Descongestión durante la Insuficiencia Cardíaca Aguda: importancia y monitorización / Monitoring decongestion in acute heart failure

Persistent congestion following an episode of acute heart failure is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Monitoring diuretic therapy is essential to guide effective decongestion before patient discharge. Unfortunately, there are no markers which can predict on their own, the exact point in which euvolemia is achieved. Cardiothoracic and extra thoracic ultrasound are other tools to consider when evaluating hemodynamic and interstitial components of congestion. However, the question of which and how many parameters must be used for this purpose, is still unanswered.

Leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible en pacientes trasplantados. Presentación clínica, radiológica y evolución / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in transplanted patients. Clinical features and imaging follow up

Resumen El síndrome de leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES) es un desorden neurológico agudo caracterizado por cefalea, alteración de la conciencia, convulsiones y alteraciones visuales, con imágenes de edema vasogénico reversible en regiones cerebrales posteriores. Nos propusimos describir una serie de casos de pacientes trasplantados que desarrollaron PRES, caracterizando su presentación, evolución clínica, imágenes y terapéutica. Se analizaron historias clínicas informatizadas desde enero 2009 hasta enero 2019. Se recabaron datos demográficos, antecedentes clínicos, motivos y días de internación, tiempos desde el trasplante a la presentación clínica y diagnóstico. Se evaluó la mejoría/resolución en estudios por imágenes y la supervivencia anual. Se identificaron 27 pacientes con PRES; 22 trasplantados de órgano sólido de 1647 totales (1.3%) y 5 de médula ósea de 617 totales (0.8%). La media de edad fue de 38.2 años (DS 19.5), 62.9% de sexo femenino, 59.2% (16) antes del año del trasplante. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes enfermedad renal (14; 51%) e hipertensión arterial (11; 40%). Se realizó tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) a 23 pacientes (85.1%), siendo patológica en 11 (47.8%), y resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) a 25 (92.6%), mostrando patrón característico en 17 (62.9%), con mejoría/resolución antes del año en 20 (74%). El tratamiento fue sintomático, modificando la inmunosupresión. Se registraron 5 óbitos durante la internación y otros 3 antes del año, con una supervivencia anual del 70.3% (19). La población de trasplantados, en crecimiento en nuestro medio, es particularmente susceptible al PRES. Tanto su presentación en estudios por imágenes, como su comorbilidad, difieren de otras poblaciones.

Abstract Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neurological disorder characterized by headache, encephalopathy, seizures and visual disturbances, with reversible vasogenic edema in posterior brain areas. The aim of this research was to describe a case series of transplanted patients who developed PRES, characterize their presentation, treatment, clinical and imaging evolution. Electronic medi cal records were analyzed from January 2009 to January 2019. Demographic data, clinical backgrounds, causes of admission, hospital length of stay and time from transplantation to PRES were collected. Image improvement/ resolution and annual survival were assessed. We identified 27 patients with PRES; 22 of 1647 total solid-organ transplant (1.3%) and 5 of 617 total bone marrow transplant (0.8%). The mean age at presentation was 38.2 years (SD 19.5), 62.9% female, 59.2% (16) before the year of transplantation. The most common comorbidities were kidney disease (14; 51%) and high blood pressure (11; 40%). Computed axial tomography (CT) was per formed in 23 patients (85.1%), with pathological findings in 11 (47.8%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 25 (92.6%), showed a characteristic pattern in 17 (62.9%) with improvement/resolution before the year in 20 (74%). Treatment was symptomatic, modifying immunosuppression. Five deaths were recorded during hospital stay and another 3 before the year of admission, with an annual survival of 70.3% (19 patients). Organ transplant trend is growing in our region. These patients are particularly susceptible to PRES, with a different imaging presentation and comorbidities from other populations.

Hipoxemia recurrente y formen oval permeable. Unidad diagnóstica fácilmente inadvertida. Caso clínico / Recurrent hypoxemia secondary to a patent foramen ovale. Report of one case

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a prevalent congenital septal atrial defect usually without pathological significance. In certain pathogenic situations, PFO can trigger episodes of recurrent hypoxemia, a specific condition known as platipnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). We report a 73 years old female presenting with dyspnea and low arterial oxygen saturation. On admission the patient had a hemoglobin saturation of 81% and an arterial oxygen partial pressure of 50 mmHg. After breathing 100% a 17% arterial-venous shunt was found (normal: less than 12%). A transesophageal echocardiogram and a cardiac catheterization showed the presence of a PFO. A percutaneous closure was performed.

Tumor inflamatorio miofibroblástico peritoneal. Respuesta favorable asociada a infliximab: Caso clínico / Peritoneal myofibroblastic tumor successfully treated with infliximab: Report of one case

Myofibroblastic tumor (MIT) is characterized by the infiltration of different organs, most commonly the lungs, with nodular lesions composed of myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells, which can be identified by specific patterns in the immunohistochemical studies. When it involves the peritoneum it is difficult to eradicate, tends to relapse and it has an invasive behavior, requiring its differentiation from peritoneal carcinomatosis. Treatment may be surgical excision, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids. We report a 30 years old female with an unremarkable medical history, presenting with abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distention. A CT scan revealed multiple peritoneal nodular lesions. A surgical biopsy was reported as a myofibroblast and inflammatory cell infiltrate. Immunohistochemical staining was consistent with MIT. Given the extensive involvement of the peritoneum surgical therapy was not considered appropriate and treatment with NSAID and glucocorticoids was started. No response was observed after 6 months, therefore infliximab therapy was started. After 10 months of follow-up the patient is well, returned to normal life, ascites improved and resolved and CT scan showed partial regression or stabilization of the lesions.