Publications by authors named "Juan Izquierdo-Condoy"

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from chromaffin cells, with 80-85% originating in the adrenal medulla and 15-20% from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissues (paragangliomas). Approximately 30-40% of PPGLs have a hereditary component, making them one of the most genetically predisposed tumor types. Recent advances in genetic research have classified PPGLs into three molecular clusters: pseudohypoxia-related, kinase-signaling, and -signaling pathway variants.

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Background: Iron overload disorders, including hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), are characterized by excessive iron accumulation, which can cause severe organ damage. HH is most associated with the C282Y mutation in Caucasian populations, but its prevalence and genetic profiles in Latin American populations remain underexplored.

Objectives: To describe the clinical manifestations, genetic profiles, and biochemical characteristics of patients with suspected iron overload disorders in a specialized hematology center in Cali, Colombia.

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Background: Mobile phones are essential tools worldwide, including for the academic training of medical students. However, their role in Latin America (LATAM) remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate cell phone use and its applicability in the academic training of medical students in LATAM.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it poses a significant burden. In Latin America, the estimated prevalence of COPD is notably high, but the management and treatment of the disease have progressed slowly. This review examines the current status of inhalation therapy for COPD in Latin America, focusing on pharmacological therapies, inhalation devices, and the potential of advanced drug delivery systems.

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: Dry eye disease is a leading cause of ophthalmologic consultations worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. While global prevalence rates vary widely, data specific to South America are limited. This systematic review aims to describe and analyze the prevalence and associated factors of dry eye disease-related symptoms in South American populations.

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Background: Despite the significant global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI), detection rates are poor. Acceptance of these tests is influenced by several factors that have not been explored among Colombian medical students.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the behaviors and psychosocial factors toward STI screening among medical students of two universities in Pereira, Colombia, between March and June 2020.

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Background: Autologous fat grafting, enriched with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been established as an effective and affordable treatment for various types of wound healing. However, its efficacy in managing wounds with tendon exposure has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods: We report the case of a 40-year-old male who sustained a severe friction burn on his hand and forearm from a car accident, resulting in significant tissue loss and exposed extensor tendons.

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Approximately 1 million scorpion stings are recorded annually worldwide, resulting in 3000 deaths. Scorpion venom has various effects on the human body, with neurological complications occurring in about 2% of cases. Among these complications, stroke-whether ischemic or hemorrhagic-is particularly significant.

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Background: Chagas disease (CD), triggered by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is originally endemic across Latin America, affecting millions. While cardiac complications are widely recognized, the association between CD and stroke remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between CD and stroke, highlighting the cardioembolic origins of stroke in CD patients and assessing the elevated stroke risk compared to non-infected individuals.

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Introduction: Nephrobronchial fistula is an exceptionally rare complication of renal infections, including the uncommon xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Existing literature is limited to a few case reports, with antibiotic therapy and nephrectomy being the preferred treatments.

Case: We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a history of recurrent xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in her right kidney, requiring drainage through lumbotomy.

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Article Synopsis
  • A 22-year-old male with a history of tuberous sclerosis presented with chest pain and was found to have cardiac rhabdomyomas through echocardiography.
  • Late-onset cardiac rhabdomyomas in adults are rare but possible, highlighting the need for regular checkups for those with tuberous sclerosis complex. *
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Background: E-cigarettes are often marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Despite their popularity, the evidence regarding their effects on human health remains unclear and is filled with complexities.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to elucidate the direct effects of electronic cigarette use on human health, carefully distinguishing between the specific characteristics of the populations studied.

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The dengue crisis in the Latin American region is currently intensifying, exacerbated by heavy rains, widespread flooding, and the onset of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which weakened healthcare systems, have further compounded the situation. Comparing the first 15 weeks of 2023 with the same period in 2024, we observed a significant average increase of 600% in the number of new cases.

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The scientific community faces significant ethical challenges due to the "publish or perish" culture, particularly in developing and emerging economies. This paper explores the widespread unethical practices in scientific publishing, including the sale of authorships, the proliferation of "paper mills," and the misuse of artificial intelligence to produce fraudulent research. These practices undermine the integrity of scientific research, skew publication metrics, and distort academic rankings.

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Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a histiocytic neoplasm characterized by the abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells. Bone marrow (BM) involvement is associated with high-risk disease and poor survival. Although BM involvement is particularly uncommon, no reported cases of LCH with BM infiltration have been documented in Latin America until now.

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Tobacco use is associated with serious health problems. Global efforts, such as the World Health Organization's Framework for Tobacco Control, have reduced tobacco use, but challenges remain. Initially perceived as aids for smoking cessation, e-cigarettes have gained popularity among young people and non-smokers.

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Background: Acute cardiac complications post-chemotherapy is rare. Stress cardiomyopathy, one of these complications, should be considered in differential diagnoses as its symptoms closely resemble those of acute myocardial infarction and can lead to mortality.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) as an acute complication following combined chemotherapy in a patient with significant thromboembolic burden and metastatic cervical cancer.

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Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have emerged as a new paradigm in nicotine delivery systems. Although they are marketed as safer alternatives to tobacco, public perceptions of their safety and utility vary widely. This study aims to understand the percentage of use, factors associated, perceptions, and attitudes about e-cigarettes among Ecuadorian adults.

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