Individual differences and health in chronic pain: are sex-differences relevant?

BACKGROUND: Because psychological variables are known to intercorrelate, the goal of this investigation was to compare the unique association between several well-established psychological constructs in pain research and pain-related outcomes. Sex differences are considered because pain is experienced differently across sex groups. METHODS: Participants were 456 consecutive chronic pain patients attending a tertiary pain clinic (mean age = 58.4 years, SD = 14.8, 63.6% women). The study design was cross-sectional. Psychological constructs included personality (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), irrational thinking (General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale), and coping (Social Problem Solving Inventory). Outcomes were pain severity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory) and physical, general, and mental health status (Short Form-36). To decide whether the bivariate analyses and the two-block, multivariate linear regressions for each study outcome (block 1 = age, sex, and pain severity; block 2 = psychological variables) should be conducted with the whole sample or split by sex, we first explored whether sex moderated the relationship between psychological variables and outcomes. An alpha level of 0.001 was set to reduce the risk of type I errors due to multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The moderation analyses indicated no sex differences in the association between psychological variables and study outcomes (all interaction terms p > .05). Thus, further analyses were calculated with the whole sample. Specifically, the bivariate analyses revealed that psychological constructs were intercorrelated in the expected direction and mostly correlated with mental health and overall perceived health status. In the regressions, when controlling for age, sex, and pain severity, psychological factors as a block significantly increased the explained variance of physical functioning (ΔR2 = .037, p < .001), general health (ΔR2 = .138, p < .001), and mental health (ΔR2 = .362, p < .001). However, unique associations were only obtained for mental health and neuroticism (ß = - 0.30, p < .001) and a negative problem orientation (ß = - 0.26, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There is redundancy in the relationship between psychological variables and pain-related outcomes and the strength of this association is highest for mental health status. The association between psychological characteristics and health outcomes was comparable for men and women, which suggests that the same therapeutic targets could be selected in psychological interventions of pain patients irrespective of sex.

Cobb angle measurement with a conventional convex echography probe and a smartphone.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Serial X-rays are needed during the follow-up of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. They are done every 6 or 3 months in cases of high risk of progression. Thanks to the advances in ultrasound techniques, deformity measurement systems free from ionizing radiations have been validated, although spinal surgeons did not use them routinely due to the need of special software. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our work is to assess the reproducibility and correlation of an ultrasound measuring system based on the positioning of the transverse processes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single center, randomized, triple blinded. METHODS: Two independent researchers trained in ultrasound examined the spinal deformities of 31 children. The measurements were compared against those performed with an X-ray by three scoliosis expert surgeons. Statistics were performed by an independent researcher. Parametric methods were used. RESULTS: We found a 95% [(0.91-0.97) p < 2.2e-16] correlation between the degree of scoliosis measured with the proposed ultrasound system and the 30 cm × 90 cm X-rays in standing position. There was an intra-observer reliability of 97% [r-squared = 0.97; CI 95% (0.95-0.98) p < 2.2e-16] and an inter-observer reliability of 95% [r-squared = 0.95; CI 95% (0.90-0.97) p < 2.2e-16]. CONCLUSIONS: An approximation of the Cobb angle measure is possible with ultrasound by using the transverse processes as reference. This is a very rapid and simple system for assessing the principal spinal deformity measure in young people, although it does not allow estimating the associated axial or sagittal rotation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Trigger point dry needling versus strain-counterstrain technique for upper trapezius myofascial trigger points: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of active myofascial trigger points includes both invasive and non-invasive techniques. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of upper trapezius trigger point dry needling (DN) and strain-counterstrain (SCS) techniques versus sham SCS. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. METHOD: 34 study subjects with active trigger points were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, and received either three sessions of DN (n=12), six sessions of SCS (n=10), or sham SCS (n=12) over a 3-week period. Subjective pain response and subjects' own ratings of perceived disability were measured. RESULTS: The analysis of variance mixed model showed a significant time effect for pain (p<0.001), elicited pain (p<0.001), pain pressure threshold (p<0.01), and neck disability index (p=0.016). Pain at rest decreased in all groups, as follows: DN 18.5 mm (95% CI 4.3 to 32.7 mm); SCS 28.3 mm (95% CI 12.4 to 44.1 mm); sham SCS 21.9 mm (95% CI 3.5 to 40.1 mm). Reductions in disability score (points) were significant in the SCS group (5.5, 95% CI 1.6 to 9.4) but not in the DN (1.4, 95% CI -4.9 to 2.1) or sham SCS (1.8, 95% CI -6.4 to 2.7) groups. There was no significant group×time interaction effect for any variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between the sham SCS, SCS, and DN groups in any of the outcome measures. DN relieved pain after fewer sessions than SCS and sham SCS, and thus may be a more efficient technique. Future studies should include a larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01290653.

Tumor de Krukenberg del ovario asociado a teratoma maduro / Krukenberg tumor of the ovary associated with mature teratoma

Se reporta un caso excepcional de tumor de Krukenberg ovárico bilateral asociado a teratoma maduro encontrado en una mujer de 54 años. La ecografía mostró al lado derecho tumor ovárico sólido de 55 mm y al lado izquierdo tumor quístico de 125 mm. Se realizó histerectomía total, salpingooforectomía bilateral, resección del epiplón mayor y muestras peritoneales. Al tercer día postcirugía, la paciente presentó signos de tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo y aunque recibió terapia anticoagulante falleció al quinto día postoperatorio. El estudio histológico mostró infiltración masiva de carcinoma de células en anillo positivas para citoqueratina en ambos ovarios. El ovario derecho mostró la forma sólida clásica del tumor de Krukenberg mientras que el ovario izquierdo correspondió a un quiste dermoide con infiltración tumoral de carcinoma de células en anillo en la pared.

An exceptional case of bilateral Krukenberg tumor of the ovary associated with mature teratoma presented in a 54 years old patient is reported. The ultrasound showed a 55 mm solid right ovarian tumor and a 125 mm left cystic ovarian tumor. Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy was performed including omental resection and peritoneal biopsies. Massive pulmonary embolism was detected in the third day after the surgery. Even anticoagulant therapy was established the patient died in the fifth postoperative day. The histological study revealed massive infiltration of signet ring cell carcinoma with positive expression for cytokeratin in both ovaries. The right ovary showed the classical solid form of the tumor. The left ovary was a dermoid cyst with signet ring cell carcinoma infiltrating the cystic wall.

Análisis multinivel de variables relacionadas con el paciente, el diente y la localización en el diente sobre la profundidad de la bolsa periodontal en pacientes con periodontitis crónica / A multilevel approach of patient, tooth and tooth site -related variables on the probing depth in patients with chronic periodontitis

INTRODUCCIÓN: El análisis multinivel permite considerar el comportamiento de medidas repetidas de localizaciones individuales, conociendo que están agrupadas en dientes y anidadas dentro de sujetos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la relativa contribución de factores relacionados con el sujeto, el diente y la localización en el diente en la profundidad de la bolsa periodontal. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se examinaron los parámetros clínicos y la presencia de microorganismos subgingivales en 76 pacientes con periodontitis crónica. Mediante un análisis de regresión multinivel, se evaluó la influencia de diferentes factores sobre la profundidad de sondaje. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: La mayor parte de la varianza se atribuyó al nivel localización en el diente (63%), seguido por el nivel diente (23%) y el nivel paciente (14%). Los fumadores (p = 0,003) se asociaron significativamente con bolsas profundas. Los dientes anteriores presentaron menor profundidad de sondaje (p = 0,0002). Se observó una mayor profundidad en localizaciones proximales (p = 0,008), con sangrado al sondaje (p = 0,0002) y presencia de placa bacteriana (p = 0,008). El análisis multinivel reveló que el mayor porcentaje de la varianza se asoció con el nivel localización en el diente, mientras el menor se relacionó con el nivel paciente

INTRODUCTION: Multilevel analysis allows us to consider the behavior of repeated measurements of individual sites, knowing that teeth are grouped into nested within subjects. OBJECTIVE: to assess the relative contribution of factors related to the subject, tooth and tooth site in the periodontal pocket depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical parameters and subgingival microorganisms were evaluated in 76 patients with chronic periodontitis. The influence of different factors on the probing depth was examined using a multilevel regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of the variance was attributed to site level (63%), followed by the tooth level (23%) and patient level (14%). Smokers (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with deep pockets. The anterior teeth presented lower probing depth (p = 0.0002). The model showed greater probing depth associated with proximal sites (p = 0.008), bleeding on probing (p = 0.0002) and presence of plaque (p = 0.008). Multilevel analysis revealed that the highest percentage of variance associated with the site level, while the lowest level was related to the patient

[What do we know about atypical fractures in patients on biphosphonates treatment? A literature review using a case series]. / ¿Qué sabemos de las fracturas atípicas en los pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos? Revisión bibliográfica a raíz de una serie de casos.

AIM: Retrospective review of long term biphosphonates treated patients who sustained a subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fracture with an atypical pattern. A literature review is presented as an update of the topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 13 subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures in female patients treated with biphosphonates at our institution from September 2007 to March 2011. RESULTS: Four cases of subtrochanteric fractures and 13 diaphyseal fractures were detected. Four patients had bilateral fractures. All cases but one (that affected only the lateral cortex) were complete fractures. Surgically, these kinds of fractures are demanding due to the hardness of the bones. DISCUSSION: It is difficult to know if there is any relationship between bisphosphonates treatment and atypical femoral fractures. Nevertheless, current literature supports a greater benefit of their use in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. For this reason, biphosphonates continue being considered as a first choice in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates may present atypical femoral fractures as a complication. It is considered that the maximum period for biphosphonates treatment should not exceed 5 years.

¿Qué sabemos de las fracturas atípicas en los pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos? Revisión bibliográfica a raíz de una serie de casos / What do we know about atypical fractures in patients on biphosphonates treatment? A literature review using a case series

Objetivos. Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes en tratamiento de forma prolongada con bifosfonatos que presentaron fracturas subtrocantéreas y diafisarias de fémur de patrón atípico. Revisión de la literatura existente con el fin de realizar una actualización del tema con consideraciones de interés para el cirujano ortopeda y traumatólogo. Material y métodos. Revisión de 13 pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos con fracturas subtrocantéreas y diafisarias de fémur tratadas en nuestro centro entre septiembre de 2007 y marzo de 2011. Resultados. Se detectaron 4 casos de fracturas subtrocantéreas y 13 de fracturas diafisarias. Cuatro pacientes presentaron fracturas bilaterales. Todas las fracturas eran completas salvo un caso en el que era incompleta con afectación de la cortical lateral. La intervención quirúrgica fue más demandante técnicamente por encontrarse un hueso pétreo como consecuencia de la medicación con bifosfonatos. Discusión. Existe la dificultad de establecer la relación causal directa entre el tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos y las fracturas atípicas femorales. No obstante, la literatura actual refiere un beneficio superior en la prevención de fracturas vertebrales y no vertebrales y, por tanto, se continua considerando a los bifosfonatos como un fármaco de primera elección en la prevención de las fracturas osteoporóticas. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos pueden presentar fracturas atípicas femorales como complicación. Se considera que debe evaluarse en un periodo medio menor a 5 años la sustitución parcial o definitiva por otro fármaco, teniendo en cuenta el riesgo residual de fractura estimado en ese momento (AU)

Aim. Retrospective review of long term biphosphonates treated patients who sustained a subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fracture with an atypical pattern. A literature review is presented as an update of the topic. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 13 subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures in female patients treated with biphosphonates at our institution from September 2007 to March 2011. Results. Four cases of subtrochanteric fractures and 13 diaphyseal fractures were detected. Four patients had bilateral fractures. All cases but one (that affected only the lateral cortex) were complete fractures. Surgically, these kinds of fractures are demanding due to the hardness of the bones. Discussion. It is difficult to know if there is any relationship between bisphosphonates treatment and atypical femoral fractures. Nevertheless, current literature supports a greater benefit of their use in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. For this reason, biphosphonates continue being considered as a first choice in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions. Patients on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates may present atypical femoral fractures as a complication. It is considered that the maximum period for biphosphonates treatment should not exceed 5 years (AU)

Cultura de seguridad clínica en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología. Influencia de una intervención formativa / Patient safety culture in orthopaedics surgery. Influence of a training activities plan

Objetivo: Conocer las características de la cultura de seguridad clínica en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología, valorando la influencia de una intervención formativa en su tendencia evolutiva. Población y metodología: Estudio observacional ecológico con intervención formativa. La población objeto de estudio fueron los profesionales del Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología del Hospital Clínic Universitario de Barcelona. Se utilizó la versión española del cuestionario HSOPS para valorar la cultura de seguridad clínica. Resultados: El porcentaje de respuestas válidas obtenidas fue superior al 60% en las dos mediciones de la cultura realizadas. Las 12 dimensiones consideradas mejoraron su tendencia. El trabajo en equipo dentro del servicio se identificó como una dimensión de fortaleza del modelo. Conclusiones: La intervención formativa ha consolidado una tendencia favorable. La mejora de la cultura de seguridad clínica requiere tiempo y actuaciones periódicas (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to measure patient safety culture in orthopaedics surgery and to assess the influence of a training activities plan. Methodology: We performed an ecological observational study with a training intervention. Study population included all professionals of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service of the Clinic Hospital of Barcelona. We used the Spanish version questionnaire HSOPS in order to evaluate safety culture among staff. Results: The percentage of valid questionnaires obtained was above 60% in the two surveys of patient safety culture. The twelve dimensions considered have improved trend. Teamwork climate inside the unit has been identified as a stronghold dimension. Conclusions: The training intervention developed has consolidate a positive trend. The improvement of the patient safety culture needs time and continual actions (AU)

[Placement of a biventricular resynchronization device in a patient with a persistent left superior vena cava: report of one case]. / Terapia de resincronización cardiaca en paciente con vena cava superior izquierda persistente: caso clínico.

Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common venous congenital malformation and is usually asymptomatic. Its presence could increase the difficulty for transvenous lead implantation. We report a 71-year-old woman with an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and heart failure that required biventricular resynchronization therapy. During the placement of the device a persistent left superior vena cava was detected. The device was placed without problems and the patient had a satisfactory postoperative evolution.

Terapia de resincronización cardiaca en paciente con vena cava superior izquierda persistente: Caso clínico / Placement of a biventricular resynchronization device in a patient with a persistent left superior vena cava: Report of one case

Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common venous congenital malformation and is usually asymptomatic. Its presence could increase the difficulty for transvenous lead implantation. We report a 71-year-old woman with an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and heart failure that required biventri-cular resynchronization therapy. During the placement of the device a persistent left superior vena cava was detected. The device was placed without problems and the patient had a satisfactory postoperative evolution.

Síndrome de Twiddler: una causa infrecuente de disfunción de marcapaso definitivo. Caso clínico / Twiddler syndrome: Report of one case

We report a 26year old patient who had a single chamber pacemaker implantation one year before. During a routine pre-operative evaluation, pacemaker dysfunction was demonstrated due to sensing and pacing failure, associated to left pectoral muscle rhythmic contraction. Chest X-ray confirmed Twiddler syndrome, in which twisting or rotation of the device inside the pocket results in lead dislodgement and device malfunction.

'Sobreadaptación' y 'complejo de la madre muerta': dos hipótesis acerca de la dificultad en el proceso de simbolización / 'Over-adaptation' and 'dead mother complex': two hypothesis about the difficulty in the symbolization process

Este trabajo intenta comparar dos hipótesis dinámicas clínicas: la teoría de la “sobreadaptación” de Liberman y el “complejo de la madre muerta” de André Green, en términos de procesos que remiten a experiencias vinculares tempranas fallidas que inciden en fracasos (parciales) de la capacidad de simbolización. Se revisan algunos conceptos de Winnicott y Bion acerca de la construcción del aparato psíquico, el desarrollo del “self ambiental sobreadaptado” en los planteamientos de Liberman y la identificación con aspectos muertos de la madre en la teoría de Green, concluyendo que se trata de experiencias traumáticas encapsuladas que pueden “re-presentarse” en la relación transferencial para ser analizadas

This paper tries to compare two clinical dynamic hipothesis: Liberman´s theory about "over-adaptation" and André Green´s idea of the "dead mother complex". Both are processes linked to failure in early bonding experiences which affect (partially) symbolic ability. Some concepts of Winnicott and Bion are reviewed about psychic construction, environmental over-adapted self, who are beneath Liberman´s exposition. Also states that the identification with the dead mother aspects is an important issue in the development. Concluding that there is a failure in the object task that disturb the psychic constitution which are settled as encapsulated traumatic experiences that could be "re-presented" in the transference relationship to have the opportunity of being analyzed

Expression of BCL-2 family genes in germ cells undergoing apoptosis during the first wave of spermatogenesis in the rat.

Apoptosis is a key event controlling sperm output both in normal and pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms involving germ cell apoptosis is far from being understood. In this work, we have immunoisolated germ cells undergoing apoptosis by taking advantage of the up-regulation of Fas, a dead receptor involved in apoptosis induction in these cells. Analysis of specific markers showed that this cell population is composed of spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes. We measured the mRNA levels of several apoptosis-inducing proteins belonging to the BCL-2 family (BAX, BAD, PUMA, BOK and BAK) as well as those that prevent apoptosis (BCL-2, BCL-W and BCL-XL). Results showed that apoptotic germ cells have elevated mRNA levels of all studied genes (both pro and anti-apoptotic) compared with non-apoptotic cells. Our data would help to define the molecular mechanisms involving germ cell apoptosis under physiological conditions.

[Cryoablation of pulmonary veins as complementary treatment of atria I fibrillation in valvular surgery]. / Criocoagulación de venas pulmonares como tratamiento complementario de la fibrilación auricular en cirugía valvular.

BACKGROUND: The Cox MAZE III operation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and consumes significant operative time. Cryoablation of the pulmonary veins (CPV) is a simpler alternative for patients that require concomitant valvular surgery. AIM: To evaluate CPV in patients with AF submitted to valvular surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty one patients had simultaneous valvular surgery and CPV, 81 % of them had permanent AF for an average of 5 years. Twenty patients had mitral valve disease. The etiology was rheumatic in 14. Average left atrial diameter was 60 mm. In 7 patients the mitral valve was replaced, in 5 it was repaired, in 7 both mitral and aortic valve were replaced, in 1 the mitral valve was repaired and the aortic valve was replaced and in 1 only the aortic valve was replaced. A combined transeptal and superior approach was used for all patients. The CPV was performed after the valvular procedure with cryothermy at -60 degrees C for 2 minutes with two 15 mm cryoprobes applied simultaneously. RESULTS: CPV increased surgical time by 10 to 20 minutes. Operative mortality was 4.8% (1 patient). One patient developed a pericardial effusion and another a complete heart block that required a permanent pacemaker. All patients improved their functional class. At the end of an average 10.5 months of follow-up, 50% of patients were in normal sinus rhythm and 25% persisted in AF. The remaining patients were in some type of regular rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: CPV as a complementary procedure in patients with AF undergoing valvular surgery had good results to abate AF. It restored normal sinus rhythm in 50% of the cases, with low morbidity and mortality and little increment in surgical time.

[Requirement of fast ventricular stimulation to induce atrio ventricular nodal tachycardia: report of one case]. / Necesidad de estimulación ventricular rápida en la inducción de taquicardia por reentrada del nodo aurículo-ventricular: Caso clínico.

We report a 59 year-old woman who had recurrent episodes of paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia despite pharmacologic therapy. A previous electrophysiological study (EPS) was done two years earlier without induction of any sustained arrhythmia. A new EPS was performed, during which atrial and ventricular programmed stimulation failed to induce tachycardia, and only by fast ventricular stimulation during intravenous isoproterenol infusion, a typical atrio ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) was induced. We successfully ablated the slow nodal pathway. After ablation the tachycardia was not inducible. We comment the occasional difficulties to induce AVNRT and the importance of a complete induction protocol to avoid false negative studies during the EPS.

Tratamiento de la rinitis alérgica en la embarazada / Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy

El tratamiento de la rinitis alérgica (RA) en la paciente embarazada se ve obstaculizado por el temor que el especialista experimenta al intentar utilizar medicamentos que podrían provocar problemas en el desarrollo del feto. Este dilema es especialmente acentuado cuando la embarazada está en sus primeros meses de embarazo. Sin embargo, la persistencia de síntomas y las molestias que la rinitis alérgica le ocasiona a la paciente coloca al especialista en una disyuntiva importante: cómo tratar a la enferma sin provocar daños en el niño en gestación. La FDA ha clasificado los medicamentos que en estos casos pueden utilizarse y el metaanálisis de estudios realizados en embarazadas avala la prescripción de los fármacos que aquí se aconsejan. Es factible, además, realizar algunos procedimientos quirúrgicos durante el embarazo sin que ello involucre riesgo en la paciente ni en el feto.

Criocoagulación de venas pulmonares como tratamiento complementario de la fibrilación auricular en cirugía valvular / Cryoablation of pulmonary veins as complementary treatment of atria I fibrillation in valvular surgery

Background: The Cox MAZE III operation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and consumes significant operative time. Cryoablation of the pulmonary veins (CPV) is a simpler alternative for patients that require concomitant valvular surgery. Aim: To evaluate CPV in patients with AF submitted to valvular surgery. Patients and Methods: Twenty one patients had simultaneous valvular surgery and CPV, 81 percent of them had permanent AFfor an average of 5 years. Twenty patients had mitral valve disease. The etiology was rheumatic in 14. Average left atrial diameter was 60 mm. In 7patients the mitral valve was replaced, in 5 it was repaired, in 7 both mitral and aortic valve were replaced, in 1 the mitral valve was repaired and the aortic valve was replaced and in 1 only the aortic valve was replaced. A combined transeptal and superior approach was used for all patients. The CPV was performed after the valvular procedure with cryothermy at -60°C for 2 minutes with two 15 mm cryoprobes applied simultaneously. Results: CPV increased surgical time by 10 to 20 minutes. Operative mortality was 4.8 percent (1 patient). One patient developed a pericardial effusion and another a complete heart block that required a permanent pacemaker. All patients improved their functional class. At the end of an average 10.5 months of follow-up, 50 percent of patients were in normal sinus rhythm and 25 percent persisted in AF. The remaining patients were in some type of regular rhythm. Conclusions: CPV as a complementary procedure in patients with AF undergoing valvular surgery had good results to abate AF. It restored normal sinus rhythm in 50 percent of the cases, with low morbidity and mortality and little increment in surgical time.

Necesidad de estimulación ventricular rápida en la inducción de taquicardia por reentrada del nodo aurículo-ventricular: Caso clínico / Requirement of fast ventricular stimulation to induce atrio ventricular nodal tachycardia: Report of one case

We report a 59 year-old woman who had recurrent episodes of paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia despite pharmacologic therapy. A previous electrophysiological study (EPS) was done two years earlier without induction of any sustained arrhythmia. A new EPS was performed, during which atrial and ventricular programmed stimulation failed to induce tachycardia, and only by fast ventricular stimulation during intravenous isoproterenol infusion, a typical atrio ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) was induced. We successfully ablated the slow nodal pathway. After ablation the tachycardia was not inducible. We comment the occasional difficulties to induce AVNRT and the importance of a complete induction protocol to avoid false negative studies during the EPS.

[Loss of biventricular resynchronization due to an uncommon cause: Report of one case]. / Pérdida de resincronización biventricular: Causa inhabitual. Caso clínico.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment for patients with dilated cardiomyophaty and congestive heart failure. The success of this therapy depends of permanent biventricular stimulation. We report an 84 year-old man, with intermittent loss of biventricular pacemaker stimulation despite having adequate sensing and stimulation thresholds in the right atrium and both ventricles. The problem was solved after correcting some programming parameters.