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Objectives: To present and discuss an uncommon clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism in a female patient with Chiari type 1 malformation. We explore how her medical history influenced the diagnostic process and ultimately contributed to the delayed diagnosis., Case Presentation: In this case study, we discuss an unusual presentation of hyperthyroidism in a 35-year-old female with Chiari type 1 malformation. Initially experiencing headaches, tremors, and dizziness, the patient consulted multiple specialists without a clear diagnosis. Later, she developed recurrent vomiting unrelated to food intake, significant weight loss (12 kg), and muscle weakness, leading to her hospitalization. After six months of clinical evaluation with several specialists (neurologists, neurosurgeons, and gastroenterologists), she was, finally, diagnosed with hyperthyroidism by an Internal Medicine physician in another private clinic. Treatment with thiamazole and propranolol led to the improvement of symptoms progressively. This case emphasizes the vital role of clinical reasoning, crucial problem-solving, and decision-making processes while addressing cognitive biases in medical specialization. Besides, it highlights the need for internist evaluation in outpatient care to ensure comprehensive assessment and prompt specialist referrals if needed., Conclusions: This case accentuates the importance of internist evaluation for comprehensive care and timely specialist referrals. Recognizing unusual presentations, like thyrotoxic vomiting, and addressing cognitive biases, such as confirmation and anchor biases, are crucial for accurate and prompt diagnosis. This approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, minimizing unnecessary tests and costs, and alleviates patient suffering., (© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a prevalent autoimmune disease that affects multiples systems, exerting its most incapacitating and life-threatening impact through neuropsychiatric involvement. According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes types of SLE are classified into categories encompassing the central and peripheral nervous systems. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients admitted to Hospital Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, between 2008 and 2019., Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, entailing the review of 240 medical records of patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus during the specified period, based on the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 criteria. Among these records, 55 patients presented neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Data were collected using standardized form and entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 database. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v16., Results: The frequency of neuropsychiatric compromise in systemic lupus erythematosus patients was found to be 22.91%. Among the 55 systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 40 demonstrated involvement of the central nervous system (72.72%), 2 exhibited involvement of the peripheral nervous system (3.63%), and 13 displayed involvement in both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system (23.63%). The most prevalent psychiatric disorder observed was a major depressive disorder, with a prevalence rate of 30.9%., Conclusion: The study revealed a frequency of 22.91% for neuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosuspatients at Cayetano Heredia Hospital between 2008 and 2019, with central nervous system manifestations prevailing. Furthermore, the findings suggest that NPSLE commonly manifested after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Very old (aged ≥80 years) adults constitute an increasing proportion of the global population. Currently, this subgroup of patients represents an important percentage of patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) frequently affects very old adults. However, there are no specific recommendations for the management of critically ill very old CAP patients. Multiple morbidities, polypharmacy, immunosenescence and frailty contribute to an increased risk of pneumonia in this population. CAP in critically ill very old patients is associated with higher short- and long-term mortality; however, because of its uncommon presentation, diagnosis can be very difficult. Management of critically ill very old CAP patients should be guided by their baseline characteristics, clinical presentation and risk factors for multidrug-resistant pathogens. Hospitalisation in intermediate care may be a good option for critical ill very old CAP patients who do not require invasive procedures and for whom intensive care is questionable in terms of benefit., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: C. Cillóniz has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: C. Dominedò has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J.M. Pericàs has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: D. Rodriguez-Hurtado has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A. Torres has nothing to disclose., (Copyright ©ERS 2020.)

Background: Although nutritional status plays an important part in the physical performance and disability of older people, this relationship has been little studied in developing countries., Aims: A study on the effects of nutritional status on the physical performance and functional status of elderly people living in rural areas of the Peruvian Andes., Methods: The study concerned 222 people aged ≥65 years living in a rural area of the Peruvian Andes. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to classify participants as malnourished (MNA <= 17), at risk of malnutrition (MNA 18-23), or well-nourished (MNA>= 24). The short physical performance battery (SPPB) and six-minute walking test (6MWT) were used to measure participants' physical performance. Disabilities were investigated by assessing participants' self-reported difficulty in performing one or more basic activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)., Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 9.4 %, and more than half of our samples were at risk of malnutrition. After adjusting for potential confounders, malnourished individuals performed significantly worse than the other MNA groups in the SPPB (p for trend=0.001), 6MWT and IADL (p for trend < 0.0001 for both outcomes), but not in the ADL (p for trend = 0.23). Taking the well-nourished for reference, and after adjusting for potential confounders, malnutrition was significantly associated with disability in IADL (OR 5.36, 95 % CI 1.02-56.94; p = 0.05), and poor performance in the 6MWT (OR 2.73, 95 % CI 1.06-12.08; p = 0.03) and SPPB (OR 4.94, 95 % CI 1.01-24.07; p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Poor nutritional status was found significantly associated with poor physical performance and poor functional status in elderly Peruvian individuals.