High frequency of endoluminal thrombus in patients with ischaemic stroke following AARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Ischaemic stroke may be a major complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studying and characterising the different aetiological subtypes, clinical characteristics, and functional outcomes may be valuable in guiding patient selection for optimal management and treatment. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with COVID-19 who developed acute focal brain ischaemia (between 1 March and 19 April 2020) at a tertiary university hospital in Madrid (Spain). RESULTS: During the study period, 1594 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. We found 22 patients with ischaemic stroke (1.38%), 6 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 16 patients were included in the study (15 cases of ischaemic stroke and one case of transient ischaemic attack). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 9 (interquartile range: 16), and mean (standard deviation) age was 73 years (12.8). Twelve patients (75%) were men. Mean time from COVID-19 symptom onset to stroke onset was 13 days. Large vessel occlusion was identified in 12 patients (75%). We detected elevated levels of D-dimer in 87.5% of patients and C-reactive protein in 81.2%. The main aetiology was atherothrombotic stroke (9 patients, 56.3%), with the predominant subtype being endoluminal thrombus (5 patients, 31.2%), involving the internal carotid artery in 4 cases and the aortic arch in one. The mortality rate in our series was 44% (7 of 16 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, the most frequent stroke aetiology was atherothrombosis, with a high proportion of endoluminal thrombus (31.2% of patients). Our clinical and laboratory data support COVID-19-associated coagulopathy as a relevant pathophysiological mechanism for ischaemic stroke in these patients.

[Analysis of life quality on patients with thoracolumbar fractures]. / Análisis de calidad de vida en pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares.

Background: Patients with thoracolumbar fractures with TLICS 4 classification are at the limit of surgical fixation with regards to conservative treatment; however, results in our environment are not known, which is why this study has innovative characteristics. Objective: To determine the quality of life in patients with TLICS 4 thoracolumbar fractures using traditional fixation with regards to no fixation in a third level hospital. Material and methods: A cohort prospective study was carried out in patients with TLICS 4 classification thoracolumbar fractures using traditional fixation with regards to no fixation in beneficiaries from the Mexican Institute for Social Security. The SF-12 instrument, which assessed quality of life, was administered; age, sex, days of hospitalization, time of spinal cord injury were searched in the patients' medical history. It was used descriptive and inferential statistics using Student's t or Mann-Whitney U. Results: 20 patients participated and 9 had traditional fixation (45%). All patients had type E spinal cord injuries according to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. Mean age of non-fixation was 42.2 ± 12.9 and of fixation 44.9 ± 10.2; in non-fixation 6 (67%) were male. The quality of life score was 29.1 ± 0.9 in the conservative treatment and 28.7 ± 1.3 in the surgical treatment, p < 0.462. Conclusions: No differences in quality of life were observed in patients with TLICS 4 thoracolumbar fractures using traditional fixation with regards to no fixation.

Introducción: los pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares con clasificación TLICS 4 se encuentran en el límite de la fijación quirúrgica con respecto al tratamiento conservador; sin embargo, resultados en nuestro medio no son conocidos, por lo que este estudio tiene características innovadoras. Objetivo: determinar la calidad de vida en pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares clasificación TLICS 4, mediante fijación tradicional con respecto a no fijación en un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectiva en pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares clasificación TLICS 4 mediante fijación tradicional con respecto a no fijación en población derechohabiente del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Se aplicó el instrumento SF-12, que evaluó la calidad de vida; se buscó en los expedientes de los pacientes edad, sexo, días de hospitalización, tiempo de lesión medular. Se usó estadística descriptiva e inferencial mediante t de Student o U de Mann Whitney. Resultados: participaron 20 pacientes y 9 (45%) tuvieron fijación tradicional. Todos los pacientes pertenecían a la clase E según las Normas Internacionales para la Clasificación Neurológica de lesiones de la médula espinal. Edad media de no fijación con 42.2 ± 12.9 y de fijación 44.9 ± 10.2; en no fijación, 6 (67%) eran varones. La puntuación de calidad de vida fue en el tratamiento conservador con 29.1 ± 0.9 y quirúrgico 28.7 ± 1.3, p < 0.462. Conclusiones: no se observaron diferencias en la calidad de vida en pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares clasificación TLICS 4 mediante fijación tradicional y no fijación.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver metastases with different respiratory motion management techniques.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been firmly established as a treatment choice for patients with oligometastases, as it has demonstrated both safety and efficacy by consistently achieving high rates of local control. Moreover, it offers potential survival benefits for carefully selected patients in real-world clinical settings. METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2020, a total of 149 patients (with 414 liver metastases) received treatment. The Active Breathing Coordinator device was used for 68 patients, while respiratory gating was used for 65 and abdominal compression was used for 16 patients. The most common histological finding was colorectal adenocarcinoma, with 37.6% of patients having three or more metastases, and 18% having two metastases. The prescribed dose ranged from 36 to 60 Gy, delivered in 3-5 fractions. RESULTS: Local control rates at 2 and 3 years were 76.1% and 61.2%, respectively, with no instances of local recurrence after 3 years. Factors negatively impacting local control included colorectal histology, lower prescribed dose, and the occurrence of new liver metastases. The median overall survival from SBRT was 32 months, with the presence of metastases outside the liver and the development of new liver metastases after SBRT affecting survival. The median disease-free survival was 10 months. No substantial differences in both local control and survival were observed between the respiratory motion control techniques employed. Treatment tolerance was excellent, with only one patient experiencing acute grade IV thrombocytopenia and two patients suffering from ≥ grade II chronic toxicity. CONCLUSION: For radical management of single or multiple liver metastases, SBRT is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option. Regardless of the technology employed, experienced physicians can achieve similarly positive outcomes. However, additional studies are required to elucidate prognostic factors that can facilitate improved patient selection.

Leucoplaquias laríngeas: Análisis de las lesiones y resultados vocales en una unidad de voz terciaria / Analysis of laryngeal leukoplakia characteristics and voice outcomes in a tertiary voice unit

Introducción: Las leucoplaquias laríngeas (LL) pueden corresponder a lesiones precancerosas. La aproximación diagnóstica es endoscópica y en caso de persistir, se debe estudiar con biopsia. Objetivo: Describir las características biodemográficas, clínicas, endoscópicas, histológicas y evolutivas de pacientes diagnosticados con leucoplaquias glóticas. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo no-concurrente de pacientes diagnosticados con leucoplaquias glóticas en la Unidad de Voz del Departamento de Otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, entre 2012 y 2019. Resultados: Se incluyeron 29 pacientes, 65,5% hombres, con edad promedio de 61 años y seguimiento promedio de 21,1 meses. El principal motivo de consulta fue disfonía, en un 86,2% de los casos. El 38% presentó compromiso del pliegue vocal (PV) izquierdo, 24,1% derecho, 24,1% bilateral y 13,8% bilateral incluyendo comisura anterior. El 41,4% de las lesiones comprometían más del 50% del PV y 68% presentaba una onda mucosa alterada en la estroboscopia. Un 89,7% requirió biopsia, identificando carcinoma en 26,9%, displasia en 34,6% y otro diagnóstico en 38,5%. El 25,9% presentó recurrencias, del cual 28,6% progresó a cáncer. Se identificó asociación significativa en un análisis bivariado entre la edad (p = 0,030) y compromiso mayor al 50% del PV (p = 0,016) con displasia de alto riesgo o cáncer. En el análisis multivariado, solo la edad mostró ser significativa (p = 0,038; OR 1,27; IC 95% 1,01-1,59). Conclusión: El estudio de las LL es esencial para el diagnóstico precoz de cáncer laríngeo. La edad y el compromiso mayor al 50% del PV en la estroboscopia podría predecir un riesgo mayor de displasia de alto riesgo o cáncer.

Introduction: Laryngeal leukoplakia (LL) may correspond to precancerous lesions. The diagnostic approach is endoscopic, and if LL persist, a biopsy should be performed. Aim: To describe the biodemographic, clinical, endoscopic, histological, and developmental characteristics of patients diagnosed with glottic leucoplakia. Material and Method: Prospective non-concurrent study of patients diagnosed with glottic leukoplakia in the Voice Unit at the Otolaryngology Department of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, between 2012 and 2019. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included, 65.5% men, with an average age of 61.7 years, and average follow-up of 21.1 months. Dysphonia was the chief complaint, present in 86.2% of the cases. The left vocal fold (VF) was involved in 38.0%, right in 24.1%, bilateral in 24.1%, and bilateral including anterior commissure in 13.8%. Only 41.4% compromised over 50% of the VF and 68.0% presented an altered mucosal wave in the videostroboscopy. A biopsy was performed in 89.7%, identifying carcinoma in 26.9%, dysplasia in 34.6% and other diagnosis in 38.5%. During follow-up 25.9% recurred, of which 28.6% progressed to cancer. A significant association was found in the bivariate analysis between age (p = 0.030) and extension over 50% of the VF (p = 0.016) with high-risk dysplasia or cancer. In the multivariate analysis only, the age was found to be significative (p = 0.038; OR 1.27; CI 95% 1.01-1.59). Conclusions: A thorough evaluation is essential in LL, favoring an early diagnosis for laryngeal cancer. Age and an involvement greater than 50% of the VF in the videostroboscopy could predict an increased possibility for high-risk dysplasia or cancer.

Clinical case: Serpiginous-like choroiditis with macular involvement and good response after treatment with adalimumab.

Clinical case of a 42-year-old woman who consulted for decreased vision in the left eye over two months, associated with multifocal choroiditis. Different diagnostic tests were performed to rule out infectious pathologies, as well as a diagnostic vitrectomy test, which was negative. QuantiFERON® was found to be positive and a diagnosis of serpeginous-like choroiditis (SLC) was made. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was started with worsening of vision and multifocal choroiditis. Once conventional immunotherapy and biological treatment were added, the patient presented a significant improvement in vision. To conclude, in cases of CSL, it is not only necessary to treat the infection but also the inflammatory component either with steroids or conventional immunotherapy or immunosuppression with biologics, thus reducing the number of reactivations and improving the visual prognosis.

Caso clínico: coroiditis serpiginosa-like con afectación macular y buena evolución tras tratamiento con adalimumab / Clinical case: Serpiginous-like choroiditis with macular involvement and good response after treatment with adalimumab

Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer de 42 años, que consultó por disminución de visión del ojo izquierdo de 2 meses evolución, asociada a coroiditis multifocal. Se realizaron diferentes pruebas diagnósticas para descartar enfermedad infecciosa, al igual que se realizó una vitrectomía diagnóstica, que resultó negativa. Se encontró QuantiFERON® positivo y se realizó el diagnóstico de coroiditis serpiginosa-like (CS-L). Se inició tratamiento antituberculoso con empeoramiento de la visión y de la coroiditis multifocal. Una vez que se agregaron inmunoterapia convencional y tratamiento biológico, la paciente presentó mejoría significativa de la visión. Para concluir, en casos de CS-L no solo es necesario el tratamiento de la infección, sino también del componente inflamatorio, sea con inmunoterapia convencional o inmunosupresión con biológicos, y así disminuir el número de reactivaciones mejorando el pronóstico visual (AU)

Clinical case of a 42-year-old woman who consulted for decreased vision in the left eye over 2months, associated with multifocal choroiditis. Different diagnostic tests were performed to rule out infectious pathologies, as well as a diagnostic vitrectomy test, which was negative. QuantiFERON® was found to be positive and a diagnosis of serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) was made. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was started with worsening of vision and multifocal choroiditis. Once conventional immunotherapy and biological treatment were added, the patient presented a significant improvement in vision. To conclude, in cases of SLC, it is not only necessary to treat the infection but also the inflammatory component either with steroids or conventional immunotherapy or immunosuppression with biologics, thus reducing the number of reactivations and improving the visual prognosis (AU)

Influence of root width and dentin wall thickness evaluated by endoscopy upon the outcome of periapical surgery. A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: An analysis was made of the correlation between root width, the thickness of the remaining dentinal wall as determined by endoscopy, and the outcome of periapical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out involving patients subjected to periapical surgery between 2017 and 2019 at the University of Valencia (Valencia, Spain). One year after surgery, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate healing against the preoperative volumes. The maximum root width was measured on the postoperative CBCT scan at the apical section of the treated root. This measurement was transferred to the intraoperative endoscopic image, where the minimum root width, peripheral dentin thickness, and minimum dentin thickness were recorded. Root measurements, and the position (maxillary or mandibular) and type of tooth (roots of incisors, canines, premolars or molars) were further correlated to periapical surgery outcome. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients, comprising 52 teeth and 62 roots, were included in the study. The mean measurements were: maximum root width (4.13±0.84 mm), minimum root width (2.46±0.72 mm), peripheral dentin thickness (0.77±0.2 mm) and minimum dentin thickness (0.4±0.2 mm). The success rate was 82.2%. Premolar roots showed a greater minimum dentin thickness (0.58±0.25 mm) (p<0.003) than incisor roots. No significant association was found between the different measurements and the healing rate at one year, though the roots that failed to heal showed smaller minimum dentin thickness values than the roots that healed correctly. The position and type of tooth did not influence healing outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The root width and thickness of the remaining dentin wall did not significantly influence healing. However, the roots that failed to heal showed smaller minimum dentin thickness values than the roots that healed correctly.

Endoscopic findings in periapical surgery. A cross-sectional study of 206 roots.

BACKGROUND: A study is made of the findings of high-magnification rigid endoscopy at the root end surface following apicoectomy of teeth subjected to periapical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made of patients subjected to periapical surgery at the Unit of Oral Surgery and Implantology (University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain) between 2011 and 2019. Following apicoectomy, the root end surfaces were inspected, with the evaluation of untreated canals, isthmuses, craze lines, crack lines, opaque dentin and gaps. Likewise, an analysis was made of the association between patient age and the tooth type and restoration and the presence of craze lines, cracks, opaque dentin and gaps. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 168 patients subjected to periapical surgery, with 177 operated teeth and 206 roots. Untreated canals were observed in 14 roots (6.8%). Isthmuses were identified in 74 roots (35.9%), particularly in the mesial root of the lower first molar (94.1%). In turn, craze lines were identified in 8.3% of the roots, cracks in 3.9%, and gaps in 53.4%. The prevalence of opaque dentin was 78.3%, with a greater presence in posterior teeth (90.3% in premolars and 86.2% in molars) than in anterior teeth (50.6%) (p<0.001). Patient age and tooth restoration showed no correlation to the studied parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Craze lines and crack lines were observed in less than 10% of the roots, though opaque dentin was identified in 73% of the roots, particularly in posterior teeth, and gaps were found in over half of the canals.

OCT-angiography for diagnosis and response to treatment of subretinal neovascularization secondary to idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2.

Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) is a slow and progressive bilateral condition that affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. Vision loss is generally mild and occurs over the course of many years. The development of sub-retinal neovascularisation (SRNV) can occur late in the disease process, and lead to more dramatic vision loss. A report is presented of 2 cases of MacTel 2 in which optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was essential for the diagnosis of secondary SRNV. The commercially available OCTA Cirrus AngioPlex 5000 platform (Zeiss, Jena, Germany) was used. Subretinal neovascularization was detectable in both cases in OCTA at the level of the deep capillary plexus and the avascular layer. OCTA also allowed us to monitor disease progression and monitor response to anti-VEGF therapy.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of prisoners infected and deceased by COVID-19, National Penitentiary Institute of Peru, 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of inmates who were infected and died from COVID-19 in Peruvian prisons from April to October 2020. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with a secondary data source. All the inmates who were infected and died from COVID-19 in Peruvian prisons during the study period were considered. The information was collected through the validated data collection sheet and was analyzed with descriptive statistics applying the SPSS v26 software. RESULTS: 37,103 (42.3%) inmates were analyzed out of a prison population of 87,754. All of them reactive to the rapid test, with a mean age of 39.9 ± 12.6 years; 95.5% were male. 60.1% were IgG reactive; 36.1% were IgM/IgG reactive and 3.8% were IgM reactive. 20.1% of reactive inmates had COVID-19 symptoms at the time of testing. The most frequent symptoms were headache (55.6%), general malaise (49.7%), fever (49.0%) and cough (48.0%). Among the risk factors for COVID-19 were: age over 60 years (8.4%), high blood pressure (2.8%) and diabetes mellitus (2.4%). 445 deaths were registered. Total fatality reached 1.2% of the number of infected. The highest number of deaths was recorded in April and May (89 and 162, respectively). DISCUSSION: The study findings imply different approaches to managing epidemics in the prison context compared to the general population. The short and long term scenarios are uncertain, but the need to reorganize the prison health system, and to prioritise and modernise it are evident. The long-delayed reform of the prison system and the measures that set out to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease in prisons are related processes in this regard.

Angiografía-OCT para diagnóstico y respuesta al tratamiento de la neovascularización subretiniana secundaria a telangiectasia macular idiopática tipo 2 / OCT-angiography for diagnosis and response to treatment of subretinal neovascularization secondary to idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2

La telangiectasia macular idiopática tipo 2 (MacTel 2) es una afección bilateral, lenta y progresiva que afecta a individuos de mediana edad y ancianos. La pérdida de visión es generalmente leve y ocurre en el transcurso de muchos años. El desarrollo de neovascularización subretiniana (NVSR) puede ocurrir tarde en el proceso de la enfermedad y conducir a una pérdida de visión más dramática. Presentamos 2casos de MacTel 2 donde la angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCTA) fue fundamental para el diagnóstico de NVSR secundaria. Se utilizó la plataforma comercialmente disponible OCTA Cirrus AngioPlex 5000 (Zeiss, Jena, Alemania). La NVSR fue detectable en ambos casos con OCTA a nivel del plexo capilar profundo y en la capa avascular. La OCTA también nos permitió controlar la progresión de la enfermedad y monitorizar la respuesta a la terapia anti-VEGF (AU)

Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) is a slow and progressive bilateral condition that affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. Vision loss is generally mild and occurs over the course of many years. The development of sub-retinal neovascularisation (SRNV) can occur late in the disease process, and lead to more dramatic vision loss. A report is presented of 2cases of MacTel 2 in which optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was essential for the diagnosis of secondary SRNV. The commercially available OCTA Cirrus AngioPlex 5000 platform (Zeiss, Jena, Germany) was used. Subretinal neovascularization was detectable in both cases in OCTA at the level of the deep capillary plexus and the avascular layer. OCTA also allowed us to monitor disease progression and monitor response to anti-VEGF therapy (AU)

Low-dose radiation therapy for hand osteoarthritis: shaking hands again?

BACKGROUND: Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is one of the most common causes of pain and functional disability in western countries and there is still no definitive cure. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has anti-inflammatory properties that have shown to be effective in the symptomatic relief of various degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. We designed a clinical protocol using LDRT for symptomatic HOA and present results and tolerance in the first 100 patients included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2015 and March 2021, 100 patients with a median age of 60 were treated. Fifty-seven patients suffering from proximal/distal interphalangeal joint pain, 40 patients with thumb arthritis, 2 patients with radiocarpal joint affection and 1 patient with metacarpophalangeal joint pain were enrolled. LDRT comprised of 6 fractions of 0.5-1 Gy on every other day up to a total dose of 3-6 Gy. Clinical response was evaluated according to the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain level and the von Pannewitz score (VPS) for joint functionality. Any patients not achieving subjective adequate pain relief after 8 weeks of treatment were offered a second identical LDRT course. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 10.5 months (range 7.55-12.45), 94% reported an improvement in the pain, with a significant reduction in the VAS level after 3, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001). Sixty-three patients needed a second course of treatment at a median time interval of 12 weeks (range 9-14). The mean VAS score before treatment was 8 (range 3-10). After treatment, it was 5 (range 1-10). After 3, 6 and 12 months, the mean VAS scores were 4 (range 0-9), 3 (range 0-9) and 3.5 (range 0-9), respectively. Seventy patients reported functionality improvements after LDRT according to the von Pannewitz score. No acute or late complications were observed. CONCLUSION: LDRT appears to be safe and useful for HOA and is associated with good rates of pain relief and functionality improvements. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these promising results.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de los reclusos infectados y fallecidos por COVID-19, según datos del Instituto Nacional Penitenciario del Perú de 2020 / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 infected and deceased inmates, based on data from the Peruvian National Penitentiary Institute 2020

Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de reclusos infectados y fallecidos por enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) en el Perú en el Instituto Nacional Penitenciario (INPE), en el periodo de abril a octubre del 2020.Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal retrospectivo, de fuente de datos secundaria. Se consideró la totalidad de los internos infectados y fallecidos por COVID-19 en el INPE durante el periodo del estudio. La información se recopiló mediante la ficha de recolección de datos validada y fue analizada con la estadística descriptiva aplicando el software Statistical Package for Social Science en su versión 26 (SPSS v26).Resultados: De una población penitenciaria de 87.754 reclusos, se analizaron 37.103 internos (el 42,3%), siendo todos ellos reactivos a la prueba rápida, con edad media de 39,9 ± 12,6 años; el 95,5% eran varones. El 60,1% eran reactivos a inmunoglobulina (Ig) G; el 36,1%, IgM/IgG reactivos; y el 3,8%, IgM reactivos. El 20,1% de los reclusos reactivos tenían síntomas de COVID-19 en el momento de realizar la prueba. Los síntomas de mayor frecuencia eran cefalea (55,6%), malestar general (49,7%), fiebre (49,0%) y tos (48,0%). Entre los factores del riesgo para la COVID-19, predominaron la edad mayor de 60 años (8,4%), hipertensión arterial (2,8%) y diabetes mellitus (2,4%). Asimismo, se registraron 445 fallecidos. La letalidad total alcanzó el 1,2% del número de infectados. En los meses de abril y mayo, se registró el mayor número de fallecidos (89 y 162, respectivamente). (AU)

Objectives: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of inmates who were infected and died from COVID-19 in Peruvian prisons from April to October 2020.Material and method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with a secondary data source. All the inmates whowere infected and died from COVID-19 in Peruvian prisons during the study period were considered. The informationwas collected through the validated data collection sheet and was analyzed with descriptive statistics applying the SPSS v26software.Results: 37,103 (42.3%) inmates were analyzed out of a prison population of 87,754. All of them reactive to the rapid test,with a mean age of 39.9 ± 12.6 years; 95.5% were male. 60.1% were IgG reactive; 36.1% were IgM/IgG reactive and 3.8%were IgM reactive. 20.1% of reactive inmates had COVID-19 symptoms at the time of testing. The most frequent symptoms were headache (55.6%), general malaise (49.7%), fever (49.0%) and cough (48.0%). Among the risk factors for COVID-19were: age over 60 years (8.4%), high blood pressure (2.8%) and diabetes mellitus (2.4%). 445 deaths were registered. Totalfatality reached 1.2% of the number of infected. The highest number of deaths was recorded in April and May (89 and 162,respectively).Discussion: The study findings imply different approaches to managing epidemics in the prison context compared to thegeneral population. The short and long term scenarios are uncertain, but the need to reorganize the prison health system,and to prioritise and modernise it are evident. The long-delayed reform of the prison system and the measures that set out tocontain the spread of the COVID-19 disease in prisons are related processes in this regard. (AU)

5-year results of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) and exactrac adaptive gating (Novalis®) for very early breast cancer patients: was it all worth it?

Purpose To explore the feasibility of image-guided and respiratory-gated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) in patients with very early breast cancer. Material and methods Selected patients with early breast carcinoma after breast-conserving surgery were enrolled in this phase II trial. A fiducial marker was percutaneously placed close to surgical bed and five external fiducials were set on the skin. A CT scan for planning was acquired at free breathing. The treatment was planned and DVH were assessed according to international recommendations. Prescription dose was 30 Gy in five consecutive fractions of 6 Gy. A 6MV monoenergetic LINAC (linear accelerator) that combines stereoscopic X-ray imaging system and ExacTrac Adaptive Gating technique was used. PTV (planning target volume) intrafraction motion was controlled and PTV was irradiated in a selected gated area of the respiratory cycle. Shifts for a correct, gated set-up were calculated and automatically applied. Results Between April 2013 and October 2015, a total of 23 patients were included. The median tumor size was 12 mm. The mean PTV volume was 114 cc. The mean ipsilateral lung V9 Gy was 2.2% and for left-sided breast cancers, the volume of the heart receiving 1.5 Gy was 11.5%. Maximum skin dose was 30.8 Gy. Acute toxicity was grade1 in all the patients and 100% experienced excellent/good breast cosmesis outcomes. With a median follow-up of 66 months (range 8–99 months) local-relapse-free-survival reaches 100%. One patient developed a second breast cancer outside the treated quadrant after 25.1 months. Conclusion APBI with SBRT and ExacTrac Adaptive Gating System was feasible. The acute and late toxicities were almost null and cosmesis was excellent. We also found that the margins of 5 mm applied from CTV to PTV were sufficient to compensate for geometric uncertainties (AU)

Is periapical surgery follow-up with only two-dimensional radiographs reliable? A retrospective cohort type sensitivity study.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) radiographic techniques are commonly used for assessing lesion prognosis after endodontic surgery. The present retrospective cohort study analyzes the sensitivity and ability of different radiographic techniques in obtaining area and volume measurements of periapical lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preoperative and follow-up (6-48 months) periapical and panoramic radiographs (index test) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (reference standard) were selected from an endodontic microsurgery database. Sensitivity was analyzed independently by two examiners. The areas of the 2D radiographic images and CBCT volumes were studied using Itk-Snap software and Romexis viewer. RESULTS: The sample comprised 105 patients and 105 teeth, with a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 6-48). Preoperatively, CBCT detected all the periapical areas, periapical radiography detected 67, and panoramic radiography detected 60. Postoperatively, of the 52 cases in which CBCT detected remains of the periapical area, periapical radiography detected 22, and panoramic radiography detected 17. The measurements of the areas obtained by the 2D methods, and the volumes obtained by CBCT, had to be transformed into linear measures for comparison purposes. The measurements were found to be significantly different in both the preoperative and the follow-up images. CONCLUSIONS:  Periapical radiography showed greater sensitivity than panoramic radiography, both preoperatively and at follow-up. The lesions measured with CBCT were larger, with significant differences than as evidenced by the periapical and panoramic radiographs.

Moderate hypofractionated post-prostatectomy radiation therapy is feasible and well tolerated: experience from a single tertiary cancer centre

Purpose Conventional post-prostatectomy radiation therapy comprises 6.5–8 weeks of treatment, therefore, hypofractionated and shortened schemes arouse increasing interest. We describe our experience regarding feasibility and clinical outcome of a post-prostatectomy moderate hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy schedule Materials and methods From Oct 2015–Mar 2020, 113 patients, median age of 62 years-old (range 45–76) and prostate adenocarcinoma of low risk (30%), intermediate risk (49%) and high risk (21%) were included for adjuvant (34%) or salvage radiation therapy (66%) after radical prostatectomy (RP). All patients underwent radiotherapy with image-guided IMRT/VMAT to a total dose of 62.5 Gy in 2.5 Gy/fraction in 25 fractions. Sixteen patients (14%) received concomitant androgen deprivation therapy. Results With a median follow-up of 29 months (range 3–60 months) all patients but three are alive. Eleven patients (10%) developed exclusive biochemical relapse while 19 patients (17%) presented macroscopically visible relapse: prostatectomy bed in two patients (2%), pelvic lymph nodes in 13 patients (11.5%) and distant metastases in four patients (4%). The 3 years actuarial rates for OS, bFRS, and DMFS were 99.1, 91.1 and 91.2%, respectively. Acute and late tolerance was satisfactory. Maximal acute genitourinary (AGU) toxicity was G2 in 8% of patients; maximal acute gastrointestinal (AGI) toxicity was G2 in 3.5% of patients; maximal late genitourinary (LGU) toxicity was G3 in 1% of patients and maximal late gastrointestinal (LGI) toxicity was G2 in 2% of patients. There were no cases of severe acute or late toxicity. No relationship was found between acute or late GI/GU adverse effects and dosimetric parameters, age, presence of comorbidities or concomitant treatments (AU)

High frequency of endoluminal thrombus in patients with ischaemic stroke following SARS-CoV-2 infection. / Alta frecuencia de trombo endoluminal en pacientes con ictus isquémico tras la infección por coronavirus 2019.

BACKGROUND: Ischaemic stroke may be a major complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studying and characterising the different aetiological subtypes, clinical characteristics, and functional outcomes may be valuable in guiding patient selection for optimal management and treatment. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed acute focal brain ischaemia (between 1 March and 19 April 2020) at a tertiary university hospital in Madrid (Spain). RESULTS: During the study period, 1594 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. We found 22 patients with ischaemic stroke (1.38%), 6 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 16 patients were included in the study (15 cases of ischaemic stroke and one case of transient ischaemic attack). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 9 (interquartile range: 16), and mean (standard deviation) age was 73 years (12.8). Twelve patients (75%) were men. Mean time from COVID-19 symptom onset to stroke onset was 13 days. Large vessel occlusion was identified in 12 patients (75%). We detected elevated levels of D-dimer in 87.5% of patients and C-reactive protein in 81.2%. The main aetiology was atherothrombotic stroke (9 patients, 56.3%), with the predominant subtype being endoluminal thrombus (5 patients, 31.2%), involving the internal carotid artery in 4 cases and the aortic arch in one. The mortality rate in our series was 44% (7 of 16 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, the most frequent stroke aetiology was atherothrombosis, with a high proportion of endoluminal thrombus (31.2% of patients). Our clinical and laboratory data support COVID-19-associated coagulopathy as a relevant pathophysiological mechanism for ischaemic stroke in these patients.