Watermelon Stomach, Hemorrhagic Pericarditis, Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung and Synchronous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue Base

Based on a case of gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach) that was associated with hemorrhagic pericarditis, small cell lung carcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastases and a synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, the authors made a review of the clinical, endoscopic and histopathological aspects of this type of gastropathy, and its association with other diseases, and of the results of its endoscopic therapy. The causes of hemorrhagic pericarditis are considered, emphasizing the necessity to know if the effusion has a malignant etiology. To the best of our knowledge the association of watermelon stomach to small cell lung carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue has not yet been described. Extensive metastases to mediastal lymph nodes are common to small cell lung carcinoma.

Involuntary Rhythmic Leg Movements Time-Locked With the Respiratory Cycle

Involuntary rhythmic leg movements in childhood is an uncommon condition, the generators of which remain unknown. We report on a male 3 years of age with distinct features providing important clues concerning the location of one of these generators. At the age of 7 months, the previously healthy young male started with low frequency, rhythmic, and continuous (both during wakefulness and sleep) flexion/extension movements of the lower limbs. Movements interfered significantly with gait acquisition, and, despite normal cognitive development, he was able to walk only at age 2 years, 4 months. The neurologic examination revealed the absence of automatic stepping in the neonatal period, but was otherwise normal. A polygraphic electroencephalogram/electromyogram EEG/EMG) recording, at the age of 2 years, 9 months, revealed rhythmic and synchronous legs with EMG activity at 0.5 Hz. A more complete polygraphic recording at the age of 3 years, 10 months, showed a lower frequency (0.35 Hz) for the movements, which were time-locked with the respiratory cycle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an increased T2 signal in the upper medulla-lower pons regions. The generator of the rhythmic legs movements is postulated to be the respiratory center, connecting with the reticulospinal projecting neurons through an aberrant pathway.

Estágio em Cuidados de Saúde Primários – A Opinião dos Internos de Pediatria

Introdução: O Estágio em Cuidados de Saúde Primários à Criança e ao Adolescente foi integrado no programa do Internato Complementar de Pediatria em 1996. Desde então, não foi revisto, apesar de vários aspectos relativos à sua realização suscitarem controvérsia. Objectivos: Conhecer a opinião dos internos relativamente ao estágio e, deste modo, contribuir para a revisão do programa de formação, em curso. Metodologia: Estudo transversal descritivo com aplicação de um questionário por via electrónica, aos internos de Pediatria e recém-especialistas, incidindo sobre três questões: parecer geral sobre o estágio actualmente preconizado, caracterização e opinião sobre o estágio realizado e perspectivas para o futuro. Resultados: Foram obtidas 68 respostas; 62/68 (91%) dos inquiridos concordam com a realização do estágio, mas 58/68 (85%) consideram-no demasiado longo e 18/68 (25%) pouco útil; 46/68 (68%) observaram crianças/adolescentes sem médico assistente atribuído e 36/68 (44%) consideram que o estágio foi maioritariamente não tutelado. Os aspectos positivos referidos foram a possibilidade de fazer a consulta de vigilância de forma longitudinal e de conhecer a realidade dos cuidados de saúde primários assim como o contacto com a saúde escolar e com a comunidade da criança. Os aspectos negativos incluíram a duração excessiva, a orientação inadequada, a ausência de um estágio estruturado e a má definição do papel do interno. Conclusões: O grau de insatisfação com o Estágio em Cuidados de Saúde Primários à Criança e ao Adolescente foi elevado, ficando clara a necessidade de instituir modificações relativamente à duração, programa e orientação do estágio. Com base nas opiniões dos inquiridos, é apresentado um conjunto de propostas para a reformulação do estágio.

Endoscopic Treatment of Early Gastric Obstruction After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Report of Two Cases

Morbid obesity is an epidemic and complex disease which imposes a multidisciplinary approach. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become a frequent procedure given its effi- cacy and safety compared to other surgical options. However, it isn’t free from complications. Lax gastric fixation or incorrect positioning of the stomach during surgery can result in early gastric outlet obstruction caused by a volvulus-like mechanism by rotation of the stomach around its anatomic axes. This report refers to two cases of post sleeve gastric torsion resulting in persisting vomiting after initiating oral intake. The diagnosis was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal-contrast study and gastroscopy. In both cases, a fully covered self-expandable metallic stentwas insertedwhich prompted the gastric lumen to become permeable resulting in symptomatic resolution. The stents were removed endoscopically aftertwo and three months. Beyond more than three years offollow-up,the patients remain asymptomatic and no recurring ‘‘stenosis’’ was noticed.In these cases the use offully covered self-expandable metallic stents demonstrated to be effective and safe in the treatment of post sleeve gastric torsion.