Esophageal transit time in patients with chagasic megaesophagus: Lack of linear correlation between dysphagia and grade of dilatation.

The aim of this study was to determine the esophageal transit time in control individuals and in chagasic patients with or without megaesophagus.A total of 148 patients were allocated in 6 groups according to serological diagnostic of Chagas disease and the degree of esophageal dilatation: A, control healthy individuals (n = 34, 22.9%); B, indeterminate form (n = 23, 15.5%); C, megaesophagus I (n = 37, 25.0%); D, megaesophagus II (n = 19, 12.8%); E, megaesophagus III (n = 21, 14.2%); and F, megaesophagus IV (n = 14, 9.5%). After 8-hour fasting, patients were asked to swallow 75 mL of barium sulfate solution. x-Rays were obtained after 8, 30, 60, and 90 seconds, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, 2, 6, 12, 24 hours, and at every 12 hours until no more contrast was seen in the esophagus. This was the transit time.The transit time varied from 8 seconds to 36 hours (median = 90 seconds). A linear correlation was observed between transit time and megaesophagus grade: 8 seconds in groups A and B, 5 minutes in C, 30 minutes in D, 2 hours in E, and 9:15 hours in F. Dysphagia was not reported by 60 of 114 (52.6%) patients with positive serological tests for Chagas disease (37/91-40.7%-of patients with megaesophagus I-IV grades). The esophageal transit time increased with the grade of megaesophagus.The esophageal transit time has a direct correlation with the grade of megaesophagus; dysphagia complaint correlates with the grade of megaesophagus. However, many patients with megaesophagus do not report dysphagia.

Contribuição da ultrassonografia e da tomografia computadorizada naavaliação do acometimento abdominal na paracoccidioidomicose / The contribution of ultrasonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of abdominal involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis

Introdução: a paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é doença inflamatória granulomatosa sistêmica, polimórfica, determinada pelo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, uma das 10 causas de morbimortalidade entre as doenças endêmicas parasitárias no Brasil. Objetivo: identificar pela ultrassonografia (US) e tomografia computadorizada (TC) em relação à PCM: alterações abdominais; intensidade e características das imagens observadas; frequência das alterações em função da sua forma clínica; diferença em relação às outras entidades nosológicas. Pacientes e métodos: este é um estudo retrospectivo, observacional, transversal, realizado em 35 pacientes com PCM atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas (HC) da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Foram excluídos pacientes com tuberculose, asma brônquica, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica generalizada, contato com sílica ou minas, doenças granulomatosas em algum momento de sua história clínica atual ou pregressa e por intermédio da avaliação sorológica, anatomopatológica e microbiológica. Os dados coletados foram transcritos em SPSS para Windows® e submetidos à análise estatística .Foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética (082/00) da UFMG. Resultados e conclusão: a TC e a US evidenciaram acometimento dos órgãos abdominais em todas as formas da PCM, como: linfonodomegalia (40%), hepatomegalia (37%), esplenomegalia (37%) e acometimento adrenal (17%). Observados ainda comprometimento da vesícula biliar e damusculatura retroperitoneal, ascite e derrame pleural. Calcificação linfonodal, acometimento adrenal e ascite constituíram evidência de grande probabilidade de PCM, entretanto, não são capazes de a diferenciar da tuberculose. Nas formas crônicas e sequelares, o comprometimento abdominal é mais frequente do que indicam as manifestações clínicas.

Introduction: paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a polymorphic systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease determined by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, one of the 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the parasitic diseases endemic in Brazil. Objective: To identify the following aspects of PCM by ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT): abdominal changes, intensity and characteristics of the observed images, frequency of changes depending on clinical presentation, differences from other nosological entities. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study carried out with 35 patients with PCM treated at the Hospital das Clinicas (HC) at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Patients with tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, generalized chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or in contact with silica or mines, as well as those with granulomatous diseases at any point in their current or past clinical history and detected through serology, anatomopathology or microbiological exams were excluded. Collected data were transcribed into SPSS for Windows® for statistical analysis. The studywas approved by the UFMG Ethics Committee (082/00). Results and conclusion: CT and U.S. showed involvement of abdominal organs in all forms of PCM, including lymphadenopathy (40%), hepatomegaly (37%), splenomegaly (37%) and adrenal involvement (17%). Gallbladder and retroperitoneal musculature involvement were also observed, along with ascites and pleural effusion. Lymph node calcification, adrenal involvementand ascites constituted evidence of high probability of PCM even though these findings are not enough to differentiate PCM from tuberculosis. Chronic and sequelae forms, abdominal involvement is more frequent than indicated by the clinical manifestations.

Paracoccidioidomicose (doença de Lutz-Splendore-Almeida): propedêutica complementar, diagnóstico diferencial, controle de cura / Paracoccidioidomycosis disease (Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease): Additional workup, differential diagnosis, cure control

O diagnóstico da paracoccidioidomicose requer a presença de dados epidemiológicos e de algumas manifestações clínicas mais típicas, entretanto, depende da propedêutica complementar que ainda requer métodos intervencionistas, o diagnóstico diferencial com patologias de grande relevância como tuberculose e linfomas, e o controle de cura.Nesta atualização são discutidos os avanços nessas várias áreas que inclui a propedêutica complementar, o diagnóstico diferencial e o controle de cura, apontando para as perspectivas de desenvolvimento que poderão ajudar a definir melhor a sua abordagem.

The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis requires epidemiological data to be available and for the presence of some more typical clinical manifestations.It requires complementary investigation with interventional methods, differential diagnosis of pathologies of great importance such as tuberculosis and lymphomas, and cure control. This update discussesthe advances in these various areas, which include complementary investigation, differential diagnosis and cure control, pointing to development prospects that may help better define the best approach to this disease.

Adherence to guidelines and its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia at a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between the criteria used for hospitalization of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those of the Brazilian Thoracic Association guidelines, and to evaluate the association of that agreement with 30-day mortality. Secondarily, to evaluate the agreement between the treatment given and that recommended in the guidelines with length of hospital stay, microbiological profile, 12-month mortality, complications, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving adult patients hospitalized between 2005 and 2007 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Medical charts and chest X-rays were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 112 patients included in the study, admission and treatment criteria were in accordance with the guidelines in 82 (73.2%) and 66 (58.9%), respectively. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 12.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was lower for patients in whom the CRB-65 (mental Confusion, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years) score was 1-2 and the antibiotic therapy was in accordance with the guidelines (p = 0.01). Cerebrovascular disease and appropriate antibiotic therapy showed independent associations with 30-day mortality. There was a trend toward an association between guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy and shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In the population studied, admission and treatment criteria that were in accordance with the guidelines were associated with favorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with CAP. Cerebrovascular disease, as a risk factor, and guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy, as a protective factor, were associated with 30-day mortality.

Echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in outpatients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy and non-chagasic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion does not seem to be a major finding in Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CC). This study sought to identify echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in CC and in dilated cardiomyopathy of other etiologies, such as non-CC (NCC), and to compare pulmonary venous hypertension between the two entities. METHODS: A total of 130 consecutive patients with CC and NCC, with similar echocardiographic characteristics, were assessed using Doppler echocardiography and chest radiography. Pulmonary venous vessel abnormalities were graded using a previously described pulmonary congestion score, and this score was compared with Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: NCC patients were older than CC patients (62.4 ± 13.5 × 47.8 ± 11.2, p = 0.00), and there were more male subjects in the CC group (66.2% × 58.5%, p = 0.4). Pulmonary venous hypertension was present in 41 patients in the CC group (63.1%) and in 63 (96.9%) in the NCC group (p = 0.0), the mean lung congestion score being 3.2 ± 2.3 and 5.9 ± 2.6 (p = 0.0), respectively. On linear regression multivariate analysis, the E/e' ratio (ß = 0.13; p = 0.0), LV diastolic diameter (ß = 0.06; p = 0.06), left atrial diameter (ß = 0.51; p = 0.08), and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic diameter (ß = 0.02; p = 0.48) were the variables that correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary congestion was less significant in patients with CC. The degree of LV of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the RV diameter correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. The E/e' ratio was the hallmark of pulmonary congestion in both groups.

Adesão a diretrizes e impacto nos desfechos em pacientes hospitalizados por pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em um hospital universitário / Adherence to guidelines and its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia at a university hospital

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concordância entre os critérios de hospitalização utilizados para a admissão de pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) e aqueles da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia e avaliar a associação dessa concordância com a taxa de mortalidade em 30 dias. Secundariamente, avaliar a associação da concordância entre o tratamento instituído e as recomendações dessas diretrizes com duração da internação hospitalar, investigação microbiológica, mortalidade em 12 meses, complicações, internação em UTI, ventilação mecânica e mortalidade em 30 dias. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes adultos internados entre 2005 e 2007 no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG). Foram revisados prontuários e radiografias de tórax. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 112 pacientes incluídos, os critérios de internação e de tratamento foram concordantes com as diretrizes em 82 (73,2%) e 66 (58,9%), respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade em 30 dias e em 12 meses foi de 12,3% e 19,4%, respectivamente. Pacientes com escore de CRP-65 (Confusão mental, frequência Respiratória, Pressão arterial e idade > 65 anos) de 1-2 e com antibioticoterapia concordante com as diretrizes foram associados a menor mortalidade em 30 dias (p = 0,01). Doença cerebrovascular e tratamento antibiótico adequado apresentaram associações independentes com mortalidade em 30 dias. Houve uma tendência de associação entre antibioticoterapia concordante e menor duração da internação hospitalar. CONCLUSÕES: Na população estudada, os critérios de hospitalização e de antibioticoterapia concordantes com as diretrizes associaram-se a desfechos favoráveis do tratamento de pacientes hospitalizados com PAC. Doença cerebrovascular, como fator de risco, e antibioticoterapia concordante, como fator protetor, associaram-se à mortalidade em 30 dias.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between the criteria used for hospitalization of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those of the Brazilian Thoracic Association guidelines, and to evaluate the association of that agreement with 30-day mortality. Secondarily, to evaluate the agreement between the treatment given and that recommended in the guidelines with length of hospital stay, microbiological profile, 12-month mortality, complications, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving adult patients hospitalized between 2005 and 2007 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Medical charts and chest X-rays were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 112 patients included in the study, admission and treatment criteria were in accordance with the guidelines in 82 (73.2%) and 66 (58.9%), respectively. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 12.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was lower for patients in whom the CRB-65 (mental Confusion, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years) score was 1-2 and the antibiotic therapy was in accordance with the guidelines (p = 0.01). Cerebrovascular disease and appropriate antibiotic therapy showed independent associations with 30-day mortality. There was a trend toward an association between guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy and shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In the population studied, admission and treatment criteria that were in accordance with the guidelines were associated with favorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with CAP. Cerebrovascular disease, as a risk factor, and guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy, as a protective factor, were associated with 30-day mortality.

Echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in outpatients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy and non-chagasic cardiomyopathy / Parâmetros ecocardiográficos associados com a congestão pulmonar nas miocardiopatias chagásica e não-chagásica

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion does not seem to be a major finding in Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CC). This study sought to identify echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in CC and in dilated cardiomyopathy of other etiologies, such as non-CC (NCC), and to compare pulmonary venous hypertension between the two entities. METHODS: A total of 130 consecutive patients with CC and NCC, with similar echocardiographic characteristics, were assessed using Doppler echocardiography and chest radiography. Pulmonary venous vessel abnormalities were graded using a previously described pulmonary congestion score, and this score was compared with Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: NCC patients were older than CC patients (62.4 ± 13.5 × 47.8 ± 11.2, p = 0.00), and there were more male subjects in the CC group (66.2% × 58.5%, p = 0.4). Pulmonary venous hypertension was present in 41 patients in the CC group (63.1%) and in 63 (96.9%) in the NCC group (p = 0.0), the mean lung congestion score being 3.2 ± 2.3 and 5.9 ± 2.6 (p = 0.0), respectively. On linear regression multivariate analysis, the E/e' ratio (β = 0.13; p = 0.0), LV diastolic diameter (β = 0.06; p = 0.06), left atrial diameter (β = 0.51; p = 0.08), and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic diameter (β = 0.02; p = 0.48) were the variables that correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary congestion was less significant in patients with CC. The degree of LV of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the RV diameter correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. The E/e' ratio was the hallmark of pulmonary congestion in both groups.

INTRODUÇÃO: Na miocardiopatia chagásica, ocorre uma discrepância entre os achados de disfunção ventricular e uma menor magnitude de congestão pulmonar em relação a outras miocardiopatias. Foram associados parâmetros morfofuncionais ecocardiográficos com achados de congestão pulmonar à radiografia do tórax em pacientes portadores de miocardiopatia chagásica e não chagásica, sendo a intensidade dos achados radiológicos comparada nos dois grupos. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 130 pacientes portadores de miocardiopatia chagásica e não chagásica, tendo os dois grupos parâmetros ecocardiográficos semelhantes. Todos realizaram o estudo radiológico do tórax, sendo atribuída uma pontuação aos achados sugestivos de congestão pulmonar, conforme escore já previamente estabelecido, sendo este comparado com os achados ecocardiográficos de disfunção ventricular. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes não chagásicos eram mais idosos (62,4±13,5 x 47,8±11,2, p=0,0), havendo um predomínio do sexo feminino nos chagásicos (66,2% x 58,5%, p=0,4). A hipertensão venocapilar pulmonar esteve presente em 41 chagásicos (63,1%) e 63 (96,9%) não-chagásicos (p=0,0), com escore da congestão pulmonar de 3,2±2,3 e 5,9±2,6 (p=0,0) respectivamente. Na análise de regressão linear, a relação E/e' (β=0,13; p=0,0), o diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo (β=0,06; p=0,06), o diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (β=0,51; p=0,08) e o diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo direito (β=0,02; p=0,48) foram as variáveis que mais se associaram com a congestão pulmonar nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes chagásicos apresentaram um menor grau de congestão pulmonar. Os parâmetros de disfunção sistólica e diastólica associaram com a intensidade da congestão pulmonar, sendo a relação E/e' a variável que mais determinou a congestão pulmonar nos dois grupos.

Pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis: radiology and clinical-epidemiological evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare respiratory signs and symptoms between patients with and without chest X-ray abnormalities in order to establish the meaning of radiographic findings in pulmonary PCM diagnosis. METHODS: The epidemiological, clinical and radiological lung findings of 44 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups of 23 and 21 individuals according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of chest X-ray abnormalities, respectively, and their clinical data was analyzed with the aid of statistical tools. RESULTS: As a general rule, patients were rural workers, young adult males and smokers - group 1 and 2, respectively: males (91.3% and 66.7%); mean age (44.4 and 27.9 year-old); smoking (34.7% and 71.4 %); acute/subacute presentation (38.1% and 21.7%); chronic presentation (61.9% and 78.3%). The most frequent respiratory manifestations were - group 1 and 2, respectively: cough (25% and 11.4%) and dyspnea (22.7% and 6.8%). No statistical difference was observed in pulmonary signs and symptoms between patients with or without radiographic abnormalities. The most frequent radiological finding was nodular (23.8%) or nodular-fibrous (19%), bilateral (90.5%) and diffuse infiltrates (85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of statistical difference in pulmonary signs and symptoms between these two groups of patients with PCM indicates clinical-radiological dissociation. A simplified classification of radiological lung PCM findings is suggested, based on correlation of these data and current literature review.

Pulmonary paracoccidoidomycosis: radiology and clinical-epidemiological evaluation / Paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar: radiologia e avaliação clínico-epidemiológica

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare respiratory signs and symptoms between patients with and without chest X-ray abnormalities in order to establish the meaning of radiographic findings in pulmonary PCM diagnosis. METHODS: The epidemiological, clinical and radiological lung findings of 44 patients with paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups of 23 and 21 individuals according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of chest X-ray abnormalities, respectively, and their clinical data was analyzed with the aid of statistical tools. RESULTS: As a general rule, patients were rural workers, young adult males and smokers - group 1 and 2, respectively: males (91.3 percent and 66.7 percent); mean age (44.4 and 27.9 year-old); smoking (34.7 percent and 71.4 percent); acute/subacute presentation (38.1 percent and 21.7 percent); chronic presentation (61.9 percent and 78.3 percent). The most frequent respiratory manifestations were - group 1 and 2, respectively: cough (25 percent and 11.4 percent) and dyspnea (22.7 percent and 6.8 percent). No statistical difference was observed in pulmonary signs and symptoms between patients with or without radiographic abnormalities. The most frequent radiological finding was nodular (23.8 percent) or nodular-fibrous (19 percent), bilateral (90.5 percent) and diffuse infiltrates (85.7 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of statistical difference in pulmonary signs and symptoms between these two groups of patients with PCM indicates clinical-radiological dissociation. A simplified classification of radiological lung PCM findings is suggested, based on correlation of these data and current literature review.

INTRODUÇÃO: Comparar sinais e sintomas respiratórios entre pacientes com e sem alterações à radiografia de tórax para se estabelecer o significado dos achados radiográficos no diagnóstico da paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e radiológicos de 44 pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) foram avaliados. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de 23 e 21 indivíduos de acordo com a presença (grupo 1) ou ausência (grupo 2) de anormalidades à radiografia de tórax, respectivamente, e seus dados clínicos foram analisados com auxílio de ferramentas estatísticas. RESULTADOS: Como regra geral, os pacientes eram trabalhadores rurais do sexo masculino, tabagistas e em idade adulta jovem - grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente: homens (91,3 por cento e 66,7 por cento); média de idade (44,4 e 27,9 anos); tabagismo (34,7 por cento e 71,4 por cento); forma aguda/subaguda (38,1 por cento e 21,7 por cento); forma crônica (61,9 por cento e 78,3 por cento). As manifestações respiratórias mais frequentes foram - grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente: tosse (25 por cento e 11,4 por cento) e dispnéia (22,7 por cento e 6,8 por cento). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada nos sinais e sintomas respiratórios entre pacientes com ou sem anormalidades radiográficas. Os achados radiológicos mais frequentes foram o padrão nodular (23,8 por cento) ou nodular-fibrótico (19 por cento), bilateral (90,5 por cento) e infiltrado difuso (85,7 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: A ausência de diferença estatística nos sinais e sintomas pulmonares entre estes dois grupos de pacientes com PCM sugere dissociação clínico-radiológica. Uma classificação simplificada dos achados radiológicos pulmonares da PCM é sugerida, com base na correlação destes dados e revisão da literatura atual.

Echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in Chagas cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Discrepancy between the intensity of pulmonary congestion and the grade of cardiomegaly seems to be a common finding of Chagas cardiomyopathy, in spite of significant systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Its mechanism has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate pulmonary congestion and to analyze if it correlated with Doppler echocardiographic parameters in patients with Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with positive serology tests for Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy were studied. Chest x-rays, Doppler echocardiogram and plasmatic brain natriuretic peptide levels were obtained in all patients. The degree of pulmonary venous vessels changes on chest x-ray was graded using a pulmonary congestion score, and then compared to Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was 48.5 +/- 11.2 years and 29% were women. The majority (95%) of patients were in NYHA functional class I and II. Mild pulmonary congestion by chest x-ray was found in 80% of the patients. In a multivariate analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular TEI index and the color M-mode velocity correlated with the degree of pulmonary congestion. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary venous changes on chest x-rays are frequent, but usually mild in patients with Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy. The degree of pulmonary congestion correlates with Doppler echocardiographic left and right ventricular dysfunction and with color M-mode velocity.

Echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in Chagas cardiomyopathy / Parâmetros ecocardiográficos associados com a congestão pulmonar na miocardiopatia chagásica

INTRODUCTION: Discrepancy between the intensity of pulmonary congestion and the grade of cardiomegaly seems to be a common finding of Chagas cardiomyopathy, in spite of significant systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Its mechanism has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate pulmonary congestion and to analyze if it correlated with Doppler echocardiographic parameters in patients with Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with positive serology tests for Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy were studied. Chest x-rays, Doppler echocardiogram and plasmatic brain natriuretic peptide levels were obtained in all patients. The degree of pulmonary venous vessels changes on chest x-ray was graded using a pulmonary congestion score, and then compared to Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was 48.5 ± 11.2 years and 29 percent were women. The majority (95 percent) of patients were in NYHA functional class I and II. Mild pulmonary congestion by chest x-ray was found in 80 percent of the patients. In a multivariate analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular TEI index and the color M-mode velocity correlated with the degree of pulmonary congestion. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary venous changes on chest x-rays are frequent, but usually mild in patients with Chagas dilated cardiomyopathy. The degree of pulmonary congestion correlates with Doppler echocardiographic left and right ventricular dysfunction and with color M-mode velocity.

INTRODUÇÃO: Na miocardiopatia chagásica, é considerado haver uma menor intensidade de congestão pulmonar, mesmo na vigência de disfunção ventricular esquerda importante, não havendo ainda explicação definitiva para este fenômeno. O objetivo deste estudo foi de investigar a presença de congestão pulmonar na miocardiopatia chagásica e analisar se a intensidade da congestão esteve associada com parâmetros morfofuncionais ecocardiográficos de disfunção cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e cinco pacientes com sorologia positiva para o Trypanosoma cruzi e portadores de miocardiopatia chagásica foram estudados. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao estudo radiológico do tórax, ecocardiograma e dosagem plasmática do peptídeo natriurético cerebral. O grau de congestão pulmonar foi quantificado através de um escore da congestão pulmonar, e então comparado com os parâmetros ecocardiográficos. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 48.5 ± 1.2 anos e 29 por cento eram mulheres. A maior (95 por cento) parte dos pacientes encontrava-se na classe funcional I e II. Discreta congestão pulmonar à radiografia do tórax foi encontrada em 80 por cento dos pacientes. Na análise multivariada, a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, o índice de TEI do ventrículo direito e a velocidade ao color M mode foram as variáveis que mais estiveram associadas com o grau de congestão pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: Nos pacientes com miocardiopatia chagásica, as alterações do fluxo venoso pulmonar foram frequentes, porém discretas. O grau de congestão pulmonar associou com parâmetros ecocardiográficos de disfunção ventricular esquerda e direita e com a velocidade do color M mode.

Clinical and radiographic features of HIV-related pulmonary tuberculosis according to the level of immunosuppression

Medical charts and radiographs from 38 HIV-infected patients with positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage were reviewed in order to compare the clinical, radiographic, and sputum bacilloscopy characteristics of HIV-infected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis according to CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4). The mean age of the patients was 32 years and 76 percent were male. The median CD4 was 106 cells/mm³ and 71 percent had CD4 < 200 cells/mm³. Sputum bacilloscopy was positive in 45 percent of the patients. Patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ showed significantly less post-primary pattern (7 percent vs. 63 percent; p = 0.02) and more frequently reported weight loss (p = 0.04). Although not statistically significant, patients with lower CD4 showed lower positivity of sputum bacilloscopy (37 percent vs. 64 percent; p = 0.18). HIV-infected patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis had a high proportion of non-post-primary pattern in thoracic radiographs. Patients with CD4 lower than 200 cells/mm³ showed post-primary patterns less frequently and reported weight loss more frequently.

Foram revisados prontuários e radiografias de 38 pacientes infectados pelo HIV com culturas de escarro ou lavado broncoalveolar positivas para Mycobacterium tuberculosis no intuito de comparar características clínicas, radiológicas e baciloscópicas de pacientes HIV-positivos com tuberculose pulmonar de acordo com a contagem de linfócitos CD4. A idade média dos pacientes foi 32 anos e 76 por cento eram homens. Mediana de CD4 foi 106 cells/mm³ e 71 por cento tinham CD4 <200cel/mm³. Baciloscopia de escarro foi positiva em 45 por cento. Pacientes com CD4 <200 cel/mm³ apresentaram significativamente menos padrão pós-primário (p=0,02) e relataram emagrecimento mais freqüentemente (p=0,04). Embora sem significância estatística, pacientes com contagem mais baixa de CD4 apresentaram menor positividade na baciloscopia de escarro (p=0,18). Pacientes HIV-positivos com tuberculose pulmonar confirmada por cultura apresentam alta proporção de padrão diferentes do pós-primário na radiografia torácica. Pacientes com CD4 abaixo de 200 cells/mm³ apresentaram menos freqüentemente padrão pós-primário e maior proporção relatou perda de peso.

Clinical and radiographic features of HIV-related pulmonary tuberculosis according to the level of immunosuppression.

Medical charts and radiographs from 38 HIV-infected patients with positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage were reviewed in order to compare the clinical, radiographic, and sputum bacilloscopy characteristics of HIV-infected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis according to CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4). The mean age of the patients was 32 years and 76% were male. The median CD4 was 106 cells/mm(3) and 71% had CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3). Sputum bacilloscopy was positive in 45% of the patients. Patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3) showed significantly less post-primary pattern (7% vs. 63%; p = 0.02) and more frequently reported weight loss (p = 0.04). Although not statistically significant, patients with lower CD4 showed lower positivity of sputum bacilloscopy (37% vs. 64%; p = 0.18). HIV-infected patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis had a high proportion of non-post-primary pattern in thoracic radiographs. Patients with CD4 lower than 200 cells/mm(3) showed post-primary patterns less frequently and reported weight loss more frequently.

Perfil funcional de pacientes portadores de seqüela de tuberculose de um hospital universitário / Functional profile of patients with tuberculosis sequelae in a university hospital

OBJETIVO: Descrever os dados de função pulmonar de pacientes com seqüela de tuberculose pulmonar, pleural e pleuropulmonar. MÉTODOS: Em um ambulatório de tuberculose de um hospital universitário, de 218 pacientes atendidos, 56 tinham seqüela de tuberculose pulmonar, pleural e pleuropulmonar, e 162 tiveram outros tipos de tuberculose. No laboratório de função pulmonar, 43 foram elegíveis para o estudo, de fevereiro de 2000 a julho de 2004. Foram excluídos os pacientes com doenças prévias, como: asma; doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica; insuficiência cardíaca; doenças do colágeno; silicose; cirurgia torácica prévia; e espirometria inaceitável ou não realizada. Os campos pulmonares foram divididos em seis zonas e os radiogramas classificados em: grau I, com mínimo envolvimento em somente uma zona sem cavitação; grau II, com envolvimento de duas ou três zonas ou uma zona com cavitação; grau III, com envolvimento grave em mais de três zonas com ou sem cavitação. RESULTADOS: Cinqüenta pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e 44 deles tiveram tuberculose pulmonar (88 por cento). O distúrbio ventilatório combinado foi o mais prevalente, 17/50 (34 por cento). Os distúrbios acentuados foram mais significativos no grau III (p = 0,0002). A função pulmonar normal predominou nos graus I e II (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÃO: A descoberta e o tratamento precoce dos casos de tuberculose pulmonar contribuem para a diminuição dos casos da doença e de suas seqüelas, melhorando a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Os autores sugerem uma análise logitudinal e seqüencial (protocolo), com maior número de pacientes com seqüelas de tuberculose nos serviços de referência no Brasil.

Functional profile of patients with tuberculosis sequelae in a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe data related to the pulmonary function of patients with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis, pleural tuberculosis or both. METHODS: In the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, 218 patients were evaluated. Of those 218, 56 had sequelae of tuberculosis (pulmonary, pleural or both), and 162 had other types of tuberculosis. All patients were evaluated in the pulmonary function laboratory between February 2000 and July 2004, and 43 were found to be eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients with a history of asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, cardiac insufficiency, collagen diseases, silicosis or thoracic surgery, as well as those for whom spirometry yielded unacceptable results or was not performed, were excluded. The lung fields were divided into six zones, and radiographic results were classified by degree: I (involvement of only one zone with no cavitation); II (involvement of two or three zones or of one zone with cavitation); or III (extensive involvement of three or more zones with or without cavitation). RESULTS: The final study sample comprised 50 patients, 44 (88%) of whom had pulmonary tuberculosis. The most prevalent form (17/50; 34%) was mixed ventilatory disturbance. Severe disturbances were more significant in degree III radiographs (p = 0.0002) and normal pulmonary function was predominant among patients presenting degree I and II radiographs (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The early discovery and treatment of tuberculosis contribute to reduce the number of cases, as well as the incidence of tuberculosis sequelae, thereby improving the quality of life of tuberculosis patients. Further studies, involving longitudinal, sequential analysis and larger samples of patients with tuberculosis sequelae, should be conducted in referral centers in Brazil.

Síndrome de Mendelson: relato de caso / Mendelson syndrome: a case report

Paciente admitida com quadro de engasgo seguido de dispnéia, cianose e perda de consciência, recuperada após aspiração de vias aéreas. Evoluiu com agravamento do quadro clínico até início de tratamento de suporte, quando apresentou rápido restabelecimento. Radiografia de tórax do dia da internação demonstrou infiltrado difuso bilateral e à tomografia observou-se imagem em vidro fosco difuso. Objetiva-se demonstrar alterações tomográficas nesta síndrome.

Avaliação da tomografia de alta resolução versus radiografia de tórax na doença intersticial pulmonar na esclerose sistêmica / High-resolution computed tomography versus chest radiography in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a acurácia da tomografia de alta resolução (TCAR) do tórax em relação à radiografia simples (RX) do tórax no diagnóstico de doença intersticial pulmonar relacionada à esclerose sistêmica (ES). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram realizados TCAR e RX de tórax em póstero-anterior e perfil em 34 pacientes com diagnóstico de ES, segundo critérios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia, e feita comparação entre as prevalências dos achados radiológicos sugestivos de doença intersticial pulmonar encontradas com estes dois métodos de imagem. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas alterações em 31 (91 por cento) das TCAR, enquanto 16 (47 por cento) dos RX de tórax se apresentavam alterados. Os achados mais freqüentes à TCAR foram: linhas septais (74 por cento), faveolamento (56 por cento) e bandas parenquimatosas (26 por cento), localizados predominantemente nas bases pulmonares. Os RX de tórax demonstraram áreas de infiltrado reticular em 32 por cento dos casos e distorção parenquimatosa em 12 por cento dos pacientes. Em 18 (53 por cento) pacientes com RX de tórax normal a TCAR revelou espessamento septal em 55 por cento, vidro fosco em 44 por cento, faveolamento em 38,5 por cento e cistos em 33 por cento. CONCLUSAO: A TCAR é mais sensível que o RX de tórax para a investigação de envolvimento intersticial pulmonar inicial em pacientes com ES, justificando, em casos incipientes, tratamento com terapia imunossupressora.

Tomografia computadorizada dos seios paranasais e cavidade nasal na granulomatose de Wegener / Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity computed tomography findings in Wegener's granulomatosis

INTRODUÇÃO: A granulomatose de Wegener (GW) é uma doença sistêmica que envolve primariamente o trato respiratório e rins. É comum queixa relativa ao trato respiratório alto. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) dos seios da face pode demonstrar as alterações características da GW, assim como determinar sua extensão. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar as formas de acometimento da GW nos seios paranasais e nariz, dando ênfase às alterações ósseas desta doença. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram revistos os prontuários e as TC realizadas entre 1999 e 2004 de cinco pacientes com GW. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes apresentavam sintomas relacionados aos seios paranasais, e três em cinco apresentavam sintomas sistêmicos. Os principais achados à TC incluem neoosteogêneses, esclerose e obliteração óssea, destruição de paredes sinusais, além de massa obliterando os seios e óstios. Todos apresentavam espessamento do revestimento mucoso. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos achados à TC serem sugestivos desta doença, não podem ser considerados patognomônicos de GW. Alterações ósseas na TC podem ser uma evidência adicional de GW quando a suspeita clinica é alta. A TC pode ter importância diagnóstica quando a suspeita clínica é incerta e existe a possibilidade de teste ANCA falso-negativo.

Estudo comparativo entre tomografia computadorizada de alta resoluçäo e radiografia de tórax no diagnóstico da silicose em casos incipientes / Comparative study of high resolution computer-assisted tomography with chest radiofraph inthe diagnosis of silicosis incipient cases

INTRODUÇÄO: A radiografia de tórax (RX) ainda é, no dias atuais, o principal método de diagnóstico da silicose, seguindo-se as normas da Organizaçäo Internacional do Trabalho (OIT). A interpretaçäo radiológica de casos iniciais é dificil, podendo ocorrer divergências mesmo entre leitores experientes. Recentemente, tem sido considerada a possibilidade de utilizaçäo da tomografia computadorizada com técnica de alta resoluçäo (TCAR) para avaliaçäo de casos incipientes. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÄO: Houve boa concordância entre os métodos quanto à classificaçäo na categoria 0, ou seja, os dois métodos mostraram-se equivalentes para eezcluir o diagnóstico de silicose. Porém, para o diagnóstico da doença, caracterizado por classificaçäo na categoria 1 ou superior, näo foi obtida boa concordância entre os métodos.

Epidermólise bolhosa: revisäo da literatura e descriçäo de três casos / Epidermolysis bullosa: report of three cases and review of the literature

Neste trabalho säo descritos três casos de pacientes encaminhados ao Serviço de Radiologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG com diagnóstico de epidermólise bolhosa e disfagia. É feita revisäo da literatura, com ênfase para as manifestaçöes gastrointestinais e alteraçöes radiológicas da doença