Revista médico científica

THE USE OF SOCIAL-NETWORKING SITES FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION

Juan Carlos Morales — 2025-04-28

OPEN AND ENDOVASCULAR SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF POPLITEAL ARTERY ANEURYSM

ALDAIR HAMAT CARRASCO PERALTA — 2025-03-03

Popliteal arterial aneurysms are dilations in the popliteal artery and correspond to the second most common site of arterial aneurysms, and the most frequent peripheral location. Generally, these aneurysms tend to be multifactorial, however, atherosclerotic disease is proposed as the main cause. Repair, either open or endovascular, is recommended in both symptomatic or asymptomatic patients, depending on the size of the aneurysm and the presence of thrombi. The choice of the approach technique depends on the patient, and it is necessary to individualize it depending on the clinical status of the patient, anatomic factors and its comorbidities.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY

Efraín M. Castillo — 2025-03-03

Despite having been described for the first time more than two decades ago, chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology’s specific cause is still undetermined. A multifactorial etiology is proposed, and it includes occupational heat stress, dehydration, and exposure to pesticides and agrochemicals. In contrast to chronic kidney disease, this disorder is not associated with hypertension, diabetes, or glomerulonephritis, and presents with mild or no proteinuria. For its diagnosis, defined criteria are used to classify patients as suspects and start follow-up. The disease is confirmed through renal biopsy showing early stage injury without other causes. Currently, there is no specific treatment, and only preventive measures have shown a favorable prognosis. In this review, we aim to summarize the available information on chronic kidney of unknown etiology.

PERTUSSIS-LIKE SYNDROME AND WHOOPING COUGH

Yassiel Pineda Aguilar — 2025-03-03

Pertussis-like syndrome and whooping cough are lower respiratory tract diseases that primarily affect the pediatric population, with a high risk of complications. Globally, around 50 million cases and 300,000 deaths are reported annually, reflecting their significant public health impact. In the Americas, between 15,000 and 30,000 cases are recorded each year, following a cyclical pattern every three to five years. The clinical presentation includes paroxysmal coughing episodes followed by an inspiratory whoop, more frequent at night, with cyanosis that may progress to respiratory failure, being more common in infants under two months and unimmunized children. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and molecular testing of nasopharyngeal samples. First-line treatment includes macrolide antibiotics, and in cases of allergy, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is used. Prevention relies on vaccinating children and caregivers of infants under two months.

NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

José Delgado — 2025-04-28

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the epidermis and mucous membranes. Its incidence is increasing due to aging, smoking, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Antiretroviral therapy has reduced the prevalence of cancers associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); however, there has been an increase in non-HIV-related cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

CASO REPORT: We present the case of a 59-year-old woman with a history of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and chronic smoking. She presented with one-month-duration symptoms: vomiting (six episodes per day), diarrhea (three episodes of watery stools per day), anorexia, generalized weakness, and significant unintentional weight loss (5 kg). Physical examination revealed a firm, non-tender mass with regular borders, adherent to deep cervical planes. A biopsy of the cervical lymph node confirmed a moderately differentiated, infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma.

DISCUSSION: The association between HIV and cervical squamous cell carcinoma is uncommon and appears to be influenced by carcinogenic factors such as smoking, HPV infection, and illicit drug use. This case highlights the importance of considering neoplasms in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses and the necessity of performing biopsies on suspicious lesions in patients with HIV.

HUNTINGTON DISEASE

Lileth Pinilla — 2025-04-28

INTRODUCTION: Huntington’s disease is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide in the HTT gene. It is characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric alterations, leading to progressive decline.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old male with a history of chronic alcoholism presented with involuntary limb movements, gait instability, and progressive cognitive impairment. Initial workup ruled out malignancy and alcoholic encephalopathy as possible diagnoses. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed caudate nucleus atrophy and ventriculomegaly. Genetic testing confirmed the CAG trinucleotide expansion in the HTT gene.

DISCUSSION: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of Huntington´s Disease, particularly in the absence of a clear family history. The clinical presentation was initially suspected to be due to malignancy and alcoholic encephalopathy. However, the progression of motor and cognitive symptoms led to the suspicion of Huntington’s Disease, which was confirmed through genetic and imaging studies. Huntington's disease remains a diagnostic challenge, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for optimal care throughout its progressive course.