Repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 en la práctica de la cardiología intervencional en Chile: datos aportados por la encuesta del grupo Stent-Save a Life! LATAM working group / Decrease in the activity of interventional cardiology in Chile: a report from the "Stent-Save a Life! LATAM working group"

RESUMEN: Introducción: El Stent-Save a Life! (SSL) LATAM working group diseñó una encuesta para objetivar la reducción de la actividad de los laboratorios de hemodinamia en Latinoamérica durante la pandemia COVID-19. Ante la amenaza de nuevos confinamientos en Chile, nos propusimos objetivar las consecuencias de la primera ola de contagios en nuestra actividad. Objetivos: Discutir la repercusión de la pandemia en la cardiología intervencional en Chile. Métodos: El grupo SSL realizó una encuesta telemática a todos los países de Latinoamérica incluido Chile. Se registraron las coronariografías (CAG), intervenciones coronarias percutáneas (ACTP) e intervenciones estructurales, comparando dos períodos determinados por el confinamiento por la pandemia, cada uno de dos semanas. Pre-COVID-19: período previo al confinamiento, y COVID-19: período durante el confinamiento. Se analizan, a partir de esta encuesta, los resultados aplicados a nuestro país. Resultados: Se obtuvo respuesta de trece centros. Hubo una reducción en el número global de procedimientos entre período Pre-COVID-19 y COVID-19 de un 65,1%. Se reportó una disminución de 67% en las CAG, de un 59,4% en las ACTP y de un 92% en los procedimientos terapéuticos estructurales. Entre ambos períodos se redujo la consulta por Síndrome Coronario Agudo por elevación del segmento ST (SCACEST) en 40,8%. Conclusiones: En nuestro país se objetivó una reducción marcada de la actividad asistencial de la cardiología intervencional durante la pandemia COVID-19 y una disminución significativa en el número de pacientes tratados por SCACEST. Los resultados de nuestro país son similares a los reportados por países de Latinoamérica, Europa y Norteamérica.

ABSTRACT: Background: The Stent-Save a Life! (SSL) LATAM working group designed a survey to demonstrate the reduction in the activity of cardiac catheterization laboratories in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the risk of a new confinement in Chile, we decided to assess the impact of the first wave of contagions on our activity. Aims: To discuss the repercussion of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of interventional cardiology in Chile. Methods: The SSL group conducted a telematic survey in all Latin American countries. Coronary angiography, coronary interventions (PCI) and structural interventions were registered, comparing two periods of two weeks duration each: before and during COVID-19 confinement. Results obtained in Chile are analyzed. Results: Thirteen centers in Chile answered the survey. There was an overall decrease of 65.1% in the number of procedures between the pre and the post COVID-19 periods. Coronary angiographies decreased 67%, PCI 59.4% and therapeutical structural procedures 92%. The reduction in acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation (STEMI) was 40,8% between periods. Conclusions: In Chile, a significant reduction in healthcare activity related to interventional cardiology and a significant decrease in the number of patients treated with STEMI was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are similar to those reported by Latin American, European and North American countries.

Place de l'échographie dans la prise en charge de la scapulalgie en rhumatologie à l'hôpital de Dreux / Place of ultrasound in management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital

Contexte & objectif. Les données sur la prise en charge des épaules en rhumatologie sont très limitées. L'objectif de la présente étude était de décrire la place de l'échographie dans la prise en charge des épaules douloureuses en rhumatologie. Méthodes. C'était une étude transversale sur les scapulalgies, suivies en rhumatologie de l'hôpital de Dreux ; entre janvier et mars 2018. Tous les participants avaient réalisé une échographie. Résultats. Au total 40 patients ont été enrôlés. Leur âge moyen était de 61,7 ans, et le sex ratio M/F de 0,29. A l'examen clinique, un conflit sous acromial (67,6%) et un syndrome acromio-claviculaire (32,4 %) étaient souvent observés. Les manœuvres de Jobe (76,5%), Patte (20,6%), et Gerber (14,7%) étaient parfois positives. A l'échographie, on observait les lésions des tendons de la coiffe (82,5%), du long biceps (25%), une bursite sous acromio-deltoïdienne (BSAD : 55%), une arthropathie gléno-humérale (30%), acromio-claviculaire (30%) ou sterno-claviculaire (2,5%). Une infiltration sous échographie était réalisée dans 85% des cas : BSAD (67,5%), gaine du long biceps (7,5%), articulation acromio-claviculaire (7,5%) et sterno- claviculaire (2,5%). Conclusion. L'échographie est très importante dans la prise en charge des scapulalgies dans le département de rhumatologie de l'hôpital de Dreux. Elle permet un diagnostic précis et la réalisation des gestes échoguidées.

Context and objective. Knowledge on management of shoulder pain is limited. The objective of the study was to describe the place of ultrasound in the management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients attending Rheumatology Department for shoulder pain from January to March 2018. All participants performed an ultrasound. Results. The mean age of the 40 patients included in the study was 61.7 years and the sex ratio was 0.29. On clinical examination, subacromial conflict (67.6%) and acromioclavicular syndrome (32.4%) were often observed. The Jobe (76.5%), Patte (20.6%), and Gerber (14.7%) tests were sometimes positive. Ultrasound lesions involved the rotator cuff (82.5%), subacromio-deltoid bursitis (55%), the long biceps tendon (25%), the glenohumeral joint (30%), the acromioclavicular joint (30%), or the sternoclavicular joint (2.5%). Ultrasound-guided infiltration was performed in 85% of cases. It concerned subacromio-deltoid bursitis (67.5%), long biceps sheath (7.5%), acromioclavicular joint (7.5%), and sterno-clavicular joint (2.5%). Conclusion. Ultrasound is very important in the management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital. It allows a precise diagnosis and the realization of echo-guided injections.

Padronizando a Exposição à Radiação durante o Cateterismo Cardíaco em Crianças com Cardiopatia Congênita: Dados de um Registro Multicêntrico Brasileiro / Standardizing Radiation Exposure during Cardiac Catheterization in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Data from a Multicenter Brazilian Registry

Resumo Fundamento Nos últimos anos, o recente aumento no número de procedimentos intervencionistas tem resultado em crescente preocupação em relação à exposição radiológica por pacientes e equipe médica. A avaliação da exposição dos níveis de radiação em crianças é difícil devido à grande variabilidade no peso corporal. Portanto, os valores de referência de radiação não estão bem definidos para essa população. Objetivos Avaliar e validar a razão do produto dose-área (DAP) em relação ao peso corporal como uma medida de referência de radiação em cateterismos cardíacos em crianças. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico observacional com dados do Registro Brasileiro de Cateterismo Cardíaco em Cardiopatias Congênitas (CHAIN) de março de 2013 a junho de 2014. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pacientes <18 anos submetidos a procedimentos hemodinâmicos para cardiopatia congênita, com DAP devidamente registrado. Foram considerados diferenças estatísticas significativas os valores de p < 0,05. Resultados Este estudo avaliou 429 pacientes com idade e peso medianos de 50 (10, 103) meses e 15 (7, 28) kg, respectivamente. O DAP mediano foi de 742,2 (288,8, 1.791,5) μGy.m2. Houve uma boa correlação entre o DAP e o produto peso/tempo de fluoroscopia (rs=0,66). Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa na relação DAP/peso entre procedimentos terapêuticos e diagnósticos. Houve ampla variação da relação DAP/peso entre os procedimentos terapêuticos (p<0.001). Conclusões A proporção DAP/peso é a medida mais simples e aplicável para avaliar a exposição radiológica em uma população pediátrica. Apesar da escassa literatura disponível, as doses obtidas no presente estudo foram semelhantes àquelas encontradas anteriormente. Estudos de validação e comparação são importantes na avaliação do impacto de estratégias para redução da exposição radiológica nessa população. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background In recent years the increasing number of interventional procedures has resulted in growing concerns regarding radiation exposure for patients and staff. The evaluation of radiation exposure in children is difficult due to the great variability in body weight. Therefore, reference levels of radiation are not well defined for this population. Objectives To study and validate the ratio of dose-area product (DAP) to patient weight as a reference measurement of radiation for hemodynamic congenital heart disease procedures in children. Methods This observational multicenter study uses data obtained from a Brazilian registry of cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease from March 2013 to June 2014. Inclusion criteria were all patients aged <18 years old undergoing hemodynamic procedures for congenital heart disease, with recorded DAP doses. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results This study evaluated 429 patients with median age and weight of 50 (10, 103) months and 15 (7, 28) kg, respectively. Median DAP was 742.2 (288.8, 1,791.5) μGy.m2. There was a good correlation between DAP and weight-fluoroscopic time product(rs=0.66). No statistically significant difference was observed in DAP/weight ratio between therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. There was a wide variation in the DAP/weight ratio among the therapeutic procedures (p<0.001). Conclusions The DAP/weight ratio is the simplest and most applicable measurement to evaluate radiation exposure in a pediatric population. Although there is limited literature available, the doses obtained in the present study were similar to those previously found. Ongoing research is important to evaluate the impact of strategies to reduce radiation exposure in this population (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Descripción de elementos de radioprotección y dosimetría en unidades de cardiología intervencionista sudamericanas: un estudio piloto / Radioprotection and dosimetry in Interventional cardiology units in South America. a pilot study

ANTECEDENTES: Las unidades de Cardiología intervencional han evidenciado un número creciente de procedimientos, cada vez más variados y complejos, lo cual podría eventualmente generar daños a los profesionales ocupacionalmente expuestos a radiaciones ionizantes (POEs) de no contar con los adecuados elementos de radioprotección y un uso correcto de ellos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la disponibilidad y utilización de los elementos de radioprotección y dosimetría de unidades de cardiología intervencionista de centros Sudamericanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta autoaplicada a 139 POEs, de ambos sexos de 7 países, a través de una plataforma on-line, se les consultó sobre características demográficas, dosimétricas y de radioprotección. RESULTADOS: Los elementos de radioprotección más tradicionales; delantales y cuellos plomados se utilizaron un 99,5 % y 98,4 % respectivamente, aquellos elementos más recientes como gafas, gorros y paños plomados solo alcanzaron un 36,8 %, 6,8 % y 34,2%, de utilización respectivamente, en cuanto a la utilización de los dosímetros, solo un 7,9 % lo hace apegado a las normas de la Organización Internacional de Energía Atómica (OIEA). CONCLUSIÓN: Se constató en la muestra analizada una falta de elementos de radioprotección y un uso inadecuado de ellos, urge realizar intervenciones educativas y técnicas para mejorar estos datos.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing number of interventional cardiology procedures currently performed, health professionals (POE) are exposed to ionizing radiation unless adequate protective elements are used. AIM: to describe the use of radioprotection elements and dosimetry in interventional cardiology laboratories in South America. METHODS: A self-administered survey was performed on 139 POE of both sexes and 7 countries using an online platform. Demographic data, dosimetry and characteristics of radioprotection analyzed. RESULTS: Commonly used radioprotective elements (lead aprons and collars) were used in 99.5% and 98% respectively. Recently introduced protection elements like lead goggles, caps and drapery were used in 36.8, 6.8 and 34.2% , respectively. Dosimetry according to the International Atomic Energy Commission (OIAE) was performed in only 7.9% of the procedures. CONCLUSION: there is a severe lack of adequate radioprotection during interventional cardiology procedures. Urgent measures, including technical implementation and educational interventions are needed to improve radioprotection in interventional cardiology.

Biopsia percutánea core con aguja gruesa guiada por tomografía computada en lesiones retroperitoneales: Experiencia de 10 años / CT-guided core biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions. Experience in 136 procedures

Background: CT-guided core biopsy is a widely used diagnostic technique for retroperitoneal lesions. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of this procedure. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 136 patients aged 57 ± 16 years (55% males) subjected to core biopsies performed between 2006 and 2016. Procedure images, biopsy reports and patients' medical charts were reviewed. Diagnostic yield was calculated in those patients whose final diagnosis was confirmed using strict criteria for malignancy. Results: A final diagnosis was confirmed in 122/136 patients. Of these, 110 had malignant lesions. The sensitivity and global accuracy of the procedure for malignancy were 93%. In only 4 of 13 benign lesions (31%), a specific diagnosis was obtained with the biopsy. Only minor complications were reported (6 small, self-contained hematomas). There were no major complications. Conclusions: CT-guided core biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions is a safe procedure, with an excellent diagnostic yield.

Guided intraoperative scintigraphic tumor targeting of metastatic cervical lymph nodes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a single-center report

ABSTRACT Objective: Our aim was to present our experiences related to performing neck surgery using the guided intraoperative scintigraphic tumor targeting (GOSTT) procedure for patients who had locally recurrent or persistent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and who had undergone previous thyroid surgery. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients who had locally recurrent or persistent DTC, who had undergone previous surgery, and for whom reoperation was planned for metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs). We performed the neck surgery using the GOSTT procedure on all patients and at a single academic institution. Results: The 11 patients had a total of 26 LNs, as marked with a radiotracer, and those LNs' mean size was 14.7 ± 8.2 mm (range: 5-34 mm). Histopathological examinations revealed DTC metastasis in all 26 of the preoperatively marked LNs. Of the 11 patients, only one needed a reoperation in the neck; she had another successful surgery (also using the GOSTT procedure). In the evaluation of the patients' final status, all were disease-free in their necks. There also were no GOSTT-associated postoperative complications. Conclusion: The GOSTT procedure is a useful, successful, inexpensive, and comfortable procedure for marking and mapping metastatic LNs, especially in DTC patients who have undergone previous surgery.

Rendezvous radiológico-endoscópico para manejo de obstrucción biliar: Reporte de casos y revisión de la literatura / Endoscopic-radiologic rendezvous for biliary obstruction management: Case report and literature review

La obstrucción biliar de diverso origen constituye un problema clínico frecuente, con importante impacto sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes y que plantea el riesgo permanente de colangitis. El manejo de estos pacientes ha evolucionado en el tiempo, haciendo acopio de diversos desarrollos tecnológicos e involucrando a clínicos, cirujanos, gastroenterólogos y radiólogos intervencionistas. Reportamos aquí cuatro casos de pacientes con obstrucción biliar que, a pesar de las importantes diferencias demográficas y etiológicas, pudieron ser exitosamente manejados, abordando la vía biliar con la técnica de Rendezvous radiológico endoscópico.

Biliary obstruction of different origin is a common clinical problem, with significant impact on the patients´ quality of life and poses a permanent risk of cholangitis. The management of these patients has evolved over time, makes collection of various technological developments and involve clinicians, surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists. Were port four cases of biliary obstruction that despite the significant demographic and clinical differences between them could be successfully managed approach in the biliary tract with the technique of radiological endoscopic Rendezvous.

Clinical value for contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound in diagnosis of prostate cancer / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To explore the value for contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound (CETRUS) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
 Methods: Prostate biopsy from 207 cases of suspected prostate cancer were collected between January 2013 and March 2015. These patients were performed ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in Central Hospital of Changsha. They were randomly divided into a radiography group (n=104) and a non-radiography group (n=103) according to the order of treatment. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was the first choice in the 2 groups, and CETRUS was conducted in the radiography group. Then, the transrectal biopsy was carried out in the 2 groups. The diagnostic value of CETRUS in prostate cancer was evaluated by pathological examination, a gold standard.
 Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and coincidence rates of TRUS in diagnosing prostate cancer were 65%, 60.4%, and 62.8%, respectively, while those rates of CETRUS in diagnosing prostate cancer were 89%, 78%, and 84%, respectively, with significant difference between the above 2 groups (all P<0.05).
 Conclusion: The sensitivities, specificities, and coincidence rates for CETRUS are superior to TRUS in diagnosing prostate cancer, which can provide a clinical basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of prostate cancer.

¿Es eficiente la protección anti-radiación otorgada por gorros de pabellón de tungsteno-bismuto en cardiología intervencionista? / Radiation protection provided by tungsten bismuth caps during interventional cardiology

Background: The effectiveness against radiation of tungsten bismuth caps, used in interventional cardiology is not well known. Aim: To determine the degree of radiation protection conferred by these caps in real work conditions. Material and Methods: We compared the gross electric charges received at brain lobe levels by three occupationally exposed professionals who participated in 22 consecutive procedures, inside and outside of the tungsten bismuth cap. Results: The median electric charges outside and inside the cap were 3.71 (range 1.46-5.62) and 2.2 (range 1.29-3.93) nC, which correspond to a 40% radiation attenuation. However, the protection was heterogeneous. Conclusions: Tungsten bismuth caps provide an adequate attenuation, but its degree is heterogeneous.

Urgent ureteroscopies in acute ureteric colic requiring intervention

Background: Urolithiasis, in general, constitutes a significant volume of the daily clinical activities in our institution

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of ureteroscopies performed in patients admitted acutely with symptomatic ureteric calculi compared with elective ureteroscopies

Design: A retrospective review

Setting: Department of Urology, King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain

Method: All ureteroscopy [URS] procedures performed for symptomatic ureteric calculi between 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 were reviewed. These procedures were divided into two groups: urgent URS and elective URS group. Both groups were comparable in personal and stone characteristics

Result: One hundred ninety-five procedures were performed on 167 patients. One hundred twenty-seven [65.1%] procedures were urgent and 68 [34.9%] were elective. The cohort included 131 males and 36 females with a mean age of 41.5 years, a range of 19 to 74. One hundred fortynine [76.4%] procedures were performed on male patients, while 46 [23.5%] were performed on female patients. The mean stone size for patients undergoing urgent URS was 7.7 mm and 8.3 mm for elective procedures; approximately one-third of patients had more than one stone. Eighty-one stones in the urgent group were distally located; fifty-seven were in the elective group. The most common indication for urgent URS was pain refractory to injectable analgesia. LASER was used in 182 [93.3%] procedures, 179 [91.7%] procedures were urgent. Seventeen [8.7%] complications were documented for urgent URS and 8 [4.1%] for elective cases, no statistical significance, P value = 0.74

Conclusion: Urgent URS procedure is a safe and cost effective option compared with Elective URS. It should be the preferred option when resources and expertise are available

Prediction of Coronary Atherosclerotic Ostial Lesion with a Damping of the Pressure Tracing during Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

PURPOSE: When performing coronary angiography (CAG), diagnostic catheter intubation to the ostium can cause damping of the pressure tracing. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of atherosclerotic ostial stenosis in patients showing pressure damping during CAG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 2926 patients who underwent diagnostic CAG were screened in this study. Pressure damping was defined as an abrupt decline of the coronary blood pressure with a blunted pulse pressure after engagement of the diagnostic catheter. According to CAG and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), we divided damped ostia into two groups: atherosclerotic ostial lesion group (true lesion group) and non-atherosclerotic ostium group (false lesion group). Clinical and angiographic characteristics were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The overall incidence of pressure damping was 2.3% (68 patients and 76 ostia). Among the pressure damped ostia, 40.8% (31 of 76 ostia) were true atherosclerotic ostial lesions (true lesion group). The true lesion group had more frequent left main ostial damping and more percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed on non-ostial lesions, compared to the false lesion group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, left main ostial damping [hazard ratio (HR) 4.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-13.67, p=0.021] and PCI on non-ostial lesion (HR 5.34, 95% CI 1.34-21.27, p=0.018) emerged as independent predictors for true atherosclerotic ostial lesions in patients with pressure damping. CONCLUSION: Left main ostial damping and the presence of a non-ostial atherosclerotic lesion may suggest a significant true atherosclerotic lesion in the coronary ostium.

Deep vein thrombosis caused by malignant afferent loop obstruction / 영남의대학술지

Afferent loop obstruction following gastrectomy is a rare but fatal complication. Clinical features of afferent loop obstruction are mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. A 56-year-old female underwent radical total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy for treatment of advanced gastric cancer. After fourteen months postoperatively, she showed gradual development of edema of both legs. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed disease progression at the jejunojejunostomy site and consequent dilated afferent loop, which resulted in inferior vena cava (IVC) compression. A drainage catheter was placed percutaneously into the afferent loop through the intrahepatic duct and an IVC filter was placed at the suprarenal IVC, and selfexpanding metal stents were inserted into bilateral common iliac veins. With these procedures, sympotms related with afferent loop obstruction and deep vein thrombosis were improved dramatically. The follow-up abdominal CT scan was taken 3 weeks later and revealed the completely decompressed afferent loop and improved IVC patency. Surgical treatment should be considered as the first choice for afferent loop obstruction; however, because it is more immediate and less invasive, non-surgical modalities, such as percutaneous catheter drainage or stent placement, can be effective alternatives for inoperable cases or risky patients who have severe medical comorbidities.

Protección radiológica en cardiología intervencionista / Radiation protection in interventional cardiology

La cardiología intervencionista ha logrado un progreso que hace que cada año se haga una mayor cantidad de procedimientos de complejidad progresiva con una muy buena tasa de éxito. El problema es que ese progreso conlleva mayor dosis de radiación no solo para el paciente sino también para los trabajadores ocupacionalmente expuestos. Existen métodos simples para minimizar la dosis recibida. Estos incluyen: minimizar el tiempo de radioscopia y la cantidad de imágenes adquiridas, utilizar las tecnologías disponibles de reducción de dosis para pacientes, usar adecuada geometría del equipo, colimar, evitar las zonas de radiación reflejada, utilizar todo el blindaje disponible, realizar controles de calidad del equipo de imagen y utilizar los dosímetros personales y conocer la dosis recibida. La utilización eficaz de estos métodos requiere no solo educación y entrenamiento para todo el personal ocupacionalmente expuesto sino la disponibilidad y el uso de los elementos radioprotectores de la sala y del equipo. La revisión regular del equipo y la investigación de las dosis recibidas por el personal acompañadas por los cambios necesarios en la manera en que los procedimientos se realizan asegura una mejor práctica de protección radiológica en la sala de intervencionismo cardiovascular.

Interventional: cardiology progress makes each year a greater number of procedures and increasing complexity with a very good success rate. The problem is that this progress brings greater dose of radiation not only for the patient but to occupationally exposed workers as well. Simple methods for reducing or minimizing occupational radiation dose include: minimizing fluoroscopy time and the number of acquired images; using available patient dose reduction technologies; using good imaging-chain geometry; collimating; avoiding high-scatter areas; using protective shielding; using imaging equipment whose performance is controlled through a quality assurance programme; and wearing personal dosimeters so that you know your dose. Effective use of these methods requires both appropriate education and training in radiation protection for all interventional cardiology personnel, and the availability and use of appropriate protective tools and equipment. Regular review and investigation of personnel monitoring results, accompanied as appropriate by changes in how procedures are performed and equipment used, will ensure continual improvement in the practice of radiation protection in the interventional suite.

Initial CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of vertebral lesions: Evaluation of its diagnostic accuracy and clinical value / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical efficacy of initial CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of the vertebral lesions. A total of 305 percutaneous biopsies of the vertebral lesions were performed under either CT guidance (n=127) or C-arm guidance (n=178). The diagnostic accuracy rate was evaluated by comparing the histopathological diagnosis with the ultimate diagnosis. The histopathological diagnosis was consistent with the ultimate diagnosis in 108 (85.0%, 108/127) cases of CT-guided biopsy and in 135 (75.8%, 135/178) cases of C-arm guided biopsy and there was a significant difference. The accuracy of diagnosis based on biopsies varied with different diseases, including primary benign or malignant tumors, metastatic tumors, inflammatory lesions and fractures. A second biopsy or further examinations were required for patients with negative result obtained in the initial biopsy. The complication rate was 3.1% (4/127) in CT-guided biopsy and 7.3% (13/178) in C-arm guided biopsy. In conclusion, CT-guided percutaneous biopsy is an accurate and safe technique for biopsy of the vertebral lesions.

Injetor intravascular de CO2: estudo in vivo de viabilidade inicial do dispositivo e de qualidade de imagem / C02 intravascu/ar injector: in vivo ear/y feasibility study of the device and image quality assessment

INTRODUÇÃO: Durante procedimentos endovasculares, estão presentes os riscos relacionados ao uso dos contrastes iodados, tais como a nefropatia por contraste, uma vez que é fundamental o emprego de um meio de contraste para a obtenção das imagens radiológicas vasculares. A injeção intravascular de gás CO2 purificado é reconhecidamente uma alternativa relativamente mais segura ao contraste iodado, contudo, seu manuseio artesanal pode também trazer dificuldades técnicas e riscos aos pacientes. Para contemplar estas questões, foi desenvolvido o protótipo de um injetor intravascular de CO2 medicinal, microprocessado, dedicado à obtenção de imagens angiográficas. OBJETIVOS: Realizar os testes de viabilidade técnica inicial do protótipo em modelo in vivo. MÉTODOS: Realizar a angioplastia da artéria renal esquerda de 10 porcos, divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo 1 (n=5) injeção de contraste iodado, Grupo 2 (n=5) injeção de CO2 através do protótipo. Monitorização clínica e laboratorial dos animais no pré, intra e pós-operatório, com exames de função renal na véspera e 48h após os procedimentos e 3 gasometrias arteriais seriadas no intra-operatório. Observação clínica foi mantida por 48h no pós- operatório. RESULTADOS: Os procedimentos de angioplastia com CO2 foram realizados com sucesso técnico de 100%, sem necessidade de complementação com injeção de contraste iodado no Grupo 2. Não foram identificadas falhas no protótipo em funcionamento. Não foram identificadas alterações clínicas ou radiológicas sugestivas de contaminação por ar ambiente do sistema de CO2 e nem alterações laboratoriais nos animais. As imagens angiográficas obtidas no Grupo 2 foram consideradas, numa avaliação subjetiva, relativamente inferiores às imagens obtidas no Grupo 1. DISCUSSÃO: A qualidade inferior de imagem no Grupo 2 pode ser atribuída ao equipamento de fluoroscopia utilizado, com software desatualizado em relação aos equipamentos atuais, que incluem pré-configurações para...

INTRODUCTION: During endovascular procedures, several risks related to iodinated contrast media are taken, such as Contrast Induced Nephropathy, since these are fundamental to obtain radiological vascular images under fluoroscopy. Intravascular medical grade CO2 injection is a widely accepted and relatively safer alternative to iodinated contrast, but its handling and manual delivery system could as well bring risks to patients, such as room air injection. To address these problems, we developed a prototype for a micro processed intravascular medicinal CO2 injector, dedicated to help obtain angiographic images. OBJECTIVES: To perform the in vivo Early Feasibility Clinical Studies of the prototype. METHODS: Perform a left renal artery angioplasty of 10 pigs, divided in 2 groups: Group 1 (n=5) injection of iodinated contrast and Group 2 (n=5) injection of CO2 with the prototype. Clinical and laboratorial data were measured pre, peri and post-operatively, by pre-operative and 48h post- operative creatinine tests and 3 peri-operative serial arterial blood gas analysis. Animais were kept under clinical observation for 48h after procedures. RESUL TS: Angioplasty procedures had 100% technical success in both groups, without the need of extra imaging with iodinated contrast in Group 2. There were no technical failures with the prototype. There were no identifiable clinical or radiological signs of room air intravascular injections. Ali laboratorial measurements were under normal value ranges. Angiography images obtained in Group 2 were subjectively considered inferior to images from Group 1. DISCUSSION: The inferior image quality in Group 2 could be attributed to the employed fluoroscopy equipment, since its software is not up to date to current equipment, which includes a dedicated CO2 angiography preset. Nevertheless, ali procedures in Group 2 were successful, and images in this group were therefore considered satisfactory. Handling of the prototype proved to be...

Magnitudes y unidades para dosimetría a pacientes en radiodiagnóstico e intervencionismo / Quantities and units for patient dosimetry in diagnostic and interventional radiology

Because diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures represent one of the main sources of irradiation by ionizing radiation in the population, it has become a priority to become familiar with the quantities and units that account for patient dosimetry. There are countless documents and international recommendations on names, concepts, definitions and areas of application for various quantities and units used in patient dosimetry, in interventional and diagnostic radiology procedures. However, national legislation is not updated in this regard and does not provide, in any of its documents, an updated glossary that enables finding this type of information quickly and precisely. Therefore, this review paper presents in a didactic way and in plain language, the main quantities and units to be used in the dosimetry of patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.

Debido a que los procedimientos de radiodiagnóstico e intervencionismo representan una de las principales fuentes de irradiación a la población por radiaciones ionizantes, se vuelve prioritario conocer las magnitudes y unidades que dan cuenta de la dosimetría a los pacientes. Existen innumerables documentos y recomendaciones internacionales sobre nombres, conceptos, definiciones y campos de aplicación para diversas magnitudes y unidades utilizadas en la dosimetría de pacientes en procedimientos de radiodiagnóstico e intervencionismo. Sin embargo, la legislación nacional no se encuentra actualizada en este sentido y no contempla en ninguno de sus documentos, un glosario actualizado que permita encontrar en forma rápida y precisa este tipo de información. Por lo anterior, este trabajo de revisión presenta de manera didáctica y en un lenguaje sencillo, las principales magnitudes y unidades que se deben utilizar en la dosimetría de pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de radiodiagnóstico e intervencionismo.

Supply and usage of hemodynamic services in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Oferta e utilização de serviços de hemodinâmica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Objective: The paper analyzes the supply and the utilization of hemodynamic services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: It's an exploratory study that uses data obtained from Brazilian official databases. The period of supply analysis was from 1999 to 2009, and of utilization was from 2008 to October 2012. Results: Since 1999 there is a growth of hemodynamic equipment purchase. The private sector concentrates most of the supply, but it has been reducing its availability to SUS. The rate between population and equipment in Brazil exceeds the ones of some rich countries. In the sense of supply, there are in 2009, a supply rate of 1,4 equipments for 1 million inhabitants in RJ state, larger than brazilian rate, of 3,4 but the rates are similar for public customers. Conclusion: Interventional cardiology procedures have improved in the state, but in a different way. And this is because the public hospitals at Rio de Janeiro have mostly reduced their production, while the private ones have increased their production. The observed result is the SUS users performing their procedures at great distances. .

Objetivo: analisar a oferta dos equipamentos e a utilização dos procedimentos inerentes aos serviços públicos de hemodinâmica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, a partir de bancos de dados oficiais: pesquisa AMS do IBGE, CNES, AIH e APAC, e da ANS. O período de análise da oferta foi de 1999 a 2009 e o da utilização, de 2008 a outubro de 2012. Resultados: Desde 1999 há crescimento na aquisição dos equipamentos de hemodinâmica. O setor privado concentra grande parte da oferta, mas vem reduzindo sua disponibilidade ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). A taxa de equipamentos pela população supera a de alguns países ricos. Quanto à oferta, havia, no Rio de Janeiro, em 2009, uma taxa de 4,1 aparelhos por milhão de habitantes maior do que no Brasil, de 3,4, mas considerando apenas a oferta para o SUS, os valores são semelhantes, de 1,6 e 1,5. Conclusão: Os procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista cresceram entre 2008 e 2011 no RJ mas os hospitais públicos na sua maioria têm reduzido a produção e os privados aumentado, resultando no encaminhamento dos usuários do SUS para realizar os procedimentos a grandes distâncias. .

Clinical application of CT and CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy in patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules / Aplicação clínica da TC e biópsia transtorácica percutânea guiada por TC em pacientes com nódulos pulmonares indeterminados

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application of CT and CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-PTNB) in patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 113 patients with PNs undergoing CT and CT-PTNB. Variables such as gender, age at diagnosis, smoking status, CT findings, and CT-PTNB techniques were analyzed. Data analysis was performed with the Student's t-test for independent samples the chi-square test, and normal approximation test for comparison of two proportions. RESULTS: Of the 113 patients studied, 68 (60.2%) were male and 78 (69%) were smokers. The diameter of malignant lesions ranged from 2.6 cm to 10.0 cm. Most of the IPNs (85%) were located in the peripheral region. The biopsied IPNs were found to be malignant in 88 patients (77.8%) and benign in 25 (22.2%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignant tumor, affecting older patients. The IPN diameter was significantly greater in patients with malignant PNs than in those with benign IPNs (p < 0.001). Having regular contour correlated significantly with an IPN being benign (p = 0.022), whereas spiculated IPNs and bosselated IPNs were more often malignant (in 50.7% and 28.7%, respectively). Homogeneous attenuation and necrosis were more common in patients with malignant lesions (51.9% and 26.9%, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, CT and CT-PTNB were useful in distinguishing between malignant and benign IPNs. Advanced age and smoking were significantly associated with malignancy. Certain CT findings related to IPNs (larger diameter, spiculated borders, homogeneous attenuation, and necrosis) were associated with malignancy. .

OBJETIVO: Investigar a aplicação clínica da TC e da biópsia transtorácica percutânea guiada por TC (BTP-TC) em pacientes com nódulos pulmonares indeterminados (NPIs). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 113 pacientes portadores de NPIs submetidos a TC e BTP-TC. Foram analisadas variáveis como sexo, idade ao diagnóstico, tabagismo, achados tomográficos e técnicas de BTP-TC. A análise dos dados foi efetuada por meio do teste t de Student para amostras independentes, teste do qui-quadrado e teste de comparação de duas proporções por aproximação normal. RESULTADOS: Dos 113 pacientes estudados, 68 (60,2%) eram do sexo masculino e 78 (69%) eram tabagistas. O diâmetro das lesões malignas variou de 2,6 a 10,0 cm. A maioria dos NPIs estava localizada na região periférica (85%). O resultado da biópsia foi maligno em 88 pacientes (77,8%) e benigno em 25 (22,2%). O adenocarcinoma foi o tumor maligno mais frequente, acometendo pacientes com idade mais avançada. O diâmetro dos NPIs foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com malignidade (p < 0,001). Houve uma associação significativa entre NPIs com contorno regular e lesões benignas (p = 0,022), enquanto os de tipo espiculado e bocelado foram mais frequentes em pacientes com lesões malignas (50,7% e 28,7%, respectivamente). Atenuação homogênea e necrose foram mais frequentes em pacientes com lesões malignas (51,9% e 26,9%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: A TC e a BTP-TC foram úteis no diagnóstico diferencial entre lesões malignas e benignas nos pacientes com NPIs nesta amostra. Idade mais avançada e tabagismo associaram-se significativamente com malignidade. Houve associações de achados tomográficos (diâmetro maior, contorno espiculado, atenuação homogênea ...

Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomy Using the One-Anchor Technique in Patients after Partial Gastrectomy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of performing percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy and to evaluate factors associated with technical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients after partial gastrectomy, who were referred for PRG between April 2006 and April 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. The remnant stomach was punctured using a 21-gauge Chiba-needle. A single anchor was used for the gastropexy and a 12-Fr or 14-Fr gastrostomy tube was inserted. Data were collected regarding the technical success, procedure time, and presence of any complications. Univariable analyses were performed to determine the factors related to the technical success. RESULTS: Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy was technically successful in 10 patients (53%), while a failed attempt and failure without an attempt were observed in 5 (26%) and 4 (21%) patients, respectively. Percutaneous radiologic jejunostomy was successfully performed in 9 patients who experienced technical failure. In the 10 successful PRG cases, the mean procedure time was 6.35 minutes. Major complications occurred in 2 patients, tube passage through the liver and pneumoperitonum in one and severe hemorrhage in the other. The technical success rate was higher in patients with Billroth I gastrectomy (100%, 6/6) than in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy (31%, 4/13) (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy can be successfully performed using the one-anchor technique in approximately half of the patients after partial gastrectomy.