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The formation of atherosclerotic plaque results from the complex interaction between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, through immune mechanisms that orchestrate both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. Atherosclerosis often culminates in ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular events, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Currently, primary prevention focuses on controlling modifiable risk factors. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the damage induced by these risk factors is essential to develop more effective treatments. This article provides a detailed review of the immunological processes underlying the initiation and progression of atheroma plaque, exploring their relationship with traditional risk factor such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, as well as a new potential risk factor: microbiota dysbiosis. Furthermore, the attributable risk of each factor is independently assessed, and the effectiveness of risk factor control measures is demonstrated as the best strategy to date for the regression of atherosclerosis and the prevention of its complications.

Background: Small bowel volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adult patients. This disease is more common in children and its aetiology and management is different to that in adults., Clinical Case: A 30 year-old male with sarcoidosis presents with acute abdomen and clinical data of intestinal obstruction. Small bowel volvulus is diagnosed by a contrast abdominal tomography and an exploratory laparotomy is performed with devolvulation and no intestinal resection. In the days following surgery, he developed a recurrent small bowel volvulus, which was again managed with surgery, but without intestinal resection. Medical treatment for sarcoidosis was started, and with his clinical progress being satisfactory,he was discharged to home., Conclusions: Making an early and correct diagnosis of small bowel volvulus prevents large intestinal resections. Many surgical procedures have been described with a high rate of complications. Therefore, conservative surgical management (no intestinal resection) is recommended as the best treatment with the lowest morbidity and mortality rate., (Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)