Outflows from the youngest stars are mostly molecular.

The formation of stars and planets is accompanied not only by the build-up of matter, namely accretion, but also by its expulsion in the form of highly supersonic jets that can stretch for several parsecs1,2. As accretion and jet activity are correlated and because young stars acquire most of their mass rapidly early on, the most powerful jets are associated with the youngest protostars3. This period, however, coincides with the time when the protostar and its surroundings are hidden behind many magnitudes of visual extinction. Millimetre interferometers can probe this stage but only for the coolest components3. No information is provided on the hottest (greater than 1,000 K) constituents of the jet, that is, the atomic, ionized and high-temperature molecular gases that are thought to make up the jet's backbone. Detecting such a spine relies on observing in the infrared that can penetrate through the shroud of dust. Here we report near-infrared observations of Herbig-Haro 211 from the James Webb Space Telescope, an outflow from an analogue of our Sun when it was, at most, a few times 104 years old. These observations reveal copious emission from hot molecules, explaining the origin of the 'green fuzzies'4-7 discovered nearly two decades ago by the Spitzer Space Telescope8. This outflow is found to be propagating slowly in comparison to its more evolved counterparts and, surprisingly, almost no trace of atomic or ionized emission is seen, suggesting its spine is almost purely molecular.

The diverse chemistry of protoplanetary disks as revealed by JWST.

Early results from the James Webb Space Telescope-Mid-InfraRed Instrument (JWST-MIRI) guaranteed time programs on protostars (JOYS) and disks (MINDS) are presented. Thanks to the increased sensitivity, spectral and spatial resolution of the MIRI spectrometer, the chemical inventory of the planet-forming zones in disks can be investigated with unprecedented detail across stellar mass range and age. Here, data are presented for five disks, four around low-mass stars and one around a very young high-mass star. The mid-infrared spectra show some similarities but also significant diversity: some sources are rich in CO2, others in H2O or C2H2. In one disk around a very low-mass star, booming C2H2 emission provides evidence for a "soot" line at which carbon grains are eroded and sublimated, leading to a rich hydrocarbon chemistry in which even di-acetylene (C4H2) and benzene (C6H6) are detected. Together the data point to an active inner disk gas-phase chemistry that is closely linked to the physical structure (temperature, snowlines, presence of cavities and dust traps) of the entire disk and which may result in varying CO2/H2O abundances and high C/O ratios >1 in some cases. Ultimately, this diversity in disk chemistry will also be reflected in the diversity of the chemical composition of exoplanets.

Calidad de vida en demencia Alzheimer: un nuevo desafío / Quality of life in Alzheimer's dementia: a new challenge

Resumen El progresivo envejecimiento de la población mundial se encuentra directamente asociado al aumento de las patologías neurodegenerativas. Dentro de estas, la Enfermedad de Alzheimer es el tipo de demencia de mayor prevalencia a nivel mundial y se asocia a un mayor deterioro de la calidad de vida, no solo en los pacientes, sino que también en sus cuidadores y entorno familiar. Frente a este escenario, durante los últimos años ha adquirido especial importancia el evaluar la calidad de vida en pacientes con demencia Alzheimer, siendo un aspecto de creciente interés en el ámbito clínico y de la salud pública al ser considerado como un indicador en la medición de la efectividad de los distintos tipos de intervenciones, farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, sobre la enfermedad y su evolución. El conocer el concepto calidad de vida por parte de los equipos de salud y la evaluación clínica de esta en pacientes con demencia Alzheimer se ha vuelto un pilar fundamental tanto en el manejo, como en el uso de la información para la toma de decisiones en relación a políticas públicas relacionadas a pacientes con demencia. En este trabajo se abordará la temática desde tres ámbitos, la importancia de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la calidad de vida a lo largo de los años, y como ésta puede ser utilizada en el manejo de patologías neurodegenerativas como la demencia.

The progressive aging of the world population is directly associated with the increase in neurodegenerative pathologies. Among these, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent type of dementia worldwide which is associated with a greater deterioration in the quality of life, not only in patients but also in their caregivers and family environment. In this context, during the last years has become important to evaluate the quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's dementia to be an area of growing interest in clinical and public health because it is considered as an indicator in effectiveness measurement of the different types of interventions, pharmacological and non-pharmacological, on the disease and its evolution. Heath teams know the concept of quality of life and its clinical evaluation in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and it has become fundamental support for both management and the use of information for decision-making in the field of public policies related to patients with dementia. In this viewpoint the theme will be addressed from three areas, the importance of Alzheimer's disease, quality of life throughout history, and how it can be used in the management of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Factores asociados a respuesta favorable de tratamiento corticoidal en pacientes con polirradiculoneuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica / Variables associated with a good response to steroids in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Background: The treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is based on corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. In our Health System, corticosteroids are commonly used as first line therapy for economic reasons and accessibility. However, the factors associated with a good response are not well known. Aim: To assess the association of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables with a favorable response to corticosteroid therapy in patients with CIDP. Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of 33 patients with a diagnosis of typical, definitive or probable CIDP, treated with corticosteroids for at least six months. Results: Twenty-three patients had a good clinical response to corticosteroid treatment and 10 were non-responders. The variables significantly associated with a good response to steroids were a disease lasting less than 1 year prior to the start of treatment, the absence of axonal damage in electromyography a relapsing-recurrent course and a favorable response within two months of treatment. Conclusions: Most of these patients with CIDP had good response to corticosteroid therapy.

[Variables associated with a good response to steroids in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy]. / Factores asociados a respuesta favorable de tratamiento corticoidal en pacientes con polirradiculoneuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is based on corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. In our Health System, corticosteroids are commonly used as first line therapy for economic reasons and accessibility. However, the factors associated with a good response are not well known. AIM: To assess the association of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables with a favorable response to corticosteroid therapy in patients with CIDP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of 33 patients with a diagnosis of typical, definitive or probable CIDP, treated with corticosteroids for at least six months. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had a good clinical response to corticosteroid treatment and 10 were non-responders. The variables significantly associated with a good response to steroids were a disease lasting less than 1 year prior to the start of treatment, the absence of axonal damage in electromyography a relapsing-recurrent course and a favorable response within two months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most of these patients with CIDP had good response to corticosteroid therapy.

Increased xylose affinity of Hxt2 through gene shuffling of hexose transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

AIMS: Optimizing D-xylose transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential for efficient bioethanol production from cellulosic materials. We have used a gene shuffling approach of hexose (Hxt) transporters in order to increase the affinity for D-xylose. METHODS AND RESULTS: Various libraries were transformed to a hexose transporter deletion strain, and shuffled genes were selected via growth on low concentrations of D-xylose. This screening yielded two homologous fusion proteins (fusions 9,4 and 9,6), both consisting of the major central part of Hxt2 and various smaller parts of other Hxt proteins. Both chimeric proteins showed the same increase in D-xylose affinity (8·1 ± 3·0 mmol l-1 ) compared with Hxt2 (23·7 ± 2·1 mmol l-1 ). The increased D-xylose affinity could be related to the C terminus, more specifically to a cysteine to proline mutation at position 505 in Hxt2. CONCLUSIONS: The Hxt2C505P mutation increased the affinity for D-xylose for Hxt2, thus providing a way to increase D-xylose transport flux at low D-xylose concentration. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The gene shuffling protocol using the highly homologues hexose transporters family provides a powerful tool to enhance the D-xylose affinity of Hxt transporters in S. cerevisiae, thus providing a means to increase the D-xylose uptake flux at low D-xylose concentrations.

The winds from HL Tau.

Outflowing motions, whether a wind launched from the disc, a jet launched from the protostar, or the entrained molecular outflow, appear to be a ubiquitous feature of star formation. These outwards motions have a number of root causes, and how they manifest is intricately linked to their environment as well as the process of star formation itself. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Science Verification data of HL Tau, we investigate the high-velocity molecular gas being removed from the system as a result of the star formation process. We aim to place these motions in context with the optically detected jet, and the disc. With these high-resolution (∼1 arcsec) ALMA observations of CO (J=1-0), we quantify the outwards motions of the molecular gas. We find evidence for a bipolar outwards flow, with an opening angle, as measured in the redshifted lobe, starting off at 90°, and narrowing to 60° further from the disc, likely because of magnetic collimation. Its outwards velocity, corrected for inclination angle is of the order of 2.4 km s-1.

Intellectual functioning in relation to autism and ADHD symptomatology in children and adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS; velo-cardio-facial syndrome) is associated with an increased risk of various disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between intellectual functioning and severity of ASD and ADHD symptomatology in 22q11DS. METHOD: A sample of 102 individuals (62 females) with 22q11DS aged 9 to 18.5 years were assessed using age appropriate Wechsler scales of intelligence as well as psychological and psychiatric assessment to evaluate the presence of ASD and ADHD symptomatology. RESULTS: Intelligence profiles were characterised by lower scores on the factor perceptual organisation and higher scores on the factor processing speed, with on subtest level higher scores on digit span and lower scores on arithmetic and vocabulary as compared with the mean factor or subtest score respectively. No differences in intelligence profiles were found between subgroups with and without ASD and/or ADHD. Low scores on coding were associated with higher severity of ASD symptomatology, while lower scores on block design were associated with more severe ADHD symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: On several sub-domains of intelligence, poorer performance was associated with higher severity of ASD and ADHD symptomatology. The impact of developmental disorders in 22q11DS can be traced in specific domains of intellectual functioning as well as in severity of symptomatology.

[Doege-Potter syndrome: hypoglycemia secondary to solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. Report of one case]. / Síndrome de Doege-Potter: hipoglicemia secundaria a tumor fibroso solitario de la pleura.

Doege-Potter syndrome is characterized for hypoglycemia associated with solitary pleural fibrous tumors. We report a 38-year-old woman with a history of weight loss, malaise and edema. After an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia, she was admitted to the hospital, where she had new episodes of hypoglycemia. A Chest X ray and scan showed a right pleural tumor that was surgically excised. After surgery the episodes of hypoglycemia subsided. The pathological study of the tumor revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. After 15 months of follow up, the patient is symptom free and without evidence of tumor relapse.

Síndrome de Doege-Potter: hipoglicemia secundaria a tumor fibroso solitario de la pleura / Doege-Potter syndrome: hypoglycemia secondary to solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. Report of one case

Doege-Potter syndrome is characterized for hypoglycemia associated with solitary pleural fibrous tumors. We report a 38-year-old woman with a history of weight loss, malaise and edema. After an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia, she was admitted to the hospital, where she had new episodes of hypoglycemia. A Chest X ray and scan showed a right pleural tumor that was surgically excised. After surgery the episodes of hypoglycemia subsided. The pathological study of the tumor revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. After 15 months of follow up, the patient is symptom free and without evidence of tumor relapse.

Tumor adenomatoide urológico: presentación clínico-patológica de 14 casos / Urologic adenomatoid tumor: clinico pathological presentation of 14 cases

El Tumor Adenomatoide es la neoplasia paratesticular más frecuente y localizada principalmente en el epidídimo. Material y método: Se presenta una serie clínico-patológica de 14 tumores adenomatoides urológicos diagnosticados entre 1975-2011. Resultados: La edad media de presentación fue de 46 años (rango 32-67 años). La mayoría de los casos se presentó como un nódulo firme indoloro en el epidídimo. No hubo casos de localización intratesticular. Se realizó tumorectomía en 13 casos y además orquiectomía en uno. Los tumores midieron una media de 1.9 cm (rango 0.3-5 cm) y macroscópicamente fueron sólidos, blanquecinos y bien delimitados. A la histología estaban formados por estructuras adenomatoides irregulares rodeadas por tejido fibroso. La inmunotinción para Queratina y Calretinina fueron positivas, lo que apoya el origen mesotelial del tumor. El curso clínico fue benigno en todos los casos, sin presentar recurrencias. Conclusión: Corresponde a una neoplasia benigna urogenital rara de origen mesotelial y que compromete con frecuencia el epidídimo. Se presentaron en hombres de edad media y que en la mayoría fueron tratados con tumorectomía, mostrando un curso clínico benigno...

Adenomatoid Tumor is the most frequent paratesticular neoplasia and it is located mainly in the epididymis. Material and methods: A series of 14 cases of Urological Adenomatoid Tumor diagnosed between 1975 - 2011 is presented. Results: Average age at presentation was 46 years (range 32-67 years). The majority of the cases were presented as a painless and firm nodule in the epididymis. No cases involving the testicular parenchyma were seen. The tumors measured an average of 1.9 cm (range 0.3 - 5 cm) and grossly all cases were solid, whitish and fair/y well demarcated. The histology revealed adenomatoid structures surrounded by fibrous tissue. The immunostains were positive for keratin and calretinin which support‘ the mesothelialial origin of the tumor. All cases showed a benign clinical course and no relapses were found. Conclusion: Correspond to a rare benign urogenital/neoplasia that frequently involves the epidermis. They were presented in middle age men and in the majority of the cases were treated by lumpectomy, showing a bening clinical course...

Leiomioma benigno metastizante: caso clínico con nodulos pulmonares e histerectomía 4 años antes por leiomiomas uterinos / Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma

Se presenta un caso de leiomioma pulmonar metastizante en una mujer de 48 años. El estudio histológico reveló múltiples nódulos pulmonares de musculatura lisa de aspecto benigno. El seguimiento a 8 años mostró una paciente en buenas condiciones generales sin síntomas respiratorios. La historia clínica reveló antecedentes de histerectomía cuatro años antes debido a múltiples leiomiomas. Se hace una revisión clínico patológica de los tumores musculares lisos uterinos en sus formas clásicas y en sus presentaciones inusuales.

A case of pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma in a 48 years old female is presented. The histological study showed pulmonary nodules formed by smooth muscle cell of benign appearance. The 8 years follow up revealed a patient in a good fashion without respiratory symptoms. There was a 4 years history of previous hysterectomy due to multiple uterine leiomyomas. A clinico pathological review of the classical and unusual forms of smooth muscle tumors of the uterus is also presented.

Tumor de células de la granulosa ovárico con metástasis pulmonares 26 años después / Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary with late (26-year) lung metastasis

Antecedentes: El tumor de células de la granulosa (TCG) ovárico es considerado una neoplasia de la cuerda sexual, de baja frecuencia, en su mayoría debuta en etapas tempranas, con patrón de crecimiento lento y puede presentar metástasis tardías. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico de metástasis pulmonares de TCG ovárico 26 años después del diagnóstico. Caso clínico: Mujer de 70 años, con antecedentes de TCG ovárico diagnosticado en 1976, tratado con histerectomía, salpingooforectomía bilateral y quimioterapia triasociada. En buenas condiciones generales hasta el 2002, detectándose múltiples nodulos tumorales pulmonares bilaterales correspondientes a metástasis de TCG. Recibió quimioterapia con platino y etopó-sido. Actualmente la paciente se encuentra viva, con enfermedad tumoral pulmonar de lento crecimiento. Conclusión: A lo mejor de nuestro conocimiento, se trata del tercer caso a nivel mundial de un TCG ovárico con metástasis pulmonares tardías, 26 años posdiagnóstico del tumor primario. Se señala el curso clínico de lenta evolución de esta neoplasia y la relevancia de los controles a largo plazo incluyendo niveles de estradiol o inhibina.

Background: Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary (GCT) of the ovary is a sex cord related tumor. It is a low frequency neoplasm with low clinical progression but it may show late metastases. Objective: To present a 70 year old female with a GCT of the ovary with multiple pulmonary metastases after 26 years from the initial diagnosis of the primary tumor. Clinic case: The patient had an ovarian GCT diagnosed by histology in 1976 and underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophorectomy and chemotherapy. The clinical course was satisfactory until 2002 when she presented with respiratory symptoms and images showing multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules that were histologically confirmed to be GCT metastases. The patient underwent chemotherapy with platinum and ethoposide. Actually the patient is alive with metastatic disease. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case in medical literature of a GCT of the ovary with late pulmonary metastases 26 years after the initial diagnosis. This case illustrates the protracted clinical course of the neoplasm and the importance of the long term follow up including levels of estradiol and inhibin.

Behavioral problems in relation to intelligence in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a matched control study.

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder associated with palatal abnormalities, cardiac defects, a characteristic facial appearance, learning difficulties, and delays in speech and language development. Various behavioral disorders and psychiatric illnesses have also been reported. There is much debate as to whether the behavioral problems are caused by factors such as medical discomfort, facial abnormalities or a lower intelligence, or whether they are independently related to the genetic abnormality ("behavioral phenotype"). We examined the relationship between intelligence level and behavioral problems. A group of 69 children with 22q11DS was compared with 69 children with craniofacial anomalies (CFA) using the child behavior checklist (CBCL). The matches between individual children were based on their total IQ scores. Use of the CBCL norm scores covered the corrections for age and sex. The group of 22q11DS children showed significantly more behavioral problems than the CFA group: this was especially apparent on the CBCL subscales "withdrawn," "anxious/depressed," "delinquent behavior," "aggressive behavior," "somatic complaints," and "social problems." We found no correlation between IQ score and behavioral problems in the 22q11DS group, which was remarkable because, comparable with the general population, intellectual disabilities were a predictor of behavioral problems in the CFA group. 22q11DS children with relatively higher IQs showed more problems of an internalizing than an externalizing nature, whereas the 22q11DS children with lower IQs showed various behavioral problems. The absence of a statistically significant correlation between intelligence and behavior problems in the group of 22q11DS children is tentative evidence for a 22q11DS behavioral phenotype.

Aneurisma cirsoideo yeyunal como causa de hemorragia digestiva baja exanguinante / Jejunal cirsoid aneurysm as a cause of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding: report of one case

El aneurisma cirsoideo o lesión de Dieulafoy es una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva. Corresponde a una malformación vascular que puede presentarse en cualquier zona del tubo digestivo, su localización más frecuente es en el estómago proximal, siendo excepcional en el intestino delgado. Se puede manifestar clínicamente como una hemorragia digestiva masiva o exanguinante. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico de una paciente de género femenino, 19 años, que debuta con una hemorragia digestiva baja exanguinante. Se realizó manejo del shock hipovolémico y angiografía de urgencia que demostró origen del sangrado en yeyuno proximal. Se realizó laparotomía de urgencia, se localizó la lesión y se realizó resección intestinal mínima del yeyuno proximal. A la macroscopia se sospechó aneurisma cirsoideo, que se confirmó con el estudio histopatológico. La paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente y en el seguimiento alejado no presentó complicaciones. Se presenta caso clínico por tratarse de una etiología extremadamente infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva baja exanguinante y por la localización excepcional de la lesión.

Displasia mesenquimática placentaria / Placental mesenchymal dysplasia

Reportamos el primer caso en Chile de displasia mesenquimática placentaria que coexistió con un feto sano y cuyo curso clínico demostró un exitoso resultado perinatal. Se revisa la literatura y se definen las claves del diagnóstico diferencial.

Correlación citohistológica de lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de cuello uterino, en la Unidad de Patología Cervical del Hospital Naval de Talcahuano / Cytohistological correlation of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions, in the Cervical Pathology Unit of the Talcahuano Naval Hospital

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad del laboratorio de citología cervical para LIE de bajo y alto grado del Hospital Naval de Talcahuano a través de la correlación citohistológica. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico. Se revisaron 422 historias clínicas de pacientes ingresadas a la Unidad de Patología Cervical (UPC) del Hospital Naval de Talcahuano, en el período 1994-2004. En 204 casos hubo citología positiva para LIE, 83,3 por ciento tenían una biopsia bajo visión colposcópica, y 75 por ciento tenían una biopsia por escisión con asa electroquirúrgica. Como clasificación diagnóstica se empleó el sistema Bethesda. Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa entre la media de edad en las pacientes que presentaban LIE de bajo y alto grado, tanto para el grupo con biopsia bajo visión colposcópica como para el grupo con biopsia con asa electroquirúrgica. En el grupo con biopsia bajo visión colposcópica hubo coincidencia citohistológica en 67,1 por ciento para LIE bajo grado, y 67,1 por ciento para LIE alto grado. En el grupo con biopsia con asa electroquirúrgica hubo coincidencia citohistológica en 59,7 por ciento para LIE bajo grado, y 73,7 por ciento para LIE alto grado. Existe correlación entre citología para LIE e histopatología tanto de biopsia bajo visión colposcópica, como por escisión con asa electroquirúrgica (p<0,001). Discusión: El promedio de edad de los pacientes que portaban un LIE bajo grado en ambos grupos de estudio fue superior a las series nacionales e internacionales. En la UPC del Hospital Naval (T) el screening citológico es confiable para LIE de bajo y alto grado.

Secuestro pulmonar: 8 casos / Bronchopulmonary sequestration: 8 cases

Introducción: El secuestro pulmonar, malformación congénita caracterizada por tejido pulmonar embrionario quístico no funcionantecon vascularización de una arteria sistémica anómala, es poco conocido por su baja incidencia. Se clasifican en intralobares (75 por ciento) y extralobares (25 por ciento). Son frecuentes a izquierda y en lóbulos inferiores (60 por ciento- 90 por ciento). La mayoría presenta neumopatías inflamatorias repetidas en un mismo lugar. Objetivo: Describir características de secuestros pulmonares operados. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo. Período enero 1988 - junio 2003. La información se obtuvo de fichas clínicas y registro de biopsias. Se describen edad, sexo, características clínicas, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento quirúrgico, evolución y hallazgos anatomopatológicos. Resultados: Total 8 pacientes, 6 mujeres y 2 hombres. Edad promedio 22 años, rango: 2-63, mediana: 14. La presentación fue procesos infecciosos en 5 casos, desgarro hemoptoico en 1 y 2 pacientes asintomáticos. Los síntomas y signos son inespecíficos. Uno presento otra malformación congénita. La radiografía y la tomografía axial computada presentaron imágenes inespecíficas. En 1 caso se realizó aortografía. Se planteó diagnóstico preoperatorio en 3 pacientes. el pulmón y los lóbulos más afectados fueron derechos e inferiores respectivamente. el intralobar fue más frecuente en 7 casos. Se realizó lobectomía con identificación del vaso sistémico, que se originó en aorta torácica con más frecuencia y fue único en todos. No hubo morbimortalidad. En el seguimiento están todos asintomáticos. Conclusión y Discusión: Los secuestros pulmonares son infrecuentes, se presentan generalmente en jóvenes como neumopatías inflamatorias a repetición y tienen excelente pronóstico postoperatorio.

Tumores gástricos de estirpe muscular / Gastric smooth muscle tumors

Los tumores musculares del tracto gastrointestinal no son frecuentes y pueden presentarse desde el esófago hasta el recto, siendo el estómago el que presenta mayor incidencia. Se presentan 23 pacientes con tumores musculares del estómago intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción entre los años 1983 y 2001. Doce de estos pacientes eran hombres y 11 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 58 años, rango de 24 a 80. En 7 casos el tumor estaba localizado en el tercio superior (30,4 por ciento), 11 en el cuerpo gástrico (47,8 por ciento) y 5 en la región antral (21,8 por ciento). De estos tumores, 15 correspondían a leiomiomas (65,2 por ciento) y 8 a leiomiosarcomas (34,8 por ciento). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la hemorragia digestiva (52,2 por ciento) y el dolor epigástrico (30,4 por ciento). En 7 pacientes (30,4 por ciento) el diagnóstico fue un hallazgo operatorio. Se practicó gastrectomía total en 5 pacientes, gastrectomía subtotal en 9, gastrectomía segmentaria en 5 tumorectomía en tumores subserosos en 4 pacientes. Trece pacientes (86,7 por ciento) con leiomiomas gástricos sobreviven libres de enfermedad entre 3 y 16 años de la intervención. Cuatro pacientes con leiomiosarcomas entre 7 y 22 cm de diámetro fallecieron entre 7 y 48 meses de la cirugía (media 26 meses). Los otros 4 pacientes con tumores entre 5 y 14 cm se encuentran vivos y libres de enfermedad entre 18 meses y 13 años de cirugía. Aunque el pronóstico de estos tumores a veces es incierto el tamaño tumoral y la actividad mitótica son los parámetros más importantes como índices pronósticos. La cirugía resectiva del tumor es el único tratamiento efectivo.