Sex dimorphism of weight and length at birth: evidence based on disorders of sex development.

BACKGROUND: Males have higher weight and length at birth than females. AIM: To verify the influence of the Y chromosome and the action of intrauterine androgens on weight and length at birth of children with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study. Patients with Turner syndrome (TS), complete (XX and XY), mixed (45,X/46,XY) and partial (XY) gonadal dysgenesis (GD), complete (CAIS) and partial (PAIS) androgen insensitivity syndromes and XX and XY congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were included. Weight and length at birth were evaluated. RESULTS: Weight and length at birth were lower in TS and mixed GD when compared to XY and XX DSD cases. In turn, patients with increased androgen action (117 cases) had higher weight and length at birth when compared to those with absent (108 cases) and decreased (68 cases) production/action. In birthweight, there was a negative influence of the 45,X/46,XY karyotype and a positive influence of increased androgen and gestational age. In birth length, there was a negative influence of the 45,X and 45,X/46,XY karyotypes and also a positive influence of increased androgen and gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: The sex dimorphism of weight and length at birth could possibly be influenced by intrauterine androgenic action.

Retrasplante pulmonar. Experiencia de un centro de referencia / Lung retransplant. Experience of a referral centre

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: El retrasplante pulmonar (RTP) es un tratamiento válido en pacientes con disfunción pulmonar, pero con una elevada morbimortalidad. Nuestro objetivo es analizar nuestra experiencia en RTP en supervivencia y función pulmonar. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con RTP (1990-2019). VARIABLES: receptores y procedimiento, mortalidad precoz, supervivencia y función pulmonar en pacientes CLAD. Variables cuantitativas (media±DE); cualitativas (%). Se utilizó el test t de Student o χ2. La supervivencia se estimó mediante Kaplan-Meier, comparándose con Log Rank. Se estableció como significativa p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: De 784 pacientes trasplantados, 25 pacientes (edad media 38,41 ± 16,3 años, 12 hombres y 13 mujeres) fueron RTP; CLAD (n = 19), infarto pulmonar (n = 2), complicaciones de vía aérea (n = 2), disfunción del injerto (n = 1), rechazo hiperagudo (n = 1). Tiempo medio hasta el retrasplante: 5,41 ± 3,87 años en CLAD y 21,2 ± 21,4 días en no CLAD. La mortalidad a 90 días fue del 52% y 36,8% en el segundo periodo (p = 0,007), siendo mayor en pacientes que precisaron ECMO preoperatorio (80 vs. 20%, p = 0,04). La supervivencia a 1 y 5 años fue del 53,9% y 37,7%, respectivamente (p = 0,016). La supervivencia del grupo CLAD fue mayor (p = 0,08). El ECMO pre RTP disminuyó la supervivencia (p = 0,032). FEV1 mejoró una media de 0,98 ± 0,13L (25,6 ± 18,8%) (p = 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El RTP es un procedimiento de elevada mortalidad que obliga a una cuidadosa selección de los pacientes, con mejores resultados en aquellos con CLAD. La función pulmonar de los pacientes con CLAD mejoró significativamente

BACKGROUND: Lung retransplantation (LR) is a valid choice with a significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in selected patients with graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Our goal is to analyse our experience in LR in terms of survival and lung function. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing LR (1990-2019). VARIABLES: recipients and procedure, early mortality, survival and lung function in patients with CLAD. Quantitative variables (mean±SD); qualitative (%). Student's t test or χ2 was used. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier, compared with Log Rank. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: Of 784 transplanted patients, 25 patients (mean age 38.41-16.3 years, 12 men and 13 women) were LR; (CLAD (n = 19), pulmonary infarction (n = 2), airway complications (n = 2), graft dysfunction (n = 1), hyperacute rejection (n = 1), mean time to retransplantation: 5.41 ± 3.87 years in CLAD and 21.2 ± 21.4 days in non-CLAD. The 90-day mortality was 52% and 36.8% in the second period (p = 0.007), being higher in patients who required preoperative ECMO (80 vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The 1- and 5-year survival was 53.9% and 37.7%, respectively (p = 0.016). Survival of the CLAD group was greater (p = 0.08). Pre LR ECMO decreased survival (p = 0.032). After LR, FEV1 improved an average of 0.98 ± 0.13L (25.6 ± 18.8%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LR is a high mortality procedure that requires careful selection of patients with better results in patients with CLAD. The lung function of patients with CLAD improved significantly

Lung retransplant. Experience of a referral centre. / Retrasplante pulmonar. Experiencia de un centro de referencia.

BACKGROUND: Lung retransplantation (LR) is a valid choice with a significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in selected patients with graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Our goal is to analyse our experience in LR in terms of survival and lung function. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing LR (1990-2019). VARIABLES: recipients and procedure, early mortality, survival and lung function in patients with CLAD. Quantitative variables (mean±SD); qualitative (%). Student's t test or χ2 was used. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier, compared with Log Rank. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: Of 784 transplanted patients, 25 patients (mean age 38.41-16.3 years, 12 men and 13 women) were LR; (CLAD (n = 19), pulmonary infarction (n = 2), airway complications (n = 2), graft dysfunction (n = 1), hyperacute rejection (n = 1), mean time to retransplantation: 5.41 ± 3.87 years in CLAD and 21.2 ± 21.4 days in non-CLAD. The 90-day mortality was 52% and 36.8% in the second period (p = 0.007), being higher in patients who required preoperative ECMO (80 vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The 1- and 5-year survival was 53.9% and 37.7%, respectively (p = 0.016). Survival of the CLAD group was greater (p = 0.08). Pre LR ECMO decreased survival (p = 0.032). After LR, FEV1 improved an average of 0.98 ± 0.13L (25.6 ± 18.8%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LR is a high mortality procedure that requires careful selection of patients with better results in patients with CLAD. The lung function of patients with CLAD improved significantly.

[Validation of the Communication Skills Scale in nursing professionals]. / Validación de la Escala sobre Habilidades de Comunicación.

BACKGROUND: The Communication Skills Scale (CSS) is an instrument for evaluating communication skills in different health professionals; however, a differential analysis of their psychometric properties by professions and specific scales has not been performed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the CSS and develop T-scores for the scale for nursing professionals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed an instrumental study to analyze the psychometric properties of the CSS, evaluating its items, reliability, evidence of validity and its internal structure. For this purpose, a battery of questionnaires was administered, which included the CSS, the General Self-efficacy Scale and the Specific Self-efficacy Scale for communication in difficult situations. RESULTS: The questionnaires were applied to 692 nurses. Discrimination indices >0,30 were obtained in all items. The confirmatory factor analysis of the two models (with four oblique factors and adding a second-order factor) revealed that all items had adequate factor loadings and the fit indices of both models were good. The internal consistency was 0,88 for the total scale and between 0,70 and 0,77 for the dimensions. A positive relationship between communication skills and general and specific self-efficacy was obtained. CONCLUSION: The CSS displayed appropriate psychometric properties (item analysis, internal structure, reliability and evidence of validity), relating the communication skills of nurses with their general and specific self-efficacy in communication in difficult situations.

Prevalence of cocaine and derivatives in blood and urine samples of trauma patients and correlation with injury severity: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The abuse of cocaine and its derivatives presents a likely risk factor for injury. Trauma incurred by cocaine and derivative abusers may be more severe than that incurred by non-users. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the presence of cocaine and its derivatives in trauma patients and to correlate RTS (Revised Trauma Score) and ISS (Injury Severity Score) with the presence of cocaine and its derivatives in blood and urine samples. METHODS: All trauma victims treated in an emergency unit between November 11, 2012 and September 15, 2013 were included in the study. Blood and urine samples were collected on admission to hospital. RTS and ISS scores were then compared with the presence or absence of cocaine and its derivatives in the samples. The associations between RTS < 7.84 and ISS > 16 and the independent variables were evaluated by the gross odds ratio values, determined by univariate logistic regression. Multivariate analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 453 patients (83.7% male) included in the study, 28.6% presented ISS > 16 and 33.6% presented RTS < 7.84. A total of 435 samples were collected, and 86 (19.8%) provided positive samples for cocaine, 48 (11%) for crack and 69 (15.9%) for cocaethylene. Compared to other patients, drug users showed a greater probability of RTS < 7.84 (2.18 times greater) and a greater probability of ISS > 16 (1.76 times greater). CONCLUSION: For the trauma patients included in our study, the use of cocaine and its derivatives was shown to be associated with more severe traumas, as demonstrated by their RTS and ISS scores.

Secular trends of height, weight and BMI in young adult Brazilian military students in the 20th century.

BACKGROUND: Secular trends of increasing weight and height over past centuries are well documented in developed countries. However, these data are still scarce in developing countries such as Brazil. AIM: To verify the secular trends of height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of military students from Brazilian Army schools who were born between the 1920s and 1990s. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed, which included a survey of data from the files of two Army schools. The sample was composed of subjects aged between 18-20 years old. RESULTS: The study analysed 2169 heights and 1741 weights and BMIs. During the evaluation period, height increased 7.3 cm, weight 9.8 kg and BMI 1.8 kg/m(2). The most significant gains were observed in subjects born from the 1920s to the 1940s and the 1960s to the 1970s. CONCLUSION: Secular trends of growth in military students born in the 20th century were positive in Brazil, although increases were not constant decade-by-decade.

Colostomía previa a escisión quirúrgica de un tumor de Buschke-Lõwenteim en la infancia / Temporary colostomy before surgery in Buschke-Lõwenteim tumour in children

Buschke-Lõwentein tumor is a verrucous lesion, with slow growth and locally infiltrating. Despite her benign histology, is an intermediate lesion between condiloma acuminatum and verrucous carcinoma. It has been linked to human papilloma virus (subtypes 6 and 11). Other factors implicated include poor hygiene, chronic irritation, promiscuity and cellular inmunocompromised states. It is exceptional in children. We report a case of a 6-year-old girl with HIV infection B3 and giant condyloma that affect genitoanal region and rectal mucosa. The temporary colostomy aimed good results of the surgical excision.

El tumor de Buschke-Lõwentein es una lesión verrucosa, con crecimiento lento, y localmente infiltrante. A pesar de su histología benigna, se trata de una lesión intermedia entre el condiloma acuminado y el carcinoma verrucoso. Su aparición está ligada con el virus del papiloma humano (subtipos 6 y 11). Otros factores que intervienen son la baja higiene, promiscuidad, irritación crónica y la inmunosupresión celular. Es excepcional su aparición en niños. La exéresis quirúrgica radical es el tratamiento de elección. La realización de una colostomía de descarga previa, permite el aislamiento, facilitando la cicatrización de la zona y evitando el contacto con material fecal que contribuye a la recidiva. Presentamos un caso de una niña de 6 años con VIH estadio B3 y condilomatosis gigante que afectaba a la región genitoanal y a la mucosa rectal adyacente. La colostomía temporal contribuyó al éxito tras la resección quirúrgica.

Abnormalities in body composition and nutritional status in HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare growth, nutritional status and body composition outcomes between a group of 94 HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 364 healthy controls, and to evaluate their association with clinical and lifestyle variables within the HIV-infected group. When compared with the control group, HIV patients had higher risk of stunting (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83-10.04) and thinness (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 2.44-9.06), higher waist-to-hip ratios (medians 0.89 versus 0.82 for boys and 0.90 versus 0.77 for girls, P < 0.001), and lower prevalence of overweight or obesity (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.78). Protease inhibitor usage was associated with thinness (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.07-11.44) and lipoatrophy (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.37-8.95). HIV-infected children on ART showed significant nutritional status and body composition abnormalities, consistent with the severity of vertical HIV infection and the consequences of prolonged ART.

Relación entre la función motora y el rendimiento cognitivo / Relationship between motor function and cognitive performance

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Immunogenicity and safety of combined intradermal recombinant Hepatitis B with BCG vaccines at birth.

This randomized, prospective, non-inferiority study aimed to quantify anti-HBs titers induced by recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine from healthy infants vaccinated with combined Hepatitis B and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines (HbsAg 10 microg plus BCG suspension 0.1mg) and compare them to titers obtained with separated vaccines. Infants were immunized at birth either with combined intradermal (ID) BCG and Hepatitis B or ID BCG alone and intramuscular (IM) Hepatitis B. Both groups received IM Hepatitis B at 1 and 6 months of age. After the third dose anti-HBs titers > or =10 IU/mL were observed in 99% of vaccinees and > or =1000 IU/mL in 71%. There were no adverse events in both groups. Combination of HbsAg with BCG as first dose did not modify the profile of the humoral immune response for Hepatitis B indicating safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in newborn.

Robust gammadelta+ T cell expansion in infants immunized at birth with BCG vaccine.

Cell-mediated immune responses to BCG vaccine were evaluated in 7-month-old infants vaccinated with intradermal combined BCG and Hepatitis B or intradermal BCG and intramuscular Hepatitis B at birth. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from both groups showed CD4(+), CD8(+) and remarkable gammadelta(+) T cell BCG-specific proliferation, without significant differences. Also, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha concentrations in culture supernatants, measured by ELISA, were similar. The results suggested that the combined BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine was as immunogenic as BCG separated from Hepatitis B vaccine.

[Long-term results of end-to-end urethroplasty]. / Resultado a largo plazo de la uretroplastia término-terminal.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated long term results of end-to-end urethroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 40 patients with bulbar urethral stricture of diverse origin: iatrogenic 40%, traumatic 15%, infectious 2% and unknown 40%. In 17 cases internal urethrotomy was made previously. The radiological study with retrograde and voiding cystogram revealed a bulbar location in all cases and a length inferior to 1 cm in 13 cases, between 1-2 cm in 26 cases and 2-3 cm in 1 case. The maximum flow rate varied between 3-13 ml/s. The absence of bacteriuria was valued by means of preoperating culture. The average time of pursuit was 45 months (12-142 months). The stricture was considered resolute when not appear compatible radiological or functional finds of failure. RESULTS: In 37 cases (92%) the results were satisfactory, without secondary surgical procedure. After surgery maximum flow-rate varied between 18-45 ml/s. In two patients with failure, internal urethrotomy was decisive. In this case the stricture origin was traumatic. The third patient with failure was finally chosen to make new end-to-end urethroplasty, with good later result. CONCLUSIONS: End-to-end urethroplasty is a highly decisive technique for bulbar urethral stricture. The preoperating diagnosis is based on the radiological study (retrograde and voiding cystogram). The postoperating control must be based on clinic and uroflow study. Traumatic stricture repair showed worse results. In cases of failure, internal urethrotomy allows to complement successful results of end-to-end urethroplasty.

[Survival prognostic factors valuation on a series of 202 patients with surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma]. / Valoración de factores pronósticos de la supervivencia en una serie de 202 pacientes intervenidos por carcinoma de células renales.

OBJECTIVES: To describe renal cell carcinoma prognostic factors and set up the relationship with survival rates in this neoplasm. Likewise we show epidemiologic, clinical, diagnosis and therapeutic facts. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We review 202 patients underwent surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma and the following features were recorded: gender, age and presenting symptoms, especially incidentally discovered tumors; tumor-related factors like TNM tumor stage, tumor grade and venous involvement: therapy-related recorded were surgical techniques and cytokine-based therapy. RESULTS: 60% of the patients showed organ-confined disease, 10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma presented with nodal positive disease and 7% with systemic metastases. 42% of patients presenting incidental tumor, with survival rates substantially better than that for symptomatic patients. 42% of patients with nodal positive disease presented systemic metastases at diagnosis, and 30% at surveillance. Systemic metastases presented a particularly poor prognosis for patients with renal cell carcinoma, with 12-months survival rates that 0%. Patients with cytokine-related therapy for metastatic disease presented 24-months survival rates that 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Renal cell carcinoma remains a major source of mortality, basically at advanced disease (nodal positive disease or systemic disease), without a clear improvement of survival rates despite the newer therapy modalities.

Resultado a largo plazo de la uretroplastia término-terminal / Long-term results of end-to-end urethroplasty

Objetivo: Evaluamos los resultados a largo plazo de la uretroplastia término-terminal. Material y Métodos: Revisamos 40 pacientes afectos de estenosis de uretra bulbar de etiología diversa: yatrógena40%, traumática 15%, infecciosa 2% y desconocida 40%. En 17 casos se realizó previamente uretrotomíainterna. El estudio mediante CUMS reveló una localización bulbar en todos los casos y una longitud inferior a 1cm en 13 casos, entre 1-2 cm en 26 casos y entre 2-3 cm en 1 caso. El flujo máximo varió de 3-13 ml/s. Se valoró mediante cultivo preoperatorio la ausencia de bacteriuria. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 45 meses (12-142 meses). Se consideró resuelta la estenosis cuando no aparecieron datos radiológicos ni flujométricos compatibles con reestenosis. Resultados: En 37 casos (92%) los resultados fueron satisfactorios, no precisando los pacientes ningún otro procedimiento quirúrgico secundario. Tras la cirugía el flujo máximo varió entre 18-45 ml/s. En dos de los tres pacientes con reestenosis la uretrotomía interna endoscópica fue resolutiva. Se trató de dos pacientes con estenosisde origen traumático y longitud mayor a 1,5 cm. En el tercer paciente con recidiva se optó finalmente por realizar una nueva uretroplastia termino-terminal, con buen resultado posterior. Conclusiones: La uretroplastia término-terminal es una técnica altamente resolutiva en la estenosis de uretrabulbar. El diagnóstico preoperatorio se basa en el estudio radiológico (CUMS). El control postoperatorio debe fundamentarse en la clínica y estudio flujométrico. El origen traumático de la estenosis empeora los resultados de la cirugía. En casos de reestenosis la uretrotomía interna endoscópica permite complementar de forma exitosa los resultados de la uretroplastia (AU)

Objective: We evaluated long term results of end-to-end urethroplasty. Material and methods: We reviewed 40 patients with bulbar urethral stricture of diverse origin: iatrogenic 40%, traumatic 15%, infectious 2% and unknown 40%. In 17 cases internal urethrotomy was made previously. The radiological study with retrograde and voiding cystogram revealed a bulbar location in all cases and a length inferior to 1 cm in 13 cases, between 1-2 cm in 26 cases and 2-3 cm in 1 case. The maximum flow rate varied between 3-13 ml/s. The absence of bacteriuria was valued by means of preoperating culture. The average time of pursuit was 45 months (12-142 months). The stricture was considered resolute when not appear compatible radiological or functional finds of failure. Results: In 37 cases (92%) the results were satisfactory, without secondary surgical procedure. After surgery maximum flow-rate varied between 18-45 ml/s. In two patients with failure, internal urethrotomy was decisive. In this case the stricture origin was traumatic. The third patient with failure was finally chosen to make new endto- end urethroplasty, with good later result. Conclusions: End-to-end urethroplasty is a highly decisive technique for bulbar urethral stricture. The preoperating diagnosis is based on the radiological study (retrograde and voiding cystogram). The postoperating control must be based on clinic and uroflow study. Traumatic stricture repair showed worse results. In cases of failure, internal urethrotomy allows to complement successful results of end-to-end urethroplasty (AU)

Valoración de factores pronósticos de la supervivencia en una serie de 202 pacientes intervenidos por carcinoma de células renales / Survival prognostic factors valuation on a series of 202 patients with surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Objetivos: Describir los principales factores pronósticos del carcinoma renal y estudiar su relación con la supervivencia especifica. Recoger datos demográficos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos de los pacientes. Material y métodos: Se revisaron 202 casos de carcinomas renales operados entre 1988-2003. Las variables valoradas respecto al paciente fueron: edad, sexo y presentación clínica. Se investigó la importancia del incidentaloma. Con respecto al tumor se valoró: estadio TNM, grado histológico, tamaño y afectación venosa. Con respecto al tratamiento: principales vías de abordaje y técnicas quirúrgicas y terapia adyuvante inmunoterápica. Resultados: Un 60% de los pacientes presentó enfermedad órgano confinada, un 10% afectación nodal y un 7% enfermedad metastásica. Un 42% se presentaron incidentalmente, con una significativa mejor supervivencia respecto a tumores sintomáticos. Un 42% de los pacientes pN+ presentaron metástasis a distancia al diagnóstico y un tercio las desarrollaron durante el seguimiento. La supervivencia de los pacientes metastásicos sin tratamiento adyuvante fue inferior al año, mientras que un 20% de los tratados con inmunoterapia permanecían vivos a los 2 años. Conclusiones: El carcinoma renal es un tumor con alta mortalidad, fundamentalmente en sus estadios más avanzados (pN+ o pM+). Pese a las nuevas modalidades de tratamiento, no se ha logrado mejorar sustancialmente la supervivencia (AU)

Objectives: To describe renal cell carcinoma prognostic factors and set up the relationship with survival rates in this neoplasm. Likewise we show epidemiologic, clinical, diagnosis and therapeutic facts. Material and method: We review 202 patients underwent surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma and the following features were recorded: gender, age and presenting symptoms, especially incidentally discovered tumors; tumor-related factors like TNM tumor stage, tumor grade and venous involvement; therapy-related recorded were surgical techniques and cytokine-based therapy. Results: 60% of the patients showed organ-confined disease, 10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma presented with nodal positive disease and 7% with systemic metastases. 42% of patients presenting incidental tumor, with survival rates substantially better than that for symptomatic patients. 42% of patients with nodal positive disease presented systemic metastases at diagnosis, and 30% at surveillance. Systemic metastases portend a particularly poor prognosis for patients with renal cell carcinoma, with 12-months survival rates that0%. Patients with cytokine-related therapy for metastatic disease presented 24-months survival rates that 20%.Conclusions: Renal cell carcinoma remains a major source of mortality, basically at advanced disease (nodal positive disease or systemic disease), without a clear improvement of survival rates despite the newer therapy modalities (AU)

Seudoquiste meconial, atresia intestinal, atresia de la vía biliar: una asociación infrecuente / Meconium pseudocyst, intestinal atresia and biliary atresia: an uncommon association

Presentamos un caso de seudoquiste meconial asociado a atresia ileal y a atresia de la vía biliar tipo III, en un recién nacido al que se le detectó intraútero una masa quística abdominal. Se describen los hallazgos proporcionados por las técnicas de imagen más habituales y se analiza la patogenia de esta triple e infrecuente asociación, haciendo hincapié en la necesidad de explorar exhaustivamente la vía biliar en los casos de seudoquiste meconial, con o sin atresia de intestino, delgado fundamental para el pronóstico del niño (AU)

Validity of the use of a few hand-wrist bones for assessing bone age.

Bone age is widely used as an osseous maturation method to assess biological development in clinical and auxological studies. Numerical methods for calculating bone age have better replicability; however, they require a wide data manipulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bone age estimation by using just a few ossification centers. In 205 hand and wrist radiographs of children and adolescents, aged 0.9-17.4 years old (111 males and 94 females), bone age was determined by two trained observers employing the five-bone (B5) and the TW2 methods. To compare the results of the two methods, the mean differences by age and sex were tested by the Mann-Whitney test. The relationship of the bone age distribution estimated by B5 and TW2 was calculated and the mean of the bone age determined by the two methods was plotted by age and by differences between bone age calculated by the two methods +/- 2 SD. The bone age determined by B5 was between 1.2 and 16.8, and by TW2 was between 1.2 and 18.0 years. The mean differences between B5 and TW2 (-0.06 +/- 0.6) were not significant (p > 0.05). The distribution of mean differences by age and method demonstrated that all deviations were encompassed into +/- 2 SD with no particular bias. In general terms, a good agreement was obtained between these two methods.

Pulmón en herradura: diagnóstico por la imagen / Horseshoe lung: diagnostic imaging

Se presentan dos casos de pulmón en herradura con diagnóstico previo de síndrome de la cimitarra. El diagnóstico se estableció por TC y RM en uno de ellos, y por angiografía pulmonar y broncografía en ambos. Los dos debutaron con síntomas respiratorios en el periodo neonatal, y estaban asintomáticos a la edad de 10 y 13 años. En el angiograma pulmonar se observa cómo una rama de la arteria pulmonar derecha cruza la línea media ramificándose en la base del pulmón izquierdo. La broncografía señala un bronquio anómalo derecho que atraviesa el mediastino inferomedialmente, ramificándose en la base del pulmón contralateral. La TC y la RM demuestran la existencia de un istmo de tejido pulmonar por detrás del saco pericárdico que une las bases pulmonares. Tras una revisión de la bibliografía, los autores concluyeron que tanto la TC como la RM representan métodos no lesivos eficaces para la confirmación diagnóstica de esta entidad (AU)

We report two cases of horseshoe lung, after a previous diagnosis of scimitar síndrome. The diagnosis was based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in one patient and on angiography and bronchography in both. The onset consisted of respiratory symptoms during the neonatal period; the children were asymptomatic by the ages of 10 and 13 years, respectively. Angiography showed a branch of the right pulmonary artery crossing the midline and branching at the base of the contralateral lung. CT and MRI demonstrated the isthmus behind the pericardium, joining the bases of the lungs. We have reviewed the literature and conclude that CT and MRI are safe and noninvasive techniques for the diagnosis of this malformation (AU)