Canine cavitary effusion: a retrospective study of 304 cases in Brazil / Efusões cavitárias caninas: estudo retrospectivo de 304 casos no Brasil

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of different categories of specific and general classification in canine cavitary effusions (CE), as well as their association with the underlying etiologies. The laboratorial and clinical data from 304 cases of canine CE were retrospectively assessed. In 32.9% (100 cases), at least one of the specific classification categories was established, with a subtotal predominance of neoplasia (42%), bacterial serositis (24%) and hemorrhage (16%). Neoplasia was confirmed by effusion cytology in 57.5% of the cases with histopathological confirmation. From the cases in which the specific classification was not obtained, 35.8% were classified as modified transudate, 30.4% as pure transudate, 21.1% % as exudate and 12.7% was not included in any general category. The most common causes of effusion among these cases were hypoproteinemia and/or hipoalbuminemia (HPHA) (25.8%), hepatopathy (22.5%), cardiac insufficiency (15.5%) and cytologically undetected cases of neoplasia (12.4%). In conclusion, HPHA, hepatopathy and neoplasia represents important etiologies for canine CE development. Classification of effusions, solely based on [TP] and TNCC, might be an inaccurate diagnostic tool of effusions. New laboratorial classification methods for canine CE should be researched.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de diferentes categorias de classificação específica e geral em efusões cavitárias (EC) caninas, bem como sua associação com as etiologias subjacentes. Os dados laboratoriais e clínicos de 304 casos de EC canina foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Em 32,9% (100 casos), pelo menos uma das categorias específicas de classificação foi estabelecida, com predomínio subtotal de neoplasia (42%), serosite bacteriana (24%) e hemorragia (16%). A neoplasia foi confirmada pela citologia da efusão em 57,5% dos casos com confirmação histopatológica. Dos casos em que a classificação específica não foi obtida (204 casos), 35,8% foram classificados como transudato modificado, 30,4% como transudato puro, 21,1% como exsudato e 12,7% não foram incluídos em nenhuma categoria geral. As causas mais comuns de efusão nestes casos foram hipoproteinemia e/ou hipoalbuminemia (HPHA) (25,8%), hepatopatia (22,5%), insuficiência cardíaca (15,5%) e casos de neoplasia citologicamente não detectados (12,4%). Em conclusão, HPHA, hepatopatia e neoplasia representam importantes etiologias para o desenvolvimento da EC canina. A classificação geral de efusões, baseada exclusivamente em proteína e celularidade, pode ser uma ferramenta diagnóstica imprecisa. Novos métodos de classificação laboratorial para ECs caninas devem ser pesquisados.(AU)

Derrame pleural: análisis de la eficacia diagnóstica / Diagnostic analysis of pleural effusion

Analizar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y efectividad del diagnóstico de derrame pleural. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, retroprospectivo transversal, con una muestra constituida por pacientes atendidos en el período enero 2013 a junio 2018 en los que se demostrase compromiso pleural, parenquimatoso pulmonar o de otro órgano y cuyo motivo de ingreso fue el estudio de derrame pleural en el Servicio de Medicina interna en el Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Tratamiento estadístico: análisis estadístico descriptivo basado en medidas de tendencia central (media y desvia- ción estándar) para las variables cuantitativas y de proporción (moda, porcentaje) en la variables categóricas y/o cualitativas. Se midió el índice Kappa entre la sospecha diagnóstica y el diagnós- tico realizado, para la valoración del grado de concordancia diagnóstica. Resultados: de 261 pacientes con derrame pleural, el 64,2% se encontraba en edad productiva, predominó el sexo mas- culino, y el nivel socioeconómico Graffar IV. La causa más frecuente de derrame pleural fue la tuberculosis pleural. La concordancia diagnóstica promedio fue de 0,70. Conclusión:Se evidenció un incremento del tiempo diagnóstico, relacionado al tiempo de obtención de resultados en los estudios paraclínicos. El cálculo del índice de concordancia entre el diagnóstico presuntivo y el definitivo fue importante(AU)

Pleural effusion is a frequent cause of admission to internal medicine wards worldwide, and is frequently secondary to clinical entities that are among the leading causes of mortality. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical characteristics and effectiveness in the diagnosis of pleural effusion. Methods:descriptive, retroprospective, transversal study, with a sample of patients treated from the period January 2013 to June 2018 in which pleural, parenchymal or pulmonary involvement of another organ were demonstrated when the reason for admission was the study of pleural effusion in the Internal Medicine Department at the Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Statistical analysis: Consisted of a descriptive statistical analysis based on measures of central tendency for the quantitative variables and proportion in the categorical and/or qualitative variables. The Kappa index was measured between the diagnostic suspicion and the diagnosis made, for the assessment of the degree of diagnostic agreement. Results: Of 261 patients with pleural effusion, 64.2% were of productive age, the male sex predominated, and the Graffar IV socioeconomic level. Pleural tuberculosis was the most common cause of pleural effusion. The average diagnostic concordance was 0.70. Conclusion:There was an increase in the diagnostic time, related to the time of obtaining results in the complementary studies. The calculation of the concordance index between the presumptive and definitive diagnosis was important(AU)

Derrame pleural por micosis endémica en un paciente de 8 años: reporte de un caso / Pleural effusion due to endemic mycosis in an 8-year-old patient: a case report

Coccidioides is a fungus that is frequently found in dry places of sparse storms, with warm temperatures during most of the year. Two species are known to infect the human being: C. immitis and C. posadasii.It is endemic in northern Mexico, southern United States, as well as in some regions of Central America and South America. It is a highly contagious organism, but mostly it generates self-limited and asymptomatic diseases. Only 10 percent of cases with pulmonary symptoms are severe and may manifest as lobar pneumonia. Some cases of multiple foci and pleural effusion are diagnosed through biopsy with molecular methods. The treatment in many cases includes the use of azole antifungals for 3-6 months and follow-up with antibody titres

El Coccidioides es un hongo que se encuentra de manera frecuente en lugares secos, con temperaturas cálidas durante la mayoría del año. Son dos especies las que se conoce que infectan al ser humano la C. Immitis y C. Posadasii. Es endémico del norte de México, sur de Estados Unidos, así como algunas pequeñas regiones de centro y Sudamérica. Es un organismo altamente contagioso, pero en su mayoría genera enfermedades autolimitadas y de tipo asintomático, los pacientes con manifestaciones pulmonares solamenteen 10 por ciento son de presentación grave. Esta puede ser como una neumonía lobar, pero en algunos casos de focos múltiples y con derrame pleural, el diagnóstico es mediante biopsia en a fechas recientes con métodos moleculares. Los tratamientos en muchos casos requieren únicamente vigilancia. De requerir tratamiento se usa antimicótico 3-6 meses con azoles y seguimientos con títulos de anticuerpos

A case of intramural coronary amyloidosis associated with hemodialysis

Dialysis-related amyloidosis predominantly occurs in osteo-articular structures and dialysis-related amyloid (DRA) substances also deposit in extra-articular tissues. Clinical manifestations of DRA include odynophagia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, kidney stones, myocardial dysfunction, and subcutaneous tumors. The pathological characteristics of DRA in the heart of hemodialysis patients have rarely been reported. We report the case of a 73-year-old female with a history of cerebral palsy and end-stage renal disease status post two failed renal transplants who had been on hemodialysis for 30 years. The patient was admitted with the working diagnosis of pneumonia. An echocardiography showed markedly reduced biventricular function manifested by low blood pressure with systolic in the 70s and elevated pulmonary artery pressure of 45 mmHg, which did not respond to therapy. Following her demise, the autopsy revealed bilateral pulmonary edema and pleural effusions. There was cardiac amyloid deposition exclusively in the coronary arteries but not in the perimyocytic interstitium. Amyloids were also found in pulmonary and intrarenal arteries and the colon wall. Previous case reports showed that beta 2-microglobulin amyloid deposits in various visceral organs but less frequently in the atrial and/or the ventricular myocardium. In the present case, amyloids in the heart were present in the intramural coronary arteries causing myocardial ischemia and infarction, which was the immediate cause of death.

Fluid Retention Associated with Imatinib Treatment in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Quantitative Radiologic Assessment and Implications for Management

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe radiologic signs and time-course of imatinib-associated fluid retention (FR) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and its implications for management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective study of 403 patients with GIST treated with imatinib, 15 patients with imaging findings of FR were identified by screening radiology reports, followed by manual confirmation. Subcutaneous edema, ascites, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion were graded on a four-point scale on CT scans; total score was the sum of these four scores. RESULTS: The most common radiologic sign of FR was subcutaneous edema (15/15, 100%), followed by ascites (12/15, 80%), pleural effusion (11/15, 73%), and pericardial effusion (6/15, 40%) at the time of maximum FR. Two distinct types of FR were observed: 1) acute/progressive FR, characterized by acute aggravation of FR and rapid improvement after management, 2) intermittent/steady FR, characterized by occasional or persistent mild FR. Acute/progressive FR always occurred early after drug initiation/dose escalation (median 1.9 month, range 0.3-4.0 months), while intermittent/steady FR occurred at any time. Compared to intermittent/steady FR, acute/progressive FR was severe (median score, 5 vs. 2.5, p = 0.002), and often required drug-cessation/dose-reduction. CONCLUSION: Two distinct types (acute/progressive and intermittent/steady FR) of imatinib-associated FR are observed and each type requires different management.

Unusual manifestation of the yellow nail syndrome - Case report

The yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the classic triad of yellow and dystrophic nails, lymphedema and pleural effusion. We report in this paper a case of yellow nail syndrome, presenting the classic triad of the disease, associated with an unusual lymph accumulation in the abdomen region.

Características morfo-citoquímicas del líquido pleural: estudio de 104 casos / Morph-cytochemical characteristics of the pleural effusion: study of 104 cases

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar las características morfo-citoquímicas de los líquidos pleurales, de pacientes con derrame pleurales, para proporcionar métodos útiles de diagnóstico etiológico. Se extrajeron entre 10 y 50 ml. de líquido pleural de 104 pacientes. Los líquidos pleurales se clasificaron en exudados y trasudados. Se practicó estudio morfo-citoquímico, citología, coloración de Ziehl-Neelsen y cultivo para bacilo de Koch, hongos y biopsia. La distribución de los derrames pleurales fue: tuberculosos (n=36-35,0%); neoplásicos (n=28-27,0%); indeterminados (n=18-17,3%) infecciones respiratorias (11,0%); insuficiencia renal (7,0%) y otros. El 84,0% de los derrames pleurales fue de tipo exudado. El 50,0% de los líquidos pleurales hemorrágicos fueron neoplásicos. En los derrames pleurales de tipo exudado hubo una predominancia de linfocitos/polimorfonucleares. La coloración de Ziehl-Neelsen resultó siempre negativa. Los cultivos fueron positivos para bacilo de koch (10,0%). En el 17,9% se diagnosticaron derrames pleurales neoplasicos. Concluimos, que las características morfo-citoquímicas del líquido pleural son importantes para hacer un diagnóstico etiológico del derrame pleural aun cuando se disponga de métodos más actualizados

The objective of the study is to analyze the characteristics of pleural fluid patients with pleural effusions to provide useful methods of etiological diagnosis. It was extracted between 10 and 50 ml pleural fluid 104 patients. The pleural fluids were classified in transudates and exudates. Was precticed morph-cytochemical, cytology, staib of Ziehl-Neelsen and cultivation for Koch's bacilli and fungi and biopsy. The distribution of the pleural effusions was: tuberculosis (n=36-35.0%); neoplastic (n=28-27.0%), indeterminate (n=18-7.3%) respiratory infections (n=18-17.3%); kidney failure (7,0%) and others. The 84.0% of the pleural fluids was exudates type. The 50.0% of bleeding pleural fluids were neoplastic. There was a predominance of lymphocytes/polymorphonuclears in the pleural effusions of exudates type; the stain of Ziehl-Neelsen was always negative. The cultures were positive for Koch's bacilli (10.0%). Neoplastic effusions were diagnosed at 17.0%. We conclude that the morph-cytochemical features of the pleural fluid are important making a diagnosis etiological effusion even when most up-to-date methods are available

Endometriose pleural: achados na ressonância magnética / Pleural endometriosis: findings on magnetic resonance imaging

A endometriose é uma doença ginecológica benigna associada à dor pélvica e infertilidade que afeta principalmente mulheres em idade reprodutiva. A endometriose torácica afeta o parênquima pulmonar ou a pleura. Relatamos os casos de duas pacientes com endometriose pleural que apresentaram pneumotórax recorrente. Em ambos os casos, a ressonância magnética de tórax mostrou hidropneumotórax à direita e nódulos redondos, bem definidos, na superfície pleural à direita. A ressonância magnética é uma boa opção para a caracterização dos nódulos de endometriose pleural e de derrame pleural hemorrágico.

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disorder associated with pelvic pain and infertility, primarily affecting women of reproductive age. Thoracic endometriosis affects the pulmonary parenchyma or pleura. We report the cases of two patients with pleural endometriosis who presented with recurrent pneumothorax. In both cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest showed right hydropneumothorax and well-defined, rounded nodules on the pleural surface in the right hemithorax. We conclude that MRI is a good option for the characterization of pleural endometriotic nodules and hemorrhagic pleural effusion.

Efficacy & safety of iodopovidone pleurodesis: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background & objectives: Chemical pleurodesis is an accepted therapy for patients with recurrent pleural effusions and pneumothorax. Iodopovidone has been shown to be safe and effective for chemical pleurodesis in several studies. The aim of this systematic review was to update a previously reported meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone pleurodesis. Methods: Two databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for a period (1952-2010), and studies that have reported success rates with iodopovidone pleurodesis were selected. The proportions with 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the outcomes in the individual studies and the results were pooled using a random effects model. Results: Thirteen eligible studies with 499 patients were included in the mata-analysis. The success rates varied from 70 to 100 per cent in different studies with the pooled success rate being 88.7 per cent (95% CI, 84.1 to 92.1). The success rate was not affected by the method (tube thoracostomy vs. thoracoscopy, 89.6 vs. 94.2%) or the indication of pleurodesis (pleural effusion vs. pneumothorax, 89.2 vs. 94.9%). The only significant complication reported was chest pain of varying degree. Systemic hypotension was reported in six patients across the studies. There were no deaths associated with iodopovidone pleurodesis. Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were found. Interpretation & conclusions: Iodopovidone may be considered a safe and effective agent for chemical pleurodesis in patients with pleural effusions and recurrent pneumothoraces.

Etiologia da pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em crianças hospitalizadas, com ênfase em derrame pleural / Etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized children, with emphasis on pleural effusion

Pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) é uma das principais causas de hospitalização e óbito em crianças menores de cinco anos, na maioria dos países em desenvolvimento. O controle da PAC depende do entendimento adequado da importância dos agentes etiológicos, o quê tem sido dificultado pela ausência de métodos sensíveis, específicos e disponíveis, para estabelecer a etiologia dos casos. Derrame pleural (DP) é a complicação mais frequente da PAC. A atual compreensão é de que DP ocorre em infecções bacterianas piogênicas, informação essa decorrente do uso restrito de métodos tradicionais e pouco sensíveis que investigam apenas etiologia bacteriana em crianças com PAC e DP. Objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar a etiologia da PAC em crianças hospitalizadas com DP utilizando métodos abrangentes para investigação etiológica. Desenho do estudo: realizado estudo observacional prospectivo do tipo corte transversal realizado em um hospital público, Centro Pediátrico Professor Hosannah de Oliveira (Salvador-Bahia). Material e métodos: a coleta de dados ocorreu entre setembro de 2003 a maio de 2005. Crianças previamente saudáveis com idade inferior a cinco anos, hospitalizadas com PAC, foram incluídas neste estudo. Resultados: das 277 crianças selecionadas, 206 (74%) tiveram o diagnóstico de pneumonia confirmado pela radiografia de tórax avaliada por um especialista em radiologia pediátrica. A etiologia foi estabelecida em 165 (80%) crianças; nas quais foram encontrados, infecção bacteriana em 20%, viral 48,5% e co-infecção vírus-bactéria em 31,5%. Derrame pleural (DP) foi descrito em 25 casos (12%). Entre as crianças com DP, a etiologia foi estabelecida em 18 casos (72%) sendo infecção bacteriana 28%, viral 50% e viral-bacteriana 22%. Entre todos os 25 casos com DP, a frequência por grupos etiológicos foram: bacteriana 20%, viral 36%, viral-bacteriana 16% e não identificado 28%. Conclusão: infecção exclusivamente viral foi identificada em um terço das crianças internadas com PAC e DP, portanto, quando se faz ampla investigação etiológica para vírus e bactérias, DP não está associado a apenas infecções bacterianas. Estes resultados levantam a necessidade de investigar a etiologia do DP de forma abrangente, procurando agentes virais e bactérianos, pelo uso de métodos moleculares.

Taponamiento cardíaco secundario a carcinoma papilar esclerosante difuso de tiroides / Metastatic cardiac tamponade as initial manifestation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

El carcinoma papilar, variante esclerosante difusa, corresponde al 2% de todos los carcinomas papilares de la tiroides. Se caracteriza por comprometer de manera difusa y bilateral a la glándula tiroides. Clínicamente se manifiesta con metástasis ganglionares y pulmonares, afectando predominantemente a mujeres jóvenes. Se describe un caso de taponamiento cardíaco como presentación inicial de un carcinoma papilar de tiroides variante esclerosante difusa. Una mujer de 32 años concurrió al servicio de emergencias médicas refiriendo epigastralgia y tos seca. Durante el examen físico se constató hipotensión arterial, taquicardia y ruidos cardíacos disminuidos. Se realizó un ecocardiograma, observándose derrame pericárdico. Por medio de una pericardiocentesis se obtuvo líquido pericárdico, cuyo análisis mostró células neoplásicas. Durante la evolución la paciente presentó recurrencia del derrame pericárdico por lo que se realizó una ventana pleuropericárdica, detectándose durante la cirugía una lesión nodular subpleural, la cual fue biopsiada e informada posteriormente como una metástasis de carcinoma papilar vinculable a origen tiroideo. Se realizó una tiroidectomía total con linfadenectomía cervical bilateral. El diagnóstico final fue carcinoma papilar, variante esclerosante difusa. Esta variante infiltra el tejido conectivo de los espacios interfoliculares, simulando una tiroiditis y se caracteriza por una permeación vascular temprana. En oposición a la variante clásica, la esclerosante difusa presenta mayor agresividad y mayor tasa de recurrencia. El carcinoma papilar de tiroides debe tenerse presente como diagnóstico diferencial en nuestro medio, en todas aquellas lesiones neoplásicas papilares metastásicas, más aún si se trata de mujeres jóvenes.

Papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant corresponds to 2% of all papillary thyroid carcinomas. It is usually diffuse and bilateral, affecting the entire gland. At the time of diagnosis, patients present lymph node and lung metastasis. It affects mainly young women. This case report describes a cardiac tamponade as the initial manifestation of an unusual variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A 32 year-old woman was attended at the emergency room with epigastric pain and dry cough. Physical examination revealed hypotension, tachycardia and decreased heart sounds. An echocardiogram confirmed severe pericardial effusion. Pericardial fluid cytology was positive for malignancy. The patient evolved with recurrent pericardial effusion and a pleuropericardial window was performed. At this procedure, a subpleural nodular lesion was found, which histology corresponded to metastases of papillary carcinoma, probably from thyroid origin. Total thyroidectomy was performed. The final diagnosis was papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant. This variant infiltrates the connective tissue of the interfollicular spaces, mimicking thyroiditis and it is associated with early vascular permeation. This tumor, compared to the classic variants of thyroid carcinoma, is more aggressive and it has higher risk of recurrence. Papillary thyroid carcinoma should be considered as differential diagnosis in our population, in all metastatic papillary lesions, and even more in young female patients.

Massive pleural effusion due to metastasis of prostate cancer / Efusión pleural masiva debido a metástasis de cáncer de próstata

We describe the case of a 72-year old male with pleural effusion associated with prostate cancer. There was a previous history of tobacco smoking (pack/year: 47) and of total prostatectomy followed by external beam radiation therapy seven years previously for prostate cancer. Furthermore, he was submitted to orchiectomy plus non-steroidal anti-androgen blockage, in addition to docetaxel-based chemotherapy and prednisone. After the beginning of chemotherapy, a progressive elevation in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels was observed. On admission, he presented with fever, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms due to a massive right pleural effusion. Fluid samples obtained by needle aspiration showed haemorrhagic exudates without malignant cells. Pleural metastasis were detected by thorax imaging studies, and biopsy samples revealed prostate adenocarcinoma as the origin of his pleural effusion. Pleural fluid was drained and talc pleurodesis was performed. This report aims to describe the occurrence of massive pleural effusion due to metastasis of prostate cancer, and emphasizes the role of pleural biopsy with immunohistochemical studies to characterize this diagnosis.

Se describe un hombre de 72 años con efusión pleural asociada con cáncer de próstata. Había antecedentes de tabaquismo (47 paquetes por año) así como una historia de prostatectomía radical, seguida por terapia de radiación externa, siete años antes. Además, se le sometió a orquiectomía junto con bloqueo antiandrogénico no esteroideo, además de quimioterapia a base de docetaxel y prednisona. Después de iniciada la quimioterapia, se observó una elevación progresiva en los niveles de PSA. En el momento del ingreso, el paciente presentaba fiebre, pérdida de peso, y síntomas respiratorios debidos a una efusión pleural derecha voluminosa. Las muestras de fluido obtenidas mediante punción aspirativa con aguja fina, mostraron exudados hemorrágicos sin células malignas. Se detectaron implantes pleurales con los estudios imaginológicos del tórax, y las muestras de la biopsia revelaron que el origen de su efusión pleural, era un adenocarcinoma de la próstata. Se drenó el fluido pleural, y se procedió a practicar una pleurodesis con talco. Este reporte tiene por objetivo describir la ocurrencia de la efusión pleural masiva debido a la metástasis del cáncer de la próstata, y enfatiza el papel que desempeña la biopsia pleural junto a los estudios inmunohistoquímicos a la hora de caracterizar este diagnóstico.

Condrosarcoma de pulmón: reporte de un caso / Lung chondrosarcoma: report of a case

El condrosarcoma primitivo de pulmón es una neoplasia maligna de crecimiento lento y escasos síntomas respiratorios al inicio de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer un tumor de pulmón poco frecuente, la evolución del mismo y la revisión de la literatura. El caso descrito en particular presenta disimilitudes con la literatura en cuanto a las manifestaciones clínicas, particularmente en el carácter de la tos y su causa, así como por la ausencia de hemoptisis. Por otra parte, el derrame pleural, solo se ha descrito en algunos casos de este tipo de tumor y el mismo es más frecuente en los tumores de estirpe epitelial. El condrosarcoma primario de pulmón, es una neoplasia que se diferencia por la histología y los estudios de inmunotinción, que por su historia natural amerita el diagnóstico oportuno para emplear la terapéutica que rinda los mejores beneficios y mejore la supervivencia.

The primitive lung chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of slow growth and low respiratory symptoms at the beginning of the course of the disease. The aim of this paper is to present a rare lung tumor, its evolution and the literature review. The case described in particular presents dissimilarities with the world literature regarding in the clinical manifestations, particularly in the character of the cough and its cause, and by the absence of the hemoptysis. Moreover, the pleural effusion, only been described in some cases of patients with this tumor type and the same is more common describe in the epithelial tumors. The primary chondrosarcoma of the lung is aneoplasm that is well differentiated by the histology and the immunohistochemistry studies, which by its the natural history warrants of the early diagnosis for the type of therapeutic uses, will render the best benefits and improvesurvival in the patients.

Derrame pleural parapneumônico: uma análise descritiva de pacientes pediátricos e proposta de protocolo deatendimeto / Parapneumonic effusion: a descriptive analysis of pediatric patients and managment protocol proposal

Realizar a análise descritiva de pacientes internados com diagnóstico de derrame pleural parapneumônico.

To perform a descriptive analysis on the hospitalized patients diagnosed with parapneumonic effusion.

Ressonância magnética hepática em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP / Magnetic resonance imaging of the liver in postpartum stable women with HELLP syndrome

OBJETIVOS: Descrever os achados hepáticos na ressonância magnética em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, do tipo série de casos, envolvendo 40 puérperas internadas na UTI obstétrica do Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), com diagnóstico de síndrome HELLP completa (presentes todas as alterações laboratoriais) e incompleta (uma ou mais alterações laboratoriais, porém sem todos os critérios diagnósticos) no período de agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 26,8 ± 6,4 anos, com idade gestacional média no parto de 34 semanas. A ressonância magnética foi realizada entre oito e 96 horas depois do diagnóstico de síndrome HELLP (média de 56 + 31horas). O achado mais freqüente foi ascite em 20 por cento (n = 8), seguindo-se derrame pleural (17,5 por cento) e esteatose hepática (7,5 por cento). A intensidade de sinal periportal foi normal em todos os casos e não se observaram casos de isquemia/infarto hepático ou de hematoma parenquimatoso ou subcapsular. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados da ressonância magnética pós-parto em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP foram inespecíficos e, na presente série, não foram encontradas lesões importantes como hematoma parenquimatoso ou subcapsular, representando risco de vida para a paciente. Os resultados encontrados não corroboram a utilização desse exame de rotina para o seguimento de pacientes com síndrome HELLP.

OBJECTIVES: To describe magnetic resonance (MR) findings in the liver of stable patients with HELLP syndrome in the puerpuerium. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out from August 2005 to July 2006, involving a series of 40 postpartum patients admitted to an obstetric intensive therapy unit in IMIP (Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira) with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (complete and partial). Complete HELLP syndrome was defined when all laboratory parameters were present and incomplete when one or more but not all laboratory findings were present. All patients had stable clinical conditions and were evaluated with magnetic resonance of the liver and the main findings were recorded. RESULTS: Average maternal age was 26.8 ± 6.4 years and gestational age at delivery was 34 ± 26.8 weeks. The MR imaging was performed between eight and 96 hours after diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (56 ± 31 h). The most frequent findings were ascitis in 20 percent (n = 8), pleural effusion in 17.5 percent and hepatic steatosis in 7.5 percent. The periportal intensity signal was normal in all cases. Cases of liver infarction and sub-capsular or parenchymatous hematoma were not observed. CONCLUSION: Findings of magnetic resonance imaging of the liver in stable HELLP syndrome postpartum patients were few and unspecific. Severe liver injuries such as parenchymatous or sub-capsular hematoma, entailing life risk were not found. Results do not corroborate the use of magnetic resonance as routine examination for stable patients with HELLP syndrome.

Papel da ultra-sonografia na avaliação da efusão pleural / The role of ultrasound in the assessment of pleural effusion

A efusão pleural, antigamente denominada derrame pleural, é caracterizada pelo acúmulo de líquido no espaço pleural, em decorrência do desequilíbrio entre formação e reabsorção de fluido ou por alteração na drenagem linfática. O propósito desta revisão foi estabelecer a importância da aplicação da ultra-sonografia no diagnóstico de efusão pleural. Os autores discutem a aplicação da ultra-sonografia no diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica dessa entidade, e ressaltam sua importância nas doenças do tórax, vantagens, limitações e desvantagens em relação a radiografia simples, tomografia computadorizada e exame físico. Discutem, ainda, o conceito de efusão pleural, sua fisiopatologia, morbidade, mortalidade, principais causas e apresentação clínica. A técnica de realização do exame é sistematicamente abordada, tanto pela via torácica quanto abdominal.