An Introduction to Plant Cell, Tissue, and Organ Culture: Current Status and Perspectives.

Plant cell, tissue, and organ cultures (PCTOC) have been used as experimental systems in basic research, allowing gene function demonstration through gene overexpression or repression and investigating the processes involved in embryogenesis and organogenesis or those related to the potential production of secondary metabolites, among others. On the other hand, PCTOC has also been applied at the commercial level for the vegetative multiplication (micropropagation) of diverse plant species, mainly ornamentals but also horticultural crops such as potato or fruit and tree species, and to produce high-quality disease-free plants. Moreover, PCTOC protocols are important auxiliary systems in crop breeding crops to generate pure lines (homozygous) to produce hybrids for the obtention of polyploid plants with higher yields or better performance. PCTOC has been utilized to preserve and conserve the germplasm of different crops or threatened species. Plant genetic improvement through genetic engineering and genome editing has been only possible thanks to the establishment of efficient in vitro plant regeneration protocols. Different companies currently focus on commercializing plant secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities using in vitro PCTOC. The impact of omics on PCTOC is discussed.

Reducing CLABSI through a quality strategy for the implementation of the aseptic non-touch technique in a pediatric ward / Reducción de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales por medio de una estrategia de calidad para la implementación de la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ en una sala de pediatría

Abstract Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most epidemiologically relevant health care-associated infections. The aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a standardized practice used to prevent CLABSIs. In a pediatric hospital, the overall CLABSI rate was 1.92/1000 catheter days (CD). However, in one unit, the rate was 5.7/1000 CD. Methods: Nurses were trained in ANTT. For the implementation, plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed. Adherence monitoring of the ANTT and epidemiological surveillance were performed. Results: ANTT adherence of 95% was achieved after 6 PDSA cycles. Hand hygiene and general cleaning reached 100% adherence. Port disinfection and material collection had the lowest adherence rates, with 76.2% and 84.7%, respectively. The CLABSI rate decreased from 5.7 to 1.26/1000 CD. Conclusion: The implementation of ANTT helped reduce the CLABSI rate. Training and continuous monitoring are key to maintaining ANTT adherence.

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales son unas de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud con mayor relevancia epidemiológica. La técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ es una práctica estandarizada que se utiliza para prevenir estas infecciones. En un hospital pediátrico, la tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales fue de 1.92/1000 días de catéter. Sin embargo, en una de las unidades la tasa fue de 5.7/1000 días de catéter. Método: Se capacitaron enfermeras en la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼. Para la implementación se cumplieron ciclos de planificar-hacer-estudiar-actuar (PHEA). Se realizaron seguimiento de la adherencia a la técnica y vigilancia epidemiológica. Resultados: Se logró una adherencia a la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ del 95% después de seis ciclos. La higiene de manos y la limpieza general alcanzaron un 100% de cumplimiento. La desinfección de los puertos y la recolección de material alcanzaron la menor adherencia, con un 76.2% y un 84.7%, respectivamente. La tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales disminuyó de 5.7 a 1.26 por 1000 días de catéter. Conclusiones: La implementación de la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ ayudó en la reducción de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales. La capacitación y el seguimiento continuo son clave para mantener el cumplimiento de la técnica.

Reducing CLABSI through a quality strategy for the implementation of the aseptic non-touch technique in a pediatric ward.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most epidemiologically relevant health care-associated infections. The aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a standardized practice used to prevent CLABSIs. In a pediatric hospital, the overall CLABSI rate was 1.92/1000 catheter days (CD). However, in one unit, the rate was 5.7/1000 CD. METHODS: Nurses were trained in ANTT. For the implementation, plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed. Adherence monitoring of the ANTT and epidemiological surveillance were performed. RESULTS: ANTT adherence of 95% was achieved after 6 PDSA cycles. Hand hygiene and general cleaning reached 100% adherence. Port disinfection and material collection had the lowest adherence rates, with 76.2% and 84.7%, respectively. The CLABSI rate decreased from 5.7 to 1.26/1000 CD. CONCLUSION: The implementation of ANTT helped reduce the CLABSI rate. Training and continuous monitoring are key to maintaining ANTT adherence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales son unas de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud con mayor relevancia epidemiológica. La técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ es una práctica estandarizada que se utiliza para prevenir estas infecciones. En un hospital pediátrico, la tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales fue de 1.92/1000 días de catéter. Sin embargo, en una de las unidades la tasa fue de 5.7/1000 días de catéter. MÉTODO: Se capacitaron enfermeras en la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼. Para la implementación se cumplieron ciclos de planificar-hacer-estudiar-actuar (PHEA). Se realizaron seguimiento de la adherencia a la técnica y vigilancia epidemiológica. RESULTADOS: Se logró una adherencia a la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ del 95% después de seis ciclos. La higiene de manos y la limpieza general alcanzaron un 100% de cumplimiento. La desinfección de los puertos y la recolección de material alcanzaron la menor adherencia, con un 76.2% y un 84.7%, respectivamente. La tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales disminuyó de 5.7 a 1.26 por 1000 días de catéter. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ ayudó en la reducción de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales. La capacitación y el seguimiento continuo son clave para mantener el cumplimiento de la técnica.

Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma: A retrospective study of 43 cases.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma (IAFG) is an underrecognized pediatric skin disease, currently considered within the spectrum of rosacea. It usually manifests as a solitary, reddish, asymptomatic nodule on the cheek that resolves spontaneously. METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive observational study of 43 pediatric patients with a clinical diagnosis of IAFG, followed between 2004 and 2022, at two general hospitals in Argentina. RESULTS: IAFG predominated in girls (65%) and the average age of onset was about 6 years. A single asymptomatic nodule was seen in 79% of patients. The most common localization was the cheek (58%) followed by lower eyelids (41%). Family history of rosacea was present in 16% of patients. A concomitant diagnosis of rosacea and periorificial dermatitis was made in 14% and 9% of our population, respectively. Past or present history of chalazia was detected in 42% of the children. IAFG diagnosis was mainly clinical (88% of cases). Oral antibiotics were the most common indicated treatment (84%). Complete healing was achieved by the majority, but 18% of those with eyelid compromise healed with scars. CONCLUSIONS: IAFG is a benign pediatric condition that physicians should recognize in order to manage correctly. We herein refer to a particular morphologic aspect of IAFG lesions affecting the lower eyelids, where nodules adopt a linear distribution and have a higher probability of involute leaving a scar. Also, we consider that the concomitant findings of rosacea, periorificial dermatitis and chalazia in our patients, reinforce the consideration of IAFG within the spectrum of rosacea.

Understanding the Neurotrophic Virus Mechanisms and Their Potential Effect on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development.

Central nervous system (CNS) pathologies are a public health concern, with viral infections one of their principal causes. These viruses are known as neurotropic pathogens, characterized by their ability to infiltrate the CNS and thus interact with various cell populations, inducing several diseases. The immune response elicited by neurotropic viruses in the CNS is commanded mainly by microglia, which, together with other local cells, can secrete inflammatory cytokines to fight the infection. The most relevant neurotropic viruses are adenovirus (AdV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), enterovirus (EV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2. Several studies have associated a viral infection with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) manifestations. This article will review the knowledge about viral infections, CNS pathologies, and the immune response against them. Also, it allows us to understand the relevance of the different viral proteins in developing neuronal pathologies, SLE and NPSLE.

Roles of inflammatory cell infiltrate in periprosthetic osteolysis.

Classically, particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis at the implant-bone interface has explained the aseptic loosening of joint replacement. This response is preceded by triggering both the innate and acquired immune response with subsequent activation of osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells. Although particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis has been considered a foreign body chronic inflammation mediated by myelomonocytic-derived cells, current reports describe wide heterogeneous inflammatory cells infiltrating the periprosthetic tissues. This review aims to discuss the role of those non-myelomonocytic cells in periprosthetic tissues exposed to wear particles by showing original data. Specifically, we discuss the role of T cells (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and B cells (CD20+) coexisting with CD68+/TRAP- multinucleated giant cells associated with both polyethylene and metallic particles infiltrating retrieved periprosthetic membranes. This review contributes valuable insight to support the complex cell and molecular mechanisms behind the aseptic loosening theories of orthopedic implants.

Proximal Femur Endoprosthesis Augmentation with Polymethylmethacrylate and Condylar Plate: A Case Series.

Introduction: Aseptic and septic loosening by mechanical failure is one of the main causes of proximal femur endoprosthesis failure with different clinical consequences such as pain, inflammation, progressive loosening of muscular volume, and strength with functional limitation. We present a case series of four patients with aseptic and septic loosening of femur endoprosthesis that was treated with a novel technique that combines different methods to achieve primary stability. Case Report: Four patients with an average age of 49.5 years (35-70 years), two women and two men, were referred to the Orthopedic Surgery Department of the San Ignacio University Hospital of Bogota. Two of them with a history of oncological disease, ruling out a tumor relapse through local images and extension examinations; another patient with a history of firearm injury to the left thigh with multiple secondary complications, which required various reconstructive procedures; and the oldest patient with a history of total hip replacement. The main complaint of the four patients was thigh pain not caused by trauma and initial assessment radiographs of all of them showed signs of loosening of the prosthetic material, with septic etiology in two of the patients and aseptic etiology in the other two. Therefore, they were scheduled for revision surgery of prosthetic components. These patients recover functional status and resolved pain in the early post-operative period and during long-term follow-up. Only one of the patients, time after the surgical procedure, required removal of the osteosynthesis material due to persistent bone infectious process. Conclusion: Septic and aseptic loosening is one of the most common complications of proximal femur endoprosthesis, resulting in significant pain and functional decline in patients. We present a novel surgical technique that allows primary stabilization of the construct that allows early rehabilitation, improvement of functionality, and no signs of new loosening.

Clinical Course Associated with Aseptic Meningitis Induced by Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Aseptic meningitis is a rare but potentially serious complication of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. In this case series, meningitic symptoms following intravenous immunoglobulin initiation in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome were rare (7/2,086 [0.3%]). However, they required the need for additional therapy and/or readmission.

Aseptic Meningitis Due to Spontaneous Rupture of a Multicystic Craniopharyngioma with an Ommaya Catheter: A Case Report.

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign tumors that are believed to arise from embryonic remnants of the Rathke pouch epithelium. Herein, we report a case of aseptic meningitis due to spontaneous rupture of multicystic CP, which contained an Ommaya catheter. A 19-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a 4-day history of acute severe headache after strenuous physical exercise followed by altered sensorium, fever, and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed marked pleocytosis and elevated protein levels. CSF culture was otherwise negative. Cyst reduction on subsequent imaging confirmed the diagnosis. The patient received intravenous steroid therapy and was discharged asymptomatic. This is a rare evolution of a multicystic CP, which was previously treated with intracystic therapy and had an Ommaya catheter. Clinicians should be aware of spontaneous CP rupture and look actively for the occurrence of cholesterol crystals or elevated CSF levels of cholesterol as well as prompt follow-up imaging.

Meningitis aséptica por varicela zóster sin rash vesicular previo en paciente VIH positivo. Presentación de caso / Varicella Zoster aseptic meningitis without previous vesicular rash in VIH positive patient. Case report

Resumen Un cuadro de meningitis aséptica, en el contexto de un paciente inmunosuprimido con diagnóstico de infección por Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH), debe llevar a pensar en múltiples diagnósticos diferenciales. Entre estos, se incluye el virus varicela zóster (VVZ) como uno de los principales agentes causales de meningitis a líquido cefalorraquídeo claro. Su reactivación da lugar a múltiples manifestaciones neurológicas potencialmente mortales en las que se consideraba al rash vesicular, o exantema pápulo/vesículo/ costroso como un signo fundamental para su diagnóstico. No obstante, las lesiones cutáneas están ausentes en más de un tercio de los pacientes con compromiso del sistema nervioso central. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un paciente con infección por VIH que presenta cefalea más fiebre, con hallazgos en líquido cefalorraquídeo de pleocitosis neutrofílica y una prueba molecular confirmatoria para virus varicela zóster, en ausencia de rash vesicular previo que guiara hacia este diagnóstico. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(1): 91-9.

Abstract The clinical presentation of aseptic meningitis in the context of an immunosuppressed patient with a diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, should lead us to consider multiple differential diagnoses. Among these, the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) has been found as one of the main causative agents of clear cerebrospinal fluid meningitis. Its reactivation gives rise to multiple life-threatening neurological manifestations in which vesicular rash, or papule / vesicular / crusted rash was considered a fundamental sign for its diagnosis. However, skin lesions are absent in more than a third of patients with central nervous system involvement. Herein, we report a case of an HIV-infected patient with headache, fever and neutrophilic pleocytosis with FilmArray that confirms Varicella Zoster virus infection in an immunocompromised patient in the absence of vesicular rash. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(1): 91-9.

Rheumatoid meningitis: report of two cases / Meningitis reumatoide. Informe de dos casos

ABSTRACT Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RM mimics many other conditions such as subdural empyema, unsteady gait, focal brain dysfunction, stroke, relapsing-remitting motor signs, headache, neuropsychiatric disorders, seizures, parkinsonism, and meningeal tumors. RM is considered a disease with poor prognosis. However, cases reported in the last decade show a good outcome. We report two cases with a favorable outcome. A 48-year-old man with a three-year history of RA admitted for headache, sensory disturbances, and speech difficulties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left parietal subdural laminar lesion with restricted diffusion and a small left superior frontal acute infarction. A subdural empyema was originally suspected, and antimicrobials were prescribed. A follow-up MRI did not show progression of the subdural lesion and the patient was discharged 14 days after admission without focal deficits. A 44-year-old female patient with two years of seronegative RA was admitted for severe headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Brain MRI showed subtle supra and infratentorial leptomeningeal involvement and a left cerebellar acute infarct. A meningoencephalitis due to etanercept was initially thought and treated with dexamethasone. The patient was discharged but had to be admitted again and a new MRI showed a progression of the leptomeningeal involvement. She worsened and required endotracheal intubation. Cyclophosphamide was started and the patient became asymptomatic three months later. We propose that treatment should not be delayed waiting a biopsy when a diagnosis of RM is made and after a cerebrospinal fluid infection has been ruled out.

Meningitis reumatoide es una complicación rara de la artritis reumatoide. Esta enfermedad simula varias afecciones neurológicas, como empiema subdural, marcha inestable, accidente cerebrovascular, signos motores recurrentes-remitentes, cefalea, trastornos neuropsiquiátricos, convulsiones, parkinsonismo y tumores de las meninges. Es considerada de mal pronóstico, sin embargo, casos en la última década muestran lo contrario. Informamos dos casos con buen pronóstico. Un hombre de 48 años con tres años de artritis reumatoide ingresado por cefalea, trastornos sensoriales y dificultades del habla. La resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral mostró una lesión laminar subdural parietal izquierda y un pequeño infarto agudo frontal izquierdo. Inicialmente se sospechó un empiema subdural y se trató con antibióticos. Una RM de control no mostró progresión de la lesión subdural y el paciente fue dado de alta 14 días después del ingreso sin déficit focales. Una mujer de 44 años con dos años de artritis reumatoide seronegativa fue ingresada por cefalea, confusión náuseas y vómitos. La RM cerebral mostró un compromiso sutil leptomeníngeo supra e infratentorial y un infarto agudo cerebeloso izquierdo. Inicialmente se consideró una meningoencefalitis debido a etanercept y se trató con dexametasona. Fue dada de alta pero debió ingresar al hospital nuevamente y una nueva RM mostró progresión del compromiso leptomeníngeo. Ella se agravó y requirió intubación endotraqueal. Se inició ciclofosfamida y la paciente se hizo asintomática tres meses después. Proponemos que el tratamiento no debe retrasarse esperando una biopsia de meninges cuando se realiza un diagnóstico clínico de meningitis reumatoide, después de descartar infecciones meníngeas.

Environmental Surveillance through Next-Generation Sequencing to Unveil the Diversity of Human Enteroviruses beyond the Reported Clinical Cases.

The knowledge about circulation of Human Enteroviruses (EVs) obtained through medical diagnosis in Argentina is scarce. Wastewater samples monthly collected in Córdoba, Argentina during 2011-2012, and then in 2017-2018 were retrospectively studied to assess the diversity of EVs in the community. Partial VP1 gene was amplified by PCR from wastewater concentrates, and amplicons were subject of next-generation sequencing and genetic analyses. There were 41 EVs detected, from which ~50% had not been previously reported in Argentina. Most of the characterized EVs (60%) were detected at both sampling periods, with similar values of intratype nucleotide diversity. Exceptions were enterovirus A71, coxsackievirus B4, echovirus 14, and echovirus 30, which diversified in 2017-2018. There was a predominance of types from EV-C in 2017-2018, evidencing a common circulation of these types throughout the year in the community. Interestingly, high genetic similarity was evidenced among environmental strains of echovirus 30 circulating in 2011-2012 and co-temporal isolates obtained from patients suffering aseptic meningitis in different locations of Argentina. This study provides an updated insight about EVs circulating in an important region of South America, and suggests a valuable role of wastewater-based epidemiology in predicting outbreaks before the onset of cases in the community.

La brucelosis en el diagnóstico diferencial de las meningitis asépticas: a propósito de un caso / Aseptic meningitis caused by brucellosis. Report of one case

Aseptic meningitis represents a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. Cytological and chemical parameters are key in the differential diagnosis. Hypoglycorrhachia is a strong predictor of a bacterial origin for aseptic meningitis. We report a 44-year-old male with a history of recurrent febrile headaches admitted with fever and delirium. The initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed low glucose levels. Magnetic resonance imaging did not show abnormalities. The patient was discharged but was admitted again three weeks later with fever, headache and a stiff neck. The CSF was inflammatory with low glucose levels. Serology for brucellosis was positive. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and rifampicin with a good clinical response.

Meningitis aséptica por virus parotídeo asociada a la vacuna

Resumen Comunicamos el caso de un lactante mayor previamente sano, que luego de tres semanas de recibir la vacuna SPR (sarampión, parotiditis, rubeola) presentó fiebre, aumento de volumen parotídeo y compromiso de conciencia. Se diagnosticó una meningitis aséptica, con pleocitosis en el LCR de predominio mononuclear, detectándose virus parotídeo en LCR por biología molecular. En el Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile se realizó serología (IgM e IgG) que resultó positiva. La muestra de saliva confirmó la etiología por virus parotídeo con genotipo N. La evolución fue favorable, sin secuelas al seguimiento a seis meses. Ante esta situación clínica, se revisó la información respecto a la asociación y causalidad de esta entidad clínica y vacuna SPR, focalizado en diferentes cepas del virus parotiditis.

Abstract We report the case of an older infant with no prior morbidity that approximately 3 weeks after receiving MMR vaccination (measles, mumps, rubella) was hospitalized for feverish symptoms, increased parotid volume and compromised consciousness. Aseptic meningitis was diagnosed, detecting pleocytosis in the CSF, predominantly mononuclear, and confirming by molecular biology, presence of parotid virus in CSF. A study was carried out by the Institute of Public Health of Chile, where serology (IgM and IgG) was positive. Saliva sample confirmed the etiology of parotid virus with genotype N. The evolution was favorable and at 6-month follow-up, there were no sequelae. Given this clinical situation, information regarding the association and causality of this clinical entity and the MMR vaccine, focused on different strains of the mumps virus, was reviewed.

Anicteric Leptospirosis-Associated Meningitis in a Tropical Urban Environment, Brazil.

While studying aseptic meningitis in Salvador, Brazil, we diagnosed anicteric leptospirosis in 1.7% (5/295) of patients hospitalized for aseptic meningitis. Leptospirosis-associated meningitis patients had lower mean cerebrospinal fluid cell counts and protein than other-cause aseptic meningitis (p<0.05). Clinicians must consider leptospirosis-associated meningitis in appropriate clinical-epidemiologic contexts.

Ruptured dermoid cyst in the Meckel's cave presenting with trigeminal neuralgia in a pediatric patient: a case report.

Intracranial dermoid cysts are benign congenital slow growing masses. They account for less than 1% of all primary intracranial lesions. They can be asymptomatic and appear incidentally on brain images. However, there are some dermoid cysts that, depending on the location, can cause a variety of symptoms, especially if they compress vital structures. Rupture of intracranial dermoid cysts is relatively uncommon; the incidence is 0.18%. Dermoid cyst in children appears in the posterior fossa, while in adults is more common to find them in the sellar, temporal, and frontobasal region. The Meckel's cave is not a frequent location for these lesions and there are only a few cases in the adult population reported in the literature. We presented a 12-year-old patient with a dermoid cyst in the Meckel's cave who first presented with symptoms of a ruptured cyst but eventually evolved with a trigeminal neuralgia. We decided to do a transzygomatic approach and a middle fossa pealing to locate and excise the lesion. After surgery, the patient resolved the symptoms. Surgery is recommended in symptomatic lesions although surgical decision-making should consider the region where the cyst is located to achieve a safe, maximal resection without adding any further damage.

Endocarditis infecciosa de la válvula tricúspide asociada con meningitis aséptica: presentación infrecuente en una niña / Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis associated with aseptic meningitis: a rare presentation in a child

La endocarditis infecciosa es infrecuente pero potencialmente mortal. Las presentaciones atípicas retrasan el diagnóstico. El compromiso neurológico es habitual en la endocarditis de la válvula mitral, aunque infrecuente en la endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Si bien se han informado algunos casos e el del lado derecho con síntomas neurológicos en adultos, en la bibliografía no se ha descripto en niños. Se presenta una niña de 9 años con comunicación interventricular (CIV) congénita con fiebre, cefalea y rigidez de nuca. Sus síntomas clínicos y los hallazgos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo respaldaron el diagnóstico de meningitis aséptica. El día 3 del tratamiento con ceftriaxona, se resolvieron los síntomas; tras nueve días, reingresó con fiebre y rigidez de nuca. Un ecocardiograma mostró endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico durante 6 semanas. Se realizó una cirugía cardíaca para la CIV y la insuficiencia de la válvula tricúspide.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but a potentially life-threatening infectious disease. Atypical presentations cause delays in the diagnosis. Neurological involvement such as meningitis or meningismus, are especially common in mitral valve endocarditis, but unusual in tricuspid valve endocarditis. Although few cases of right-sided IE have been reported with neurological symptoms in adults, children have not been described in literature. A nine-year-old girl with congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) was admitted with fever, headache and neck stiffness. Her clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid findings supported the aseptic meningitis. On ceftriaxone therapy day 3, her complaints were resolved; nine days later she was admitted with fever and neck stiffness again. Further investigation for fever source with echocardiogram revealed a tricuspid valve endocarditis. Antibiotic therapy was completed after 6 weeks. Cardiac surgery was performed for VSD and tricuspid valvular insufficiency.

Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis associated with aseptic meningitis: a rare presentation in a child. / Endocarditis infecciosa de la válvula tricúspide asociada con meningitis aséptica: presentación infrecuente en una niña.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but a potentially life-threatening infectious disease. Atypical presentations cause delays in the diagnosis. Neurological involvement such as meningitis or meningismus, are especially common in mitral valve endocarditis, but unusual in tricuspid valve endocarditis. Although few cases of right-sided IE have been reported with neurological symptoms in adults, children have not been described in literature. A nine-year-old girl with congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) was admitted with fever, headache and neck stiffness. Her clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid findings supported the aseptic meningitis. On ceftriaxone therapy day 3, her complaints were resolved; nine days later she was admitted with fever and neck stiffness again. Further investigation for fever source with echocardiogram revealed a tricuspid valve endocarditis. Antibiotic therapy was completed after 6 weeks. Cardiac surgery was performed for VSD and tricuspid valvular insufficiency.

La endocarditis infecciosa es infrecuente pero potencialmente mortal. Las presentaciones atípicas retrasan el diagnóstico. El compromiso neurológico es habitual en la endocarditis de la válvula mitral, aunque infrecuente en la endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Si bien se han informado algunos casos e el del lado derecho con síntomas neurológicos en adultos, en la bibliografía no se ha descripto en niños. Se presenta una niña de 9 años con comunicación interventricular (CIV) congénita con fiebre, cefalea y rigidez de nuca. Sus síntomas clínicos y los hallazgos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo respaldaron el diagnóstico de meningitis aséptica. El día 3 del tratamiento con ceftriaxona, se resolvieron los síntomas; tras nueve días, reingresó con fiebre y rigidez de nuca. Un ecocardiograma mostró endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico durante 6 semanas. Se realizó una cirugía cardíaca para la CIV y la insuficiencia de la válvula tricúspide.