Incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury: a prospective cohort / Incidência de lesão renal aguda associada ao contraste: uma coorte prospectiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a deterioration of kidney function that occurs after the administration of a iodinated contrast medium (ICM). Most studies that defined this phenomenon used older ICMs that were more prone of causing CA-AKI. In the past decade, several articles questioned the true incidence of CA-AKI. However, there is still a paucity of a data about the safety of newer ICM. Objective: To assess the incidence of CA-AKI in hospitalized patients that were exposed to computed tomography (CT) with and without ICM. Methods: Prospective cohort study with 1003 patients who underwent CT in a tertiary hospital from December 2020 through March 2021. All inpatients aged > 18 years who had a CT scan during this period were screened for the study. CA-AKI was defined as a relative increase of serum creatinine of ≥ 50% from baseline or an absolute increase of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL within 18 to 48 hours after the CT. Chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression model with restricted cubic splines were used for statistical analyses. Results: The incidence of CA-AKI was 10.1% in the ICM-exposed group and 12.4% in the control group when using the absolute increase criterion. The creatinine variation from baseline was not significantly different between groups. After adjusting for baseline factors, contrast use did not correlate with worse renal function. Conclusion: The rate of CA-AKI is very low, if present at all, with newer ICMs, and excessive caution regarding contrast use is probably unwarranted.

RESUMO Introdução: Lesão renal aguda associada ao contraste (LRA-AC) é uma deterioração da função renal que ocorre após a administração de meio de contraste iodado (MCI). A maioria dos estudos que definiram esse fenômeno utilizaram MCI mais antigos, mais propensos a causar LRA-AC. Na última década, diversos artigos questionaram a verdadeira incidência de LRA-AC. Entretanto, ainda há escassez de dados sobre a segurança dos MCI mais novos. Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de LRA-AC em pacientes hospitalizados expostos à tomografia computadorizada (TC) com e sem MCI. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo com 1.003 pacientes submetidos a TC em hospital terciário, de dezembro/2020 a março/2021. Todos os pacientes internados com idade ≥ 18 anos que realizaram TC nesse período foram selecionados. A LRA-AC foi definida como aumento relativo de creatinina sérica de ≥ 50% em relação ao valor basal ou aumento absoluto de ≥ 0,3 mg/dL dentro de 18 a 48 horas após a TC. Utilizamos o teste qui-quadrado, teste de Kruskal-Wallis e modelo de regressão linear com splines cúbicos restritos para análises estatísticas. Resultados: A incidência de LRA-AC foi 10,1% no grupo exposto ao MCI e 12,4% no grupo controle ao usar o critério de aumento absoluto. A variação da creatinina em relação ao valor basal não foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos. Após ajuste para fatores basais, o uso de contraste não se correlacionou com pior função renal. Conclusão: A taxa de LRA-AC é muito baixa, caso exista, com MCIs mais novos, e a cautela excessiva quanto ao uso de contraste provavelmente não se justifica.

Incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury: a prospective cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a deterioration of kidney function that occurs after the administration of a iodinated contrast medium (ICM). Most studies that defined this phenomenon used older ICMs that were more prone of causing CA-AKI. In the past decade, several articles questioned the true incidence of CA-AKI. However, there is still a paucity of a data about the safety of newer ICM. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of CA-AKI in hospitalized patients that were exposed to computed tomography (CT) with and without ICM. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with 1003 patients who underwent CT in a tertiary hospital from December 2020 through March 2021. All inpatients aged > 18 years who had a CT scan during this period were screened for the study. CA-AKI was defined as a relative increase of serum creatinine of ≥ 50% from baseline or an absolute increase of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL within 18 to 48 hours after the CT. Chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression model with restricted cubic splines were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of CA-AKI was 10.1% in the ICM-exposed group and 12.4% in the control group when using the absolute increase criterion. The creatinine variation from baseline was not significantly different between groups. After adjusting for baseline factors, contrast use did not correlate with worse renal function. CONCLUSION: The rate of CA-AKI is very low, if present at all, with newer ICMs, and excessive caution regarding contrast use is probably unwarranted.

Impact of impaired pulmonary function on clinical outcomes in survivors of severe COVID-19 without pre-existing respiratory disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of impaired pulmonary function on patient-centered outcomes after hospital discharge due to severe COVID-19 in patients without preexisting respiratory disease. METHODS: This is an ongoing prospective cohort study evaluating patients (> 18 years of age) 2-6 months after hospital discharge due to severe COVID-19. Respiratory symptoms, health-related quality of life, lung function, and the six-minute walk test were assessed. A restrictive ventilatory defect was defined as TLC below the lower limit of normal, as assessed by plethysmography. Chest CT scans performed during hospitalization were scored for the presence and extent of parenchymal abnormalities. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 17.2 ± 5.9 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19, 120 patients were assessed. Of those, 23 (19.2%) reported preexisting chronic respiratory diseases and presented with worse lung function and exertional dyspnea at the follow-up visit in comparison with their counterparts. When we excluded the 23 patients with preexisting respiratory disease plus another 2 patients without lung volume measurements, a restrictive ventilatory defect was observed in 42/95 patients (44%). This subgroup of patients (52.4% of whom were male; mean age, 53.9 ± 11.3 years) showed reduced resting gas exchange efficiency (DLCO), increased daily-life dyspnea, increased exertional dyspnea and oxygen desaturation, and reduced health-related quality of life in comparison with those without reduced TLC (50.9% of whom were male; mean age, 58.4 ± 11.3 years). Intensive care need and higher chest CT scores were associated with a subsequent restrictive ventilatory defect. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a restrictive ventilatory defect approximately 4 months after severe COVID-19 in patients without prior respiratory comorbidities implies worse clinical outcomes.

Assessment of muscle mass using chest computed tomography-based quantitative and qualitative measurements in patients with systemic sclerosis: A retrospective study with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: Sarcopenia has been increasingly studied in systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is one of the most lethal autoimmune diseases, mainly due to lung involvement. Our objective was to study the associations of myopenia and/or myosteatosis with clinical features of SSc and subsequent adverse outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, in which patients with SSc were consecutively included in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital between 2012 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with SSc were collected from their medical records. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed on chest computed tomography (CT) at the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) by skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index ([SMI] SMA/height2), and skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA). Cut-off values for myopenia in women and men were SMA <70.1 cm² and <110.4 cm², and SMI <25.9 cm²/m² and <34.6 cm²/m², respectively; values for myosteatosis in women and men were SMRA <29.8 HU and <36.3 HU, respectively. In a subgroup of 31 patients followed-up between 2017 and 2019, the diagnostic properties of SMA, SMI, and SMRA by CT were compared with the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Low muscle quantity was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2: ASMI <5.5 kg/m2 in women and <7.0 kg/m2 in men. Afterwards, a better tomographic index was used for correlating with clinical and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: Myopenia and/or myosteatosis were present in 75.7 % of patients with SSc. The prevalence rates according to each index were SMA 25.2%, SMI 12.1%, and SMRA 69.2%. In 73% of the patients with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m²), only SMRA was reduced. Considering ASMI as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for SMA were 60%, 96.2%, 75% and 92.6%, respectively; for SMI, they were 40%, 96.2%, 66.7%, and 89.3%, respectively; for SMRA, these values were 60%, 34.6%, 15%, and 81.8%. Pearson's correlation coefficients were 0.73, 0.74, and 0.10 for SMA, SMI, and SMRA, respectively, and ASMI significantly agreed with SMA (kappa 0.611, p < 0.001) and SMI (kappa 0.431, p = 0.012). After adjustments in a multivariate model, BMI (p < 0.001) and female sex (p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with myopenia by SMA; BMI (p =0.010) remained significantly associated with low muscle mass by ASMI. CONCLUSION: The SMA index at L1 level on chest CT was demonstrated to be an accurate measure that is useful for detecting myopenia in patients with SSc. BMI and male sex predicted low SMA and BMI was associated with low ASMI on DXA. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In recent years, great advances have been made in sarcopenia-related research, resulting in broader knowledge on its definition, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Regarding the techniques used for assessing muscle composition, computed tomography (CT) was demonstrated by many studies to be an efficient and easy-to-use method that can be employed by professionals of different specialties, including rheumatologists. This study was able to demonstrate that although the L3 image was not present on CT, the analysis of SMA at the L1 level on chest CT proved to be an accurate and useful measure to detect myopenia in patients with SSc. This study identified some associated factors of myopenia and/or myosteatosis according to each method employed for assessing muscle composition. Reduced BMI and male sex were associated factors of myopenia when using SMA, and reduced BMI was associated with myopenia when employing ASMI by DXA. Finally, we highlight the need not to generalize the term "sarcopenia" in clinical studies assessing imaging parameters of body composition. The use of the terms myopenia and/or myosteatosis would be more adequate, because CT allows the assessment of muscle composition and not strength or physical performance.

Impact of impaired pulmonary function on clinical outcomes in survivors of severe COVID-19 without pre-existing respiratory disease / Impacto do comprometimento da função pulmonar nos desfechos clínicos em sobreviventes de COVID-19 grave sem doenças respiratórias preexistentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the impact of impaired pulmonary function on patient-centered outcomes after hospital discharge due to severe COVID-19 in patients without preexisting respiratory disease. Methods: This is an ongoing prospective cohort study evaluating patients (> 18 years of age) 2-6 months after hospital discharge due to severe COVID-19. Respiratory symptoms, health-related quality of life, lung function, and the six-minute walk test were assessed. A restrictive ventilatory defect was defined as TLC below the lower limit of normal, as assessed by plethysmography. Chest CT scans performed during hospitalization were scored for the presence and extent of parenchymal abnormalities. Results: At a mean follow-up of 17.2 ± 5.9 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19, 120 patients were assessed. Of those, 23 (19.2%) reported preexisting chronic respiratory diseases and presented with worse lung function and exertional dyspnea at the follow-up visit in comparison with their counterparts. When we excluded the 23 patients with preexisting respiratory disease plus another 2 patients without lung volume measurements, a restrictive ventilatory defect was observed in 42/95 patients (44%). This subgroup of patients (52.4% of whom were male; mean age, 53.9 ± 11.3 years) showed reduced resting gas exchange efficiency (DLCO), increased daily-life dyspnea, increased exertional dyspnea and oxygen desaturation, and reduced health-related quality of life in comparison with those without reduced TLC (50.9% of whom were male; mean age, 58.4 ± 11.3 years). Intensive care need and higher chest CT scores were associated with a subsequent restrictive ventilatory defect. Conclusions: The presence of a restrictive ventilatory defect approximately 4 months after severe COVID-19 in patients without prior respiratory comorbidities implies worse clinical outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o impacto do comprometimento da função pulmonar nos desfechos centrados no paciente após a alta hospitalar em pacientes sem doenças respiratórias preexistentes que foram hospitalizados em virtude de COVID-19 grave. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo de coorte em andamento, no qual pacientes com COVID-19 grave (com idade > 18 anos) são avaliados 2-6 meses depois da alta hospitalar. Avaliamos os sintomas respiratórios, a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, a função pulmonar e a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos. A definição de distúrbio ventilatório restritivo foi CPT abaixo do limite inferior da normalidade na pletismografia. As imagens de TC de tórax realizadas durante a hospitalização foram avaliadas quanto à presença e extensão de alterações parenquimatosas. Resultados: Em média 17,2 ± 5,9 semanas depois do diagnóstico de COVID-19, foram avaliados 120 pacientes. Destes, 23 (19,2%) relataram doenças respiratórias crônicas preexistentes e apresentaram pior função pulmonar e maior dispneia aos esforços na consulta de acompanhamento quando comparados aos outros participantes. Quando excluímos os 23 pacientes com doenças respiratórias preexistentes e mais 2 pacientes (sem medidas de volumes pulmonares), observamos distúrbio ventilatório restritivo em 42/95 pacientes (44%). Esse subgrupo de pacientes (52,4% dos quais eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 53,9 ± 11,3 anos) apresentou menor eficiência das trocas gasosas (DLCO), maior dispneia na vida diária e dessaturação de oxigênio ao exercício e redução da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em comparação com aqueles sem redução da CPT (50,9% dos quais eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 58,4 ± 11,3 anos). A necessidade de terapia intensiva e pontuações mais altas no escore de alterações parenquimatosas na TC de tórax apresentaram relação com distúrbio ventilatório restritivo subsequente. Conclusões: A presença de distúrbio ventilatório restritivo aproximadamente 4 meses depois da COVID-19 grave em pacientes sem comorbidades respiratórias prévias implica piores desfechos clínicos.

Focal incidental upper abdominal findings on unenhanced chest computed tomography that do not require further imaging: a roadmap for the thoracic radiologist.

Chest scans usually include the upper abdomen, leading radiologists to evaluate the upper abdominal structures. The aim of this article is to summarize the most common incidental upper abdominal findings that do not require further imaging or management in patients undergoing unenhanced computed tomography of the chest for the investigation of thoracic symptoms or diseases. We review common incidental findings of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, kidney, and retroperitoneum, as well as findings that mimic other lesions. Thoracic radiologists should be aware of such typical findings and report when no further investigation is needed, thus avoiding unnecessary imaging examinations, protecting patients from additional medical interventions, and allaying patient concerns.

As tomografias de tórax geralmente incluem o abdome superior, o que implica a avaliação das estruturas abdominais superiores. Nosso objetivo é resumir os achados incidentais mais comuns do abdome superior que não requerem imagem ou tratamento adicional em pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada de tórax sem contraste para investigar sintomas ou doenças torácicas. Achados incidentais comuns do fígado, vesícula biliar, baço, glândulas adrenais, rins, retroperitônio e alterações que podem mimetizar lesões nesses órgãos serão revisados. O radiologista torácico deve estar ciente de tais achados e relatar quando nenhuma investigação adicional for necessária, para evitar excesso de exames, especialmente com radiação ionizante, proteger os pacientes de intervenções médicas e de preocupações.

Modelling the no-show of patients to exam appointments of computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Patients' no-shows negatively impact healthcare systems, leading to resources' underutilisation, efficiency loss, and cost increase. Predicting no-shows is key to developing strategies that counteract their effects. In this paper, we propose a model to predict the no-show of ambulatory patients to exam appointments of computed tomography at the Radiology department of a large Brazilian public hospital. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on 8382 appointments to computed tomography (CT) exams between January and December 2017. Penalised logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to model the influence of 15 candidate variables on patients' no-shows. The predictive capabilities of the models were evaluated by analysing the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: The no-show rate in computerised tomography exams appointments was 6.65%. The two models performed similarly in terms of AUC. The penalised logistic regression model was selected using the parsimony criterion, with 8 of the 15 variables analysed appearing as significant. One of the variables included in the model (number of exams scheduled in the previous year) had not been previously reported in the related literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may be used to guide the development of strategies to reduce the no-show of patients to exam appointments.

Focal incidental upper abdominal findings on unenhanced chest computed tomography that do not require further imaging: a roadmap for the thoracic radiologist / Achados incidentais focais no abdome superior encontrados na tomografia computadorizada de tórax sem contraste que não requerem investigação adicional: roteiro para o radiologista torácico

Abstract Chest scans usually include the upper abdomen, leading radiologists to evaluate the upper abdominal structures. The aim of this article is to summarize the most common incidental upper abdominal findings that do not require further imaging or management in patients undergoing unenhanced computed tomography of the chest for the investigation of thoracic symptoms or diseases. We review common incidental findings of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, kidney, and retroperitoneum, as well as findings that mimic other lesions. Thoracic radiologists should be aware of such typical findings and report when no further investigation is needed, thus avoiding unnecessary imaging examinations, protecting patients from additional medical interventions, and allaying patient concerns.

Resumo As tomografias de tórax geralmente incluem o abdome superior, o que implica a avaliação das estruturas abdominais superiores. Nosso objetivo é resumir os achados incidentais mais comuns do abdome superior que não requerem imagem ou tratamento adicional em pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada de tórax sem contraste para investigar sintomas ou doenças torácicas. Achados incidentais comuns do fígado, vesícula biliar, baço, glândulas adrenais, rins, retroperitônio e alterações que podem mimetizar lesões nesses órgãos serão revisados. O radiologista torácico deve estar ciente de tais achados e relatar quando nenhuma investigação adicional for necessária, para evitar excesso de exames, especialmente com radiação ionizante, proteger os pacientes de intervenções médicas e de preocupações.

Interobserver agreement regarding the Fleischner Society diagnostic criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia patterns on computed tomography.

Objective: To assess interobserver agreement among radiologists regarding the current Fleischner Society diagnostic criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns on computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Using the Fleischner Society criteria for UIP CT patterns, five raters, working independently, categorized the high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of 44 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent lung biopsy. The raters also evaluated the presence, extent, and distribution of the most relevant imaging findings, as well as indicating their level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis and in up to three diagnostic hypotheses. Results: There was moderate to substantial interobserver agreement regarding the UIP patterns on HRCT-kappa statistic (κ) = 0.59-0.61. Interobserver agreement for the binary scores was substantial (κ = 0.77-0.79), whereas that for the presence of honeycombing was almost perfect (κ = 0.81-0.96). There was agreement regarding at least one of the three diagnostic hypotheses in only 36.4% of the cases. For the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis, there was only slight to fair agreement (κ = 0.19-0.21). Conclusion: Interobserver agreement regarding the current Fleischner Society CT criteria for UIP was moderate to substantial among raters with varying levels of experience. There was only slight to fair agreement regarding the diagnostic hypotheses and for the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis.

Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância interobservador entre radiologistas para os critérios atuais da Fleischner Society para categorias diagnósticas de pneumonia intersticial usual (PIU) em tomografia computadorizada (TC). Materiais e Métodos: Cinco observadores categorizaram independentemente as imagens de TC de 44 pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial que foram submetidos a biópsia pulmonar empregando as últimas categorias de diagnóstico da Sociedade Fleischner para UIP. Também foram avaliadas presença, extensão e distribuição dos achados de imagem mais relevantes, bem como a confiança no diagnóstico mais provável e em até três hipóteses diagnósticas. Resultados: Houve concordância moderada a alta para as categorias diagnósticas entre os observadores (κ = 0,59-0,61). A concordância interobservador para a pontuação binária foi alta (κ = 0,77-0,79), enquanto para a presença de faveolamento foi considerada de alta a muito alta (κ = 0,81-0,96). Houve concordância em uma das três hipóteses diagnósticas em apenas 36,4% dos casos. Baixa concordância foi encontrada para o diagnóstico mais provável (κ = 0,19-0,21). Conclusão: A concordância entre observadores para os critérios atuais de TC da Fleischner Society para UIP foi moderada a alta entre observadores com diferentes níveis de experiência. Houve baixa concordância nas hipóteses diagnósticas e quanto ao grau de confiança no diagnóstico primário.

Interobserver agreement regarding the Fleischner Society diagnostic criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia patterns on computed tomography / Concordância interobservador nas categorias diagnósticas de pneumonia intersticial usual propostas pela Fleischner Society na tomografia computadorizada

Abstract Objective: To assess interobserver agreement among radiologists regarding the current Fleischner Society diagnostic criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns on computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Using the Fleischner Society criteria for UIP CT patterns, five raters, working independently, categorized the high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of 44 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent lung biopsy. The raters also evaluated the presence, extent, and distribution of the most relevant imaging findings, as well as indicating their level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis and in up to three diagnostic hypotheses. Results: There was moderate to substantial interobserver agreement regarding the UIP patterns on HRCT—kappa statistic (κ) = 0.59-0.61. Interobserver agreement for the binary scores was substantial (κ = 0.77-0.79), whereas that for the presence of honeycombing was almost perfect (κ = 0.81-0.96). There was agreement regarding at least one of the three diagnostic hypotheses in only 36.4% of the cases. For the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis, there was only slight to fair agreement (κ = 0.19-0.21). Conclusion: Interobserver agreement regarding the current Fleischner Society CT criteria for UIP was moderate to substantial among raters with varying levels of experience. There was only slight to fair agreement regarding the diagnostic hypotheses and for the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância interobservador entre radiologistas para os critérios atuais da Fleischner Society para categorias diagnósticas de pneumonia intersticial usual (PIU) em tomografia computadorizada (TC). Materiais e Métodos: Cinco observadores categorizaram independentemente as imagens de TC de 44 pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial que foram submetidos a biópsia pulmonar empregando as últimas categorias de diagnóstico da Sociedade Fleischner para UIP. Também foram avaliadas presença, extensão e distribuição dos achados de imagem mais relevantes, bem como a confiança no diagnóstico mais provável e em até três hipóteses diagnósticas. Resultados: Houve concordância moderada a alta para as categorias diagnósticas entre os observadores (κ = 0,59-0,61). A concordância interobservador para a pontuação binária foi alta (κ = 0,77-0,79), enquanto para a presença de faveolamento foi considerada de alta a muito alta (κ = 0,81-0,96). Houve concordância em uma das três hipóteses diagnósticas em apenas 36,4% dos casos. Baixa concordância foi encontrada para o diagnóstico mais provável (κ = 0,19-0,21). Conclusão: A concordância entre observadores para os critérios atuais de TC da Fleischner Society para UIP foi moderada a alta entre observadores com diferentes níveis de experiência. Houve baixa concordância nas hipóteses diagnósticas e quanto ao grau de confiança no diagnóstico primário.

Organizing pneumonia: A late phase complication of COVID-19 responding dramatically to corticosteroids.

Organizing pneumonia emerges as a late phase complication of COVID-19. Corticosteroids are standard therapy for organizing pneumonia, but the question of whether an approach with high dose corticosteroids would be beneficial for patients with organizing pneumonia secondary to COVID-19 remains to be answered. Herein we report a series of three patients, one male and two females, mean age 58.3 years old, admitted for COVID-19 with severe pulmonary disease requiring ventilatory support. The patients underwent chest computed tomography scans due to maintained hypoxemia, which showed a pattern compatible with organizing pneumonia. The patients were treated with a high dose of corticosteroids (prednisone 1 mg/kg PO), showing marked clinical improvement, and decreasing oxygen flow ratio demand. They were discharged after a mean period of 6.3 days of hospitalization. Our report suggests that patients with COVID-19 with organizing pneumonia might benefit from high dose corticosteroids as an adjuvant therapy.

Organizing pneumonia: A late phase complication of COVID-19 responding dramatically to corticosteroids

ABSTRACT Organizing pneumonia emerges as a late phase complication of COVID-19. Corticosteroids are standard therapy for organizing pneumonia, but the question of whether an approach with high dose corticosteroids would be beneficial for patients with organizing pneumonia secondary to COVID-19 remains to be answered.Herein we report a series of three patients, one male and two females, mean age 58.3 years old, admitted for COVID-19 with severe pulmonary disease requiring ventilatory support. The patients underwent chest computed tomography scans due to maintained hypoxemia, which showed a pattern compatible with organizing pneumonia. The patients were treated with a high dose of corticosteroids (prednisone 1 mg/kg PO), showing marked clinical improvement, and decreasing oxygen flow ratio demand. They were discharged after a mean period of 6.3 days of hospitalization.Our report suggests that patients with COVID-19 with organizing pneumonia might benefit from high dose corticosteroids as an adjuvant therapy.

Decrease in Pancreatic Perfusion of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Detected by Perfusion Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study was to compare pancreatic perfusion by computed tomography in type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 17 patients with type 2 diabetes and 22 non-diabetic controls were examined with a dynamic 192-slices perfusion computed tomography for estimating pancreatic perfusion parameters. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included (22 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]), with a mean age of 64 years. There were significant differences in some pancreatic perfusion parameters in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Blood volume (BV) was lower in pancreatic head (with T2DM: 14.0 ± 3.4 vs. without T2DM: 16.1 ± 2.4 mL/100 mL; P = 0.033), pancreatic tail (with: 14.4 ± 3.6 vs. without: 16.8 ± 2.5 mL/100 mL; P = 0.023), and in whole pancreas (with: 14.2 ± 3.2 vs. without: 16.2 ± 2.5 mL/100 mL; P = 0.042). Similar behavior was observed with mean transit time (MTT) in pancreatic head (with: 7.0 ± 1.0 vs. without: 7.9 ± 1.2 s; P = 0.018), pancreatic tail (with: 6.6 ± 1.3 vs. without: 7.7 ± 0.9 s; P = 0.005), and in whole pancreas (with: 6.8 ± 1.0 vs. without: 7.7 ± 0.9 s; P = 0.016). BV in head, tail, and whole pancreas had negative correlations with age (head r: -0.352, P = 0.032; tail r: -0.421, P = 0.031; whole pancreas r: -0.439, P = 0.007), and fasting plasma glucose (head r: -0.360, P = 0.031; tail r: -0.483, P = 0.003; whole pancreas r: -0.447, P = 0.006). In a multivariate linear regression model, HbA1c was independently associated with decrease in BV in whole pancreas (ß: -0.884; CI95%: -1.750 to -0.017; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Pancreatic BV and MTT were significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes. BV was decreased with older age and poorer glycemic control.

Infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em paciente com agamaglobulinemia ligada ao X tratado com altas doses de imunoglobulina endovenosa e plasma de convalescente / SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia treated with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin and convalescent plasma

A pandemia pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 atingiu adultos, crianças e penalizou indivíduos idosos e com comorbidades como diabetes, doença cardíaca, hipertensão e obesidade. A maioria dos infectados são assintomáticos ou têm sintomas leves, entretanto 15% podem apresentar pneumonia e 5% síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Apresentamos um caso de agamaglobulinemia ligada ao X (XLA) em paciente masculino de 27 anos que se infectou com SARS-CoV-2. Os pacientes com XLA não possuem linfócitos B e não produzem anticorpos devido a uma mutação no gene Bruton tirosino-quinase (BTK), responsável pela maturação dos linfócitos B. Ele infectou-se e foi internado em hospital de Ivoti/RS. A evolução da pneumonia foi rápida, necessitando transferência para o Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) no 10° dia de evolução. Iniciou com infusão de imunoglobulinas, tendo utilizado o total de 400 gramas devido ao intenso catabolismo da IgG, mantendo-se sua concentração entre 700-900 mg/dL. Necessitou de ventilação mecânica, oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) e hemodiálise. Foi administrado plasma de convalescente (PC), 300 mL, por duas vezes, com melhora clínico-radiológica e retirada da ventilação mecânica. Piorou e repetiu outras 4 infusões de PC (total de 1717 mL), negativando o vírus na orofaringe (RT-PCR). Em 3 ocasiões teve sepse, debelada rapidamente. Apresentou anemia, com necessidade de transfusão frequente. Identificou-se linfopenia de CD3, CD4, CD8, NK e ausência de linfócitos B. A linfopenia foi revertida com a recuperação clínica e a alta hospitalar aconteceu no 70° dia de internação.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected adults and children and penalized older people and those with comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity. Most of those infected are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but 15% may have pneumonia and 5% acute respiratory distress syndrome. We report a case of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in a 27-yearold man who was infected with SARS-CoV-2. XLA patients do not have B lymphocytes and do not produce antibodies because of mutations in the Bruton tyrosine-kinase gene, responsible for the maturation of B cells. This patient was infected and then admitted to a hospital in Ivoti, southern Brazil. Pneumonia progressed rapidly, requiring transfer to the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre on the 10th day. Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions were initiated, using a total of 400 grams because of an intense catabolism of IgG, and the concentration was kept around 700- 900 mg/dL. Mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and hemodialysis were necessary. Convalescent plasma (CP) was administered (2x300 mL) and then followed by clinical and radiological improvement and interruption of mechanical ventilation. Then he got sicker and had to return to invasive support and received 4 extra CP infusions (total of 1717 mL), until a negative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 was obtained. On 3 occasions he had sepsis, promptly managed. He had anemia, requiring frequent transfusion, and lymphopenia (CD3, CD4, CD8, NK), with absence of B lymphocytes. Lymphopenia was reverted during recovery, and he was discharged from the hospital on the 70th day.

Síndromes MonoMAC e Emberger em paciente com mutação no gene GATA2 / MonoMAC and Emberger syndromes in a patient with GATA2 mutation

As mutações que ocorrem no gene GATA2 podem ocasionar um amplo espectro de doenças genéticas. Os pacientes podem ter anormalidades na hematopoiese, na linfangiogenesis e na resposta imunológica. Os fenótipos incluem algumas síndromes caracterizadas por monocitopenia e infecção por micobactéria (síndrome MonoMac), síndrome mielodisplásica familiar, leucemia mieloide crônica ou aguda, síndrome de Emberger (linfedema primário), e mais raramente neutropenia, anemia aplástica e deficiência isolada de células NK. A idade da apresentação clínica pode variar desde a infância até a idade adulta. A deficiência autossômica dominante de GATA2 pode permanecer clinicamente silenciosa por décadas, ou mesmo durante toda a vida. Descrevemos o caso de uma jovem brasileira que apresentou a maioria dos problemas ligados à mutação no gene GATA2, observando-se as duas síndromes: MonoMAC e Emberger.

GATA2 mutations may cause a wide spectrum of genetic disorders. Patients may have several abnormalities in hematopoiesis, lymphangiogenesis and immune response. The phenotypes include monocytopenia and mycobacterial infection (MonoMAC) syndrome, familial myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic or acute myeloid leukemia (CML or AML), Emberger syndrome and, more rarely, neutropenia, aplastic anemia and isolated NKcell deficiency. Age at clinical onset ranges from early childhood to late adulthood. Autosomal dominant GATA2 deficiency may remain clinically silent for decades or even for life. We report a case of a Brazilian young patient who had most of the problems related to GATA2 mutation as well as MonoMAC and Emberger syndromes.

Pancreatic size and fat content in diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of imaging studies.

OBJECTIVES: Imaging studies are expected to produce reliable information regarding the size and fat content of the pancreas. However, the available studies have produced inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of imaging studies assessing pancreas size and fat content in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: Medline and Embase databases were performed. Studies evaluating pancreatic size (diameter, area or volume) and/or fat content by ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging in patients with T1DM and/or T2DM as compared to healthy controls were selected. Seventeen studies including 3,403 subjects (284 T1DM patients, 1,139 T2DM patients, and 1,980 control subjects) were selected for meta-analyses. Pancreas diameter, area, volume, density, and fat percentage were evaluated. RESULTS: Pancreatic volume was reduced in T1DM and T2DM vs. controls (T1DM vs. controls: -38.72 cm3, 95%CI: -52.25 to -25.19, I2 = 70.2%, p for heterogeneity = 0.018; and T2DM vs. controls: -12.18 cm3, 95%CI: -19.1 to -5.25, I2 = 79.3%, p for heterogeneity = 0.001). Fat content was higher in T2DM vs. controls (+2.73%, 95%CI 0.55 to 4.91, I2 = 82.0%, p for heterogeneity<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with T1DM and T2DM have reduced pancreas size in comparison with control subjects. Patients with T2DM have increased pancreatic fat content.

Thyroid volume and Doppler evaluation of inferior thyroid artery in ultrasound: Comparison between current and previous users of oral contraceptives.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare thyroid volume and Doppler sonographic evaluation of the inferior thyroid artery using ultrasound in current and previous users of oral contraceptives (OCs). METHODS: We evaluated 119 women who either currently use (n = 66) or have previously used OCs (n = 53) using color Doppler ultrasound for thyroid volume and resistance index, peak-systolic, and end-diastolic velocities of the inferior thyroid artery. Previous OC users were divided into two groups: previous OC use for <1 year and previous OC use for ≥1 year. RESULTS: A comparison of the thyroid volume revealed an increased volume in women with previous OC use for ≥1 year and in current users compared with those with previous OC use for <1 year (previous OC use for ≥1 year: 7.49 mL versus previous OC use for <1 year: 6.13 mL; p < 0.01). The relationship between OC use and an enlarged thyroid remained after adjusting for thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the inferior thyroid artery blood flow measurements. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy women, current use and previous OC use for ≥1 year were associated with increased thyroid volume that was unrelated to increased blood flow in the gland.

Pulmonary diseases with imaging findings mimicking aspergilloma.

Patients with preexisting lung cavities are at risk of developing intracavitary fungal colonization. Because Aspergillus spp. are the most commonly implicated fungi, these fungal masses are called aspergillomas. Their characteristic "ball-in-hole" appearance, however, may be found in a variety of other conditions that can produce radiologic findings mimicking aspergilloma. In this paper, we review the main diseases that may mimic the radiographic findings of aspergilloma, with brief descriptions of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic findings.