Thoracic aortic size in Brazilian smokers: measures using low-dose chest computed tomography anatomical and epidemiological assessment

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) represent one-third of the hospitalizations for aortic diseases. The prevalence rate depends on the definition of the normal size of the aorta, which is quite variable, depending on the population studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the thoracic aorta of Brazilian smokers, identifying the normal size of the aorta, presence of anatomical variations, and prevalence of TAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 711 patients underwent radiological evaluation with low-dose computed tomography (CT) from January 2013 to July 2014 with the initial objective of lung nodule tracking. Two examiners evaluated these images, and measurements of maximum and serial diameters were performed manually in true orthogonal planes. Serial diameter measurements were taken every 2 cm in the ascending aorta and 5 cm in the descending segment. We searched for anatomical variations, aortic arch type, and correlations between anatomical characteristics, sex, body mass index, and body surface area (BSA). RESULTS: The maximum diameters were 33.61 (standard deviation [SD] 3.88), 28.66 (SD 2.89), and 28.36 mm (SD 3.09) for the ascending segment, aortic arch, and descending segment, respectively. A positive correlation was found between male sex, age, and BSA and aorta diameter. The bovine arch was the most common variation of the aortic arch type, and we found one (0.14%) case of TAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study with low-dose CT allowed the determination of the mean diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta in Brazilian smokers and TAA prevalence.

Signs of impending rupture in abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms by computed tomography: Outcomes in 41 patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of signs of impending rupture (SIR) in asymptomatic patients with abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms, and to evaluate whether these signs were associated with rupture in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms identified on computed tomography (CT) over a 10-year period in a single center. The CT scans were reviewed by two reviewers, and patients with SIR were assigned to one of three groups: (1) early symptomatic (ES), (2) late symptomatic (LS), and (3) always asymptomatic (AA). The four main SIR described in the literature were investigated: 1) crescent sign, 2) focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications, 3) aortic bulges or blebs, and 4) aortic draping. RESULTS: From a total of 759 aortic and iliac aneurysm reports on 2226 CT scans, we identified 41 patients with at least one SIR, and a prevalence of 4.14% in asymptomatic patients. Focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications was the most common sign, and it was present in 46.3% of these patients (19/41); among these, 26 were repaired (ES: 9, LS: 2, AA: 15). Eleven asymptomatic patients underwent follow-up CT. The aneurysm increased in size in 6 of the 11 (54.5%) patients, and three ruptured (all with discontinuity of calcifications), one of which had no increase in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications was the most common SIR. There was a prevalence of all signs in less than 5% of asymptomatic patients. In unrepaired patients, the signs could be observed on follow-up CT scans with an increase in aneurysm size, indicating that the presence of SIR alone in the absence of other clinical factors or aneurysm characteristics is an insufficient indication for surgery.

Incidence, diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes of clinically suspected venous thromboembolic disease in patients with COVID-19 in a quaternary hospital in Brazil / Incidência, diagnóstico, métodos terapêuticos e desfechos de eventos tromboembólicos venosos em pacientes com COVID-19 em um hospital quaternário do Brasil

Abstract Background Prothrombotic states have been associated with viral infections and the novel Sars-COV-2 infection has been associated with elevated D-dimer levels, although no causal relation has been clearly established. Objectives This study presents an epidemiological analysis of manifest VTE episodes in a group of patients hospitalized because of COVID-19. Methods Medical records of patients who presented symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism in concomitance with confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively studied. Demographic characteristics, prevalence of VTE, site of occurrence, D-dimer variation over time, management, and outcomes were analyzed. Results During the study period, 484 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were admitted, 64 of which displayed VTE symptoms and 13 of which had confirmed symptomatic VTE(2.68% of total sample and 20.31% of symptomatic cases). Most cases (76.92%) occurred in intensive care. On the day attributed to VTE onset, D-dimer levels were over 3,000 ng/mL in 8 (80%) patients, a significant increase from baseline admission levels (p < 0.05). A significant decrease was also observed in D-dimer values at hospital discharge (p < 0.05). All patients received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and/or anticoagulation as indicated. Two deaths occurred during the study, both patients with severe comorbidities. At the end of our study protocol, nine patients had been discharged and two remained hospitalized, but had no signs of VTE worsening. Conclusions VTE prevalence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 2.7%, and higher in intensive care units. Early institution of prophylaxis and immediate full anticoagulation when VTE is diagnosed should be the goals of those who treat this kind of patient.

Resumo Contexto Os estados pró-trombóticos têm sido associados a infecções virais. A nova infecção pela síndrome respiratória aguda grave do coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sabidamente eleva os níveis de D-dímero, embora a relação causal não tenha sido bem estabelecida. Objetivos Este estudo apresenta uma análise epidemiológica de episódios sintomáticos de tromboembolismo em um grupo de pacientes hospitalizados pela doença do novo coronavírus (COVID-19). Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes internados por COVID-19 que apresentaram trombose venosa profunda e/ou embolia pulmonar sintomáticas. Foram avaliados os dados demográficos, a prevalência de tromboembolismo, a variação do D-dímero ao longo do tempo, o manejo e os desfechos. Resultados Dos 484 casos confirmados de COVID-19 admitidos entre março e julho de 2020, 64 apresentaram sintomas de tromboembolismo, que foram investigados, e 13 tiveram tromboembolismo confirmado (2,68% do total e 20,31% dos sintomáticos). A maioria dos casos ocorreu em regime de terapia intensiva (76,92%). Houve um aumento significativo no número de pacientes com D-dímero acima de 3.000 ng/mL no dia atribuído ao diagnóstico de tromboembolismo com relação aos níveis do momento da admissão (80%, p < 0,05).Uma queda significativa de pacientes nesse limiar também foi observada no momento da alta (p < 0,05). Todos os pacientes receberam tromboprofilaxia ou anticoagulação conforme indicado. Houve dois óbitos na amostra, ambos pacientes com comorbidades severas. Ao fim do protocolo, nove pacientes receberam alta e dois permaneceram hospitalizados, mas sem sinais de piora. Conclusões A prevalência de tromboembolismo em pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 foi de 2,7%, sendo mais frequente em regime de terapia intensiva. A instituição precoce de profilaxia e anticoagulação imediata ao diagnóstico é primordial nesse grupo de pacientes.

Quality and safety innovations in the Radiology Department during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Latin American experience / Inovações de qualidade e segurança no Departamento de Radiologia durante a pandemia pela COVID-19: uma experiência Latino-Americano

ABSTRACT Radiology departments were forced to make significant changes in their routine during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, to prevent further transmission of the coronavirus and optimize medical care as well. In this article, we describe our Radiology Department's policies in a private hospital for coronavirus disease 2019 preparedness focusing on quality and safety for the patient submitted to imaging tests, the healthcare team involved in the exams, the requesting physician, and for other patients and hospital environment.

RESUMO Os departamentos de radiologia precisaram adotar mudanças significativas em sua rotina durante a pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus, a fim de reduzir sua transmissibilidade e otimizar os cuidados médicos. Neste artigo, descrevemos as políticas adotadas pelo Departamento de Radiologia de um hospital privado durante a pandemia, com foco em qualidade e segurança de paciente submetido a exames de imagem, equipe de assistência do departamento de imagem, médico solicitante, demais pacientes e ambiente hospitalar.

Morphologic criteria of vermiform appendix on computed tomography and a possible risk of developing acute appendicitis / Critérios morfológicos do apêndice cecal na tomografia computadorizada e possível risco de desenvolver apendicite aguda

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the correlation of morphological criteria of the cecal appendix using computed tomography (CT) and the possible risk of developing acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: Cases were defined as patients with surgically confirmed acute appendicitis who had undergone CT at least twice: at diagnosis and at least one month prior. Controls were defined as emergency patients with abdominal pain who had undergone abdominal CT that excluded acute appendicitis and had also undergone CT at least one month before. Results: 100 cases and 100 controls were selected for inclusion in the final analysis. Comparisons between the cases and controls revealed the following: mean transverse diameter of 0.6 cm (range, 0.4-1.0 cm) versus 0.6 cm (range, 0.6-0.8 cm; p = 0.37); mean length of 6.6 cm (range, 3.5-9.7 cm) versus 6.6 cm (range, 4.5-8.3 cm; p = 0.87); mean angle of 100° (range, 23-178°) versus 86° (range, 43-160°; p = 0.01); vertical descending orientation in 56% versus 45% (p = 0.2); absence of gas in 69% versus 77% (p = 0.34); and presence of an appendicolith in 17% versus 8% (p = 0.08). Conclusion: Hypothetical risk factors for obstruction of the vermiform appendix detected on CT were not associated with acute appendicitis. That suggests that factors other than those related to mechanical obstruction are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação de critérios morfológicos do apêndice cecal por tomografia computadorizada (TC) e o risco de apendicite aguda. Materiais e Métodos: Casos foram definidos como apendicite aguda confirmada cirurgicamente que tiveram pelo menos dois exames de TC: um no diagnóstico de apendicite aguda e outro no mínimo um mês antes. O grupo controle foi definido como pacientes emergenciais com dor abdominal com TC de abdome excluindo apendicite aguda e com TC prévia pelo menos um mês antes. Resultados: 100 casos e 100 controles foram selecionados. A comparação das variáveis dos casos e controles revelou: diâmetro transverso médio de 0,6 cm (faixa: 0,4-1,0 cm) versus 0,6 (faixa: 0,6-0,8 cm) (p = 0,37); comprimento médio de 6,6 cm (faixa: 3,5-9,7 cm) versus 6,6 cm (faixa: 4,5-8,3 cm) (p = 0,87); ângulo médio de 100° (faixa: 23-178°) versus 86° (faixa: 43-160°) (p = 0,01); orientação descendente em 56% versus 45% (p = 0,2); ausência de gás em 69% versus 77% (p = 0,34) e presença de apendicólito em 17% versus 8% (p = 0,08). Conclusão: Fatores obstrutivos hipotéticos do apêndice cecal na TC não foram associados a apendicite aguda. Isso sugere que outros fatores diferentes de obstrução mecânica podem estar implicados na gênese da apendicite aguda.

Objective value on Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map to categorize the intensity of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) restriction for prostate cancer detection on multiparametric prostate MRI

ABSTRACT Purpose: To identify objective and subjective criteria on multiparametric prostate MRI that can be helpful for prostate cancer detection. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study, IRB approved, including 122 patients who had suspicious lesion on MRI and who underwent prostate biopsy with ultrasonography (US)/MRI imaging fusion. There were 60 patients with positive biopsies and 62 with negative biopsies. MRI of these patients were randomized and evaluated independently by two blinded radiologists. The following variables were analyzed in each lesion: morphology, contours, T2 signal, diffusion restriction (subjective impression and objective values), hyper-enhancement, contact with transition zone or prostatic contour, prostatic contour retraction, Likert and PIRADS classification. Results: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was the best predictor of positivity for prostate cancer, with mean value of 1.08 (SD 0.20) and 1.09 mm2/sec (SD 0.24) on negative biopsies and 0.81 (SD 0.22) and 0.84 mm2/sec (SD 0.22) on positive biopsies for readers 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001 in both analysis). For the others categorical variables evaluated the best AUC for reader 1 was subjective intensity of diffusion restriction (AUC of 0.74) and for reader 2 was hyper-enhancement (AUC of 0.65), all inferior comparing to the value of ADC map. Interobserver agreement ranged from 0.13 to 0.75, poor in most measurements, and good or excellent (kappa > 0.6) only in lesion size and ADC values. Conclusions: Diffusion restriction with lower ADC-values is the best parameter to predict cancer on MRI prior to biopsy. Efforts to establish an ADC cutoff value would improve cancer detection, especially for less experience reader.

Diagnostic value of c-reactive protein and the influence of visceral fat in patients with obesity and acute appendicitis / Valor diagnóstico da proteína c-reativa e a influência da gordura visceral em pacientes com obesidade e apendicite aguda

ABSTRACT Background: The C reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most accurate inflammatory markers in acute appendicitis (AA). Obesity leads to a pro-inflammatory state with increased CRP, which may interfere with the interpretation of this laboratory test in AA. Aim: To assess sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CRP in patients with AA and their correlation to body mass index (BMI) and body fat composition. Method: This is a retrospective study based on clinical records and imaging studies of 191 subjects with histopathologically confirmed AA compared to 249 controls who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT). Clinical and epidemiological data, BMI, and CRP values were extracted from medical records. CT scans were assessed for AA findings and body composition measurements. Results: CRP values increased according to patients' BMI, with varying sensitivity from 79.78% in subjects with normal or lean BMI, 87.87% in overweight, and 93.5% in individuals with obesity. A similar pattern was observed for NPV: an increase with increasing BMI, 69.3% in individuals with normal or lean BMI, 84.3% in overweight, and 91.3% in individuals with obesity. There was a positive correlation between CRP and visceral fat area in patients with AA. Conclusions: Variations exist for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values of CRP in patients with AA, stratified by BMI. An increase in visceral fat area is associated with elevated CRP across the BMI spectrum.

RESUMO Racional: A proteína C reativa (PCR) é um dos marcadores inflamatórios com maior acurácia na apendicite aguda (AA). A obesidade leva a um estado pró-inflamatório com PCR aumentada, o que pode interferir na interpretação deste teste de laboratório na AA. Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) da PCR em pacientes com AA e sua correlação com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a composição da gordura corporal. Métodos: Este é um estudo retrospectivo baseado em registros clínicos e estudos de imagem de 191 indivíduos histopatologicamente confirmados com AA em comparação com 249 controles que foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada abdominal (TC). Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos, valores de IMC e PCR foram extraídos de registros médicos. As TC foram avaliadas para achados de AA e medidas de composição corporal. Resultados: Os valores da PCR aumentaram de acordo com o IMC dos pacientes, com sensibilidade variável de 79,78% em indivíduos com IMC normal ou magro, 87,87% em excesso de peso e 93,5% em indivíduos com obesidade. Um padrão semelhante foi observado para o VPN: um aumento com o aumento do IMC, 69,3% em indivíduos com IMC normal ou magro, 84,3% em excesso de peso e 91,3% em indivíduos com obesidade. Houve uma correlação positiva entre a PCR e a área de gordura visceral em pacientes com AA. Conclusão: Existem variações quanto à sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e valores VPN da PCR em pacientes com AA, estratificados pelo IMC. Um aumento na área de gordura visceral está associado à PCR elevada em todo o espectro do IMC.

The therapeutic challenge of giant splenic artery aneurysm: a case repport / O desafio terapêutico do aneurisma gigante da artéria esplênica: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT Giant splenic artery aneurysm is a rare condition that represents an eminent life threatening for the patient, requiring, therefore, urgent surgical correction. A 61-year-old woman, former smoker, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic and multipara sought our service because of a large tumor in the mesogastrium, which was an abdominal ultrasound finding. Despite the size of the tumor, the patient was asymptomatic. The angiotomography and the magnetic resonance image of the abdomen were suggestive of giant splenic artery aneurysm with more than 10cm in diameter that was confirmed by an angiography. She underwent surgery, open splenectomy, and partial aneurysmectomy. The approach of the celiac artery, which was ligated, was only possible with medialvisceral rotation because there was no possibility to view it through the anterior access. The histopathological test of aneurysmatic wall revealed atheroma plaques in the intima. The patient progressed without complications and she was discharged cured. In general, giant splenic artery aneurysms are symptomatic, however, as in the case we report, it may be asymptomatic and found in abdominal imaging exam. Although less invasive Interventional methods exist, such as laparoscopy and endovascular techniques, they were considered inappropriate in this case. Conventional open surgery should be the therapy of choice for a giant splenic artery aneurysm.

RESUMO O aneurisma gigante da artéria esplênica constitui condição rara, que representa risco de vida iminente para o paciente, necessitando, consequentemente, de correção cirúrgica urgente. Mulher de 61 anos, ex-fumante, hipertensa, com hipercolesterolêmica e multípara nos procurou por apresentar grande tumor no mesogástrio, achado de ultrassonografia abdominal. Apesar das dimensões do tumor, era assintomática. Angiotomografia e ressonância magnética de abdômen sugeriam tratar-se de aneurisma gigante de artéria esplênica com mais de 10cm de diâmetro, confirmado por angiografia. Foi submetida a tratamento cirúrgico aberto, tendo sido realizadas esplenectomia e aneurismectomia parcial. A abordagem do tronco celíaco, que foi ligado, só foi possível com rotação visceral medial, pois não havia possibilidade de visualizá-lo pela via anterior. O exame anatomopatológico da parede do saco aneurismático revelou placas de ateroma na íntima. A paciente evoluiu sem intercorrências e teve alta hospitalar curada. Aneurismas da artéria esplênica de dimensões avantajadas, em geral, são sintomáticos, porém, como no caso em questão, podem ser assintomáticos e descobertos em exame de imagem do abdômen. Apesar de existirem métodos intervencionistas menos invasivos, como laparoscopia e técnicas endovasculares, eles não foram considerados adequados neste caso. Diante de um aneurisma gigante de artéria esplênica, a conduta terapêutica de eleição é a cirurgia convencional aberta.

Can contrast-enhanced ultrasound with second-generation contrast agents replace computed tomography angiography for distinguishing between occlusion and pseudo-occlusion of the internal carotid artery?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with a second-generation contrast agent in distinguishing between occlusion and pseudo-occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery, comparing it with that of conventional Doppler ultrasound and the gold standard, computed tomography angiography. METHOD: Between June 2006 and June 2012, we screened 72 symptomatic vascular surgery outpatients at a public hospital. Among those patients, 78 cervical internal carotid arteries were previously classified as occluded by Doppler ultrasound (without contrast). The patients were examined again with Doppler ultrasound, as well as with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. The diagnosis was based on the presence or absence of flow. RESULTS: Among the 78 cervical internal carotid arteries identified as occluded by Doppler ultrasound, occlusion was confirmed by computed tomography angiography in only 57 (73.1%), compared with 59 (77.5%) for which occlusion was confirmed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (p>0.5 vs. computed tomography angiography). Comparing contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound, we found that the proportion of cervical internal carotid arteries classified as occluded was 24.4% higher when the latter was used (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in making the differential diagnosis between occlusion and pseudo-occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery, contrast-enhanced ultrasound with a second-generation contrast agent is significantly more effective than conventional Doppler ultrasound and is equally as effective as the gold standard (computed tomography angiography). Our findings suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasound could replace computed tomography angiography in this regard. .

Doença cística adventicial da artéria poplítea: causa infrequente de claudicação intermitente / Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: an infrequent cause of intermittent claudication

A claudicação intermitente está frequentemente associada à doença aterosclerótica, mas diagnósticos diferenciais devem ser pesquisados em pacientes sem fatores de risco tradicionais. A doença cística adventicial, de etiologia incerta, acomete em maior proporção a artéria poplítea e, eventualmente, apresenta-se como claudicação intermitente. Apresentamos um caso da doença e seu manejo cirúrgico, e discutimos a etiopatogenia, os aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos da enfermidade.

Intermittent claudication is frequently associated with atherosclerotic disease, but differential diagnosis must be sought in patients with no traditional risk factors. Cystic adventitial disease, of unknown etiology, most frequently affects the popliteal artery, and occasionally presents as intermittent claudication. We report a case of this disease and the surgical treatment, and discuss some aspects related to etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia: MDCT findings / Isquemia mesentérica aguda e crônica: achados tomográficos

Mesenteric ischemia is caused by a reduction in mesenteric blood flow. It can be divided into acute and chronic, based upon the rapidity and the degree to which the blood flow is compromised. The authors retrospectively reviewed 22 cases of mesenteric ischemia, diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in our service, and confirmed by surgery or clinical follow-up. The frequency of the diagnostic findings of chronic and acute mesenteric ischemia was evaluated. The improvement of three-dimensional (3D) MDCT allows accurate assessment of mesenteric vessels. Therefore, it demonstrates changes in ischemic bowel segments helpful in determining the primary cause of the disease, and can identify the complications in patients with acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia.

A isquemia mesentérica é causada pela redução do fluxo sanguíneo mesentérico. Essa patologia pode ser dividida em aguda e crônica, baseada na rapidez e no grau em que o fluxo sanguíneo está sendo comprometido. Os autores retrospectivamente revisaram 22 casos de isquemia mesentérica, diagnosticados por tomografia computadorizada com mutidetectores (TCMD) em nosso serviço, e confirmados por cirurgia ou seguimento clínico. Os achados diagnósticos de isquemia aguda e crônica e sua frequência foram avaliados. Os avanços na TCMD 3D (tridimensional) permitiram o acesso detalhado aos vasos mesentéricos. Além disso, é possível demonstrar alterações nos segmentos intestinais, auxiliando na identificação da causa primária da doença e podendo identificar as complicações associadas a isquemia mesentérica e crônica.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in adnexial torsion / Achados da ressonância magnética na torção anexial

Adnexial torsion is an unusual event, but a major cause of abdominal pain in women. It is often associated with ovarian tumor or cyst, but can occur in normal ovaries, especially in children. The twisting of adnexial structures may involve the ovary or tube, but frequently affects both. In most cases, it is unilateral, with slight predilection for the right side. In imaging findings, increased ovarian volume and adnexial masses are observed, with reduced or absent vascularization. In cases of undiagnosed or untreated complete twist, hemorrhagic necrosis may occur leading to complications; in that, peritonitis is the most frequent. Early diagnosis helps preventing irreversible damage with conservative treatment, thereby saving the ovary. Limitations in performing physical examination, possible inconclusive results in ultrasound and exposure to radiation in computed tomography makes magnetic resonance imaging a valuable tool in emergency assessment of gynecological diseases. The objective of this study was to report two confirmed cases of adnexial twist, emphasizing the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of this condition.

A torção anexial é um evento incomum, porém constitui importante causa de dor abdominal em mulheres. Está frequentemente associada a tumor ou cisto ovariano, mas pode ocorrer em ovários normais, principalmente em crianças. A torção de estruturas anexiais pode envolver o ovário ou a tuba, mas geralmente acomete ambos. Na maioria dos casos, é unilateral, com discreta predileção pelo lado direito. Como achados de imagem, observam-se massas ovarianas e aumento do volume ovariano, com redução ou ausência de sua vascularização. Se a torção for completa e não diagnosticada ou tratada, pode ocorrer necrose hemorrágica, evoluindo com complicações, sendo a peritonite a mais frequente. O diagnóstico precoce ajuda a prevenir danos que são irreversíveis com tratamento conservador, poupando-se o ovário. A limitação do exame físico, a possibilidade de resultados inconclusivos pela ultrassonografia e a exposição à radiação pela tomografia computadorizada fazem da ressonância magnética um complemento valioso na avaliação de emergência das doenças ginecológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar dois casos confirmados de torção anexial, enfatizando a contribuição da ressonância magnética no diagnóstico dessa entidade.

Feasibility of CT scan studies with triple split bolus intravenous contrast medium technique and reduced radiation dose for potential kidney donors / Viabilidade do estudo tomográfico com triplo fracionamento do contraste endovenoso e redução da dose de radiação para candidatos a doadores renais

Objective: To show that it is possible to reduce the radiation dose in the examination of potential kidney donors by splitting the contrast injection followed by a single scanning, enabling evaluation of vascular structures, renal parenchyma and collecting system/ureters, using computed tomography protocols with reduced mAs. Methods: Twenty-six potential donors were evaluated based on the following criteria: image quality, radiation dose reduction, and complications associated with the exam. The criteria were scored by two examiners, and the differences were resolved by consensus. Results: For each item assessed, 85 to 90% of studies were scored as very good or excellent with regards to image quality. There was excellent interobserver agreement, and there were no significant differences between the exams with low radiation dose compared to those with the conventional dose. No exam-related complications were observed. Conclusions: The CT scan study with triple-split bolus technique and low dose is effective for reducing the dose of radiation to potential kidney donors.

Objetivo: Demonstrar que é possível reduzir a dose de radiação nos exames de candidatos a doadores renais, por meio do fracionamento do contraste injetado seguido de uma única aquisição que permita a avaliação das estruturas vasculares, parênquima renal e via excretora, e pela utilização de protocolos com redução de mAs nos aparelhos de tomografia. Métodos: Foram avaliados 26 potenciais doadores, por meio dos critérios qualidade da imagem, redução da dose e complicações associadas ao exame. Os critérios foram pontuados por dois examinadores e as disparidades foram dirimidas por consenso. Resultados: Para cada item avaliado, 85 a 90% dos estudos foram pontuados como muito bom ou excelente em relação à qualidade de imagem. Houve ótima concordância interobservador e não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os exames com baixa dose de radiação quando comparados àqueles com dose convencional. Nenhuma complicação relacionada ao exame foi evidenciada. Conclusões: O estudo tomográfico com triplo fracionamento de contraste endovenoso e com baixa dose se mostrou eficaz para a redução da dose de radiação nos candidatos a doadores renais.

Expansão de aneurisma de aorta abdominal após correção endoluminal / Growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm after endoluminal repair

Trata-se do relato de um caso de crescimento de aneurisma da aorta abdominal, após correção endovascular com sucesso, com exclusão de vazamento e baixa pressão no interior do saco aneurismático.Haverá a discussão dos possíveis fatores etiológicos envolvidos, bem como da abordagem terapêutica adotada no caso, com reduçãovolumétrica cirúrgica do saco aneurismático sem substituição da endoprótese.