[Fungal endocarditis in the neonatal period. Report of a case with large right atrial mass]. / Endocardite por fungos no período neonatal. Relato de um caso com grande massa intra-atrial direita.

OBJECTIVE: To draw pediatricians' attention to diagnoses of Fungal Endocarditis, which may ensue as a result of intravascular catheter use. METHODS: The authors report a case of Fungal Endocarditis during the neonatal period, which was later confirmed through a histopathological exam. They also review literature of the theme - from 1980 on - in MEDLINE and LILACS. RESULTS: A newborn was admitted to the hospital with kernicterus - but no previous cardiopathy - and required the use of an intravascular catheter. During the evolution, the baby developed a recurring fever and systolic murmur. Submitted to exam, the tip of the catheter showed the presence of Candida sp. An ecocardiographic exam showed a great right intra-atrial mass, which was surgically removed. The histopathological exam confirmed the diagnosis of fungal endocarditis. CONCLUSION: Fungal Endocarditis should be thought of as a possible diagnosis when great intra-atrial masses are found in neonates with a history of intravascular catheter use and a non-specific infectious condition.

Hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: CT and sonographic spectrum.

Fifteen patients with pathologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver had abdominal computed tomography (CT) (15) and ultrasound (11). In seven patients, the lesions were incidentally found during gallbladder or renal examination, whereas the other eight had a primary neoplasm and the liver was studied for possible metastasis. In 11 unenhanced CT scans, the ratio of isodense to hypodense lesions was 8 to 3. In 15 contrast-enhanced CT scans, seven were isodense, six were hypodense, and in two, the lesion enhanced (hyperdense). In seven patients a hypodense lesion on unenhanced CT became isodense with contrast injection. Delayed images in three showed the lesions appearing as hypodense in two and displaying a rim of enhancement in one. In one case, unenhanced CT was normal and only enhanced CT showed an area of homogeneous increased density. Ultrasound was done in 11 patients, the lesion was hypoechoic to the liver in five, echogenic in four, and isoechoic in two. Findings of central scar were seen on CT and ultrasound in three cases. Pathologic diagnosis was available in all cases, seven by needle aspiration and eight by surgical resection. In our experience, FNH has many CT and sonographic features that can mimic hemangioma or metastasis. While the presence of a central scar increases the specificity, in a cancer patient, the findings should be interpreted with caution and needle aspiration should be obtained.

Clinical significance of pneumatosis of the bowel wall.

The presence of gas within the bowel wall is an uncommon condition that is typically first diagnosed by the radiologist. Although it is often seen on abdominal radiographs, computed tomography is more sensitive in demonstrating pneumatosis and its complications. There is a spectrum of disease states that produce this abnormality, ranging from the innocuous to the fatal. Its radiographic appearance is variable, particularly the location, extent, severity, and presence of pneumoperitoneum or portal venous gas. None of these imaging characteristics can be considered pathognomonic for the underlying cause of the pneumatosis. The radiologist must be aware of the different conditions associated with this entity, as well as their variable appearances.

Leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein: radiologic pathologic correlation.

Leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein is a rare neoplasm occurring more commonly in women. On sectional imaging it is difficult to differentiate from other primary retroperitoneal tumors. Here is a case report of a right renal vein leiomyosarcoma in a 40-year-old man. The ultrasound findings are described and the magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and angiographic findings are illustrated and correlated with the pathologic findings.

Duodenal neoplasms: role of CT.

In a retrospective study of 14 cases of duodenal neoplasms evaluated by computed tomography (CT), there were four primary adenocarcinomas of the duodenum, one lymphoma, five metastatic carcinomas, two duodenal lipomas, one villous adenoma, and one leiomyoma. The CT findings were diagnostic in patients with duodenal lipomas. In 11 cases, a primary origin of the mass was clearly identifiable in the duodenum. Thickening of the bowel wall, tumor necrosis, ulceration, and intraluminal defects were common. The relationship of the masses to adjacent structures was clearly shown on CT scans. Extraluminal extent of the lesion was noted on CT scans in seven patients; however, at surgery only four of six were found to have extramural disease. The presence of adenopathy, liver metastases, and vascular and mesenteric invasion were also demonstrated on CT scans. Twelve patients underwent upper gastrointestinal tract series. A duodenal abnormality was seen in all 12 patients, but the extramural extent and distant metastatic involvement could not be seen on these examinations. CT scans allowed the accurate staging of eight of ten malignant lesions and thus helped in the management of duodenal tumors.