Cutaneous tuberculosis on the scalp: a case report.

Tuberculosis is a disease that usually affects the lungs, although other systems may also be infected, resulting in atypical clinical presentations. We report the case of a 76-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital in Brazil with a 3-week history of a painful, enlarging ulcer on the scalp and cough. His medical history was notable for non-metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. On physical examination, the ulcer measured 10 cm in diameter and was tender, with a firm border and yellow crusts. A punch-biopsy specimen of the edge of the ulcer showed acute and chronic non-specific inflammation and neutrophilic infiltrates. Acid-fast bacilli were seen on microscopic examination, molecular testing detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and pan-sensitive M. tuberculosis was cultured. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head showed a frontoparietal osteolytic lesion under the ulcer, chest CT revealed areas of consolidation in the lower lobes and M. tuberculosis was also identified in a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen. After one month of combination therapy with rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol his symptoms were found to be improving and the size of the ulcer was markedly reduced.

Conduta terapêutica em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: monoterapia ou terapia cominada? / Therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: monotherapy or combination therapy?

Objetivo: Comparar a dupla terapia broncodilatadora com glicopirrônio mais indacaterol à monoterapia com glicopirrônio em pacientes portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. Métodos: Estudo clínico prospectivo, unicêntrico, controlado, cruzado, randomizado e duplo-cego realizado com 14 pacientes com diagnóstico de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica grau II. Os participantes receberam cada um dos tratamentos durante 30 dias. Antes de cada terapia, realizou-se período de wash-out por 7 dias, com broncodilador de curta ação. Antes e após cada intervenção, os pacientes passaram por exame de espirometria e responderam ao questionário COPD Assessment Test. Resultados: Observou-se melhora na função pulmonar medida por meio do volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo de 19mL (±36) para a monoterapia e 87mL (±33) para a terapia dupla. O ganho foi de 67mL (p=0,042) da associação dos medicamentos em relação ao glicopirrônio isolado. A melhora na qualidade de vida, medida a partir das pontuações do questionário, foi de 4,7 (±8,9) pontos para a monoterapia e 5,2 (±11) pontos para a dupla terapia (p=0,08). Conclusão: Ambos os tratamentos demonstram melhora na função pulmonar dos pacientes.

Objective: To compare dual bronchodilator therapy (Glycopyrronium with Indacaterol) versus Glycopyrronium monotherapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: This was a prospective, unicentric, controlled, crossover, randomized, and double-blind clinical trial with 14 patients diagnosed with grade II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The participants received each treatment during the period of 30 days. Before each therapy, a 7-day wash-out period with a short-acting bronchodilator was instituted. Before and after each intervention, the patients underwent spirometry and answered the COPD Assessment Test questionnaire. Results: An improvement in pulmonary function measured by forced expiratory volume during the first second of 19mL (±36) for monotherapy, and 87mL (±33) for dual therapy was observed. The gain was of 67mL (p=0.042) in the association of the drugs in relation to Glycopyrronium alone. The mean improvement in quality of life measured from the questionnaire scores was 4.7 (±8.9) points for monotherapy and 5.2 (± 11) points for dual therapy (p=0.08). Conclusion: Both treatments show improvement in the patients' pulmonary function.

Liver damage in a patient with Gaucher's disease type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: a potential epigenetic effect?

Gaucher's disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are genetic diseases that can cause different kinds of liver damage, but are rarely associated with cirrhosis. Here, we describe the case of a patient with both diseases who presented with cirrhosis, followed by liver failure and death. Although the interaction between these two diseases remains unclear, we suspect the involvement of an epigenetic factor in the evolution of the aggressive liver disease.

Pneumonite actínica e bronquiolite obliterante com pneumonia em organização pós-radioterapia / Radiation pneumonitis and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) after radiotherapy: case report

A radioterapia torácica, utilizada para o tratamento de câncer de mama, pode causar lesões pulmonares como pneumonite actínica e bronquiolite obliterante com pneumonia em organização (BOOP) ou também conhecida como pneumonia em organização, sendo esta mais incomum. Isso pode ocorrer mesmo se realizada em doses dentro do limite de tolerância aceitável para a segurança do paciente.Este relato de caso descreve a história de uma paciente que foi submetida a tratamento radioterápico após a retirada cirúrgica de um tumor maligno de mama e que duas semanas após o término do tratamento apresentou quadro clínico e de imagem de pneumonite actínica. Concomitantemente foi diagnosticada com BOOP, confirmado por tomografia computadorizada de tórax e biópsia transbrônquica. Foi tratada com corticoterapia pelo período de três meses e apresentou melhora clínica e radiológica.Houve, entretanto, dois episódios de recidiva dos sintomas de BOOP após o fim do tratamento. Realizou-se, então, pulsoterapia mensal com metilprednisolona por 12 meses. Um ano após o fim do tratamento se apresenta assintomática e sem uso de medicamento algum. Estudos de imagem demonstraram apenas lesão residual actínica no lobo superior esquerdo.Concluímos que após um tratamento de radioterapia torácica, devemos ficar atentos à ocorrência de lesões pulmonares associadas. E especialmente para casos de BOOP há a necessidade de um tratamento de imunossupressão pelo período mínimo de um ano, pois melhoras iniciais e rápidas induzem o médico a parar o tratamento de forma precipitada, podendo levar a recidivas...

Predicting reduced TLC in patients with low FVC and a normal or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To use clinical and spirometry findings in order to distinguish between the restrictive and nonspecific patterns of pulmonary function test results in patients with low FVC and a normal or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio. METHODS: We analyzed the pulmonary function test results of 211 adult patients submitted to spirometry and lung volume measurements. We used the clinical diagnosis at the time spirometry was ordered, together with various functional data, in order to distinguish between patients presenting with a "true" restrictive pattern (reduced TLC) and those presenting with a nonspecific pattern (normal TLC). RESULTS: In the study sample, TLC was reduced in 144 cases and was within the normal range in 67. The most common causes of a nonspecific pattern were obstructive disorders, congestive heart failure, obesity, bronchiolitis, interstitial diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. In patients given a working diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, or chest wall disease, the positive predictive value (PPV) for restriction was >or= 90%. In males, an FVC or= 0% between the FEV1% and the FVC% had a PPV for restriction of 89.5%. After performing logistic regression, we developed a point scale for predicting the restrictive pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In many patients with reduced FEV1, reduced FVC, and a normal FEV1/FVC ratio, the restrictive pattern can be identified with confidence through the use of an algorithm that takes the clinical diagnosis and certain spirometry measurements into account.

Predizendo redução da CPT em pacientes com CVF reduzida e relação VEF1/CVF normal ou elevada / Predicting reduced TLC in patients with low FVC and a normal or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio

OBJETIVO: Utilizar os dados clínicos e espirométricos para distinguir entre os padrões restritivo e inespecífico dos resultados dos testes de função pulmonar em pacientes com CVF reduzida e relação VEF1/CVF normal ou elevada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados resultados de testes de função pulmonar de 211 pacientes adultos submetidos à espirometria e a medidas de volumes pulmonares. O diagnóstico clínico na solicitação do exame e diversos dados funcionais foram utilizados para diferenciar pacientes com o padrão restritivo "verdadeiro" (CPT reduzida) daqueles com o padrão inespecífico (CPT normal). RESULTADOS: Na amostra estudada, a CPT estava reduzida em 144 casos e estava dentro da faixa normal em 67. As causas mais comuns do padrão inespecífico foram doenças pulmonares obstrutivas, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, obesidade, bronquiolite, doenças intersticiais e doenças neuromusculares. Em pacientes com hipótese diagnóstica de fibrose pulmonar, doenças pleurais ou doenças da parede torácica, o valor preditivo positivo (VPP) para restrição foi > 90 por cento. Em homens, a CVF < 60 por cento do previsto teve um VPP para restrição de 98,8 por cento. Em mulheres, o padrão restritivo foi encontrado em 84,4 por cento daquelas com CVF < 50 por cento do previsto. Uma diferença entre VEF1 por cento e CVF por cento > 0 por cento teve um VPP para restrição de 89,5 por cento. Após regressão logística, uma escala de pontos foi desenvolvida para predizer o padrão restritivo. CONCLUSÕES: O padrão restritivo pode ser identificado com segurança em diversos casos com VEF1 e CVF reduzidos e relação VEF1/CVF normal usando-se um algoritmo que leva em conta o diagnóstico clínico e alguns achados espirométricos.

OBJECTIVE: To use clinical and spirometry findings in order to distinguish between the restrictive and nonspecific patterns of pulmonary function test results in patients with low FVC and a normal or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio. METHODS: We analyzed the pulmonary function test results of 211 adult patients submitted to spirometry and lung volume measurements. We used the clinical diagnosis at the time spirometry was ordered, together with various functional data, in order to distinguish between patients presenting with a "true" restrictive pattern (reduced TLC) and those presenting with a nonspecific pattern (normal TLC). RESULTS: In the study sample, TLC was reduced in 144 cases and was within the normal range in 67. The most common causes of a nonspecific pattern were obstructive disorders, congestive heart failure, obesity, bronchiolitis, interstitial diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. In patients given a working diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, or chest wall disease, the positive predictive value (PPV) for restriction was > 90 percent. In males, an FVC < 60 percent of predicted had a PPV for restriction of 98.8 percent. In females, the restrictive pattern was found in 84.4 percent of those with an FVC < 50 percent of predicted. A difference of > 0 percent between the FEV1 percent and the FVC percent had a PPV for restriction of 89.5 percent. After performing logistic regression, we developed a point scale for predicting the restrictive pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In many patients with reduced FEV1, reduced FVC, and a normal FEV1/FVC ratio, the restrictive pattern can be identified with confidence through the use of an algorithm that takes the clinical diagnosis and certain spirometry measurements into account.

Avaliação da influência de variáveis espirométricas no diagnóstico de distúrbio ventilatório restritivo / Assessment of influence the spirometric variables in the diagnostic of the restrictive pulmonary impairment

Distúrbio ventilatório restritivo (DVR) pode ser definido como a diminuição na capacidade de verificar os pulm~es, devido a uma limitação na expansão pulmonar. É caracterizado fisiologicamente por redução da capacidade pulmonar total (CPT). O padrão-ouro no diagnóstico de um DVR é a medida da CPT através da técnica de diluição de gás hélio ou da plestimografia. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir a capacidade da espirometria em diagnosticar DVR usando como padrão-ouro a medida da CPT obtida através da técnica de diluição de gás hélio, sem o apoio dos outros dados clínicos do paciente. Foram arrolados no estudo 368 pacientes submetidos a ambos os testes no período de janeiro a dezembro de 1999. Foram classificados 54 como portadores de DVR. A relação entre as variáveis envolvidas no estudo e a chance de ocorrência de DVR foi estabelecida por um modelo estatístico de regressão logística.As variáveis preditoras de um DVR foram: CVF porcentagem, EEF, VEF1/CVF, FEF/CVF e TEFpósBd. O modelo selecionado para o cálculo da prbabilidade estimada de um DVR foi: K=exp(1,0191 - 15,0141 (CVF porcentagem) - 7,1939 (FEF) + 4,5528 (VEF/CVF porcentagem) + 6,1835 (FEF) + 0,2148 (TEFpósBd). A probabilidade "P" de um paciente apresentar DVR foi k/(1+k). Concluiu-se que o modelo dse regressão log´sitica final foi capaz de estimar a probabilidade de DVR através da espirometria de cada paciente. Variando-se o ponto de corte para a cassificação de DVR, calculou-se sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo para cada um desses pontos. O ponto 0,20 foi o de melhor equilíbrio entre sensibilidade e especificidade (O,90).

Mediastinal lymph node amyloidosis in a patient with sarcoidosis.

A 27-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms, bilateral enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and enlarged liver. In the imaging studies, bilateral enlargement of the hilar nodes was observed, together with pulmonary infiltrate. The patient was submitted to lung and liver biopsies, which revealed noncaseating granulomas. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were consistent with sarcoidosis and lymph node amyloidosis. The combination of sarcoidosis and amyloidosis has rarely been reported.

Pulmonary lymphangiomatosis: a report of two cases.

Lymphangiomatosis, a rare diseases of controversial origin, occurs in individuals of any age, regardless of gender, but is predominantly seen in younger individuals. It often presents with thoracic involvement, although, the bones, spleen and liver can also be affected. Histologically, the pulmonary involvement includes proliferation, complex anastomoses and secondary dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the presentation is variable. Although radiographic findings can be suggestive of the disease, the final diagnosis is made histologically. We report two cases of lymphangiomatosis, both in females: one was oligosymptomatic and is being treated for the disease; the other had a more progressive form, was diagnosed quite late and ultimately died of the disease.

Doença intersticial pulmonar associada à doença inflamatória intestinal: relato de dois casos / Interstitial pulmonary disease and inflammatory bowel disease association: 2 cases report

O acometimento pulmonar na doença inflamatória intestinal é raro e não está bem caracterizado. Relatamos os casos de duas pacientes com sintomatologia pulmonar inespecífica, em tratamento prévio de doença inflamatória intestinal – doença de Crohn (caso 1) e retocolite ulcerativa (caso 2). Os achados tomográficos foram compatíveis com pneumonia intersticialusual (PIU). Foi realizada revisão da literatura sobre o assunto.

The lung involvement in the inflammatory bowel disease is rare and it is not well characterized. We describe two cases of female patients with un specific pulmonary symptomatology, and previous treatment for inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn‘s disease (case1) and ulcerative rectocolitis. A chest computerized tomography was compatible with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Related literature was reviewed.

Amiloidose ganglionar mediastinal em paciente com sarcoidose / Mediastinal lymph node amyloidosis in a patient with sarcoidosis

Paciente masculino, 27 anos, com sintomas respiratórios, linfonodomegalia cervical anterior bilateral e hepatomegalia. Os estudos de imagem evidenciaram linfonodomegalia hilar bilateral e infiltrado pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido a biópsias pulmonar e hepática, que evidenciaram presença de granulomas não caseosos. Também foi submetido à biópsia de linfonodo hilar, que revelou a presença de material amilóide. Os achados clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos foram compatíveis com sarcoidose e amiloidose ganglionar. A associação entre sarcoidose e amiloidose é raramente descrita.

A 27-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms, bilateral enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and enlarged liver. In the imaging studies, bilateral enlargement of the hilar nodes was observed, together with pulmonary infiltrate. The patient was submitted to lung and liver biopsies, which revealed noncaseating granulomas. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were consistent with sarcoidosis and lymph node amyloidosis. The combination of sarcoidosis and amyloidosis has rarely been reported.

Linfangiomatose pulmonar: relato de dois casos / Pulmonary lymphangiomatosis: a report of two cases

A linfangiomatose, doença rara e de origem controversa, ocorre em indivíduos de todas as faixas etárias, predominando entre os mais jovens, sem predileção por sexo. Comumente cursa com envolvimento torácico, porém órgãos como ossos, baço e fígado podem ser acometidos. Histologicamente, o envolvimento pulmonar cursa com proliferação, anastomoses complexas e dilatação secundária do sistema linfático. Clinicamente, a apresentação é variável. Os achados radiográficos podem ser sugestivos e o diagnóstico é definido pela histologia. Relatamos dois casos da doença; uma das pacientes era oligossintomática e encontra-se em tratamento; na outra, a doença foi mais agressiva e o diagnóstico muito tardio, culminando em óbito.

Lymphangiomatosis, a rare diseases of controversial origin, occurs in individuals of any age, regardless of gender, but is predominantly seen in younger individuals. It often presents with thoracic involvement, although, the bones, spleen and liver can also be affected. Histologically, the pulmonar involvement includes proliferation, complex anastomoses and secondary dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the presentation is variable. Although radiographic findings can be suggestive of the disease, the final diagnosis is made histologically. We report two cases of lymphangiomatosis, both in females: one was oligosymptomatic and is being treated for the disease; the other had a more progressive form, was diagnosed quite late and ultimately died of the disease.

Quilotórax espontâneo associado a atividade física leve / Spontaneous chylothorax associated with light physical activity

O quilotórax ocorre quando há ruptura, laceração ou obstrução do ducto torácico, com liberação de quilo no espaço pleural. Pode acontecer em malformações linfáticas congênitas, linfomas, tumores de mediastino, doenças infecciosas, procedimentos cirúrgicos, traumas automobilísticos, ou ser idiopático. Apresenta sinais clínicos de dispnéia, hipotensão, edema generalizado e cianose. O diagnóstico geralmente é feito por toracocentese e o tratamento é conservador. O quilotórax espontâneo é uma condição incomum de derrame pleural, e somente é hipótese diagnóstica após a exclusão das demais causas. Descrevemos um caso de quilotórax espontâneo associado a atividade física leve em academia de ginástica.

Chylothorax occurs when there is rupture, laceration or obstruction of the thoracic duct, resulting in the release of chyle into the pleural space. Chylothorax can occur in cases of congenital lymphatic malformation, lymphoma, mediastinal tumor and infectious disease, as well as during surgical procedures and after traffic accident-related trauma. It can also be idiopathic. The condition presents clinical signs of dyspnea, hypotension, generalized edema and cyanosis. The diagnosis is usually made through thoracocentesis, and the treatment is conservative. Spontaneous chylothorax is an uncommon form of pleural effusion, and its diagnosis should be hypothesized only after all other causes have been ruled out. Herein, we describe a case of spontaneous chylothorax associated with light physical activity at a fitness center.

Diagnóstico precoce do câncer de pulmão: o grande desafio. Variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas, estadiamento e tratamento / Early diagnosis of lung cancer: the great challenge. Epidemiological variables, clinical variables, staging and treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar casos confirmados de câncer de pulmão, revisando suas variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas, estadiamento e tratamento. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 263 casos provenientes do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná e do Hospital Erasto Gaertner, instituições responsáveis por parcela significativa do atendimento a pacientes na cidade de Curitiba (PR). Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo através de preenchimento de questionário e os dados obtidos foram analisados de forma descritiva, utilizando-se o software EPI-INFO. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (76 por cento), sendo que a maioria dos pacientes era fumante ou ex-fumante por ocasião do diagnóstico (90 por cento). Não havia referência a doença pulmonar prévia em 87 por cento dos casos. Tosse (142 casos) e dor torácica (92 casos) foram os sintomas iniciais mais freqüentes. O câncer de pulmão tipo não pequenas células foi encontrado em 87 por cento dos pacientes e o tipo histológico mais freqüente foi o carcinoma espinocelular, representando 49 por cento dos casos. O tabagismo foi considerado o fator predisponente mais importante. CONCLUSÃO: As características evolutivas do câncer de pulmão, como a inespecificidade dos sintomas iniciais e o tempo e evolução do tumor, somadas à ausência de programas de rastreamento efetivos, constituem os principais fatores que contribuem para a não detecção da neoplasia pulmonar de forma precoce, o que torna difícil o tratamento e dificulta o aumento da sobrevida.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate confirmed cases of lung cancer, reviewing epidemiological variables, clinical variables, staging and treatment. METHODS: The cases of 263 patients were studied. All of the patients had been treated at the Universidade Federal do Paraná (Federal University of Paraná) Hospital de Clínicas or at the Hospital Erasto Gaertner, two institutions that, together, serve a significant portion of the patients seeking treatment in the city of Curitiba, located in the state of Paraná. This was a retrospective study, involving the administration of questionnaires. The descriptive analysis of the data obtained was performed using the Epi-Info program. RESULTS: There was a predominance of male patients (76 percent). At the time of diagnosis, the majority of patients (90 percent) were smokers or former smokers. In 87 percent of the cases, there was no history of lung disease. The most common initial symptoms were cough (142 cases) and chest pain (92 cases). Non-small cell lung cancer was found in 87 percent of the patients, and the most common histological type was spinocellular carcinoma, which was found in 49 percent of all of the patients. Smoking was found to be the most significant predisposing factor. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of lung cancer progression, such as the nonspecificity of the initial symptoms, the duration of tumor growth and the course of the tumor, together with the lack of tracking programs, are the principal factors that hinder the early detection of lung cancer, making it difficult to treat lung cancer patients and to increase their survival.

Spontaneous chylothorax associated with light physical activity.

Chylothorax occurs when there is rupture, laceration or obstruction of the thoracic duct, resulting in the release of chyle into the pleural space. Chylothorax can occur in cases of congenital lymphatic malformation, lymphoma, mediastinal tumor and infectious disease, as well as during surgical procedures and after traffic accident-related trauma. It can also be idiopathic. The condition presents clinical signs of dyspnea, hypotension, generalized edema and cyanosis. The diagnosis is usually made through thoracocentesis, and the treatment is conservative. Spontaneous chylothorax is an uncommon form of pleural effusion, and its diagnosis should be hypothesized only after all other causes have been ruled out. Herein, we describe a case of spontaneous chylothorax associated with light physical activity at a fitness center.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer: the great challenge. Epidemiological variables, clinical variables, staging and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate confirmed cases of lung cancer, reviewing epidemiological variables, clinical variables, staging and treatment. METHODS: The cases of 263 patients were studied. All of the patients had been treated at the Universidade Federal do Paraná (Federal University of Paraná) Hospital de Clínicas or at the Hospital Erasto Gaertner, two institutions that, together, serve a significant portion of the patients seeking treatment in the city of Curitiba, located in the state of Paraná. This was a retrospective study, involving the administration of questionnaires. The descriptive analysis of the data obtained was performed using the Epi-Info program. RESULTS: There was a predominance of male patients (76%). At the time of diagnosis, the majority of patients (90%) were smokers or former smokers. In 87% of the cases, there was no history of lung disease. The most common initial symptoms were cough (142 cases) and chest pain (92 cases). Non-small cell lung cancer was found in 87% of the patients, and the most common histological type was spinocellular carcinoma, which was found in 49% of all of the patients. Smoking was found to be the most significant predisposing factor. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of lung cancer progression, such as the nonspecificity of the initial symptoms, the duration of tumor growth and the course of the tumor, together with the lack of tracking programs, are the principal factors that hinder the early detection of lung cancer, making it difficult to treat lung cancer patients and to increase their survival.

Avaliação do nódulo pulmonar solitário por videotoracoscopia / Management of the solitar pulmonary nodule with video-assisted thorascopic surgery

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a aplicabilidade da videotorascopia no diagnóstico de nódulos pulmonares solitários. Realizou-se uma análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de 16 pacientes com nódulo pulmonar solitário, que foram submetidos a videotoracoscopia entre 1994 e 2003, sendo 7 pacientes homens e nove mulheres, com média de idade de 50,43 anos. Em todos os casos o diagnóstico definitivo foi alcançado. O tamanho médio dos nódulos foi de 16mm. A análise patológica revelou inflamação granulomatosa crõnica (3/16); infarto pulmonar (2/16); hemorragia (1/16); criptocose (1/16) e pseudotumor inflamatório (1/16). Entre os diagnósticos de malignidade: carcinoma de pulmão não pequenas células (3/16); cãncer de mama metastático (2/16); carcinoma de pulmão não pequenas células recidivado (1/16); sarcoma sinovial metastático (1/16) e linfoma (1/16). Conversão para minitoracotomia foi necessária em 8 (50 por cento) dos casos. A taxa de morbidade foi de 12,5 por cento. Não houve mortalidade operatória. A média de dias de internamento foi de 4,9. O dianóstico histológico foi obtido em todos os casos, com um índice de morbidade baixo nula. A videotoracoscopia parace ser o método mais efetivo para a avaliação de nódulos pulmonares solitários periféricos bem selecionados

Spirometric values in children and adolescents with short stature

BACKGROUND: Several factors influence the pulmonary function values considered normal. In children of short stature, there are difficulties in interpreting the pulmonary function. OBJECTIVE: To assess spirometric values in children and adolescents with short stature and to identify a correction factor to adequately predict the expected values for this population. METHOD: A prospective selection of 77 patients was made, all with short stature and no respiratory disease. These patients were submitted to spirometry, transcutaneous hemoglobin oxygen saturation, chest perimeter measurement, and immediate hypersensitivity testing. Bone age was assessed by wrist X-rays. The data obtained by spirometry (FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75 percent) were compared with those of Polgar and Promadhat (1971), predicted in three ways: a) by actual height; b) by height estimated at the 50th percentile for chronological age (CA); c) by height estimated at the 50th percentile for bone age (BA). RESULTS: The mean height was 133.3 ± 13.2 cm, and the deficit in relation to the third percentile was 5.4 ± 6.0 cm. The values obtained for FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75 percent, were significantly higher than those predicted by actual height. The mean FEV1 obtained was 2.42 ± 0.71 L, and the predicted (actual height) was 2.10 ± 0.64 L; according to the height estimated by BA and CA, the values were 2.27 and 2.86 L, respectively. The mean FVC1 was 2.20 ± 0.6 L, and the predicted was 1.90 ± 0.55 L. With the height estimated for bone age and chronologic age, the predicted values were 2.10 and 2.60 L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with short stature have higher spirometric values than predicted for their actual height. These findings suggest that the height estimated at the 50th percentile for bone age can be used to evaluate pulmonary function.