Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology - evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Abstract Objective To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. Methods Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. Conclusions Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma ‒ evaluation and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma - evaluation and treatment

Abstract Objective: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Conclusions: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Identification of blood meal sources of Lutzomyia longipalpis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the cytochrome B gene

An analysis of the dietary content of haematophagous insects can provide important information about the transmission networks of certain zoonoses. The present study evaluated the potential of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome B (cytb) gene to differentiate between vertebrate species that were identified as possible sources of sandfly meals. The complete cytb gene sequences of 11 vertebrate species available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database were digested with Aci I, Alu I, Hae III and Rsa I restriction enzymes in silico using Restriction Mapper software. The cytb gene fragment (358 bp) was amplified from tissue samples of vertebrate species and the dietary contents of sandflies and digested with restriction enzymes. Vertebrate species presented a restriction fragment profile that differed from that of other species, with the exception of Canis familiaris and Cerdocyon thous. The 358 bp fragment was identified in 76 sandflies. Of these, 10 were evaluated using the restriction enzymes and the food sources were predicted for four: Homo sapiens (1), Bos taurus (1) and Equus caballus (2). Thus, the PCR-RFLP technique could be a potential method for identifying the food sources of arthropods. However, some points must be clarified regarding the applicability of the method, such as the extent of DNA degradation through intestinal digestion, the potential for multiple sources of blood meals and the need for greater knowledge regarding intraspecific variations in mtDNA.

Identification of blood meal sources of Lutzomyia longipalpis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the cytochrome B gene.

An analysis of the dietary content of haematophagous insects can provide important information about the transmission networks of certain zoonoses. The present study evaluated the potential of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome B (cytb) gene to differentiate between vertebrate species that were identified as possible sources of sandfly meals. The complete cytb gene sequences of 11 vertebrate species available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database were digested with Aci I, Alu I, Hae III and Rsa I restriction enzymes in silico using Restriction Mapper software. The cytb gene fragment (358 bp) was amplified from tissue samples of vertebrate species and the dietary contents of sandflies and digested with restriction enzymes. Vertebrate species presented a restriction fragment profile that differed from that of other species, with the exception of Canis familiaris and Cerdocyon thous. The 358 bp fragment was identified in 76 sandflies. Of these, 10 were evaluated using the restriction enzymes and the food sources were predicted for four: Homo sapiens (1), Bos taurus (1) and Equus caballus (2). Thus, the PCR-RFLP technique could be a potential method for identifying the food sources of arthropods. However, some points must be clarified regarding the applicability of the method, such as the extent of DNA degradation through intestinal digestion, the potential for multiple sources of blood meals and the need for greater knowledge regarding intraspecific variations in mtDNA.

Eagle's Syndrome

Eagle's syndrome is characterized by cervicopharyngeal signs and symptoms associated with elongation of the styloid apophysis. This elongation may occur through ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, or through growth of the apophysis due to osteogenesis triggered by a factor such as trauma. Elongation of the styloid apophysis may give rise to intense facial pain, headache, dysphagia, otalgia, buzzing sensations, and trismus. Precise diagnosis of the syndrome is difficult, and it is generally confounded by other manifestations of cervicopharyngeal pain. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Eagle's syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old man reported lateral pain in his neck that had been present for 30 years. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck showed elongation and ossification of the styloid processes of the temporal bone, which was compatible with Eagle's syndrome. Surgery was performed for bilateral resection of the stylohyoid ligament by using a transoral and endoscopic access route. The patient continued to present pain laterally in the neck, predominantly on his left side. CT was performed again, which showed elongation of the styloid processes. The patient then underwent lateral cervicotomy with resection of the stylohyoid process, which partially resolved his painful condition. FINAL COMMENTS: Patients with Eagle's syndrome generally have a history of chronic pain. Appropriate knowledge of this disease is necessary for adequate treatment to be provided. The importance of diagnosing this uncommon and often unsuspected disease should be emphasized, given that correct clinical-surgical treatment is frequently delayed. The diagnosis of Eagle's syndrome is clinical and radiographic, and the definitive treatment in cases of difficult-to-control pain is surgical...

Eagle's Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Eagle's syndrome is characterized by cervicopharyngeal signs and symptoms associated with elongation of the styloid apophysis. This elongation may occur through ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, or through growth of the apophysis due to osteogenesis triggered by a factor such as trauma. Elongation of the styloid apophysis may give rise to intense facial pain, headache, dysphagia, otalgia, buzzing sensations, and trismus. Precise diagnosis of the syndrome is difficult, and it is generally confounded by other manifestations of cervicopharyngeal pain. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Eagle's syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old man reported lateral pain in his neck that had been present for 30 years. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck showed elongation and ossification of the styloid processes of the temporal bone, which was compatible with Eagle's syndrome. Surgery was performed for bilateral resection of the stylohyoid ligament by using a transoral and endoscopic access route. The patient continued to present pain laterally in the neck, predominantly on his left side. CT was performed again, which showed elongation of the styloid processes. The patient then underwent lateral cervicotomy with resection of the stylohyoid process, which partially resolved his painful condition. Final Comments: Patients with Eagle's syndrome generally have a history of chronic pain. Appropriate knowledge of this disease is necessary for adequate treatment to be provided. The importance of diagnosing this uncommon and often unsuspected disease should be emphasized, given that correct clinical-surgical treatment is frequently delayed. The diagnosis of Eagle's syndrome is clinical and radiographic, and the definitive treatment in cases of difficult-to-control pain is surgical.

The sphenopalatine artery: a surgical challenge in epistaxis.

UNLABELLED: Knowledge on the anatomy of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) and its branches is fundamental for the success of the endoscopic treatment of posterior epistaxis. However, the complex anatomical variations seen in the irrigation of the nasal cavity poses a significant surgical challenge. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the SPA in human cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a contemporary cross-sectional cohort study carried out between April 2010 and August 2011. The presence of the ethmoidal crest on the lamina perpendicular to the palatine bone and the location of the principal sphenopalatine foramen (PSF) and the accessory sphenopalatine foramen (ASF) were analyzed in 28 cadavers, and the branches emerging from the foramens were counted. RESULTS: Fifty-six nasal fossae were analyzed. The ethmoidal crest was present in 96% of the cases and was located anteriorly to the PSF in most cases. The PSF was located in the transition area between the middle and the superior meatus in all cases. The ASF was seen in 12 cases. Most nasal fossae (n = 12) presented a single bilateral arterial trunk emerging from the PSF. In other cases, three (n = 8) or two (n = 5) arterial trunks emerged bilaterally from the PSF. In most cases, the SPA emerged as a single trunk from the ASP. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the SPA is highly variable. The success of the treatment for severe epistaxis relies heavily on adequate knowledge of the possible anatomical variations of the sphenopalatine artery.

An unusual case of bilateral agenesis of the cochlear nerves.

Imaging of the cochlea and internal auditory canals are increasingly important nowadays because of the growing number of cochlear implants being performed throughout the world. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy who was born deaf and was being evaluated in our service for possible cochlear implantation. Audiometry disclosed profound bilateral deafness. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed only two nerves in each inner auditory canal: one in the anterior superior quadrant, identified as the facial nerve, and one on the posterior quadrants, representing both the superior and inferior vestibular nerves. The semicircular canals were not seen and the vestibule had dysplastic morphology. The diagnosis was bilateral agenesis of the cochlear nerves and semicircular canals.

Artéria esfenopalatina: desafio cirúrgico na epistaxe / The sphenopalatine artery: a surgical challenge in epistaxis

O conhecimento anatomocirúrgico da artéria esfenopalatina (AEP) e de seus ramos é de fundamental importância para o sucesso no tratamento endoscópico da epistaxe posterior. Contudo, essa complexa variação anatômica da irrigação da cavidade nasal ainda é um desafio cirúrgico. OBJETIVO: Descrever a anatomia endoscópica da AEP em cadáveres humanos. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal de abril de 2010 a agosto de 2011. Foi descrita a presença da crista etmoidal da lâmina perpendicular do osso palatino, a localização do forame esfenopalatino principal (FEP) e acessório (FEA) e quantificados os ramos que emergem dos forames. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 56 fossas nasais. A crista etmoidal estava presente em 96% dos casos e na maioria das vezes anterior ao FEP. O FEP se localizava na transição do meato médio para o meato superior em todos os casos. O FEA estava presente em 12 casos. Foi mais prevalente a presença de um único tronco arterial bilateral na emergência do FEP (43%). Em outros casos, observaram-se três (n = 8) e dois (n = 5) troncos arteriais, emergindo do FEP bilateralmente. Observou-se que na maioria dos casos um único tronco se emergia do FEA. CONCLUSÕES: A anatomia da artéria esfenopalatina é bastante variável. O conhecimento das possíveis variações anatômicas implica no sucesso do tratamento da epistaxe grave.

Knowledge on the anatomy of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) and its branches is fundamental for the success of the endoscopic treatment of posterior epistaxis. However, the complex anatomical variations seen in the irrigation of the nasal cavity poses a significant surgical challenge. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the SPA in human cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a contemporary cross-sectional cohort study carried out between April 2010 and August 2011. The presence of the ethmoidal crest on the lamina perpendicular to the palatine bone and the location of the principal sphenopalatine foramen (PSF) and the accessory sphenopalatine foramen (ASF) were analyzed in 28 cadavers, and the branches emerging from the foramens were counted. RESULTS: Fifty-six nasal fossae were analyzed. The ethmoidal crest was present in 96% of the cases and was located anteriorly to the PSF in most cases. The PSF was located in the transition area between the middle and the superior meatus in all cases. The ASF was seen in 12 cases. Most nasal fossae (n = 12) presented a single bilateral arterial trunk emerging from the PSF. In other cases, three (n = 8) or two (n = 5) arterial trunks emerged bilaterally from the PSF. In most cases, the SPA emerged as a single trunk from the ASP. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the SPA is highly variable. The success of the treatment for severe epistaxis relies heavily on adequate knowledge of the possible anatomical variations of the sphenopalatine artery.

Sarcomatous transformation in the McCune-Albright syndrome.

BACKGROUND: McCune-Albright syndrome is a relatively rare disease characterized by the trio of fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait pigmentation, and endocrine disturbances. It predominantly affects females and may be associated with sarcomatous degeneration in 0.4% to 4% of the cases. CASE REPORT: This article reports on the case of a 24-year-old female patient who had presented a mass in the oral cavity for 30 days, probably originating from the left ramus of the mandible. She had a previous diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, along with café-au-lait spots and endocrine disorders, thus characterizing McCune-Albright syndrome. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed osteosarcoma of the mandible. The patient underwent chemotherapy and a surgical procedure for lesion resection. One year has now passed since the patient's operation, and the disease is under control. DISCUSSION: The patient presented sarcomatous degeneration in areas of fibrous dysplasia, consisting of mesenchymal cells that produced osteoid. Malignant degeneration is rare when it is not associated with McCune-Albright syndrome. There is no curative treatment for the syndrome. Attending physicians need to bring endocrine disorders under control, with surgical treatment in cases of significant deformities, as well as providing clinical and psychological care.

Hepatectomia por linfangioma em situs inversus totalis : relato de caso / Hepatectomy of lymphangioma in situs inversus totalis : case report

We present a case of hepatectomy in a patient with liver's lymphangioma associated with Situs Inversus Totalis. The first case of medical literature.

[Hepatectomy of lymphangioma in situs inversus totalis--case report]. / Hepatectomia por linfangioma em situs inversus totalis--relato de caso.

We present a case of hepatectomy in a patient with liver's lymphangioma associated with Situs Inversus Totalis. The first case of medical literature.

Displasia fibrosa recidivante de antro maxilar com invasão de base do crânio / Recurring fibrous dysplasia of anthro maxillary with cranial base invasion

Introdução: A displasia fibrosa é uma lesão óssea com etiologia ainda desconhecida. Caracteriza-se pela incapacidade de maturação óssea. Pode acometer qualquer osso, mas é o acometimento dos ossos craniofaciais o de maior interesse na otorrinolaringologia. A maxila é o osso facial mais afetado, sendo a invasão orbitária um evento incomum. Os sintomas são inespecíficos e, pela baixa suspeição e raridade, o diagnóstico é geralmente tardio. A forma monostótica apresenta crescimento lento e curso assintomático, necessitando apenas de acompanhamento. O tipo poliostótico possui um comportamento progressivo e associa-se a recorrência e complicações. Objetivo: Apresentar dois casos de pacientes com diagnóstico de displasia fibrosa, discutindo a apresentação clínica, os achados radiológicos e o tratamento desta patologia. Relato do Caso: São relatados dois casos de displasia fibrosa que inicialmente apresentaram sintomatologia inespecífica, mas com sinais radiológicos característicos. Foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para ressecção das lesões e evoluíram com recidivas frequentes com acometimento extenso de seios da face, sendo que em um paciente ocorreu invasão de base do crânio havendo necessidade de craniotomia frontal para excisão tumoral. Conclusão: A displasia fibrosa é uma osteopatia incomum. A tomografia é o método de eleição na caracterização da expansão tumoral, auxiliando no planejamento cirúrgico. A estratégica cirúrgica está indicada em lesões sintomáticas, alterações funcionais ou distorções anatômicas. O presente artigo descreve duas raras apresentações de displasia fibrosa recidivante com extenso acometimento de antro maxilar, seios etmoidais e esfenoidais, além de invasão orbitária e base do crânio.

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia is an osseous lesion with an unknown etiology. It is characterized by the osseous maturation insufficiency. It may affect any bone, but the affection of craniofacial bones is the most critical for otorhinolaryngology. Maxilla is the most affected facial bone and the orbitary invasion is an uncommon event. The symptoms are unspecific and for its low suspicion and uncommonness, the diagnosis is generally late. The monostotic form presents a slow growth and asymptomatic course and needs to be followed up. The polyostotic type has a progressive behavior and is associated to recurrence and complications. Objective: To present two cases of patients with fibrous dysplasia diagnosis and describe the clinical presentation, radiological findings and the treatment of this pathology. Cases Report: Two cases of fibrous dysplasia are reported, which initially presented unspecific symptomatology, but with characteristic radiologic signs. They were submitted to surgical treatment for resection of the lesions and evolved with frequent recurrences with extensive affection of the facial sinuses, one patient had cranial base invasion and frontal craniotomy was needed for tumoral excision. Final Comments: Fibrous dysplasia is an uncommon osteopathy. The tomography is the choice method for characterization of the tumoral expansion, and helps in the surgical planning. The surgical strategy is indicated for symptomatic lesions, functions alterations or anatomic disorders. This article describes two uncommon manifestations of recurrent fibrous dysplasia with an extensive affection of anthro maxillary, ethmoidal and sphenoid sinuses, in addition to orbitary and cranial base invasion.

Clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to a reference hospital in the northeast region of Brazil.

The AIDS epidemic has become a worldwide phenomenon of enormous magnitude and extension, deeply transforming medical practices and public health initiatives. This retrospective survey aimed to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to the Institute of Tropical Diseases Natan Portella, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, from January, 2001 through December, 2004. Of the 828 patients, 43% were from other states and 71.3% were men. Average patient age was 35.4 +/- 11.5 years-old and 85.5% were illiterate or had primary education. The main form of exposure to HIV was heterosexual behavior (54.1%), while injectable drug use was confirmed by only 2.7% of registered cases. The most frequent infectious complications were candidiasis (42.4%) and pneumocystosis (22.2%). Sixty-eight cases (8.2%) of visceral leishmaniasis were registered. Using multivariate analysis, individuals aged over 40 years-old, patients with active tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and central nervous system cryptococcosis showed increased risk of death. In this study, young male adults with low educational levels predominated and the most frequent opportunistic infections were candidiasis and pneumocystosis.

Clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to a reference hospital in the northeast region of Brazil / Análise clínica e epidemiológica dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS internados em um Hospital de Referência na Região Nordeste do Brasil

The AIDS epidemic has become a worldwide phenomenon of enormous magnitude and extension, deeply transforming medical practices and public health initiatives. This retrospective survey aimed to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to the Institute of Tropical Diseases Natan Portella, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, from January, 2001 through December, 2004. Of the 828 patients, 43 percent were from other states and 71.3 percent were men. Average patient age was 35.4 ± 11.5 years-old and 85.5 percent were illiterate or had primary education. The main form of exposure to HIV was heterosexual behavior (54.1 percent), while injectable drug use was confirmed by only 2.7 percent of registered cases. The most frequent infectious complications were candidiasis (42.4 percent) and pneumocystosis (22.2 percent). Sixty-eight cases (8.2 percent) of visceral leishmaniasis were registered. Using multivariate analysis, individuals aged over 40 years-old, patients with active tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and central nervous system cryptococcosis showed increased risk of death. In this study, young male adults with low educational levels predominated and the most frequent opportunistic infections were candidiasis and pneumocystosis.

A epidemia de AIDS tornou-se um fenômeno mundial de grande magnitude e extensão, transformando profundamente a prática médica e as iniciativas em saúde pública. O estudo retrospectivo analisou as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS internados no Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Teresina, Piauí, Brasil, de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2004 . Dos 828 pacientes, 43 por cento eram provenientes de outros estados e 71,3 por cento eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi 35,4 ± 11,5 anos. Eram analfabetos ou cursaram até o ensino fundamental 85,5 por cento. A principal via de exposição ao HIV foi o comportamento heterossexual (54,1 por cento), enquanto o uso de drogas injetáveis foi observado em apenas 2,7 por cento dos casos registrados. As complicações infecciosas mais freqüentes foram candidíase (42,4 por cento) e pneumocistose (22,2 por cento). Foram computados 68 casos de leishmaniose visceral. Em análise multivariada, idade acima de 40 anos, portadores de tuberculose, pneumonia por Pneumocystis carinii, neurocriptococcose associaram-se a maior risco de evolução para o óbito. Predominaram, neste estudo, adultos jovens do sexo masculino, com baixa escolaridade, tendo como infecções oportunistas mais freqüentes candidíase e pneumocistose.

Validação do teste imunocromatográfico rápido IT-LEISH® para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral humana / Validation of the rapid immunochromatographic test IT-LEISH® for the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis

O teste imunocromatográfico rápido IT-LEISH® (DiaMed IT-LEISH®) foi validado para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em quatro áreas endêmicas do Brasil. O desempenho do IT-LEISH® foi comparado ao da reação de imunofluorescência indireta; e ao da reação imunoenzimática, usando-se antígeno solúvel de Leishmania chagasi e recombinante K39 (rK39). O estudo incluiu 332 pacientes com quadro clínico sugestivo de LV: 213 casos de LV confirmados parasitologicamente; e 119 não-casos, com confirmação de outra etiologia. O teste IT-LEISH® apresentou sensibilidade de 93 por cento e especificidade de 97 por cento. As técnicas RIFI (imunofluorescência indireta), ELISA L. chagasi e ELISA rK39 apresentaram sensibilidade de 88 por cento, 92 por cento e 97 por cento e especificidades de 81 por cento, 77 por cento e 84 por cento, respectivamente. Os resultados confirmam a validade do teste IT-LEISH® para o diagnóstico da LV no Brasil...