Diagnostic accuracy of non-contrast MRI in frozen shoulder.

INTRODUCTION: Despite being the most used exam today, few studies have evaluated the accuracy of findings on non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of non-contrast MRI findings in frozen shoulder, isolated and in combination. The secondary objectives were to define the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the assessments and the odds ratio for frozen shoulder because of the various findings of MRI. METHODS: A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study comparing non-contrast MRI findings between the frozen shoulder group and the control group. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, odds ratio, interobserver and intraobserver agreement were calculated for each finding and their possible associations. RESULTS: The hyperintensity on capsule in the axillary recess presented 84% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and 89% accuracy. The obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle in the rotator interval had sensitivity 34%, specificity 82% and accuracy 58%. For coracohumeral ligament thickness ≥ 2 mm had specificity 66%, 48% specificity and 57% accuracy. Capsule thickness in the axillary recess ≥ 4 mm resulted in 54% sensitivity, 82% specificity, and 68% accuracy. Regarding interobserver agreement, only the posteroinferior and posterosuperior quadrants showed moderate results, and all the others showed strong reliability. The odds ratio for hyperintensity in the axillary recess was 82.3 for frozen shoulder. The association of these findings increased specificity (95%). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging is high for diagnosing frozen shoulder, especially when evaluating the hyperintensity of the axillary recess. The exam has high reliability and reproducibility. The presence of an association of signs increases the specificity of the test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, study of diagnostic test.

Imaging features of the postoperative spine: a guide to basic understanding of spine surgical procedures.

Spinal surgical procedures are becoming more common over the years, and imaging studies can be requested in the postoperative setting, such as a baseline study when implants are used, or when there is a new postoperative issue reported by the patient or even as routine surveillance. Therefore, it helps the surgeon in the appropriate management of cases. In this context, there is increasing importance of the radiologist in the adequate interpretation of postoperative images, as well as in the choice of the most appropriate modality for each case, especially among radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine. It is essential to be familiar with the main types of surgical techniques and imaging characteristics of each one, including the type and correct positioning of hardware involved, to differentiate normal and abnormal postoperative appearances. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate and discuss the more frequently used spine surgical interventions and their imaging characteristics, with an emphasis on classical decompression and fusion/stabilization procedures. KEY POINTS: Plain radiographs remain the main modality for baseline, dynamic evaluation, and follow-ups. CT is the method of choice for assessing bone fusion, hardware integrity and loosening. MRI should be used to evaluate bone marrow and soft tissue complications. Radiologists should be familiar with most performed spinal procedures in order to differentiate normal and abnormal. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This article discusses the main surgical procedures involved in the spine, which can be didactically divided into decompression, stabilization-fusion, and miscellaneous, as well as the role of diagnostic imaging methods and their main findings in this context.

Influence of Wearing Blue Lenses on Melatonin Production and Performance in Volleyball Players.

We analyzed the effects of wearing blue lenses on melatonin level, physical and cognitive performance. Fifteen youth volleyball players (15.0±1.5 yrs) attended the laboratory on 3 occasions (48-h interval): on the 1 st visit they were familiarized with the procedures of the study, and on 2 nd and 3 rd visits they were submitted to the testing protocol wearing transparent (control) or blue lens glasses in a counterbalanced crossover design. The protocol consisted of 10 min in "total darkness," 30 min of light stimulation (wearing blue or transparent lenses), followed by an attentional test, and an agility T-test (without wearing the glasses). Samples of saliva (to determine melatonin concentration) were obtained pre- and post-exposure (30 min) to artificial light, wearing the lenses. Sleepiness, alertness, attention, mood, and perceived recovery status and performance variables (reaction time and T-test) were assessed after lens exposure. Melatonin levels did not differ within and between groups (blue lenses, pre: 0.79±0.73 and post: 1.19±1.374 pg/dl, p=0.252, effect size (ES)=0.38; control, pre: 0.97±1.00 and post: 0.67±0.71 pg/dl, p=0.305, ES=-0.35). Nonetheless, melatonin differences were significantly correlated with physical sedation for glasses with blue lenses (r=-0.526; p=0.04). No other variables differed (p>0.05) between protocols, including T-test performance (p=0.07; ES=0.41). Blue lenses do not influence melatonin levels, cognitive/physical performance, and mood status in amateur youth volleyball players.

Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging for detecting subscapularis tendon tears: a diagnostic test study.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for making the diagnosis of subscapularis tears presents wide variation in the literature and there are few prospective studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the findings from MRI and arthroscopy for diagnosing subscapularis tears. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic test study performed in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: We included patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and who had firstly undergone high magnetic field MRI without contrast. The images were independently evaluated by a shoulder surgeon and two musculoskeletal radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and inter and intra-observer agreement were calculated. RESULTS: MRIs on 200 shoulders were evaluated. The incidence of subscapularis tears was 69.5% (41.5% partial and 28.0% full-thickness). The inter and intra-observer agreement was moderate for detection of subscapularis tears. The shoulder surgeon presented sensitivity of 51.1% to 59.0% and specificity of 91.7% to 94.4%. The radiologists showed sensitivity of 83.5% to 87.1% and specificity of 41% to 45.9%. Accuracy ranged from 60.5% to 73.0%. CONCLUSION: The 1.5-T MRIs without contrast showed mean sensitivity of 70.2% and mean specificity of 61.9% for detection of subscapularis tears. Sensitivity was higher for the musculoskeletal radiologists, while specificity was higher for the shoulder surgeon. The mean accuracy was 67.6%, i.e. lower than that of rotator cuff tears overall.

Magnetic resonance imaging aspects after surgical repair of knee cartilage: pictorial essay.

Radiologists should be familiar with the main techniques of knee cartilage repair and the imaging methods available for its evaluation, in order to optimize the postoperative follow-up of patients. The objective of this study was to present a series of clinical cases seen at our facility, illustrating the main techniques necessary for the repair of knee cartilage, as well as the magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in the postoperative evaluation and the relevant radiological findings.

Radiologistas devem estar familiarizados com as principais técnicas de reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho e os métodos de imagem disponíveis para sua avaliação, no intuito de otimizar o seguimento pós-operatório do paciente. O presente estudo tem por finalidade, por meio de uma coletânea de casos do nosso serviço, ilustrar as principais técnicas cirúrgicas aplicadas ao reparo da cartilagem do joelho, bem como as técnicas de ressonância magnética usualmente utilizadas na avaliação pós-operatória e os achados radiológicos relevantes.

Magnetic resonance imaging aspects after surgical repair of knee cartilage: pictorial essay / Aspectos na ressonância magnética pós-reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho: ensaio iconográfico

Abstract Radiologists should be familiar with the main techniques of knee cartilage repair and the imaging methods available for its evaluation, in order to optimize the postoperative follow-up of patients. The objective of this study was to present a series of clinical cases seen at our facility, illustrating the main techniques necessary for the repair of knee cartilage, as well as the magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in the postoperative evaluation and the relevant radiological findings.

Resumo Radiologistas devem estar familiarizados com as principais técnicas de reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho e os métodos de imagem disponíveis para sua avaliação, no intuito de otimizar o seguimento pós-operatório do paciente. O presente estudo tem por finalidade, por meio de uma coletânea de casos do nosso serviço, ilustrar as principais técnicas cirúrgicas aplicadas ao reparo da cartilagem do joelho, bem como as técnicas de ressonância magnética usualmente utilizadas na avaliação pós-operatória e os achados radiológicos relevantes.

Main complications of hip arthroplasty: pictorial essay.

Hip arthroplasty is a widely used and successful orthopedic procedure for the treatment of degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic joint disease. The procedure promotes significant pain relief, as well as recovery of limb function, reduction of disability, and better quality of life. However, there are related complications, which have characteristic imaging aspects. In the present study, we review the literature and exemplify such complications using images obtained at our facility, illustrating the main radiological aspects of complications such as heterotopic ossification, periprosthetic fractures, osteolysis, infection, wear, and dislocation.

Main complications of hip arthroplasty: pictorial essay / Principais complicações da artroplastia de quadril: ensaio iconográfico

Abstract Hip arthroplasty is a widely used and successful orthopedic procedure for the treatment of degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic joint disease. The procedure promotes significant pain relief, as well as recovery of limb function, reduction of disability, and better quality of life. However, there are related complications, which have characteristic imaging aspects. In the present study, we review the literature and exemplify such complications using images obtained at our facility, illustrating the main radiological aspects of complications such as heterotopic ossification, periprosthetic fractures, osteolysis, infection, wear, and dislocation.

Resumo A artroplastia de quadril é um procedimento cirúrgico ortopédico amplamente utilizado e de grande sucesso para tratamento da doença articular, seja esta degenerativa, inflamatória ou traumática, promovendo importante melhora da dor, recuperação da função do membro, redução da incapacidade e melhora da qualidade de vida. Entretanto, existem complicações relacionadas, as quais possuem aspectos de imagem característicos. O presente estudo revisou a literatura e exemplificou essas complicações de forma ilustrativa com a experiência do nosso serviço, abordando os principais aspectos radiológicos das complicações da artroplastia de quadril, englobando ossificação heterotópica, fraturas periprotéticas, osteólise, infecção, desgaste e luxação.

Avascular necrosis: radiological findings and main sites of involvement - pictorial essay.

The term avascular necrosis describes any one of a number of bone diseases that have a common mechanism: the death of bone components due to lack of blood supply. Avascular necrosis can occur in diverse parts of the skeleton, each location-specific form not only receiving a distinct designation but also presenting unique epidemiologic characteristics. However, the imaging findings are similar in all of the forms, which pass through well-described radiological phases, regardless of the site of involvement. Because avascular necrosis can cause considerable morbidity if not properly detected and managed, the radiologist plays a fundamental role. The present study provides a brief review of the main radiological aspects of the various forms of avascular necrosis, illustrated on the basis of a collection of cases from our institution.

Necroses avasculares são um grupo de doenças ósseas que possuem como via comum a morte dos constituintes dos ossos por falta de suprimento vascular. Podem ocorrer nas mais diversas partes do esqueleto, recebendo não somente denominações distintas, como também apresentam epidemiologia única em cada uma dessas localizações. Seus achados nos métodos de imagem, no entanto, são similares, independente do seu sítio de acometimento, passando por fases radiológicas já bem descritas. Se não forem detectadas e manejadas de forma adequada, podem trazer grande morbidade aos pacientes, o que torna o papel do radiologista primordial. O presente estudo faz uma revisão sucinta acerca dos principais aspectos radiológicos das diversas formas de apresentação das necroses avasculares, ilustradas com base em uma coletânea de casos da nossa instituição.

Avascular necrosis: radiological findings and main sites of involvement - pictorial essay / Necroses avasculares: achados radiológicos e principais sítios de acometimento - ensaio iconográfico

Abstract The term avascular necrosis describes any one of a number of bone diseases that have a common mechanism: the death of bone components due to lack of blood supply. Avascular necrosis can occur in diverse parts of the skeleton, each location-specific form not only receiving a distinct designation but also presenting unique epidemiologic characteristics. However, the imaging findings are similar in all of the forms, which pass through well-described radiological phases, regardless of the site of involvement. Because avascular necrosis can cause considerable morbidity if not properly detected and managed, the radiologist plays a fundamental role. The present study provides a brief review of the main radiological aspects of the various forms of avascular necrosis, illustrated on the basis of a collection of cases from our institution.

Resumo Necroses avasculares são um grupo de doenças ósseas que possuem como via comum a morte dos constituintes dos ossos por falta de suprimento vascular. Podem ocorrer nas mais diversas partes do esqueleto, recebendo não somente denominações distintas, como também apresentam epidemiologia única em cada uma dessas localizações. Seus achados nos métodos de imagem, no entanto, são similares, independente do seu sítio de acometimento, passando por fases radiológicas já bem descritas. Se não forem detectadas e manejadas de forma adequada, podem trazer grande morbidade aos pacientes, o que torna o papel do radiologista primordial. O presente estudo faz uma revisão sucinta acerca dos principais aspectos radiológicos das diversas formas de apresentação das necroses avasculares, ilustradas com base em uma coletânea de casos da nossa instituição.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detection of tears and instability of proximal long head of biceps tendon: an evaluation of 100 shoulders compared with arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of instability and tears of the proximal long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). To assess intraobserver and interobserver agreement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive shoulders who underwent non-contrast 1.5-T MRI prior to arthroscopic surgery due to rotator cuff injury. Images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. LHBT was evaluated for presence of tearing (intact, longitudinal split, partial-thickness, or full-thickness) and position (normal, subluxated, and dislocated). Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears were also assessed. The reference standard was arthroscopic surgery. The ramp test was performed in order to evaluate LHBT stability. Diagnostic performance measures were determined and Kappa coefficients assessed agreement. RESULTS: Concerning the detection of overall tears, sensitivity ranged from 71 to 73% and specificity was 73%. The specificity for full-thickness tears ranged from 75 to 96%. Overall displacement showed sensitivity ranging from 51 to 58% and specificity ranging from 70 to 86%. The specificity of overall displacement combined with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears ranged from 73 to 91%. Interobserver Kappa values were between 0.59 and 0.69. Intraobserver Kappa values were between 0.74 and 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: MRI has moderate accuracy and good agreement for detection of LHBT tears and instability. There is a tendency for increased specificity for full-thickness tears and for instability in the coexistence of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Creation of a Neovagina by Laparoscopic Modified Vecchietti Technique: Anatomic and Functional Results.

Purpose To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of a laparoscopic modified Vecchietti technique for the creation of a neovagina in patients with congenital vaginal aplasia. Methods Retrospective study of nine patients with congenital vaginal aplasia submitted to the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure, in our department, between 2006 and 2013. The anatomical results were evaluated by assessing the length, width and epithelialization of the neovagina at the postoperative visits. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and comparing the patients' results to those of a control group of 20 healthy women. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Results The condition underlying the vaginal aplasia was Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in eight cases, and androgen insensitivity syndrome in one case. The average preoperative vaginal length was 2.9 cm. At surgery, the mean age of the patients was 22.2 years. The surgery was performed successfully in all patients and no intra or postoperative complications were recorded. At the first postoperative visit (6 to 8 weeks after surgery), the mean vaginal length was 8.1 cm. In all cases, the neovagina was epithelialized and had an appropriate width. The mean FSFI total and single domain scores did not differ significantly from those of the control group: 27.5 vs. 30.6 (total); 4.0 vs. 4.2 (desire); 4.4 vs. 5.2 (arousal); 5.2 vs. 5.3 (lubrication); 4.2 vs. 5.0 (orgasm); 5.3 vs. 5.5 (satisfaction) and 4.4 vs. 5.4 (comfort). Conclusions This modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique is a simple, safe and effective procedure, which allows patients with congenital vaginal aplasia to have a satisfactory sexual activity, comparable to that of normal controls.

Creation of a Neovagina by Laparoscopic Modified Vecchietti Technique: Anatomic and Functional Results / Criação de neovagina pela técnica de Vecchietti laparoscópica modificada: resultados anatómicos e funcionais

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of a laparoscopic modified Vecchietti technique for the creation of a neovagina in patients with congenital vaginal aplasia. Methods Retrospective study of nine patients with congenital vaginal aplasia submitted to the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure, in our department, between 2006 and 2013. The anatomical results were evaluated by assessing the length, width and epithelialization of the neovagina at the postoperative visits. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and comparing the patients' results to those of a control group of 20 healthy women. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Results The condition underlying the vaginal aplasia was Mayer-Rokitansky-KüsterHauser syndrome in eight cases, and androgen insensitivity syndrome in one case. The average preoperative vaginal length was 2.9 cm. At surgery, the mean age of the patients was 22.2 years. The surgery was performed successfully in all patients and no intra or postoperative complications were recorded. At the first postoperative visit (6 to 8 weeks after surgery), the mean vaginal length was 8.1 cm. In all cases, the neovagina was epithelialized and had an appropriate width. The mean FSFI total and single domain scores did not differ significantly from those of the control group: 27.5 vs. 30.6 ( total); 4.0 vs. 4.2 (desire); 4.4 vs. 5.2 (arousal); 5.2 vs. 5.3 (lubrication); 4.2 vs. 5.0 ( orgasm); 5.3 vs. 5.5 (satisfaction) and 4.4 vs. 5.4 ( comfort ). Conclusions This modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique is a simple, safe and effective procedure, which allows patients with congenital vaginal aplasia to have a satisfactory sexual activity, comparable to that of normal controls.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados anatômicos e funcionais da técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti para a criação de uma neovagina em pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de nove pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita submetidas à técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti, no nosso departamento, entre 2006 e 2013. Os resultados anatômicos foram aferidos através da avaliação do comprimento, largura e reepitelização da neovagina nas consultas pós-operatórias. Os resultados funcionais foram avaliados com recurso à versão em português do questionário Female Sexual Function Index de Rosen, comparando os resultados das pacientes aos de um grupo de controle de 20 mulheres saudáveis. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o programa SPSS Statistics versão 19.0), o teste t de Student, teste U de Mann-Whitney e teste exato de Fisher. Resultados A etiologia subjacente à aplasia vaginal foi a síndrome de Mayer-Roki-tansky-Küster-Hauser em oito casos, e a síndrome de insensibilidade aos andrógenos em um caso. O comprimento vaginal médio pré-operatório era de 2,9 cm. À data da cirurgia, a média de idade das pacientes era de 22,2 anos. A cirurgia foi realizada com sucesso em todos os casos, sem registo de complicações intra ou pós-operatórias. Na primeira avaliação pós-operatória (6 a 8 semanas após a cirurgia), o comprimento vaginal médio foi de 8,1 cm. Em todos os casos, a neovagina estava reepitelizada e com amplitude adequada. As pontuações médias, total e de cada domínio, obtidas no questionário de avaliação da função sexual não diferiram significativamente das do grupo controle: 27,5 vs 30,6 (total); 4.0 vs 4.2 (desejo); 4,4 vs 5,2 (excitação); 5,2 vs 5 , 3 (lubrificação); 4,2 vs 5,0 (orgasmo); 5,3 vs 5,5 (satisfação) e 4,4 vs 5,4 ( conforto ). Conclusões A técnica laparoscópica modificada de Vecchietti é um procedimento simples, seguro e eficaz, permitindo às pacientes com aplasia vaginal congênita uma atividade sexual satisfatória, comparável à dos controles normais.

Opções a capsulotomia e capsulectomia no tratamento da contratura capsular: existem alternativas medicamentosas ao tratamento cirúrgico? Revisão de literatura / Options for capsulotomy and capsulectomy in the treatment of capsular contracture: are there clinical treatment alternatives to surgery? A literature review

INTRODUÇÃO: A contratura capsular é uma das principais complicações em cirurgias envolvendo implantes mamários. A classificação mais usada para avaliar o grau de contratura é a de Baker, que a divide em graus I, II, III e IV, sendo as de grau III e IV consideradas significativas. Apesar de existirem diversas teorias, a etiologia da contratura capsular permanece incerta. O tratamento convencional para os casos de contratura é a abordagem cirúrgica com realização de capsulotomia ou capsulectomia. Estes procedimentos, no entanto, não estão isentos de morbidades, com complicações como deiscências, hematomas, seromas, pneumotórax, assimetrias e recidiva da contratura. Este estudo faz uma revisão sobre as alternativas ao tratamento cirúrgico convencional, descritas na literatura. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada pesquisa nas bibliotecas da Pubmed e da Cochrane, utilizando-se os termos: 'capsular contracture', 'capsular contracture treatment' e 'capsular contracture breast treatment'. Foram identificados 991 artigos e selecionados os que discutiam opções medicamentosas para o tratamento de contratura, diferentes de capsulectomia e capsulotomia. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados vårios estudos utilizando drogas com o fim de reduzir a contratura capsular, das quais o Zafirlucaste é apresentado em maior número de trabalhos. CONCLUSÃO: Dentre as várias drogas utilizadas, o Zafirlucaste apresentou boa eficácia, com baixos índices de complicação; a Triancinolona parece ser também uma boa opção, no entanto precisa de profissional habilitado para realizar as infiltrações. As demais drogas necessitam de maiores estudos.

INTRODUCTION: Capsular contracture is among the main complications of surgeries involving breast implants. The most commonly used classification to assess the degree of contracture is the Baker grading system, which divides contractures into grades I, II, III, and IV. Of these, grade III and IV contractures are considered significant. Although several causes have been postulated, the etiology of capsular contracture remains uncertain. Conventional treatment for contracture is based on a surgical approach, specifically capsulotomy or capsulectomy. These procedures, however, are not exempt from morbidity, and patients may develop complications such as dehiscence, hematoma, seroma, pneumothorax, asymmetry, and contracture recurrence. This study provides a review of alternatives to conventional surgery described in the literature. METHODS: We researched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using the following keywords: "capsular contracture", "capsular contracture treatment", and "capsular contracture breast treatment". We identified 991 articles from which we selected those discussing medication options for contracture treatment other than capsulectomy and capsulotomy. RESULTS: We identified several studies in which drugs, most commonly zafirlukast, were used to reduce capsular contracture. CONCLUSION: Among the various reported drugs, zafirlukast exhibited good efficacy and a low rate of complication. Triamcinolone also appears to be a good option, although professional assistance would be needed for drug administration via infiltration. The other drugs described would require further investigation.

Intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow cells as an adjunctive therapy to incomplete myocardial revascularization--safety issues.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety of intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow cells in patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization (CABG) for severe coronary artery disease. INTRODUCTION: There is little data available regarding the safety profile of autologous bone marrow cells injected during surgical myocardial revascularization. Potential risks include arrythmias, fibrosis in the injected sites and growth of non-cardiac tissues. METHODS: Ten patients (eight men) were enrolled; they were 59+/-5 years old with limiting angina and were non-optimal candidates for complete CABG. Bone marrow cells (1.3+/-0.3x10(8)) were obtained prior to surgery, and the lymphomonocytic fraction (CD34+ =1.8+/-0.3%) was separated by density gradient centrifugation. During surgery, bone marrow cells were injected in non-grafted areas of ischemic myocardium. During the first year after surgery, the patients underwent laboratory tests, cardiac imaging, and 24-hour ECG monitoring. RESULTS: Injected segments: inferior (n=7), anterior (n=2), septal (n=1), apical (n=1), and lateral (n=1) walls. Except for a transient elevation of C-reactive protein at one month post-surgery (P=0.01), laboratory tests results were within normal ranges; neither complex arrhythmias nor structural abnormalities were detected during follow-up. There was a reduction in functional class of angina from 3.6+/-0.8 (baseline) to 1.2+/-0.4 (one year) (P<0.0001). Also, patients had a significant decrease in the ischemic score assessed by magnetic resonance, not only globally from 0.65+/-0.14 (baseline) to 0.17+/-0.05 (one year) (P=0.002), but also in the injected areas from 1.11+/-0.20 (baseline) to 0.34+/-0.13 (one year) (P=0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial injection of bone marrow cells combined with CABG appears to be safe. Theoretical concerns with arrhythmias and/or structural abnormalities after cell therapy were not confirmed in this safety trial.

Intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow cells as an adjunctive therapy to incomplete myocardial revascularization: safety issues

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety of intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow cells in patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization (CABG) for severe coronary artery disease. INTRODUCTION: There is little data available regarding the safety profile of autologous bone marrow cells injected during surgical myocardial revascularization. Potential risks include arrythmias, fibrosis in the injected sites and growth of non-cardiac tissues. METHODS: Ten patients (eight men) were enrolled; they were 59±5 years old with limiting angina and were non-optimal candidates for complete CABG. Bone marrow cells (1.3±0.3x10(8)) were obtained prior to surgery, and the lymphomonocytic fraction (CD34+=1.8±0.3 percent) was separated by density gradient centrifugation. During surgery, bone marrow cells were injected in non-grafted areas of ischemic myocardium. During the first year after surgery, the patients underwent laboratory tests, cardiac imaging, and 24-hour ECG monitoring. RESULTS: Injected segments: inferior (n=7), anterior (n=2), septal (n=1), apical (n=1), and lateral (n=1) walls. Except for a transient elevation of C-reactive protein at one month post-surgery (P=0.01), laboratory tests results were within normal ranges; neither complex arrhythmias nor structural abnormalities were detected during follow-up. There was a reduction in functional class of angina from 3.6±0.8 (baseline) to 1.2±0.4 (one year) (P<0.0001). Also, patients had a significant decrease in the ischemic score assessed by magnetic resonance, not only globally from 0.65±0.14 (baseline) to 0.17±0.05 (one year) (P=0.002), but also in the injected areas from 1.11±0.20 (baseline) to 0.34±0.13 (one year) (P=0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial injection of bone marrow cells combined with CABG appears to be safe. Theoretical concerns with arrhythmias and/or structural abnormalities after cell therapy...

Prevalência dos defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural em recém-nascidos do Centro de Atenção à Mulher do Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira, IMIP: 2000-2004 / Neural tube defects prevalence in newborn infants in the Women Care Center of the Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira, IMIP: 2000-2004

OBJETIVOS: conhecer a prevalência de defeito de fechamento do tubo neural (DFTN) em crianças nascidas na maternidade do Centro de Atenção à Mulher do Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) no período de 2000 a 2004. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, do tipo corte transversal, cujos dados foram coletados de um banco de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos do qual foram selecionados todos os registros de recém-nascidos com malformação fetal. A partir daí selecionaram-se os recém-nascidos com DFTN ocorridos no período considerado. RESULTADOS: entre os 24.964 nascimentos, foram registrados 709 recém-nascidos apresentando alguma malformação ao nascer. Ao se considerar apenas os recém nascidos com DFTN, observaram-se 124 registros, representando uma prevalência de 0,5 por cento entre nascimentos naquele período. Os recém-nascidos com DFTN apresentaram características semelhantes aos recém-nascidos com malformações, de uma forma geral. A maioria (68,5 por cento) desses recém-nascidos era de parto cesariano e 37,7 por cento apresentaram baixo peso ao nascer. CONCLUSÕES: a prevalência de DFTN entre os nascimentos registrados no Centro de Atenção à Mulher do Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira foi elevada (5/1000 nascimentos) e isso, provavelmente é reflexo do fato de a maternidade ser referência para gestações de alto-risco.

OBJECTIVES: to determine neural tube closing defects in newborns delivered in the maternity ward of the Women Care Center of the Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP). METHODS: a descriptive cross-sectional cohort study, with data collected from a Born Alive Information System from which all records of newborns with fetal malformation were selected. From these records the ones pertaining to newborns between 2000 and 2004 with the neural tube closing defect were considered. RESULTS: of 24.964 births, 709 newborns with some type of malformation were registered. When narrowing this to the newborns with the neural tube closing defect the number disclosed was 124, with a prevalence of 0.5 percent of the births within the period. Newborns with the neural tube closing defect, in general, had similar characteristics to newborns with other malformations. The majority (68.5 percent) of these newborns was delivered through C-Section and 37.7 percent had low birthweight. CONCLUSIONS: a high prevalence of neural tube closing defect was determined, but this could have resulted from the fact that the maternity ward of Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) is a referral facility for high-risk pregnancies.