Jornal Memorial da Medicina

EPIGASTRIC PAIN AS A PRESENTATION OF AORTIC DISSECTION

Juan Carlos Perdomo Puentes — 2025-03-18

Mitochondrial myopathy: A case report on differential diagnosis in uncommon neuropathies

Pedro Silvino José de Vasconcelos — 2025-04-10

Mitochondrial myopathy are a group of rare muscle diseases characterized by mutations in genes enconding mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins. Due to their nonespecific presentation, including muscle weakness, exercice intolerance, muscle pain and fatigue, this condition can be overlooked among various possible differential diagnoses. The definitive diagnosis is established through histopathological evaluation via muscle biopsy.

This study reports the case of a 22-year-old woman with long-standing weakness in the upper and lower limbs, who experienced a more significant sudden weakness in the upper limbs over the past two weeks, initially suspected to have a possible myopathy. After extensive testing, the histopathological analysis of the muscle biopsy revealed "ragged red fibers," confirming the final diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy. This case report discusses key concepts related to the condition and the diagnostic process. It highlights the crucial role of complementary tests, particularly muscle biopsy, in differential diagnosis to prevent misdiagnosis and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Academic Performance of University Students

Gabriela Lucas Garcia — 2025-04-08

Introduction: Sleep is essential for health and academic performance, with sleep deprivation negatively affecting university students. The aim of this review is to map the evidence on the effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance and identify research gaps. Methodology: The PICOT strategy was followed, resulting in the selection of 28 relevant articles on sleep deprivation and academic performance. The process included database searches, document screening, data extraction, and result analysis, ensuring a systematic and comprehensive approach. Results: Variations in age, academic performance, and sleep quality conditions were found among participants, with average ages ranging from 19.82 to 24.16 years and GPA data varying from 2.18 to 2.50. Sleep quality, measured by the PSQI, presented results ranging from 6.4 to 8.75, indicating significant dissatisfaction perceptions among the analyzed university students. Conclusion: Despite the findings, methodological variations and the lack of longitudinal studies suggest the need for future research that includes objective sleep quality measurements and considers moderating factors, such as mental health.

Death will be the physician that cures: the treatment of rabies in the XIX Century

Paulo Brandão — 2025-06-16

Despite advances on antivirals and supportive therapy, treating rabies today is as challenging and hopeless today as it was in the XIX century. This disease causes 59,00 human deaths yearly and is 100% lethal, causing extensive suffering for the patients and their families. This article describes the approaches used by XIX physicians in order to treat the wounds of patients exposed to rabies and to treat patients already with rabies, based on a fictitious case inspired on accounts of the time. The efficacy of these approaches is discussed on the light of current knowledge on Biology and Pharmacology.

Was Cleopatra the Pioneer of Dermatology?

Dione Fernandes Tavares — 2025-05-11

Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt, is widely known for her beauty and political influence, but her aesthetic practices may also be considered precursors of modern dermatological treatments. This article examines historical and scientific evidence regarding Cleopatra's use of natural chemical peels, such as sour milk, to maintain healthy skin. The relevance of these ancient practices is discussed in relation to contemporary dermatological techniques, suggesting that Cleopatra played a key role in the evolution of skincare.