Treatment of Essential Hypertension with Emphasis in the Renin-Angiotensin System: How to Prevent Secondary Outcomes without Adding Fuel to the Fire

The effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blocker AT-1 (ARBs) in reducing the systemic hypertension (SH) is widely known. However their comparative outcomes resulting from prolonged use remain unknown. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the evidence of prospective randomized double-blind clinical trials; all the events result from prolonged use of ACEIs or ARBs in hypertensive patients. In lowering blood pressure, the use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs reduces, in long-term use, the risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. However, the use of ACEIs is effective in an overall quantitative analysis; the total mortality regarding cardiovascular causes an outcome that was not observed with the use of ARBs. This fact is assumed to be related to the higher plasma concentration of bradykinin in the use of ACEIs, a well-known cardiovascular-protective factor

Pixel-level annotated dataset of computed tomography angiography images of acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract Pulmonary embolism has a high incidence and mortality, especially if undiagnosed. The examination of choice for diagnosing the disease is computed tomography pulmonary angiography. As many factors can lead to misinterpretations and diagnostic errors, different groups are utilizing deep learning methods to help improve this process. The diagnostic accuracy of these methods tends to increase by augmenting the training dataset. Deep learning methods can potentially benefit from the use of images acquired with devices from different vendors. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first public dataset annotated at the pixel and image levels and the first pixel-level annotated dataset to contain examinations performed with equipment from Toshiba and GE. This dataset includes 40 examinations, half performed with each piece of equipment, representing samples from two medical services. We also included measurements related to the cardiac and circulatory consequences of pulmonary embolism. We encourage the use of this dataset to develop, evaluate and compare the performance of new AI algorithms designed to diagnose PE

Dosimetry and Comparison between Different CT Protocols (Low Dose, Ultralow Dose, and Conventional CT) for Lung Nodules’ Detection in a Phantom

Background. The effects of dose reduction in lung nodule detection need better understanding. Purpose. To compare the detection rate of simulated lung nodules in a chest phantom using different computed tomography protocols, low dose (LD), ultralow dose (ULD), and conventional (CCT), and to quantify their respective amount of radiation. Materials and Methods. A chest phantom containing 93 simulated lung nodules was scanned using five different protocols: ULD (80 kVp/30 mA), LD A (120 kVp/20 mA), LD B (100 kVp/30 mA), LD C (120 kVp/30 mA), and CCT (120 kVp/automatic mA). Four chest radiologists analyzed a selected image from each protocol and registered in diagrams the nodules they detected. Kruskal–Wallis and McNemar’s tests were performed to determine the difference in nodule detection. Equivalent doses were estimated by placing thermoluminescent dosimeters on the surface and inside the phantom. Results. There was no significant difference in lung nodules’ detection when comparing ULD and LD protocols (p=0.208 to p=1.000), but there was a significant difference when comparing each one of those against CCT (p0.41). Equivalent dose values ranged from 0.5 to 9 mSv. Conclusion. There is no significant difference in simulated lung nodules’ detection when comparing ULD and LD protocols, but both differ from CCT, especially when considering lower-attenuating nodules

Neuroimaging manifestations in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multinational, multicentre collaborative study

International audienc

Resumos concluídos - Saúde Coletiva

Resumos concluídos - Saúde Coletiv