Search

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is multi-symptom disease with variable progression. Objectives We performed a longitudinal study to address the evolution of motor symptoms (MS) and non-motor symptoms (NMS), predictors of motor-, cognitive-, disability-, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) status and the relative usefullness of a battery of separate NMS scales (BSS) versus the Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS). Methods Seventy-two patients were assessed at baseline and 4 years later with the NMSS and BSS. We assessed the following outcomes: cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale [MoCA]), disability (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part II [UPDRS II], Schwab and England [S&E]), motor dysfunction (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III [UPDRS III], Hoehn and Yahr [HY]), and HRQL (EuroQol [EQ] EQ-vertical visual analogue scale [VAS] and EQ-Index). Statistical analysis included a comparison between scales scores at both time points and multivariate regression analysis to calculate the impact of each baseline symptom in outcomes. NMSS and BSS were introduced in separate models. Results NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations, Parkinson's Psychosis Questionnaire, Apathy Scale, NMSS Domain 7: urinary, S&E, UPDRS II, HY, and MoCA scores worsened significantly. Dementia increased to a 4-year prevalence of 39.8%. In the multivariate model using BSS, cognitive state variation was significantly predicted by baseline HY, EQ-Index, and S&E. Using the NMSS, MoCA change was significantly associated with NMSS Domain 4: perceptions/hallucination score, cognitive status with UPDRS III score, HRQL with NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations score, and S&E. Conclusion Our study suggests that NMS progress heterogeneously, BSS approach being more sensitive to change than NMSS. The multivariate analysis has shown that S&E and NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations scores are the stronger predictors of HRQL and cognitive dysfunction variation, favoring NMSS over the BSS approach.

Introduction: In patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and high ventricular rate, unresponsive to rate and rhythm control therapy or catheter ablation, atrioventricular (AV) node ablation may be performed. Objectives: To assess long-term outcomes after AV node ablation and to analyze predictors of adverse events. Methods: We performed a detailed retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent AV node ablation between February 1997 and February 2019, in a single Portuguese tertiary center. Results: A total of 123 patients, mean age 69±9 years and 52% male, underwent AV node ablation. Most of them presented atrial fibrillation at baseline (65%). During a median follow-up of 8.5 years (interquartile range 3.8-11.8), patients improved heart failure (HF)functional class (NYHA class III-IV 46% versus 13%, p=0.001), and there were reductions in hospitalizations due to HF (0.98±1.3 versus 0.28±0.8, p=0.001) and emergency department (ED) visits (1.1±1 versus 0.17±0.7, p=0.0001). There were no device-related complications. Despite permanent pacemaker stimulation, left ventricular ejection fraction did not worsen (47±13% vs. 47%±12, p=0.63). Twenty-eight patients died (23%). The number of ED visits due to HF before AV node ablation was an independent predictor of the composite adverse outcome (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.24-2.61, p=0.002). Conclusions: Despite pacemaker dependency, the clinical benefit of AV node ablation persisted at long-term follow-up. The number of ED visits due to HF before AV node ablation was an independent predictor of the composite adverse outcome. AV node ablation should probably be considered earlier in the treatment of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and HF, especially in cases that are unsuitable for selective ablation of the specific arrhythmia. Resumo: Introdução: Nos doentes com disritmias supraventriculares e frequência ventricular elevada, irresponsivos à terapêutica para controlo da frequência e do ritmo, ou à ablação por catéter, a ablação do nódulo auriculoventricular (ANAV) pode ser realizada. Objetivos: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo após a ANAV e analisar preditores de eventos adversos. Métodos: Análise retrospetiva detalhada, dos doentes submetidos à ANAV entre fevereiro 1997 e fevereiro 2019, num centro terciário português. Resultados: Foram submetidos 123 doentes à ANAV: idade média 69 ± 9 anos e 52% homens. A maioria apresentou fibrilhação auricular (65%). Num período mediano de seguimento de 8,5 anos (intervalo interquartil 3,8-11,8), houve melhoria da classe funcional de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) (classe NYHA III-IV 46% versus 13%, p = 0,001) e redução dos internamentos por IC (0,98±1,3 versus 0,28±0,8, p=0,001), redução dos recursos ao serviço de urgência (SU) (1,1±1 versus 0,17±0,7, p=0,0001). Não houve complicações relacionadas ao dispositivo. Apesar da estimulação permanente de pacemaker, a FEVE não agravou (47%±13 versus 47%±12, p=0,63). Faleceram 28 doentes (23%). O número de recursos ao SU por IC antes do procedimento foi preditor independente do composto de eventos adversos (OR 1,8, IC95%, 24-2,61, p=0,002). Conclusões: Apesar da dependência de pacemaker, o benefício clínico da ANAV persistiu a longo prazo. O número de recursos ao SU por IC antes do procedimento foi preditor do composto de eventos adversos. Provavelmente, a ANAV deveria ser considerada mais cedo no tratamento de doentes com disritmias supraventriculares e IC, sobretudo nos casos em que a ablação seletiva da disritmia seja inapropriada.

Introduction and Objectives: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent has emerged as a predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), however little is known about the arrhythmogenic relevance of its specific location in the left ventricle. Our aim was to analyze the influence of LGE location on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and SCD in patients with HCM. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and Holter records of HCM patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at our center. LGE extent and distribution were assessed using the American Heart Association 17-segment model. VA was defined as non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or SCD. Results: Sixty-one patients (age 57.0±16.7 years) were included and VA occurred in 24.6% (n=15). Patients with VA showed greater LGE extent than those without (7.40±5.3 vs. 3.52±3.0 segments, p=0.007). Analyzing the distribution of LGE, a set of arrhythmogenic segments (apex/basal inferior/basal anterolateral/mid inferoseptal) was found. The extent of LGE involvement in these segments was also greater in patients with VA (2.07±1.03 vs. 0.65±0.71 segments, p

AIMS The diagnostic performance of the new Peguero-Lo Presti ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been validated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell and Sokolow--Lyon voltage criteria for LVH as defined by CMR in an all-comers European population. METHODS A total of 240 consecutive patients referred for CMR who had a concomitant electrocardiogram for review were evaluated. LVH group patients were defined according to the reference values for sex and age of left ventricular mass index (LVMi). A control group, adjusted by sex, was randomly selected from a population without LVH. We applied the ECG voltage criteria to both groups and evaluated their diagnostic accuracy. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were compared. RESULTS Two hundred and forty patients (mean age 63 years; 65% men) were divided into two groups (LVH n = 149; control n = 91). The main causes of LVH were hypertension (24.8%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (21.5%). The remaining patients of this group had a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (14.8%), valvular heart disease (7.4%) and infiltrative cardiomyopathy (2.0%). Overall, the sensitivity for LVH diagnosis of the Peguero-Lo Presti criteria outperformed both the Cornell (47 vs. 29%, P

Objective To identify differences in quality of life (QoL) of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between diagnosis (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), gender (male and female), treatment condition (with and without surgery), and attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, and disconnected); to examine associations between QoL, sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables; to determine whether sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables predict QoL. Method The sample included 70 participants diagnosed with IBD (Mage = 43.37 years, SD = 12.81), of whom 71.4% were females and 67.1% had Crohn’s Disease. Positive psychological variables (meaning in life, positive body image, and attachment styles), sociodemographic (age, education, gender) and clinical variables (diagnosis, disease duration, surgery) were assessed as independent variables. QoL was the dependent variable, analyzed through four domains (physical, psychological, social, environment). Results Participants with a secure attachment style reported higher QoL (physical, psychological, and social) than participants with a preoccupied attachment style. Strong positive correlations were found between positive psychological variables and QoL. Body appreciation was a significant predictor of three QoL domains (physical, psychological, and environment). Meaning in life made a unique contribution to the social QoL regression model, and it was also a significant predictor of psychological QoL. Body acceptance by others was a significant predictor of physical QoL, whereas disease duration and education predicted environment QoL. Attachment styles did not predict any QoL domain. Conclusion The most significant predictors of QoL in patients with IBD were body appreciation and meaning in life. Body acceptance by others and body appreciation were the main predictors of physical QoL. Psychological interventions for patients who suffer from IBD should address body appreciation and meaning in life.

Gastric duplication cyst (GDC) is a rare congenital abnormality and the development of malignant transformation in these lesions is even rarer, with only few reported cases worldwide to date. We hereby report an additional case of cancer arising from a GDC in a 54-year-old male. The patient's chief complaints were abdominal pain and significant weight loss. Computed tomography and endoscopy ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a nodular formation with a cystic component, localized in the great gastric curvature and invading the spleen and left adrenal gland. The biopsy from EUS was inconclusive. After exploratory laparotomy, the patient was submitted to an en-bloc resection with partial gastrectomy, splenectomy and left adrenalectomy. Histopathologic examination revealed a cystic mass non-communicating with the gastric wall. Immunohistochemistry staining showed a moderately differentiated pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma within a duplication cyst with lymphovascular and perineural invasion. The patient was proposed to adjuvant systemic treatment, however, after few months he developed metachronous metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of adenocarcinoma with pancreatobiliary differentiation arising from a gastric duplication cyst.

Aims To evaluate prescription of prophylactic treatment before and after consultation in a neurology headache clinic and to determine predictors for prophylactic treatment and clinical improvement. Methods Clinical records of consecutive patients assessed in a neurologic headache clinic in Portugal and diagnosed with acute or chronic migraine and/or tension-type headache were assessed. Prescription of prophylaxis before and after the first visit to the clinic were compared. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of the need for therapeutic intervention and clinical improvement. Results Among 409 patients (86.8% women; mean age 41.6 years), 315 (77%) had indication for prophylaxis, and 70 (22%) of these patients were already on prophylactic treatment. Among the 265 patients with information for follow-up, prophylactic treatment was added in 178 (67.2%), and there was a significant change in the number of treated patients between the first and second visits. Ongoing treatment was switched or the dose increased in 21 patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that women (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 3.97] and patients with medication overuse headache (MOH) (OR = 6.97, 95% CI 1.60 to 30.39) were more likely to need therapeutic intervention, whereas patients referred from the emergency room were less likely to need it (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.89). Of the 265 patients, 185 (69.8%) had improved at a follow-up. Having prophylactic treatment at the time of the second visit was associated with improvement (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.23 to 4.63; P = .01). Conclusion Women and medication overuse headache patients were more likely to need therapeutic intervention. However, only a minority of patients with treatment indication were treated before their first visit to the headache clinic. Prophylaxis prescription was associated with clinical improvement at follow-up.

Objective To assess the predictive value of polysomnographic (PSG) data in the prospective assessment of cognitive, motor, daytime and nighttime sleep dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. Methods PD patients were assessed at baseline with video-PSG and with cognitive (MoCA), Sleep (SCOPA-Sleep Nighttime and Daytime scores) and Motor (UPDRSIII) function scales at both baseline and four years later. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the relation between PSG variables at baseline and change in symptoms scores. Results We included a total of 25 patients, 12 with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) (in 8 PSG was inconclusive, due to lack of REM sleep). MoCA scores decreased significantly at follow-up, while SCOPA-Sleep Daytime and SCOPA-Sleep Nighttime and UPDRSIII did not vary. Lower N3 percentage at baseline was significantly associated with MoCA decrease. Higher Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep index (PLMS) and the presence of RBD were significantly associated with SCOPA daytime score increase. Higher global severity of RBD, tonic RSWA and total number of motor events during REM sleep were associated with SCOPA Nighttime score increase. Conclusions The present work suggests that PSG data could be useful for predicting PD cognitive and sleep dysfunction progression. Reduced SWS could predict deterioration of cognitive function, while baseline PLMS could be useful to predict worsening of daytime sleep dysfunction. Severity of RBD could be used for estimating nighttime sleep symptoms progression.

Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of REM sleep behaviour disorder in patients with Essential Tremor, using video-polysomnography and to compare REM sleep behaviour disorder features in essential tremor with those of patients with alpha-synucleinopathies. Forty-nine patients with essential tremor were screened with the REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder Screening Questionnaire. Patients scoring positive and those with spontaneous complaints of REM sleep behaviour disorder (n = 6) underwent video-polysomnography. The clinical features of essential tremor were compared between patients with and without REM sleep behaviour disorder. Video-polysomnography data were compared between patients who had essential tremor and Parkinson's disease with REM sleep behaviour disorder and those with idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder. Fourteen patients (23.5%) screened positive for REM sleep behaviour disorder, confirmed by video-polysomnography in five (11.6%). All patients with essential tremor and REM sleep behaviour disorder had rest tremor, compared with 13 (34.2%) in the group with essential tremor but without REM sleep behaviour disorder (p = .009). In video-polysomnography, patients with essential tremor and REM sleep behaviour disorder were similar to patients with Parkinson's disease with REM sleep behaviour disorder and presented worse sleep dysfunction and lower severity of REM sleep behaviour disorder compared to those with idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder. We found a high prevalence of REM sleep behaviour disorder in patients with essential tremor, associated with a predominance of rest tremor. Polysomnography data from patients with essential tremor and REM sleep behaviour disorder were similar to those in patients with Parkinson's disease. This suggests a relation between this subgroup of patients with essential tremor and the alpha-synucleinopathies.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e analisar o histórico de dor de dente e seus fatores associados, entre adolescentes de escolas públicas de um município do Nordeste do Brasil. Realizou-se uma pesquisa observacional, descritiva, quantitativa e transversal, através da aplicação de quatro questionários junto a 458 adolescentes. Pela análise bivariada, a prevalência de dor de dente na vida foi alta entre os adolescentes de menor idade (76,9%; p = 0,004), que visitaram o Cirurgião-Dentista alguma vez (74,8%; p = 0,001) e que relataram medo frente ao atendimento odontológico (74,9%; p = 0,006). Todavia, nos últimos 6 meses, a prevalência de dor de dente foi baixa, na qual os adolescentes do sexo masculino (77,4%; p < 0,001) e de maior idade (73,1%; p = 0,031) relataram justamente não terem sentido dor. Quando da análise multivariada, a maior prevalência de dor de dente na vida se manteve entre os adolescentes de menor idade (76,9%; p = 0,003) e que relataram medo (74,9%; p = 0,006). A prevalência de dor de dente nos últimos 6 meses se manteve baixa na análise multivariada, entre os adolescentes do sexo masculino e de maior idade. Conclui-se que a prevalência de dor de dente na vida foi maior do que nos últimos 6 meses, havendo associação significativa com os fatores: sexo, idade, visita ao Cirurgião-Dentista e sensação de medo.

Percutaneous approach for valvular heart disease is accepted as a safe and feasible strategy to treat patients considered at high surgical risk with aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Additionally, the growing experience led to the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in several indications, such as in pure aortic regurgitation. The authors present the case of a 72-year-old woman with prohibitive surgical risk due to several comorbidities, including a chronic arterial dissection from the right carotid artery to the femoral arteries bilaterally that presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure, having a transthoracic echocardiography that showed severe functional mitral and aortic regurgitation. Combined percutaneous intervention for multivalvular disease in this clinical scenario is challenging, and the reported experience is still scarce and limited to inoperable patients.

Background Gender-based domestic violence has gained significant visibility in recent years and is currently considered a priority in the field of public health. This preliminary, qualitative study explores how social norms and professional regulations impact the attitudes and practices of health workers and criminal justice professionals regarding domestic violence against women in Brazil and Norway. Methods A total of 16 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted; eight in two different cities in Brazil, and eight in two different cities in Norway. In each country, four health workers and four criminal justice professionals were interviewed. We focused on the participants’ experiences with cases of domestic violence, their perceptions of their professional responsibilities, as well as the challenges they encounter. We analysed the transcribed interviews using a focused open coding process. Findings The participants ranged in age from 32 to 59. All of them worked, with and without supervision, in cases involving domestic violence victims. In all four study locations, the professionals felt that they had not received enough training in how to handle domestic violence. Some medical doctors reported becoming personally detached over time, especially when the victims did not admit that their injuries were due to domestic violence. In the Brazilian cities, some professionals reported that women who were beaten by their partners were themselves responsible for the situation. This was not the case in the Norwegian cities. Both countries have laws and regulations that have been put in place to guide professionals who provide services to victims of domestic violence. For many reasons, professionals do not always follow these regulations. For the Norwegian health workers, confidentiality was an important factor explaining why they did not always report suspected domestic violence to the police. For the Brazilian health workers, the fear of having to testify in court, and thus potentially being vulnerable to violence themselves, was a factor that made some not want to involve the justice system. In both countries, the participating professionals reported the need for closer collaboration with social workers and mental health specialists, since domestic violence is closely related to both social norms in the communities and to individual psychological factors. Conclusion Individual characteristics and experiences, the emphasis on confidentiality and the fear of repercussions may affect the way health and criminal justice workers perceive and deal with domestic violence cases. The findings in the study thus indicate that personal psychological factors and social norms concerning the acceptability of domestic violence are critical risk factors for women, and that a multi-professional approach is needed. The findings from this preliminary study can serve as background for larger and more comprehensive studies of how professionals handle cases of domestic violence.

Introduction and objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of COPD and whether such prevalence was positively or negatively associated with COPD admissions, using all the data of a regional health care system. Materials and methods: We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study which included all subjects aged over 45 years, diagnosed with COPD in primary care in 2013. We also calculated the number of such patients who had a record of hospital admissions due to this disease. COPD prevalence and incidence of admissions were calculated. Poisson regression models were then used to analyse the association between cases with diagnosis of COPD and admissions due to COPD, by sex, adjusting for socio-demographic variables and distance to hospital. Sensitivity subanalyses were performed by reference to the respective municipal rurality indices. Results: Median municipal prevalence of COPD was 5.29% in men and 2.19% in women. Among patients with COPD, 28.22% of men and 16.00% of women had at least one hospital admission. The relative risk of admission per unit of the standardised prevalence ratio was 0.37 (95% CI 0.34–0.41) for men and 0.39 (95% CI 0.34–0.45) for women. Conclusions: There is a significant negative association between COPD prevalence and hospital admissions due to this disease. The proportion of admissions is lower in municipalities lying furthest from hospitals. There is considerable municipal variability in terms of COPD prevalence and proportion of admissions. In-depth attention should be given to disease-management training programmes. Keywords: Pulmonary disease, Chronic obstructive, Exacerbations (COPD), Prevalence, Health information systems, Hospital admissions, Ecological study

Introduction KPC carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) has become a major public health challenge. Accordingly, this study sought to use a systematic review of the scientific literature to ascertain the mortality of KPC-KP infection, and analyze such mortality by country, year of publication, hospital ward, and type of interpretation used to define carbapenem resistance. Methodology A search without language restrictions was made of the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EBSCO, LILACS and EMBASE databases from 1996 through June 2017, to locate all studies which had determined the existence of KPC-KP infection. We then performed a meta-analysis of all studies that reported KPC-KP infection-related mortality, and analyzed mortality by subgroup in accordance with standard methodology. Results A total of 51 papers were included in the systematic review. From 2005 through 2017, data on KPC-KP infection were reported in 5124 patients, with an average of 465 patients per year. The most widely studied type of infection was bacteremia (28∙0%). The meta-analysis showed that overall mortality for the 37 studies was 41.0% (95%CI 37.0–44.0), with the highest mortality rates being observed in oncology patients, 56.0% (95%CI 38.1–73.0), and Brazil, 51.3% (95%CI 43.0–60.0). Conclusion KPC-KP infection-related mortality is high, is manifested differently in some countries, and is highest among oncology patients.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for essential tremor or tremor in Parkinson's disease. The effectiveness of DBS in reducing tremors that develop after a structural lesion of the central nervous system (such as Holmes' tremor – HT) has only been addressed in case reports or series. We conducted a systematic review of all published original reports of DBS in central nervous system lesion-related tremor (excluding demyelinating disorders due to their non-static nature). Where available, we extracted data regarding each patient's demographic, tremor and surgical details. Improvement was calculated as a percentage of change in any objective tremor rating scale. We identified 35 publications reporting on 82 patients. The ventral intermedius nucleus(VIM) of the thalamus was the preferred target (63.6%) and 18.2% targeted globus pallidus pars interna(GPi). Median improvement was 77.5% and 71.4% for patients with post-stroke and post-traumatic tremor respectively. Seven subjects (13.5%) had less than 50% improvement. Therapeutic effectiveness was not associated with age, tremor duration, age of onset or follow-up time. A large range of stimulation parameters were used with median voltage, pulse width and frequency values higher for GPi (4.80 V, 105 us, 170 Hz) than for thalamic stimulation (3.0 V, 90 us, 140 Hz). DBS reports for Holmes' and lesional tremors treatment are scarce and highly heterogeneous limiting a proper summary analysis and comparisons. Even facing a probable report bias, a high number of subjects with good long-term tremor control were found. These results should promote the creation of tremor registries before clinical trials.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a peptide deposited in the brain parenchyma in Alzheimer’s disease and in cerebral blood vessels, causing cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Aβ pathology is transmissible experimentally in animals and through medical procedures in humans, such as contaminated growth hormone or dura mater transplantation in the context of iatrogenic prion disease. Here, we present four patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures during childhood or teenage years and presented with intracerebral haemorrhage approximately three decades later, caused by severe CAA. None of these patients carried pathogenic mutations associated with early Aβ pathology development. In addition, we identified in the literature four patients with a history of neurosurgical intervention and subsequent development of CAA. These findings raise the possibility that Aβ pathology may be transmissible, as prion disease is, through neurosurgical procedures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00401-018-1822-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is often associated with intraventricular conduction disturbances. We aimed to determine the association between implantation depth assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and new-onset conduction abnormalities after TAVR. Methods Retrospective single-center study including patients consecutively submitted to TAVR, between August/2007 and October/2016, who underwent routine MDCT 3 months after the procedure. The endpoint of conduction disturbances included permanent pacemaker implantation and/or new-onset left bundle-branch block. Implantation depth was determined as the distance between the ventricular end of the prothesis and the native ring, at the level of the non-coronary cusp. Results 138 patients were included (female gender 52.2%, mean age 78.7 ± 6.9 years). The EuroSCORE II was 4.0 ± 3.9% and 57.2% were treated with self-expanding prosthesis. The endpoint of conduction abnormalities was found in 45.7% (n = 63). The implantation depth was greater in the group with conduction disturbances (7.7 vs 6.4 mm, p = 0.006). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oversizing and implantation depth were independent predictors of conduction abnormalities. Implantation depth had an AUC of 0.64 (p = 0.004) for the prediction of conduction abnormalities and a cut-off value of 7.1 mm predicted the composed endpoint with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 70%, respectively. Conclusions Implantation depth assessed by MDCT is associated with new-onset conduction disturbances after TAVR. In patients with conduction abnormalities, which do not qualify for the immediate implantation of pacemaker, the assessment of implantation depth by MDCT may be an additional marker of risk to aid decision-making.

Advancing age is a well-known risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). With population ageing it is expected that the total number of patients with PD onset at oldage increases. Information on the motor but particularly on non-motor phenotype of this late-onset population is lacking. We recruited 24 patients with PD onset at or over 75 years. Each patient was matched with 1 control patient with PD onset between the ages of 40 and 65 and matched for disease duration. Both groups were assessed with the UPDRS, the Non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) and other scales to assess non-motor symptoms. Groups were compared with conditional logistic regression analysis. Old-age onset PD was, on average, 80 years at the time of PD onset while middle-age onset were 59. Disease duration was approximately 5 years in both groups. While no difference was observed in the total UPDRS-III scores, old-age onset PD was associated with higher axial symptoms (7.42 vs. 4.63, p = 0.011) and a higher frequency of dementia (7/24 vs. 0/24, p = 0.009). While no difference in the total number of non-motor symptoms was observed (6.79 vs. 6.22, p = 0.310), old-age onset patients had a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms (20/24 vs. 12/24, p = 0.037). For the same disease duration, older age onset is associated with worse axial motor dysfunction and dementia in PD patients. Beside gastrointestinal symptoms, non-motor symptoms are not associated with age.

Background: J-point elevation in the inferior and/or lateral leads is associated with an increased incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), although the exact underlying mechanism is not known. As severe left ventricular hypertrophy and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) are important risk factors for SCD in this population, we aimed to assess whether there was an association between an early repolarization pattern (ERP) and greater left ventricular mass (LVM) and LGE extent among patients with HCM. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 85 consecutive patients with HCM who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and had an electrocardiogram without confounders (intraventricular conduction delay, complete left or right bundle branch block, or ventricular paced rhythm). Baseline characteristics and MRI-derived LVM and LGE extent were compared between patients with and without ERP. Results: ERP was present in 9 out of 85 patients (10.6%). Patients with ERP had greater indexed LVM compared to those without (112.5 ± 26.3 vs. 87.8 ± 24.6 g/m2, p = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis revealed a 4.2-fold increase in the odds of prevalent ERP per standard deviation increase in body surface area-indexed LVM (odds ratio 4.2; 95% CI 1.54–11.4, p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences regarding LGE extent between groups. Conclusion: ERP is associated with greater CMR-derived LVM among patients with HCM. This finding could partially explain the association between J waves and a higher risk of SCD in this population. There were no differences in LGE extent. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and evaluate the importance of ERP as a marker of increased risk of SCD in HCM.

Introduction The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to support patients in cardiogenic shock has been increasing in Portugal over the past few years. Nonetheless, epidemiologic, prognostic and clinical outcome data are scarce. Purpose We aim to identify clinical variables with prognostic significance in this challenging population, as well as the performance of various risk scores in mortality prediction. Methods All patients that underwent VA-ECMO support at our Cardiac ICU between 2011 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between clinical variables and outcomes. Results Short-term mechanical support with VA-ECMO was given to 40 patients, with a mean age of 52±11 years. At the time of the implant, the mean SOFA score was 11.2±4.0, and mean SAVE score was −4.75±4.6. Mean ECMO support duration was 116±96 hours. In 70% (N=28) of patients, VA-ECMO was successfully weaned. In-hospital mortality was observed in 52.5% of patients, which was in accordance with the predicted mortality by SOFA score (22.5% to 82% in our population risk range) and by SAVE score (60 to 70%). Those who placed the VA-ECMO as a bridge to transplant or to long-term mechanical LV assist device had greater in-hospital mortality rates (91.6 vs 41.9%, p=0.013), as well as those under ≥2 inotropic/vasopressors (69.2 vs 21.4%, p=0.012) or when adrenaline use was needed (100% vs 44.1%, p=0.01). No other between-group differences were observed in what concerns short-term mortality. After logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included AMI setting, number of vasoactive amines used, and necessity of a LV venting device. SAVE score had the greater predictive ability in these patients (AUC = 0.638) among the most utilized clinical risk scores (SOFA score AUC = 0.37; APACHE II score AUC = 0.59; SAPS II score AUC = 0.54). Conclusion In our analysis, patients in profound cardiogenic shock on VA-ECMO support had slightly better survival rates than predicted by classical Risk Scores. The SAVE score may be the most accurate tool to predict in-hospital mortality in this specific, and yet heterogeneous, clinical subset. Other well recognized clinical markers of severity may also help refine short-term prognosis, and potentially improve organ transplant or other destination therapy prioritization.

Background Strain techniques, such as feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR), have emerged as a promise for more accurate evaluation of cardiac function compared to ejection fraction. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, impaired myocardial deformation measured by FT-CMR has been associated with severity of hypertrophy and presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) but associations with clinical severity and prognosis are scarce. Purpose To analyse the association between left ventricular strain measured by FT-CMR, morphologic features and prognostic markers in patients with HCM. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical, echocardiography, Holter and CMR data of HCM patients aged ≥16 years followed at two referral centres. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) were defined as non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia or sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk was evaluated using the score proposed by the European Society of Cardiology. LGE extension was evaluated using the American Heart Association 17-segment model. FT-CMR was used to evaluate global peak systolic longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS) and circumferential (GCS) strains - GLS was averaged from three standard longitudinal views while GRS and GCS were averaged from the basal, mid and apical LV short-axis planes. Results A total of 109 HCM patients (59.2±16.2 years old; 60.6% males) were included; mean follow-up was 39±25 months. Mean LV mass was 170.6±70.3g, LVEF was 63.7±10.0% and the number of segments with LGE was 3.14±3.32. Mean GLS, GRS and GCS were −14.8±4.0%, 34.4±13.3% and −17.5±4.8%, respectively. Impaired strain was associated with higher LV mass (GLS: r=0.46, GRS: r=−0.46, GCS: r=0.47, p SCD risk score was 3.12%±2.98 (8 patients scored as high risk) and VA were documented in 26 patients (26%). Patients with VA had worse strain values than those without (GLS −13.2±4.12 vs −15.5±3.71, p=0.011; GCS −15,8±5.22 vs −18.3±4.24, p=0.017). Patients with high estimated risk of SCD also had worse strain values than those at low/intermediate risk (GLS −12.2±3.57 vs −15.1±3.83, p=0.048; GCS −14.5±4.26 vs −17.9±4.54, p=0.047). A correlation between SCD risk and GLS and GCS was observed (r=0.32, p=0.004; r=0.23, p=0.03, respectively). Conclusions In our population, worse strain measurements were associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, presence of VA and a higher estimated risk of SCD. Strain assessed by FT-CMR may improve risk stratification in HCM patients.

Doubts persist regarding the influence of Parkinson's disease (PD) on mortality. Our objective was to assess mortality rates in a prospectively followed cohort of PD patients and the impact of motor and non-motor symptoms in survival. 130 consecutive PD patients were followed during a 4-year period or until death. Baseline assessment included motor function (UPDRSIII, Hoehn and Yahr-HY), incapacity (Schwab and England-S&E, UPDRS II), Health-Related quality of life (EuroQol), non-motor symptoms (Non-Motor Symptom Scale-NMSS, MoCA, REM sleep behavior disorder symptoms questionnaire) and comorbidity burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index-CCI). These were used as predictor variables. Standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated, comparing with the general population. The association between mortality and predictors was tested with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. Overall and gender-related SMRs were similar to the general population. SMR for pneumonia was five times higher than in the general population. Age, disease duration, CCI, EuroQol, dementia, MoCA, S&E, NMSS Hallucinations, HY, and PIGD motor phenotype were significantly associated with mortality. Adjusting for age, gender and disease duration, S&E remained significantly associated with mortality. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, death was significantly associated with disease duration, CCI and NMSS-mood/cognition scores. PD was not associated with an excess of mortality, but conferred a higher probability of dying from pneumonia. Comorbidity was a major determinant, but disease duration, baseline incapacity, cognition, psychosis, mood complaints and HRQL also contributed significantly to mortality.

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) are frequent in elderly populations. PD patients report SCC more often than healthy controls. The association between SCC, objective cognitive impairment and affective symptoms remains controversial. We assessed consecutive PD patients between March 2014 and March 2015. Presence of SCC was defined as a score ≥ 1 in the Non-Motor Symptom Assessment Scale for Parkinson’s Disease (NMSS) Domain 5. MoCA was used for cognitive impairment assessment. Pill Questionnaire measured the impact in daily activities. PD with Dementia (PDD) and PD with Mild Cognitive Impairment (PDMCI) were defined as the presence of cognitive impairment with or without impact on daily activities. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. Significance was set at p

Objetivo: Determinar os benefícios da aplicação das bandas neuromusculares na reabilitação do pé nos doentes pós acidente vascular cerebral. Metodologia: Estudo de revisão sistemática da literatura segundo o modelo de Joanna Briggs Institute. Incluíram‐se estudos em adultos pós acidente vascular cerebral aos quais foram aplicadas bandas neuromusculares. Cinco revisores independentes realizaram a avaliação critica, extração e síntese dos dados. Apresentação e interpretação dos resultados: Os 4 estudos incluídos reportaram melhorias na postura corporal, deambulação e perceção sensorial. Conclusão: Os estudos analisados sugerem que as bandas neuromusculares podem ser um método promissor a ser utilizado como método complementar no tratamento do pé do doente pós acidente vascular cerebral, sendo que são necessários mais estudos neste âmbito. Palavras-chave: acidente vascular cerebral, bandas neuromusculares, Kinesio Taping, pé, reabilitação

Background: Hormonal variations are known to influence the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact of menopause in MS course, including disease activity and disability progression. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study including all women, older than 44, post-menopausal, with a diagnosis of MS at least 1 year before menopause. We evaluated the impact of menopause in MS course comparing clinical and radiologic outcomes within 5 years before and after menopause. We repeated the analysis in subgroups of patients without disease-modifying treatment (DMT) change or co-morbidities diagnosed during the observation period, considering that those factors might also impact MS outcomes. Results: Thirty-seven women, with a mean age at the time of menopause of 49.8 (±4.06) years were included in the analysis. Within 5 years following menopause, we observed a decrease in the annualized relapse rate (0.37 ± 0.35 pre-menopause vs. 0.08 ± 0.18 post-menopause, p < 0.001) compared with the same period before menopause, while the EDSS progression rate remained stable (0.13 ± 0.24 EDSS point/year pre-menopausal vs. 0.13 ± 0.18 post-menopause, p = 0.935). EDSS progression events frequency was similar before and after the menopause (37.8 vs. 48.6%, respectively, p = 0.424). These observations persisted in patients’ subgroups without DMT switch or co-morbidities. Conclusions: Following menopause, we observed a reduction in the relapse rate, but the disability progression continued at a similar rate, compared to the pre-menopausal period. These observations persisted in the subgroup of patients without changes in DMT or co-morbidities diagnosed during the observation period.

Heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic function modulation, is known to be blunted in Parkinson disease, although data remains conflicting and a putative modifying role of REM sleep behavior disorder persists unclarified. We assessed ten patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder patients, 18 patients with Parkinson disease and REM behavior disorder and eight patients with Parkinson disease without REM sleep behavior disorder. Heart rate variability analysis was performed in 5-min epochs selected from wake, Non-REM and REM polysomnography records. We compared heart rate variability measures by stage between two sets of groups: Parkinson disease vs. idiopathic RBD and patients with vs. without RBD, by using repeated measures ANOVA. There were no heart rate variability differences between Parkinson disease and idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder groups. There were significant stage vs. group interactions (p = 0.045) regarding the high frequencies components when comparing patients with and without REM sleep behavior disorder, with the former presenting lower values and attenuation of sleep stage variations. Our study suggests that RBD is related with reduction in parasympathetic modulation of heart rate variability and blunting of sleep stage related variations.

O presente estudo objetivou descrever as características dos óbitos que tiveram como causa básica a hanseníase, registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM), e comparar estas características entre os grupos de óbitos cujos casos foram notificados e não notificados no Sistema de Informação sobre Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Foram incluídos os óbitos com causa básica hanseníase, ocorridos no Brasil no período 2004-2009, e os casos registrados de hanseníase entre 1975-2010. Realizou-se o relacionamento probabilístico das bases do SIM e Sinan. Dos 1.463 óbitos por hanseníase registrados no SIM, 44,2% não foram encontrados no Sinan. Do total dos óbitos, a maioria foi de homens (72,5%), com 60 ou mais anos de idade (56,6%), ocorridos em hospitais (65,3%) e com assistência (45,8%). Dos 820 óbitos identificados no Sinan, 92% foram multibacilares, 45,2% tinham alta por cura no Sinan e 38,9%, óbito. Foram encontrados óbitos por hanseníase que estão registrados no SIM, mas não foram notificados no Sinan. O relacionamento das bases permitiu identificação de subregistros e inconsistências entre os sistemas. This study sought to describe the characteristics of deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and compare these characteristics with the groups of cases where the cause of death was reported, or failed to be reported, in the National Case Registration Database (Sinan). Deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause occurring in Brazil in the 2004-2009 period, and cases of leprosy from 1975 to 2010 were included. The probabilistic bases of SIM and Sinan were compared. Of the 1,463 deaths from leprosy recorded in SIM, 44.2% were not recorded in Sinan. Of the total number of deaths, the majority were men (72.5%), aged 60 or older (56.6%), occurring in hospitals (65.3%) and with due care (45.8%). Of the 820 deaths identified in Sinan, 92% were patients with multibacillary disease, 45.2% were discharged as cured by Sinan and 38.9% died. Deaths due to leprosy were found on SIM that were not notified to Sinan. The data base linkage enabled identification of ancillary records and inconsistencies between the systems.

Carta ao Editor: A Cefaleia por Uso Excessivo de Medicação é Comum em Doentes Portugueses com Enxaqueca publishersversion published

• Although previous reports suggested that blood pressure may play a role in the emergence of symptoms in patients with capsular warning syndrome, this was not confirmed in our cohort of patients.

Background Early identification of patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is relevant considering the increased risk for cerebral hemorrhage. A new set of diagnostic criteria for CAA was recently proposed, which include the presence of superficial siderosis. We aimed to assess the impact of applying these criteria regarding use of antithrombotic therapy. Methods Review of consecutive patients admitted to a Neurology Department from 2014 to 2016, with acute parenchymal or subarachnoid hemorrhage and/or atypical transient focal neurological episodes. Patients with a possible or probable CAA according to the original and modified Boston criteria were included. Information was collected regarding presentation, imaging findings and concomitant therapy. Results Among a total of 1436 admitted patients, 52 with acute hemorrhagic lesions or atypical TFNE were screened: 22 met criteria for CAA; 4 were deemed too young; 21 had other causes for hemorrhagic parenchymal lesions; and 5 had uncertain diagnosis. Using the modified Boston criteria, 8 patients fulfilled criteria for probable CAA and 14 for possible CAA. When we applied the original Boston criteria to the same patients, only 7 fulfilled criteria for probable CAA and 8 for possible CAA. Among the additional patients identified with the modified Boston criteria, 4 were using antithrombotic therapy. Conclusions The use of the modified Boston criteria allowed for the identification of 7 additional patients, more than half of which were taking antithrombotic therapy. Systematic use of these criteria could have an important impact in clinical practice. Raising awareness on the different presentations of CAA among clinicians is of the utmost importance.

Objectives/background Because both REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can present with similar symptoms, it is important to understand the influence of OSA in the clinical manifestations of RBD and whether RBD modulates OSA severity. Our objectives were to compare: 1. the intensity of non-motor symptoms between RBD patients with (RBD-OSA) and without OSA (RBD-non-OSA), and 2. polysomnographic features between RBD-OSA and OSA without RBD (OSA-non-RBD) patients. Methods 32 RBD cases were divided in two groups according to the presence of moderate to severe OSA [Apnea Hypopnea Index (AIH) > 14] (RBD-OSA vs. RBD-non-OSA). Non-motor symptoms were assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, SCOPA-Sleep and the Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS) for Parkinson's disease. RBD-OSA patients were compared to 20 OSA-non-RBD patients matched for age, AHI and gender. Results Compared to RBD-non-OSA (n = 22) patients, RBD-OSA patients (n = 10) showed significantly higher scores in SCOPA-Sleep Daytime and NMSS Attention/Memory, Gastrointestinal and Urinary domains, as well as higher sleep fragmentation, more oxygen desaturation and higher AIH in NREM sleep. RBD-OSA patients presented with less O 2 desaturation, snoring, and BMI when compared to OSA-non-RBD patients. Discussion Our data suggests that OSA contributes to hypersomnolence, gastro-intestinal, memory, and urinary complaints in RBD patients. RBD patients seem to have a milder OSA phenotype (possible reflecting a protective role conferred by the maintenance of muscle tone during REM sleep) and to be less prone to obesity and snoring than non-RBD patients.

Background: Tetrabenazine (TBZ) is commonly used in hyperkinetic movement disorders. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the TBZ effectiveness and adverse events (AEs) in Huntington disease (HD), vascular chorea, tics, dystonia, tardive oromandibular (OM) dyskinesia and other tardive syndromes (TS). Methods: Qualitative analysis of clinical response was used to estimate TBZ effectiveness. TBZ-associated AE frequency and subsequent discontinuation rate were used to estimate tolerability; the tolerability profile was measured through the TBZ minimal dose and exposure time required to elicit AEs. Results: Of 108 included patients, 87% had a clinically meaningful improvement sustained over a period of 40 months. TBZ-responder rate ranged from 100% in HD to 62.5% and 77.1% in tic disorders and OM dyskinesia, respectively ( p < 0.001). TBZ-associated AE frequency ranged from 40.9% in other TS and 41.7% in vascular chorea and HD, to 60% in OM dyskinesia ( p < 0.001). The most common AEs were Parkinsonism (51.8%) and psychiatric disorders (25%). The ‘other AEs’ category (mainly somnolence) presented the shortest minimal exposure time (3 months). AE-eliciting dose differed from 18.8 mg and 25 mg in tics and tardive disorders, to 75 mg in HD ( p = 0.003). Patients with AEs were tendentiously older at TBZ initiation ( p = 0.022). Conclusions: TBZ proved an effective and relatively well tolerated treatment in hyperkinetic disorders, with excellent results in HD. AEs were more common in OM dyskinesia, which may be related to higher age at TBZ initiation. TBZ-associated somnolence and Parkinsonism were more frequent during the titration and maintenance periods, respectively.

Stuttering, a speech fluency disorder, is a rare complication of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We report a 61 years-old patient with PD, afflicted by severe On and Off dystonia, treated with Subthalamic Nucleus DBS that developed post-DBS stuttering while on 130 Hz stimulation. Stuttering reduction was noted when frequency was changed to 80 Hz, but the previously observed dystonia improvement was lost. There are no reports in literature on patients developing stuttering with low-frequency stimulation. We question if low-frequency stimulation could have a role for managing PD’s post-DBS stuttering, and notice that stuttering improvement was associated with dystonia worsening suggesting that they are distinct phenomena.

Chronic wounds that fail to heal are a common complication of diabetes mellitus and the most common precipitating reason for nontraumatic lower limb amputation. Unfortunately, the bacterial species that cause these infections are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making them increasingly difficult to treat. We assessed the feasibility of combating chronic bacterial infections with a topically delivered bacteriophage cocktail in two animal models of diabetes mellitus. Microbiological, planimetric, and histological parameters were compared in debrided infected wounds with or without topical bacteriophage treatment. We determined that bacteriophage treatment effectively decreased bacterial colony counts and improved wound healing, as indicated by smaller epithelial and dermal gaps, in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections but was not as effective against Acinetobacter baumannii. Although the improvements were more significant in the rodent model than in the porcine model, our results suggest that topically administered bacteriophage treatment may be effective in resolving chronic infections, especially when applied in conjunction with wound debridement. These findings have important implications for the feasibility of using topical antimicrobial therapies to safely treat chronic infections in diabetes mellitus patients.

Objetive: Radon is a human lung carcinogen but it might be linked with other respiratory diseases. We aimed to assess the relationship between residential radon exposure and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) prevalence and hospital admissions at a municipal level. Methods: We designed an ecological study where we included those municipalities with at least 3 radon measurements. Using mixed Poisson regression models we calculated the relative risk (RR) for COPD for each 100 Bq/m 3 of increase in radon concentration and the relative risk for COPD using a cutpoint of 50 Bq/m 3 . We performed separate analyses for sex and municipalities with > 5 radon measurements. Results: 3,040 radon measurements in 237 municipalities (75.2% of total) and 49,393 COPD cases (67.6% males) were included. Median residential radon concentration was 107 Bq/m 3 (range:13-569 Bq/m 3 ). 30.8% of municipalities had radon levels above 148 Bq/m 3 and 13.9% above 200 Bq/m 3 . Relative risk for COPD prevalence was 0.95 (95%CI 0.92-0.97) for each 100 Bq/m 3 . For hospital admissions, RR was 1.04 (95%CI 1.00-1.10). Relative risks were higher for women compared to men. Relative risk for hospital admissions was 1.17 (95%CI 0.99-1.40) for women living in municipalities with > 50 Bq/m3 compared with those with lower concentrations. Conclusions: Residential radon exposure may increase the risk of COPD and hospital admissions for this disease. Women have a higher risk than men. These results highlight the importance of residential radon as a public health concern, since it suggests that it might affect respiratory diseases other than lung cancer. It is necessary to implement preventive measures to protect population from this indoor carcinogen.

The prevalence of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has varied between studies. Their interrelation isn’t totally understood. Also, the relative importance of each symptom, regarding its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and health related quality of life (HRQL), remains debatable. We assessed all PD patients attending a Portuguese tertiary movement disorders center during one year (n = 134), with ADL, HRQL and other clinical scales approved for identifying the most relevant NMS in PD. All patients had at least one NMS. Sleep/fatigue, affect/cognition, attention/memory were the most frequent complaints and their prevalence, above 80%, was higher than in most studies. There were significantly correlations between: sleepiness, psychosis and cognition; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular symptoms and pain; depression and apathy; anxiety and insomnia; olfaction, weight and hyperhidrosis. Depression/apathy exerted the strongest influence on HRQL and non-tremor motor dysfunction on ADL. Compared to studies in other countries, we found a higher prevalence of NMS, which could be specific of this population. The interrelation between NMS could be related to degeneration of different brain structures. NMS exert a stronger influence than MS in HRQL, which should be taken in account regarding treatment options.

We present the case of a 55-year-old man with a self-limiting febrile condition associated with polyserositis with an inconclusive investigation. Bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions resolved. The peritoneal fluid loculated and was compatible with an exudate. The patient remained clinically asymptomatic. However, 2 years later, examination revealed a palpable and painless abdominal mass, which imaging suggested a cystic lesion. Surgical resection was performed and histological examination identified a mesenteric pseudocyst. Mesenteric pseudocysts are rare intra-abdominal cystic masses which are mostly benign and do not cause specific symptoms. Although imaging tests are useful for their differential diagnosis, histology is mandatory. LEARNING POINTS Mesenteric pseudocysts are rare intra-abdominal cystic masses with a clinical presentation that sometimes is a diagnostic challenge. Abdominal imaging used to investigate a concomitant systemic illness may reveal a fluid lesion which may delay the diagnosis. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be used for pre-operative diagnosis, but exact differentiation is only achieved through histopathological examination.