La atrofia cerebral como hallazgo o factor predictor del deterioro cognitivo en el envejecimiento normal / Cerebral Atrophy as a Finding of Predictive Factor for Cognitive Impairment in Normal Aging

Introducción: En el curso del envejecimiento es conocida la existencia de un patrón complejo de cambios estructurales cerebrales, conductuales y cognitivos, en ocasiones relacionados con enfermedades neurológicas y psiquiátricas. Objetivo: Determinar la posible relación de causalidad de la atrofia cerebral en la aparición del deterioro cognitivo en el curso del envejecimiento normal. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y observacional. El universo estuvo conformado por el total de los pacientes de ambos sexos con edades comprendidas entre 35-74 años de edad, con indicaciones previas de tomografía computarizada de cráneo y cuyos resultados fueron informados con signos de atrofia cerebral, cuya cifra ascendió a 733. Resultados: El grupo de edad que predomino fue el de 45-54 años (35,3 por ciento), así como las pacientes del sexo femenino (66,3 por ciento). El 27,7 por ciento tenía como nivel de escolaridad el técnico medio superior y 36,2 por ciento fueron pacientes amas de casa. El 99,7 por ciento fueron diestros. Un total de 368 voluntarios presentaron deterioro cognitivo y 365 sujetos no evidenciaron declive en las funciones exploradas. Las funciones de atención y cálculo y retención verbal a corto plazo fueron las que se vieron más afectadas, seguidas de orientación espacial y memoria verbal de fijación. Conclusiones: No se logró establecer una relación de causalidad significativa entre el diagnóstico radiológico de atrofia cerebral y la presencia de deterioro cognitivo(AU)

Introduction: In the course of aging, the existence of a complex pattern of behavioral, cognitive and cerebral structural changes is known, sometimes related to neurological and psychiatric diseases. Objective: To determine the possible causal relationship of cerebral atrophy with the onset of cognitive impairment in the course of normal aging. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was carried out. The study universe consisted of all patients of both sexes aged 35-74 years, with previous indications for cranial computed tomography and whose results were reported with signs of cerebral atrophy, which numbered 733. Results: The predominant age group was 45-54 years old (35.3percent), as well as female patients (66.3percent). The educational level of 27.7percent of the patients was technical high school and 36.2percent were housewife patients. A total of 99.7percent were right-handed. A total of 368 volunteers showed cognitive impairment and 365 subjects showed no decline in the tested functions. The functions of attention and calculation, as well as short-term verbal retention, were the most affected, followed by spatial orientation and speech retention memory. Conclusions: No significant causal relationship was established between the radiological diagnosis of cerebral atrophy and the presence of cognitive impairment(AU)

Forma aguda de histoplasmose em paciente imunocompetente: relato de caso / Acute form of histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patient: case report

A histoplasmose é uma doença granulomatosa infecciosa sistêmica cuja transmissão é aerógena e a contaminação se dá pelo contato com fezes de aves e morcegos, depende da exposição e da imunidade do paciente. Trata-se de uma doença com difícil diagnóstico, dada a semelhança dos sintomas com os de outras doenças granulomatosas infecciosas, principalmente em pacientes imunocompetentes, visto que a regressão é geralmente espontânea. Um homem de 34 anos, branco, natural e procedente de Atibaia, previamente hígido, iniciou quadro de dor e edema no tornozelo esquerdo, e evoluiu com dispneia progressiva, com piora ao decúbito, acompanhada de sudorese noturna, tosse seca e febre baixa. Foi realizado o exame de tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax sem contraste, que evidenciou espessamento difuso das paredes brônquicas, de aspecto inflamatório, micronódulos esparsos bilateralmente. Paciente apresentou PCR elevado, COVID, sorologias, BAAR e hemoculturas negativas, punção articular e ecocardiograma sem alterações. Optado por COXCIP 4, sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim e anfotericina B de forma empírica. Pesquisa de fungos em escarro positivo; leveduras e lavado brônquico sugestivos de histoplasmose. Evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória necessitando de intubação orotraqueal, posteriormente, traqueostomia e apesar do tratamento antifúngico, evoluiu com óbito após 21 dias. A histoplasmose é uma doença grave, com diversas formas clínicas e prognóstico normalmente autolimitado, mas que pode ser fatal, mesmo em pacientes previamente imunocompetentes.

Histoplasmosis is a systemic infectious granulomatous disease whose transmission is airborne, and contamination occurs through contact with bird and bat feces, depending on the exposure and immunity of the patient. It is a disease with difficult diagnosis, given the similarity of symptoms with those of other infectious granulomatous diseases, especially in immunocompetent patients since regression is usually spontaneous. A 34-year-old Caucasian man from Atibaia, previously healthy, developed pain and swelling in his left ankle, progressing to progressive dyspnea, worsening in recumbency, accompanied by night sweats, dry cough and low-grade fever. A non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was performed, which showed diffuse thickening of the bronchial walls, with an inflammatory appearance, and bilaterally sparse micronodules. Patient had high C-reactive protein, COVID, serology, BAAR and negative blood cultures, joint puncture, and echocardiogram without changes. Empirically opted for COXCIP 4, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amphotericin B. Search for fungi in positive sputum, yeasts, and bronchial lavage suggestive of histoplasmosis. He envolved with respiratory failure requiring orotracheal intubation, later tracheostomy and despite antifungal treatment, he died after 21 days. Histoplasmosis is a serious disease, with several clinical forms and a prognosis that is usually self-limiting, but it can be fatal, even in previously immunocompetent patients

Facteurs scannographiques influençant les résultats audiométriques post opératoires dans l'otospongiose / Computed tomographic factors influencing postoperative audiometric results in otosclerosis

Etudier les facteurs pronostiques scannographiques de l'otospongiose en corrélant les résultats audiométriques post opératoires aux données scannographiques préopératoires. Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective, descriptive et analytique entre Janvier 2013 et Décembre 2018. Elle a inclus 50 patients soit 54 oreilles opérées pour otospongiose, explorés en préopératoire par une tomodensitométrie (TDM) des rochers et en postopératoire par des audiogrammes. Les critères de succès fonctionnel étaient un rinne résiduel postopératoire (RRPO) ≤10 dB et une réserve cochléaire (RC) ≤0. Résultats: La sensibilité de la TDM pour le diagnostic d'otospongiose était de 94% et le type II de la classification de Veillon était le plus fréquent (41%). La confrontation des données de la TDM préopératoire aux résultats audiométriques a permis d'identifier comme facteurs tomodensitométriques de bon pronostic audiométrique: les stades radiologiques localisés type I et II de Veillon et l'absence d'effraction endostée. L'absence d'atteinte de la fenêtre ronde ainsi que l'absence de variantes anatomiques étaient corrélées à un meilleur taux de fermeture du rinne en postopératoire. L'étude multivariée n'a pas retenu de facteurs scannographiques indépendants de succès fonctionnel. Conclusion: D'après notre étude, il s'avère que la tomodensitométrie des rochers préopératoire ne prédit pas le résultat audiométrique de la chirurgie de l'otospongiose. Néanmoins, elle reste indispensable pour la confirmation diagnostique, la classification de la maladie et la détection des anomalies associées.

Caracterización clínica, funcional e imagenológica de pacientes egresados por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Clinical, functional and imaging characterization of discharged patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / Caracterização clínica, funcional e de imagem de pacientes que receberam alta por doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es una patología frecuente, prevenible y tratable. La prevalencia está entre el 2,5 - 3,5 % de la población en general y asciende al 19 % en los mayores de 65 años. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas, funcionales e imagenológicas de los pacientes diagnosticados con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en el servicio de Neumología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras" en el período diciembre de 2018 a marzo de 2020. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 171 pacientes egresados por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Las variables medidas fueron: edad, sexo, evaluación nutricional, adicción tabáquica, ocupación laboral, síntomas y signos clínicos, clasificación de la enfermedad según su severidad espirométrica y hallazgos imagenológicos. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo masculino (56,9 %) con edad entre 60 a 69 años (26,9 %) y normopesos (39,2 %). El 64,9 % fueron fumadores y el 49,1 % presentaron exposición a sustancias inorgánicas como ocupación laboral. Predominó la tos húmeda y la disnea grado 3 (56,14 y 55,0 %). Según la gravedad de la enfermedad, la forma moderada fue la más frecuente (46,2 %). En relación a los hallazgos tomográficos predominó el patrón enfisematoso, en su variante centrolobulillar (55,6 %). Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones clínicas más evidentes son la disnea y la tos húmeda. La gravedad moderada fue la variante espirométrica más reportada y el patrón enfisematoso a forma centrolobulillar fue el hallazgo tomográfico más evidente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable and treatable pathology. The prevalence is between 2.5-3.5% of the population in general and rises up to 19% in those over 65 years of age. Objectives: To describe the clinical, functional and imaging characteristics of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the pneumology service of the Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras" in the period December 2018 to March 2020. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 171 patients discharged for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The variables measured were: age, gender, nutritional evaluation, smoking addiction, occupation, clinical symptoms and signs, classification of the disease according to its spirometric severity and imaging findings. Results: Male patients (56.9%) with ages between 60 and 69 years (26.9%) and normal weight (39.2%) predominated. 64.9% were smokers and 49.1% had exposure to inorganic substances at work. Wet cough (56.14) and grade 3 dyspnea (55.0%) predominated. According to the severity of the disease, the moderate form was the most frequent (46.2%). Regarding the tomographic findings, the emphysematous pattern prevailed in its centrilobular variant (55.6%). Conclusions: The most obvious clinical manifestations are dyspnea and wet cough. Moderate severity was the most reported spirometric variant and the centrilobular emphysematous pattern was the most evident tomographic finding.

RESUMO Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica é uma patologia comum, evitável e tratável. A prevalência está entre 2,5 - 3,5 % da população em geral e aumenta para 19% nas pessoas com mais de 65 anos de idade. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas, funcionais e de imagem dos pacientes com diagnóstico de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica atendidos no Serviço de Pneumologia do Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras" no período de dezembro de 2018 a março de 2020. Método: Estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado em 171 pacientes que receberam alta por doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. As variáveis mensuradas foram: idade, sexo, avaliação nutricional, tabagismo, ocupação laboral, sintomas e sinais clínicos, classificação da doença quanto à gravidade espirométrica e achados de imagem. Resultados: Predominaram pacientes do sexo masculino (56,9%) com idade entre 60 e 69 anos (26,9%) e peso normal (39,2%). 64,9% eram fumantes e 49,1% tinham exposição a substâncias inorgânicas como ocupação laboral. Predominaram tosse úmida e dispneia grau 3 (56,14 e 55,0%). De acordo com a gravidade da doença, a forma moderada foi a mais frequente (46,2%). Quanto aos achados tomográficos, prevaleceu o padrão enfisematoso, em sua variante centrolobular (55,6%). Conclusões: As manifestações clínicas mais evidentes são dispneia e tosse úmida. Gravidade moderada foi a variante espirométrica mais relatada e o padrão enfisematoso centrolobular foi o achado tomográfico mais evidente.

Perfil clínico, epidemiológico y descripción de los resultados de la Tomografía ósea computarizada con emisión simple de fotones (SPECT) en pacientes con dolor de cuello y espalda. Estudio de cohorte transversal / Clinical and epidemiological profile and description of the results of bone single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with neck and back pain: Cross-sectional study

Introducción La tomografía ósea computarizada (TAC) con emisión simple de fotones (SPECT: single photon emission computed tomography) es una herramienta diagnóstica importante en los pacientes con dolor de cuello y espalda. Es una prueba funcional que se adelanta a los cambios estructurales en algunas patologías de columna. El objetivo del estudio es definir el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes con dolor axial crónico y/o subagudo en la columna vertebral. Materiales y Métodos Serie de casos cuyo objetivo general es presentar las características clínicas y sociodemográficas, así como los resultados de TAC con SPECT de los pacientes que consultaron al Hospital en un periodo de tiempo con diagnóstico de dolor de cuello o espalda y se les solicitó dicho examen. Resultados 77 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, La mediana para la edad fue de 48 años, 57.1% eran hombres y 42.9% mujeres. 57 pacientes tenían localización única del dolor (74%) y 20 pacientes tenían localización múltiple (26%), los segmentos afectados fueron 57 lumbar (74%), cervical 15 (19.5%) y sacro 1 (1.3%). La impresión diagnóstica preexamen más común fue enfermedad facetaría en 25 casos para un 32.5%. En cuanto a los resultados del SPECT el radiofármaco captó en 48 ocasiones (62.3%) y los sitios en que captó el radiofármaco se distribuyeron así: facetas 13 (16.9%), cuerpo vertebral 28 (36.4%), Pars Interarticularis 3 (3.8%), disco intervertebral 1 (1.3%), 3 (3.8%) captaron en sitios diferentes al raquis, El índice de concordancia diagnóstica luego del SPECT se dio en 33 casos (42.85%). Discusión La mayoría de las gammagrafías con captación fueron en los cuerpos vertebrales, en el contexto de nuestro hospital como centro de trauma y que muchos de los pacientes tenían dolor secundario a accidentes de tránsito o accidentes laborales, se correlacionan con microfracturas o contusiones óseas. La gammagrafía con SPECT sigue siendo una prueba funcional que nos puede ayudar en el diagnóstico, pronóstico y enfoque terapéutico de los pacientes con dolor raquídeo axial en sus diferentes estadios.

Background SPECT bone scan with is an important diagnostic tool in patients with neck and back pain. It is a functional test that anticipates structural changes in some spinal pathologies. Aim of study is to define the epidemiological profile of patients with chronic and/or subacute axial spine pain. Methods A retrospective descriptive study whose general objective is to present the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the results of the SPECT scans of the patients who visited the Hospital in a period of time with a diagnosis of neck or back pain and were requested such an examination. Results Seventy-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 48 years, 57.1% were men and 42.9% were women. Fifty-seven patients had a single location of pain (74%) and 20 patients had multiple location (26%), the affected segments were 57 lumbar (74%), cervical 15 (19.5%) and sacrum 1 (1.3%). The most common pre-examination diagnostic impression was facet disease in 25 cases for 32.5%. Regarding the SPECT results, the radiopharmaceutical captured on 48 occasions (62.3%) and the sites where it captured the radiopharmaceutical were distributed as follows: facets 13 (16.9%), vertebral body 28 (36.4%), pars interarticularis 3 (3.8%).), intervertebral disc 1 (1.3%), 3 (3.8%) captured in sites other than the spine. The diagnostic concordance index after SPECT occurred in 33 cases (42.85%). Discussion Most of the uptake scans were in the vertebral bodies, beneath the context of our hospital, as a trauma center, and that many of the patients had pain secondary to traffic accidents or work behavior accidents, they are correlated with micro-fractures or bone contusions. SPECT scintigraphy continues to be a functional test that can help us in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approach of patients with axial spinal pain in its different stages.

Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar pancreática: comunicación de cuatro casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: four case reports and a review of the lilerature / Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar pancreática: comunicação de quatro casos clínicos e revisão da literatura

Los tumores pseudopapilares del páncreas son tumores de origen pancreático poco frecuentes y de etiología desconocida. Comprenden entre el 0.2 y 2.7% de los carcinomas de páncreas. Hasta 2015 hay 900 casos reportados en la literatura, siendo una minoría en etapa diseminada. Son tumores voluminosos, de bajo potencial maligno, que se presentan con mayor frecuencia en mujeres jóvenes entre 18 y 35 años. Generalmente son asintomáticos o manifiestan clínicamente síntomas inespecíficos como dolor abdominal o presencia de masa abdominal. Anatómicamente se localizan con mayor frecuencia en la cola del páncreas, seguidos por la cabeza y el cuerpo. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica. El rol de la quimioterapia en la enfermedad irresecable o avanzada no está claramente definido. Son tumores de excelente pronóstico, con sobrevida a 5 años de casi 100%.Se presentan cuatro casos clínicos y se hace una revisión de la literatura.

Pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are tumors of pancreatic origin with a low frequency and an unknown etiology. They account for 0.2 - 2.7 % of all pancreatic carcinomas. Up to 2015 there were approximately 900 well documented cases with only a small minority of them in a metastatic stage. This tumors could reach large proportions and they occur predominantly in young women between 18 and 35 years of age. Most of patients are asymptomatic or have non specific symptoms including abdominal pain or palpable abdominal mass. The most common localization is the tail of the pancreas, followed by the head and the body. Complete resection is the treatment of choice. It is not clearly stablished the rol of chemotherapy in metastatic disease. There are tumors with a favorable prognosis, with an overall 5 year survival rate about 95%. Herein, we report four clinical cases and a literatura review.

Os tumores pseudopapilares do pâncreas são tumores de origem pancreática pouco frequentes e de etiologia desconhecida. Compreendem entre 0.2 e 2.7% dos carcinomas de pâncreas. Até 2015 há 900 casos relatados na literatura, sendo uma minoria em etapa disseminada. São tumores volumosos, de baixo potencial maligno, que se apresentam com maior frequência em mulheres jovens entre 18 e 35 anos. Geralmente são assintomáticos ou apresentam clinicamente sintomas inespecíficos como dor abdominal ou presença de massa abdominal. Anatomicamente, localizam-se mais frequentemente na cauda do pâncreas, seguidos por cabeça e corpo. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção cirúrgica. O papel da quimioterapia na doença irressecável ou avançada não está claramente definido. São tumores de excelente prognóstico, com sobrevida a 5 anos de quase 100%. Apresentam-se quatro casos clínicos e faz-se uma revisão da literatura.

Valor de la imagenología (TC y PET-TC) en el diagnóstico de la carcinomatosis peritoneal. Estudio preliminar / Diagnostic value of CT and Pet CT for detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Preliminary study / Valor das técnicas de imagem (TC y Pet-TC) no diagnóstico da carcinomatose peritoneal. Estudo preliminar

Resumen: En la evaluación de la carcinomatosis peritoneal (CP) la imagenología contribuye al diagnóstico preciso de compromiso peritoneal, aunque su eficacia es aún limitada. La tomografía computada (TC) es el estudio de imagen más utilizado y el PET-TC es cada vez más solicitado en la valoración de diferentes neoplasias. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar el rendimiento de la TC y el PET-TC en el diagnóstico de CP en tumores digestivos y ginecológicos. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de 11 casos operados de CP en los que previamente se había realizado TC o PET-TC, o ambos. Se analizan los resultados de los estudios imagenológicos por separado y en conjunto, y se comparan con los hallazgos intraoperatorios y anatomopatológicos. Resultados: la TC fue concordante en 8 de 10 casos (S 78%, E 100%, VPP 100%, VPN 33%), mientras que el PET-TC lo fue en 9 de 11 pacientes (S 100%, VPP 81%). Al considerar en conjunto la TC y el PET-TC, la sensibilidad fue de 100% y el VPP de 82%. Conclusiones: en los resultados obtenidos se constata una subestimación de la CP en la imagenología a causa de las características de los nódulos y su patrón de captación. En el PET-TC, un SUV > 6 podría aumentar la probabilidad diagnóstica de carcinomatosis. Esta breve serie de casos permite sugerir que TC y el 18FGD PET-TC deben ser solicitados y analizados en forma conjunta para incrementar su rendimiento, aunque la exploración quirúrgica continúa siendo el método más eficaz para el diagnóstico y evaluación de la CP.

Summary: Imagenology contributes to the accurate diagnosis of peritoneal compromise in the assessment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, although its effectiveness is still limited. CT is the most frequently used study and PET/CT is graduallly more requested in the assessment of different neoplasms. This study aims to assess performance of CT and PET/CT for diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis in digestive and gynecological tumours. Method: retrospective, observational study of 11 cases operated on peritoneal carcinomatosis after a CT and/or PET/CT had been performed. The results of both image studies were analysed separately and altogether and they were subsequently compared to intraoperative and pathology studies. Results: CT matched findings in 8 out of 10 cases (sensitivity 78%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 33%), whereas PET/TC matched in 9 out of 11 patients (sensitivity 100%, PPV 81%). When considered together, sensitivity was 100% y el PPV de 82%. Conclusions: the results of the study confirm imagenology studies overestimate peritoneal carcinomatosis based on the characteristics of nodules and its uptake pattern. In CT/PET, SUV> 6 could increase the probability of diagnosing carcinomatosis. This small series of cases enables our suggesting CT and 18F-FDG PET-TC to be requested and analysed together to increase its efficiency, although surgical exploration continues to be the most effective method to diagnose and assess peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Resumo: Na avaliação da carcinomatose peritoneal (CP) as técnicas de imagem contribuem ao diagnóstico preciso do compromisso peritoneal, embora sua eficácia ainda seja limitada. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) é o estudo de imagens mais utilizado e a tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons (PET-TC) é cada vez mais solicitado na avaliação de diferentes neoplasias. O objetivo do presente trabalho, é avaliar o rendimento da TC e do PET-TC no diagnóstico de CP em tumores digestivos e ginecológicos. Material e método: estudo retrospectivo, observacional de 11 casos de carcinomatose peritoneal operados nos quais previamente se havia realizado TC e/ou PET-TC. Os resultados de ambos estudos foram estudados isoladamente e em conjunto e foram comparados com os achados intraoperatórios e histopatológicos. Resultados: a TC foi concordante em 8 de 10 casos (S 78%, E 100%, VPP 100%, VPN 33%), e o PET-TC em 9 de 11 pacientes (S 100%, VPP 81%). A sensibilidade foi de 100% e o VPP de 82% quando ambos estudos foram analisados conjuntamente. Conclusoes: observa-se nos resultados uma subestimação da CP nas técnicas de imagem, devido às características dos nódulos e seu padrão de captação. No PET-TC, um SUV > 6 poderia aumentar a probabilidade de diagnosticar carcinomatose. Esta breve série de casos permite sugerir que a TC e o 18FGD PET-TC devem ser solicitados e analisados em forma conjunta para aumentar o rendimento. No entanto a exploração cirúrgica continua sendo o método mais eficaz para o diagnóstico e avaliação da CP.

Laparoscopic renal biopsy

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Tuberculosis miliar y orquiepididimitis tuberculosa en un paciente inmunocompetente / Miliary Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Orchidepidimitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

La tuberculosis genitourinaria es la segunda forma de presentación más común de tuberculosis extrapulmonar luego del compromiso ganglionar, la epididimitis tuberculosa afecta preferentemente a pacientes con edades comprendidas entre los 30 y 50 años, y al menos un 70% tienen historia previa de tuberculosis pulmonar, la infección tuberculosa del escroto es rara y ocurre en aproximadamente el 7% de los pacientes con tuberculosis por extensión directa desde el epidídimo, planteando problemas de diagnóstico diferencial con procesos más agresivos como las neoplasias testiculares. Reportamos el caso de un hombre de 23 años con masa testicular que emulaba ser de origen neoplásico, llevado a orquidectomía unilateral. La patología describe necrosis y granulomas de caseificación conclusivo para orquiepididimitis tuberculosa, paciente inmunocompetente sin antecedente previo de tuberculosis.

Genitourinary tuberculosis is the second most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis after lymph node involvement; tuberculous epididymitis preferentially affects patients between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and at least 70% have a previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculous infection scrotum is rare and occurs in approximately 7% of patients with tuberculosis by direct extension from the epididymis, posing problems of differential diagnosis with more aggressive processes such as testicular tumors. We report the case of a 23-year-old man with a testicular mass that emulated being of neoplastic origin, taken to unilateral orchidectomy. The pathology describes necrosis and caseification granulomas, conclusive for tuberculous orchiepididymitis, an immunocompetent patient with no previous history of tuberculosis

The Effect of Daily Low Dose Tadalafil on Cerebral Perfusion and Cognition in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Mild Cognitive Impairment

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of daily low-dose tadalafil on cognitive function and to examine whether there was a change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Male patients aged 50 to 75 years with at least three months of ED (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 score ≤ 21) and mild cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score ≤ 22) were included in the study. The subjects were prescribed a low-dose PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil 5 mg) to be taken once daily for eight weeks. Changes in MoCA score and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study between the two time-points were assessed by paired t tests. RESULTS: Overall, 30 male patients were assigned to the treatment group in this study and 25 patients completed the eight-week treatment course. Five patients were withdrawn due to adverse events such as myalgia and dizziness. Mean baseline IIEF and MoCA scores were 7.52 ± 4.84 and 18.92 ± 1.78. After the eight-week treatment, mean IIEF and MoCA scores were increased to 12.92 ± 7.27 (p < 0.05) and 21.8 ± 1.71 (p < 0.05), respectively. Patients showed increased relative regional CBF in the postcentral gyrus, precuneus, and brainstem after tadalafil administration versus at baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective clinical study suggest that daily use of tadalafil 5 mg increases some regional CBF and improves cognitive function in patients with ED and mild cognitive impairment.

Calf “Arch Sign” Seen on a Tc-99m-MDP Bone Scan Is Indicative of Synovial Fluid Leak in Ruptured Baker's Cysts: Case Reports and Analysis of Literature / 대한핵의학회잡지

The authors present two cases in which the ruptured popliteal (Baker's) cysts remained undetected and were diagnosed only during an isotope investigation. The aim was to describe a specific imaging sign, the “arch sign”, that is indicative of ruptured Baker's cysts. In both cases, the whole-body imaging was performed 2 hours after injection of 706.7 MBq of Tc-99m-MDP. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging was performed to localize an accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical. An analysis of literature was performed to connect these cases with previously reported data and to detect the pathognomonic radio image sign of ruptured popliteal cysts. The arch-shaped distribution of the radiopharmaceutical below the knee joints was seen already on the whole-body bone scan image in both cases. An anterior view of SPECT MIP images showed the arched accumulation of the Tc-99m-MDP bone tracer along the postero-medial aspect of the right calf secondary to synovial fluid leak from a ruptured Baker's cyst. The similar arthroscintigrams were published since 1971 without recognizing this sign as pathognomonic. Tc-99m-MDP bone scanning is sensitive for a Baker's cyst with synovial effusion, and distribution of a radiopharmaceutical in the medial posterior calf in a shape of an arch, the arch sign, may serve as an indicator of a ruptured popliteal cyst.

Theranostics Based on Liposome: Looking Back and Forward / 대한핵의학회잡지

Liposome is one of the oldest yet most successful nanomedicine platforms. Doxil®, PEGylated liposome loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), was approved by the FDA in 1995 for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and it was the first approval for nanomedicine. Since then, liposome-based therapeutics were approved for the treatment of various diseases and many clinical trials are underway. The success of the liposome-based therapeutics was due to following factors: (1) ease of synthesis, (2) biocompatibility, (3) the ability to load both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents, and (4) long circulation property after application of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Recently, more functionalities are introduced to liposome platform, which are (1) in vivo imaging probes for optical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), (2) pH and temperature-sensitive lipid moiety, and (3) novel agents for photodynamic and photothermal therapies (PDT, PTT). These conventional and newly tested advantages make the liposome to be one of the most promising nanoplatforms for theranostics.

Quantitative Imaging of Alpha-Emitting Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals / 대한핵의학회잡지

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is an active area of drug development as a highly specific and highly potent therapeutic modality that can be applied to many types of late-stage cancers. In order to properly evaluate its safety and efficacy, understanding biokinetics of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals is essential. Quantitative imaging of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals is often possible via imaging of gammas and positrons produced during complex decay chains of these radionuclides. Analysis of the complex decay chains for alpha-emitting radionuclides (Tb-149, At-211, Bi-212 (decayed from Pb-212), Bi-213, Ra-223, Ac- 225, and Th-227) with relevance to imageable signals is attempted in this mini-review article. Gamma camera imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, bremsstrahlung radiation imaging, Cerenkov luminescence imaging, and Compton cameras are briefly discussed as modalities for imaging alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals.

Use of Molecular Imaging in Clinical Drug Development: a Systematic Review / 대한핵의학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Molecular imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can provide the crucial pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic information of a drug non-invasively at an early stage of clinical drug development. Nevertheless, not much has been known how molecular imaging has been actually used in drug development studies.METHODS: We searched PubMed using such keywords as molecular imaging, PET, SPECT, drug development, and new drug, or any combination of those to select papers in English, published from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2015. The information about the publication year, therapeutic area of a drug candidate, drug development phase, and imaging modality and utility of imaging were extracted.RESULTS: Of 10,264 papers initially screened, 208 papers met the eligibility criteria. The more recent the publication year, the bigger the number of papers, particularly since 2010. The two major therapeutic areas using molecular imaging to develop drugs were oncology (47.6%) and the central nervous system (CNS, 36.5%), in which efficacy (63.5%) and proof-of-concept through either receptor occupancy (RO) or other than RO (29.7%), respectively, were the primary utility of molecular imaging. PET was used 4.7 times more frequently than SPECT. Molecular imaging was most frequently used in phase I clinical trials (40.8%), whereas it was employed rarely in phase 0 or exploratory IND studies (1.4%).CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the trend that molecular imaging has been more actively employed in recent clinical drug development studies although its adoption was rather slow and rare in phase 0 studies.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Thallium-201 Myocardial SPECT-CT in Patients with Angina Pectoris: Comparison with 2D Echocardiography / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is an important parameter for assessing cardiac systolic function and predicting prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of assessing LVEF by Tl-201 hybrid myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using two attenuation correction methods in patients with angina pectoris.METHODS: A total of 339 patients with angina pectoris (62.8 ± 12.9 years, male:female = 206:133) were analyzed. All patients underwent Tl-201 myocardial SPECT/CT and transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) echocardiograph. We compared LVEF assessed by SPECT/CT using two attenuation correction methods: CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC) and non-attenuation correction (non-AC) methods and 2D echocardiography.RESULTS: LVEF assessed by either of the two attenuation correction techniques and 2D echocardiography showed moderate correlation in all patients with angina pectoris (r = 0.487 for CTAC and r = 0.473 for non-AC, p < 0.001). Results were similar in the subgroup of patients with perfusion abnormalities on myocardial SPECT/CT images. Overall diagnostic performances were similar for the CTAC and non-AC methods for evaluating normal and decreased LVEF by myocardial SPECT/CT.CONCLUSION: LVEF measured by the CTAC method of Tl-201-gated myocardial SPECT/CT was comparable with the conventional non-AC method in patients with angina pectoris and in the subgroup of patients with perfusion abnormality. Tl-201-gated myocardial hybrid SPECT/CT can be a reliable tool in the assessment of LVEF in clinic.

Comparative Cardiac Phantom Study Using Tc-99m/I-123 and Tl-201/I-123 Tracers with Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Detector-Based Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography / 대한핵의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: A recently introduced single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), based on cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors (D-SPECT), supports high energy resolution for cardiac imaging. Importantly, the high energy resolution may allow simultaneous dual-isotope (SDI) imaging (e.g., using Tc-99m and I-123). We quantitatively evaluated Tc-99m/I-123 SDI imaging by D-SPECT in comparison with conventional T1-201/I-123.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Energy resolution was measured as a percentage of the full width at half maximum(FWHM) for Tc-99m, I-123, and Tl-201. The impact of cross-talk and reconstructed image contrast were quantified by measuring the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the transmural defect contrast in the left ventricle wall (CTD) induced by a difference in energy, for combinations of Tc-99m/I-123 or Tl-201/I-123, using an RH-2 cardiac phantom. Corresponding measurement was also carried out in Anger SPECT (A-SPECT).RESULTS: The energy resolution of the D-SPECTsystem was 5.4%/5.1%for Tc-99m/I-123 and 5.4%/5.3%for Tl-201/I-123, which was approximately two times higher than the A-SPECT. No notable difference was confirmed in the CNRs of the two systems, but T1-201/I-123 showed overall higher value than Tc-99m/I-123. Compared to A-SPECT, CTD of D-SPECT significantly increased with both Tc-99m/I-123 and T1-201/I-123 (p < 0.05). In DSPECT, the combination of Tc-99m/I-123 had a slightly better CTD than T1-201/I-123. In addition, CTD of Tc-99m/I-123 was improved with scatter correction at both nuclides (p < 0.05), but in Tl-201/I-123, no significant improvement was confirmed in I-123 (p > 0.05).CONCLUSION: D-SPECT was considered to be capable of performing high-quality SDI imaging using Tc-99m/I-123.

The Lymphatic Drainage Pattern of Internal Mammary Sentinel Lymph Node Identified by Small Particle Radiotracer ((99m)Tc-Dextran 40) in Breast / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detect the lymphatic drainage pattern of internal mammary area and verify the concept of internal mammary sentinel lymph node (IM-SLN) in breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A small particle radiotracer ((99m)Tc-Dextran 40) was prepared and tested. (99m)Tc-Dextran 40 was injected into intraparenchyma at the sound breast by a modified radiotracer injection technique. Subsequently, dynamic single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), and SPECT/CT combination images were performed to identify the radioactive lymph vessels and internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLNs). The direction of lymph drainage and the location of the IMLNs were identified in the SPECT/CT imaging. RESULTS: The radiochemical purity of (99m)Tc-Dextran 40 was > 95%. (99m)Tc-Dextran 40 could drainage into first, second, and third lymph node and the radioactive lymph node could be detected by the γ detector in the animal experiment. After (99m)Tc-Dextran 40 injecting into intraparenchyma, 50.0% cases (15/30) were identified the drainage lymphatic vessels and radioactive IMLNs by SPECT. The drainage lymphatic vessel was found from injection point to the first IMLN (IM-SLN) after 10.5±0.35 minutes radiotracer injection, and then (99m)Tc-Dextran 40 was accumulated into the IM-SLN. The combination imaging of SPECT/CT showed the second IMLN received the lymph drainage from the IM-SLN. The lymphatic drainage was step by step in the internal mammary area. CONCLUSION: The lymph was identified to drain from different regions of the breast to IM-SLN, and then outward from IM-SLN to other IMLN consecutively. It demonstrated the concept of the IM-SLN and provided more evidences for the application of internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Understanding the importance of cerebrovascular involvement in Kawasaki disease / 소아과

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis in infants and young children. However, its natural history has not been fully elucidated because the first case was reported in the late 1960s and patients who have recovered are just now entering middle age. Nevertheless, much evidence has raised concerns regarding the subclinical vascular changes that occur in post-KD patients. KD research has focused on coronary artery aneurysms because they are directly associated with fatality. However, aneurysms have been reported in other extracardiac muscular arteries and their fate seems to resemble that of coronary artery aneurysms. Arterial strokes in KD cases are rarely reported. Asymptomatic ischemic lesions were observed in a prospective study of brain vascular lesions in KD patients with coronary artery aneurysms. The findings of a study of single-photon emission computed tomography suggested that asymptomatic cerebral vasculitis is more common than we believed. Some authors assumed that the need to consider the possibility of brain vascular lesions in severe cases of KD regardless of presence or absence of neurological symptoms. These findings suggest that KD is related with cerebrovascular lesions in children and young adults. Considering the fatal consequences of cerebral vascular involvement in KD patients, increased attention is required. Here we review our understanding of brain vascular involvement in KD.