Willis e a contribuição de seus sucessores (História da Neurologia)

The description of the base of the human brain and its arteries that form a circle or polygon, as described and depicted by Thomas Willis and collaborators (1664), and that received his name ­ 'circle of Willis', has a long history, where many renowned preceding authors are included ­ the pre-Willisian anatomists, among which the names of Giulio Casserio (1627), Johann Vesling (1647) e Johann Jakob Wepfer (1658) deserve to be highlighted. However, despite a complete description and correct depiction of the arterial components of the circle, their naming lagged behind. After Willis, a large number of renowned authors ­ the post-Willisian anatomists, studied this formation further. This period begun with a poor contribution of Isbrand van Diemerbroeck (1672). Next appeared authors who provided names that became ephemeral, followed by those who presented designations that would remain permanently. Among the latter must be cited initially Joseph Lieutaud (1742) and Albrecht von Haller (1756), followed by Xavier Bichat with his posthumous work (1803), and finally the definitive names being established by Jean Cruveilhier (1834), this period closing with Henry Gray's book (1858), who consolidated the knowledge on the subject.

A descrição da base do cérebro humano e das artérias que formam um círculo ou polígono, como descrito e ilustrado por Thomas Willis e colaboradores (1664) e que recebeu seu nome - 'círculo de Willis', tem uma longa história, onde constam muitos autores de renome que o precederam ­ os anatomistas pré-Willisianos, entre os quais os nomes de Giulio Casserio (1627), Johann Vesling (1647) e Johann Jakob Wepfer (1658) merecem ser destacados. Entretanto, apesar da descrição completa e ilustração correta dos componentes arteriais do círculo, a denominação dos mesmos ficou atrasada. Após Willis, um grande número de autores renomados ­ os anatomistas pós-Willisianos, continuaram a estudar essa formação. Este período começou com uma contribuição pobre de Isbrand van Diemerbroeck (1672). A seguir apareceram autores que proveram nomes que se mostraram efêmeros, seguidos por aqueles que apresentaram designações que iriam permanecer de modo permanente. Entre os últimos devem ser citados inicialmente Joseph Lieutaud (1742) e Albrecht von Haller (1756), seguidos por Xavier Bichat com sua obra póstuma (1803), e finalmente, os nomes definitivos sendo estabelecidos por Jean Cruveilhier (1834), o período fechando com o livro de Henry Gray (1858), que consolidou o conhecimento sobre o tema.

Prevalence of anatomical variants of the Willis polygon in cadavers undergoing medico-legal necropsy / Prevalencia de variantes anatómicas del Polígono de Willis en cadáveres sometidos a necropsia medicolegal

The primary function of the circle of Willis is to provide collateral blood flow between the anterior and posterior arterial systems of the brain. Its configuration can vary considering its vascular structures, this being considered an anatomical variant. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of these, discriminated by sex in corpses subjected to medicolegal autopsy at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in 2019, in Cali-Colombia. Retrospective observational descriptive study, of photographic records, inspection records and expert reports, where variables of age, sex, anatomical variants, compromised vascular structures are differentiated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. The population consisted of 194 cases, with a median age of 33 years (interquartile range between 23-45). 24.4% corresponded to the male sex. A prevalence of 25.3% of cases with non-classic polygon was observed. The most frequent anatomical variant was hypoplasia 14.9%. The vascular structure that presented the most anatomical variants was the posterior communicating artery with 17%.

La función principal del polígono de Willis es proporcionar flujo sanguíneo colateral entre los sistemas arteriales anterior y posterior del cerebro. Su configuración puede variar teniendo en cuenta sus estructuras vasculares, considerándose esto una variante anatómica. En este estudio analizamos la prevalencia de las variaciones, discriminada por sexo en cadáveres sometidos a necropsia medicolegal en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses en el año 2019, en Cali-Colombia. Estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo, de registros fotográficos, actas de inspección e informes periciales, donde se diferencia variables de edad, sexo, variantes anatómicas, estructuras vasculares comprometidas. Se realizaron análisis uni y bivariados. La población estuvo conformada por 194 casos, con una mediana de edad de 33 años (rango intercuartil entre 23-45). El 24.4% correspondieron al sexo masculino. Un 25,3% de casosse encontró un polígono no clásico. La variante anatómica más frecuente fue la hipoplasia 14.9%. La estructura vascular que más variantes anatómicas presentó fue la arteria comunicante posterior con un 17%.

Parameter Identification Algorithm of Lumped Parameter Model in the Circle of Willis / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the application of three parameter identification methods (impedance modulus curve method, impedance component method, and genetic algorithm) in solving parameter identification problem of the 11-element lumped parameter model in the circle of Willis. Methods Using the flow and pressure waveforms of the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries on both sides as inlet conditions, parameter values of the model under normal and bilateral vertebral artery stenosis conditions were calculated. The recognition algorithm was verified by using Simulink models, and finally the stability of the recognition algorithm was verified by adding a certain noise to the flow. Results Under normal circumstances, the proximal resistances obtained by the impedance modulus curve method were larger, and the resistances of the anterior communicating artery obtained by the impedance component method were larger. The genetic algorithm could obtain relatively reasonable model parameter values. In the case of vertebral artery stenosis on both sides, the impedance modulus curve method could obviously get the results of the increasement in proximal resistances of the posterior circulation, but the results obtained by the impedance component method and the genetic algorithm mainly lied in that the distal resistance had a larger increase. Conclusions There are still differences between the pressure data calculated by the parameters identified by the above three methods and the actual data, which are considered as modeling errors, source data errors and calculation errors. The impedance modulus curve method has a certain effect in distinguishing changes of the proximal and distal resistances, but there exist large errors in identification of some parameters. The impedance component method can identify the parameters, but this method is unstable with large calculation errors. Genetic algorithm can obtain a better approximate solution, but it has certain problems in distinguishing vertebral artery stenosis. The combination of impedance modulus curve method and genetic algorithm may play a better role in future application of this model for disease diagnosis.

Fetal-type variant of the posterior cerebral artery and concurrent bilateral cerebral infarctions in a Korean male cadaver / Variante de tipo fetal de la arteria cerebral posterior e infartos cerebrales bilaterales concurrentes en un cadáver masculino coreano

SUMMARY: Fetal-type variant of the posterior cerebral artery is a relatively common variant of the cerebral arterial circle (circle of Willis), but concurrent cerebral pathologies have not been well reported. We describe a case of fetal-type variant of the posterior cerebral artery and concurrent bilateral cerebral infarctions in the territories of the middle cerebral artery in a 78-year-old Korean male cadaver. Fetal-type variant of the posterior cerebral artery was found the right cerebral arterial circle, arose from the internal carotid artery with larger diameter than the pre-communicating segment from the basilar artery. Histopathological examination revealed that left supramarginal gyrus and right infraparietal lobule showed characteristic cerebral infarctions with chronological changes, respectively. Knowledge on the variation in the posterior cerebral artery combined with clinical features including cerebral infarction plays a pivotal role to anatomists and clinicians.

RESUMEN: La variante de tipo fetal de la arteria cerebral posterior es una variante relativamente común del círculo arterial cerebral (polígono de Willis) de arterial cerebral, pero las patologías cerebrales concurrentes no han sido bien informadas. Describimos un caso de variante de tipo fetal de la arteria cerebral posterior e infartos cerebrales bilaterales concurrentes en los territorios de la arteria cerebral media en un cadáver masculino coreano de 78 años. La variante de tipo fetal de la arteria cerebral posterior se encontró en la parte de derecha del círculo arterial cerebral, surgido de la arteria carótida interna con mayor diámetro que el segmento precomunicante de la arteria basilar. El examen histopatológico reveló que el giro supramarginal izquierdo y el lóbulo infraparietal derecho mostraban infartos cerebrales característicos con cambios cronológicos, respectivamente. El conocimiento sobre la variación en la arteria cerebral posterior combinado con las características clínicas, incluido el infarto cerebral es fundamental para los anatomistas y los médicos.

The arterial circle described by Willis, and the contribution of his predecessors / O círculo arterial descrito por Willis e a contribuição de seus predecessores

The description of arteries at the base of the human brain forming an 'arterial circle', named after Thomas Willis, has had a long history after the restoration of human dissection, partly due to the studies of many outstanding anatomists that preceded Willis. He provided, with the collaboration of Richard Lower and Christopher Wren, the first incontestable complete description, as recognized nowadays, accompanied by a superb illustration. Additionally, he presented an explanation for its meaning, indicating for the first time the functional significance of this structure, in health and disease. However, it should be recognized that the initial studies of the arteries of the base of the human brain by Willis' predecessors, as well as those from ancient times, despite their fragmentary descriptions, were certainly pivotal in paving the way for further and more detailed knowledge of this vascular formation.

A descrição das artérias da base do cérebro humano, formando um 'círculo arterial', designado com o nome de Thomas Willis, tem uma longa história após o restauro de dissecções humanas, em parte devido aos estudos de muitos anatomistas de renome que precederam Willis. Ele proveu, com a colaboração de Richard Lower e Christopher Wren, a primeira descrição completa e incontestável, assim como a reconhecida atualmente, acompanhada por uma ilustração soberba. Adicionalmente, apresentou uma explicação quanto ao seu significado, indicando pela primeira vez a importância funcional dessa estrutura, na saúde e na doença. Entretanto, deve ser reconhecido que os estudos iniciais das artérias da base do cérebro humano pelos predecessores de Willis, assim como os de tempos antigos, apesar de suas descrições fragmentárias, certamente foram fulcrais na pavimentação do caminho para o conhecimento mais avançado e detalhado dessa formação vascular.

Estudio Transversal Hispano-Ecuatoriano: Discapacidades derivadas de Ictus cerebral / Hispano- Ecuadorian Cross-Sectional Study: Disabilities derived from cerebral stroke

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la actualidad el ictus es considerado una de las principales causas de discapacidad en el mundo. Globalmente 5 millones de personas adquieren discapacidad permanente cada año por esta causa; hasta el 30% de los pacientes afectados padecen algún tipo de discapacidad. El manejo temprano del paciente puede disminuir las secuelas derivadas de las lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer si existen diferencias en las discapacidades derivadas de ictus entre las ciudades de Madrid (España) y Cuenca (Ecuador), en relación a una atención temprana programada. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El presente, es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, multicéntrico. La muestra estuvo conformada por 40 pacientes diagnosticados de ACV, 20 pertenecientes al Grupo Cuencano, de Ecuador (GC) y 20 al Grupo Matritense, de España (GM). Los datos fueron obtenidos de las historias clínicas. Se compararon ambos grupos mediante la prueba Chi-cuadrado (X2) de Pearson para cada variable estudiada. RESULTADOS: En el GM el 80% de los ACV fueron de origen isquémico, en el GC fueron el 90%, sin asociación significativa. En los dos grupos el mayor porcentaje de secuelas se dieron por afectación del territorio de la arteria cerebral media (ACM). No se evidenció diferencia significativa en el porcentaje de discapacidades derivadas de ictus entre los grupos, el grupo matritense de España presentó una menor tasa de discapacidades derivadas que fue del 45%, frente al grupo cuencano de Ecuador que tuvo un 76% de capacidades derivadas, pero la diferencia no fue significativa (p=0.069); sin embargo la asociación entre el porcentaje de exitus entre los grupos si tuvo asociación estadísticamente significativa (p=0.003). CONCLUSIÓN: No se encontró asociación significativa en cuanto a etiología, factores de riesgos y características clínicas del Ictus entre los grupos. No hay diferencias significativas en las secuelas derivadas de ictus entre los grupos, pero si hay diferencias significativas en relación al porcentaje de exitus con la aplicación de un programa tipo "Código Ictus".

BACKGROUND: Currently, stroke is one of the main causes of disability in the world. Globally 5 million people acquire permanent disability each year for this cause; up to 30% of affected patients suffer from some type of disability. Early management of the patient can reduce the sequelae derived from the injury. The aim of this study is to find out if there are differences in disabilities derived from strokes, between the cities of Madrid (Spain) and Cuenca (Ecuador), in association with programmed early patient care. METHODS: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study. The sample consisted of 40 patients diagnosed with stroke, 20 from Cuenca, Ecuador, and 20 from Madrid, Spain. Data was obtained from the patient's medical records. Both groups were compared using Pearson's Chi-square test (Χ2) for each studied variable. RESULTS: in the Madrid Group 80% of the strokes were ischemic, in the Cuenca Group 90% of the strokes were ischemic, there is not significant association. In both groups the highest percentage of sequelae occurred due to injury of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). There was no significant difference in the percentage of disabilities derived from stroke between the groups, the Madrid Group had a lower rate of derived disabilities (45%), compared to Cuenca Group (76%), but the differences was not significant (p=0.069); however, the association between the death percentage among the groups was statistically significant (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: No significant association was found in terms of etiology, risk factors and clinical characteristics of stroke between the groups. There are no significant differences in the sequelae derived from stroke between the groups, but there is significant difference in terms of death percentage between the groups, with the application of "Código Ictus" type of program.

Enfermedad de Willis-Ekbom a propósito de un caso / Willis-Ekbom's disease a case report

Los trastornos del sueño REM, son de alta prevalencia en nuestro medio, se manifiestan por lo general en comorbilidad con trastornos afectivos como la ansiedad y la depresión. Dependiendo de la sintomatología del paciente la afectación puede afectar su calidad de vida, en nuestro medio son frecuentes las crisis de pánico y trastornos del sueño reconocidos culturalmente como provenientes de embrujos o maleficios, que al no ser tratados con buenos resultados, buscan una respuesta en el ámbito médico postergando la intervención en el caso evaluado. El presente caso describe los síntomas experimentados por un adulto de sexo masculino, con un cuadro que impresiona por su descripción sintomatológica de origen netamente urológico, que fue valorado en integridad con sus respectivos resultados laboratoriales y de gabinete es referido a diferentes especialidades y finalmente a psiquiatría donde se llega a la conclusión diagnostica de enfermedad de Willis-Ekbom, trastorno del sueño REM y Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada con crisis de pánico, se realiza tratamiento específico, con resultados favorables y seguimientos periódicos. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino de 61 años como se describe en la presentación.

REM sleep disorders, are of high prevalence in our environment, are usually manifested in comorbidity with affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Depending on the symptomatology of the patient, the affectation can affect their quality of life, in our environment there are frequent panic crises and sleep disorders culturally recognized as coming from spells or curses, which, when not being treated with good results, seek an answer in the medical field postponing the intervention in the case evaluated. The present case describes the symptoms experienced by a male adult, with a picture that impresses with his symptomatic description of a purely urological origin, which was assessed in integrity with their respective laboratory and laboratory results. It refers to different specialties and finally to psychiatry. where the diagnostic conclusión of Willis-Ekbom disease, REM sleep disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with panic crisis is reached, specific treatment is performed, with favorable results and periodic follow-up.

Restless Legs Syndrome, and symptoms of Restless Syndrome in patients with Graves disease: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent comorbid condition associated with distinct unrelated diseases. While the incidence of RLS has not been definitively confirmed, RLS-like symptoms have been reported in a section of Asian population who also had hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of RLS is generally low in Asian populations. Under these circumstances, we hypothesized that in a population where RLS is common, such as in Brazil, RLS could manifest as a comorbid ailment alongside Graves' disease, a common hyperthyroid condition. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 108 patients who presented with Graves' disease were analyzed for restless legs or associated symptoms. RESULTS: Twelve patients (11.1%) displayed symptoms of RLS prior to the incidence of Graves' disease. These patients experienced worsening of the symptoms during their hyperthyroid state. Six patients (5.6%) developed RLS, consequent upon the incidence of Graves' disease as per the consensus of the panel of the experts. Fifteen patients (13.9%) also presented with RLS-like symptoms without any discernible circadian feature of the syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that Graves' disease might trigger restless legs-like symptoms, while the condition of hyperthyroidism could also be complicated by definite RLS.

Cerebral localization of higher functions: The period between Thomas Willis and Paul Broca / Localização cerebral de funções superiores: o período entre Thomas Willis e Paul Broca

ABSTRACT. The age-old debates about the localization of the mind (higher functions) took a new course when Willis located a higher nervous function (memory) in the brain parenchyma, and supposedly, in the cerebral cortex. About two centuries later, Broca, founded on solid scientific reasoning, localized a circumscribed area of the 3rd frontal circumvolution of the left hemisphere as the seat of articulate language, a higher function (speech - language domain). He (and Dax) also defined the functional asymmetry (specialization) of the hemispheres, with left dominance (for language). The period between the findings of these individuals was not quiescent, as numerous authors contributed with their theoretical and clinicopathological research toward creating a conducive scientific atmosphere for this accomplishment, and should be regarded as important. Further studies, in the decades that followed, revealed the localization of additional aspects of language and of other higher functions (cognitive domains).

RESUMO. Os debates milenares sobre a localização da mente (funções superiores) chegaram a um novo caminho quando Willis localizou uma função nervosa superior (memória) no parênquima cerebral, e supostamente, no córtex cerebral. Cerca de dois séculos depois, Broca, baseado em sólido pensamento científico, localizou uma área circunscrita da 3ª circunvolução frontal do hemisfério esquerdo como o sítio da linguagem articulada, uma função superior (fala - domínio da linguagem). Ele (e Dax) também definiu a assimetria funcional (especialização) dos hemisférios, com dominância esquerda (para linguagem). O período entre os achados dessas duas personalidades não ficou quiescente, considerando que numerosos autores contribuíram, com suas pesquisas teóricas e clinicopatológicas, para criar uma atmosfera científica adequada para tal realização, devendo ser vistos como importantes. Mais estudos, nas décadas seguintes, revelaram a localização de aspectos adicionais da linguagem e de outras funções superiores (domínios cognitivos).

Willis method modification with a view to improving routine coproparasitological diagnosis

Intestinal parasites still cause high morbidity and mortality, due to poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and therefore indiscriminate treatment has been routine practice advocated by the Public Health staff. Although there is a consensus regarding the need to diagnose such diseases, this is not performed with the necessary care, due to great demand and the lack of a wide ranged and highly sensitive technique. In this sense, most clinical laboratories use routine methods for fecal examination such as the Lutz sedimentation or modified Ritchie methods, which are complete and easy to execute, but do not have adequate sensitivity to detect low density eggs and protozoan cysts, especially when there is a predominance of low parasite burdens. In contrast, there are methods that are based on the flotation of low density developmental forms, namely, the Willis method (NaCl flotation d=1.120), which is rapid, easy to perform and allows high density egg flotation but with low sensitivity for protozoan cysts; and the Faust method, which is based on centrifugal flotation of developmental forms in a 33% ZnSO4 (d=1.200) solution, but with the disadvantage of being lengthy and requiring a centrifuge. In this study, we verified the applicability of introducing an alteration in the Willis method, which consisted in the substitution of NaCl by ZnSO4 in order to combine the advantages of this method with the Faust method. 208 samples were assessed by the Willis and Ritchie methods and by the proposed method (modified Willis). The latter proved superior to the other two (ρ <0,0001 ­ X2) regarding the detection of protozoan cysts, but similar to the Ritchie method in regard to other diagnosed parasites, therefore demonstrating the high potential for the introduction of this modified method in the routine of fecal diagnosis

Hemodynamics Study of Internal Carotid Artery：A Comparison Between Unidirectional and Bidirectional Coupled Multi-Scale Model / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the hemodynamic characteristics in internal carotid artery models, which were obtained by multi-scale unidirectional and bidirectional coupling models, so as to provide references for selecting models in further studies. Methods Based on the nuclear magnetic resonance image of one patient with mild stenosis of internal carotid artery, the lumped parameter model of the circle of Willis and the three-dimensional model of internal carotid artery were constructed. Those two different multi-scale models were constructed by unidirectional and bidirectional coupling. Results With the increase of stenosis degree, the inlet and outlet blood pressure and the outlet blood flow of internal carotid artery all decreased under two kinds of coupling method. The distribution of low time average wall shear stress (TAWSS) and high oscillatory shear index (OSI) of the internal carotid artery both increased with the increase of stenosis degree under two kinds of coupling method in general. The anterior cerebral artery segment showed lower shear stress and higher OSI with bidirectional coupling in 70% stenosis, and the blood flow direction of posterior communicating artery was changed, which was significantly different from unidirectional coupling results. Conclusions At a low degree of stenosis, the result of those two kinds of coupling method were consistent in general, but there was a significant difference in 70% stenosis, and the result of bidirectional coupling was closer to physiological parameters. The research findings can be better applied to the hemodynamic study of cerebrovascular diseases.

Association between Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms and Self-Reported Hypertension: a Nationwide Questionnaire Study in Korea

BACKGROUND: The association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and hypertension remains controversial. We investigated the relationship between RLS and hypertension in a nationwide sample of the Korean adult population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including 2,740 adults aged 19 years or more. Subjects who met the four essential International RLS Study Group criteria and reported symptoms occurring at least once a week were defined as the RLS group. The presence of hypertension was defined as a self-reported history of physician-diagnosed hypertension. We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the independent association between RLS symptoms and self-reported hypertension after adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Among the 2,740 subjects, 68 (2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9%–3.1%) were found to have RLS with a symptom frequency of at least once a week. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 30.9% (95% CI, 20.5%–42.0%) in the RLS group, which was significantly higher than that in controls (12.4%; 95% CI, 11.2%–13.6%; P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio for self-reported hypertension in the RLS group was 2.10 (95% CI, 1.12–3.93) compared to controls. In addition to RLS symptoms, old age, being overweight, low education level, diabetes mellitus, and short sleep duration were significantly associated with self-reported hypertension. CONCLUSION: RLS symptoms occurring at least once a week is independently associated with a higher prevalence of self-reported hypertension in the adult Korean population. Further research will confirm the clinical implication of the present results and the causal relationship between RLS and hypertension.

Exclusion of mimics does not influence Willis-Ekbom disease diagnosis among recent medical graduates / Exclusão de fatores confundidores não influencia o diagnóstico da doença de Willis-Ekbom entre recém-formados em Medicina

ABSTRACT In view of the diagnostic challenge posed by restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) to health professionals and the challenge of its recognition by patients, the diagnostic criteria have been revised and updated to facilitate identification of this disease. However, in a previous study, we found that self-diagnosis of RLS/WED depends on the very name used to describe the condition. Objective: To ascertain whether the presence of the fifth diagnostic criterion of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG), is necessary for RLS/WED diagnosis when the term "Willis-Ekbom disease" is used. Methods: We randomly distributed 705 forms to recent medical graduates, asking them to self-assess whether they had "Willis-Ekbom disease" (WED). In one questionnaire model, we excluded the fifth criterion suggested by the IRLSSG, while in the other, all five criteria were included. No forms contained the term RLS; only WED was used throughout. Results: Seven hundred and five recent medical graduates participated in the study. Among the 332 who received the form without the fifth criterion, 8 (2.41%) self-diagnosed as having WED (95%CI: 0.8%-4.1%). Of the 373 who received the form with all five of the 2014 IRLSSG criteria, 9 (2.41%) self-diagnosed as having WED (95%CI: 0.8%-4.0%) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our data show that presence of the fifth IRLSSG criterion did not influence self-diagnosis of WED among recent medical graduates, suggesting that the name WED reduces the odds of mimics (confounding conditions) being misinterpreted as symptoms of this disease. This finding indicates that for the diagnosis of RLS/WED only four criteria and a systematic use of the name WED are necessary.

RESUMO Frente ao desafio diagnóstico da síndrome das pernas inquietas/doença de Willis-Ekbom (SPI/DWE) pelos profissionais de saúde e também seu reconhecimento pelos pacientes, os critérios de diagnóstico vêm sendo revisados e atualizados para facilitar a identificação dessa doença, porém, em estudo anterior, observamos que o autodiagnóstico da SPI/DWE depende do próprio nome utilizado para descrevê-la. Objetivo: Verificar se a presença do quinto critério do International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) é necessária para o diagnóstico da SPI/DWE quando utilizamos apenas a expressão/denominação DWE. Métodos: Distribuímos aleatoriamente 705 formulários solicitando a médicos recém-formados que avaliassem se eles tinham DWE. Em um tipo de questionário, excluímos o quinto critério diagnóstico sugerido pelo IRLSSG e no outro mantivemos os cinco critérios. Em nenhum formulário apresentamos o termo SPI, apenas DWE. Resultados: Setecentos e cinco médicos recém-formados participaram do estudo. Dentre os 332 médicos que receberam o formulário sem o quinto critério, 8 (2,41%) autodiagnosticaram-se com DWE (IC 95%: 0,8%-4,1%). Trezentos e setenta e três médicos receberam o formulário com os 5 critérios do IRLSSG (2014) e 9 (2,41%) autodiagnosticaram-se como tendo DWE (IC 95%: 0,8%-4,0%) (p > 0.05). Conclusão: Nossos dados mostraram que a presença do quinto critério do IRLSSG não influenciou a realização do autodiagnóstico da DWE entre médicos recém-formados, sugerindo que a denominação DWE reduz a chance de condições confundidoras serem tomadas como sintomas desta doença. Este achado está de acordo com dados anteriores, onde mostramos que o autodiagnóstico da SPI/DWE é dependente da denominação utilizada para descrever a doença.

Surgery of a Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm with Fetal-Type Circulation

Inadvertent occlusion of a fetal-type posterior communicating artery in aneurysm surgery could result in posterior circulation infarction and neurological morbidity. The case of a patient with an unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm with lateral projection and a fetal-type posterior communicating artery is presented. The utility of the carotid-oculomotor window as a surgical corridor to safely find the fetaltype posterior communicating artery is discussed.

A oclusão da artéria comunicante posterior do tipo fetal em cirurgia de aneurisma pode resultar em infarto da circulação posterior e morbidade neurológica. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com aneurisma não roto da artéria comunicante posterior com projeção lateral e uma artéria comunicante posterior do tipo fetal. Discutimos a utilidade da janela carótida-oculomotora como um corredor cirúrgico para encontrar com segurança a artéria comunicante posterior do tipo fetal.

Blood Vessel and Intraplaque Hemorrhage Simultaneous Imaging Sequence in Evaluation of the Integrity of Willis Circle / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To investigate the value of simultaneousnon-contrast angiographyand intra-plaquehemorrhage (SNAP) in assessing Willis circle integrity of the brain using three-dimensional time of flight (TOF) MRA as a reference. Materials and Methods According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 62 patients with stroke symptoms within 3 months were collected. All patients underwent head SNAP and TOF on Philips 3.0T MR scanner. TOF and SNAP were treated respectively at the Philips workstation using maximum and minimum intensity projections to generate non-enhanced MRA images which were, afterwards, interpreted using blind reading to determine the presence or absence of individual blood vessels in the circle of Willis. In order to assess the consistency of the interpretation, all images were interpreted again 2 weeks later to avoid memory bias. Finally, The consistency of the two interpretations was analyzed, and the ability of SNAP and TOF in evaluating the integrity of Willis circle was compared. In addition, for 15 patients with VISTA images, the plaque of Willis circle vascular wall was evaluated using SNAP and VISTA images to compare their evaluation ability. Results The results of the first and second interpretations of SNAP and TOF were highly consistent. The arteries with exactly the same interpretation included left anterior cerebral artery A1 (LA1), right anterior cerebral artery A1 (RA1), left posterior cerebral artery P1 (LP1) and right posterior cerebral artery P1 (RP1) (Kappa=1.000). The results in terms of left posterior communicating artery (LPCoA) (Kappa=0.926 and 0.924, respectively), right posterior communicating artery (RPCoA) (Kappa=0.931 and 0.732, respectively) and integrity (Kappa=0.815 and 0.816, respectively) were relatively consistent, while there was a relatively low consistency in terms of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) (Kappa=0.640 and 0.675, respectively). In evaluating the constituent vessels of the circle of Willis and its integrity, SNAP and TOF showed good consistency. Vessels with identical SNAP and TOF interpretations include LA1, RA1, LP1, and RP1 (Kappa=1.000). The interpretation consistency of the two imaging techniques on LPCoA (Kappa=0.852 and 0.848), RPCoA (Kappa=0.796 and 0.796, respectively), and integrity (Kappa=0.701 and 0.742, respectively) was relatively high. While the consistency of SNAP and TOF in terms of ACoA was slightly lower (Kappa=0.680 and 0.714, respectively). In assessing the plaque of Willis circle vascular wall, the evaluation results of SNAP and VISTA were consistent. Conclusion As a non-enhanced angiography technique, the magnetic resonance SNAP sequence can well evaluate the integrity of Willis circle, as well as the presence or absence of plaque on Willis circle vascular wall.

Application and efficacy of induced hypertension and hypotension in carotid endarterectomy / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of induced hypotension and hypotension in carotid endarterectomy (CEA).Methods Data of 1 486 patients who underwent CEA in multicenters from Aug 2012 to Aug 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.After screening,a total of 1 448 patients met the inclusion criteria.Induced hypertension and hypotension was used in all thees patients.Results 87.8％ of the patients were with severe carotid stenosis.The average operative time was (51.8 ± 6.1) min,and the internal carotid artery clamping time was (11.4 ± 3.1) min.After induced hypertension,the stump pressure were higher than that before,of which 1 438 (99.3％) were greater than 50 mmHg.Monitoring of EEG oxygen saturation showed that the value of ipsilateral rSO2 was significantly lower than that of the contralateral [(56％ ± 3％) vs.(64％ ± 4％),P ＜ 0.05] before induced hypertension.After induced hypertension and clamp removal,the value of ipsilateral rSO2 was lower than that of the contralateral,but there was not significant difference (all P ＞ 0.05).Perioperative cerebral infarction occurred in 2 cases,ipsilateral cerebral hemorrhage in 1 case,contralateral cerebral hemorrhage in 1 case and myocardial infarction in 2 cases.Connclusion The technique of induced hypotension and hypotension play a temporary role in brain protection for patients undergoing CEA.This study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of induced hypertension and hypotension technique.

Pregabalin for restless legs syndrome: A meta-analysis

@#Background & Objective: Various pharmacologic agents are currently being used to alleviate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). The most commonly used drugs are dopaminergic agents, but due to augmentation, alternative medications like pregabalin are being studied. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of pregabalin compared to placebo in the treatment of sensory and/or motor symptoms of patients with RLS by examining and integrating previous randomized controlled trials done on the subject. Methods: A thorough search in international and local databases of available randomized controlled studies of pregabalin for primary RLS were done from January 1940 until August 2015. Results: There were 3,708 studies identified, 4 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three independent reviewers assessed the studies for eligibility. Pooled results showed significant difference in the change in the International Restless Legs Syndrome scale score of -4.47 (CI -6.11 – -2.83), improvement in Clinical Global Impressions responders, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, change in wake time after sleep onset, and number of awakenings, all favoring pregabalin compared to placebo. There is no significant difference in the quality of life for pregabalin when compared to placebo. Adverse events of dizziness, somnolence, headache, and dry mouth were significantly increased (RR 13.18, 7.21, 3.47, and 5.27 respectively) in the 551 participants of the pregabalin group.Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that pregabalin appears to be efficacious in the improvement of symptoms and sleep architecture of patients with RLS.