Acute Q fever pneumonia: high-resolution computed tomographic findings in six patients.

METHODS:: We analyzed high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings from six male patients (mean age, 22.6 years) with confirmed diagnoses of acute Q fever. Two chest radiologists analyzed the images and reached decisions by consensus. All patients presented fever, myalgia, prostation, headache, and dry cough. They also had common epidemiologic factors (recent travel for military service, where they had contact with sheep and capybara). Diagnoses were confirmed by the detection of C. burnetii DNA in clinical samples by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:: The predominant HRCT findings were areas of consolidation (100%) and nodules (66.6%) with halos of ground-glass opacity, predominantly with segmental and peripheral distributions. Lesions affected all lobes, and predominated in the left upper and lower lobes. Involvement of more than one lobe was observed in four patients. No pleural effusion or lymph node enlargement was found. CONCLUSION:: The predominant HRCT findings in patients with acute Q fever pneumonia were bilateral, peripheral areas of consolidation and nodules with irregular contours and halos of ground-glass opacity. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:: Acute Q fever should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions with the halo sign on HRCT.

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