Associations between systemic inflammation, mycobacterial loads in sputum and radiological improvement after treatment initiation in pulmonary TB patients from Brazil: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is known to cause inflammation and lung tissue damage in high-risk populations. Nevertheless, direct associations between mycobacterial loads, systemic inflammation and pulmonary lesions upon treatment initiation have not been fully characterized. In the present exploratory study, we prospectively depict the immune profile, microbial clearance and evolution of radiographic lesions in a pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patient cohort before and 60 days after anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT) initiation. METHODS: Circulating levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in cryopreserved serum samples obtained from 73 PTB patients at pre-ATT and day 60 of treatment. Changes of the immune profile over time were compared with mycobacterial loads in sputum and culture conversion at day 60 of ATT. Additional analyses tested associations between improvement of chest radiographic lesions at day 60 and pre-treatment status of inflammation and mycobacterial loads. RESULTS: Within the inflammatory parameters evaluated, values of CRP, IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α and ESR significantly decreased upon treatment initiation. On the converse, IL-10 levels substantially increased at day 60 of ATT, whereas concentrations of IL-6 and IFN-γ remained unchanged. Multidimensional analyses revealed that ESR, IL-2, IL-4 and CRP were the parameters with the highest power to discriminate individuals before and after treatment initiation. We further demonstrated that higher bacterial loads in sputum at pre-ATT were associated with increased systemic inflammation and higher risk for positive M. tuberculosis sputum cultures at day 60 of treatment. Furthermore, we found that pre-ATT mycobacterial loads in sputum and systemic inflammation synergistically associated with the status of radiographic lesions during treatment (Relative risk for chest X-ray improvement: 10.0, 95 % confidence interval: 2.4-40.0, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: M. tuberculosis loads in sputum are directly associated to the status of systemic inflammation and potentially impact the immune profile, culture conversion and evolution of lung lesions upon ATT initiation.

Technetium-99m-anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha scintigraphy as promising predictor of response to corticotherapy in chronic active Graves' ophthalmopathy.

It has been suggested that technetium-99m (99mTc)-anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) scintigraphy (SCI) may be a useful diagnostic tool in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). This study evaluated whether orbit total radioactivity uptake on SCI could be used to predict corticosteroid therapy (CorT) responses in active-GO patients. A longitudinal study of patients with active GO defined by Clinical Active Score (CAS) >3/7 was done. Clinical, laboratory and SCI evaluations were performed at baseline and 3 months after concluding intravenous CorT. SCI (planar and tomographic) was assessed after intravenous injection of 10 mCi of 99mTc-anti-TNF-α. Orbits and cerebral hemispheres were defined as regions of interest (ROIs) to enable orbit/hemisphere ROI-ratios of total radioactive uptake. ROI-ratios were considered positive at >2·5. Average total radiation uptake (TRU) was also determined for each orbit (AVGROI ). Clinical, laboratory and SCI data were compared between responders (CAS became inactive) and non-responders to CorT (18 patients). At baseline, AVGROI were higher in active OG orbits (67·3 cps) than in inactive ones (33·6 cps; P<0·05). AVGROI (absolute values) reduced (-29·9 cps) in CorT responders and tended (P = 0·067) to differ from variations occurred in non-responders (+6·9 cps in patients with maintained CAS positivity post-treatment). Higher baseline ROI-ratios (4·9 versus 3·3; P = 0·056) and its pronounced reductions following CorT (-37% versus +56% in non-responders; P = 0·036) tended to be associated with good CorT responses in the subgroup of GO history ≥1 year. SCI showed a good association with active eye disease and may be an additional tool to identify CorT responders.

Osteomyelitis caused by Sporothrix schenckii in an immunocompetent patient.

Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis in South America and its association with zoonotic transmission remains a relevant public health problem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The disease most commonly presents as subacute or chronic cutaneous lesions, although dissemination to various organs and systems occurs in rare cases, mainly in immunosuppressed individuals. This report describes a case of sporotrichosis with severe bone and subcutaneous damage in an immunocompetent patient who did not exhibit the characteristic skin lesions of sporotrichosis, including ulcers, nodules, and lymphangitis.

Osteomyelitis caused by Sporothrix schenckii in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis in South America and its association with zoonotic transmission remains a relevant public health problem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The disease most commonly presents as subacute or chronic cutaneous lesions, although dissemination to various organs and systems occurs in rare cases, mainly in immunosuppressed individuals. This report describes a case of sporotrichosis with severe bone and subcutaneous damage in an immunocompetent patient who did not exhibit the characteristic skin lesions of sporotrichosis, including ulcers, nodules, and lymphangitis.

Aneurysmal bone cyst at C2: imaging evaluation after intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate imaging findings during the follow-up of patients with aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of C2 treated with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. METHOD: Three patients with ABC of C2 were treated percutaneously with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. All the patients were females, with ages varying from 6 to 13 years. All of them presented with cervical masses, but without neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Imaging follow-up with CT and plain films showed progressive ossification and reduction of the blood-filled cavities with volume reduction of all lesions. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone is a safe treatment option for cervical ABC. The CT scan is especially valuable as a guide of injection site and for the follow-up of ossification of the treated ABCs.

Digitalização de filmes radiográficos com costura de imagens / Digitalization of X-ray films with image stitching

OBJETIVO: Propor um método reprodutível, de fácil utilização e de baixo custo para a digitalização de filmes radiográficos de todos os tamanhos padrões, concentrando nossos esforços em filmes radiográficos de tórax. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O objetivo de baixo custo ditou o uso de um escâner A4 com adaptador de transparência, bem como um software de costura de imagens otimizado, que tira proveito da geometria do escâner e área de captura constante, bem como o conhecimento das dimensões dos filmes radiográficos padrões. RESULTADOS: O resultado final do método proposto é uma imagem de alta resolução com bom contraste e sem artefatos de costura perceptíveis. CONCLUSÃO: O método de digitalização proposto usando um escâner A4 possibilita reprodutibilidade, excelente qualidade de imagem e alto grau de certeza na identificação de lesões.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a reproducible, user friendly and low cost method for digitization of radiographic films of all the standard sizes, focusing efforts on chest X-ray films. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The focus on low cost have dictated the use of an A4 scanner with transparency adapter, as well as an optimized image stitching software that takes advantage of the scanner geometry and constant capture area, besides the knowledge of the standard X-ray film sizes. RESULTS: The end result of the proposed method is a high resolution image with good contrast and no perceptible stitching artifacts. CONCLUSION: The proposed digitization method with an A4 scanner allows reproducibility, excellent image quality and high degree of certainty in the identification of lesions.

Aneurysmal bone cyst at C2: imaging evaluation after intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone / Cisto ósseo aneurismático em C2: avaliação por imagem após injeção intralesional de calcitonina e metilprednisolona

Objective: To demonstrate imaging findings during the follow-up of patients with aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of C2 treated with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. METHOD: Three patients with ABC of C2 were treated percutaneously with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. All the patients were females, with ages varying from 6 to 13 years. All of them presented with cervical masses, but without neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Imaging follow-up with CT and plain films showed progressive ossification and reduction of the blood-filled cavities with volume reduction of all lesions. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up.  Conclusion: Intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone is a safe treatment option for cervical ABC. The CT scan is especially valuable as a guide of injection site and for the follow-up of ossification of the treated ABCs.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os aspectos de imagem no acompanhamento de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento de cisto ósseo aneurismático com injeção intralesional de calcitonina e metilprednisolona. MÉTODO: Três pacientes com cisto ósseo aneurismático em C2 foram tratados com injeção intralesional percutânea de calcitonina e metilprednisolona. Os três pacientes eram do sexo feminino com idades variando de 6 a 13 anos. Os três pacientes apresentavam massa cervical sem sintomas neurológicos. RESULTADOS: O acompanhamento por imagem com tomografia computadorizada e radiografia simples demonstrou ossificação progressiva e redução das cavidades preenchidas por sangue, com redução do volume das lesões. Não foi percebida recidiva durante o acompanhamento. CONCLUSÃO: A injeção intralesional de calcitonina e metilprednisolona é uma opção de tratamento segura para o cisto ósseo aneurismático cervical. A tomografia computadorizada é especialmente útil para orientar o sítio da punção e para o acompanhamento da ossificação dos cistos ósseos aneurismáticos tratados.

Ferramenta de ensino a distância para o Departamento de Radiologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro / Distance learning tool for the Radiology Department of the University of Rio de Janeiro

Este trabalho consiste em apresentar uma ferramenta de ensino a distância, desenvolvida para atender a disciplina de Radiologia para o Internato do Departamento de Radiologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, especialmente como fonte de informação para os estudantes do lcurso. O curso médico requer investimento elevado em recursos humanos, logísticos e financeiros. A combinação da tecnologia do computador com a internet facilita a integração e distribuição dos casos de Radiologia, podendo o meio digital tornar-se ferramenta eficaz de apoio ao ensino e realçar a eficácia de aprendizagem.

This study consists of the development of a tools for distance learning to attend the subject of Radiology for interns of the Radiology Departament of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Film-based teaching files require a substantial investment in human, logistic, and finalcial resources. The combination of computer and network technology facilitates the workflow integration of distributing radiologic teaching cases within an institution (intranet) or via the internet. Digital learning may provide a means to enhance learning efficacy.

Avaliaçäo radiológica do retinoblastoma / Radiologic evaluation of retinoblastoma

Quarenta e cinco pacientes com retinoblastoma foram avaliados radiologicamente no Instituto Nacional do Câncer do Rio de Janeiro. dezenove casos eram de comprometimento bilateral e 26 de unilateral. Predominaram os pacientes do sexo feminino. A faixa etária variou de 12 a 24 meses de idade quando o comprometimento era bilateral, e de 24 a 48 meses, quando unilateral. A pesquisa da disseminaçäo metastática incluiu: análise clínico-laboratorial, de fundo de olho, exames radiológicos convencionais das órbitas e do tórax, análise citológica da medula óssea e líquido cefalorraquidiano em todos os pacientes. Outros exames, tais como cintilografias ósseas e cerebral, radiografias do esqueleto e tomografia computadorizada do crânio, foram realizados em todos os pacientes. Observou-se predomínio da disseminaçäo metastática para os ossos e para o sistema nervoso central. Torna-se evidente a importância da tomografia computadorizada do crânio e especialmente da cavidade orbitária como o primeiro exame a ser realizado quando o diagnóstico de retinoblastoma é estabelecido

Fístulas crânio-nasais do líquido céfalo-raquiano. Estudo de 17 casos / Cerebrospinal fluid cranio-nasal fistulae. Report of 17 cases

Os autores estudam uma série de pacientes com fístula do líquido céfalo-raquiano (LCR). Analisam as etiologias mais comuns desse tipo de fístula e as classificam didaticamente em dois grandes grupos: espontâneas e traumáticas. O objetivo deste estudo é discutir a conduta terapêutica e chamar a atenção para as principais dificuldades no diagnóstico dessas lesões.

Avaliaçäo do funcionamento do serviço de radiodiagnóstico do Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Resumo: Visando a implantaçäo de um Programa de Garantia de Qualidade (PGQ) no Serviço de Radiodiagnóstico (SR) do Hospital Universitário Clementino Braga Filho da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, foi feita uma avaliaçäo preliminar das condiçöes de funcionamento deste Serviço. O trabalho realizado abrangeu tanto aspectos técnicos relacionados ao funcionamento dos equipamentos de raio X e os acessórios em uso no Serviço, quanto os aspectos administrativos e de gerência do SR. Para este levantamento foram feitos Testes de Controle de Qualidade e pesquisa diversas para avaliaçäo do funcionamento gerencial do SR. Os resultados obtidos indicaram ser oportuna e benéfica a implantaçäo de um PGQ visando a reduçäo dos custos operacionais, melhoria da qualidade da imagem e reduçäo das doses nos pacientes