Trabajos de Titulación - Medicina
URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://dspace.ucacue.edu.ec/handle/ucacue/23
Examinar
Envíos recientes
Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Nefrocalcinosis renal por tuberculosis: Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Romero Pardo, Angie StefanyIntroduction: Nephrocalcinosis is considered rare in clinical practice, and even more so when associated with tuberculosis. It is characterized by the accumulation of calcium in the kidneys, particularly following hematogenous spread of the bacillus. It is usually detected incidentally on imaging studies due to nonspecific symptoms. Treatment must address both the tuberculosis infection and the renal calcifications to prevent complications such as kidney failure. Case Presentation: This is a 56-year-old male patient who presented with nonspecific urinary symptoms, such as pollakiuria, hematuria, and low back pain. The diagnosis was established through laboratory and imaging studies that revealed renal calcifications and lesions consistent with renal tuberculosis. Therapeutic intervention included an antituberculous consolidation-phase regimen and nutritional support, under comprehensive and multidisciplinary management. Conclusion: Through close follow-up and a favorable prognosis focused on controlling recurrences, the patient showed improvement. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and provides relevant evidence for considering renal tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of nephrocalcinosis. To prevent serious complications such as kidney failure, early identification and treatment of the condition are essential.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester desafío diagnóstico e implicaciones terapéuticas(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Siguencia Lema, Christian GabrielIntroduction: Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology that typically presents between the second and seventh decades of life, with a mean age of onset of 46 years. It is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and infiltration of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes. It can be asymptomatic or present with localized symptoms ―with bone involvement as the main clinical sign―, or lead to systemic complications. Diagnosis is based on clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings that confirm the disease. Currently, treatment for ECD includes FDA-approved BRAF inhibitors. The prognosis for ECD is currently favorable, in part due to the introduction of BRAF inhibitors to the market in 2016. General Objective: To describe the diagnostic methods, various treatment modalities, and prognosis of the Erdheim–Chester disease. Methodology: This is a descriptive, non-experimental literature review. Data were collected through the Elsevier, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, employing keywords such as: Edrheim–Chester disease, diagnostic, treatment, and histiocytes. Finally, Boolean operators, including AND, OR, and NOT, were employed. Results: The literature review revealed that current therapeutic regimens include interferon alpha as the first-line treatment. Likewise, IL-6 receptor antagonists and anti-TNF-α inhibitors are available for treatment. ECD represents a challenge for physicians; however, its identification is essential; therefore, it is crucial to consider three main aspects, including clinicopathological findings, complemented by nonspecific radiological findings.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal: reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Molina Arizaga, Ana FrancyIntroduction: Fabry disease is a lysosomal genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) due to a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, primarily in organs such as the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. It offers a valuable perspective on a rare pathology and underscores the relevance of accurate and early diagnoses. Clinical Manifestations: This article presents the case of a 24-year-old woman with lower extremity edema, elevated proteinuria, and impaired renal function, typical symptoms of Fabry nephropathy. A definitive diagnosis was established through renal biopsy and electron microscopy, which revealed lysosomal inclusions and characteristic zebra bodies of Fabry disease. Initially, treatment with prednisone and losartan was prescribed, achieving a reduction in proteinuria levels and normalization of creatinine, reflecting a positive response to supportive renal treatment. Conclusions: The importance of a comprehensive clinical evaluation, supported by histopathology analysis—especially electron microscopy—is highlighted for detecting characteristic signs of lysosomal accumulation and progressive renal damage. When combined with enzymatic tests, genetic testing, and renal biopsies, this approach enables a more accurate and earlier diagnosis, which is essential to anticipate progression toward chronic kidney disease.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Relación de la obesidad con la hiperplasia endometrial(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Garzón Garcia , Mauricio JoséIntroduction: Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition characterized by excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining due to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Similarly, obesity has been identified as a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, as it increases estrogen exposure. Understanding the relationship between these two conditions is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using bibliographic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on publications from the past 10 years. Primary studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing the relationship between obesity and endometrial hyperplasia were included. Results: The risk of endometrial hyperplasia and the progression of endometrial cancer are closely associated with obesity. Obese women exhibit higher levels of unopposed estrogen due to the aromatization of androgens in adipose tissue. Weight loss interventions can significantly improve clinical outcomes in the early stages of the disease. Conclusions: Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development and progression of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. The WHO classification system facilitates clinical management by distinguishing between types with different risks of progression. Studies conducted in Latin America reveal a growing association between obesity and endometrial hyperplasia, underscoring the need to address obesity as part of disease management strategies.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Pustulosis exantemática generalizada aguda inducida por antiinflamatorios no esteroideos: Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Leon Montero , Brigitte AracelyIntroduction: Acute Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is a rare skin disease characterized by the sudden appearance of tiny, sterile, non-follicular pustules on an erythematous and edematous base. It primarily affects women, with most reported cases having been attributed to antibiotics use; however, in this case, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs triggered it. Pathogenesis involves CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, which contribute to the formation of vesicles and pustules. Symptoms include itching, fever, leukocytosis, and biochemical abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, and biopsy. The main treatment consists of eliminating the causal agent and supportive measures, with spontaneous resolution occurring within 1 to 2 weeks. Case presentation: A case of Acute Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is presented in a 50-year-old female patient who developed generalized erythematous pustules after receiving intramuscular diclofenac, with a biopsy confirming the diagnosis, and treatment initiated with the biological drugs (infliximab). Conclusions: This work demonstrates how drug-induced skin reactions can occur with unusual medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, it highlights how treatment with biological drugs achieved better results compared to conventional treatment.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , D-Penicilamina versus sales de Zinc en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Wilson(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Alvarado Maldonado , Sibel DImportance: This study compares D-penicillamine and zinc salts as initial treatment for Wilson’s disease, considering their impact on clinical progression, treatment adherence, and prevention of long-term complications. Objective: Which is the better treatment for Wilson’s disease: D-penicillamine or zinc salts? Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligibility criteria were used for study selection; searches were carried out in the Scopus and PubMed databases; and the RoB 2 and JBI tools were used to assess the risk of bias. Results: The review included 22 studies, and the findings show that both D-penicillamine and zinc salts are effective in reducing copper levels. However, zinc salts demonstrated a superior safety profile during the neurological phase, with fewer adverse effects compared with D-penicillamine. Discussion: Although the evidence presented limitations due to the risk of bias, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity among the studies, the results suggest that zinc salts may be a preferable treatment option due to their lower incidence of side effects. Conclusions: D-penicillamine is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects and neurological deterioration compared with zinc salts. Caution is recommended when applying these clinical findings, and further research is needed to optimize treatment selection is emphasized.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Reparación de ruptura de tendón de Aquiles mediante técnica percutánea: Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Grijalva Jara, Lía ValentinaIntroduction: This case report discusses an Achilles tendon rupture repaired using a percutaneous technique in a 50-year-old man. This minimally invasive method has significant benefits, such as rapid functional recovery and a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. Despite this, its use is limited due to a lack of experience and conclusive evidence of its efficacy compared to traditional methods. This case contributes to medical knowledge by analyzing the functional efficacy of this technique in an adult patient. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male presented with sudden severe pain in the posterior and distal region of the right leg, along with difficulty walking after jumping during a volleyball game. Thompson’s test was positive on physical examination, indicating a possible Achilles tendon rupture. A percutaneous repair was performed under local anesthesia using a modified Bunnell suture. A temporary cast was applied for immobilization, followed by a functional orthosis and a physical therapy program for proper recovery. After two months, the patient showed favorable evolution without complications, achieving the ability to walk at two months and fifteen days without pain. Similarly, physical and functional therapy at home was recommended. Conclusion: This case highlights the percutaneous technique as a safe and effective option for Achilles tendon rupture repair, with a favorable functional prognosis.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Enfermedad trombótica y resistencia a la Warfarina relacionada con alteración genética. Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Avila Roura , Ana PaulaIntroduction: Warfarin resistance is a significant clinical issue in patients with thrombotic diseases as it increases the risk of recurrent thrombosis. This phenomenon can be genetic, associated with polymorphisms in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes, which complicates achieving adequate anticoagulation control. Case Presentation: This case involves a 48-year-old female patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis since 2001. Control was not achieved despite several attempts to adjust the warfarin dose. In 2015, the VKORC1 gene polymorphism was identified as the genetic cause of the patient's warfarin resistance. She was subsequently diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, and treatment was started with enoxaparin, followed by rituximab and dabigatran, which successfully prevented further thrombotic episodes. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of genetic evaluation in patients with coumarin resistance, as it assists in selecting the appropriate anticoagulant therapy and prevents potentially life-threatening complications in the future. Furthermore, proper management also includes using alternative anticoagulants and regular follow-up. Pharmacogenetics is relevant in drug resistance in thrombotic diseases, optimizing treatment, safety, and therapy efficacy.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Aracnoidocele grado III como causa de hiponatemia severa. Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Delgado Quizhpi , María De Los ÁngelesIntroduction: Empty sella syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by the herniation of the sellar diaphragm into the pituitary space, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 2% and 20%. This case report is of significant importance due to the association between arachnocele and the development of severe hyponatremia, a relationship that is poorly documented in current medical literature. Case presentation: An 82-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and anxiety presented to the emergency department with a sudden confusional state and altered level of consciousness. The patient presented disorientation in time, space, and person, along with bradypsychia. Initial laboratory tests revealed severe hyponatremia (118 mmol/L) and hypokalemia (3 mmol/L). Cranial MRI revealed a grade III arachnocele. The patient showed significant improvement after fluid replacement therapy and appropriate medication adjustment. Despite modifying the medications potentially related to the condition, the clinical symptoms persisted, suggesting that the arachnocele could be the underlying cause. Conclusions: Hyponatremia in patients with arachnocele may be explained by pituitary compression and altered secretion of hormones such as vasopressin, which regulates water and sodium balance in the body. In this case, the arachnocele caused an alteration of vasopressin secretion, causing an electrolyte imbalance.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Rotación de colgajo pediculado de gastrocnemio medial: Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Castro Gonzalez, Joaquin HernanThe gastrocnemius muscle is frequently used to cover defects in the lower extremity due to its robustness, minimal functional impairment, and unique vascular pedicle from the sural artery that allows effective rotation for the reconstruction of defects. The flap has complete functionality due to its blood supply from the medial and lateral sural arteries. It is a surgical procedure that can have complications related to the donor site, which makes this case notable due to the patient's previous complication. It is the treatment of choice in cases where a large amount of soft tissue has been lost, especially if the osteosynthesis material is exposed. The following case involves a pedicled medial gastrocnemius flap rotation in a 26-year-old male patient who presented to the clinic for a 4cm ulcer in the proximal third of the tibia due to previous surgical treatment with exposure to osteosynthesis material. The relevance of the clinical case lies in the lack of sufficient evidence on reconstruction with pedicled rotated muscle flaps in patients with open fractures in the lower limbs. It is known that, in Ecuador, the most significant number of open fractures end in amputation since no clinical-evolutionary information in this regard is available. Given the advantages of reconstruction with gastrocnemius muscle flaps with soft tissue defects, the report and knowledge of the surgical technique implemented are essential.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , Poliautoinmunidad, un reto diagnóstico: reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Borbor Espinales, Geanela GliserBackground: Autoimmune diseases represent a group of pathological conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's components, causing damage to various organs and tissues. These conditions affect 4% of the global population, predominantly women, and are influenced by genetic and environmental factors contributing to the loss of immune tolerance and subsequent tissue damage. Polyautoimmunity is characterized by the coexistence of multiple autoimmune diseases in the same individual, complicating its diagnosis and treatment due to the etiology that is not yet fully understood. Case presentation: A 29-year-old female patient presents with polyarthralgia, fever, and synovitis, initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She subsequently develops systemic lupus erythematosus, presenting with a malar rash, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, myalgia, arthralgia, and lupus glomerulonephritis. She evolves into a clinical picture consistent with Sjögren's syndrome, with xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and dry keratoconjunctivitis. Additionally, she presents with synovitis and cartilage damage in the left knee, treated with arthroscopy, and a lesion in the right ankle characterized by osteophytes and soft tissue edema. Eventually, secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is diagnosed, evidenced by triphasic color changes in the fingers upon exposure to cold. Due to the complexity of the condition, the patient requires multidisciplinary management, including immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids. Conclusion: This case highlights the rarity of presenting with four concomitant autoimmune diseases, which pose diagnostic challenges, severe complications, and a complex response to multidisciplinary treatment.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Síndrome de Plummer Vinson. Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Cabrera Rojas, Lizbeth SaloméIntroduction This clinical case presents a 37-year-old female patient with untreated chronic iron-deficiency anemia who presented with progressive dysphagia and symptoms of weakness and depression. The relevance of this report lies in the fact that there are fewer than three documented cases of Plummer-Vinson syndrome in Ecuador, highlighting the importance of early detection. This underrecognized syndrome has serious implications, as timely management can prevent its progression to esophageal carcinoma. Main Symptoms The patient presented with muscle weakness, dyspnea on exertion, and difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids. Physical examination revealed pallor, brittle nails, and changes in the oral cavity, such as a smooth tongue and angular cheilitis. Laboratory tests confirmed hypochromic microcytic anemia with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, consistent with advanced iron deficiency anemia. Diagnosis and Treatment Plummer-Vinson syndrome was diagnosed clinically due to the presence of severe iron deficiency anemia and endoscopic findings. Treatment began with iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid supplements, along with nutritional support. Additionally, three sequential esophageal dilations were performed to alleviate the dysphagia, resulting in an effective response. Conclusion The patient fully regained her swallowing ability, and follow-up endoscopies revealed an esophageal mucosa without complications. This case highlights the importance of thorough diagnosis and treatment of Plummer-Vinson syndrome, demonstrating that combined supplementation and esophageal dilation can alleviate symptoms and prevent future complications.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Rabdomiólisis secundaria a Virus De Varicela Zóster. Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Cobos Nieto , María AngélicaBackground: The Varicella Zoster virus is highly contagious and affects approximately 90% of inhabitants. It is distinguished by the manifestation of pruritic maculo-erythematous skin lesions, which evolve and become scabs. It is generally mild; however, complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, toxic shock syndrome, purpura fulminans, and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Therefore, a case report will be presented, highlighting its importance since, at a scientific level, the literature reviewed is poor, and in Ecuador, no cases have been evidenced in the databases so far. Case presentation: A 28-year-old female patient reported fever, chills, and myalgias in the lower extremities 30 hours before admission. On physical examination, she presented vesicular lesions characteristic of chickenpox. Five hours later, the myalgia intensified, making lying down and walking impossible. Blood analysis showed hypertransaminasemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase; urinalysis indicated increased turbidity accompanied by hemoglobinuria. Data confirm the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis secondary to the Varicella Zoster virus. Treatment with acyclovir accompanied by saline hydration is administered. After 5 days of hospitalization and decreased muscle pain, the patient is discharged home, and outpatient follow-up is indicated. Expected conclusions: Rhabdomyolysis secondary to Varicella Zoster virus could be underdiagnosed due to the lack of creatine kinase measurements in patients with chickenpox; this causes mild and moderate cases to be oligoasymptomatic initially.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Frecuencia de la somnolencia diurna y calidad del sueño en médicos generales en funciones hospitalarias de área de emergencia. Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga. 2024(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Lazo Paucar , Mercy Sara; León Aguirre , Nayeli LizbethIntroduction: General practitioners in the emergency department are a professional group subjected to intense stress due to long working hours, including night shifts and frequent sleep interruptions. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are key factors influencing quality of life and health. Methodology: This research was observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive. The study population consisted of 43 general practitioners from the emergency department of the “José Carrasco Arteaga” Hospital. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were the questionnaires used for evaluation. Results: The study found that 93% of the physicians were between 25 and 40 years old, and 53.5% were female. The majority showed a high probability of falling asleep in low-activity situations, evidencing a frequency of daytime sleepiness in 34.9% of the participants. Poor sleep quality was reported by 95.3%, with an average of 5 to 6 hours of sleep and high sleep efficiency (>85%). Variables that demonstrated a significant association were marital status with daytime sleepiness and age with sleep quality. Conclusions: Sleep is considered a biological need that physicians do not adequately meet. Although poor sleep quality was highly prevalent, daytime sleepiness was infrequent among most emergency department general practitioners, which may be attributed to the sample size.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico antihipertensivo en pacientes ingresados de la clínica Santa Ana, Cuenca abril- septiembre 2015(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2015) Caldas Carrion, Lourdes AdrianaObjective: To determine adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in patients admitted to the clinic Santa Ana, Abril- September 2015 Basin. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study, the sample was obtained in the same hypertensive patients hospitalized at the clinic Santa Ana To calculate 66 hypertensive patients hospitalized total sample was used. The instrument used was a previously validated form (Test Morisky Green and Battle). The results were processed in the SPSS system 15.00 Results: The study found that antihypertensive therapy adherence in patients admitted to the Clinica Santa Ana is 30.3%, while 69.7% do not meet the antihypertensive adherence. Conclusions: In the nonadherent hypertensive patients, the reason for its failure was forgetting taking antihypertensive medication, besides the taking of the medication hypotensive hours indicated no more than a sedentary life.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Pericarditis constrictiva calcificada con trombosis de vena cava superior y vena innominada. Reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Medina Toledo , Erika ElizabethIntroduction: Constrictive pericarditis is a disease characterized by diastolic dysfunction caused by pericardial stiffness secondary to chronic fibrosis. Along with thrombosis of the superior vena cava and the innominate vein, it is a clinically rare condition underreported in the scientific literature. Its diagnosis is complex and includes the use of multiple examinations. The treatment of choice is surgical, in addition to the use of adjuvant therapy. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old female patient of mestizo ethnicity presented with progressive edema of the lower limbs, dyspnea on slight exertion, and neck edema. Imaging studies revealed suggestive data of pericardial calcification around the cardiac silhouette. During surgery, a pericardial thickness of 1.8 cm in diameter was identified, with 90% of the area calcified and thrombi at the superior vena cava and innominate vein level. An individualized surgical procedure was performed, achieving a high success rate. Conclusion: This case report presents a clinical and therapeutic challenge of calcified constrictive pericarditis with superior vena cava and innominate vein thrombosis due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Knowing the main clinical manifestations is important for timely intervention and improve prognosis.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Candidiasis Vulvovaginal Resistente a Azoles(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Villa Quizhpi , Arquimides DanielItem type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Actualización en el manejo de displasia de alto grado en esófago de Barrett(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Sayay Pérez , Joseph StevenBarrett's esophagus (BE) is distinguished by the transformation of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus into columnar metaplasia, a condition affecting approximately 1% of the global population. It is estimated that between 3% and 5% of individuals with Barrett's esophagus will receive a diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma at some point in their lives. To describe the management of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. A meticulous narrative literature review was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 32 articles published from 2019 to 2024 were analyzed. The collected information was organized into tables, and an ethical approach was maintained since direct patient participation was not required. The search methodology included the use of MeSH, DeCS, and EMTREE terms, combined with Boolean operators. The comprehensive literature review revealed that advanced strategies in the management of Barrett's esophagus, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), are effective in preventing the development of cancer, emphasizing the relevance of early diagnosis and treatment in these patients. The effective management of Barrett's esophagus using techniques like RFA and EMR minimizes the progression to cancer, optimizing the quality of life through less invasive and highly targeted interventions.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Evidencia científica sobre selfitis en estudiantes de medicina: una revisión de alcance(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Barrera Campoverde, José CarlosIntroduction: Selfitis is conceptualized as an obsessive-compulsive urge to take selfies and post them on social media. Aim: To map the scientific evidence on selfitis in medical students, describing its characteristics, associated factors, and implications for mental health and academic performance. Methodology: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: The study identified that selfitis is associated with low self-esteem, anxiety about appearance, narcissism, and the search for social validation through the compulsive use of social media. Conclusion: Selfitis in medical students is a worrying psychological and academic phenomenon because it is linked to behavioral and emotional fac tors that affect mental health and academic performance.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Carcinoma epidermoide del esófago: reporte de caso(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Ordóñez Palacios , Pedro JoséEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the ninth most common malignant tumor worldwide and the sixth most common cause of mortality related to gastrointestinal cancer. Esophageal cancer is divided into two histological types, dysplasia or carcinoma, with squamous cell carcinoma being the predominant pathology. Diagnosis is made through histopathology and contrast-enhanced tomography, which allows differentiation of important characteristics such as tumor size and, in some cases, fistula formation. This study presents a case of a 45-year-old female patient with an 82% intellectual disability. Her medical history includes excision of an inguinal mass 1 year and 6 months ago and a gastrostomy performed 2 months ago for feeding. Family history includes a father with bladder cancer and a mother with stomach cancer. The patient presented to consultation due to the presence of a mass in the neck. A contrast-enhanced tomography extension study of the neck and thorax evidenced a slightly vascularized solid neoplasm, likely dependent on the esophagus. Additionally, a fistulography identified a cutaneous fistula. The patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment with good tolerance. The main diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is made by histopathology; however, contrast-enhanced tomography is a highly important technique as a tool that allows the differentiation of the characteristics of the neoplasm's extent, size, and potential dissemination.
