Metastatic arthropathy report of two cases and review of the literature.

Metastatic arthropathy has been rarely reported as a manifestation of solid tumors. It is characterized by a monoarticular involvement and is frequently the first feature of the malignant process; therefore, it may pose a diagnostic challenge. We report two new cases of metastatic carcinomatous arthritis: a patient with right-knee monoarthritis as a presenting feature of pancreatic carcinoma and another one with right-elbow monoarthritis, preceded by constitutional and pulmonary symptoms, secondary to metastasis of undifferentiated carcinoma. We also review the literature for well documented cases of metastatic arthropathy secondary to solid tumors. Metastatic arthropathy indicates a poor prognosis because of a wide spread of the tumor when it is diagnosed. We emphasize the need for increasing awareness of cancer as a cause of monoarthritis.

[Early thrombosis of aortic porcine bioprosthesis]. / Trombosis precoz de bioprótesis porcina en posición aórtica.

A case of thrombosis on an aortic bioprosthesis after the fourth month of implantation is presented. The patient had been well anticoagulated for the first three months after surgery. A suspicious diagnosis was made when the patient started with symptoms of cardiac failure and angina and an Echo-Doppler showed a significant transvalvular gradient. The definitive diagnosis will be determined with the removal of the valve at surgery. Although this is a rarity as an early complication, it should be kept in mind in such cases. Surgical intervention is mandatory and life-saving.

Mucormycosis of the sphenoid sinus in an otherwise healthy patient. Case report and literature review.

Paranasal and rhinocerebral mucormycosis refers to uncommon opportunistic fungal infections, reported to occur especially in association with diabetic acidosis (the most common), immunosuppressive therapy, malignancy, or other chronic debilitating disorders. However, patients who have no underlying disease have occasionally been affected. According to the literature reviewed, only 13 well-documented cases without any predisposing factor have been previously reported. We describe a unique case of sphenoidal mucormycosis in an otherwise healthy individual, and the first patient to present with headache as the only symptom. We emphasize the importance of a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and prompt management.

[Peritoneal pseudomyxoma secondary to mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix]. / Seudomixoma peritoneal secundario a cistadenocarcinoma mucinoso del apéndice.

A new case is presented of peritoneal pseudomyxoma secondary to a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix discovered in the course of repair of a strangulated umbilical hernia. This is an uncommon entity which is only exceptionally diagnosed before operation and has a controversial treatment. The evolution and prognosis are unpredictable and are directly related to the degree of cellular differentiation.