Neurocysticercosis: risk and primary prevention strategies update.

Neurocysticercosis results from the infestation of the central nervous system with invading tapeworm larvae. Though uncommon in the US prior to 1965, new cases are currently being diagnosed at an unprecedented rate. Drawing on environmental health, intervention and risk data retrieved from standard/alternative databases and in-country sources, we present an update and summary of modifiable risk factors and field-tested primary prevention measures. While points of intervention, subpopulations at risk and overall magnitude of the problem are addressed, particular attention is paid to defining risk reduction measures that can be adopted by individuals and high risk groups in the near-term to interrupt or eliminate pathways of exposure leading to disease transmission. Though global eradication is not attainable in the near future, effective preventative measures exist and should be taken now by international travellers and workers, US/foreign government agencies, and individuals living in endemic regions to reduce human suffering.

[Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with amplatzer device. Report of two cases]. / Cierre percutáneo de foramen oval permeable con dispositivo de Amplatzer. Presentación de dos casos.

OBJECTIVE: We present two cases of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) treated with percutaneous Amplatzer device. METHOD: The first case corresponds to 48 years old woman with Ebstein's disease with moderate to severe hemodynamic repercussion and three cerebrovascular accidents, the last one under coumarin treatment, she received antiarrhythmic medication and despite of it developed 1st degree AV block, supraventricular and ventricular ectopia, rigth branch block. The second case corresponds to a 22 years old man with antecedents of cerebrovascular accident at the age of 21 with sequelae of convulsive crisis. Both patients were percutaneously treated with Amplatzer devices. The first patient was treated with a foramen ovale device and second with septal occluder due to the diameter of the foramen. Both patients have remained asymptomatic during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The PFO devices are indicated for patients with a history of cerebrovascular accidents.