Multiple cavitary lung lesions on CT: imaging findings to differentiate between malignant and benign etiologies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the CT findings of multiple cavitary lung lesions that allow the differentiation between benign and malignant etiologies. METHODS: We reviewed CT scans, including patients with two or more cavitary lung lesions. We evaluated the number of cavitary lesions, their location, cavity wall thickness, and additional findings, correlating the variables with the diagnosis of a benign or malignant lesion. RESULTS: We reviewed the chest CT scans of 102 patients, 58 (56.9%) of whom were male. The average age was 50.5 ± 18.0 years. Benign and malignant lesions were diagnosed in 74 (72.6%) and 28 (27.4%) of the patients, respectively. On the CT scans, the mean number of cavities was 3, the mean wall thickness of the largest lesions was 6.0 mm, and the mean diameter of the largest lesions was 27.0 mm. The lesions were predominantly in the upper lobes, especially on the right (in 43.1%). In our comparison of the variables studied, a diagnosis of malignancy was not found to correlate significantly with the wall thickness of the largest cavity, lymph node enlargement, emphysema, consolidation, bronchiectasis, or bronchial obstruction. The presence of centrilobular nodules correlated significantly with the absence of malignant disease (p < 0.05). In contrast, a greater number of cavities correlated significantly with malignancy (p < 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: A larger number of cavitary lung lesions and the absence of centrilobular nodules may be characteristic of a malignant etiology. However, on the basis of our evaluation of the lesions in our sample, we cannot state that wall thickness is a good indicator of a benign or malignant etiology.

The halo sign: HRCT findings in 85 patients / Sinal do halo: achados de TCAR em 85 pacientes

ABSTRACT Objective: The halo sign consists of an area of ground-glass opacity surrounding pulmonary lesions on chest CT scans. We compared immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients in terms of halo sign features and sought to identify those of greatest diagnostic value. Methods: This was a retrospective study of CT scans performed at any of seven centers between January of 2011 and May of 2015. Patients were classified according to their immune status. Two thoracic radiologists reviewed the scans in order to determine the number of lesions, as well as their distribution, size, and contour, together with halo thickness and any other associated findings. Results: Of the 85 patients evaluated, 53 were immunocompetent and 32 were immunosuppressed. Of the 53 immunocompetent patients, 34 (64%) were diagnosed with primary neoplasm. Of the 32 immunosuppressed patients, 25 (78%) were diagnosed with aspergillosis. Multiple and randomly distributed lesions were more common in the immunosuppressed patients than in the immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001 for both). Halo thickness was found to be greater in the immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Etiologies of the halo sign differ markedly between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Although thicker halos are more likely to occur in patients with infectious diseases, the number and distribution of lesions should also be taken into account when evaluating patients presenting with the halo sign.

RESUMO Objetivo: O sinal do halo consiste em uma área de opacidade em vidro fosco ao redor de lesões pulmonares em imagens de TC de tórax. Pacientes imunocompetentes e imunodeprimidos foram comparados quanto a características do sinal do halo a fim de identificar as de maior valor diagnóstico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de tomografias realizadas em sete centros entre janeiro de 2011 e maio de 2015. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com seu estado imunológico. Dois radiologistas torácicos analisaram os exames a fim de determinar o número de lesões e sua distribuição, tamanho e contorno, bem como a espessura do halo e quaisquer outros achados associados. Resultados: Dos 85 pacientes avaliados, 53 eram imunocompetentes e 32 eram imunodeprimidos. Dos 53 pacientes imunocompetentes, 34 (64%) receberam diagnóstico de neoplasia primária. Dos 32 pacientes imunodeprimidos, 25 (78%) receberam diagnóstico de aspergilose. Lesões múltiplas e distribuídas aleatoriamente foram mais comuns nos imunodeprimidos do que nos imunocompetentes (p < 0,001 para ambas). A espessura do halo foi maior nos imunodeprimidos (p < 0,05). Conclusões: As etiologias do sinal do halo em pacientes imunocompetentes são bastante diferentes das observadas em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Embora halos mais espessos ocorram mais provavelmente em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, o número e a distribuição das lesões também devem ser levados em conta na avaliação de pacientes que apresentem o sinal do halo.

Thoracic lymphadenopathy in benign diseases: A state of the art review.

Lymphadenopathy is a common radiological finding in many thoracic diseases and may be caused by a variety of infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. This review aims to describe the patterns of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy found in benign diseases in immunocompetent patients. Computed tomography is the method of choice for the evaluation of lymphadenopathy, as it is able to demonstrate increased size of individual nodes, abnormalities of the interface between the mediastinum and lung, invasion of surrounding fat, coalescence of adjacent nodes, obliteration of the mediastinal fat, and hypo- and hyperdensity in lymph nodes. Intravenous contrast enhancement may be needed to help distinguish nodes from vessels. The most frequent infections resulting in this finding are tuberculosis and fungal disease (particularly histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis). Sarcoidosis is a relatively frequent cause of lymphadenopathy in young adults, and can be distinguished from other diseases - especially when enlarged lymph nodes are found to be multiple and symmetrical. Other conditions discussed in this review are silicosis, drug reactions, amyloidosis, heart failure, Castleman's disease, viral infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The halo sign: HRCT findings in 85 patients.

OBJECTIVE:: The halo sign consists of an area of ground-glass opacity surrounding pulmonary lesions on chest CT scans. We compared immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients in terms of halo sign features and sought to identify those of greatest diagnostic value. METHODS:: This was a retrospective study of CT scans performed at any of seven centers between January of 2011 and May of 2015. Patients were classified according to their immune status. Two thoracic radiologists reviewed the scans in order to determine the number of lesions, as well as their distribution, size, and contour, together with halo thickness and any other associated findings. RESULTS:: Of the 85 patients evaluated, 53 were immunocompetent and 32 were immunosuppressed. Of the 53 immunocompetent patients, 34 (64%) were diagnosed with primary neoplasm. Of the 32 immunosuppressed patients, 25 (78%) were diagnosed with aspergillosis. Multiple and randomly distributed lesions were more common in the immunosuppressed patients than in the immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001 for both). Halo thickness was found to be greater in the immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: Etiologies of the halo sign differ markedly between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Although thicker halos are more likely to occur in patients with infectious diseases, the number and distribution of lesions should also be taken into account when evaluating patients presenting with the halo sign. OBJETIVO:: O sinal do halo consiste em uma área de opacidade em vidro fosco ao redor de lesões pulmonares em imagens de TC de tórax. Pacientes imunocompetentes e imunodeprimidos foram comparados quanto a características do sinal do halo a fim de identificar as de maior valor diagnóstico. MÉTODOS:: Estudo retrospectivo de tomografias realizadas em sete centros entre janeiro de 2011 e maio de 2015. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com seu estado imunológico. Dois radiologistas torácicos analisaram os exames a fim de determinar o número de lesões e sua distribuição, tamanho e contorno, bem como a espessura do halo e quaisquer outros achados associados. RESULTADOS:: Dos 85 pacientes avaliados, 53 eram imunocompetentes e 32 eram imunodeprimidos. Dos 53 pacientes imunocompetentes, 34 (64%) receberam diagnóstico de neoplasia primária. Dos 32 pacientes imunodeprimidos, 25 (78%) receberam diagnóstico de aspergilose. Lesões múltiplas e distribuídas aleatoriamente foram mais comuns nos imunodeprimidos do que nos imunocompetentes (p < 0,001 para ambas). A espessura do halo foi maior nos imunodeprimidos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES:: As etiologias do sinal do halo em pacientes imunocompetentes são bastante diferentes das observadas em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Embora halos mais espessos ocorram mais provavelmente em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, o número e a distribuição das lesões também devem ser levados em conta na avaliação de pacientes que apresentem o sinal do halo.

Chest magnetic resonance imaging: a protocol suggestion / Ressonância magnética do tórax: sugestão de protocolo

Abstract In the recent years, with the development of ultrafast sequences, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been established as a valuable diagnostic modality in body imaging. Because of improvements in speed and image quality, MRI is now ready for routine clinical use also in the study of pulmonary diseases. The main advantage of MRI of the lungs is its unique combination of morphological and functional assessment in a single imaging session. In this article, the authors review most technical aspects and suggest a protocol for performing chest MRI. The authors also describe the three major clinical indications for MRI of the lungs: staging of lung tumors; evaluation of pulmonary vascular diseases; and investigation of pulmonary abnormalities in patients who should not be exposed to radiation.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, com o desenvolvimento de sequências ultrarrápidas, a ressonância magnética (RM) tem-se estabelecido como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico por imagem de grande valor. Em virtude dos aperfeiçoamentos na velocidade de aquisição e na qualidade das imagens, a RM é atualmente um método apropriado também para o estudo de doenças pulmonares. A principal vantagem da RM é sua combinação única que permite avaliação morfológica e funcional em um mesmo exame de imagem. Neste artigo iremos revisar aspectos técnicos e sugerir um protocolo para a realização de RM do tórax. Também serão descritas as três maiores indicações de RM do tórax: estadiamento para neoplasia pulmonar, avaliação de doença vascular do pulmão e investigação de doenças pulmonares em pacientes que não devem ser expostos à radiação ionizante.

Chest magnetic resonance imaging: a protocol suggestion.

In the recent years, with the development of ultrafast sequences, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been established as a valuable diagnostic modality in body imaging. Because of improvements in speed and image quality, MRI is now ready for routine clinical use also in the study of pulmonary diseases. The main advantage of MRI of the lungs is its unique combination of morphological and functional assessment in a single imaging session. In this article, the authors review most technical aspects and suggest a protocol for performing chest MRI. The authors also describe the three major clinical indications for MRI of the lungs: staging of lung tumors; evaluation of pulmonary vascular diseases; and investigation of pulmonary abnormalities in patients who should not be exposed to radiation.

Lesão de aorta simulando doença pulmonar: relato de caso / Aortic lesion simulating pulmonary disease: a case report

Relatamos o caso de uma paciente idosa avaliada por apresentar dispneia e dor na borda costal direita, em que a radiografia de tórax demonstrou opacidade simulando lesão pulmonar e a tomografia computadorizada revelou ser de origem vascular. A síndrome aórtica aguda por ulceração de placa ateromatosa, penetrando através da lâmina elástica, associada a hematoma aórtico e aneurisma constitui importante diagnóstico diferencial nesses casos.

The authors report the case of an elderly woman assessed for dyspnea and right costal margin pain, whose chest radiography demonstrated opacity simulating pulmonary lesion, and computed tomography revealed the vascular origin of the condition. Acute aortic syndrome due to ruptured atheromatous plaque penetrating through the elastic lamina in association with aortic hematoma and aneurysm is a relevant differential diagnosis to be considered in these cases.

Aortic lesion simulating pulmonary disease: a case report.

The authors report the case of an elderly woman assessed for dyspnea and right costal margin pain, whose chest radiography demonstrated opacity simulating pulmonary lesion, and computed tomography revealed the vascular origin of the condition. Acute aortic syndrome due to ruptured atheromatous plaque penetrating through the elastic lamina in association with aortic hematoma and aneurysm is a relevant differential diagnosis to be considered in these cases.

Relatamos o caso de uma paciente idosa avaliada por apresentar dispneia e dor na borda costal direita, em que a radiografia de tórax demonstrou opacidade simulando lesão pulmonar e a tomografia computadorizada revelou ser de origem vascular. A síndrome aórtica aguda por ulceração de placa ateromatosa, penetrando através da lâmina elástica, associada a hematoma aórtico e aneurisma constitui importante diagnóstico diferencial nesses casos.

Pré-hipertensão: uma visão a favor do tratamento medicamentoso / Pre-hypertension: grounds to support drug therapy

O risco aumentado para doença cardiovascular (DCV) inicia-se em 115/75 mmHg, dobrando a cada 20 mmHgna pressão arterial (PA) sistólica e 10 mmHg na diastólica. Inúmeros ensaios clínicos randomizados demonstraram a redução de 18% a 42% na incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em pacientes com PA normal e com comorbidades, como diabetes, evidência de DCV e, particularmente, com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) prévio. A pré-hipertensão arterial é estágio intermediário para o desenvolvimento de hipertensão plena, acometendo 80% dos indivíduos com 40 a 50 anos em um período de 10 anos. Há evidência de que o uso de fármacos anti-hipertensivos em pacientes com pré-hipertensão reduz a incidência de hipertensão arterial em mais de 60%. O uso de pelo menos um fármaco anti-hipertensivo em pacientes com pré-hipertensão e comorbidade já é hoje mandatório. Considerando-se que a efetividade de medidas não medicamentosas deixa a desejar, o emprego de fármacos anti-hipertensivos de baixo custo e boa tolerabilidade pode vir a se justificar com o intuito de prevenir hipertensão arterial em pacientes com pré-hipertensão e sem presença de comorbidades.

The risks of increasing blood pressure (BP) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) start with BP values of 115/75 mmHg, doubling at each 20 mmHg of systolic blood pressure or 10 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure. Several randomized clinical trials have showed a decreasing of 18% to 42% in the incidence of CVD in patients with normal blood pressure and co-morbidities, such as diabetes, known CVD and, particularly, previous stroke. Pre-hypertensionis an intermediate stage for full hypertension, which develops in 10 years in 80% of individuals with 40 to 50 years of age and pre-hypertension. There are evidences that the use of blood pressure-lowering drugs reduces the incidence of hypertension in more than 60%. The prescription of blood pressure agents for patients with pre-hypertension and e co-morbidities is mandatory. Taking into account that the effectiveness of non-drug therapies is low, the use blood pressure-lowering drugs of low cost and well-tolerated may be justifiable with the aim to prevent hypertension in patients with prehypertension without co-morbidities.