Postoperative computed tomography of insufflated lung specimens obtained by video-assisted thoracic surgery: detection and margin assessment of pulmonary nodules.

Objective: To investigate the utility of computed tomography (CT) scans to detect and assess the margin status of pulmonary nodules that were insufflated after being resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Materials and Methods: This was a novel multicenter study conducted at two national referral centers for thoracic diseases. Patients suspected of having lung cancer underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for the resection of pulmonary nodules, which were submitted to postoperative CT. Measurements from the CT scans were compared with the results of the histopathological analysis. Results: A total of 37 pulmonary nodules from 37 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 36-84 years), and 27 (73%) were female. A CT analysis of insufflated specimens identified all 37 nodules, and 33 of those nodules were found to have tumor-free margins. The histopathological analysis revealed lung cancer in 30 of the nodules, all with tumor-free margins, and benign lesions in the seven remaining nodules. Conclusion: Postoperative CT of insufflated suspicious lung lesions provides real-time detection of pulmonary nodules and satisfactory assessment of tumor margins. This initial study shows that CT of insufflated lung lesions can be a valuable tool at centers where intraoperative histopathological analysis is unavailable.

Objetivo: Investigar a utilidade da tomografia computadorizada (TC) para a detecção e avaliação de margens de nódulos pulmonares que foram insuflados após ressecção por cirurgia torácica videoassistida. Materiais e Métodos: Um inédito estudo multicêntrico foi conduzido em dois centros de referência nacional para doenças torácicas. Nódulos foram ressecados por cirurgia torácica videoassistida de pacientes com suspeita de câncer de pulmão e submetidos a TC pós-operatória. As medidas radiológicas da TC foram comparadas com as da análise patológica. Resultados: Um total de 37 pacientes foi avaliado. A idade média foi de 65 anos (variação: 36-84 anos) e 27 indivíduos (73%) eram do sexo feminino. A análise por TC dos espécimes insuflados identificou todas as 37 lesões e 33 delas com margens livres. A análise patológica revelou 30 casos de câncer de pulmão, todos com margens livres, e sete lesões não malignas. Conclusão: A TC pós-operatória de lesões pulmonares insufladas com suspeita de malignidade provê detecção em tempo real de nódulos pulmonares e aceitável avaliação de margens tumorais. Este estudo inicial demonstra que a TC de lesões pulmonares insufladas pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa em centros em que a análise histopatológica intraoperatória é indisponível.

Postoperative computed tomography of insufflated lung specimens obtained by video-assisted thoracic surgery: detection and margin assessment of pulmonary nodules / Tomografia computadorizada pós-operatória de espécimes pulmonares insuflados após cirurgia torácica videoassistida: detecção e avaliação de margens de nódulos pulmonares

Abstract Objective: To investigate the utility of computed tomography (CT) scans to detect and assess the margin status of pulmonary nodules that were insufflated after being resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Materials and Methods: This was a novel multicenter study conducted at two national referral centers for thoracic diseases. Patients suspected of having lung cancer underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for the resection of pulmonary nodules, which were submitted to postoperative CT. Measurements from the CT scans were compared with the results of the histopathological analysis. Results: A total of 37 pulmonary nodules from 37 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 36-84 years), and 27 (73%) were female. A CT analysis of insufflated specimens identified all 37 nodules, and 33 of those nodules were found to have tumor-free margins. The histopathological analysis revealed lung cancer in 30 of the nodules, all with tumor-free margins, and benign lesions in the seven remaining nodules. Conclusion: Postoperative CT of insufflated suspicious lung lesions provides real-time detection of pulmonary nodules and satisfactory assessment of tumor margins. This initial study shows that CT of insufflated lung lesions can be a valuable tool at centers where intraoperative histopathological analysis is unavailable.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a utilidade da tomografia computadorizada (TC) para a detecção e avaliação de margens de nódulos pulmonares que foram insuflados após ressecção por cirurgia torácica videoassistida. Materiais e Métodos: Um inédito estudo multicêntrico foi conduzido em dois centros de referência nacional para doenças torácicas. Nódulos foram ressecados por cirurgia torácica videoassistida de pacientes com suspeita de câncer de pulmão e submetidos a TC pós-operatória. As medidas radiológicas da TC foram comparadas com as da análise patológica. Resultados: Um total de 37 pacientes foi avaliado. A idade média foi de 65 anos (variação: 36-84 anos) e 27 indivíduos (73%) eram do sexo feminino. A análise por TC dos espécimes insuflados identificou todas as 37 lesões e 33 delas com margens livres. A análise patológica revelou 30 casos de câncer de pulmão, todos com margens livres, e sete lesões não malignas. Conclusão: A TC pós-operatória de lesões pulmonares insufladas com suspeita de malignidade provê detecção em tempo real de nódulos pulmonares e aceitável avaliação de margens tumorais. Este estudo inicial demonstra que a TC de lesões pulmonares insufladas pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa em centros em que a análise histopatológica intraoperatória é indisponível.

NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the impact of avascular necrosis of the femoral head on the quality of life of children and adolescents with Perthes disease and sickle cell disease. METHODS: A comparative study including 24 children between eight and 18 years old with avascular necrosis of the femoral head secondary to Perthes disease and sickle cell disease (Group with Necrosis) and 24 children considered asymptomatic (Group without Necrosis). Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected and the PedsQL 4.0 and the Charnley score for hip dysfunction were applied. RESULTS: There was no difference in the overall score and in any domain when comparing the Perthes group (global = 73.1) and the sickle cell disease group (global = 65.9). When comparing the groups with necrosis and without necrosis, the Perthes group had a lower overall score only for the Physical Functioning domain (87.5 versus 68.5); sickle cell disease group had a lower overall score (64.9 versus 79.4) and in the Physical Functioning (68.5 versus 87.5) and School Functioning (62.9 versus 73.7) domains. CONCLUSION: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head produces lower quality of life scores both in the global evaluation and in the domains Physical Functioning and School Functioning. Necrosis, bilateral lesion, and hip function were found to be associated with the loss of quality of life. Level of Evidence III, Sectional comparative study.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o impacto da necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur sobre a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com doença de Perthes e anemia falciforme. MÉTODOS: Estudo comparativo com 24 crianças entre oito e 18 anos com necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur secundária à doença de Perthes e à anemia falciforme (grupo com necrose) e 24 crianças consideradas assintomáticas (grupo sem necrose). Foram coletados dados clínicos e sociodemográficos e aplicado o instrumento PedsQL 4.0 e o escore de Charnley para disfunção do quadril. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença no escore global e em nenhum domínio comparando os grupos Perthes (global = 73,1) e anemia falciforme (global = 65,9). Quando comparados os grupos sem necrose e com necrose, nota-se que o grupo Perthes tem escore inferior apenas para o domínio Capacidade Física (87,5 versus 68,5); já o grupo anemia falciforme tem escore global inferior (64,9 versus 79,4) e também nos domínios Capacidade Física (68,5 versus 87,5) e Aspecto Escolar (62,9 versus 73,7). CONCLUSÃO: A necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur produz escores de qualidade de vida inferiores tanto na avaliação global, como nos domínios Capacidade Física e Aspecto Escolar. Foram identificadas presença de necrose, lesão bilateral e função do quadril como fatores associados à perda de qualidade de vida. Nível de evidência III, Estudo seccional comparativo.

Necrosis of the femoral head and health-related quality of life of children and adolescents / Necrose da cabeça do fêmur e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de crianças e adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the impact of avascular necrosis of the femoral head on the quality of life of children and adolescents with Perthes disease and sickle cell disease. Methods: A comparative study including 24 children between eight and 18 years old with avascular necrosis of the femoral head secondary to Perthes disease and sickle cell disease (Group with Necrosis) and 24 children considered asymptomatic (Group without Necrosis). Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected and the PedsQL 4.0 and the Charnley score for hip dysfunction were applied. Results: There was no difference in the overall score and in any domain when comparing the Perthes group (global = 73.1) and the sickle cell disease group (global = 65.9). When comparing the groups with necrosis and without necrosis, the Perthes group had a lower overall score only for the Physical Functioning domain (87.5 versus 68.5); sickle cell disease group had a lower overall score (64.9 versus 79.4) and in the Physical Functioning (68.5 versus 87.5) and School Functioning (62.9 versus 73.7) domains. Conclusion: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head produces lower quality of life scores both in the global evaluation and in the domains Physical Functioning and School Functioning. Necrosis, bilateral lesion, and hip function were found to be associated with the loss of quality of life. Level of Evidence III, Sectional comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar o impacto da necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur sobre a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com doença de Perthes e anemia falciforme. Métodos: Estudo comparativo com 24 crianças entre oito e 18 anos com necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur secundária à doença de Perthes e à anemia falciforme (grupo com necrose) e 24 crianças consideradas assintomáticas (grupo sem necrose). Foram coletados dados clínicos e sociodemográficos e aplicado o instrumento PedsQL 4.0 e o escore de Charnley para disfunção do quadril. Resultados: Não houve diferença no escore global e em nenhum domínio comparando os grupos Perthes (global = 73,1) e anemia falciforme (global = 65,9). Quando comparados os grupos sem necrose e com necrose, nota-se que o grupo Perthes tem escore inferior apenas para o domínio Capacidade Física (87,5 versus 68,5); já o grupo anemia falciforme tem escore global inferior (64,9 versus 79,4) e também nos domínios Capacidade Física (68,5 versus 87,5) e Aspecto Escolar (62,9 versus 73,7). Conclusão: A necrose avascular da cabeça do fémur produz escores de qualidade de vida inferiores tanto na avaliação global, como nos domínios Capacidade Física e Aspecto Escolar. Foram identificadas presença de necrose, lesão bilateral e função do quadril como fatores associados à perda de qualidade de vida. Nível de evidência III, Estudo seccional comparativo.

"Pulmonary Vein Sign" for Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in Computed Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSES: Considering that pulmonary arterial obstruction decreases venous flow, we hypothesized that filling defects in pulmonary veins can be identified in areas adjacent to pulmonary embolism (PE). This sign was named the "pulmonary vein sign" (PVS), and we evaluated its prevalence and performance for PE diagnosis in computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of PE who underwent CTPA scan. The PVS was defined by the following criteria: (a) presence of a homogeneous filling defect of at least 2 cm in a pulmonary vein; (b) attenuation of the left atrium > 160 Hounsfield units. Using the cases that presented PE on CTPA as reference, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for PVS. RESULTS: In total, 119 patients (73 female; mean age, 62 years) were included in this study. PE was diagnosed in 44 (35.8%) patients. The PVS was present in 16 out of 44 patients with PE. Sensitivity was 36.36% (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.83-52.26%); specificity, 98.67% (95% CI 91.79-99.93%); positive predictive value, 94.12% (95% CI 69.24-99.69%); negative predictive value, 72.55% (95% CI 62.67-80.70%). The Kappa index for the PVS was good (0.801; 95% CI 0.645-0.957). PVS was correlated with lobar and segmental pulmonary embolism (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite a low sensitivity, presence of the pulmonary vein sign was highly specific for PE, with a good agreement between readers. This sign could contribute for PE diagnosis on CTPA studies.

Chest CT findings in patients with dysphagia and aspiration: a systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to characterize chest CT findings in patients with dysphagia and pulmonary aspiration, identifying the characteristics and the methods used. The studies were selected from among those indexed in the Brazilian Virtual Library of Health, LILACS, Indice Bibliográfico Español de Ciencias de la Salud, Medline, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and PubMed databases. The search was carried out between June and July of 2016. Five articles were included and reviewed, all of them carried out in the last five years, published in English, and coming from different countries. The sample size in the selected studies ranged from 43 to 56 patients, with a predominance of adult and elderly subjects. The tomographic findings in patients with dysphagia-related aspiration were varied, including bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, pulmonary nodules, consolidations, pleural effusion, ground-glass attenuation, atelectasis, septal thickening, fibrosis, and air trapping. Evidence suggests that chest CT findings in patients with aspiration are diverse. In this review, it was not possible to establish a consensus that could characterize a pattern of pulmonary aspiration in patients with dysphagia, further studies of the topic being needed.

Chest CT findings in patients with dysphagia and aspiration: a systematic review / Achados de TC de tórax em pacientes com disfagia e aspiração pulmonar: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT The objective of this systematic review was to characterize chest CT findings in patients with dysphagia and pulmonary aspiration, identifying the characteristics and the methods used. The studies were selected from among those indexed in the Brazilian Virtual Library of Health, LILACS, Indice Bibliográfico Español de Ciencias de la Salud, Medline, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and PubMed databases. The search was carried out between June and July of 2016. Five articles were included and reviewed, all of them carried out in the last five years, published in English, and coming from different countries. The sample size in the selected studies ranged from 43 to 56 patients, with a predominance of adult and elderly subjects. The tomographic findings in patients with dysphagia-related aspiration were varied, including bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, pulmonary nodules, consolidations, pleural effusion, ground-glass attenuation, atelectasis, septal thickening, fibrosis, and air trapping. Evidence suggests that chest CT findings in patients with aspiration are diverse. In this review, it was not possible to establish a consensus that could characterize a pattern of pulmonary aspiration in patients with dysphagia, further studies of the topic being needed.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática dos achados de TC de tórax que caracterizem aspiração pulmonar em pacientes com disfagia, identificando as características e os métodos utilizados. Para a seleção dos estudos, foram utilizadas as bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, LILACS, Indice Bibliográfico Español de Ciencias de la Salud, Medline, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO e PubMed. A busca foi realizada no período entre junho e julho de 2016. Foram incluídos e revisados cinco artigos, todos realizados nos últimos cinco anos, publicados em língua inglesa e oriundos de diferentes países. O tamanho da amostra nos estudos selecionados variou de 43 a 56 pacientes, com predominância de sujeitos adultos e idosos. Os achados tomográficos em pacientes com aspiração relacionada à disfagia foram variados, abrangendo bronquiectasias, espessamento da parede brônquica, nódulos pulmonares, consolidações, derrame pleural, atenuação em vidro fosco, atelectasias, espessamento septal, fibrose, aprisionamento aéreo, entre outros. As evidências sugerem que os achados de TC de tórax em pacientes que apresentam aspiração são diversificados. Nesta revisão, não foi possível estabelecer um consenso que pudesse caracterizar um padrão de aspiração pulmonar nos pacientes com disfagia, sendo importantes investigações futuras sobre o assunto.

Computed Tomography Findings of Bronchiectasis in Different Respiratory Phases Correlate with Pulmonary Function Test Data in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate bronchiectasis variations in different computed tomography (CT) respiratory phases, and their correlation with pulmonary function test (PFT) data, in adults. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis from 63 patients with bronchiectasis according to CT criteria selected from the institution database and for whom PFT data were also available. Bronchiectasis diameter was measured on inspiratory and expiratory phases. Its area and matched airway-vessel ratios in both phases were also calculated. Finally, PFT results were compared with radiological measurements. RESULTS: Bronchiectatic airways were larger on inspiration than on expiration (mean cross-sectional area, 69.44 vs. 40.84 mm2; p < 0.05) as were airway-vessel ratios (2.1 vs. 1.4; p < 0.05). Cystic bronchiectasis cases showed the least variation in cross-sectional area (48%). Mean predicted values of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were 81.5 and 77.2%, respectively, in the group in which bronchiectasis could not be identified on expiratory images, and 58.3 and 56.0%, respectively, in the other group (p < 0.05). Variation in bronchiectasis area was associated with poorer lung function (r = 0.32). CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis detection, diameter, and area varied significantly according to CT respiratory phase, with non-reducible bronchiectasis showing greater lung function impairment.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as a complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in a seven-year-old girl.

Introduction Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a multisystem small vessel vasculitis. Neurologic manifestations are uncommon. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura with typical clinical and neuroimaging findings that occurs most commonly in the setting of severe hypertension and renal injury. Case presentation A seven-year-old girl was admitted to our institution presenting with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Glucocorticoid therapy was initiated, but five days following her admission, she developed altered consciousness, seizures, arterial hypertension, and cortical blindness. Brain MRI scan revealed areas of vasogenic oedema in parieto-occipital lobes, consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. She was immediately initiated on antihypertensives and antiepileptics, which successfully improved her neurologic symptoms. Further laboratory work-up disclosed a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis secondary to Henoch-Schönlein purpura that was the likely cause of her sudden blood pressure elevation. Immunosuppressive therapy was undertaken, and at one-year follow-up, the patient exhibited complete renal and neurologic recovery. Conclusion Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a severe complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. If promptly diagnosed and treated, children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura presenting with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome usually have a good prognosis. Clinicians should be familiar with the characteristic presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and be aware that hypertension and renal injury may predispose Henoch-Schönlein purpura patients to developing this complication.

The halo sign: HRCT findings in 85 patients / Sinal do halo: achados de TCAR em 85 pacientes

ABSTRACT Objective: The halo sign consists of an area of ground-glass opacity surrounding pulmonary lesions on chest CT scans. We compared immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients in terms of halo sign features and sought to identify those of greatest diagnostic value. Methods: This was a retrospective study of CT scans performed at any of seven centers between January of 2011 and May of 2015. Patients were classified according to their immune status. Two thoracic radiologists reviewed the scans in order to determine the number of lesions, as well as their distribution, size, and contour, together with halo thickness and any other associated findings. Results: Of the 85 patients evaluated, 53 were immunocompetent and 32 were immunosuppressed. Of the 53 immunocompetent patients, 34 (64%) were diagnosed with primary neoplasm. Of the 32 immunosuppressed patients, 25 (78%) were diagnosed with aspergillosis. Multiple and randomly distributed lesions were more common in the immunosuppressed patients than in the immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001 for both). Halo thickness was found to be greater in the immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Etiologies of the halo sign differ markedly between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Although thicker halos are more likely to occur in patients with infectious diseases, the number and distribution of lesions should also be taken into account when evaluating patients presenting with the halo sign.

RESUMO Objetivo: O sinal do halo consiste em uma área de opacidade em vidro fosco ao redor de lesões pulmonares em imagens de TC de tórax. Pacientes imunocompetentes e imunodeprimidos foram comparados quanto a características do sinal do halo a fim de identificar as de maior valor diagnóstico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de tomografias realizadas em sete centros entre janeiro de 2011 e maio de 2015. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com seu estado imunológico. Dois radiologistas torácicos analisaram os exames a fim de determinar o número de lesões e sua distribuição, tamanho e contorno, bem como a espessura do halo e quaisquer outros achados associados. Resultados: Dos 85 pacientes avaliados, 53 eram imunocompetentes e 32 eram imunodeprimidos. Dos 53 pacientes imunocompetentes, 34 (64%) receberam diagnóstico de neoplasia primária. Dos 32 pacientes imunodeprimidos, 25 (78%) receberam diagnóstico de aspergilose. Lesões múltiplas e distribuídas aleatoriamente foram mais comuns nos imunodeprimidos do que nos imunocompetentes (p < 0,001 para ambas). A espessura do halo foi maior nos imunodeprimidos (p < 0,05). Conclusões: As etiologias do sinal do halo em pacientes imunocompetentes são bastante diferentes das observadas em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Embora halos mais espessos ocorram mais provavelmente em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, o número e a distribuição das lesões também devem ser levados em conta na avaliação de pacientes que apresentem o sinal do halo.

Advances in Imaging and Automated Quantification of Pulmonary Diseases in Non-neoplastic Diseases.

Histological examination has always been the gold standard for the detection and quantification of lung remodeling. However, this method has some limitations regarding the invasiveness of tissue acquisition. Quantitative imaging methods enable the acquisition of valuable information on lung structure and function without the removal of tissue from the body; thus, they are useful for disease identification and follow-up. This article reviews the various quantitative imaging modalities used currently for the non-invasive study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases. Some promising computer-aided diagnosis methods are also described.

Pulmonary computed tomography findings in patients with chronic aspiration detected by videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate CT findings in patients with chronic aspiration compared with a control group without aspiration, as detected by the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included patients with and without diagnoses of aspiration confirmed by VFSS, who underwent CT examination of the lungs between 2010 and 2014. Two radiologists blinded to the presence of aspiration reviewed the images to detect the presence of any abnormality. Consensus was reached with a third radiologist. CT pulmonary findings (bronchial thickening, bronchiolectasis, centrilobular nodules, ground-glass opacities, atelectasis, consolidation and air trapping) were compared between the groups using the χ(2) test, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients (28 patients with diagnoses of aspiration; 52% male, mean age 65 ± 15 years) were included in the study. Patients with aspiration were more likely to than those in the control group to demonstrate atelectasis, centrilobular nodules, bronchiolectasis, consolidation and ground-glass opacities (all p < 0.05), with a significant predilection for the lower lobes (p < 0.001). Bronchial wall thickening and air trapping did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Atelectasis, centrilobular nodules, bronchiolectasis, consolidation and ground-glass opacities occurred more frequently in patients with aspiration than in those without aspiration, with a pronounced tendency for distribution in the lower lobes. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: CT findings of aspiration are very important, as pulmonary symptoms may be the first manifestation of this disorder. Knowledge of these findings is essential to enable the early diagnosis of aspiration disorders and prevent lung damage.

The halo sign: HRCT findings in 85 patients.

OBJECTIVE:: The halo sign consists of an area of ground-glass opacity surrounding pulmonary lesions on chest CT scans. We compared immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients in terms of halo sign features and sought to identify those of greatest diagnostic value. METHODS:: This was a retrospective study of CT scans performed at any of seven centers between January of 2011 and May of 2015. Patients were classified according to their immune status. Two thoracic radiologists reviewed the scans in order to determine the number of lesions, as well as their distribution, size, and contour, together with halo thickness and any other associated findings. RESULTS:: Of the 85 patients evaluated, 53 were immunocompetent and 32 were immunosuppressed. Of the 53 immunocompetent patients, 34 (64%) were diagnosed with primary neoplasm. Of the 32 immunosuppressed patients, 25 (78%) were diagnosed with aspergillosis. Multiple and randomly distributed lesions were more common in the immunosuppressed patients than in the immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001 for both). Halo thickness was found to be greater in the immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: Etiologies of the halo sign differ markedly between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Although thicker halos are more likely to occur in patients with infectious diseases, the number and distribution of lesions should also be taken into account when evaluating patients presenting with the halo sign. OBJETIVO:: O sinal do halo consiste em uma área de opacidade em vidro fosco ao redor de lesões pulmonares em imagens de TC de tórax. Pacientes imunocompetentes e imunodeprimidos foram comparados quanto a características do sinal do halo a fim de identificar as de maior valor diagnóstico. MÉTODOS:: Estudo retrospectivo de tomografias realizadas em sete centros entre janeiro de 2011 e maio de 2015. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com seu estado imunológico. Dois radiologistas torácicos analisaram os exames a fim de determinar o número de lesões e sua distribuição, tamanho e contorno, bem como a espessura do halo e quaisquer outros achados associados. RESULTADOS:: Dos 85 pacientes avaliados, 53 eram imunocompetentes e 32 eram imunodeprimidos. Dos 53 pacientes imunocompetentes, 34 (64%) receberam diagnóstico de neoplasia primária. Dos 32 pacientes imunodeprimidos, 25 (78%) receberam diagnóstico de aspergilose. Lesões múltiplas e distribuídas aleatoriamente foram mais comuns nos imunodeprimidos do que nos imunocompetentes (p < 0,001 para ambas). A espessura do halo foi maior nos imunodeprimidos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES:: As etiologias do sinal do halo em pacientes imunocompetentes são bastante diferentes das observadas em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Embora halos mais espessos ocorram mais provavelmente em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, o número e a distribuição das lesões também devem ser levados em conta na avaliação de pacientes que apresentem o sinal do halo.

Computed tomographic pulmonary changes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether patients with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) show characteristic pulmonary changes on chest CT compared with a control group without sinusopathy. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included patients with and without a diagnosis of CRS who underwent CT examination of the lungs between 2012 and 2014. Two radiologists, who were blinded for the presence of CRS, reviewed the scans for the presence of any abnormalities consensually. The χ(2) test was used for correlative analysis, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 123 CT series (51.2% from male patients, mean age 41 ± 16 years) were reviewed, including those from 59 (48%) patients with a diagnosis of CRS. Patients with CRS were more likely than the control group to exhibit atelectasis, bronchiolectasis, centrilobular nodules and ground-glass opacities (all p < 0.05), with a significant predilection for middle lobe and lingular involvement observed (p < 0.001). Other abnormalities, such as bronchial wall thickening and air trapping, did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Atelectatic changes, ground-glass opacities, bronchiolectasis and centrilobular nodules are the most frequent abnormalities associated with CRS, with peculiar middle lobe and lingular involvement observed on chest CT examinations. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: CRS is a frequent disorder that displays typical pulmonary changes at CT. The recognition of such findings can prevent patients with this condition from undergoing unnecessary investigations that might be based on the presence of the aforementioned radiological features.