Multiparametric multidetector computed tomography scanning on suspicion of hyperacute ischemic stroke: validating a standardized protocol / Avaliação multiparamétrica por tomografia computadorizada multidetectores na suspeita de isquemia cerebral hiperaguda: validando um protocolo padronizado

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning has enabled the early diagnosis of hyperacute brain ischemia. We aimed at validating a standardized protocol to read and report MDCT techniques in a series of adult patients. The inter-observer agreement among the trained examiners was tested, and their results were compared with a standard reading. No false positives were observed, and an almost perfect agreement (Kappa>0.81) was documented when the CT angiography (CTA) and cerebral perfusion CT (CPCT) map data were added to the noncontrast CT (NCCT) analysis. The inter-observer agreement was higher for highly trained readers, corroborating the need for specific training to interpret these modern techniques. The authors recommend adding CTA and CPCT to the NCCT analysis in order to clarify the global analysis of structural and hemodynamic brain abnormalities. Our structured report is suitable as a script for the reproducible analysis of the MDCT of patients on suspicion of ischemic stroke.

A tomografia computadorizada multidetectores (TCMD) permitiu o diagnóstico precoce de isquemia cerebral hiperaguda. O presente estudo objetivou validar a interpretação e a descrição padronizada de um protocolo de TCMD multiparamétrica em uma série de pacientes adultos. A concordância entre os examinadores foi testada, e seus resultados confrontados com uma leitura padrão. Não foram observados resultados falso-positivos, e foi documentado um elevado grau de concordância (Kappa>0,81) quando os dados da angiotomografia (ATC) e dos mapas de perfusão cerebral por TC (PCTC) foram adicionados à análise da TC sem contraste (TCSC). A concordância interobservador foi superior para os leitores melhor treinados, corroborando a necessidade de formação específica para a interpretação dos exames. Os autores recomendam acrescer a interpretação da ATC e da PCTC à análise da TCSC, visando à análise global das anormalidades cerebrais estruturais e hemodinâmicas. O presente protocolo é adequado como um roteiro reprodutível para a análise da TCMD de pacientes com suspeita de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico.

The accuracy of multidetector Computed Tomography for preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological records of 312 patients with RCC who underwent staging MDCT before surgery. Radiographic findings were compared to the findings at surgery and pathological examination. All staging used 2009 updated TNM classification. RESULTS: The difference in tumor size between radiographic and pathological findings was 0.21cm. In T1a group, the difference was 0.33cm. Agreement between MDCT and histopathological findings was moderate for T staging (Kappa = 0.469), fair for N staging (Kappa = 0.322), and excellent for M staging (Kappa = 0.932). The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT in detecting perinephric fat invasion were 32.26% and 85.87%, in detecting tumor thrombosis were 84% and 100%, in detecting adrenal gland invasion were 60% and 95.79%, in detecting lymph node involvement were 50% and 96.36%, in detecting distant metastasis were 100% and 99.67%, respectively. In regard to stage grouping, 237 of 314 patients were correctly staged by MDCT, with an overall accuracy of 75.48%. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT with a dynamic contrast protocol is able to delineate RCC with high accuracy. However, a great portion of tumors were overstaged by MDCT because of overestimation of tumor size and poor visualization of infiltration of the perinephric fat. In addition, nodal metastatic lesion evaluation relies on node size only and remains a difficult task.

Tomografia computadorizada na avaliação tardia do tratamento cirúrgico da conexão anômala total de veias pulmonares / Computed tomography in late evaluation of surgical treatment of pulmonary veins total anomalous connection

OBJETIVO: Verificar se os achados da tomografia computadorizada de múltiplos detectores (TCMD) apresentam associação com os parâmetros clínicos e exames complementares rotineiramente empregados na avaliação tardia das crianças submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico da conexão anômala total de veias pulmonares (CATVP). MÉTODOS: No período de janeiro 2002 a dezembro de 2007, 12 pacientes operados de CATVP foram avaliados tardiamente com anamnese, exame físico, radiografia de tórax, eletrocardiograma, ecocardiograma e TCMD. Alterações específicas de cada um desses exames foram identificadas e comparadas com os achados qualitativos da TCMD. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes estavam em classe funcional I (NYHA), três apresentavam sopros inespecíficos, três estavam abaixo do percentil 15 de desenvolvimento pôndero-estatural. À radiografia de tórax, dois pacientes tinham alteração dos campos pulmonares e três, aumento discreto da área cardíaca. Ao eletrocardiograma, um paciente apresentava sobrecarga ventricular direita e um, ritmo juncional. Todos os ecocardiogramas mostraram-se dentro dos limites de normalidade, exceto em um paciente com estenose entre a veia cava superior e o átrio direito. A TCMD foi totalmente normal em quatro pacientes, em três demonstrou compressão de veias pulmonares e em quatro, redução de calibre considerada significativa, as quais se correlacionaram com os demais achados. Assim, a TCMD para demonstrar alterações anatômicas, quando comparadas a alterações do exame físico ou outros exames complementares testados, apresentou sensibilidade de 87,5 por cento, especificidade de 75 por cento, valor preditivo positivo 87,5 por cento, valor preditivo negativo de 75 por cento e acurácia de 83,3 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: No acompanhamento tardio dos pacientes submetidos à correção cirúrgica de CATVP, a TCMD pode fornecer subsídios valiosos e complementar o diagnóstico de eventuais alterações anatômicas e funcionais.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the findings of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) are associated with clinical and laboratory tests routinely used in the late follow-up of children undergoing surgical treatment of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2007, 12 patients operated due to CATVP were evaluated with history, physical examination, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiography and MSCT. Specific changes observed in each one of these tests were identified and compared with MSCT qualitative findings. RESULTS: Eleven patients were in functional class I (NYHA), three had nonspecific murmurs, and three were below the 15th percentile of weight and height. Two had pulmonary field abnormalities and three had a slight increase of the cardiac area in the X-ray examination. In the electrocardiogram, one patient had right ventricular overload and one had junctional rhythm. All echocardiograms were within the normal range, except for one patient with stenosis between the superior vena cava and right atrium. MSCT was completely normal in four patients, three had compression of the pulmonary veins and four had significant caliber reduction, which correlated with the other findings. Thus, MSCT showed a sensitivity of 87.5 percent, specificity of 0.75 percent, positive predictive value of 87.5 percent, negative predictive value of 75 percent and accuracy of 83.3 percent to demonstrate anatomic changes compared to changes in the physical examination or other additional tests. CONCLUSION: MSTC may provide valuable information and complement the diagnosis of possible anatomical and functional changes in the late follow-up of patients undergoing surgical repair of TAPVC.