Ultrasound Pattern of Cutis Verticis Gyrata.

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a cutaneous benign condition that usually presents symmetric or asymmetric convoluted folds and deep furrows in the scalp, which mimic the disposition of the cerebral sulci and gyri. This scalp deformation may be a worrying situation for the patients and their families. Clinically, its diagnosis may be challenging because it can mimic other cutaneous conditions. So far, the ultrasonographic pattern of CVG has not been reported. Thus, we aim to review the ultrasound findings of this entity. All patients (n = 14) presented zones with dermal and hypodermal thickening that corresponded with the elevated clinical zones, followed by folds with normal cutaneous thicknesses. There was undulation of the cutaneous layers in all cases. The scalp areas involved the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions bilaterally. The mean maximum dermal and hypodermal thicknesses and echogenicities and the color Doppler characteristics are provided. No significant dilation of the hair follicles was detected. In conclusion, CVG presents an ultrasonographic pattern that can support its diagnosis and follow-up. This can help its differential diagnosis with other scalp dermatologic conditions.

[Digital artery pseudoaneurysm. Case report and systematic review of the literature]. / Pseudoaneurisma de arteria digital. Reporte de un caso y revisión sistemática de la bibliografía.

INTRODUCTION: aneurysms are focal and permanent dilations of an artery; in pseudoaneurysms, the normal layers of the blood vessel are replaced by fibrous tissue. Due to their low incidence, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge they represent; our objective is to present the clinical case of a pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery of the hand and to carry out a systematic review of this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: literature search in Medline, using the terms "digital artery" and "aneurysm." Studies of vascular dilation pathology affecting the hand and fingers were incorporated. Studies with pathology of proximal involvement of the hand were excluded. CASE PRESENTATION: a 79-year-old female patient who, after a sharp force trauma to the fifth finger of the left hand, develops a rapidly growing necrotic tumor. She had ultrasound and angiography that suggested hematoma. Surgical management was decided, during which it was observed that the tumor involved ulnar collateral digital artery of the fifth finger. The lesion and the arterial segment involved were resected. Post-surgical course without complications. The histopathological diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the lesion was confirmed. DISCUSSION: traumatic etiology is the most frequent cause of digital aneurysms. Risk factors for pseudoaneurysms include sharp force trauma and alterations of the coagulation pathways, as in the case presented. CONCLUSION: the pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery is a rare pathology with great variability of therapeutic management. Surgical resection of the lesion with vascular flow reconstruction is the recommended treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los aneurismas son dilataciones vasculares localizadas y permanentes de una arteria; en los pseudoaneurismas, las capas normales del vaso sanguíneo son reemplazadas por tejido fibroso. Debido a su baja incidencia, así como el desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico que representan; nuestro objetivo es presentar el caso clínico de un pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital de la mano y realizar una revisión sistemática sobre dicha patología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, utilizando los términos "arteria digital" y "aneurisma". Se incorporaron estudios de patología de dilatación vascular que afecte la mano y los dedos. Se excluyeron trabajos con patología de afección proximal de la mano. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASO: paciente femenino de 79 años de edad, que posterior a herida cortante de quinto dedo de mano izquierda, desarrolla tumoración necrótica de rápido crecimiento. Contaba con ecografía y angiografía que sugerían hematoma. Se decidió manejo quirúrgico, durante el cual se observó que la tumoración involucraba arteria digital colateral cubital del quinto dedo. Se resecó lesión y segmento arterial involucrado. Cursó postquirúrgico sin complicaciones. Se confirmó el diagnóstico histopatológico de pseudoaneurisma de la lesión. DISCUSIÓN: la etiología traumática es la causa más frecuente de los aneurismas digitales. Los factores de riesgo para los pseudoaneurismas incluyen lesiones penetrantes y alteraciones de la cascada de coagulación, como en el caso presentado. CONCLUSIÓN: el pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital es una patología rara y con gran variabilidad de manejo terapéutico. La resección quirúrgica de la lesión con la reconstrucción del flujo vascular, es el tratamiento recomendado.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral pulsed radiofrequency of the phrenic nerve for prolonged hiccups: a case report.

Singultus is the sudden onset of erratic diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle contraction immediately followed by laryngeal closure. Pathophysiology involves afferent, central and efferent components. Bilateral phrenic nerve block was performed to a 46-year-old woman with a brain tumor with persistent hiccups, with initially positive response but later symptom recurrence. Bilateral pulsed radiofrequency of the phrenic nerve was performed guided by ultrasonography (US). In the follow-up, absence of hiccups was confirmed. The patient was discharged 24 h later. Persistent or untreatable singultus is an infrequent condition that should not be dismissed. This approach is a safe, accurate and effective therapeutic approach for patient's refractory to conservative treatment. Further studies are needed to establish safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Can Ultrasound Examinations Generate Pain in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients? Results from a Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is not a trivial issue for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients and has been considered a domain in the Core Outcome Set. To date, there is no evidence about pain caused by the ultrasound examinations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the presence of pain generated by the ultrasound examinations of HS patients. METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional study for detecting pain during the ultrasound examinations of HS patients using a validated verbal questionnaire immediately after the imaging studies. Statistical analysis included demographic data and possible associations with sex, age, location, clinical (Hurley), and ultrasonographic scoring (SOS-HS). The statistical tests were two proportions Z test, χ2 test, Student's t test, and ANOVA. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 317 patients met the criteria. 77.3% of them did not present pain. Of cases with pain, 59.8% were mild, 16.7% moderate, and 23.6% severe. No significant association was found with sex, age, staging, location, or the number of affected regions. Although nonsignificant, severe pain cases were more frequent in the clinical Hurley III and ultrasonographic SOS-HS III stages. CONCLUSION: Pain generated by the ultrasound examination of HS patients is infrequent.

Ultrasound techniques for the detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses a broad spectrum of hip pathologies, including femoral or acetabular dysplasia, hip instability, or both. According to the medical literature, ultrasonography is the most reliable diagnostic method for DDH. Several techniques for the assessment of hips in newborns and infants, using ultrasonography, have been described. OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of the Graf technique and other diagnostic techniques for DDH. DESIGN AND SETTING: A systematic review of studies that analyzed ultrasound techniques for the diagnosis of DDH within an evidence-based health program of a federal university in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and LILACS databases for articles published up to May 5, 2020, relating to studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of different ultrasound techniques for diagnosing DDH. The QUADAS 2 tool was used for methodological quality evaluation. RESULTS: All hips were analyzed using the Graf method as a reference standard. The Morin technique had the highest rate of sensitivity, at 81.12-89.47%. The Suzuki and Stress tests showed 100% specificity. The Harcke technique showed a sensibility of 18.21% and specificity of 99.32%. CONCLUSION: All the techniques demonstrated at least one rate (sensibility and specificity) lower than 90.00% when compared to the Graf method. The Morin technique, as evaluated in this systematic review, is recommended after the Graf method because it has the highest sensitivity, especially with the three-pattern classification of 89.47%. REGISTRATION NUMBER: Identifier: CRD42020189686 at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier: CRD42020189686).

Lung ultrasonography as a tool to guide perioperative atelectasis treatment bundle in head and neck cancer patients undergoing free flap reconstructive surgeries: a preliminary observational study / Ultrassonografia pulmonar como ferramenta para orientar o tratamento perioperatório de atelectasia em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos a cirurgia reconstrutiva com retalho livre: um estudo observacional preliminar

Abstract Introduction: General anesthesia causes pulmonary atelectasis within few minutes of induction. This can have significant impact on postoperative outcome of cancer patients undergoing prolonged reconstructive surgeries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of sonographically detected perioperative atelectasis on the need for postoperative oxygen supplementation, bronchodilator therapy and assisted chest physiotherapy in patients undergoing free flap surgeries for head and neck carcinoma. Methods: Twenty eight head and neck cancer patients underwent bilateral pulmonary ultrasonographic assessments before and after lung surgery. Lung ultrasound scores, serum lactate, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were measured both at the beginning and at end of the surgery. Patients were scanned in the supine position and the number of single and confluent B lines was noted. These values were correlated with the need for oxygen therapy, requirement of bronchodilators and total weaning time to predict the postoperative outcome. Other factors affecting weaning were also studied. Results: Among twenty eight patients, seven had mean lung ultrasound score of ≥10.5 which correlated with prolonged weaning time (144.56±33.5min vs. 66.7±15.7min; p = 0.005). The change in lung ultrasound score significantly correlated with change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r = −0.56, p = 0.03). Elevated total leukocyte count >8200 ΜL and serum lactate >2.1 mmoL/L also predicted prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: This preliminary study detected significant levels of perioperative atelectasis using point of care lung ultrasonography in head and neck cancer patients undergoing long duration surgical reconstructions. Higher lung ultrasound scores highlighted the need for frequent bronchodilator nebulizations as well as assisted chest physiotherapy and were associated with delayed weaning. We propose more frequent point of care lung ultrasonographic evaluations and use of recruitment maneuvers to reduce the impact of perioperative pulmonary atelectasis.

Resumo Introdução: A anestesia geral causa atelectasia pulmonar poucos minutos após sua indução. Isso pode ter um impacto significativo no resultado pós-operatório de pacientes com câncer submetidos a cirurgias reconstrutivas prolongadas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto das atelectasias perioperatórias detectadas por ultrassonografia na necessidade de suplementação pós-operatória de oxigênio, terapia broncodilatadora e fisioterapia respiratória assistida em pacientes com carcinoma de cabeça e pescoço submetidos a cirurgias com uso de retalho livre. Método: Foram submetidos a avaliações ultrassonográficas pulmonares bilaterais antes e após a cirurgia 28 pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Os escores de ultrassonografia pulmonar, lactato sérico, razão PaO2/FiO2 foram medidos no início e no fim da cirurgia. Os pacientes foram avaliados na posição supina e o número de linhas B confluentes e únicas foi observado. Esses valores foram correlacionados com a necessidade de oxigenoterapia, necessidade de broncodilatadores e tempo total de desmame para predizer o resultado pós-operatório. Outros fatores que afetam o desmame também foram estudados. Resultados: Entre os 28 pacientes, sete apresentaram escore médio de ultrassonografia pulmonar ≥ 10,5, que se correlacionou com o tempo de desmame prolongado (144,56 ± 33,5 minutos vs. 66,7 ± 15,7 minutos; p = 0,005). A mudança no escore de ultrassonografia pulmonar correlacionou-se significantemente com a mudança na razão PaO2/FiO2 (r = −0,56, p = 0,03). A contagem total elevada de leucócitos > 8200 uLe o nível de lactato sérico >2,1 mmoL/L também previram ventilação mecânica pós-operatória prolongada. Conclusão: Este estudo preliminar detectou um nível significante de atelectasia perioperatória com ultrassonografia pulmonar no local de atendimento em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos a reconstruções cirúrgicas de longa duração. Escores mais altos de ultrassonografia pulmonar enfatizaram a necessidade de nebulizações broncodilatadoras frequentes e fisioterapia respiratória assistida e foram associados a desmame tardio. Propomos avaliações ultrassonográficas pulmonares mais frequentes no local de atendimento e o uso de manobras de recrutamento para reduzir o impacto das atelectasias pulmonares perioperatórias.

Usefulness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of nosocomial maxillary sinusitis in patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Severe Covid-19 pneumonia frequently presents with infective complications as bacterial and fungal infections, nosocomial maxillary sinusitis is one of them. We describe the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of nosocomial maxillary sinusitis in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation due to severe Covid-19 pneumonia. METHODS: Patients with severe pneumonia due to Covid-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and had maxillary sinus occupation by ultrasonography were retrospectively enrolled at intensive care unit of Sanatorio De los Arcos, Buenos Aires, Argentina, between March 2020 and May 2021. RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 171 patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation during the study period. We included 26 patients that had maxillary sinus occupation by ultrasonography (15.2%). Out of the 26 patients, in 17 the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical drainage of the maxillary sinus with positive cultures with a positive predictive value of 85%. In 34.6% of the cases the maxillary sinus disease was unilateral and in 38.4% bilateral. A sinus computed tomography (CT) was performed in 30.7% of the patients. Most of the patients underwent to surgical drainage without a CT scan (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is a useful tool for the detection of maxillary sinus infection in patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia and avoids to perform a CT scan and, therefore, unnecessary transfers.

Importance of Doppler ultrasound in vaginal foreign body: case report and review of the literature.

The aim of this paper is to describe the distinctive ultrasound findings of a case of vaginal bleeding caused by the presence of a foreign body. We present the case of an infant who consulted for vaginal bleeding and foul-smelling discharge. The ultrasound revealed signs of vaginal distension due to heterogeneous-hematic contents and parietal thickening. At Doppler examination, a striking finding of increased vascularization limited to the upper two-thirds of the vaginal wall was found, which was initially interpreted as a sign of local inflammation suggesting the presence of an underlying foreign body. At direct vaginoscopic examination remains of toilet paper in the vaginal fundus were found. The presence of a foreign body in the vagina is an uncommon cause of discharge and vaginal bleeding in pediatrics, therefore, this etiology should be kept in mind when the adequate clinical context arises. Doppler ultrasound represents a first-line complementary method when this entity is suspected.

Feasibility and Safety of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Neonatal Brain: A Prospective Study Using MRI as the Reference Standard.

BACKGROUND. MRI is the reference standard for neonatal brain imaging, but it is expensive, time-consuming, potentially limited by availability and accessibility, and contraindicated in some patients. Transfontanelle neonatal head ultrasound is an excellent alternative but may be less sensitive and specific than MRI. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has the potential to improve the capabilities of ultrasound. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic performance of transfontanelle neonatal brain CEUS, with MRI used as the reference standard. METHODS. Neonates in the institutional neonatal ICU who were undergoing MRI as part of their clinical care were prospectively recruited to undergo portable brain ultrasound and CEUS for research purposes. Brain ultrasound and CEUS were performed portably without moving the patient from the isolette or crib in the neonatal ICU. Adverse events were recorded. Two radiologists independently evaluated ultrasound and CEUS images for abnormalities and then reached consensus regarding discrepancies. A separate radiologist reviewed MRI examinations. Sensitivity, specificity, and interreader agreement were evaluated, with MRI used as the reference. Qualitative post hoc image review was performed. RESULTS. Twenty-six neonates (nine boys and 17 girls; mean [± SD] age, 15.2 ± 14.0 days) were included. No significant alteration in patient vital signs or adverse reaction to the ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) occurred. The mean duration of the examination was significantly shorter for combined ultrasound and CEUS than for MRI (21.1 ± 4.7 vs 74.2 ± 34.8 minutes; p < .001). Interrater agreement for any abnormality was almost perfect for both ultrasound and CEUS (κ = 0.92 and 0.85, respectively). Sensitivity for any abnormality was 86.7% for ultrasound and 93.3% for CEUS; specificity was 100.0% for both. CEUS had sensitivity of 87.5% for acute or subacute ischemia and 100.0% for chronic ischemia; its specificity was 100.0% for acute or subacute ischemia and chronic ischemia. For both ultrasound and CEUS, sensitivity for subdural and intraparenchymal hemorrhage was poor (22.2-50.0%). On CEUS but not on MRI, post hoc review showed a case of postischemic hyperperfusion, which was confirmed by subsequently performed contrast-enhanced CT. CONCLUSION. The use of portable brain CEUS in neonates is feasible, safe, and more rapid than MRI. CLINICAL IMPACT. The potential diagnostic utility of brain neonatal CEUS relative to conventional ultrasound, particularly for ischemia, warrants further investigation.

Lung ultrasonography as a tool to guide perioperative atelectasis treatment bundle in head and neck cancer patients undergoing free flap reconstructive surgeries: a preliminary observational study.

INTRODUCTION: General anesthesia causes pulmonary atelectasis within few minutes of induction. This can have significant impact on postoperative outcome of cancer patients undergoing prolonged reconstructive surgeries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of sonographically detected perioperative atelectasis on the need for postoperative oxygen supplementation, bronchodilator therapy and assisted chest physiotherapy in patients undergoing free flap surgeries for head and neck carcinoma. METHODS: Twenty eight head and neck cancer patients underwent bilateral pulmonary ultrasonographic assessments before and after lung surgery. Lung ultrasound scores, serum lactate, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were measured both at the beginning and at end of the surgery. Patients were scanned in the supine position and the number of single and confluent B lines was noted. These values were correlated with the need for oxygen therapy, requirement of bronchodilators and total weaning time to predict the postoperative outcome. Other factors affecting weaning were also studied. RESULTS: Among twenty eight patients, seven had mean lung ultrasound score of ≥10.5 which correlated with prolonged weaning time (144.56±33.5min vs. 66.7±15.7min; p=0.005). The change in lung ultrasound score significantly correlated with change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r=-0.56, p=0.03). Elevated total leukocyte count >8200µL and serum lactate >2.1mmoL/L also predicted prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study detected significant levels of perioperative atelectasis using point of care lung ultrasonography in head and neck cancer patients undergoing long duration surgical reconstructions. Higher lung ultrasound scores highlighted the need for frequent bronchodilator nebulizations as well as assisted chest physiotherapy and were associated with delayed weaning. We propose more frequent point of care lung ultrasonographic evaluations and use of recruitment maneuvers to reduce the impact of perioperative pulmonary atelectasis.

Advances in imaging technologies for the assessment of peripheral neuropathies in rheumatoid arthritis.

Peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a maladaptive autoimmune response that may cause chronic pain and disability. Nerve conduction studies are the routine method performed when rheumatologists presume its presence. However, this approach is invasive, may not reveal subtle malfunctions in the early stages of the disease, and does not expose abnormalities in structures surrounding the nerves and muscles, limiting the possibility of a timely diagnosis. This work aims to present a narrative review of new technologies for the clinical assessment of peripheral neuropathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through a bibliographic search carried out in five repositories, from 1990 to 2020, we identified three technologies that could detect peripheral nerve lesions and perform quantitative evaluations: (1) magnetic resonance neurography, (2) functional magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) high-resolution ultrasonography of peripheral nerves. We found these tools can overcome the main constraints imposed by the previous electrophysiologic methods, enabling early diagnosis.

EXPOSURE OF PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY PATIENTS TO IMAGING EXAMS, NOWADAYS AND IN TIMES OF COVID-19: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze literature data about unnecessary exposure of pediatric emergency patients to ionizing agents from imaging examinations, nowadays and during times of COVID-19. DATA SOURCES: Between April and July 2020, articles were selected using the databases: Virtual Health Library, PubMed and Scientific Electronic Library Online. The following descriptors were used: [(pediatrics) AND (emergencies) AND (diagnostic imaging) AND (medical overuse)] and [(Coronavirus infections) OR (COVID-19) AND (pediatrics) AND (emergencies) AND (diagnostic imaging)]. Inclusion criteria were articles available in full, in Portuguese or English, published from 2016 to 2020 or from 2019 to 2020, and articles that covered the theme. Articles without adherence to the theme and duplicate texts in the databases were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: 61 publications were identified, of which 17 were comprised in this review. Some imaging tests used in pediatric emergency departments increase the possibility of developing future malignancies in patients, since they emit ionizing radiation. There are clinical decision instruments that allow reducing unnecessary exam requests, avoiding over-medicalization, and hospital expenses. Moreover, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing concern about the overuse of imaging exams in the pediatric population, which highlights the problems pointed out by this review. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to improve hospital staff training, use clinical decision instruments and develop guidelines to reduce the number of exams required, allowing hospital cost savings; and reducing children's exposure to ionizing agents.

Confiabilidade da ultrassonografia de músculos esqueléticos em pacientes críticos de trauma / Reliability of skeletal muscle ultrasound in critically ill trauma patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e a viabilidade da avaliação por ultrassonografia do quadríceps no pronto-socorro, e avaliar a confiabilidade intra e entre avaliadores para aquisição e análise de imagens de ultrassonografia da espessura e da ecogenicidade muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma. Métodos: Estudo de precisão diagnóstica realizado por meio de exames e avaliações feitos por profissionais de saúde com diferentes níveis de especialização. Dois examinadores (um especialista e um novato) procederam à aquisição de imagens de ultrassom de dez pacientes. Um avaliador experiente, cego quanto aos examinadores, quantificou as imagens obtidas. Em um grupo à parte de dez pacientes, dois avaliadores (um especialista e um novato) quantificaram a espessura do músculo quadríceps femoral, assim como sua ecogenicidade (métodos quadrado ou tracejado) em imagens adquiridas por um examinador. Resultados: Identificou-se excelente confiabilidade quanto à aquisição da imagem e à sua análise (coeficientes de correlação intraclasses > 0,987; p < 0,001). O erro padrão dos valores de mensurações variou de 0,01 a 0,06 cm, para a espessura muscular, e de 0,75 a 2,04 unidades arbitrárias, para ecogenicidade muscular. Os valores de ecogenicidade foram mais elevados quando se utilizou o método quadrado do que quando se utilizou o método tracejado (p = 0,003). Conclusão: A ultrassonografia é um método seguro, viável e confiável para avaliação muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma, independentemente do nível de especialização do avaliador.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the ultrasound assessment of quadriceps in the emergency setting. To assess the intra- and interrater reliability for the acquisition and analysis of ultrasound images of muscle thickness and echogenicity in critically ill trauma patients between health professionals with different levels of expertise. Methods: Diagnostic accuracy study. Two examiners (expert and novice) acquired ultrasound images from ten patients; an experienced, blinded analyst quantified the images. In a separate group of ten patients, two analysts (expert and novice) quantified quadriceps muscle thickness and echogenicity (square or trace method) from images acquired by one examiner. Results: Excellent reliability was found for image acquisition and analysis (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.987; p < 0.001). The standard error of the measurement values ranged from 0.01 - 0.06cm for muscle thickness and from 0.75 - 2.04 arbitrary units for muscle echogenicity. The coefficients of variation were < 6% for thickness and echogenicity. The echogenicity values were higher when using the square technique than when using the tracing technique (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Ultrasound is safe, feasible, and reliable for muscle assessment in critically ill trauma patients, regardless of the assessor's level of expertise.

Comparação entre as complicações da lipoabdominoplastia sem preservação da fáscia de Scarpa com abdominoplastia clássica: um estudo prospectivo cego / Complications of lipoabdominoplasty without Scarpa fascia preservation versus classic abdominoplasty: a prospective blind study

Introdução: Abdominoplastia é um dos procedimentos cirúrgicos estéticos mais realizados. Seroma é a complicação local mais comum associada com abdominoplastia, com uma incidência média de 10%. A maior incidência de seroma pós-operatório (PO) ocorre no décimo primeiro dia PO. Ecografia abdominal é o método de escolha para o diagnóstico de seroma após abdominoplastia. Novas técnicas surgiram ao longo dos anos na tentativa de trazer melhores resultados estéticos com menos complicações, como lipoabdominoplastia descrita por Saldanha. Porém, estudos anatômicos recentes questionam a necessidade da manutenção da fáscia de Scarpa descrita na técnica de lipoabdominoplastia, descrevendo que em torno de 90% do sistema linfático abdominal está no plano subdérmico e 10% em um sistema linfático profundo justa-aponeurose abdominal. O objetivo é comparar a incidência de seroma na lipoabdominoplastia sem preservação da fáscia de Scarpa com a abdominoplastia clássica. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva, cega na qual serão analisados 40 pacientes consecutivos que realizaram abdominoplastia sem lipoaspiração associada (n = 20) ou lipoabdominoplastia (n = 20) no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre abril de 2016 e maio de 2017. Todos foram submetidos à ecografia de parede abdominal no 10o dia PO. Resultados: A incidência de seroma foi de 5% (n = 1) no grupo de abdominoplastia clássica e de 10% (n = 2) no grupo de lipoabdominoplastia, sem diferença estatística. Conclusão: Estes resultados, neste grupo de pacientes, mostram que não houve diferença estatística entre os dois grupos.

Introduction: Abdominoplasty is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Seroma is the most common local complication associated with abdominoplasty, with an average incidence of 10%. The highest incidence of postoperative (PO) seroma occurs on the eleventh postoperative day (POD). Abdominal ultrasound is the method of choice for diagnosing seroma after abdominoplasty. New techniques have emerged aiming to improve aesthetic results with fewer complications, such as lipoabdominoplasty described by Saldanha. However, recent anatomical studies have questioned the need for Scarpa fascia preservation recommended in the lipoabdominoplasty technique, describing that around 90% of the abdominal lymphatic system is in the subdermal plane, while the other 10% is in a deep lymphatic system near the abdominal aponeurosis. The objective is to compare the incidence of seroma in lipoabdominoplasty without Scarpa fascia preservation to that in classic abdominoplasty. Methods: Prospective blinded cohort in which 40 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty without associated liposuction (n = 20) or lipoabdominoplasty (n = 20) at the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre between April 2016 and May 2017 were analyzed. All patients underwent abdominal wall ultrasonography on the tenth POD. Results: The incidence of seroma was 5% (n = 1) in the classic abdominoplasty group and 10% (n = 2) in the lipoabdominoplasty group, with no statistical difference. Conclusion: These results showed no statistically significant intergroup difference in seroma development.

Reliability of skeletal muscle ultrasound in critically ill trauma patients. / Confiabilidade da ultrassonografia de músculos esqueléticos em pacientes críticos de trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the ultrasound assessment of quadriceps in the emergency setting. To assess the intra- and interrater reliability for the acquisition and analysis of ultrasound images of muscle thickness and echogenicity in critically ill trauma patients between health professionals with different levels of expertise. METHODS: Diagnostic accuracy study. Two examiners (expert and novice) acquired ultrasound images from ten patients; an experienced, blinded analyst quantified the images. In a separate group of ten patients, two analysts (expert and novice) quantified quadriceps muscle thickness and echogenicity (square or trace method) from images acquired by one examiner. RESULTS: Excellent reliability was found for image acquisition and analysis (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.987; p < 0.001). The standard error of the measurement values ranged from 0.01 - 0.06cm for muscle thickness and from 0.75 - 2.04 arbitrary units for muscle echogenicity. The coefficients of variation were < 6% for thickness and echogenicity. The echogenicity values were higher when using the square technique than when using the tracing technique (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is safe, feasible, and reliable for muscle assessment in critically ill trauma patients, regardless of the assessor's level of expertise.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a segurança e a viabilidade da avaliação por ultrassonografia do quadríceps no pronto-socorro, e avaliar a confiabilidade intra e entre avaliadores para aquisição e análise de imagens de ultrassonografia da espessura e da ecogenicidade muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma. MÉTODOS: Estudo de precisão diagnóstica realizado por meio de exames e avaliações feitos por profissionais de saúde com diferentes níveis de especialização. Dois examinadores (um especialista e um novato) procederam à aquisição de imagens de ultrassom de dez pacientes. Um avaliador experiente, cego quanto aos examinadores, quantificou as imagens obtidas. Em um grupo à parte de dez pacientes, dois avaliadores (um especialista e um novato) quantificaram a espessura do músculo quadríceps femoral, assim como sua ecogenicidade (métodos quadrado ou tracejado) em imagens adquiridas por um examinador. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se excelente confiabilidade quanto à aquisição da imagem e à sua análise (coeficientes de correlação intraclasses > 0,987; p < 0,001). O erro padrão dos valores de mensurações variou de 0,01 a 0,06 cm, para a espessura muscular, e de 0,75 a 2,04 unidades arbitrárias, para ecogenicidade muscular. Os valores de ecogenicidade foram mais elevados quando se utilizou o método quadrado do que quando se utilizou o método tracejado (p = 0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A ultrassonografia é um método seguro, viável e confiável para avaliação muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma, independentemente do nível de especialização do avaliador.

Seguridad del ultrasonido obstétrico para la salud de la embarazada y el feto / Safety of obstetric ultrasonography for maternal and fetal health

El ultrasonido diagnóstico ha creado polémicas desde sus inicios y el ultrasonido obstétrico no ha estado fuera de la discusión. Existe una variada opinión que va desde una total inocuidad del método, pasando por los que tienen una opinión reservada sobre el tema y los que refieren que es perjudicial para el feto. Conociendo que los tejidos absorben las ondas sonoras y estos a su vez se convierten en energía térmica, mientras más alta sea esta, más riesgos tiene el feto de que se le cause bioefectos. El riesgo aumenta cuando la gestante presenta fiebre. Por otro lado, el personal que realiza el examen tiene escaso conocimiento a nivel mundial respecto a la salida acústica de los equipos que usan, los bioefectos y la seguridad del ultrasonido en general. Debemos tener presente el principio que consiste en usar densidades de energía tan bajas como razonablemente sea posible, para alcanzar datos e imágenes útiles para llegar al diagnóstico. Los profesionales de la salud deben seguir las guías sobre el uso del ultrasonido obstétrico, para prevenir una exposición indiscriminada de ondas sonoras sobre la madre o el feto(AU)

Diagnostic ultrasonography has always been a controversial topic, and obstetric ultrasound has not been outside the debate. Many different criteria have been held about the subject: some state that the method is totally safe, while others have a reserved opinion, and still others refer to negative effects on the fetus. Because tissues absorb sound waves, turning them into thermal energy, the higher the energy the more risks there will be of bioeffects on the fetus. The risk increases when pregnant women have a fever. On the other hand, the personnel performing the test have scarce knowledge about the acoustic output of the equipment they use, as well as the bioeffects and the safety of ultrasound in general. This is a worldwide fact. We should be aware of the need to use the lowest energy density reasonably required to obtain data and images useful for diagnosis. Health professionals should comply with the guidelines on the use of obstetric ultrasound to prevent unnecessary exposure to sound waves by mothers and fetuses(AU)

Impacto da hormonioterapia associada ao escore de predição de Wells no diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda em mulheres submetidas a ecografia vascular / Impact of hormone therapy linked to wells prediction score in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in women submitted to vascular ultrasound

Introdução: A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. O escore de Wells foi elaborado para melhorar a capacidade diagnóstica pré-teste para TVP. O objetivo deste estudo foi ajustar o escore de Wells para pacientes brasileiras e incluir a variável hormonioterapia (HT), comparando acurácia e poder de reclassificação do novo escore com o original de Wells. Método: Estudo observacional transversal em que foi realizada regressão logística para incluir a variável hormonioterapia (HT) ao Escore de Wells, criando um novo escore (escore HT), que foi calibrado e ajustado para a população estudada. A qualidade dos dados foi avaliada pela estatística Kappa. Resultados: Foram estudadas 461 pacientes com idade de 56,1 ± 20,8, das quais 103 tiveram diagnóstico ecográfico de TVP. O escore HT incluiu sete variáveis, pacientes que obtiveram pontuação de -4 a 0 foram consideradas de baixo risco; de 1 a 3, moderado risco; e de 4 a 11, alto risco para TVP, com calibração adequada (valor p = 0,59). A área sob a curva ROC para o escore HT foi 0,92 (IC 95% 0,90 - 0,95) e para o escore de Wells foi de 0,87 (IC 95% 0,84 – 0,91), mostrando diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05).Conclusão: A inclusão da hormonioterapia a um modelo de predição clínica demonstrou maior acurácia comparativamente ao modelo de Wells.

Introduction: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) presents high morbidity and mortality. The Wells score is designed to improve the pretest diagnosing capacity for DVT. The purpose of this study was to adjust the Wells score for Brazilian patients and include the variable hormone therapy (HT), comparing accuracy and power of reclassification of the new score with Wells’ original score.Methods: Cross-sectional observational study in which logistic regression was performed to include the variable hormone therapy (HT) to the Wells score, creating a new score (HT score), which has been calibrated and adjusted for the population studied. Data quality was evaluated by the Kappa statistics.Results: We studied 461 patients aged 56.1 ± 20.8, of which 103 had sonographic diagnosis of DVT. The HT score included seven variables: patients who achieved a score of -4 to 0 are considered low risk; 1 to 3, moderate risk; and 4 to 11, high risk for DVT, withproper calibration (p = 0.59). The area under the ROC curve for the HT score was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 — 0.95) and for the Wells score it was 0.87 (95% CI 0.84 — 0.91), showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The inclusion of hormone therapy into a clinical prediction model showed higher accuracy compared to the model of Wells.

Polyclonal outbreak of bacteremia caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex and the presumptive role of ultrasound gel.

A nosocomial polyclonal outbreak associated to bacteremia caused by different Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) species and clones is reported. Molecular characterization identified Burkholderia stabilis, Burkholderia contaminans, and Burkholderia ambifaria among BCC isolates obtained from patients in neonatal and adult intensive care units. BCC was also isolated from an intrinsically contaminated ultrasound gel, which constituted the presumptive BCC source. Prior BCC outbreak related to contaminated ultrasound gels have been described in the setting of transrectal prostate biopsy. Outbreak caused strains and/or clones of BCC have been reported, probably because BCC are commonly found in the natural environment; most BCC species are biofilm producers, and different species may contaminate an environmental source. The finding of multiple species or clones during the analysis of nosocomial BCC cases might not be enough to reject an outbreak from a common source.

Síndrome de VOMIT (Victim of Modern Imaging Technology) en pacientes con trauma de abdomen cerrado que consultaron en la Unidad de emergencia del Hospital General ISSS sometidos a LPE periodo enero 2012 a diciembre 2014 / VOMIT (Victim of Modern Imaging Technology) syndrome in patients with blunt abdominal trauma who consulted in the Emergency Unit of the General Hospital of the ISSS submitted to exploratory laparotomy from January 2012 to December 2014

La tecnología se ha extendido a todas las áreas de la medicina, incluida la imagenología El síndrome V.O.M.I.T "VICTIM OF MODERN IMAGING TECHNOLOGY", describe el conjunto de consecuencias adversas secundarias a la mala aplicación e interpretación imagenológica, vinculadas al diagnóstico, tratamiento ó pronóstico de los pacientes politraumatizados que ingresan al Servicio de Emergencia. Es una entidad clínica en si misma dentro del capítulo de errores médicos y los servicios de emergencia son áreas de riesgo para que suceda. Sin duda, es imprescindible conocerlo, medirlo y plantear medidas preventivas. En nuestro medio la real incidencia de este problema se desconoce. Es por eso que la pregunta de nuestra investigación es: ¿Con que frecuencia la decisión de realizar una laparotomía exploradora en trauma cerrado de abdomen, con claras indicaciones clínicas se ve retrasada en espera de estudios de imagenología? Nuestra hipótesis era que La toma de conducta quirúrgica en trauma cerrado de abdomen en la unidad de emergencia del Hospital General del Seguro Social está siendo retrasada por el Síndrome de V.O.M.I.T. la cual fue verdadera. Es por esto que el objetivo general de nuestro estudio fue demostrar la presencia y frecuencia de este síndrome. Para ello recolectaremos del libro de procedimientos de Sala de Operaciones de la Unidad de Emergencia del Hospital General (ISSS) los números de expedientes de los pacientes que fueron sometido a Laparotomía Exploradora con diagnostico trauma cerrado de abdomen, en el periodo de Enero 2012 a Diciembre 2014 posteriormente se revisaron dichos expedientes y analizaron los datos los cuales se presentan posteriormente