Abstract INTRODUCTION In patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) gait disturbance is a predominant feature that leads to falls and fractures, which can further aggravate disability. We sought to evaluate the impact of fractures and orthopedic surgeries in patients with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We retrieved the medical records of HAM/TSP patients enrolled in our study center’s HTLV-1 clinical cohort between 1989-2018. The selection criteria included: (1) diagnosis of HTLV-1 infection using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and/or a confirmatory test, (2) clinical diagnosis of HAM/TSP by neurological assessment, and (3) fractures associated with HAM/TSP. RESULTS: We identified 24 cases of fractures, 70% of which were females. The median age at the time of fracture was 60 years (IQR=24). Six cases reported fractures in patients under 45 years old. Ten patients (42%) had hip/coccyx fractures, seven (29%) were in the lower extremities, and four (17%) in the upper extremities. Half of these patients reported the use of wheelchairs. Five patients who had previously used canes required the use of wheelchairs after the reported fracture. Eight patients underwent corrective orthopedic surgery as a result of the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: For HAM/TSP patients, fractures are a complication that can exacerbate their severe impairment.

Coronary arterial trunk disease is found in 5-7% of patients undergoing coronary arteriography. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) resulting from complications of an atheromatous plaque in the distal portion of the arterial trunk has a mortality rate of 50% in the following 3 months. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with end stage renal disease undergoing dialysis who presented an acute history of chest pain during the procedure, her EKG and heart ultrasound images were compatible with ACS, and 95% obstruction of the main left coronary artery in its distal portion was found in the coronary angiography. The two possible interventions were discussed, surgery and percutaneous procedures opting for the second one with success.

La enfermedad del tronco se encuentra en el 5 a 7% de pacientes sometidos a angiografía coronaria. El síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) secundario a la complicación de la placa ateromatosa a este nivel, frecuentemente en porción distal, tiene una tasa de mortalidad de 50% en los siguientes tres años. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 20 años, con enfermedad renal crónica terminal en hemodiálisis, con historia de dolor torácico y disnea recurrente, siendo el último episodio durante la sesión de hemodiálisis, en la cual mostró cambios electrocardiográficos y ecocardiográficos compatibles con SICA, y obstrucción del 95% de arteria epicárdica izquierda principal en porción proximal (enfermedad troncal ostial) en la angiocoronariografía. Se discute sobre las dos posibles opciones terapéuticas, la cirugía de revascularización y el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo, optando por este último, el cual finalmente tuvo éxito en el caso presentado.