Ultrasonographic evaluation of cecal appendix diameter in pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To stratify ultrasound samples in a pediatric population undergoing evaluation for acute appendicitis to examine the variability in cecal appendix diameter, in different age groups, and to determine whether there is a prevalent value for each age group. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study with 196 children aged 0 to 15 years. Data were extracted from reports of ultrasound examinations carried out between 2008 and 2015. Children with sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis or other signs of periappendiceal inflammation were excluded. RESULTS: The evaluation of the anteroposterior measurement of the cecal appendix revealed a mean diameter of 4.14mm (standard deviation: 0.93mm; 95%CI: 3.86-4.14). Cecal appendix diameter did not differ significant between age groups. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the anteroposterior diameter of the cecal appendix in centimeters in a sample of 196 children aged 0 to15 years revealed a mean diameter of 4.14mm (standard deviation, 0.93mm. There were no significant differences in cecal appendix diameter following stratification by age. Results indicate a single value can be adopted for mean cecal appendix diameter in pediatric populations.

Ultrasound classification of thyroid nodules: does size matter?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the size of thyroid nodules in ACR-TIRADS ultrasound categories 3 and 4 is correlated with the Bethesda cytopathology classification. METHODS: Thyroid nodules (566) subclassified as ACR-TIRADS 3 or 4 were divided into three size categories according to American Thyroid Association guidelines. The frequency of different Bethesda categories in each size range within ACR-TIRADS 3 and 4 classifications was analyzed. RESULTS: Most nodules in both ACR-TIRADS classifications fell in the Bethesda 2 category, regardless of size (90.8% and 68.6%, ACR-TIRADS 3 and 4 respectively). The prevalence of Bethesda 6 nodules in the ACR-TIRADS 4 group was 14 times higher than in the ACR-TIRADS 3 group. There were no significant differences between nodule size and fine needle aspiration biopsy classification in any of the ACR-TIRADS categories. CONCLUSION: Size does not appear to be an important criterion for indication of fine needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules with a high suspicion of malignancy on ultrasound examination.

Omental lipoma in pediatric age group: clinical presentation, image findings and management.

A 2-year-old female patient, admitted in the emergency room, presented diarrhea for 5 days and bloody stools in the last 24 hours. Physical examination revealed no significant findings. Ultrasound was initially performed, showing an elongated, well delimited and solid mass occupying since right hypocondrium until left iliac fossa, displacing adjacent structures. In sequence, magnetic resonance imaging was performed for confirmation of findings suggestive of omentum lipoma. After 1 week, the surgical resection was performed by videolaparoscopic acess. During 2-year follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of cecal appendix diameter in pediatric population

ABSTRACT Objective To stratify ultrasound samples in a pediatric population undergoing evaluation for acute appendicitis to examine the variability in cecal appendix diameter, in different age groups, and to determine whether there is a prevalent value for each age group. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study with 196 children aged 0 to 15 years. Data were extracted from reports of ultrasound examinations carried out between 2008 and 2015. Children with sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis or other signs of periappendiceal inflammation were excluded. Results The evaluation of the anteroposterior measurement of the cecal appendix revealed a mean diameter of 4.14mm (standard deviation: 0.93mm; 95%CI: 3.86-4.14). Cecal appendix diameter did not differ significant between age groups. Conclusion Evaluation of the anteroposterior diameter of the cecal appendix in centimeters in a sample of 196 children aged 0 to15 years revealed a mean diameter of 4.14mm (standard deviation, 0.93mm. There were no significant differences in cecal appendix diameter following stratification by age. Results indicate a single value can be adopted for mean cecal appendix diameter in pediatric populations.

Ultrasound classification of thyroid nodules: does size matter?

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether the size of thyroid nodules in ACR-TIRADS ultrasound categories 3 and 4 is correlated with the Bethesda cytopathology classification. Methods Thyroid nodules (566) subclassified as ACR-TIRADS 3 or 4 were divided into three size categories according to American Thyroid Association guidelines. The frequency of different Bethesda categories in each size range within ACR-TIRADS 3 and 4 classifications was analyzed. Results Most nodules in both ACR-TIRADS classifications fell in the Bethesda 2 category, regardless of size (90.8% and 68.6%, ACR-TIRADS 3 and 4 respectively). The prevalence of Bethesda 6 nodules in the ACR-TIRADS 4 group was 14 times higher than in the ACR-TIRADS 3 group. There were no significant differences between nodule size and fine needle aspiration biopsy classification in any of the ACR-TIRADS categories. Conclusion Size does not appear to be an important criterion for indication of fine needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules with a high suspicion of malignancy on ultrasound examination.

Omental lipoma in pediatric age group: clinical presentation, image findings and management

ABSTRACT A 2-year-old female patient, admitted in the emergency room, presented diarrhea for 5 days and bloody stools in the last 24 hours. Physical examination revealed no significant findings. Ultrasound was initially performed, showing an elongated, well delimited and solid mass occupying since right hypocondrium until left iliac fossa, displacing adjacent structures. In sequence, magnetic resonance imaging was performed for confirmation of findings suggestive of omentum lipoma. After 1 week, the surgical resection was performed by videolaparoscopic acess. During 2-year follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

Caecal appendix lipomatosis in a pregnant patient mimicking acute appendicitis.

A 34-years-old pregnant woman admitted in the emergency unit complaining about worsening right iliac fossa pain for 2 days. Acute appendicitis was the suspected diagnosis. Laboratory exams were ordered and results were within normal limits for infectious and inflammatory aspects. Ultrasound scan revealed a pregnancy in course without alterations and a thickness of the appendix wall without inflammatory signs in the surrounding tissue. Because the suspicion of acute appendicitis remained, a magnetic resonance was done and confirmed the diagnosis of a cecal appendix lipomatosis.

Caecal appendix lipomatosis in a pregnant patient mimicking acute appendicitis / Lipomatose do apêndice cecal em paciente grávida mimetizando apendicite aguda

ABSTRACT A 34-years-old pregnant woman admitted in the emergency unit complaining about worsening right iliac fossa pain for 2 days. Acute appendicitis was the suspected diagnosis. Laboratory exams were ordered and results were within normal limits for infectious and inflammatory aspects. Ultrasound scan revealed a pregnancy in course without alterations and a thickness of the appendix wall without inflammatory signs in the surrounding tissue. Because the suspicion of acute appendicitis remained, a magnetic resonance was done and confirmed the diagnosis of a cecal appendix lipomatosis.

RESUMO Paciente de 34 anos, do sexo feminino, grávida, chega ao pronto-socorro com queixa de dor na fossa ilíaca direita piorando nos últimos 2 dias com suspeita de apendicite aguda. Foram solicitados exames laboratoriais, que estavam dentro dos limites de normalidade para aspectos infecciosos e inflamatórios. Exame de imagem também foi solicitado, sendo a ultrassonografia o método de escolha, que revelou gravidez em curso sem alterações e espessura da parede do apêndice sem sinais inflamatórios. Ainda com suspeita de apendicite aguda, foi realizada ressonância magnética, confirmando a hipótese de lipomatose do apêndice cecal.

Peri-prosthetic infection in the postoperative period of endovascular abdominal aorta aneurysm repair: treatment by percutaneous drainage.

Endovascular aneurysm repair is an established technique for treating many infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Infection is one of the most serious complications of this technique, and although percutaneous treatment has been well established for intra-abdominal collections, its use to treat peri-prosthetic fluid collections has not been well determined. In this article we describe a small series of three patients who were treated with percutaneous drainage, with good clinical and imaging responses. Percutaneous drainage is a safe, effective and minimally invasive approach for treating this potentially fatal complication.

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of elbow ligaments: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of ultrasonography in elbow ligament assessment compared to magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: A prospective single-center study involving 30 volunteers with no elbow joint changes. Two experienced ultrasound specialists evaluated both elbows of each volunteer, resulting in 60 evaluations per physician and totaling up 120 evaluations. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a 3-Tesla machine and evaluated by two experienced radiologists, totaling up 120 exams. Each examiner assigned subjective, zero-to-5 scores to ligaments imaged, where zero corresponded to non-identified ligament and 5 to visualization of the entire ligament. The level of significance was set at 5%. Bland-Altman dispersions and plots were prepared for each pair of measurements obtained. RESULTS: All ligaments were amenable to sonographic identification; scores of 4 or 5 were assigned by examiners based on ligament visibility. Ligaments could also be identified using magnetic resonance imaging and were assigned scores of 5 by examiners. All ligaments were described as intact and healthy by all four examiners. Comparative analysis of elbow ligament sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be considered equivalent modalities for elbow ligament assessment in the hands of experienced examiners.

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of elbow ligaments: a comparative study / Ultrassonografia na avaliação de ligamentos de cotovelo: estudo comparativo com imagem de ressonância magnética

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the value of ultrasonography in elbow ligament assessment compared to magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: A prospective single-center study involving 30 volunteers with no elbow joint changes. Two experienced ultrasound specialists evaluated both elbows of each volunteer, resulting in 60 evaluations per physician and totaling up 120 evaluations. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a 3-Tesla machine and evaluated by two experienced radiologists, totaling up 120 exams. Each examiner assigned subjective, zero-to-5 scores to ligaments imaged, where zero corresponded to non-identified ligament and 5 to visualization of the entire ligament. The level of significance was set at 5%. Bland-Altman dispersions and plots were prepared for each pair of measurements obtained. Results: All ligaments were amenable to sonographic identification; scores of 4 or 5 were assigned by examiners based on ligament visibility. Ligaments could also be identified using magnetic resonance imaging and were assigned scores of 5 by examiners. All ligaments were described as intact and healthy by all four examiners. Comparative analysis of elbow ligament sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be considered equivalent modalities for elbow ligament assessment in the hands of experienced examiners.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho da ultrassonografia na avaliação dos ligamentos do cotovelo, comparando os achados com ressonância magnética. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo unicêntrico envolvendo 30 pacientes, sem alterações articulares nos cotovelos. Dois ultrassonografistas experientes avaliaram ambos os cotovelos de cada um dos pacientes, com 60 avaliações cada médico e 120 avaliações no total. As imagens de ressonância magnética foram obtidas em aparelhos 3 Tesla. Dois radiologistas experientes avaliaram as imagens, com total de 120 exames. Cada examinador deu uma nota subjetiva, de zero a 5, para os ligamentos avaliados; zero correspondeu a ligamento não identificado, e 5 a ligamento visualizado integralmente. Foi considerado nível de significância de 5%. Para cada par de medidas obtidas, construíram-se dispersões e parcelas de Bland-Altman. Resultados: Todos os ligamentos foram identificados pelos examinadores de ultrassonografia, recebendo pontuação 4 ou 5, em relação à sua visibilidade, e foram identificados pelos examinadores de ressonância magnética, com pontuação 5. Foram considerados intactos e saudáveis pelos quatro examinadores. As comparações entre ultrassonografia e ressonância magnética na avaliação dos ligamentos do cotovelo não demostraram diferenças significativas. Conclusão: Quando realizada por examinadores experientes, a ultrassonografia pode ser considerada semelhante à ressonância magnética na avaliação de ligamentos do cotovelo.

Peri-prosthetic infection in the postoperative period of endovascular abdominal aorta aneurysm repair: treatment by percutaneous drainage / Infecção periprótese no pós-operatório do reparo endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal: tratamento por drenagem percutânea

ABSTRACT Endovascular aneurysm repair is an established technique for treating many infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Infection is one of the most serious complications of this technique, and although percutaneous treatment has been well established for intra-abdominal collections, its use to treat peri-prosthetic fluid collections has not been well determined. In this article we describe a small series of three patients who were treated with percutaneous drainage, with good clinical and imaging responses. Percutaneous drainage is a safe, effective and minimally invasive approach for treating this potentially fatal complication.

RESUMO O reparo endovascular de aneurisma é uma técnica para tratamento de diversos aneurismas infrarrenais da aorta. A infecção é uma das complicações mais sérias desse tratamento, e a abordagem percutânea tem sido adotada para coleções intra-abdominais, mas seu uso para tratamento de coleções protéticas vasculares não está bem estabelecido. Descreve-se, neste trabalho, pequena série de três pacientes tratados com drenagem percutânea, que apresentaram boa resposta clínica e de imagem. A drenagem percutânea mostrou-se abordagem segura, efetiva e minimamente invasiva para tratamento desta complicação, que é potencialmente fatal.

Percutaneous laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules: a one year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and effectiveness of nodule volume reduction and thyroid function after percutaneous laser ablation treatment in patients with benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules. METHODS: Prospective single-center study, from January 2011 to October 2012, which evaluated 30 euthyroid and thyroid antibodies negative patients with benign solitary or dominant nodule with indication of treatment due to compressive symptoms and aesthetic disturbances. The clinical and laboratory (thyroid ultrasound, TSH, FT4, TG, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab and TRAb levels) evaluations were performed before the procedure, and periodically 1 week, 3 months and 6 months after. The ablation technique was performed under local anesthesia and sedation. In each treatment, one to three 21G spinal needle were inserted into the thyroid nodule. The laser fiber was positioned through the needle, which was then withdrawn 10mm to leave the tip in direct contact with the nodule tissue. Patients were treated with a ND: Yag-laser output power of 4W and 1,500 to 2,000J per fiber per treatment. The entire procedure was performed under US guidance. RESULTS: Thirty patients, with a total of 31 nodules submitted to laser ablation were evaluated. The median volumetric reduction of the nodule was approximately 60% after 12 months. No statistical significance was observed on thyroid function and antibodies levels. There was a peak on the level of thyroglobulin after the procedure due to tissue destruction (p<0.0001). No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous laser ablation is a promising outpatient minimally invasive treatment of benign thyroid nodule.

CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of pulmonary nodules smaller than 2 cm: technical aspects and factors influencing accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CT-CNB) of pulmonary nodules ≤ 2 cm, as well as to identify factors influencing the accuracy of the procedure and its morbidity. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study of 170 consecutive patients undergoing CT-CNB of small pulmonary nodules (of ≤ 2 cm) between January of 2010 and August of 2015. RESULTS: A total of 156 CT-CNBs yielded a definitive diagnosis, the overall diagnostic accuracy being 92.3%. Larger lesions were associated with a higher overall accuracy (OR = 1.30; p = 0.007). Parenchymal hemorrhage occurring during the procedure led to lower accuracy rates (OR = 0.13; p = 0.022). Pneumothorax was the most common complication. A pleura-to-lesion distance > 3 cm was identified as a risk factor for pneumothorax (OR = 16.94), whereas performing a blood patch after biopsy was a protective factor for pneumothorax (OR = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Small nodules (of < 2 cm) represent a technical challenge for diagnosis. CT-CNB is an excellent diagnostic tool, its accuracy being high.

Percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess: an effective option in cases not suitable for surgery.

The aim of this study were to describe the technique of percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess, and to discuss the benefits of using this minimally-invasive tool. A single center study with retrospective analysis of patients with psoas abscess confirmed by imaging scans, sent to the interventional medicine center and submitted to computed tomography and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage, from November 2013 to August 2016. Seven patients underwent percutaneous drainage of psoas abscess in this period. The mean initial drained volume was 61.4±50.7mL (ranging from 10 to 130mL), and the mean drainage duration was 8.3±2.8 days (ranging from 4 to 12 days). The success rate of the percutaneous procedures was 71.5%, and two patients required re-intervention. Image-guided percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess is a minimally invasive, efficient and safe procedure, and an extremely valuable technique, especially for patients who are not suitable for surgical repair.

Minimally invasive treatment of complex collections: safety and efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as an adjuvant to percutaneous drainage.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) injection in the evolution of percutaneous drainage of thick collections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center study involving the retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients undergoing percutaneous drainage of thick (superficial or intracavitary) fluid collections, followed by injection of a fibrinolytic agent (r-TPA) into the affected space. RESULTS: A total of 53 percutaneous drainage procedures, with r-TPA injection, were performed in 51 patients. Abdominal and pelvic collections were the most common, being seen in 38 (73%) of the procedures; in 35 (66%), the etiology of the collection was attributed to postoperative complications. A total of 61 catheters were used in order to drain the 53 collections. Of those 61 catheters, 52 (85%) were large (12-16 Fr) and 9 (15%) were small (4-10 Fr). The mean r-TPA dose was 5.7 mg/collection per day, and the mean time from r-TPA injection to drain removal was 7.7 days. Percutaneous drainage in combination with r-TPA injection was successful in 96% of the cases. None of the patients showed coagulation changes during the study period. CONCLUSION: The use of once-daily, low-dose r-TPA for up to three consecutive days, as an adjunct to percutaneous drainage of thick collections, with or without loculation, appears to be an effective technique.

Minimally invasive treatment of complex collections: safety and efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as an adjuvant to percutaneous drainage / Tratamento minimamente invasivo de coleções complexas: segurança e eficácia do ativador tissular de plasminogênio no tratamento adjuvante nas drenagens percutâneas

Abstract Objective: To analyze the efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) injection in the evolution of percutaneous drainage of thick collections. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center study involving the retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients undergoing percutaneous drainage of thick (superficial or intracavitary) fluid collections, followed by injection of a fibrinolytic agent (r-TPA) into the affected space. Results: A total of 53 percutaneous drainage procedures, with r-TPA injection, were performed in 51 patients. Abdominal and pelvic collections were the most common, being seen in 38 (73%) of the procedures; in 35 (66%), the etiology of the collection was attributed to postoperative complications. A total of 61 catheters were used in order to drain the 53 collections. Of those 61 catheters, 52 (85%) were large (12-16 Fr) and 9 (15%) were small (4-10 Fr). The mean r-TPA dose was 5.7 mg/collection per day, and the mean time from r-TPA injection to drain removal was 7.7 days. Percutaneous drainage in combination with r-TPA injection was successful in 96% of the cases. None of the patients showed coagulation changes during the study period. Conclusion: The use of once-daily, low-dose r-TPA for up to three consecutive days, as an adjunct to percutaneous drainage of thick collections, with or without loculation, appears to be an effective technique.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a eficácia da injeção do agente fibrinolítico ativador tissular de plasminogênio (r-TPA) na evolução da drenagem percutânea de coleções espessas. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico com análise retrospectiva de pacientes internados submetidos a drenagem percutânea de coleções espessas, superficiais ou intracavitárias, seguida da injeção de agente fibrinolítico (r-TPA) no interior da coleção. Resultados: Foram realizadas 53 drenagens percutâneas com injeção de r-TPA em 51 pacientes. Coleções intra-abdominais e pélvicas foram as mais frequentes (n = 38; 73%) e a causa predominante foi complicação pós-operatória (n = 35; 66%). Foram utilizados 61 drenos para acessar as 53 coleções, dos quais 52 (85%) foram drenos mais calibrosos (12-16 Fr) e 9 (15%) de pequeno calibre (4-10 Fr). A dose média de r-TPA empregada foi 5,7 mg/coleção/dia, o tempo médio entre a injeção de r-TPA e a retirada do dreno foi 7.7 dias e o sucesso da drenagem percutânea em associação com agente fibrinolítico foi observado em 96% dos casos. Alterações de coagulação não foram observadas nos pacientes durante o estudo. Conclusão: O uso de baixas doses diárias de r-TPA por até três dias consecutivos, como adjuvante terapêutico na drenagem percutânea de coleções espessas e/ou loculadas, demonstrou ser uma técnica efetiva.

CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of pulmonary nodules smaller than 2 cm: technical aspects and factors influencing accuracy / Biópsia percutânea com agulha grossa, guiada por TC, de nódulos pulmonares menores que 2 cm: aspectos técnicos e fatores que influenciam a precisão

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CT-CNB) of pulmonary nodules ≤ 2 cm, as well as to identify factors influencing the accuracy of the procedure and its morbidity. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study of 170 consecutive patients undergoing CT-CNB of small pulmonary nodules (of ≤ 2 cm) between January of 2010 and August of 2015. Results: A total of 156 CT-CNBs yielded a definitive diagnosis, the overall diagnostic accuracy being 92.3%. Larger lesions were associated with a higher overall accuracy (OR = 1.30; p = 0.007). Parenchymal hemorrhage occurring during the procedure led to lower accuracy rates (OR = 0.13; p = 0.022). Pneumothorax was the most common complication. A pleura-to-lesion distance > 3 cm was identified as a risk factor for pneumothorax (OR = 16.94), whereas performing a blood patch after biopsy was a protective factor for pneumothorax (OR = 0.18). Conclusions: Small nodules (of < 2 cm) represent a technical challenge for diagnosis. CT-CNB is an excellent diagnostic tool, its accuracy being high.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão diagnóstica da biópsia percutânea com agulha grossa, guiada por TC - doravante denominada BAG-TC - de nódulos pulmonares ≤ 2 cm, bem como identificar fatores que influenciam a precisão do procedimento e sua morbidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado em um único centro, com 170 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a BAG-TC de nódulos pulmonares pequenos (≤ 2 cm) entre janeiro de 2010 e agosto de 2015. Resultados: Do total de biópsias, 156 resultaram em diagnóstico definitivo, com precisão diagnóstica global de 92,3%. Lesões maiores estiveram relacionadas com maior precisão global (OR = 1,30; p = 0,007). A presença de hemorragia parenquimatosa durante o procedimento resultou em menor precisão (OR = 0,13; p = 0,022). Pneumotórax foi a complicação mais comum. Uma distância > 3 cm entre a lesão e a pleura foi identificada como fator de risco de pneumotórax (OR = 16,94), ao passo que a realização de tampão sanguíneo após a biópsia foi um fator de proteção contra o pneumotórax (OR = 0,18). Conclusões: O diagnóstico de nódulos pequenos (< 2 cm) é um desafio do ponto de vista técnico. A BAG-TC é uma excelente ferramenta diagnóstica, cuja precisão é alta.

Ultrasound evaluation of inguinoscrotal pain: an imaging-based review for the ultrasonographer.

Emergencies involving the inguinal region and scrotum are common and can be caused by a plethora of different causes. In most cases, such conditions have nonspecific symptoms and are quite painful. Some inguinoscrotal conditions have high complication rates. Early and accurate diagnosis is therefore imperative. Ultrasound is the method of choice for the initial evaluation of this vast range of conditions, because it is a rapid, ionizing radiation-free, low-cost method. Despite the practicality and accuracy of the method, which make it ideal for use in emergency care, the examiner should be experienced and should be familiarized with the ultrasound findings of the most common inguinoscrotal diseases. On the basis of that knowledge, the examiner should also be able to make an accurate, direct, precise report, helping the emergency room physician make decisions regarding the proper (clinical or surgical) management of each case. Here, we review most of the inguinoscrotal conditions, focusing on the imaging findings and discussing the critical points for the appropriate characterization of each condition.

Ultrasound evaluation of inguinoscrotal pain: an imaging-based review for the ultrasonographer / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da dor inguinoescrotal: uma revisão baseada em imagens para o ultrassonografista

Abstract Emergencies involving the inguinal region and scrotum are common and can be caused by a plethora of different causes. In most cases, such conditions have nonspecific symptoms and are quite painful. Some inguinoscrotal conditions have high complication rates. Early and accurate diagnosis is therefore imperative. Ultrasound is the method of choice for the initial evaluation of this vast range of conditions, because it is a rapid, ionizing radiation-free, low-cost method. Despite the practicality and accuracy of the method, which make it ideal for use in emergency care, the examiner should be experienced and should be familiarized with the ultrasound findings of the most common inguinoscrotal diseases. On the basis of that knowledge, the examiner should also be able to make an accurate, direct, precise report, helping the emergency room physician make decisions regarding the proper (clinical or surgical) management of each case. Here, we review most of the inguinoscrotal conditions, focusing on the imaging findings and discussing the critical points for the appropriate characterization of each condition.

Resumo As emergências envolvendo a região inguinal e o escroto são frequentes, derivadas de diferentes causas, e na maioria das vezes apresentam-se clinicamente de modo não específico e bastante dolorosas. Algumas destas condições apresentam elevado potencial de gravidade, sendo imperioso um diagnóstico rápido e preciso. A ultrassonografia é, indiscutivelmente, o método de escolha na avaliação inicial de todo o vasto leque de doenças nessas regiões, sendo rápido, de baixo custo e sem uso de radiação. Além da praticidade e acurácia do método, ideal para a prática em âmbito de pronto-atendimento, a experiência do examinador, o qual deve estar familiarizado com os principais achados de imagem, é fundamental para a precisão diagnóstica. Some-se a isto a necessidade de um relatório claro e assertivo, auxiliando o médico emergencista na terapêutica apropriada a cada caso, seja clínica ou cirúrgica. Procuramos trazer uma revisão baseada nos achados de imagem das principais afecções dolorosas inguinais e escrotais, discutindo os pontos-chaves para sua adequada caracterização.