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BackgroundFlow diversion is the first-line treatment for several types of intracranial aneurysms. We report on a large series of patients treated with the Derivo Embolization Device who underwent a 1-year angiographic control follow-up.MethodsWe performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, designed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results of treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Derivo Flow Diverter. The primary endpoint was complete occlusion of the aneurysm within 12 months, which was evaluated using DSA. The secondary endpoint was the absence of any serious adverse events. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data.ResultsThe study was conducted from December 2016 to September 2019 and enrolled 127 patients with 177 intracranial aneurysms, treated at three different centers. Efficacy at 6 months was 70.1% (122/174) for total occlusion and 87.3% (152/174) for favorable occlusion and, at 12 months, it was 83.3% (145/174) for total occlusion and 97.7% (170/174) for favorable occlusion. Regarding safety concerns, 97.6% (124/127) of patients did not experience severe adverse effects during the follow-up period of 12 months, and there was no procedure-related mortality.ConclusionsThe Derivo Embolization Device, achieving a total occlusion rate of 83.3% and a favorable occlusion rate of 97.7% in a 1-year angiographic control study of 174 aneurysms with minor morbidity and no intervention-related mortality, is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Chagas disease is a significant public health problem in the Americas, despite efforts to decrease the number of new cases since 1990. Etiologic treatment of the disease's chronic phase is still controversial. Objective: We reviewed the strongest studies to evaluate the drugs used in the acute and chronic disease phases, with emphasis on benznidazole. Methods: A Medline search using the keywords ‘Chagas disease’ and ‘treatment,’ with no date limitations, was performed. Results: Study methods in completed trials varied greatly, with none being a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The only trial using these methods is still ongoing. The treatment in acute phase is the major indication, but during chronic phase doubts still remain. Conclusion: Only patients in the acute phase of Chagas disease (whatever their age; including children and adolescents) who are treated have good outcomes, although the criteria defining ‘cure’ remain controversial.