Ethmoidal silent sinus syndrome after nasal swab test.

This study reported the case of a healthy male in his 40s who presented with a 3-month history of frontal headache and post-nasal drip, which did not improve with oral antibiotics. One month prior to the onset of the symptoms, he underwent a nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 (which yielded a negative result) for a history of malaise and cough. The patient claimed that the swab insertion into the nasal cavity was particularly painful on the left side. Sinus computed tomography (CT) scan showed deformity of the left middle nasal turbinate with occlusion of the osteomeatal complex, resulting in ethmoid silent sinus syndrome. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because nasopharyngeal, midturbinate and anterior nasal swabs have been recommended as initial diagnostic specimen collection methods by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the coronavirus disease 2019. These methods require introducing an instrument into the nasal cavity, potentially leading to adverse effects due to the delicate and complex nasal anatomy. However, complications related to swab testing for respiratory pathogens have not yet been fully discussed in the literature.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls. Paranasal sinus opacification was graded and compared according to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity. RESULTS: Of the patients 28 (29.5%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (median age 52 [range 26-95] years) and 67 were negative (median age 50 [range 18-95] years). Mucosal thickening was present in 97.4% of maxillary sinuses, 80% of anterior ethmoid air cells, 75.3% of posterior ethmoid air cells, 74.7% of frontal sinuses, and 66.3% of sphenoid sinuses. Minimal or mild mucosal thickening (score 1)and normally aerated sinuses (score 0) corresponded to 71.4% and 21.3% of all paranasal sinuses, respectively. The mean score of each paranasal sinus among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative patients was 0.85±0.27 and 0.87±0.38, respectively (p=0.74). Median paranasal sinus opacification score among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients was 9 (interquartile range 8-10) compared to 9 (interquartile range 5-10) in negative patients (p=0.89). There was no difference in mean score adjusted for age and sex. Nasal congestion was more frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive than negative patients (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was associated with patient recall of nasal congestion, but showed no correlation with opacification of paranasal sinuses.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19 / Achados de imagem em tomografias computadorizadas de seios paranasais em pacientes com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls. Paranasal sinus opacification was graded and compared according to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity. Results: Of the patients 28 (29.5%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (median age 52 [range 26-95] years) and 67 were negative (median age 50 [range 18-95] years). Mucosal thickening was present in 97.4% of maxillary sinuses, 80% of anterior ethmoid air cells, 75.3% of posterior ethmoid air cells, 74.7% of frontal sinuses, and 66.3% of sphenoid sinuses. Minimal or mild mucosal thickening (score 1)and normally aerated sinuses (score 0) corresponded to 71.4% and 21.3% of all paranasal sinuses, respectively. The mean score of each paranasal sinus among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative patients was 0.85±0.27 and 0.87±0.38, respectively (p=0.74). Median paranasal sinus opacification score among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients was 9 (interquartile range 8-10) compared to 9 (interquartile range 5-10) in negative patients (p=0.89). There was no difference in mean score adjusted for age and sex. Nasal congestion was more frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive than negative patients (p=0.05). Conclusion: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was associated with patient recall of nasal congestion, but showed no correlation with opacification of paranasal sinuses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar imagens de tomografia computadorizada de seios paranasais de pacientes com a doença por coronavírus 2019, e correlacionar os achados com a doença. Métodos: Foram analisadas imagens de tomografia computadorizada de 95 pacientes submetidos a teste de reação em cadeia da polimerase para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Os dados clínicos foram obtidos por meio dos prontuários dos pacientes e de ligações telefônicas. A opacificação dos seios paranasais foi graduada e comparada entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Resultados: Vinte e oito (29,5%) dos pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (idade mediana de 52 [26-95] anos) e 67, resultado negativo (idade mediana de 50 [18-95] anos). O espessamento mucoso estava presente em 97,4% dos seios maxilares, 80% das células etmoidais anteriores, 75,3% das células etmoidais posteriores, 74,7% dos seios frontais e em 66,3% dos seios esfenoidais. Mínimo ou discreto espessamento mucoso (pontuação 1) e seios com aeração normal (pontuação 0) corresponderam a 71,4% e 21,3% de todos os seios paranasais, respectivamente. A nota média de cada seio paranasal entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 0,85±0,27 e 0,87±0,38, respectivamente (p=0,74). A nota mediana de opacificação dos seios paranasais entre pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 9 (intervalo interquartil de 8 a 10), comparada a 9 (intervalo interquartil de 5 a 10) em pacientes negativos (p=0,89). Não houve diferença na nota média ajustada para idade e sexo. A congestão nasal foi mais frequente em pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave que naqueles com resultados negativos (p=0,05). Conclusão: A infecção pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave apresentou associação com congestão nasal, mas não mostrou correlação com espessamento mucoso dos seios paranasais.

Fighting the invisible enemy: providing support and structure to radiology resident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of this article is to share the strategy we used in order to restructure the radiology and diagnostic imaging department of a referral institution during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, on the basis of the current recommendations. It is essential to integrate the work of supervisors, preceptors, and residents, maintaining communication and sharing decisions, with mutual support, as well as to determine the best strategy to be adopted in this scenario of uncertainty and constant change, while also ensuring adequate emotional support for all parties.

O objetivo deste artigo é compartilhar a estratégia de como estruturamos o departamento de radiologia e diagnóstico por imagem de uma instituição de referência na pandemia da COVID-19, baseados nas recomendações vigentes. É fundamental a integração entre supervisores, preceptores e residentes, sempre mantendo comunicação e compartilhamento das decisões, com apoio mútuo, decidindo a melhor estratégia a ser seguida neste cenário de incertezas e de mudanças contínuas, garantindo ainda suporte emocional adequado a todos.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in Ménière disease: the current state of endolymphatic hydrops evaluation.

Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging have allowed to accurately detect and grade endolymphatic space distension in Ménière disease; this was only possible in post-mortem histological studies until a few years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging rules out other causes of vertigo and hearing loss, and is able to evaluate the cochlear and vestibular compartments of the endolymphatic space using a dedicated protocol.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in Ménière disease: the current state of endolymphatic hydrops evaluation / O papel da ressonância magnética na doença de Ménière: a avaliação da hidropsia endolinfática nos dias atuais

ABSTRACT Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging have allowed to accurately detect and grade endolymphatic space distension in Ménière disease; this was only possible in post-mortem histological studies until a few years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging rules out other causes of vertigo and hearing loss, and is able to evaluate the cochlear and vestibular compartments of the endolymphatic space using a dedicated protocol.

RESUMO Os avanços técnicos na ressonância magnética têm permitido detectar e classificar com acurácia a distensão do espaço endolinfático na doença de Ménière; isso só era possível nos estudos histológicos post-mortem até poucos anos atrás. Além de afastar outras causas de vertigem e de perda auditiva, a ressonância magnética é capaz de avaliar os compartimentos coclear e vestibular do espaço endolinfático por meio de um protocolo dedicado.

The correlation of research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders and magnetic resonance imaging: a study of diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) as a diagnostic test for temporomandibular joint problems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-seven women were assessed with RDC/TMD (2 examiners) and underwent MRI examination (3.0 T). Images were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnoses. Results were analyzed by the Catmaker system. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 44 were diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to RDC/TMD, but 21 (32%) of the diagnoses were not confirmed by MRI. The RDC/TMD sensitivity was 83.0%, specificity was 53.0%, and the positive likelihood ratio was 1.77, whereas the negative likelihood ratio was 0.32 (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that RDC/TMD is a good research tool, but the high rate of false-positive results limits its use in clinical practice.

Aspectos de imagem na tendinite calcária pré-vertebral / Imaging findings in acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis

A tendinite calcária aguda pré-vertebral é uma condição benigna e rara que apresenta calcificação das fibras do músculo longo do pescoço com reação inflamatória local, sendo esta uma das formas de apresentação menos frequentes da doença por deposição de hidroxiapatita de cálcio. Manifesta-se com dor cervical aguda e/ou odinofagia, podendo ser erroneamente diagnosticada como abscesso retrofaríngeo, espondilodiscite ou alteração decorrente de trauma. Os achados radiológicos na tendinite calcária pré-vertebral são patognomônicos. O conhecimento de tais achados é muito importante, pois o correto diagnóstico possibilita a resolução precoce dos sintomas e evita intervenções desnecessárias em um paciente que apresenta afecção com boa resposta ao tratamento conservador.

Acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis is a benign and rare condition that presents calcification of the superior oblique fibers of longus colli muscle with local inflammatory reaction. Such condition is one of the less common presentations of calcium hydroxyapatite deposition disease. Clinical signs are usually acute neck pain and odynophagia, and it may be misdiagnosed as retropharyngeal abscess, spondylodiscitis or traumatic injury. The imaging findings in calcific prevertebral tendinitis are pathognomonic. The knowledge of such findings is extremely important to avoid unnecessary interventions in a patient presenting a condition with a good response to conservative treatment.

Upper thymic prolongation simulating mediastinal lymphadenomegaly / Prolongamento tímico superior simulando linfonodomegalia mediastinal

O timo está localizado na parte anterior do mediastino superior, fica imediatamente atrás do manúbrio esternal e estende-se ao mediastino anterior, anteriormente ao pericárdio. Dois pacientes foram avaliados devido à nodulação na transição da região cervical com o mediastino anterior que simulava linfonodomegalia. O primeiro paciente, sete anos de idade, sexo masculino, apresentava um rabdomiossarcoma do espaço mastigatório, no controle evolutivo notou-se um nódulo com captação de FDG no exame de tomografia por emissão de pósitrons acoplado a tomografia computadorizada (PET-TC). A segunda paciente, 51 anos de idade, sexo feminino apresentava uma nodulação caracterizada na ressonância magnética do pescoço de acompanhamento de um carcinoma papilífero da tireoide. Nos dois casos a nodulação representava um prolongamento superior do timo. Estas nodulações apresentavam mesma densidade na tomografia computadorizada e a mesma intensidade de sinal na ressonância magnética, comparadas com o tecido tímico adjacente e não havia plano de tecido adiposo entre as nodulações e o timo. O conhecimento do prolongamento superior do timo como variação anatômica é fundamental na diferenciação com linfonodomegalia mediastinal, evitando biópsias ou procedimentos desnecessários.

Avaliação nutricional de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça e pescoço / Nutritional evaluation of the patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Introdução: pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça epescoço (CECP) frequentemente têm quadro de desnutriçãoassociado à doença, seja pelo acometimento direto do tratodigestivo alto, seja pela modalidade terapêutica empregada.Objetivo: avaliar o estado nutricional de pacientes com CECP emdiferentes fases do tratamento. Métodos: estudo transversal com155 pacientes assim divididos: 103 com CECP (29 pré-tratamento,47 pós-tratamento sem doença e 27 pós-tratamento com recidivatumoral) e 52 controles sem CECP. Foram coletados dados clínicose epidemiológicos, realizada avaliação nutricional a partir de dadosantropométricos (peso, altura e índice de massa corpórea – IMC),de composição corpórea por meio de bioimpedância (porcentagemde massa magra) e laboratoriais (albumina e contagem total delinfócitos – CTL). Resultados: a estatura e a massa magra emhomens e mulheres não foram diferentes entre os grupos. Asmédias do IMC, albumina e CTL foram normais, porém, menoresnos pacientes com recidiva da doença. Os casos pré-tratamentoapresentaram média do IMC menor que a dos controles, contudo,as médias de albumina sérica e CLT foram semelhantes entre eles.O grupo de pacientes pós-tratamento com doença recidivadaapresentou médias dos três critérios menores do que aquelas dogrupo sem doença. Nos casos tratados sem doença, pacientessubmetidos à cirurgia exclusiva apresentaram maiores índices deIMC e CTL que aqueles que receberam tratamentos combinados.Conclusão: pacientes com CECP apresentaram média de IMCmenor do que controles. Os casos com doença recidivada tiverampior estado nutricional que aqueles que se encontravam semdoença após o tratamento.

Introduction: Patients with head and neck squamous cellcarcinoma (HNSCC) usually present nutritional disorders,secondary to the upper aerodigestive tract involvement or due tothe treatment sequels. Objective: To assess the nutritional status ofpatients with HNSCC in different phases of the disease treatment.Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 patients divided in 4groups: 103 patients with HNSCC (29 before treatment, 47 posttreatment with no recurrence and 27 post treatment with recurrentdisease) and 52 controls without HNSCC. Clinical and epidemiologicaldata were collected and a nutrition assessment wasperformed from anthropometric parameters (weight, height andBody Mass Index – BMI), electric bioimpedance (thin masspercentage) and biochemical parameters (albumin and totallymphocyte count – TLC). Results: Height and thin masspercentage were similar between the groups. The means of BMI,albumin and TLC were normal; however, they were lower in posttreatment patients with recurrent disease. The patients beforetreatment had BMI average lower then control patients but albuminand TLC were similar between them. The post treatment groupwithout recurrent disease had averages of the three parametershigher than those of the patients with recurrent disease group. Inthe post treatment group without recurrent disease, the patientswho underwent surgical treatment exclusively had BMI and TLChigher than those who received adjuvant therapy. Conclusion:Patients with HNSCC had lower BMI average then control patients.Cases with recurrent disease had worst nutritional status thenpatients treated without disease.

Doenca de Alzheimer, transtorno cognitivo leve e envelhecimento normal: avaliacao por medidas de ressonancia magnetica volumetricas / Alzheimer's disease, light cognitive disorder and normal aging: evaluation of measurements by magnetic resonance

Neste projeto foram avaliados 41 pacientes com diagnostico de demencia na doenca de Alzheimer (DA) leve a moderada, segundo criterios da CID-10, NINCDS-ADRDA e DSM-III-R, 21 pacientes com queixa de declinio de memoria, sem outras patologias psiquiatricas (TCL), e 20 idosos normais. O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade e percentual de classificacao correta obtidas com as medidas de ressonancia magnetica (RM) volumetricas, para identificar os pacientes com DA, e os sujeitos com TCL, separando-se dos idosos normais. As regioes de interesse (ROI) investigadas bilateralmente foram a amigdala, o hipocampo e o giro para-hipocampal. Os resultados indicaram que as medidas de todas as estruturas avaliadas (amigdala, hipocampo e giro para-hipocampal) separaram de forma significativa (p < ou = 0,005) os pacientes com DA dos sujeitos com TCL e controles...

Manifestacoes da SIDA na face e regiao cervical / SIDA manifestations on the head and neck

Os autores fazem uma revisao bibliografica sobre as diversas manifestacoes da SIDA na face e regiao cervical, que incluem infeccoes oportunisticas, neoplasias e adenopatias reacionais, tendo como enfoque principal suas apresentacoes atraves dos metodos de imagem, particularmente pela tomografia computadorizada.