Prevalência de cistos simples e hemangiomas hepáticos em pacientes cirróticos e não cirróticos submetidos a exames de ressonância magnética

Objective To determine the prevalence of liver cysts and hemangiomas in the general population and in cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods Retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study selecting consecutive magnetic resonance imaging studies performed in the period from February to July 2011. A total of 303 patients (187 women and 116 men) with mean age of 53.3 years were included in the present study. Patients with previously known liver lesions were excluded. The images were consensually analyzed by two observers in the search for simple liver cysts and typical liver hemangiomas, according to universally accepted imaging criteria. Lesions prevalence, diameters and location were determined in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic individuals. Results The authors observed prevalence of 8.6% for hemangiomas and 14.5% for simple cysts. No statistically significant difference was observed in relation to prevalence of hemangiomas and cysts among cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients (p = 0.954; p = 0.472). Conclusion In the present study, the prevalence of cysts and hemangiomas was higher than the prevalence reported by autopsy series. No influence of cirrhosis was observed on the prevalence and appearance of such incidental lesions.Objetivo Determinar a prevalência de cistos e hemangiomas hepáticos na população geral e em pacientes cirróticos. Materiais e Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, observacional e transversal selecionando exames consecutivos de ressonância magnética de abdome realizados entre fevereiro e julho de 2011. Foram incluídos 303 pacientes (187 mulheres e 116 homens) com idade média de 53,3 anos, excluindo-se os com lesão hepática previamente conhecida. Os exames foram lidos por dois examinadores em consenso, procurando caracterizar cistos hepáticos simples e hemangiomas típicos segundo critérios de imagem universalmente aceitos. Foram medidos a prevalência das lesões, seus diâmetros e localização em pacientes com e sem cirrose hepática. Resultados Encontrou-se prevalência de 8,6% para hemangiomas e 14,5% para cistos simples. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas prevalências de hemangiomas e cistos entre pacientes cirróticos e não cirróticos (p = 0,954; p = 0,472). Conclusão As prevalências encontradas de cistos e hemangiomas foram mais altas que as das séries de autópsias. Não houve influência da presença de cirrose na prevalência e aspecto dessas lesões incidentais.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of Diagnostic ImagingUNIFESP, EPM, Department of Diagnostic ImagingSciEL

What is the real role of the equilibrium phase in abdominal computed tomography?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the equilibrium phase in abdominal computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study reviewed 219 consecutive contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography images acquired in a three-month period, for different clinical indications. For each study, two reports were issued - one based on the initial analysis of non-contrast-enhanced, arterial and portal phases only (first analysis), and a second reading of these phases added to the equilibrium phase (second analysis). At the end of both readings, differences between primary and secondary diagnoses were pointed out and recorded, in order to measure the impact of suppressing the equilibrium phase on the clinical outcome for each of the patients. The extension of the exact Fisher's test was utilized to evaluate the changes in the primary diagnosis (p 0.999). As regards secondary diagnoses, changes after the second analysis were observed in five cases (2.3%). CONCLUSION: For clinical scenarios such as cancer staging, acute abdomen and investigation for abdominal collections, the equilibrium phase is dispensable and does not offer any significant diagnostic contribution.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a necessidade de realização da fase de equilíbrio nos exames de tomografia computadorizada de abdome. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo, transversal e observacional, avaliando 219 exames consecutivos de tomografia computadorizada de abdome com contraste intravenoso, realizados num período de três meses, com diversas indicações clínicas. Para cada exame foram emitidos dois pareceres, um avaliando o exame sem a fase de equilíbrio (primeira análise) e o outro avaliando todas as fases em conjunto (segunda análise). Ao final de cada avaliação, foi estabelecido se houve mudança nos diagnósticos principais e secundários, entre a primeira e a segunda análise. Foi utilizada a extensão do teste exato de Fisher para avaliar a modificação dos diagnósticos principais (p 0,999). Com relação aos diagnósticos secundários, cinco exames (2,3%) foram modificados. CONCLUSÃO: Para indicações clínicas como estadiamento tumoral, abdome agudo e pesquisa de coleção abdominal, a fase de equilíbrio não acrescenta contribuição diagnóstica expressiva, podendo ser suprimida dos protocolos de exame.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de Diagnóstico por ImagemHospital São LuizUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Diagnóstico por ImagemSciEL

Pneumatosis From Esophagus to Rectum: A Comprehensive Review Focusing on Clinico-Radiological Differentiation Between Benign and Life-Threatening Causes

Pneumatosis of the alimentary tract may occur from the esophagus to rectum as a result of a wide spectrum of conditions that range from benign to life-threatening. Although distinguishing between these 2 groups is of paramount importance for an appropriate clinical management, it still remains a challenge for the radiologist in the daily practice. In the light of the current literature, we provide in the present article a comprehensive review focusing on the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings that most consistently may allow such a differentiation. We also provide a pictorial essay illustrating this range of diagnoses, briefly discussing each one.Grp Fleur, Rua Cincinato Braga 282, BR-01333010 Bela Vista, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Imaging, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Imaging, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc