Clinical and radiological evaluation of maxillofacial and otorhinolaryngological manifestations of Hansen's disease.

To characterize maxillofacial, otorhinolaryngological and oral manifestations of Hansen's disease (HD), we conducted a cross-sectional study in 21 current patients attending the Unidade Básica de Saúde de Jardim América, Espírito Santo, Brazil and 16 former patients resident at Pedro Fontes Hospital using data from computed tomography imaging, rhinoscopy, and oroscopy. Maxillofacial characteristics were compared with 37 controls. Differences in bone alterations across the three groups were determined mainly by severe resorption/atrophy being more frequent in former HD patients, with severe resorption/atrophy of the anterior alveolar process of maxilla in 50.0% (8/16) of former patients, 28.6% (6/21) of current patients and 10.8% (4/37) of controls and of nasal bones and aperture in 31.3% (5/16) of former patients compared with 0/21 current patients and two controls. There were no substantial differences in otorhinolaryngological and oroscopic findings between the two patient groups. HD patients had more tooth loss than the age-matched control group. Maxillofacial, otorhinolaryngological and oroscopic finding scores were strongly correlated only in current HD patients. Correlation between otorhinolaryngological and maxillofacial scores suggests that protocols for HD patient assessment and follow-up could include otorhinolaryngological evaluation, with radiological imaging where necessary, subject to replication of our findings in a larger study.

Clinical and radiological assessment of rhinomaxillary syndrome in Hansen's disease.

Background More than four million people today live with Hansen's disease, and 200,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Lifetime effects of Hansen's disease manifest as changes to bones of the face, hands and feet, resulting in physical impairment, secondary complications and facial changes that can be detrimental to quality of life, particularly among the elderly. Aims This study aimed to perform a detailed characterization of rhinomaxillary syndrome and its clinical manifestations in older persons treated in the past for Hansen's disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional study to characterize rhinomaxillary syndrome among older persons (age 60+ years) resident at Pedro Fontes Hospital, Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Computed tomography images were examined with three-dimensional reconstructions to assess alterations to maxillofacial bones according to criteria for radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome. Participants were examined to assess facial alterations according to criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome. Results Rhinomaxillary syndrome was investigated in 16 participants (ten females and six males), median age 70 (range 60-89) years, age at diagnosis 20 (6-43) years and time since diagnosis 46 (26-70) years. Four participants fully met radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome criteria, four partially. All participants with full radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome presented with facial changes which met criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome, including "saddle nose" (loss of nasal dorsal height and shortened length of nose, due to cartilaginous and/or bone collapse), concave middle third of the face with sunken nose, maxillary retrognathia and inverted upper lip. Limitations Clinical histories were incomplete for some participants because records were lost at the hospital over time. Conclusion Until Hansen's disease is eliminated from endemic countries, persons affected will continue to present with rhinomaxillofacial alterations caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection. Clinical protocols for assessment and long-term care need to include otorhinolaryngological evaluation, mainly to prevent secondary complications. When rhinomaxillofacial bone changes are suspected, this evaluation should be supported by computed tomography imaging, if available.

Postoperative CT findings of orthognathic surgery and its complications: A guide for radiologists.

Orthognathic surgery is the standard procedure to correct congenital, developmental, or acquired dentofacial deformities. The maxillomandibular relationship corrected by orthognathic surgery can improve facial esthetics, masticatory function, articulation, and breathing. The most common types of osteotomies include the combination of Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy, and genioplasty. High-resolution low-dose computed tomography is useful for evaluating the facial skeleton and soft tissues after surgery as well as for depicting a variety of possible complications. This article reviews the postoperative imaging findings of the most common orthognathic surgeries and their potential complications on multidetector-row computed tomography.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls. Paranasal sinus opacification was graded and compared according to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity. RESULTS: Of the patients 28 (29.5%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (median age 52 [range 26-95] years) and 67 were negative (median age 50 [range 18-95] years). Mucosal thickening was present in 97.4% of maxillary sinuses, 80% of anterior ethmoid air cells, 75.3% of posterior ethmoid air cells, 74.7% of frontal sinuses, and 66.3% of sphenoid sinuses. Minimal or mild mucosal thickening (score 1)and normally aerated sinuses (score 0) corresponded to 71.4% and 21.3% of all paranasal sinuses, respectively. The mean score of each paranasal sinus among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative patients was 0.85±0.27 and 0.87±0.38, respectively (p=0.74). Median paranasal sinus opacification score among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients was 9 (interquartile range 8-10) compared to 9 (interquartile range 5-10) in negative patients (p=0.89). There was no difference in mean score adjusted for age and sex. Nasal congestion was more frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive than negative patients (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was associated with patient recall of nasal congestion, but showed no correlation with opacification of paranasal sinuses.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19 / Achados de imagem em tomografias computadorizadas de seios paranasais em pacientes com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls. Paranasal sinus opacification was graded and compared according to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity. Results: Of the patients 28 (29.5%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (median age 52 [range 26-95] years) and 67 were negative (median age 50 [range 18-95] years). Mucosal thickening was present in 97.4% of maxillary sinuses, 80% of anterior ethmoid air cells, 75.3% of posterior ethmoid air cells, 74.7% of frontal sinuses, and 66.3% of sphenoid sinuses. Minimal or mild mucosal thickening (score 1)and normally aerated sinuses (score 0) corresponded to 71.4% and 21.3% of all paranasal sinuses, respectively. The mean score of each paranasal sinus among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative patients was 0.85±0.27 and 0.87±0.38, respectively (p=0.74). Median paranasal sinus opacification score among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients was 9 (interquartile range 8-10) compared to 9 (interquartile range 5-10) in negative patients (p=0.89). There was no difference in mean score adjusted for age and sex. Nasal congestion was more frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive than negative patients (p=0.05). Conclusion: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was associated with patient recall of nasal congestion, but showed no correlation with opacification of paranasal sinuses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar imagens de tomografia computadorizada de seios paranasais de pacientes com a doença por coronavírus 2019, e correlacionar os achados com a doença. Métodos: Foram analisadas imagens de tomografia computadorizada de 95 pacientes submetidos a teste de reação em cadeia da polimerase para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Os dados clínicos foram obtidos por meio dos prontuários dos pacientes e de ligações telefônicas. A opacificação dos seios paranasais foi graduada e comparada entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Resultados: Vinte e oito (29,5%) dos pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (idade mediana de 52 [26-95] anos) e 67, resultado negativo (idade mediana de 50 [18-95] anos). O espessamento mucoso estava presente em 97,4% dos seios maxilares, 80% das células etmoidais anteriores, 75,3% das células etmoidais posteriores, 74,7% dos seios frontais e em 66,3% dos seios esfenoidais. Mínimo ou discreto espessamento mucoso (pontuação 1) e seios com aeração normal (pontuação 0) corresponderam a 71,4% e 21,3% de todos os seios paranasais, respectivamente. A nota média de cada seio paranasal entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 0,85±0,27 e 0,87±0,38, respectivamente (p=0,74). A nota mediana de opacificação dos seios paranasais entre pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 9 (intervalo interquartil de 8 a 10), comparada a 9 (intervalo interquartil de 5 a 10) em pacientes negativos (p=0,89). Não houve diferença na nota média ajustada para idade e sexo. A congestão nasal foi mais frequente em pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave que naqueles com resultados negativos (p=0,05). Conclusão: A infecção pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave apresentou associação com congestão nasal, mas não mostrou correlação com espessamento mucoso dos seios paranasais.

Endolymphatic hydrops evaluation on MRI: Practical considerations.

Four-hour delayed three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence after intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent administration is an optimal magnetic resonance imaging technique to evaluate endolymphatic hydrops in patients with known or suspected Ménière's disease. Nonenhanced endolymphatic space surrounded by enhanced perilymphatic space is evaluated in the cochlea and vestibule separately. In cochlear hydrops, the scala media is enlarged, potentially obliterating the scala vestibuli. In vestibular hydrops, the size of the saccule becomes equal to or larger than that of the utricle; as hydrops progresses, the saccule and utricle become larger and confluent until complete obliteration of the vestibule's perilymphatic space. In patients with a unilateral clinical presentation of Ménière's disease, it is possible to depict the asymmetries of perilymph enhancement, which may be increased on the affected side and reflect a permeability alteration of the blood-perilymph barrier. In addition, endolymphatic hydrops can be observed in the asymptomatic ear of these patients with a unilateral clinical presentation, showing that Ménière's disease tends to undergo bilateral evolution over time.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in Ménière disease: the current state of endolymphatic hydrops evaluation.

Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging have allowed to accurately detect and grade endolymphatic space distension in Ménière disease; this was only possible in post-mortem histological studies until a few years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging rules out other causes of vertigo and hearing loss, and is able to evaluate the cochlear and vestibular compartments of the endolymphatic space using a dedicated protocol.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in Ménière disease: the current state of endolymphatic hydrops evaluation / O papel da ressonância magnética na doença de Ménière: a avaliação da hidropsia endolinfática nos dias atuais

ABSTRACT Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging have allowed to accurately detect and grade endolymphatic space distension in Ménière disease; this was only possible in post-mortem histological studies until a few years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging rules out other causes of vertigo and hearing loss, and is able to evaluate the cochlear and vestibular compartments of the endolymphatic space using a dedicated protocol.

RESUMO Os avanços técnicos na ressonância magnética têm permitido detectar e classificar com acurácia a distensão do espaço endolinfático na doença de Ménière; isso só era possível nos estudos histológicos post-mortem até poucos anos atrás. Além de afastar outras causas de vertigem e de perda auditiva, a ressonância magnética é capaz de avaliar os compartimentos coclear e vestibular do espaço endolinfático por meio de um protocolo dedicado.

Facial structure alterations and abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses on multidetector computed tomography scans of patients with treated mucosal leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) is a progressive disease that affects cartilage and bone structures of the nose and other upper respiratory tract structures. Complications associated with ML have been described, but there is a lack of studies that evaluate the structural changes of the nose and paranasal sinuses in ML using radiological methods. In this study, we aimed to assess the opacification of the paranasal sinuses in patients with treated ML and any anatomical changes in the face associated with ML using multidetector computed tomography scans (MDCT) of the sinuses. We compared the findings with a control group. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We evaluated 54 patients with treated ML who underwent CT scans of the sinuses and compared them with a control group of 40 patients who underwent orbital CT scans. The degree of sinus disease was assessed according to the Lund-Mackay criteria. Forty of the 54 patients with a history of ML (74.1%) had a tomographic score compatible with chronic sinusitis (Lund-Mackay ≥4). CT scans in the leishmaniasis and control groups demonstrated significant differences in terms of facial structure alterations. Patients from the ML group showed more severe levels of partial opacification and pansinus mucosal thickening (42.6%) and a greater severity of total opacification. Patients from the ML group with a Lund-Mackay score ≥4 presented longer durations of disease before treatment and more severe presentations of the disease at diagnosis. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: CT scans of the sinuses of patients with ML presented several structural alterations, revealing a prominent destructive feature of the disease. The higher prevalence in this study of chronic rhinosinusitis observed in CT scans of patients with treated ML than in those of the control group suggests that ML can be considered a risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis in this population (p<0.05).

Avaliação do conhecimento de médicos não-radiologistas sobre reações adversas aos contrastes iodados / Evaluation of nonradiologist physicians' knowledge about adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento dos médicos não-radiologistas sobre reações adversas ao meio de contraste iodado, sua prevenção e as condições clínicas que aumentam seu risco. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 203 médicos não-radiologistas (assistentes, residentes e estagiários) de várias especialidades, utilizando um questionário com dez questões de múltipla escolha abordando profilaxia, fatores de risco e condutas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de reações adversas aos meios de contraste iodados. Os resultados foram analisados com o programa Statistic Package for Social Sciences, Windows®, versão 12.0. RESULTADOS: Asma, alergia alimentar, ansiedade e doença isquêmica do coração foram considerados fatores de risco por 80,9 por cento, 78,9 por cento, 5,9 por cento e 4,1 por cento dos participantes, respectivamente. Para 23,4 por cento dos médicos, não há contra-indicações absolutas ao uso do meio de contraste iodado. As condutas profiláticas em pacientes com reação prévia ao meio de contraste iodado e em diabéticos em uso de metformina foram corretamente indicadas por 84,5 por cento e 53,7 por cento dos participantes, respectivamente. As questões abordando nefropatia induzida por meio de contraste iodado, uso de anti-sépticos tópicos iodados em pacientes com história de reação adversa ao meio de contraste iodado e ansiedade foram acertadas por 86,1 por cento, 45,5 por cento, e 5,9 por cento dos participantes, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os médicos não-radiologistas demonstraram conhecimento razoável sobre reações adversas aos meios de contraste iodados. É necessária melhor integração e comunicação entre radiologistas e médicos das demais especialidades.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nonradiologist physicians' knowledge about adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media, as well as prevention and associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal study was developed with 203 nonradiologist physicians (assistants, residents and trainees) of different specialties, who completed a questionnaire including ten multiple choice questions regarding prophylaxis, risk factors and conduct related to the development of adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media. The Statistic Package for Social Science version 12.0 for Windows® was utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Asthma, food allergy, anxiety and ischemic heart disease were considered as risk factors by, respectively, 80.9 percent, 78.9 percent, 5.9 percent and 4.1 percent of the participants. According to 23.4 percent of the physicians, there is no absolute contraindication to the use of iodinated contrast media. Correct prophylactic measures for patients with previous adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media and in diabetic patients using metformin were indicated, respectively, by 84.5 percent and 53.7 percent of the respondents. Questions about contrast-induced nephropathy, use of iodinated topical antiseptics in patients with previous adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media, and anxiety were correctly answered by, respectively, 86.1 percent, 45.5 percent and 5.9 percent of the participants. CONCLUSION: Nonradiologist physicians have shown a reasonable knowledge about adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media. A better integration and communication among radiologists and physicians of other specialties is warranted.