[Progressive primary tuberculosis with endobronchial involvement. Benefits of multislice helical computed tomography]. / Tuberculosis primaria progresiva con afectación endobronquial. Aportación de la TC multicorte.

OBJECTIVES: To assess computed tomography (CT) imaging findings in progressive primary tuberculosis and to determine the use of the multislice images obtained. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 37-day-old infant admitted to hospital because of persistent fever despite antimicrobial therapy. Thoracic X-ray and multislice helical CT (CT Light speed i1.6 GE) were performed with 3-dimensional and virtual endoscopy reconstructions. RESULTS: CT showed mediastinal and hilar necrotic lymph nodes, pulmonary parenchymal involvement with miliary pattern, and multiple cavitated consolidations. Endobronchial involvement was clearly visualized by virtual endoscopy and was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual endoscopy is a new, less invasive alternative radiological technique to fiberoptic bronchoscopy that may influence the management of patients with tuberculosis with endobronchial involvement.

[Value of ultrasonography as the initial diagnostic method in acute sigmoid diverticulitis]. / Valor de la ecografía como método de diagnóstico inicial en la diverticulitis aguda del sigma.

We herein describe the ultrasonographic findings of 19 patients with clinical suspicion of acute diverticulitis. The criteria considered as evidence of the disease included the identification of the diverticuli, thickening of the wall of the loop, alteration of local mesenterium and selective pain. Diagnosis was complemented by CT scan, barium enema and, in determined cases, colonoscopy. Of the 19 cases studied, 18 corresponded to acute diverticulitis of the sigma and one to acute salpingitis. The former 18 cases were correctly diagnosed by ultrasonography (uncomplicated diverticulitis) and the posterior CT scan did not provide additional information. In conclusion, ultrasonography is a highly sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis when the sigmoid colon is involved.

[Arterial gas embolism progressing to a massive stroke]. / Embolismo gaseoso arterial con evolución a accidente cerebrovascular masivo.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a main iatrogenic complication resulting from the use of invasive procedures. It is difficult to diagnose if it is not clinically suspected. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old male patient, with a history of interventions involving a mitral prosthesis and a double aortocoronary bypass, who visited Emergency room with symptoms of a high temperature and general malaise. He was canalised peripherally and the electrocardiogram (ECG) showed an auricular fibrillation that had already been detected. While under observation he suffered a loss of consciousness, generalised hypotonia, conjugated gaze deviation towards the right, lower left facial paralysis and left Babinski positive. A new ECG showed ST segment elevation in V2-V5. A cranial computerised tomography (CAT) scan with no contrast revealed a number of serpiginous images caused by the presence of air in vascular structures. A second cranial CAT scan showed the disappearance of the visible air and signs of ischemic stroke in the territory of the right middle and posterior cerebral arteries and the left middle cerebral artery. Clinical-radiological findings suggested an AGE in the brain with massive stroke and acute myocardial infarct with similar causation. CONCLUSIONS: It is not clear what caused the air embolism in this patient but it can most probably be explained by air accidentally entering a peripheral vein. Carrying out an early cranial CAT scan can provide us with a diagnosis and a later CAT scan can evaluate the consequences of the embolism.