ABSTRACT
An artifact is a feature present in an image which is not part of the original structure. It can occur as a consequence of several factors. It may be mistaken for pathologic conditions, leading to adverse consequences for the patients. The aim of the present study is to present a selection of the main artifacts described in brain and spinal magnetic resonance images to improve the ability of the physicians to recognize them and to reduce their interference on the final interpretation of a scan. The authors searched the scientific community for artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which were selected to focus on central nervous system (CNS) findings. With the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) database from the center where this study was conducted, the authors designated brain and spine MRI scans with conspicuous artifacts to compose the present study. The artifacts were then classified as those that contribute to the diagnosis and those that must be distinguished from pathologic lesions. Considering the novel classification proposed by the present study, physicians might be stimulated to reevaluate their opinions regarding artifacts, perhaps considering them helpful to evaluate certain conditions even if they cannot be fully corrected, as shown by this distinct approach to artifacts with specific findings concerning differential diagnosis of CNS conditions.
Um artefato está em uma imagem, mas não faz parte da estrutura original. Ele pode ocorrer como consequência de uma miríade de fatores e pode ser confundido com condições patológicas, levando a consequências adversas para os pacientes. O objetivo do presente estudo é apresentar uma seleção dos principais artefatos descritos em imagens de ressonância magnética (RM) cerebral e da coluna vertebral, a fim de melhorar a capacidade dos médicos de reconhecê-los e reduzir sua interferência na interpretação final. Os autores pesquisaram na literatura por artefatos em imagens de RM, os quais foram selecionados para se concentrar nos achados do sistema nervoso central (SNC). Com o banco de dados Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) do centro onde o presente estudo foi realizado, os autores separaram exames de RM do cérebro e da coluna com artefatos conspícuos para compor o presente estudo. Os artefatos foram então classificados como aqueles que contribuem para o diagnóstico e os que devem ser diferenciados de lesões patológicas. Considerando esta classificação proposta, os médicos podem ser estimulados a reavaliar suas opiniões a partir de artefatos, e estes podem ser úteis para avaliar certas condições, mesmo que não possam ser totalmente corrigidas, como mostrado por esta abordagem distinta para artefatos com achados específicos relativos ao diagnóstico diferencial de condições do SNC.
ABSTRACT
Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa and is transmitted by insects from the Phlebotominae subfamily. It can manifest as cutaneous leishmaniasis, a painless ulcer that can develop into a more serious systemic affliction as the protozoa spreads lymphatically or hematogenously, depending on the host's immunity. In this case series, the authors present a rare form of genital mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, with consideration of epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatments offered.
Subject(s)
Leishmania , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous , Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous , Animals , Diagnosis, Differential , Genitalia , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous/diagnosis , UlcerABSTRACT
Abstract Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa and is transmitted by insects from the Phlebotominae subfamily. It can manifest as cutaneous leishmaniasis, a painless ulcer that can develop into a more serious systemic affliction as the protozoa spreads lymphatically or hematogenously, depending on the host's immunity. In this case series, the authors present a rare form of genital mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, with consideration of epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatments offered.