RESUMO
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden blockage of pulmonary arteries. Nonspecific and extremely variable clinical presentation frequently leads to undetected cases, making computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) hold a crucial role in the diagnosis of PE. This case series presents numerous types and findings of PE in CTPA among patients with different initial presentations followed by a literature review. We presented 3 cases with different initial presentations such as dyspnea with wheezing, productive cough, and hematemesis. All patients were consequently evaluated for D-dimer due to suspicion of PE from cardiac ultrasonography, electrocardiography (ECG), and persistent symptoms. Large to subsegmental PE can be found with various secondary findings such as pleural effusion and Hampton's hump. All patient's conditions were improved after anticoagulant treatment. This case series highlights the significance of CTPA as an imaging modality in the diagnosis of PE, as well as the necessity of evaluating the main to subsegmental pulmonary artery through an in-depth understanding of the images that can be assessed on CTPA.
RESUMO
Scurvy is an infrequent pathological condition resulting from a sustained dietary vitamin C deficiency. Radiology becomes pivotal because the diagnostic process for scurvy can be intricate, given its resemblance to bone neoplasms. A 6-year-old boy, reported persistent pain and swelling in the right thigh for 2 months prior to hospitalization. Clinical examination revealed a mass localized in the right thigh and anemia. A radiograph of the right femur demonstrated extensive osteopenic changes, "Trümmerfeld zone", "Frankel line", "Pelkin fracture", "Wimberger ring sign", and para-epiphyseal subperiosteal hematoma. The absence of any such cases in our institution over the preceding decade emphasizes the uniqueness of this presentation. Histopathological evaluation yielded atypical results, prompting further radiographic assessment of the left femur and thorax. The subsequent findings corroborated the classic "scorbutic rosary" presentation, indicative of scurvy. The patient's symptoms gradually resolved with high-dose supplementation of vitamin C. Scurvy predominantly presents with musculoskeletal manifestations. Plasma vitamin C level assessment is the gold standard for the diagnosis, but it is currently inaccessible in our nation. Consequently, radiographic evaluation reveals pathognomonic features of the disorder. In thoracic radiographs, the "scorbutic rosary" presentation is evident. In contrast, long bones exhibit hallmarks of scurvy: diffuse osteopenia, "Frankel line", "Trümmerfeld zone", "Pelkin fracture", "Wimberger ring sign", and para-epiphyseal subperiosteal hematoma. Prompt intervention with vitamin C thwarts the progression to severe complications. Radiology is an indispensable tool in diagnosing pediatric scurvy, especially in developmental countries where the assessment of vitamin C serum levels is inaccessible.
RESUMO
Lung nodule is considered a common incidental finding in chest CT evaluation. Most cases are benign and derived from a previous infection. However, here we present a case where a patient presenting to the hospital with posterior chest wall trauma had a solitary pulmonary nodule that is consistent with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We would like to emphasize the importance of evaluation of incidental findings in chest CT evaluation, in this case, trauma cases by presenting this case. An 81-year-old male was referred to the emergency department with altered consciousness and a history of posterior chest trauma. He complained of a productive cough, but no other symptoms were reported. He had a medical history of Alzheimer's dementia, COVID-19, and hypertension. Physical examination revealed a hematoma on the right side of his back and reduced breath sound. Anteroposterior radiograph showed multiple right posterior rib fractures with right pleural effusion. Contrast-enhanced chest CT revealed a low-density solitary pulmonary nodule with multiple lymphadenopathies, with the presumptive diagnosis of incidentaloma. It was confirmed by pleural analysis with the increase of Cyfra 21-1 tumor marker and consistent with non-small cell lung cancer. In CT studies, incidental solitary pulmonary nodules are common, occurring in 8%-51%. Nodules are often discovered incidentally in trauma patients, but they are not always reported or followed up. It is important to note that each may indicate a clinical significance and represents the potential for malignancy which requires additional workup and further evaluation.
