Segmental Evaluation of Thoracic Aortic Calcium and Their Relations with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) appears to be a subclinical marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to predict cardiovascular (CV) mortality. However, studies on TAC use tomographic scans obtained for coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which does not include the aortic arch. This study evaluates TAC prevalence in aortic arch (AAC), ascending (ATAC) and descending thoracic aorta (DTAC) and verify whether they are associated with the same CV risk factors. Cross-sectional analysis, including 2427 participants (mean age 55.6 ± 8.7; 54.1% women) of the ELSA-Brasil cohort. Nonenhanced ECG-gated tomographies were performed in 2015-2016. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the CV risk factors associated with calcium in each segment. Overall prevalence of ATAC, AAC and DTAC was, 23.1%, 62.1%, and 31.2%, respectively. About 90.4% of the individuals with TAC had AAC and only 19.5% had calcium in all segments. In the multivariable analysis, increasing age, lower levels of schooling, current smoking, higher body mass index, and hypertension remained associated with calcium in all segments. No sex or race/ethnicity differences were found in any aortic segment. Diabetes and dyslipidemia were associated with ATAC and DTAC, but not with AAC, suggesting that AAC may reflect an overlap of mechanisms that impact vascular health, including atherosclerosis.

Calcificações na aorta torácica e nas artérias coronárias: associações com os fatores de risco cardiovascular em participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) em Minas Gerais / Calcificações na aorta torácica e nas artérias coronárias: associações com os fatores de risco cardiovascular em participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) em Minas Gerais

As calcificações na aorta torácica (TAC) e nas artérias coronárias (CAC) estão associadas com risco de doença cardiovascular (DCV) e morte. Entretanto, os fatores de risco associados às calcificações arteriais podem variar de acordo com o leito vascular. Verificamos se TAC estão associadas aos mesmos fatores de risco que CAC em adultos sem DCV estabelecida e, em seguida, averiguamos se existiam diferenças entre as associações dos fatores de risco para DCV com cada segmento da aorta torácica (porções ascendente, arco e descendente). Trata-se de estudo transversal, incluindo 2.433 participantes (entre 38 e 78 anos de idade) da coorte do ELSA-Brasil em Minas Gerais. Foram realizados exames de tomografia computadorizada multislice sincronizada com ECG para identificar cálcio na aorta torácica e nas coronárias (2015-2016). As associações tanto de CAC quanto de TAC, total e por segmentos, com os fatores de risco para DCV (tabagismo, índice de massa corporal [IMC], atividade física, uso excessivo de álcool, história familiar de DCV, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, níveis de pressão arterial, uso de medicamentos para hipertensão arterial, diabetes e hipolipemiantes) foram avaliadas através de regressão logística multivariada. A prevalência total de TAC e CAC foi de 69% e de 43%, respectivamente. A prevalência de CAC foi menor entre as mulheres (31%) do que entre os homens (56%). Após ajustes, negros apresentaram menor probabilidade de ter qualquer CAC comparado aos brancos. Nem sexo nem raça apresentaram associação significativa com TAC. O uso de medicamentos antidiabéticos permaneceu associado ao CAC, mas não ao TAC. Em relação ao estudo das associações entre os fatores de risco e cada segmento da aorta torácica, a prevalência das calcificações foi maior no arco (62%), seguido pelas porções descendente (31%) e ascendente (23%). Apesar da distribuição das calcificações ao longo da aorta ter sido heterogênea, não foram observadas diferenças importantes entre as associações dos fatores de risco com cada segmento aórtico. Em nenhum segmento houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na prevalência das calcificações em homens e mulheres, ou entre a cor da pele/raça. O aumento da idade, os menores níveis de escolaridade, tabagismo, hipertensão arterial e IMC permaneceram associados a presença de cálcio em todos os segmentos estudados. Em conclusão, CAC e TAC apresentaram diferenças entre as associações com os fatores de risco, principalmente em relação ao sexo e a raça. Entretanto, a distribuição heterogênea das calcificações ao longo da aorta não determinou diferenças significativas entre as associações dos fatores de risco com cada segmento da aorta torácica.

Thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. However, risk factors associated with arterial calcium may vary across vascular beds. We verified whether TAC is associated with the cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as is CAC in adults without established CVD, and compared the associations between the same risk factors to each segment of thoracic aorta (ascending, aortic arch, and descending portions). Cross-sectional analysis including 2,433 participants (aged 38 to 78 years) of ELSA-Brasil cohort in Minas Gerais. Nonenhanced ECG-gated multislice computed tomography were performed to detect calcium in the thoracic aorta and in the coronaries (2015 to 2016). Multivariate logistic regression evaluated the associations of both TAC, total and by segment, and CAC with CV risk factors (smoking, body mass index [BMI], physical activity, alcohol intake, family history of CVD, low-density lipoprotein- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HbA1c, blood pressure, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and lipid lowering medications). Overall prevalence of TAC and CAC were 69% and 43%, respectively. CAC prevalence was lower among women (31%) than men (56%). After adjustments, black individuals were less likely to have any CAC as compared with whites. Neither sex, nor race/skin color were statistically associated with TAC. Use of antidiabetic medications remained associated with CAC, but not with TAC. Regarding to aortic segments, the higher prevalence of calcium was in the aortic arch (62%), followed by the descending (31%), and ascending portions (23%). Although the calcium distribution along the aorta is very heterogeneous, there were small differences between the associations of risk factors and each segment of thoracic aorta. There were no significant differences related to gender and race/skin color in any studied segment. Increasing age, lower scholarities levels, smoking, arterial hypertension, and higher BMI remained associated with calcium in all segments. In conclusion, CAC and TAC had differences in the associations with risk factors, mainly related to gender and race/skin color. Moreover, the heterogeneous distribution of calcium along the aorta did not affected the associations between the cardiovascular risk factors and each segment, since the associations shared many similarities among the aortic segments.

Anatomical References to Evaluate Thoracic Aorta Calcium by Computed Tomography.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) has received some interest in recent studies as an important subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Besides that, using computed tomography (CT) scans performed with cardiac or chest protocols, ECG-gated, or non-gated, TAC can be easily evaluated with no addition in radiation dose. This review discusses the particularities of the aortic wall calcium formation, as well as the differences between the aortic segments and summarizes the current status of TAC evaluation, mainly concerning the anatomical references used in the studies. RECENT FINDINGS: The studies have evaluated TAC considering different anatomical references. It was identified two different study groups. In the first one, researchers have analyzed the aorta as the sum of calcium in the ascending aorta (ATAC), aortic arch (AAC), and descending thoracic aorta (DTAC). The second group has used cardiac CT scans to assess TAC; therefore, they did not include AAC; however, the aortic root calcium (ARC) was added in the analysis. So, caution is advisable when interpreting and comparing studies that used different TAC anatomical references. The broad methodological variability, in addition to the variations in the population characteristics of the studies on TAC, may be in part contributing to the differences between results of different studies. Currently TAC does not have a role in clinical decisions, so it is necessary to create a standard protocol for the aortic calcium research as well as exists for the coronary artery calcium evaluation.

Avaliação em pacientes com fibrose cística a partir da utilização de escores radiográficos / Assessing cystic fibrosis patients through radiological scores

Objetivo: rever a fisiopatologia da doença pulmonar e analisar sua correspondência com a avaliação radiográfica do tórax com base em escores na fibrose cística. Métodos: o levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado a partir das informações disponibilizadas pelas bases de dados Medline, Highwire, LILACS e por pesquisa direta, utilizando os termos Cystic Fibrosis, chest x-ray, lung disease. Resultados: para a elaboração desta revisão narrativa foram selecionados 25 referências bibliográficas abordando a fisiopatologia da doença pulmonar, os fatores que podem influenciar a evolução da fibrose cística e os escores radiográficos utilizados para avaliação do estágio de gravidade da lesão pulmonar. Os escores permitem quantificar, objetivamente, os danos pulmonares detectados na radiografia de tórax. Os artigos originais das descrições dos escores demonstraram de forma individualizada os objetivos de cada um deles, ressaltando sua utilidade e limitações. Conclusão: o conhecimento da fisiopatologia da fibrose cística é fundamental para a compreensão dos escores radiográficos e, principalmente, para o conhecimento de suas limitações. Não há um escore ideal e perfeito, portanto, é necessário conhecer a fisiopatologia da doença e os escores existentes, para então optar pelo escore ou escores a serem utilizados em diferentes situações clínicas.

Objective: To review the pathophysiology of pulmonary disease with emphasis on radiographic evaluation of the chest through scores in cystic fibrosis. Methods: The literature review was performed from the information provided by Medline, Highwire, LILACS and direct search using the Cystic Fibrosis terms, chest x-ray, lung disease. Results: A total of 25 references in the no systematically review addressing the pathophysiology of pulmonary disease, the factors that can influence the course of cystic fibrosis and radiographic scores used to stage the assessment of severity of lung injury. The creation of scores enabled, objectively quantify the lung damage shown on chest radiography. Original articles descriptionsof scores showed individually the objectives of each one of them, pointing their values and their failures. Conclusions: The pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis is critical for the comprehension of radiographic scores, and especially to the knowledge of scoring limitations. There is not a perfect score, so it is necessary to know the pathophysiology of the disease and scores to choose the aproppriate score or scores in defferent clinical situations.

Pulmonary radiographic findings in young children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary evaluation is one of the greatest challenges in children with cystic fibrosis who are younger than 6 years. Although chest CT can provide the most information for initial and progressive changes in cystic fibrosis, the radiation exposures can lead to significant cumulative exposure in children as they are followed with serial scanning to monitor early and progressive disease. Therefore the systematized study of chest radiographs using the Brasfield score has been used scientifically with the aim of evaluating the evolution of pulmonary abnormalities in children with cystic fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess the radiologic findings in children younger than 6 years with cystic fibrosis. We used the Brasfield score to compare radiographs performed in patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa vs. oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and to compare radiographs in children with early vs. delayed diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 254 chest radiographs from 67 children who had undergone material cultures of the airways as part of routine care were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The statistical analysis was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Approximately 35.8% of chest radiographs had a Brasfield score lower than 21 points, which is compatible with potentially irreversible pulmonary disease. Brasfield scores decreased (this score decreases with increasing disease severity) in older children, and both bacterial colonization with Pseudomonas and later diagnosis were associated with lower (greater disease) scores. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of radiographs using the Brasfield score demonstrated the most important pulmonary findings in cystic fibrosis and identified the age group when these alterations began to appear more pronounced.

Correlation between Bhalla score and spirometry in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the findings of high resolution computed tomography of the chest based on the Bhalla score with the clinical data and spirometry in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, and to study the concordance between two radiologists for the Bhalla score and its categories. METHODS: We evaluated the medical records of 23 patients from the outpatient clinic. The items evaluated included age, weight, height, height/age Z-score, weight/age Z-score, body mass index (BMI), O2 saturation, spirometry and Bhalla score. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 17.4 years ± 5.7 years, with fifteen females and eight males. There was good correlation between Bhalla score and spirometry (FVC-r =0.718, p<0.001; FEV1-r=0.830, p<0.001; FEF25-75%-r =0.786, p<0.001; FEV1/FVC-r=0.714, p<0.001). It was also noted that some patients with FEF25-75%> 70% already had changes in their final Bhalla score. In the analysis of the concordance between the examiners a Kappa coefficient of 0.81 (p <0.001) was found, and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. CONCLUSION: A good correlation between Bhalla scores with spirometry confirmed its usefulness in evaluating and monitoring patients with cystic fibrosis, given it can be used both in patients who are unable to perform spirometry as well as for a pooled analysis of the two examinations since the HRCT scans show early changes in patients with normal function tests.

Correlation between Bhalla score and spirometry in children and adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis / Correlação entre escore de Bhalla e espirometria em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

Objective: to correlate the findings of high resolution computed tomography of the chest based on the Bhalla score with the clinical data and spirometry in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, and to study the concordance between two radiologists for the Bhalla score and its categories. Methods: we evaluated the medical records of 23 patients from the outpatient clinic. The items evaluated included age, weight, height, height/age Z-score, weight/age Z-score, body mass index (BMI), O2 saturation, spirometry and Bhalla score. Results: the patients had a mean age of 17.4 years ± 5.7 years, with fifteen females and eight males. There was good correlation between Bhalla score and spirometry (FVC-r =0.718, p<0.001; FEV1-r=0.830, p<0.001; FEF25-75%-r =0.786, p<0.001; FEV1/FVC-r=0.714, p<0.001). It was also noted that some patients with FEF25-75%> 70% already had changes in their final Bhalla score. In the analysis of the concordance between the examiners a Kappa coefficient of 0.81 (p <0.001) was found, and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. Conclusion: a good correlation between Bhalla scores with spirometry confirmed its usefulness in evaluating and monitoring patients with cystic fibrosis, given it can be used both in patients who are unable to perform spirometry as well as for a pooled analysis of the two examinations since the HRCT scans show early changes in patients with normal function tests. .

Objetivo: correlacionar os achados da tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TCAR) do tórax, com base no escore de Bhalla, com os dados clínicos e a espirometria em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística (FC), além de estudar a concordância entre dois médicos radiologistas para o escore de Bhalla e suas categorias. Métodos: foram avaliados os prontuários e os exames de 23 pacientes do ambulatório. Os itens avaliados foram idade, peso, altura, escore Z altura/idade, escore Z peso/ idade, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), saturação de O2, espirometria e escore de Bhalla. Resultados: os pacientes avaliados tinham média de idade de 17,4±5,7 anos, sendo 15 do sexo feminino e 8 do sexo masculino. Houve boa correlação entre o escore de Bhalla e a espirometria (CVF-r = 0,718, p < 0,001; VEF1-r = 0,830, p < 0,001; FEF 25-75%-r = 0,786, p < 0,001; VEF1/ CVF-r = 0,714, p < 0,001). Nota-se, ainda, que alguns pacientes com FEF 25-75% > 70% já apresentavam alterações na nota final do escore de Bhalla. Na análise da concordância entre os examinadores, foi encontrado coeficiente kappa de 0,81 (p < 0,001) e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse de 0,98. Conclusão: a boa correlação do escore de Bhalla com as provas de função pulmonar confirma a sua utilidade na avaliação e no acompanhamento dos pacientes com FC, podendo ser utilizado tanto para pacientes que são incapazes de realizar a espirometria quanto para uma análise em conjunto dos dois exames, uma vez que a TCAR mostra alterações precoces em pacientes com espirometrias normais. .

A radiografia de tórax de uma criança com asma

Aula 8 do Curso Capacitação a Distância em Asma na Infância e Adolescência. O diagnóstico de asma na infância é essencialmente clínico, porém devido a possibilidade de outros diagnósticos diferenciais de sibilância na infância, torna-se fundamental o estudo por imagem do tórax de uma criança com esta suspeita clínica. A radiografia de tórax deve ser realizada para confirmação do diagnóstico de asma quando o padrão da crise se agrava, como também para monitorização do tratamento durante a internação hospitalar. A tomografia computadorizada do tórax por representar uma dose de radiação muito maior para a criança, tem indicações limitadas e deve ser solicitada de forma muito criteriosa.Apresentação de radiografia de tórax para demostrar a anatomia radiológica do tórax , os sinais radiográficos de asma e suas complicações, os possíveis diagnósticos diferencias e as principais indicações da tomografia de tórax.

Escores clínicos e diagnósticos por imagem na fibrose cística / Clinical Scores and Diagnostic Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis

Objetivo: rever a literatura, verificando o papel da tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TCAR) do tórax no acompanhamento de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. Método: o levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado a partir das informa- ções disponibilizadas pelas bases de dados Medline, MD Consult, Highwire, Medscape, LILACS e por pesquisa direta dos últimos 10 anos, utilizando-se os termos cysticfibrosis, tomography, spirometry e children. Resultados: foram selecionados 21 artigos originais em revisão não sistemática. A TCAR do tórax é um bom método, uma vez que é preconizada para a avaliação do parênquima pulmonar, devido às características do comprometimento pulmonar na fibrose cística. Permite a identificação das principais alterações relacionadas à fibrose cística: bronquiectasias, espessamento peribrônquico, plugs mucosos e hiperinsuflação/enfisema, além de consolidações, atelectasias e lesões bolhosas. Realizada na rotina para determinar as alterações estruturais pulmonares, a TCAR também tem indicação nos casos de piora clínica significativa, independentemente da idade do paciente. A questão sobre o melhor momento para sua realização também carece de estudos clínicos e normalmente é baseada em protocolos de serviços. Estudos comparativos entre a espirometria e o escore clínico-radiológico de Shwachman- -Kulczycki mostraram forte correlação positiva entre este e o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) (r=0,75, P<0,001 e r=0,50, P≤0,01). Porém, enquanto a TCAR mostrou alterações estruturais significativas, a espirometria exibiu mínima progressão ou pouca melhora no padrão. Muita atenção deve ser dada à questão da radiação ionizante e à quantidade de radiação a que o paciente é exposto. Conclusão: não há ainda papel definido para a TCAR no acompanhamento aos pacientes com fibrose cística. À medida que técnicas de baixa dose são desenvolvidas, pode-se vislumbrar a TCAR como um excelente método de avaliação do comprometimento pulmonar dos jovens menores de seis anos e, por isso, impossibilitados de realizar as provas de função pulmonar. (AU)

Objective: To review the literature, verifying the role of high resolution computed tomography of the chest in the monitoring of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.Method: The bibliographic survey was based on information released by the Medline, MD Consult, Highwire, Medscape, LILACS, and direct search of the past 10 years, using the terms cysticfibrosis, tomography, spirometry and children. Results: We have selected 21 original articles on non-systematic review. The High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a good method, since it is recommended to evaluate the lung parenchyma, due to the characteristics of lung impairment in cystic fibrosis. Allows identification of the main changes related to cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, peribronchial thickening, mucus plugging and hyperinflation / emphysema, as well as consolidation, atelectasis, and bullae. Performed routinely to determine the structural abnormalities, HRCT is also indicated in cases of clinically significant worsening of the patient regardless of age. The question about the best time to perform it also lacks clinical studies and is usually based on service protocols. Comparative studies of spirometry and clinical-radiologic Shwachman-Kulczycki show that a strong positive correlation between this and FEV1 (r=0.75, P<0.001 and r=0.50, P≤ 0.01) but while HRCT showed significant structural changes spirometry showed minimal progression or improvement in the standard. Great attention should be given to the issue of ionizing radiation and the amount of radiation to which the patient is exposed. Conclusion: There is still a role for HRCT in monitoring patients with Cystic Fibrosis. As low-dose techniques are developed one can glimpse the HRCT as an excellent method for evaluation of pulmonary involvement of young pacient under the age of 6 years, and therefore unable to perform pulmonary function tests.

Bronquiolite obliterante pós-infeccciosa: importância do diagnóstico precoce e da abordagem pediátrica / Post infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: importance of early diagnosis and pediatric management

A Bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa (BOPI) é caracterizada por obstrução crônica do fluxo aéreo associada à lesão inflamatória das pequenas vias aéreas, que se manifesta clinicamente pela persistência de sintomas como taquipnéia, sibilância, tosse e hipoxemia por mais de 2 meses após um episodio de bronquiolite viral aguda (BVA) e/ou pneumonia viral. A BOPI não é tão rara, já que 10% dos lactentes podem ter BVA e1% deles podem evoluir para BOPI. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente com história típica, mas com diagnóstico tardio e elevada morbidade. Os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem são aqui apresentados. A evolução desse caso ratifica a importância de investigação apropriada da criança com doença obstrutiva crônica. Para se reduzir a potencial morbidade e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com BOPI, são necessários a suspeita e o diagnóstico mais precoce por parte do pediatra e o acompanhamento multidisciplinar...

Post-infectious Bronquiolitis Obliterans (PIBO) is characterized by chronic airflowobstruction associate to inflammatory injury of small airways, clinically suspected by the persistence of symptoms such as tachypnea, wheezing, cough and hypoxaemia for morethan 2 months after an episode of acute viral bronquiolitis (AVB) and/or viral pneumonia.PIBO is not so rare, since 10% of infants may have AVB and 1% of them may developBOPI. We describe the case of a patient with a typical history of PIBO, but with delayed diagnosis and high morbidity. Results of the laboratorial exams and image are presented in this study. The evolution of this case emphasizes the importance of appropriate investigation of chronic obstructive illness in children. It is necessary to stimulate early suspicionand diagnosis by pediatricians and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team, in order to decrease potential morbidity and improve quality of life of these patients...