Evaluación de nódulos pulmonares mediante el sistema Lung-RADS / Assessment and Follow-up of Pulmonary Nodules in Lung-RADS System

El cáncer de pulmón es la causa de muertes por cáncer por año más importante en Argentina. Según el Instituto Nacional de Cáncer fue responsable en 2019 de 10.662 muertes, lo que significa el 16% de las muertes por esa enfermedad en ambos sexos y el 19,2% del total de varones1-3. En el año 2018, 234.000 personas en Estados Unidos fueron diagnosticadas de cáncer de pulmón y ese mismo año 154.000 murieron a causa de dicho cáncer. La gran mayoría, 85% de los cánceres eran cáncer de pulmón no a células pequeñas, 10 a 15% eran a células pequeñas y menos del 5% eran tumores carcinoides de pulmón

Collaborative registry of pulmonary hypertension in Argentina (RECOPILAR). Final analysis / Registro colaborativo de hipertensión pulmonar en Argentina (RECOPILAR): análisis final

Abstract The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has not been evaluated in our country, therefore there is no reference parameter to establishing the representativeness of this information in the national order. This registry represents the first collaborative effort to provide a knowledge base of this disease, including 5 scientific societies that represent different specialties (pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology and cardiology) with data from 23 Argentine provinces. These efforts involved five societies of various adult (cardiology, rheumatology, and pulmonology) and pediatric (cardiology) specialties. Subjects were grouped (1-5) in accord with the 2013 Nice classification. A total of 627 patients (mean age, 50.8±18 years; women, 69.2%) were recruited. Incident cases accounted for 53%. Functional class III-IV accounted for 69% at time of diagnosis and 33.4% at time of inclusion. Distributions in groups 1-5 were 63.6%, 15.9%, 8.3%, 9.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Treatment consisted of diuretics (51.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (44.7%), digoxin (16.6%), anticoagulants (39.2%), renin-angiotensin antagonists (15.5%), beta blockers (15.6%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Rates of specific therapies usage in PAH vs. non-PAH group were 80.5% vs. 40.8% (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: 71% vs. 38.6%; endothelin receptor antagonists: 54.4% vs. 14.5%; prostanoids: 14.3 vs. 3.1%; all p < 0.001). Three-year survival in PAH and non-PAH differed significantly (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). In the Argentine RECOPILAR registry, the clinic-epidemiologic profile was that of advanced-stage disease. Diagnostic workups and therapeutics interventions, including use of specific therapy for PAH, were consistent with current recommendations. Despite delays in diagnosis, survival was aligned with other contemporary registries.

Resumen La epidemiología de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), especialmente la arterial (HAP), no ha sido evaluada en nuestro país, por lo cual no existe un parámetro de referencia para establecer la representatividad de esta información en el orden nacional. El presente registro representa el primer esfuerzo colaborativo para una base de conocimiento de esta enfermedad, incluyendo 5 sociedades científicas que representan a distintas especiali dades médicas (pediatría, reumatología, neumonología y cardiología) con datos de 23 provincias argentinas. Los sujetos se agruparon (1-5) de acuerdo con la clasificación de Niza de 2013. El seguimiento se completó en 583 pacientes (93%) un año después del final de la inscripción. Se incluyeron 627 pacientes (edad media, 50.8 ± 18 años; mujeres, 69.2%). Los casos incidentes representaron el 53%. La clase funcional III-IV representaba 69% en el momento del diagnóstico y 33.4% en el momento de la inclusión. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron disnea (81.8%), fatiga (54.1%), síncope (10.8%), dolor torácico (14.7%), palpitaciones (20.9%) e insuficiencia cardíaca (20.4%). Las tasas de uso de terapias específicas en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) frente al grupo sin HAP fueron del 80.5% frente al 40.8%. La supervivencia a tres años en los subconjuntos de HAP y no HAP difirió significativamente (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). En el registro RECOPILAR argentino, que aborda principalmente la HAP, el perfil clínico-epidemiológico fue el d e una enfermedad en estadios avanzados. El diag nóstico y las intervenciones terapéuticas, incluido el uso de terapia específica para la HAP, fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones actuales.

Collaborative registry of pulmonary hypertension in Argentina (RECOPILAR). Final analysis.

The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has not been evaluated in our country, therefore there is no reference parameter to establishing the representativeness of this information in the national order. This registry represents the first collaborative effort to provide a knowledge base of this disease, including 5 scientific societies that represent different specialties (pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology and cardiology) with data from 23 Argentine provinces. These efforts involved five societies of various adult (cardiology, rheumatology, and pulmonology) and pediatric (cardiology) specialties. Subjects were grouped (1-5) in accord with the 2013 Nice classification. A total of 627 patients (mean age, 50.8 ± 18 years; women, 69.2%) were recruited. Incident cases accounted for 53%. Functional class III-IV accounted for 69% at time of diagnosis and 33.4% at time of inclusion. Distributions in groups 1-5 were 63.6%, 15.9%, 8.3%, 9.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Treatment consisted of diuretics (51.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (44.7%), digoxin (16.6%), anticoagulants (39.2%), renin-angiotensin antagonists (15.5%), beta blockers (15.6%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Rates of specific therapies usage in PAH vs. non-PAH group were 80.5% vs. 40.8% (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: 71% vs. 38.6%; endothelin receptor antagonists: 54.4% vs. 14.5%; prostanoids: 14.3 vs. 3.1%; all p < 0.001). Three-year survival in PAH and non-PAH differed significantly (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). In the Argentine RECOPILAR registry, the clinic-epidemiologic profile was that of advanced-stage disease. Diagnostic workups and therapeutics interventions, including use of specific therapy for PAH, were consistent with current recommendations. Despite delays in diagnosis, survival was aligned with other contemporary registries.

La epidemiología de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), especialmente la arterial (HAP), no ha sido evaluada en nuestro país, por lo cual no existe un parámetro de referencia para establecer la representatividad de esta información en el orden nacional. El presente registro representa el primer esfuerzo colaborativo para una base de conocimiento de esta enfermedad, incluyendo 5 sociedades científicas que representan a distintas especialidades médicas (pediatría, reumatología, neumonología y cardiología) con datos de 23 provincias argentinas. Los sujetos se agruparon (1-5) de acuerdo con la clasificación de Niza de 2013. El seguimiento se completó en 583 pacientes (93%) un año después del final de la inscripción. Se incluyeron 627 pacientes (edad media, 50.8 ± 18 años; mujeres, 69.2%). Los casos incidentes representaron el 53%. La clase funcional III-IV representaba 69% en el momento del diagnóstico y 33.4% en el momento de la inclusión. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron disnea (81.8%), fatiga (54.1%), síncope (10.8%), dolor torácico (14.7%), palpitaciones (20.9%) e insuficiencia cardíaca (20.4%). Las tasas de uso de terapias específicas en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) frente al grupo sin HAP fueron del 80.5% frente al 40.8%. La supervivencia a tres años en los subconjuntos de HAP y no HAP difirió significativamente (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). En el registro RECOPILAR argentino, que aborda principalmente la HAP, el perfil clínico-epidemiológico fue el d e una enfermedad en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y las intervenciones terapéuticas, incluido el uso de terapia específica para la HAP, fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones actuales.

[Venous thromboembolism prevention in non-surgical adult patients admitted in a general hospital]. / Tromboprofilaxis en pacientes no quirúrgicos internados en un hospital general.

Adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical condition, usually have a high risk of venous thromboembolism and may develop some form of this disease when they do not receive appropriate preventive treatment. The objectives of this prospective, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study were: 1) to determine what percentage of adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical acute condition at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, had indication for preventive thromboprophylaxis, 2) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism, 3) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism without having reasons to justify the treatment. The study was performed on 93 patients for 72 consecutive hours. It resulted in 90.3% in need of preventive treatment for venous thromboembolism and 76.2% of these patients had received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. A 33.3% of the studied patients had received preventive pharmacological treatment without having a proper indication. In this study, the percentage of patients treated is higher than in those reported in other published observational studies.

Tromboprofilaxis en pacientes no quirúrgicos internados en un hospital general / Venous thromboembolism prevention in non-surgical adult patients admitted in a general hospital

Los pacientes adultos internados por una enfermedad no quirúrgica tienen un riesgo alto de padecer una tromboembolia venosa y pueden desarrollar alguna forma de esta enfermedad cuando no reciben un tratamiento preventivo adecuado. Los objetivos de este estudio prospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal, fueron: 1) determinar cuál es el porcentaje de pacientes adultos internados por una enfermedad aguda no quirúrgica en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, que tienen indicación de tromboprofilaxis, 2) establecer cuántos de ellos reciben un tratamiento preventivo para la tromboembolia venosa, y 3) comprobar cuántos estaban medicados con alguna forma de tromboprofilaxis sin tener causas que justificaran este tratamiento. Se estudiaron 93 pacientes durante un lapso de 72 horas consecutivas. Se encontró que el 90.3% de ellos necesitaba un tratamiento preventivo para la tromboembolia venosa y el 76.2% de estos enfermos recibían tromboprofilaxis farmacológica. Un 33.3% de los pacientes internados tenía indicado un tratamiento farmacológico preventivo sin tener una causa que justificara esta prescripción. El porcentaje encontrado de pacientes tratados con tromboprofilaxis es más alto que el comunicado en otros estudios observacionales.

Adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical condition, usually have a high risk of venous thromboembolism and may develop some form of this disease when they do not receive appropriate preventive treatment. The objectives of this prospective, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study were: 1) to determine what percentage of adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical acute condition at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, had indication for preventive thromboprophylaxis, 2) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism, 3) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism without having reasons to justify the treatment. The study was performed on 93 patients for 72 consecutive hours. It resulted in 90.3% in need of preventive treatment for venous thromboembolism and 76.2% of these patients had received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. A 33.3% of the studied patients had received preventive pharmacological treatment without having a proper indication. In this study, the percentage of patients treated is higher than in those reported in other published observational studies.

Tromboprofilaxis en pacientes no quirúrgicos internados en un hospital general / Venous thromboembolism prevention in non-surgical adult patients admitted in a general hospital

Los pacientes adultos internados por una enfermedad no quirúrgica tienen un riesgo alto de padecer una tromboembolia venosa y pueden desarrollar alguna forma de esta enfermedad cuando no reciben un tratamiento preventivo adecuado. Los objetivos de este estudio prospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal, fueron: 1) determinar cuál es el porcentaje de pacientes adultos internados por una enfermedad aguda no quirúrgica en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, que tienen indicación de tromboprofilaxis, 2) establecer cuántos de ellos reciben un tratamiento preventivo para la tromboembolia venosa, y 3) comprobar cuántos estaban medicados con alguna forma de tromboprofilaxis sin tener causas que justificaran este tratamiento. Se estudiaron 93 pacientes durante un lapso de 72 horas consecutivas. Se encontró que el 90.3% de ellos necesitaba un tratamiento preventivo para la tromboembolia venosa y el 76.2% de estos enfermos recibían tromboprofilaxis farmacológica. Un 33.3% de los pacientes internados tenía indicado un tratamiento farmacológico preventivo sin tener una causa que justificara esta prescripción. El porcentaje encontrado de pacientes tratados con tromboprofilaxis es más alto que el comunicado en otros estudios observacionales.(AU)

Adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical condition, usually have a high risk of venous thromboembolism and may develop some form of this disease when they do not receive appropriate preventive treatment. The objectives of this prospective, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study were: 1) to determine what percentage of adult patients hospitalized for a non-surgical acute condition at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, had indication for preventive thromboprophylaxis, 2) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism, 3) to establish how many of them had been prescribed a preventive treatment of venous thromboembolism without having reasons to justify the treatment. The study was performed on 93 patients for 72 consecutive hours. It resulted in 90.3% in need of preventive treatment for venous thromboembolism and 76.2% of these patients had received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. A 33.3% of the studied patients had received preventive pharmacological treatment without having a proper indication. In this study, the percentage of patients treated is higher than in those reported in other published observational studies.(AU)

Inflammatory mediators in exhaled breath condensate of healthy donors and exacerbated COPD patients.

Samples of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) provide a convenient and non-invasive method to study inflammation in lung diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the inflammatory protein mediator levels in EBC from healthy donors (HD) and from patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using an EBC collection device with and without a coating of albumin as a carrier. We studied 13 HD and 26 patients with exacerbation of COPD. The concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IFNγ and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in EBC were measured by immunoassays. The EBC samples from HD and COPD patients showed higher concentrations of MPO when samples were recovered with an albumin-coated device. Furthermore, levels of MPO in COPD patients were significantly higher than in HD. An inverse correlation was observed between MPO and spirometric parameters (FVC and FEV1). Almost all samples collected with the albumin-coated device showed higher amounts of IFNγ and SLPI than those collected with the uncoated device. The levels of SLPI in COPD patients were significantly higher than in HD. A direct correlation was observed between FVC% predicted and SLPI. We concluded that coating the collection device with albumin increased the sensitivity of the technique, at least for measurements of MPO, SLPI and IFNγ. Furthermore, the higher levels of MPO and SLPI and lower levels of IFNγ in EBC from COPD patients could reflect the immunological status and the response of lung parenchyma to treatment during the exacerbation of the illness.

[Update in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension]. / Actualización en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hipertensión pulmonar.

The term pulmonary hypertension includes a heterogeneous group of disorders which produce an obstructive remodeling of the lung vessels characterized by a steady rise in pulmonary arterial pressure. The ensuing morbidity and mortality of this disease result from the failure of the right ventricle to compensate this increase in the after-load. The conditions to achieve an optimum treatment of pulmonary hypertension patients are: a clinical presumption and early diagnosis, an adequate stratification based on the underlying causes and the different vascular territories involved, the response to therapy and the degree of severity, the selection of the different therapeutic alternatives and their timely indication. These recommendations are aimed at the general practitioner and their objective is to facilitate the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension patients, representing a major change in the prognosis. Moreover, as the diagnostic evaluation requires complementary tests that are not usually available in all medical centers, they can also be used as the basis to request a timely referral to institutions with the adequate complexity.

[Frequency and incidence of venous thromboembolism in a general hospital]. / Frecuencia e incidencia de la tromboembolia venosa en un hospital general.

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in an Argentine universitary hospital. We used a longitudinal, retrospective, observational design. Participants were all over-16 year patients who were discharged or died in clinical, obstetrical and surgical units in the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín during a 24 month period between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2003, with a diagnosis on release of VTE. VTE frequency reached 0.92% and incidence was 0.40%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.37 to 0.42%. Incidence was highest in the 9th decade of life (0.80%; 95% CI: 0.78% to 0.82%). Only 31% of patients who developed VTE during hospitalization had received thromboprophylaxis. Total in-hospital mortality of VTE patients was 19%.

Frecuencia e incidencia de la tromboembolia venosa en un hospital general. / [Frequency and incidence of venous thromboembolism in a general hospital]

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in an Argentine universitary hospital. We used a longitudinal, retrospective, observational design. Participants were all over-16 year patients who were discharged or died in clinical, obstetrical and surgical units in the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín during a 24 month period between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2003, with a diagnosis on release of VTE. VTE frequency reached 0.92

and incidence was 0.40

; 95

confidence interval (95

CI): 0.37 to 0.42

. Incidence was highest in the 9th decade of life (0.80

; 95

CI: 0.78

to 0.82

). Only 31

of patients who developed VTE during hospitalization had received thromboprophylaxis. Total in-hospital mortality of VTE patients was 19

.

[Updated Argentine consensus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Nuevo consenso Argentino de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

Due to the increase in morbidity and mortality from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a group of chest physicians updates the basic knowledge on COPD since the last Consensus in 1994 in order to prepare guidelines for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The authors review the definition of COPD together with the most recent information on its pathophysiology. The clinical presentation is summarized together with functional evaluation and imaging. Early diagnosis by means of functional testing (i.e., spirometry) is stressed, emphasizing smoking cessation as the only measure that has been shown to alter the outcome of the disease. Smoking cessation strategies are described as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. In the pharmacological section, the use of inhaled bronchodilators (anticholinergic, beta 2 adrenergic agonists or both) is considered the first option for treatment. Long acting bronchodilators improve patient compliance and treatment effectiveness. Inhaled corticosteroids are indicated for patients with severe airways obstruction and known response to corticosteroids. These agents can diminish the number of exacerbations. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended in all patients. In the non-pharmacological section, surgery for emphysema is suggested in particular cases. Rehabilitation, including exercise training, kinesitherapy and nutrition, is a useful tool for patients who are physically disabled. Long-term oxygen therapy at home improves survival in patients with severe chronic hypoxemia. Other therapeutic interventions such as non-invasive home ventilation have specific indications. Acute exacerbations must be aggressively treated with oxygen, corticosteroids, antibiotics, combination of bronchodilators, and eventually respiratory support. The role of public education of the patients and their families is essential in the prevention and treatment of the disease.

[Masquerade syndrome in a patient with a primary central nervous syndrome lymphoma]. / Síndrome de enmascaramiento en un paciente con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central.

We report the case of a 37-year-old, white male with a primary central nervous system lymphoma with multiple supra and infratentorial locations. The patient developed manifestations of intraocular inflammation secondary to the intracranial neoplasm (masquerade syndrome) and lymphocytopenia--with a low CD4 cell count--representing an immunodeficiency state which etiology was undiagnosed. The diagnosis of lymphoma was established by vitreous cytology. The patient died 10 months after the beginning of the symptoms.

Nuevo consenso argentino de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica / Update argentine consensus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Debido ai aumento de Ia morbi mortalidad de Ia enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), especialistas en medicina respiratoria actualizan los conocimientos básicos acerca de esta enfermedad desde el último Consenso Ilevado a cabo en 1994 para efectuar recomendaciones para su diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento. Los autores revisan Ia definición de EPOC, conjuntamente con los últimos conocimìentos de Ia fisiopatología de Ia enfermedad. Se resume Ia presentación clínica, diagnóstico por imágenes y evaluación funcional. Se enfatiza ia importancia dei diagnóstico precoz mediante Ia exploración funcional y Ia prevención a través de Ia cesación dei tabaquismo, única medida capaz de alterar Ia evolución. Se describen Ias estrategias para dejar de fumar, así como el tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico. En el primero, Ia administración de broncodilatadores inhalados anticolinérgicos, beta 2 agonistas adrenérgicos o ambos son Ia primera opción. Los broncodilatadores de acción prolongada mejoran Ia adherencia ai tratamiento y su efectìvidad. Los corticoides inhalados se indican en pacientes con marcada obstrucción ai flujo aéreo y respuesta conocida a corticoides. Su uso disminuye Ia frecuencia de Ias exacerbaciones. La vacunación antigripal anual está recomendada en todos los pacientes. Con respecto a Ias intervenciones no farmacológicas, Ia cirugía deienfisema se recomienda en especiales circunstancias. La rehabilitación que incluya ejercicios, kinesioterapia y nutrición, es una herramienta útil en pacientes con limitación en Ia actividad física habitual. La oxigenoterapia domiciliaria prolongada mejora Ia sobrevida de pacientes con hipoxemia crónica severa. Otras intervenciones terapéuticas como Ia ventilación no invasiva domiciliaria tienen indicación muy específica. Las exacerbaciones agudas deben ser tratadas agresivamente con oxigeno, corticoides, antibióticos, asociación de broncodilatadores, y eventualmente asistencia respiratoria. El rol de Ia educación pública, dei paciente y su familia, es fundamen tal en Ia prevención y tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Sindrome de enmascaramiento en un paciente con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central / Masquerade syndrome in a patient with a primary central nervous system lymphoma

Se describe el caso de un varón de 37 años con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central y con múltiples localizaciones supra e infratentoriales. El paciente presentaba manifestaciones de inflamación intraocular como expresión de su neoplasia intracraneana (síndrome de enmascaramiento) y linfocitopenia ûcon un recuento disminuido de CD4û como representación de una inmunodeficiencia cuya etiología no logramos identificar. El diagnóstico de linfoma se confirmó a través del estudio citológico del humor vítreo. El paciente falleció10 meses después del comienzo de los síntomas.

Nuevo consenso argentino de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica / Update argentine consensus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Debido ai aumento de Ia morbi mortalidad de Ia enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), especialistas en medicina respiratoria actualizan los conocimientos básicos acerca de esta enfermedad desde el último Consenso Ilevado a cabo en 1994 para efectuar recomendaciones para su diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento. Los autores revisan Ia definición de EPOC, conjuntamente con los últimos conocimýentos de Ia fisiopatología de Ia enfermedad. Se resume Ia presentación clínica, diagnóstico por imágenes y evaluación funcional. Se enfatiza ia importancia dei diagnóstico precoz mediante Ia exploración funcional y Ia prevención a través de Ia cesación dei tabaquismo, única medida capaz de alterar Ia evolución. Se describen Ias estrategias para dejar de fumar, así como el tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico. En el primero, Ia administración de broncodilatadores inhalados anticolinérgicos, beta 2 agonistas adrenérgicos o ambos son Ia primera opción. Los broncodilatadores de acción prolongada mejoran Ia adherencia ai tratamiento y su efectývidad. Los corticoides inhalados se indican en pacientes con marcada obstrucción ai flujo aéreo y respuesta conocida a corticoides. Su uso disminuye Ia frecuencia de Ias exacerbaciones. La vacunación antigripal anual está recomendada en todos los pacientes. Con respecto a Ias intervenciones no farmacológicas, Ia cirugía deienfisema se recomienda en especiales circunstancias. La rehabilitación que incluya ejercicios, kinesioterapia y nutrición, es una herramienta útil en pacientes con limitación en Ia actividad física habitual. La oxigenoterapia domiciliaria prolongada mejora Ia sobrevida de pacientes con hipoxemia crónica severa. Otras intervenciones terapéuticas como Ia ventilación no invasiva domiciliaria tienen indicación muy específica. Las exacerbaciones agudas deben ser tratadas agresivamente con oxigeno, corticoides, antibióticos, asociación de broncodilatadores, y eventualmente asistencia respiratoria. El rol de Ia educación pública, dei paciente y su familia, es fundamen tal en Ia prevención y tratamiento de esta enfermedad.(AU)

Sindrome de enmascaramiento en un paciente con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central / Masquerade syndrome in a patient with a primary central nervous system lymphoma

Se describe el caso de un varón de 37 años con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central y con múltiples localizaciones supra e infratentoriales. El paciente presentaba manifestaciones de inflamación intraocular como expresión de su neoplasia intracraneana (síndrome de enmascaramiento) y linfocitopenia ¹con un recuento disminuido de CD4¹ como representación de una inmunodeficiencia cuya etiología no logramos identificar. El diagnóstico de linfoma se confirmó a través del estudio citológico del humor vítreo. El paciente falleció10 meses después del comienzo de los síntomas.(AU)

Nuevo consenso Argentino de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. / [Updated Argentine consensus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Due to the increase in morbidity and mortality from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a group of chest physicians updates the basic knowledge on COPD since the last Consensus in 1994 in order to prepare guidelines for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The authors review the definition of COPD together with the most recent information on its pathophysiology. The clinical presentation is summarized together with functional evaluation and imaging. Early diagnosis by means of functional testing (i.e., spirometry) is stressed, emphasizing smoking cessation as the only measure that has been shown to alter the outcome of the disease. Smoking cessation strategies are described as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. In the pharmacological section, the use of inhaled bronchodilators (anticholinergic, beta 2 adrenergic agonists or both) is considered the first option for treatment. Long acting bronchodilators improve patient compliance and treatment effectiveness. Inhaled corticosteroids are indicated for patients with severe airways obstruction and known response to corticosteroids. These agents can diminish the number of exacerbations. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended in all patients. In the non-pharmacological section, surgery for emphysema is suggested in particular cases. Rehabilitation, including exercise training, kinesitherapy and nutrition, is a useful tool for patients who are physically disabled. Long-term oxygen therapy at home improves survival in patients with severe chronic hypoxemia. Other therapeutic interventions such as non-invasive home ventilation have specific indications. Acute exacerbations must be aggressively treated with oxygen, corticosteroids, antibiotics, combination of bronchodilators, and eventually respiratory support. The role of public education of the patients and their families is essential in the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Síndrome de enmascaramiento en un paciente con un linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central. / [Masquerade syndrome in a patient with a primary central nervous syndrome lymphoma]

We report the case of a 37-year-old, white male with a primary central nervous system lymphoma with multiple supra and infratentorial locations. The patient developed manifestations of intraocular inflammation secondary to the intracranial neoplasm (masquerade syndrome) and lymphocytopenia--with a low CD4 cell count--representing an immunodeficiency state which etiology was undiagnosed. The diagnosis of lymphoma was established by vitreous cytology. The patient died 10 months after the beginning of the symptoms.