Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Thorax in Pleural Diseases: A State-of-the-Art Review.

The aim of this review was to present the main aspects of pleural diseases seen with conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. This modality is considered to be the gold standard for the evaluation of the pleural interface, characterization of complex pleural effusion, and identification of exudate and hemorrhage, as well as in the analysis of superior sulcus tumors, as it enables more accurate staging. The indication for MRI of the thorax in the identification of these conditions is increasing in comparison to computerized tomography, and it can also be used to support the diagnosis of pulmonary illnesses. This literature review describes the morphological and functional aspects of the main benign and malignant pleural diseases assessed with MRI, including mesothelioma, metastasis, lymphoma, fibroma, lipoma, endometriosis, asbestos-related pleural disease, empyema, textiloma, and splenosis.

Tomographic aspects of penetrating thoracic trauma: injuries from firearms and other weapons.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the various computed tomography findings in penetrating chest trauma, as well as to determine the frequency and extent of the lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied the computed tomography findings from 40 cases of penetrating thoracic trauma, of which 35 (85.8%) were gunshot wounds and 5 (14.2%) were caused by another type of weapon. RESULTS: Pulmonary lesions were found in 39 cases (97.5%), manifesting as contusions in 34 cases (85%), atelectasis in 8 (20%), lacerations in 1 (2.5%) and hematomas in 1 (2.5%). Hemothorax was seen in 31 cases (77.5%), and pneumothorax was seen in 22 cases (55%). Mediastinal lesions were observed in 8 cases (20%), including mediastinal hematoma in 3 cases (7.5%), hemopericardium in 3 (7.5%), and pneumomediastinum in 2 (5%). Diaphragmatic rupture was seen in 2 cases (5%). CONCLUSION: In patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, computed tomography of the chest is an important tool for characterizing the affected organs and evaluating the path of injury, as well as the severity and extent of the lesions. The images obtained are also useful in estimating the risk of death and determining the best therapeutic approach.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os diferentes achados da tomografia computadorizada no trauma torácico aberto e determinar sua frequência e extensão. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Neste trabalho foram estudados os aspectos tomográficos de 40 pacientes com trauma torácico aberto, sendo 35 casos causados por lesão por arma de fogo (85,8%) e 5 por arma branca (14,2%). RESULTADOS: As lesões pulmonares predominaram, tendo sido observadas em 39 casos (97,5%), manifestadas sob a forma de contusões em 34 (85%), atelectasias em 8 (20%), lacerações em 1 (2,5%) e hematomas em 1 (2,5%). Hemotórax foi demonstrado em 31 casos (77,5%) e pneumotórax em 22 casos (55%). Lesões mediastínicas estiveram presentes em 8 casos (20%), com hematoma mediastínico em 3 casos (7,5%), hemopericárdio em 3 (7,5%) e pneumomediastino em 2 (5%). Lesão diafragmática foi observada em 2 pacientes (5%). CONCLUSÃO: A tomografia computadorizada de tórax, nos casos de trauma torácico aberto, permite caracterizar os órgãos acometidos, avaliar o trajeto das lesões, sua gravidade e extensão, sendo útil na estimativa de risco de vida e na escolha das abordagens terapêuticas.

The cervical spinal cord in neuromyelitis optica patients: a comparative study with multiple sclerosis using diffusion tensor imaging.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate "in vivo" the integrity of the normal-appearing spinal cord in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), using diffusion tensor MR imaging, comparing to controls and patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 8 patients with NMO and 17 without any neurologic disorder. Also, 32 MS patients were selected. Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated within regions of interest at C2 and C7 levels in the four columns of the spinal cord. RESULTS: At C2, the FA value was decreased in NMO patients compared to MS and controls in the anterior column. Also in this column, RD value showed increase in NMO compared to MS and to controls. The FA value of the posterior column was decreased in NMO in comparison to controls. At C7, AD value was higher in NMO than in MS in the right column. At the same column, MD values were increased in NMO compared to MS and to controls. CONCLUSIONS: There is extensive NASC damage in NMO patients, including peripheral areas of the cervical spinal cord, affecting the white matter, mainly caused by demyelination. This suggests a new spinal cord lesion pattern in NMO in comparison to MS.

Tomographic aspects of penetrating thoracic trauma: injuries from firearms and other weapons / Aspectos tomográficos do trauma torácico aberto: lesões por projéteis de arma de fogo e armas brancas

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the various computed tomography findings in penetrating chest trauma, as well as to determine the frequency and extent of the lesions. Material and Methods: We studied the computed tomography findings from 40 cases of penetrating thoracic trauma, of which 35 (85.8%) were gunshot wounds and 5 (14.2%) were caused by another type of weapon. Results: Pulmonary lesions were found in 39 cases (97.5%), manifesting as contusions in 34 cases (85%), atelectasis in 8 (20%), lacerations in 1 (2.5%) and hematomas in 1 (2.5%). Hemothorax was seen in 31 cases (77.5%), and pneumothorax was seen in 22 cases (55%). Mediastinal lesions were observed in 8 cases (20%), including mediastinal hematoma in 3 cases (7.5%), hemopericardium in 3 (7.5%), and pneumomediastinum in 2 (5%). Diaphragmatic rupture was seen in 2 cases (5%). Conclusion: In patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, computed tomography of the chest is an important tool for characterizing the affected organs and evaluating the path of injury, as well as the severity and extent of the lesions. The images obtained are also useful in estimating the risk of death and determining the best therapeutic approach.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os diferentes achados da tomografia computadorizada no trauma torácico aberto e determinar sua frequência e extensão. Materiais e Métodos: Neste trabalho foram estudados os aspectos tomográficos de 40 pacientes com trauma torácico aberto, sendo 35 casos causados por lesão por arma de fogo (85,8%) e 5 por arma branca (14,2%). Resultados: As lesões pulmonares predominaram, tendo sido observadas em 39 casos (97,5%), manifestadas sob a forma de contusões em 34 (85%), atelectasias em 8 (20%), lacerações em 1 (2,5%) e hematomas em 1 (2,5%). Hemotórax foi demonstrado em 31 casos (77,5%) e pneumotórax em 22 casos (55%). Lesões mediastínicas estiveram presentes em 8 casos (20%), com hematoma mediastínico em 3 casos (7,5%), hemopericárdio em 3 (7,5%) e pneumomediastino em 2 (5%). Lesão diafragmática foi observada em 2 pacientes (5%). Conclusão: A tomografia computadorizada de tórax, nos casos de trauma torácico aberto, permite caracterizar os órgãos acometidos, avaliar o trajeto das lesões, sua gravidade e extensão, sendo útil na estimativa de risco de vida e na escolha das abordagens terapêuticas.

O uso da ressonância magnética nuclear na avaliação do derrame pleural / The Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of Pleural Effusion

O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os principais aspectos do derrame pleural através de técnicas convencionais e avançadas de ressonância nuclear magnética. Esta modalidade é considerada padrão-ouro para a avaliação da interface pleural e dos derrames pleurais complexos. A indicação deste método na caracterização do derrame pleural é superior em relação à tomografia computadorizada, especialmente em razão da alta resolução na avaliação da pleura. Este estudo revisa as características morfoestruturais e funcionais do derrame pleural livre, loculado, hemorrágico e neoplásico. AU

The aim of this review was to present the main aspects of pleural effusion seen with conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques. This modality is considered to be the gold standard for the evaluation of the pleural interface and characterization of complex pleural effusion. The indication for MRI of the thorax in the identification of pleural effusion characterization is increasing in comparison with computerized tomography, specially owing to higher resolution to pleura evaluation. This revises the descriptions of morphological and functional aspects of free, loculated, hemorrhagic and neoplastic pleural effusion. AU