Hepatic fibrosis: a manifestation of the liver disease evolution in patients with Ataxia-telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a DNA repair disorder characterized by changes in several organs and systems. Advances in clinical protocols have resulted in increased survival of A-T patients, however disease progression is evident, mainly through metabolic and liver changes. OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of significant hepatic fibrosis in A-T patients and to verify the association with metabolic alterations and degree of ataxia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 25 A-T patients aged 5 to 31 years. Anthropometric data, liver, inflammatory, lipid metabolism and glucose biomarkers (oral glucose tolerance test with insulin curve-OGTT) were collected. The Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale was applied to assess the degree of ataxia. The following were calculated: Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance, Homeostasis Model Assessment-Adiponectin (HOMA-AD), Matsuda index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST): platelet ratio index, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and BARD score. Liver ultrasonography and transient liver elastography by FibroScan® were performed. RESULTS: Significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 5/25 (20%). Patients in the group with significant hepatic fibrosis were older (p < 0.001), had lower platelet count values (p = 0.027), serum albumin (p = 0.019), HDL-c (p = 0.013) and Matsuda index (p = 0.044); and high values of LDL-c (p = 0.049), AST (p = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.002), gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.001), ferritin (p = 0.001), 120-min glycemia by OGTT (p = 0.049), HOMA-AD (p = 0.016) and degree of ataxia (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: A non-invasive diagnosis of significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 20% of A-T patients associated with changes in liver enzymes, ferritin, increased HOMA-AD, and the severity of ataxia in comparison with patients without hepatic fibrosis.

THE SPLENIC INDEX AS PREDICTOR OF BLEEDING AND VARICEAL RECURRENCE IN THE LATE FOLLOW-UP OF SCHISTOSOMOTIC PATIENTS AFTER EXCLUSIVE ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT. / O ÍNDICE ESPLÊNICO COMO PREDITOR DE SANGRAMENTO E RECIDIVA VARICOSA NO SEGUIMENTO TARDIO DE PACIENTE ESQUISTOSSOMÓTICOS APÓS TRATAMENTO ENDOSCÓPICO EXCLUSIVO.

AIM: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal has been used as the main intervention in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, but with significant rates of recurrence of esophageal variceal and rebleeding. The long-term results of exclusive endoscopic treatment are poorly studied as the relationship of the splenic dimensions in this context. The aim of this study was to identify, through ultrasonography, whether the splenic index and the longitudinal (craniocaudal) dimension of the spleen are the predictors of rebleeding and variceal recurrence in late follow-up of patients with nonoperated schistosomiasis, after endoscopic eradication of esophageal variceal. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff point for the mean splenic index as a predictor of recurrence and bleeding. RESULTS: A follow-up of 54 patients were analyzed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The mean follow-up time was 8 years. The splenic index with value >144 was proved to be a sensitive test for rebleeding. In the analysis of the longitudinal dimension, the spleen length of >20 cm showed a statistically significant test for recurrence of variceal and a length >19 cm presented as a very sensitive and statistically significant test for rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Splenic index and craniocaudal dimension analysis, obtained by ultrasonography, can predict recurrence of varicose veins and rebleeding after exclusive endoscopic treatment.

OBJETIVO: O tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas tem sido utilizado como principal intervenção em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária à esquistossomose, mas com taxas significativas de recorrência de varizes esofágicas e ressangramento. Os resultados em longo prazo do tratamento endoscópico exclusivo são pouco estudados quanto à relação das dimensões esplênicas neste contexto. Avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, o índice esplênico e a dimensão longitudinal (craniocaudal) do baço como preditores de ressangramento e recorrência de varizes no seguimento tardio de pacientes esquistossomóticos não operados, após erradicação endoscópica das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica. A curva ROC foi usada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte para o índice esplênico médio como preditor de recorrência e sangramento. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 54 pacientes, durante o período de 2002 a 2018. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 8 anos. O índice esplênico provou ser um teste sensível em valores acima de 144 como preditor de ressangramento. Na análise da dimensão longitudinal, o valor acima de 20 cm apresentou teste estatisticamente significativo para recorrência de varizes e valor acima de 19 cm apresentou-se como teste muito sensível e estatisticamente significativo para ressangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do índice esplênico e da dimensão craniocaudal, obtidos por ultrassonografia, podem predizer recorrência de varizes e ressangramento após erradicação endoscópica exclusiva.

Angioplasty versus stenting for subclavian artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The subclavian arteries are two major arteries of the upper chest, below the collar bone, which come from the arch of the aorta. Endovascular treatment for stenosis of the subclavian arteries includes angioplasty alone, and with stenting. There is insufficient evidence to guide the use of stents following angioplasty for subclavian artery stenosis. This is the second update of a review first published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to determine whether stenting was more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and LILACS databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 2 February 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomised controlled trials of endovascular treatment of subclavian artery lesions that compared angioplasty alone and stent implantation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently evaluated studies to assess eligibility. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. If there was no agreement, we asked a third review author to assess the study for inclusion. We planned to undertake data collection and analysis in accordance with recommendations described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and assess the certainty of the evidence using a GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: To date, we have not identified any completed or ongoing randomised controlled trials that compare percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for subclavian artery stenosis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether stenting is more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery.

O índice esplênico como preditor de sangramento e recidiva varicosa no seguimento tardio de paciente esquistossomóticos após tratamento endoscópico exclusivo / The splenic index as predictor of bleeding and variceal recurrence in the late follow-up of schistosomotic patients after exclusive endoscopic treatment

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas tem sido utilizado como principal intervenção em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária à esquistossomose, mas com taxas significativas de recorrência de varizes esofágicas e ressangramento. Os resultados em longo prazo do tratamento endoscópico exclusivo são pouco estudados quanto à relação das dimensões esplênicas neste contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, o índice esplênico e a dimensão longitudinal (craniocaudal) do baço como preditores de ressangramento e recorrência de varizes no seguimento tardio de pacientes esquistossomóticos não operados, após erradicação endoscópica das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica. A curva ROC foi usada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte para o índice esplênico médio como preditor de recorrência e sangramento. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 54 pacientes, durante o período de 2002 a 2018. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 8 anos. O índice esplênico provou ser um teste sensível em valores acima de 144 como preditor de ressangramento. Na análise da dimensão longitudinal, o valor acima de 20 cm apresentou teste estatisticamente significativo para recorrência de varizes e valor acima de 19 cm apresentou-se como teste muito sensível e estatisticamente significativo para ressangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do índice esplênico e da dimensão craniocaudal, obtidos por ultrassonografia, podem predizer recorrência de varizes e ressangramento após erradicação endoscópica exclusiva.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal has been used as the main intervention in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, but with significant rates of recurrence of esophageal variceal and rebleeding. The long-term results of exclusive endoscopic treatment are poorly studied as the relationship of the splenic dimensions in this context. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify, through ultrasonography, whether the splenic index and the longitudinal (craniocaudal) dimension of the spleen are the predictors of rebleeding and variceal recurrence in late follow-up of patients with nonoperated schistosomiasis, after endoscopic eradication of esophageal variceal. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff point for the mean splenic index as a predictor of recurrence and bleeding. Results: A follow-up of 54 patients were analyzed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The mean follow-up time was 8 years. The splenic index with value >144 was proved to be a sensitive test for rebleeding. In the analysis of the longitudinal dimension, the spleen length of >20 cm showed a statistically significant test for recurrence of variceal and a length >19 cm presented as a very sensitive and statistically significant test for rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Splenic index and craniocaudal dimension analysis, obtained by ultrasonography, can predict recurrence of varicose veins and rebleeding after exclusive endoscopic treatment.

Impact of genetic mutations and nutritional status on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients can be influenced by genetic mutations and nutritional status. The relationship between these variables is unclear. The objective of the study was to verify the variables involved in the nutritional status and genetic mutations, which correlate with survival of CRC patients. METHODS: Patients with surgical intervention for tumor resection were evaluated using body mass index, nutritional screening, patient self-produced global subjective assessment, phase angle, and computed tomography to calculate the areas of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and muscle mass for the determination of sarcopenia. Ten gene mutations involved in CRC carcinogenesis were studied (PIK3CA, KRAS, BRAF, EGFR, NRAS, TP53, APC, PTEN, SMAD4, and FBXW7). DNA was extracted from fresh tumor or paraffin tissues. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 29 (64.4%) were at nutritional risk and 21 (45.7%) were moderately malnourished. However, there was a high percentage of VAT in 24 (61.5%) and sarcopenia in 19 (48.7%) patients. These variables were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Nutritional risk, moderate or severe malnutrition, phase angle < 5°, VAT < 163.8 cm2 in men and <  80.1 cm2 in women, and sarcopenia were associated with the relative risk of death, with respective hazard ratios/odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 8.77 (1.14-67.1), 3.95 (1.11-14.0), 3.79 (1.10-13.1), 3.43 (1.03-11.4), and 3.95 (1.06-14.6). Increased VAT was associated with a lower risk of death, even in patients older than 60 years or those harboring mutated KRAS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with positive indicators for malnutrition or risk of malnutrition had an increased risk of death. No relationship was identified between the presence of mutations and survival.

Impact of PSA density of transition zone as a potential parameter in reducing the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with PSA levels between 2. 6 and 10. 0 ng/mL

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) adjusted for the transition zone volume (PSATZ) in predicting prostate cancer by comparing the ability of several PSA parameters in predicting prostate cancer in men with intermediate PSA levels of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL and its ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Materials and Methods: This study included 656 patients referred for prostate biopsy who had a serum PSA of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL. Total prostate and transition zone volumes were measured by transrectal ultrasound using the prolate ellipsoid method. The clinical values of PSA, free-to-total (F/T) ratio, PSA density (PSAD) and PSATZ for the detection of prostate cancer were calculated and statistical comparisons between biopsy-positive (cancer) and biopsy-negative (benign) were conducted. Results: Cancer was detected in 172 patients (26.2%). Mean PSA, PSATZ, PSAD and F/T ratio were 7.5 ng/mL, 0.68 ng/mL/cc. 0.25 ng/mL/cc and 0.14 in patients with prostate cancer and 6.29 ng/mL, 0.30 ng/mL/cc, 0.16 ng/mL/cc and 0.22 in patients with benign biopsies, respectively. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that PSATZ had a higher area under curve (0,838) than F/T ratio (0.806) (P<0.001) and PSAD (0.806) (P<0.001). With a cut-off value of 0.22 ng/mL/cc, PSATZ had 100% of sensitivity and could have prevented 24% of unnecessary biopsies. Conclusions: PSATZ may be useful in enhancing the specificity of serum PSA. Compared to other PSA related parameters, it was better in differentiating between prostate cancer and benign prostatic enlargement. Also, PSATZ could reduce a significant number of unnecessary biopsies.

Assessing cardiovascular risk in ATM heterozygotes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the carotid intima-media complex (CIMC) thickness and lipid metabolism biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk (CR) in parents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and verify an association with gender. METHOD: A cross-sectional and controlled study with 29 ATM heterozygotes and 14 healthy controls. Biochemical tests and CIMC thickness measurement were performed. RESULTS: The mean CIMC measurement in heterozygous ATM was 0.72 ± 0.1 mm (minimum: 0.5 mm and maximum: 1.0 mm). Noticed high percentage of amounts above 75 percentile compared to the population referential (16 [76.2%]), without any significant statistical differences between the female and the male gender (11/15 [73.3%] vs. 5/6 [83.3%]; p=0.550). The comparison between heterozygous and controls, stratified by gender, showed that in heterozygous ATMs, women had higher concentrations of HDL-c compared to men, as well as higher values of hs-CRP in relation to the control women. In heterozygous ATMs, stratified by gender, the correlation between HDL-c and hs-CRP was inversely proportional and stronger among women, with a tendency to statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Heterozygous ATMs did not differ from controls in relation to the biomarkers studied related to CR. However, most of them presented increased CIMC, independent predictor of death, risk for myocardial infarction and stroke, compared to the referential for the same age group. This finding suggests CR in the heterozygous ATM and shows to the need to monitor CIMC thickness and nutritional orientations.

Impact of PSA density of transition zone as a potential parameter in reducing the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with psa levels between 2.6 and 10.0 ng/mL.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) adjusted for the transition zone volume (PSATZ) in predicting prostate cancer by comparing the ability of several PSA parameters in predicting prostate cancer in men with intermediate PSA levels of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL and its ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 656 patients referred for prostate biopsy who had a serum PSA of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL. Total prostate and transition zone volumes were measured by transrectal ultrasound using the prolate ellipsoid method. The clinical values of PSA, free-to-total (F/T) ratio, PSA density (PSAD) and PSATZ for the detection of prostate cancer were calculated and statistical comparisons between biopsy-positive (cancer) and biopsy-negative (benign) were conducted. RESULTS: Cancer was detected in 172 patients (26.2%). Mean PSA, PSATZ, PSAD and F/T ratio were 7.5 ng/mL, 0.68 ng/mL/cc. 0.25 ng/mL/cc and 0.14 in patients with prostate cancer and 6.29 ng/mL, 0.30 ng/mL/cc, 0.16 ng/mL/cc and 0.22 in patients with benign biopsies, respectively. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that PSATZ had a higher area under curve (0,838) than F/T ratio (0,806) (P<0.001) and PSAD (0,806) (P<0.001). With a cut-off value of 0.22 ng/mL/cc, PSATZ had 100% of sensitivity and could have prevented 24% of unnecessary biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: PSATZ may be useful in enhancing the specificity of serum PSA. Compared to other PSA related parameters, it was better in differentiating between prostate cancer and benign prostatic enlargement. Also, PSATZ could reduce a significant number of unnecessary biopsies.

Assessing cardiovascular risk in ATM heterozygotes / Avaliação do risco cardiovascular de ATM heterozigotos

Summary Objective: To evaluate the carotid intima-media complex (CIMC) thickness and lipid metabolism biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk (CR) in parents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and verify an association with gender. Method: A cross-sectional and controlled study with 29 ATM heterozygotes and 14 healthy controls. Biochemical tests and CIMC thickness measurement were performed. Results: The mean CIMC measurement in heterozygous ATM was 0.72 ± 0.1 mm (minimum: 0.5 mm and maximum: 1.0 mm). Noticed high percentage of amounts above 75 percentile compared to the population referential (16 [76.2%]), without any significant statistical differences between the female and the male gender (11/15 [73.3%] vs. 5/6 [83.3%]; p=0.550). The comparison between heterozygous and controls, stratified by gender, showed that in heterozygous ATMs, women had higher concentrations of HDL-c compared to men, as well as higher values of hs-CRP in relation to the control women. In heterozygous ATMs, stratified by gender, the correlation between HDL-c and hs-CRP was inversely proportional and stronger among women, with a tendency to statistical significance. Conclusion: Heterozygous ATMs did not differ from controls in relation to the biomarkers studied related to CR. However, most of them presented increased CIMC, independent predictor of death, risk for myocardial infarction and stroke, compared to the referential for the same age group. This finding suggests CR in the heterozygous ATM and shows to the need to monitor CIMC thickness and nutritional orientations.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura do complexo médio-intimal da carótida (CMIC) e os biomarcadores do metabolismo lipídico associados ao risco cardiovascular (RC) em pais de pacientes com ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) e verificar associação com gênero. Método: Estudo transversal prospectivo e controlado com 29 ATM heterozigotos e 14 controles saudáveis. Foram realizados exames bioquímicos e a espessura do CMIC por ultrassonografia. Resultados: A média da medida do CMIC nos ATM heterozigotos foi de 0,72± 0,1 mm (mínimo: 0,5 mm e máximo: 1,0 mm). Observou-se elevado percentual de valores acima do percentil 75 em relação ao referencial populacional (16 [76,2%]), sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre o gênero feminino e o masculino (11/15 [73,3%] vs. 5/6 [83,3%]; p=0.550). A comparação entre os ATM heterozigotos e os controles, estratificados por gênero, mostrou que, nos ATM heterozigotos, as mulheres tinham maiores concentrações de HDL-c em comparação aos homens, e valores mais elevados de PCR-us em relação às mulheres controle. Nos ATM heterozigotos, estratificando segundo gênero, a correlação entre HDL-c e PCR-us foi inversamente proporcional e mais forte entre as mulheres, com tendência à significância estatística. Conclusão: Os ATM heterozigotos não diferiram dos controles em relação aos biomarcadores estudados relacionados ao RC. Entretanto, a maioria deles apresentou aumento na espessura do CMIC, preditor independente de morte, risco para infarto do miocárdio e AVC, quando comparado ao referencial para a mesma faixa etária. Esse achado sugere RC nos ATM heterozigotos e aponta para a necessidade de monitoramento da espessura do CMIC e de orientações nutricionais.

Is age a risk factor for liver disease and metabolic alterations in ataxia Telangiectasia patients?

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes and the risk for development of cardiovascular disease was recently associated as an extended phenotype of the disease. We aimed to assess IR; liver involvement; carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and metabolic alterations associated to cardiovascular risk in A-T patients, and relate them with age. RESULTS: Glucose metabolism alterations were found in 54.6% of the patients. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed in 11/17 (64.7%) A-T patients. AST/ALT ratio > 1 was observed in 10/17 (58.8%). A strong positive correlation was observed between insulin sum concentrations with ALT (r = 0.782, p < 0.004) and age (r = 0.818, p = 0.002). Dyslipidemia was observed in 55.5% of the patients. The apolipoprotein (Apo-B)/ApoA-I ratio (r = 0.619; p < 0.01), LDL/HDL-c (r = 0.490; p < 0.05) and the Apo-B levels (r = 0.545; p < 0.05) were positively correlated to cIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic disorders implicated in cardiovascular and liver diseases are frequently observed in adolescent A-T patients and those tend to get worse as they become older. Therefore, nutritional intervention and the use of drugs may be necessary.

Whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging versus FDG-PET/CT for initial lymphoma staging: systematic review on diagnostic test accuracy studies / Ressonância magnética de corpo total com difusão comparada à FDG-PET/CT no estadiamento inicial do linfoma: revisão sistemática de estudos de acurácia diagnóstica

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Positron emission tomography with [18]F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT) has been advocated as the method of choice for lymphoma staging, since it enables whole-body analysis with high sensitivity for detection of affected areas and because it combines capacities for anatomical and functional assessment. With technological advances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an alternative to FDG-PET/CT. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-MRI) with FDG-PET/CT for lymphoma staging. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review on diagnostic test accuracy studies conducted at a public university. METHODS: The Medline, Scopus, Embase and Lilacs databases were searched for studies published up to September 2013 that compared WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT for lymphoma staging. The reference lists of included studies were checked for any relevant additional citations. RESULTS: Six studies that evaluated the initial lymphoma staging in 116 patients were included. WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT agreed in 90.5% of the cases (κ = 0.871; P < 0.0001). In most of the studies, when there was disagreement between the methods, WB-MRI overstaged in relation to FDG-PET/CT. The sensitivity of WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT, in comparison with the clinical-radiological standard, ranged from 59 to 100% and from 63 to 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: WB-MRI is a highly sensitive method for initial lymphoma staging. It has excellent agreement with FDG-PET/CT and is a great alternative for managing lymphoma patients, without using ionizing radiation or an intravenous contrast agent. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A tomografia por emissão de pósitrons com 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxi-D-glicose (FDG-PET/CT) tem sido defendida como método de escolha para o estadiamento do linfoma por realizar o estudo do corpo inteiro com boa sensibilidade para detecção das áreas acometidas e por combinar as capacidades de avaliação anatômica e funcional. Com os avanços tecnológicos, a ressonância magnética tem se apresentando como alternativa à FDG-PET/CT. Esta revisão sistemática com metanálise visa comparar a ressonância magnética de corpo inteiro (WB-MRI) com difusão com a FDG-PET/CT no estadiamento do linfoma. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Revisão sistemática de estudos de acurácia diagnóstica conduzida em universidade pública. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzida uma busca nos bancos de dados Medline, Embase, Scopus e Lilacs por estudos publicados até setembro de 2013 comparando a WB-MRI com a FDG-PET/CT no estadiamento do linfoma. As referências bibliográficas dos estudos incluídos foram checadas com a finalidade de encontrar citações adicionais relevantes. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos seis estudos que avaliaram o estadiamento inicial do linfoma de 116 pacientes. A WB-MRI e a FDG-PET/CT concordaram em 90,5% dos casos (κ = 0,871; P < 0,0001). Na maioria dos estudos, quando houve discordância, a WB-MRI estabeleceu estadiamento superior à FDG-PET/CT. A sensibilidade da WB-MRI e da FDG-PET/CT, em relação ao padrão clínico-radiológico, variou de 59% a 100% e de 63% a 100%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A WB-MRI apresenta alta sensibilidade no estadiamento inicial do linfoma, excelente concordância com a FDG-PET/CT e representa uma ótima alternativa no manejo de pacientes com linfoma, sem utilizar radiação ionizante ou meio de contraste intravenoso. .

Whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging versus FDG-PET/CT for initial lymphoma staging: systematic review on diagnostic test accuracy studies.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Positron emission tomography with [18]F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT) has been advocated as the method of choice for lymphoma staging, since it enables whole-body analysis with high sensitivity for detection of affected areas and because it combines capacities for anatomical and functional assessment. With technological advances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an alternative to FDG-PET/CT. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-MRI) with FDG-PET/CT for lymphoma staging. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review on diagnostic test accuracy studies conducted at a public university. METHODS: The Medline, Scopus, Embase and Lilacs databases were searched for studies published up to September 2013 that compared WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT for lymphoma staging. The reference lists of included studies were checked for any relevant additional citations. RESULTS: Six studies that evaluated the initial lymphoma staging in 116 patients were included. WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT agreed in 90.5% of the cases (κ = 0.871; P < 0.0001). In most of the studies, when there was disagreement between the methods, WB-MRI overstaged in relation to FDG-PET/CT. The sensitivity of WB-MRI and FDG-PET/CT, in comparison with the clinical-radiological standard, ranged from 59 to 100% and from 63 to 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: WB-MRI is a highly sensitive method for initial lymphoma staging. It has excellent agreement with FDG-PET/CT and is a great alternative for managing lymphoma patients, without using ionizing radiation or an intravenous contrast agent.

Angioplasty versus stenting for subclavian artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient evidence to guide stent usage following angioplasty in subclavian artery stenosis. This is an update of a review first published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to determine whether stenting is more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery. SEARCH METHODS: For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched February 2014) and CENTRAL (2014, Issue 1). There was no restriction on language. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of endovascular treatment of subclavian artery lesions comparing angioplasty alone and stent implantation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently evaluated studies to assess eligibility. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. If there was no agreement, the third author was asked to assess the study for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS: To date we have not identified any completed or ongoing randomised controlled trials comparing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for subclavian artery stenosis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether stenting is more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery.

When the non-contrast-enhanced phase is unnecessary in abdominal computed tomography scans? A retrospective analysis of 244 cases / Quando a fase sem contraste intravenoso é desnecessária nos exames de tomografia computadorizada do abdome? Análise retrospectiva de 244 casos

Objective: To evaluate the necessity of the non contrast-enhanced phase in abdominal computed tomography scans. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was developed, evaluating 244 consecutive abdominal computed tomography scans both with and without contrast injection. Initially, the contrast-enhanced images were analyzed (first analysis). Subsequently, the observers had access to the non-contrast-enhanced images for a second analysis. The primary and secondary diagnoses were established as a function of the clinical indications for each study (such as tumor staging, acute abdomen, investigation for abdominal collection and hepatocellular carcinoma, among others). Finally, the changes in the diagnoses resulting from the addition of the non-contrast-enhanced phase were evaluated. Results: Only one (0.4%; p > 0.999; non-statistically significant) out of the 244 reviewed cases had the diagnosis changed after the reading of non-contrast-enhanced images. As the secondary diagnoses are considered, 35 (14%) cases presented changes after the second analysis, as follows: nephrolithiasis (10%), steatosis (3%), adrenal nodule (0.7%) and cholelithiasis (0.3%). Conclusion: For the clinical indications of tumor staging, acute abdomen, investigation of abdominal collections and hepatocellular carcinoma, the non-contrast-enhanced phase can be excluded from abdominal computed tomography studies with no significant impact on the diagnosis. .

Objetivo: Avaliar a necessidade da fase sem contraste nos exames de tomografia computadorizada de abdome. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo, transversal e observacional, no qual foram avaliados 244 exames consecutivos de tomografia computadorizada de abdome realizados sem e com a injeção do meio de contraste. Procurou-se estabelecer, mediante análise das fases com o uso do meio de contraste (primeira análise), e posteriormente com o acréscimo da avaliação da fase sem meio de contraste (segunda análise), o diagnóstico principal e os secundários em função da indicação clínica do exame (estadiamento tumoral, abdome agudo, pesquisa de coleção abdominal e hepatocarcinoma, entre outros). Foram medidas as mudanças nos diagnósticos principais e secundários, decorrentes do acréscimo da fase sem meio de contraste. Resultados: Dos 244 casos avaliados, apenas um (0,4%; p > 0,999; não significante) teve o seu diagnóstico modificado após a leitura da fase sem meio de contraste. Com relação aos diagnósticos secundários, 35 exames (14%) foram modificados após a segunda análise, sendo: nefrolitíase (10%), esteatose (3%), nódulo de adrenal (0,7%) e colelitíase (0,3%). Conclusão: Para as indicações clínicas de estadiamento tumoral, abdome agudo, pesquisa de coleção abdominal e carcinoma hepatocelular, a supressão da fase sem meio de contraste não apresentou impacto diagnóstico expressivo. .