Resumen Introducción: Existe gran controversia acerca de los signos radiológicos de la patología de oído medio y su relación con la extensión real de la patología que nos sugiera decidir un comportamiento determinado. Objetivo: establecer la concordancia entre los hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos encontrados en pacientes sometidos a mastoidectomía. Material y Método: Diseño observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de prueba diagnóstica. Se revisó fichas clínicas y se especificó el tipo de cirugía junto con los hallazgos intra-quirúrgicos. Resultados: se observó erosión de la cadena osicular intraoperatoria en 75 pacientes, 63 predichos correctamente por tomografía computada (TC), con sensibilidad del 84% y especificidad del 94% (k = 0,625). Se detectó erosión del tegmen tympani en nueve pacientes por TC de los 10, con un VPP = 90% y un VPN = 95% (k = 0,809). Hubo sospecha de erosión del canal semicircular lateral en cinco pacientes y se encontró dehiscencias intraoperatorias en 12, sin falsos positivos (k = 0,554). La TC detectó dehiscencia del canal del nervio facial con sensibilidad del 55% y especificidad del 98% (k = 0,636). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la TC preoperatoria con evidencia radiológica de erosión osicular tiene una buena a muy buena concordancia con los hallazgos intraoperatorios.

Abstract Introduction: There is a great controversy about the radiological signs of middle ear pathology and its relation with the real extension of the pathology that suggests us to decide a certain medical choice. Aim: To establish concordance between radiological and surgical findings in patients submitted to mastoidectomy. Material and Method: An observational and descriptive design of retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic test. Clinical records were reviewed to specify the type of surgery and intraoperative findings. Results: Intraoperative ossicular chain erosion was observed in 75 patients, 63 were correctly predicted by computed tomography (CT), with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 94% (k = 0.625). Tegmen tympani erosion was detected by CT in 9 patients out of 10, with a PPV = 90% and NPV = 95% (k = 0.809). There was suspected lateral semicircular canal erosion in 5 patients and intraoperative dehiscence was found in 12, with no false positives (k = 0.554). CT detected facial nerve canal dehiscence with sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 98% (k = 0.636). Conclusion: The results suggest that preoperative CT with radiological evidence of ossicular erosion has good to very good agreement with intraoperative findings.

Abstract Introduction: Otolaryngology personnel have a high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus due to the procedures they perform. It is essential to take appropriate protective measures. Determining seroprevalence will give us a better picture of exposure, contagion and effectiveness of protective measures adopted. Aim: To determine the prevalence of positive serological results in medical staff serving in the otolaryngology department from March 2020 to March 2021. Material and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, retrospective study with cross-association. Non-probability sampling of consecutive cases. The total population was 38 physicians of the Otolaryngology Service of the Hospital de Clinicas. Results: The mean age was 37.4. 63.5% reported having seen a patient known to be a COVID-19 carrier, while 42% reported not having complied with all personal protection measures. A 23.68% of the study subjects tested positive for IgG, interpreting previous COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the physicians referred to giving consultation to COVID-19 positive patients. Almost a quarter of the physicians were positive for COVID-19 according to the Anti-N serology test. No association was found between consultation or surgery of patients with COVID-19 and infection of medical personnel.

Resumen Introducción: El personal de otorrinolaringología presenta una elevada exposición al virus SARS-CoV-2, debido a los procedimientos que lleva a cabo. Es fundamental tomar las medidas de protección adecuadas. Determinar la seroprevalencia nos dará un mejor panorama sobre la exposición, contagios y efectividad de medidas de protección adoptadas. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de resultados serológicos positivos en personal médico que presta servicio en la Cátedra de Otorrinolaringología de marzo del 2020 a marzo de 2021. Material y Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal, retrospectivo con asociación cruzada. Muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. La población total fue de 38 médicos del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas. Resultados: La media de edades fue 37,4 años, 63,5% refirió haber atendido a paciente conocido portador de COVID-19. Un 42% refirió no haber cumplido con todas las medidas de protección personal, mientras que un 23,7% de los sujetos de estudio dio positivo para IgG, interpretándose como infección previa por COVID-19. Conclusión: Más de las dos terceras partes de los médicos refirió dar consulta a paciente COVID-19 positivo. Casi la cuarta parte de los médicos resultó ser positivo para COVID-19 según la prueba de serología anti-N. No se halló asociación entre consulta ni cirugía a pacientes portadores de COVID-19 y el contagio al personal médico.

Abstract Laryngeal cysts are very infrequent and mostly benign. Two cases are presented of adult patients who presented cystic lesions in the glossoepiglottic vallecula with histological diagnosis of epidermoid cyst. Epidermoid cysts in vallecula have rarely been reported in the literature, they can be asymptomatic or due to their location produce symptoms such as pharyngeal occupation sensation, cough or even respiratory difficulty.

Resumen Los quistes laríngeos son muy infrecuentes y en su mayoría de etiología benigna. Se reportan dos casos de pacientes adultos que presentaron lesiones quísticas en vallécula glosoepiglótica con diagnóstico histológico de quiste epidermoide. Los quistes epidermoides en vallécula pocas veces han sido reportados en la literatura, pueden ser asintomáticos o por su localización producir síntomas como sensación de ocupación faríngea, tos o incluso dificultad respiratoria.

Abstract Introduction: Teleconsultation can be useful as a triage to prevent patient exposure to the COVID-19 virus, classifying infectious ones and perfecting hospital resources, to direct those considered priority for face-to-face care. Aim: To assess the degree of satisfaction of teleconsultation care. Material and Method: Observational design study, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, simple random probabilistic sampling. Surveys were conducted on the quality of care of the teleconsultation service during July 2020. Results: 86 patients were contacted, 78 were surveyed. The average age was 32.2 years, 58.97% was female. 73% came from Asunción and metropolitan area, 27% of rural areas. Most common reasons for consultation were nasal obstruction, hearing loss and throat discomfort. 66.67% did not require help in carrying out the consultation. 74.35% avoided attending the doctor during the pandemic. 51.72% (30) for prevention or fear of infection. 51.28% reported worsening of their ailment during quarantine. There was an important level of attention satisfaction (9.41 ± 1.3). 82% reported that this mode of care can be implemented as an option in the service, although 70.5% require a face-to-face consultation. Conclusion: Most of the patients were in the economically active age range. Most of the patients did not required help for teleconsultation reflecting the ease of access to it. Teleconsultation reduced the need for face-to-face consultation, the degree of acceptance of the teleconsultation system is high, translated into the high rates of satisfaction and acceptance of the modality.

Resumen Introducción: La teleconsulta puede ser de utilidad para evitar exposición de pacientes y optimizar recursos y dirigir a los que se consideran prioridad para atención presencial. Objetivo: Valorar el grado de satisfacción de la atención por teleconsulta en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo, durante julio de 2020. Material y Método: Diseño observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal, retrospectivo, muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Se realizó encuestas sobre la calidad de atención por teleconsulta. Resultados: Se contactó 86 pacientes, 78 participaron. Edad promedio 32,2 años, 58,97% mujeres. 73% era de zona urbana, 27% rural. Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron obstrucción nasal, hipoacusia y molestia en garganta. Un 66,67% no requirió ayuda para la consulta. 74,35% evitó asistir al médico durante la pandemia, el 51,72% por prevención o miedo. El 51,28% refirió empeoramiento de su dolencia durante la cuarentena. Se registró un alto nivel de satisfacción de la atención (9,41 ± 1,3). Un 82% refirió que esta modalidad puede ser implementada como opción, aunque el 70,5% requirió consulta presencial. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes se encontraba en rango etario económicamente activo. La mayor parte de los pacientes no necesitó ayuda para acceder a la teleconsulta, reflejando la facilidad de acceso a esta. La teleconsulta disminuyó la necesidad de consulta presencial, el grado de aceptación del sistema de teleconsulta es elevada, traducidos en los altos índices de satisfacción y aceptación de la modalidad.

Abstract: Hyperthyroidism in childhood is a very rare condition, and in most cases of autoimmune etiology (Graves' disease). The classic triad consists of goiter, ophthalmopathy and dermopathy. Clinical presentation in children is highly variable and often with an insidious onset, which on many occasions may cause a delay on its diagnosis and treatment. A case is reported here where a 12-year-old patient, who showed a refractory bilateral chronic conjunctivitis refractary to topical usual treatments, was finally referred to the Pediatric Endocrinology Department due to the likelihood of her suffering from Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Resumen: El hipertiroidismo en la infancia es muy infrecuente; en la mayoría de los casos es de origen autoinmune (enfermedad de Graves). La tríada clásica se compone de bocio, oftalmopatía y dermatopatía. Su presentación clínica en la edad pediátrica es muy variable y de comienzo habitualmente insidioso, lo que en muchas ocasiones conlleva una demora en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 12 años que consulta por una conjuntivitis crónica bilateral refractaria a tratamientos tópicos habituales, que finalmente fue derivada al Servicio de Endocrinología Pediátrica ante la sospecha de oftalmopatía de Graves.

Introduction: The ethmoid is a structure that has become relevant for anatomists, clinicians, neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists due the great development of endoscopic surgical techniques and multiple anatomic variants. Aim: This work was developed with the goal of establishing in our sample studied, depth of ethmoid roof, predominant by gender; frequency with which symmetry in ethmoid roof is presented, and frequency with which supraorbital cells is in sample studied. Finally, the study is aimed to establish percentages by gender, the dimensions of the ethmoid on adult population. Material and methods: The cross-sectional, descriptive observational study in which retrospective review was performed consecutively, tomographic studies of the paranasal sinuses in axial, coronal and sagittal on patients over 20 years old at the Radiology Department of the Hospitals, Clinics, IPS, Regional in Luque, Iribas Clinical Institute, and Calvo Radiological Institute. Results: The studies performed revealed that the depth of the ethmoid roof was Keros II in both genders and both nostrils, the symmetry was found in 60%, the supraorbital cells were found in 27.5% of both cases. Conclusions: Measurements by computed tomography in ethmoid bone of patients who participated in this study do not differ from the measurements performed by other authors.

Introducción: El etmoides, en los últimos 20 años adquirió relevancia para anatomistas, clínicos, neurocirujanos y otorrinolaringólogos, por el desarrollo de técnicas quirúrgicas endoscópicas y múltiples variantes anatómicas que presenta. Objetivo: Este trabajo fue elaborado con el objetivo de establecer en nuestra muestra la profundidad del techo etmoidal predominante por sexo en población estudiada; frecuencia con la que se presenta simetría en el techo etmoidal; frecuencia con la que se encuentran celdas supraorbitarias en población estudiada; por último, se pretende establecer percentiles por sexo de dimensiones del etmoides en población adulta. Material y método: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transverso en el que se realizó revisión retrospectiva, consecutiva de tomografías de senos paranasales en cortes axiales, coronales y sagitales de pacientes mayores de 20 años, del Departamento de Radiología de los Hospitales, de Clínicas, del IPS, del Regional de Luque, Clínica Iribas y del Instituto Radiológico Calvo, Asunción, Paraguay. Resultados: Se encontró que la profundidad del techo etmoidal fue de Keros II en ambos sexos y ambas fosas nasales; se encontró simetría en el 60%; celdas supraorbitarias se encontraron en el 27,5% de casos. Conclusiones: Mediciones realizadas por tomografía computarizada en etmoides de pacientes que participaron del estudio, no difieren de las mediciones realizadas por otros autores. Estos resultados contribuyen a mejorar conocimientos de variantes anatómicas propias de nuestra población para difundirlos, ponerlos en práctica y mejorar la experiencia en el manejo integral de pacientes con patologías médico-quirúrgicas de senos paranasales.

Introduction: Inverted papilloma is a benign tumor that affects nasal cavity and Para nasal sinuses; histologically classified as oncecitas, inverted papillomas and fundiform or exophytic. Signs and symptoms include unilateral nasal obstruction, rhino rhea, headache, epitasis, and anosmia. The certainty diagnosis is given by pathology and in diagnosis are used imaging methods to determine the extent of the tumor. There is a certain percentage of association of this pathology with squamous carcinoma. The treatment is surgical. Aim: To evaluate the clinical and surgical characteristics of inverted papillomas that were operated in the Department of ENTin the Hospital School of Medical Sciences, UNA. Material and method: In this observational and descriptive work were studied cases of inverted papilloma operated at the Hospital from 1994 to 2008, by reviewing records of consecutive cases and analyzing the surgeries performed. Results: 30 cases in which the majority were Stage II and III of Krause, with an overall of 30%, relapse with a malignancy of 17%. Discussion: In this series of patients we observed tumors with low extension but with malignant transformation which elevated them to stage IVKrause. Conclusión: We suggest trying the most radical possible surgery provided with the fuII consent and knowledge of the patient.

Introducción: El papiloma invertido es un tumor benigno que afecta fosas nasales y senos paranasales; histológicamente se clasifica en oncocítico, invertido y fungiforme. Los signos y síntomas son obstrucción nasal unilateral, rinorrea, cefalea, epistaxis, anosmia. El diagnóstico de certeza es por anatomía patológica; se utilizan además métodos de diagnóstico por imagen para determinar la extensión tumoral. Existe cierto porcentaje de asociación de esta patología al carcinoma escamoso. El tratamiento es quirúrgico. Objetivo: Evaluar las características clínicas y quirúrgicas de papilomas invertidos operados en la Cátedra de ORL del Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay (UNA). Material y método: En este trabajo de carácter observacional y descriptivo se estudiaron los casos de papiloma invertido operados en el Hospital de Clínicas entre los años 1994 a 2008, mediante revisión de fichas de casos consecutivos, analizando las cirugías realizadas. Resultados: Treinta casos de los cuales la mayoría fue de estadio II y III de Krause, con una recidiva global del 30% con una malignización del 17%. Discusión: En esta serie de pacientes se vio tumores con poca extensión pero con una transformación maligna presente, elevándolos al estadio IV de Krause. Conclusión: Se sugiere intentar la mayor radicalidad posible siempre con el total consentimiento y conocimiento del paciente.

Introduction: The juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma is a benign tumor with behavior of local aggressiveness, given the important epistaxis that it provokes, the frequent local recidiva and the therapeutic complexity that one presents before this pathology; he appears exclusively in teen men and corresponds to 0,5%-0,05% of all the tumors of head and neck. Aim: To determine the managing and the characteristics of the patient with juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma diagnosis that comes to our service. To evaluate need of blood transfusion. To expose the opposing complications. Material and method: There realized a retrospective work observacional of patients' transverse court (cut) with diagnosis of juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (NAJ), confirmed by histological studies in the Service of Otolaryngology of the Asuncion's National University, from January, 1998 until September, 2008. Results: With a whole of 45, of which 44 received surgical treatment. The range of age was understood (included) between (among) 7 to 34 years, with a median of 16 years and an average of 17 years, all of masculine sex. Appellants presented with major frequency in estadio Fisch II, range of symptomatic evolution from 1 to 60 months, with a median of 7 months of evolution of epistaxis, nasal obstruction and rinorrea. The majority of blood group O Rh +, from the Central department, receiving as treatment the resection endoscopic. 7 patients presented recidivas, with a median of 7 months from the treatment. In 58,8% of the surgical procedures there was necessary the transfusion of blood derivatives. Conclusion: The patients who come to the service with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma diagnosis, are submitted to surgical treatment in the totality of the cases. In most cases there was needed some type of blood transfusion. There were no complications for the surgical procedure.

Introducción: El nasoangiofibroma juvenil es un tumor benigno con comportamiento de agresividad local, dadas las importantes epistaxis que provoca, la frecuente recidiva local y la complejidad terapéutica que se presenta ante esta patología; se presenta exclusivamente en hombres adolescentes y corresponde al 0,5%-0,05% de todos los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Objetivo: Determinar el manejo y las características del paciente con el diagnóstico de nasoagiofibroma juvenil que acude a nuestro servicio. Evaluar necesidad de transfusión sanguínea. Exponer las complicaciones encontradas. Material y método: Se realizó un trabajo retrospectivo observacional de corte transversal de pacientes con diagnóstico de nasoangiofibroma juvenil (NAJ), confirmado por estudios histológicos en la Cátedra de Otorrinolaringología de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, desde enero de 1998 hasta septiembre de 2008. Resultados: Con un total de 45, de los cuales 44 recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico. El rango de edad estaba comprendido entre 7 a 34 años, con una mediana de 16 años y un promedio de 17 años, todos de sexo masculino. Se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en estadio Fisch II, rango de evolución sintomática de 1 a 60 meses, con una mediana de 7 meses de evolución de epistaxis recurrente, obstrucción nasal y rinorrea. La mayoría de grupo sanguíneo O Rh+, provenientes del Departamento Central, recibiendo como tratamiento la resección endoscópica. Siete pacientes presentaron recidivas, con una mediana de 7 meses desde el tratamiento. En 58,8% de los procedimientos quirúrgicos fue necesaria la transfusión de derivados sanguíneos. Conclusión: Los pacientes que acuden al servicio con el diagnóstico de nasoangiofibroma juvenil, son sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico en la totalidad de los casos. En la mayoría de los casos se requirió algún tipo de transfusión sanguínea. No hubo complicaciones por el procedimiento quirúrgico.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and garlic extracts have therapeutical properties that stem from their sulfur-containing compounds, mainly allicin. The main objective of this work was to compare conventional and "premium" garlic extracts in terms of yield and quality, with the latter being obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as the solvent. Yield ranged between 0.65 and 1.0% and increased with extraction pressure (150-400 bar) at a constant temperature of 50°C. Extraction temperature (35-60°C), on the other hand, had little effect at a constant pressure of 300 bar. Based on yield and quality considerations, the best extraction conditions using SC-CO2 were 35-50°C and 300-400 bar. A yield of 5.5% was obtained by conventional extraction using ethanol as the solvent, but ethanol appeared to be less selective for valuable components than SC-CO2. The use of fresh garlic resulted in extracts that more closely resembled commercial products, possibly because of thermal and oxidative degradation of valuable microconstituents during drying.

Several studies indicate that doctors who work in the same area of the medical profession tend to behave somehow similarly. Thus, it has been suggested that personality relates to the medical specialty choice. However, it is not known whether people self-select into the medical specialties according to their personality or the professional practice in a particular field influences their behavior. Aim: To explore the possible association between the graduate's personality features and learning styles and their chosen specialty. Subjects and Methods: The psychological preferences and learning styles of 65 students of the 2001-graduating cohort of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile School of Medicine were evaluated with the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, respectively. These variables were correlated with the information of their specialty choice or occupation two years after graduation. Results: Graduates distributed unevenly in different areas of the medical profession. Surgical specialties concentrated a larger proportion of extraverted, intuitive and structured doctors, whereas in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine predominated intuitive and people-oriented MD's. Primary Care concentrated individuals with introverted, intuitive and flexible attitudes. Convergent learners (interested in problem-solving) preferred Surgery and Primary Care whereas Assimilator learners (abstract-reflexive) chose more frequently Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry. Conclusions: According to their personality and learning style, graduates tend to self-select into different medical specialties. This information may help medical graduates to guide their specialty choice process, and medical educators to develop learning experiences that take into account the individual differences of their residents (Rev Méd Chile 2005; 133: 1191-9)

Background: The similarity between the psychological features of medical school freshmen of different cohorts suggests that Medicine attracts students with specific psychological types. However, it is also possible that medical students are similar to the students admitted to any other career with high admission requirements. Aim: To determine if medical school freshmen are different from those of Engineering, Architecture, Psychology and Journalism. Subjects and methods: The Spanish version of the Myers Briggs Psychological Type Indicator (MBTI) was applied to two cohorts of Medical School freshmen (90 students of the 2000 cohort and 91 students of the 2001 cohort) and to a sample of 669 freshmen from the careers of Engineering, Psychology, Architecture and Journalism. Results: Students entering Medical School are similar to the students admitted to Engineering and different from those that entered Architecture, Psychology and Journalism in the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in 2000 and 2001. Medicine attracts a larger proportion of concrete and practical students that have an objective and systematic approach to study and to life in general. Unlike Medicine, Psychology and Architecture attract more students that have a cognitive style characterized by an intuitive perception, and that face life with an open and flexible attitude. Conclusions. This study reveals that the psychological features of undergraduate students are associated to their career choice. These psychological variables, therefore, may be relevant to the students' vocational preferences and possibly to their future specialty choice (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 809-16)

The correspondence between allozymic variation and specific differentiation was studied in four populations corresponding to the three nominal, allopatric species of clam genus Eurhomalea (E. rufa, E. lenticularis, E. exalbida) described for southern South America. Allozyme variation scored in 12 loci was high as indicated by heterozygosity levels (15.8-20.7 %) and by the presence of only three monomorphic loci (Hk-2, Icd-2, and Xdh-1). These high estimates of allelic variability were influenced by the low levels of interspecific genetic similarity (I = 0.64) and for the high conspecific values of genetic identity observed. The high estimates of substructuring found at the species level (F ST = 0.39) contrasted with the low differentiation (F ST = 0.027) and high migration rate (Nm = 9) existing among conspecific samples. Diagnostic allele fixation coinciding with specific recognition was recorded at locus Hk-1 whereas nearly-fixed differences at loci (Adh, alpha-Gpd, Icd-1, Ldh, Odh, Pgm-3) differed sharply in frequency among species. The Wagner procedure and the neighbor-joining algorithm produced a similar tree topology highly related to the geographic distance and to their taxonomic recognition. The lack of coincidence between patterns of allozymic variation and the two distinctive shell morphs (flat and globoid) occurring in E. exalbida from Ushuaia bay do not support their taxonomic recognition.

Se estudió la correspondencia entre la variación bioquímica y la diferenciación específica en cuatro poblaciones correspondientes a las tres especies nominales y alopátricas en las almejas del género Eurhomalea (E. rufa, E. lenticularis, E. exalbida) descritas para la zona sur de Sudamérica. La variación alozímica registrada en 12 loci fue alta como lo indican los altos niveles de heterocigosidad (15,8-20,7 %) y por la presencia de solo tres loci monomórficos (Hk-2, Icd-2 y Xdh-1). Esta alta estimación de variabilidad alélica influyó en los bajos niveles de similitud genética interespecífica (I = 0,64) y en los altos valores de identidad genética conespecífica observados. El alto grado de subestructuración poblacional interespecífica (F ST = 0,39) contrasta con la poca diferenciación (F ST = 0,027) y la alta tasa de migración (Nm = 9) existente a nivel intraespecífica. Coincidiendo con la situación específica de estas tres especies, se observó fijación alternativa de alelos en el locus Hk-1 mientras que los loci (Adh, alfa-Gpd, Idh-1, Ldh, Odh, Pgm-3) están fuertemente diferenciados en sus frecuencias. El procedimiento de Wagner y el algoritmo de Unión al Vecino produjeron topologías similares, altamente relacionadas con la distancia geográfica y con la situación taxonómica. La falta de coincidencia entre los patrones de variación y los dos morfos (planas y globosas) presentes en E. exalbida de la bahía Ushuaia no apoyan su reconocimiento taxonómico como entidades genéticas discretas.

Psychological type and learning style influence the way students perceive and process information. However, research in medical education in Chile still does not put enough emphasis in the study of these variables. Aim: To characterize the psychological types and learning styles of the students admitted to a Medical School. Subjects and Methods: The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (IEA) were administered to the 270 students admitted from 2000 to 2002 to the medical school of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Results: Fifty five percent of our students are concentrated in 4 of the 16 psychological types described. These students are characterized by the ability to base their decisions upon logical and objective reasoning (Thinking [T]) and to face life in a structured and decided way (Judging [J]). Only 10% of the students have preferences opposite to T and J. These students base their decisions on the preservation of harmony and teamwork (Feeling [F]) and have a flexible attitude towards life (Perceiving [P]). The remaining 35% have types with pairs of preferences TP and FJ. With regard to learning styles, more than two thirds of our students are Assimilators or Convergers. These learners tend to assimilate large amounts of information and abstract the main concepts, rather than to pay attention to concrete details. In general, our students are more reflective than active; they evaluate thoroughly all alternatives before making a decision. Conclusions: The psychological types and learning styles of medical students cluster around specific patterns whose features may either favor or hamper a specific learning. Knowledge of the differences in psychological types and learning styles of students may provide teachers with a new and valuable tool for improving learning and contributing to the academic success of students

Background: During the last decade, academic life at the medical school of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile has been thoroughly affected by a curricular reform process. Changes started in 1993 and have continued up until now. This reform did not have an experimental design to allow for a scientific evaluation of its effects. However, it seems interesting to study the evolution of indices of academic performance of our students during this period. Aim: To evaluate the academic performance of medical students between 1989 and 1999. Subjects and Methods: All undergraduate students enrolled between 1989 and 1999. Academic performance was evaluated by 1) failure to pass one or more courses, 2) delay to complete the third year of studies, 3) withdrawal from school and 4) medical school grades. Results: All indices of academic performance changed during the period of study. Failure to pass, delay and withdrawal from school significantly decreased, whereas medical school grades improved, particularly in basic and pre-clinical subjects. Conclusions: Academic performance of medical students improved consistently between 1989 and 1999. While specific causal relationships cannot be established, we believe that this improvement is likely related to the curricular reform. This reform included horizontal and vertical integration of academic contents, greater emphasis in problem-based learning and additional instances of evaluation such as the repetition exam (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 437-445)