Temporomandibular joint disc position and shape in patients submitted to two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion and face mask therapy: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective study was to assess possible changes in the position and shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc in patients treated with two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask (FM) therapy. METHODS: A sample of 88 patients with Class III or Class III subdivision malocclusions, aged between 6 and 13 years, were consecutively selected and divided into three groups (G): G1-34 patients were treated with RME, followed by FM therapy; G2-34 patients were treated using RME according to modified alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (ALT-RAMEC) protocol, followed by FM therapy. These treated groups were randomly (1:1 allocation ratio) distributed according to the two treatment protocols. G3 - Control Group - 20 untreated patients were followed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) TMJs were obtained before (T1) and after (T2) a treatment period or follow-up. McNemar test, Fisher's exact test and intra- and inter-observer concordance (K) were performed (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline cephalometric variables at T1 between the groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups (p < .001) in relation to the disc shape in T1, since G1 (8 TMJs -11.76%) presented higher occurrences of altered forms in comparison with G2 (no changes). No significant differences were observed in disc position CM and OM (G1 - p > .999; G2 - p = .063; G3 - p = .500) and shape (G1 - p > 0.999; G2 - p = .250; G3 - not calculable), between T1 × T2, in any of the groups studied. CONCLUSION: The two treatment protocols did not have adverse effects on the position and shape of the TMJ disc, in a short-term evaluation.

Temporomandibular joint articular disc position and shape in skeletal Class III.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the position and shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc among the sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns in Angle Class III, Class III subdivision malocclusion and normal occlusion. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in disc position and shape in different (1) malocclusions and (2) skeletal patterns. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study evaluated 105 patients divided into 3 groups: Class III (33, 9.39 ± 1.96 years), Class III subdivision (45, 9.51 ± 1.59 years) and a normal occlusion (27, 10.24 ± 0.87 years) was included as healthy control. Severity of the maxilla-mandibular anteroposterior discrepancy and vertical facial pattern were determined using 2D cephalometry, and the position and shape of the articular discs were evaluated in magnetic resonance images. Statistical parametric and non-parametric tests and Kappa analysis for intra-observer and inter-observer assessment were used (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found in articular disc position. In the normal occlusion group, all the articular discs were well positioned. In Class III and Class III subdivision, the discs were displaced in 30.3% and 12.2% of the TMJs, respectively. Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns did not affect the findings significantly. The Class III subdivision malocclusion group is probably different from the other groups, showing 97.7% of biconcave discs in both TMJs. CONCLUSION: The longitudinal follow-up of this sample becomes relevant as the two groups with malocclusion in the pre-peak phase of pubertal growth showed differences in the prevalence of displacement and form of the articular disc, with no association with their vertical facial characteristics.

Optimization of magnetic resonance imaging protocol for the diagnosis of transient global amnesia.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the most appropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion protocol for the detection of lesions that cause transient global amnesia, in order to perform an accurate examination, as well as to determine the ideal time point after the onset of symptoms to perform the examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated five patients with a diagnosis of transient global amnesia treated between 2012 and 2015. We analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical data, symptom onset, diffusion techniques, and radiological findings. Examination techniques included a standard diffusion sequence (b value = 1000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 5 mm) and a optimized diffusion sequence (b value = 2000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 3 mm). RESULTS: Brain MRI was performed at 24 h or 36 h after symptom onset, except in one patient, in whom it was performed at 12 h after (at which point no changes were seen) and repeated at 36 h after symptom onset (at which point it showed alterations in the right hippocampus). The standard and optimized diffusion sequences were both able to demonstrate focal changes in the hippocampi in all of the patients but one, in whom the changes were demonstrated only in the optimized sequence. CONCLUSION: MRI can confirm a clinical hypothesis of transient global amnesia. Knowledge of the optimal diffusion parameters and the ideal timing of diffusion-weighted imaging (> 24 h after symptom onset) are essential to improving diagnostic efficiency.

OBJETIVO: Enfatizar o protocolo de difusão mais adequado para detecção de lesões da amnésia global transitória, a fim de realizar um exame preciso, em tempo ideal, após o início dos sintomas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de amnésia global transitória atendidos entre 2012 e 2015, considerando-se dados demográficos, clínicos, tempo do início dos sintomas, técnicas de difusão e achados radiológicos. As técnicas incluíram uma sequência de difusão padrão (b = 1000 s/mm2; espessura do corte = 5 mm) e uma sequência de difusão otimizada (b = 2000 s/mm2; espessura de corte = 3 mm). RESULTADOS: A ressonância magnética de encéfalo foi realizada após 24 ou 36 horas do início dos sintomas, exceto em um paciente, em que foi realizada após 12 horas (sem alterações) e repetida após 36 horas (mostrando alterações hipocampais). Em todos os pacientes foram demonstradas alterações focais na difusão no hipocampo em ambas as técnicas, exceto em um paciente, em que as alterações foram demonstradas apenas na sequência otimizada. CONCLUSÃO: A ressonância magnética é capaz de confirmar a hipótese clínica de amnésia global transitória. O conhecimento dos parâmetros ótimos da técnica de difusão e o melhor tempo para a detecção das alterações (> 24 horas) são essenciais para aprimorar a eficiência diagnóstica.

Optimization of magnetic resonance imaging protocol for the diagnosis of transient global amnesia / Otimização do protocolo de ressonância magnética para o diagnóstico por imagem da amnésia global transitória

Abstract Objective: To emphasize the most appropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion protocol for the detection of lesions that cause transient global amnesia, in order to perform an accurate examination, as well as to determine the ideal time point after the onset of symptoms to perform the examination. Materials and Methods: We evaluated five patients with a diagnosis of transient global amnesia treated between 2012 and 2015. We analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical data, symptom onset, diffusion techniques, and radiological findings. Examination techniques included a standard diffusion sequence (b value = 1000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 5 mm) and a optimized diffusion sequence (b value = 2000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 3 mm). Results: Brain MRI was performed at 24 h or 36 h after symptom onset, except in one patient, in whom it was performed at 12 h after (at which point no changes were seen) and repeated at 36 h after symptom onset (at which point it showed alterations in the right hippocampus). The standard and optimized diffusion sequences were both able to demonstrate focal changes in the hippocampi in all of the patients but one, in whom the changes were demonstrated only in the optimized sequence. Conclusion: MRI can confirm a clinical hypothesis of transient global amnesia. Knowledge of the optimal diffusion parameters and the ideal timing of diffusion-weighted imaging (> 24 h after symptom onset) are essential to improving diagnostic efficiency.

Resumo Objetivo: Enfatizar o protocolo de difusão mais adequado para detecção de lesões da amnésia global transitória, a fim de realizar um exame preciso, em tempo ideal, após o início dos sintomas. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de amnésia global transitória atendidos entre 2012 e 2015, considerando-se dados demográficos, clínicos, tempo do início dos sintomas, técnicas de difusão e achados radiológicos. As técnicas incluíram uma sequência de difusão padrão (b = 1000 s/mm2; espessura do corte = 5 mm) e uma sequência de difusão otimizada (b = 2000 s/mm2; espessura de corte = 3 mm). Resultados: A ressonância magnética de encéfalo foi realizada após 24 ou 36 horas do início dos sintomas, exceto em um paciente, em que foi realizada após 12 horas (sem alterações) e repetida após 36 horas (mostrando alterações hipocampais). Em todos os pacientes foram demonstradas alterações focais na difusão no hipocampo em ambas as técnicas, exceto em um paciente, em que as alterações foram demonstradas apenas na sequência otimizada. Conclusão: A ressonância magnética é capaz de confirmar a hipótese clínica de amnésia global transitória. O conhecimento dos parâmetros ótimos da técnica de difusão e o melhor tempo para a detecção das alterações (> 24 horas) são essenciais para aprimorar a eficiência diagnóstica.

Protracted hypofractionated radiotherapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy: a pilot study of clinical and radiologic response.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic response of patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy given low-dose orbital radiotherapy (RT) with a protracted fractionation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighteen patients (36 orbits) received orbital RT with a total dose of 10 Gy, fractionated in 1 Gy once a week over 10 weeks. Of these, 9 patients received steroid therapy as well. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at 6 months after treatment. Clinical response assessment was carried out using three criteria: by physical examination, by a modified clinical activity score, and by a verbal questionnaire considering the 10 most common signs and symptoms of the disease. Radiologic response was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Improvement in ocular pain, palpebral edema, visual acuity, and ocular motility was observed in all patients. Significant decrease in symptoms such as tearing (p < 0.001) diplopia (p = 0.008), conjunctival hyperemia (p = 0.002), and ocular grittiness (p = 0.031) also occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging showed decrease in ocular muscle thickness and in the intensity of the T2 sequence signal in the majority of patients. Treatments were well tolerated, and to date no complications from treatment have been observed. There was no statistical difference in clinical and radiologic response between patients receiving RT alone and those receiving RT plus steroid therapy. CONCLUSION: RT delivered in at a low dose and in a protracted scheme should be considered as a useful therapeutic option for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Metástase orbitária como único achado em paciente com hepatocarcinoma: relato de caso / An unusual orbital metastatic lesion: the only finding in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma: case report

Metástases orbitárias de hepatocarcinoma (HCC) são raras. Os autores têm o objetivo de relatar o caso de um paciente que apresentou metástase orbitária como único achado de um HCC. Paciente masculino, 57 anos, apresentando massa em região temporal direita, associada à proptose, dor e hiperemia. Os exames de imagem revelaram volumosa massa em região temporal, estendendo-se para fossa temporal com destruição da parede orbitária e extensão intracraniana. A tomografia computadorizada de abdome demonstrou tumor primário no fígado. Foi realizada biópsia incisional através de uma orbitotomia anterior cujo estudo anátomo-patológico diagnosticou lesão metastática de hepatocarcinoma. O estudo imuno-histoquímico com marcador para CAM 5.2 e CEA foi positivo. A avaliação sistêmica não revelou outras lesões. O tumor evoluiu com rápido crescimento com óbito 15 meses após o diagnóstico. Metástases orbitárias do carcinoma hepatocelular são raras. Nosso caso foi relevante não só pela raridade desta lesão orbitária, como também pela ausência de outras lesões metastáticas e de sintomas sistêmicos.

Orbital metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is rare. We report an unusual orbital metastatic lesion as the only finding in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma. A 57-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of orbital painful right orbital mass, associated with proptosis. Computed tomography of the orbits showed an orbital soft tissue mass leading to bone erosion and intracranial invasion. Computed tomography of the adbomen showed a focal perfusion abnormality in the left lobe of the liver. Incisional biopsy was performed and the histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis. The patient died 15 months after the initial presentation. COMENTS: This is a rare case of orbital metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. There was no another metastatic lesion and the patient reported only ophthalmological symptoms.

Ressonância magnética das vias lacrimais: estudo comparativo entre bobinas de superfície convencionais e microscópicas / Magnetic resonance dacryocystography: comparison between conventional surface coils and microscopic coils

OBJETIVO: A ressonância magnética tem sido utilizada para avaliar as vias lacrimais, com vantagens em relação à dacriocistografia por raios-X. O objetivo deste trabalho é obter imagens de alta resolução utilizando bobinas de superfície microscópicas para avaliação de estruturas normais das vias lacrimais, comparando com o aspecto observado utilizando-se bobinas de superfície convencionais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinco voluntários assintomáticos, sem histórico de lacrimejamento, submeteram-se a ressonância magnética de alto campo, com bobinas de superfície (convencional e microscópica), com seqüência STIR após instilação de soro fisiológico. A identificação das estruturas anatômicas normais das vias lacrimais foi comparada utilizando-se as duas bobinas. Mediante uso de um sistema de escore, um valor médio de cada estrutura foi calculado por dois examinadores, consensualmente. RESULTADOS: Em 90 por cento das vezes houve aumento do escore, atribuído à estrutura anatômica no estudo com a bobina microscópica. Em média, houve aumento de 1,17 ponto no escore, por estrutura anatômica visualizada, quando se utilizou a bobina microscópica. Observou-se, ainda, melhora subjetiva da relação sinal-ruído ao se utilizar a bobina microscópica. CONCLUSÃO: A dacriocistografia por ressonância magnética com bobinas microscópicas é um método adequado para o estudo das vias lacrimais, resultando em imagens de melhor qualidade quando comparada ao uso de bobinas de superfície convencionais.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging has been utilized in the evaluation of the lacrimal apparatus with some advantages over conventional dacryocystography. The present study was aimed at acquiring high-resolution images utilizing microscopic coils for evaluating typical structures of the lacrimal apparatus as compared with the findings observed with conventional surface coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five asymptomatic volunteers with no history of epiphora were submitted to high-field magnetic resonance imaging with microscopic and conventional surface coils, and STIR sequence after instillation of saline solution. The definition of normal anatomic structures of lacrimal apparatuses was compared utilizing conventional and microscopic surface coils. Based on a consensual scoring system, the mean values for each structure were calculated by two observers. RESULTS: In 90 percent of cases, higher scores were attributed to images acquired with the microscopic coil. On average, a 1.17 point increase was observed in the scoring of anatomic structures imaged with the microscopic coil. Additionally, a subjective improvement was observed in the signal-to-noise ratio with the microscopic coil. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance dacryocystography with microscopic coils is the appropriate method for evaluating the lacrimal apparatus, providing images with better quality as compared with those acquired with conventional surface coils.

Análise por tomografia computadorizada do teto etmoidal: importante área de risco em cirurgia endoscópica nasal / Computed tomography assessment of the ethmoid roof: a relevant region at risk in endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a profundidade das fossas olfatórias e a freqüência de assimetria na altura e na inclinação lateral do contorno do teto etmoidal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 200 tomografias computadorizadas dos seios da face no plano coronal realizadas no período de agosto a dezembro de 2006. As profundidades das fossas olfatórias foram classificadas segundo Keros. O teto etmoidal foi avaliado quanto à simetria entre os lados. RESULTADOS: O tipo de Keros mais encontrado foi o tipo II (73,3 por cento), seguido do tipo I (26,3 por cento) e do tipo III (0,5 por cento). Em 12 por cento (24 exames) havia assimetria entre os lados quanto à altura do teto etmoidal, e em 48,5 por cento (97 exames) observou-se assimetria do contorno do teto, com inclinação lateral da lâmina crivosa de um dos lados. CONCLUSÃO: Em relação à profundidade das fossas olfatórias, o tipo II de Keros foi o mais freqüente. Verificou-se que a assimetria do teto do seio etmoidal, na maioria dos casos, estava relacionada com a inclinação lateral da lamela lateral da lâmina crivosa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the olfactory fossae depth according to the Keros' classification and determine the incidence and degree of asymmetry in the height and contour of the ethmoid roof. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 200 coronal computed tomography studies of paranasal sinuses performed in the period between August and December, 2006. RESULTS: According to the Keros' classification, olfactory fossae type II was most frequently found in 73.3 percent of cases followed by type I in 26.3 percent and type III in 0.5 percent of cases. Asymmetry in the ethmoid roof height was found in 12 percent of cases (24 computed tomography studies), and contour asymmetry was found in 48.5 percent (97 computed tomography studies), with flattening of the ethmoid roof on one of the sides. CONCLUSION: As regards the olfactory fossae depth, the Keros' type II was most frequently found. In most of cases, the ethmoid roof asymmetry was related to angulation of the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate.

[An unusual orbital metastatic lesion: the only finding in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma: case report]. / Metástase orbitária como único achado em paciente com hepatocarcinoma: relato de caso.

Orbital metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is rare. We report an unusual orbital metastatic lesion as the only finding in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma. A 57-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of orbital painful right orbital mass, associated with proptosis. Computed tomography of the orbits showed an orbital soft tissue mass leading to bone erosion and intracranial invasion. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a focal perfusion abnormality in the left lobe of the liver. Incisional biopsy was performed and the histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis. The patient died 15 months after the initial presentation. COMENTS: This is a rare case of orbital metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. There was no another metastatic lesion and the patient reported only ophthalmological symptoms.

Colchicine in the treatment of the inflammatory phase of Graves' ophthalmopathy: a prospective and randomized trial with prednisone

PURPOSE: To investigate if colchicine is valuable in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), we compared its effect with prednisone in 22 patients during the inflammatory phase of GO. METHODS: All patients, similar in age, sex and smoking habits, were euthyroid for at least 3 months and randomly divided into two groups, one treated with colchicine (1.5 mg/day) and the other treated with prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day). They were monitored with ophthalmologic assessment (clinical activity score-CAS) and magnetic resonance imaging, using a signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the recti muscles in comparison to the cerebral substantia alba. RESULTS: Amelioration of CAS was seen in 68 percent of the orbits in both groups. SIR also had a significant reduction after treatment: the initial median of 1.14 in G1 and 1.27 in G2, evolved, after treatment, to 1.07 in G1 and 0.69 in G2. The variation between both groups after treatment was not significant (p=0.22). None of the patients treated with colchicine had side effects; on the other hand, side effects in G2 were weight gain, edema, gastric complaints, hirsutism, weakness, depression, and alterations in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Colchicine had a beneficial effect on the inflammatory phase of GO without the side effects of prednisone.

OBJETIVO: Investigar se a colchicina é eficaz no tratamento da oftalmopatia de Graves, nós comparamos o seu efeito com a prednisona em 22 pacientes tratados na fase inflamatória da doença. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes, similares quanto à idade, sexo e hábitos de tabagismo, estavam em eutiroidismo por pelo menos três meses e foram randomizados em dois grupos. O grupo 1 (G1) recebeu colchicina (1,5 mg/dia) e o grupo 2 (G2) foi tratado com prednisona (0,75 mg/kg/dia). Os pacientes foram acompanhados com avaliação oftalmológica (escore de atividade clínica - CAS) e de imagem por meio da ressonância magnética, usando a relação da intensidade de sinal (SIR) dos músculos reto em comparação com a substância alba cerebral. RESULTADOS: Diminuição no CAS de 68 por cento foi notada em ambos os grupos. A SIR também apresentou redução significante após o tratamento: A mediana inicial do G1 de 1,14 e 1,27 do G2 diminui após o tratamento para 1,07 no G1 e 0,69 no G2. A variação entre os grupos após o tratamento não foi significante (p=0,22). Nenhum paciente tratado com colchicina apresentou efeito colateral; ao passo que os efeitos colaterais no G2 foram ganho de peso, edema, queixas gástricas, fraqueza, depressão e alteração na pressão arterial. CONCLUSÕES: A colchicina apresenta efeitos benéficos na fase inflamatória da oftalmopatia de Graves sem os efeitos colaterais da prednisona.

Apresentações incomuns do hemangioma hepático: ensaio iconográfico / Unusual presentations of hepatic hemangioma: an iconographic essay

O nosso objetivo foi descrever e ilustrar aspectos incomuns do hemangioma hepático na ultra-sonografia (US), tomografia computadorizada (TC) e ressonância magnética (RM). A partir da análise retrospectiva de 300 casos de pacientes com diagnósticos de hemangioma hepático, por meio da análise combinada de exames de imagem, biópsia ou acompanhamento clínico, selecionamos aqueles com apresentação atípica em um ou mais métodos de imagem ou aqueles com evolução não usual, ilustrando os seus principais aspectos de imagem. Entre os casos apresentados, escolhemos pacientes com hemangiomas: hipoecogênicos na US; hipovasculares ou avasculares na TC e RM; com calcificações grosseiras; gigantes e medindo mais de 20 cm de diâmetro; predominantemente exofíticos; hipointensos em T2; promovendo defeito de perfusão; com cicatriz central e simulando hiperplasia nodular focal; com crescimento evolutivo. O hemangioma hepático é o tumor mais comum do fígado e geralmente tem apresentação típica. Porém, os seus diversos aspectos não usuais precisam ser conhecidos para auxiliar na orientação diagnóstica e conduta.

In order to evaluate atypical aspects of hepatic hemangiomas at ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we have retrospectively analyzed 300 cases of patients diagnosed with hepatic hemangiomas by means of combined imaging studies, clinical follow-up and/or biopsy results. Based on this analysis we have selected those cases with atypical findings at one or more imaging methods or those presenting an unusual evolution such as: hypoechoic nodules at US; giant, heterogeneous hemangiomas; rapidly filling hemangiomas; calcified hemangiomas; pedunculated hemangiomas; hypointense hemangiomas at T2-weighted images; causing perfusion defect; with central scar simulating focal nodular hyperplasia; hemangiomas with adjacent abnormalities such as arterial-portal venous shunt and capsular retraction as well as hemangiomas enlarging over time. The hepatic hemangioma is the most common benign tumor affecting the liver and usually presents typical aspect. However, atypical findings should be known aiming at supporting diagnosis guidance and clinical decisions.

Apresentações incomuns do hepatocarcinoma: ensaio iconográfico / Unusual presentations of hepatocellular carcinoma: an iconographic essay

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e ilustrar aspectos incomuns do hepatocarcinoma na tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. A partir da análise retrospectiva de 100 casos de pacientes com hepatocarcinoma diagnosticado por análise combinada de exames de imagem, dosagem de alfa-feto-proteína, biópsia percutânea ou ressecção cirúrgica, selecionamos aqueles com apresentação atípica em um ou mais métodos de imagem ou aqueles com evolução não usual, ilustrando os seus principais aspectos de imagem. Entre os casos apresentados, escolhemos pacientes com hepatocarcinomas císticos, hemorrágicos, rotos e causando hemoperitônio, calcificados, com regressão espontânea, exofíticos, hipovasculares, gigantes e com disseminação não usual. O hepatocarcinoma é o tumor maligno mais comum do fígado e freqüentemente tem apresentação típica e associada à cirrose hepática. Porém, em alguns casos, apresentações atípicas podem retardar o seu diagnóstico.

Colchicine in the treatment of the inflammatory phase of Graves' ophthalmopathy: a prospective and randomized trial with prednisone.

PURPOSE: To investigate if colchicine is valuable in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), we compared its effect with prednisone in 22 patients during the inflammatory phase of GO. METHODS: All patients, similar in age, sex and smoking habits, were euthyroid for at least 3 months and randomly divided into two groups, one treated with colchicine (1.5 mg/day) and the other treated with prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day). They were monitored with ophthalmologic assessment (clinical activity score-CAS) and magnetic resonance imaging, using a signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the recti muscles in comparison to the cerebral substantia alba. RESULTS: Amelioration of CAS was seen in 68% of the orbits in both groups. SIR also had a significant reduction after treatment: the initial median of 1.14 in G1 and 1.27 in G2, evolved, after treatment, to 1.07 in G1 and 0.69 in G2. The variation between both groups after treatment was not significant (p=0.22). None of the patients treated with colchicine had side effects; on the other hand, side effects in G2 were weight gain, edema, gastric complaints, hirsutism, weakness, depression, and alterations in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Colchicine had a beneficial effect on the inflammatory phase of GO without the side effects of prednisone.

Disgenesia do corpo caloso e lipoma: considerações embriológicas básicas e aspectos de imagem à ressonância magnética / Corpus callosum dysgenesis and lipoma; embriologic and magnetic resonance imaging aspects

O corpo caloso é a maior via de fibras de associação que comunicam os dois hemisférios cerebrais. O aprimoramento no estudo das suas malformações foi alcançado após o advento da ressonância magnética, que permite estudar detalhadamente as suas várias porções, além de possibilitar a identificação de outras anormalidades encefálicas associadas. O lipoma do corpo caloso é uma dessas alterações e representa achado freqüente no espectro das disgenesias do corpo caloso. Os objetivos dos autores são os de recordar o mecanismo embriológico envolvido nas disgenesias do corpo caloso e na formação dos lipomas desta região e revisar os achados à ressonância magnética nestas situações.

Pielonefrite aguda: classificação, nomenclatura e diagnóstico por imagem / Acute pyelonephritis: classification, terminology and imaging diagnosis

Com o objetivo de apresentar uma classificação de imagem para a pielonefrite aguda, discutir a terminologia e demonstrar os principais aspectos na tomografia computadorizada (TC) e ressonância magnética (RM), realizamos revisão bibliográfica no PubMed, entre 1990 e 2004, selecionando artigos que discutiam a classificação e nomenclatura da pielonefrite aguda, procurando por um consenso quanto a estes temas. Selecionamos, retrospectivamente, casos de pacientes com diagnóstico clínico, laboratorial e evolutivo de pielonefrite aguda, para ilustrar os principais aspectos observados na TC e RM. Observamos tendência em utilizar o termo "pielonefrite aguda", em detrimento de outros, como nefrite bacteriana, nefrite lobar ou nefronia. A classificação mais adotada é aquela que divide a pielonefrite aguda em: 1) focal e difusa; 2) unilateral e bilateral; 3) com e sem nefromegalia; 4) complicada ou não complicada. Os principais sinais observados na TC com contraste e RM são: 1) aumento do volume renal; 2) realce heterogêneo; 3) densificação da gordura perinefrética; 4) áreas de liquefação intra ou perirrenal indicando a presença de abscesso. A terminologia adotada para denominar a pielonefrite aguda deve ser simples, facilmente compreen-dida, refletindo o espectro de gravidade da doença e orientar a terapêutica apropriada.

Flow pattern and vascular resistive index as predictors of malignancy risk in thyroid follicular neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether flow pattern and resistive index (RI) are useful parameters for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid follicular neoplasms (FNs). METHODS: Eighty-six thyroid nodules that underwent sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration and were diagnosed as cases of FN were evaluated by power and duplex Doppler sonography. Pathologic correlation was available for all nodules. The flow pattern seen via power Doppler examination was ranked for each nodule on a scale of 0 to 4, in increasing flow order. For each nodule, the RI value was considered the average of 1 to 3 values obtained with different flow signals. RESULTS: Ten nodules (11.63%) were malignant (3 follicular carcinomas, 5 follicular variants of papillary carcinoma, and 2 papillary carcinomas). Fourteen nodules (16.27%) were adenomas, and 62 (72%) were non-neoplastic nodules. The average RI in non-neoplastic nodules was 0.588 (P < .001, chi(2) test): 0.662 in adenomas and 0.763 in malignant nodules. None of the nodules had flow pattern type 0. Flow patterns 1 and 2 (peripheral flow only or predominantly) were present in 58 non-neoplastic nodules (93.5%), 10 adenomas (71.4%), and 2 malignant nodules (20%). Flow pattern type 3 (predominantly central flow) was present in 7 malignant nodules (70%), 4 adenomas (28.6%), and 4 non-neoplastic nodules (6.5%). Only 1 nodule, a papillary carcinoma, had flow pattern type 4 (internal flow only). CONCLUSIONS: In FNs, there were significant positive associations between predominantly central flow and malignancy and between predominantly peripheral flow and benign disease (P < .0001, Fisher exact test). However, power Doppler characteristics could not be used to rule out malignancy because 20% of malignant nodules had predominantly peripheral flow. For predicting malignancy, an RI cutoff of 0.75 had good accuracy, specificity, and negative predictive value but had low sensitivity and positive predictive value (respectively, 91%, 97%, 92%, 40%, and 67%). Resistive index values in non-neoplastic nodules were lower than in adenomas and malignant nodules (P < .001, chi(2) test).

Aneurysm of superior mesenteric vein: case report with 5-year follow-up and review of the literature.

Venous aneurysms are less common than arterial aneurysms in clinical practice, and the occurrence of isolated cases is a topic for publication. Aneurysms of the superior mesenteric vein are rare, and their origin is unknown. Many aneurysms are asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is established from radiologic findings. Others are diagnosed after complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or thrombosis with associated abdominal pain. Because of the rarity of this disease and consequent absence of standard treatment, therapy must be adapted to fit each case. We present a case report of an aneurysm of the superior mesenteric vein. The diagnosis of this anomaly was made after investigation of abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scans demonstrated the mass. Clinical treatment was administered, and no aneurysm growth was observed after 5 years of follow-up.

Natural history of stenosis in the iliac arteries in patients with intermittent claudication undergoing clinical treatment.

PURPOSE: Inspite of the long experience with the treatment of intermittent claudication, little is known about the natural history of stenotic lesions in the iliac segment. With the advent of endovascular treatment, this knowledge has become important. METHODS: Fifty-two stenosis, diagnosed using arteriography, in 38 claudicant patients were analyzed. After a minimum time interval of 6 months, a magnetic resonance angiography was performed to determine whether there was arterial occlusion. The primary factors that could influence the progression of a stenosis were analyzed, such as risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, sex, and age), compliance with clinical treatment, initial degree of stenosis, site of the stenosis, and length of follow-up. RESULTS: The average length of follow-up was 39 months. From the 52 lesions analyzed, 13 (25%) evolved to occlusion. When occlusion occurred, there was clinical deterioration in 63.2% of cases. This association was statistically significant (P = .002). There was no statistically significant association of the progression of the lesion with the degree or site of stenosis, compliance with treatment, or length of follow-up. Patients who evolved to occlusion were younger (P = .02). The logistic regression model showed that the determinant factors for clinical deterioration were arterial occlusion and noncompliance with clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The progression of a stenosis to occlusion, which occurred in 25% of the cases, caused clinical deterioration. Clinical treatment was important, but it did not forestall the arterial occlusion. Prevention of occlusion could be achieved by early endovascular intervention or with the development of drugs that might stabilize the atherosclerotic plaque.