Explainable artificial intelligence in deep learning-based detection of aortic elongation on chest X-ray images.

Aims: Aortic elongation can result from age-related changes, congenital factors, aneurysms, or conditions affecting blood vessel elasticity. It is associated with cardiovascular diseases and severe complications like aortic aneurysms and dissection. We assess qualitatively and quantitatively explainable methods to understand the decisions of a deep learning model for detecting aortic elongation using chest X-ray (CXR) images. Methods and results: In this study, we evaluated the performance of deep learning models (DenseNet and EfficientNet) for detecting aortic elongation using transfer learning and fine-tuning techniques with CXR images as input. EfficientNet achieved higher accuracy (86.7% ± 2.1), precision (82.7% ± 2.7), specificity (89.4% ± 1.7), F1 score (82.5% ± 2.9), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (92.7% ± 0.6) but lower sensitivity (82.3% ± 3.2) compared with DenseNet. To gain insights into the decision-making process of these models, we employed gradient-weighted class activation mapping and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations explainability methods, which enabled us to identify the expected location of aortic elongation in CXR images. Additionally, we used the pixel-flipping method to quantitatively assess the model interpretations, providing valuable insights into model behaviour. Conclusion: Our study presents a comprehensive strategy for analysing CXR images by integrating aortic elongation detection models with explainable artificial intelligence techniques. By enhancing the interpretability and understanding of the models' decisions, this approach holds promise for aiding clinicians in timely and accurate diagnosis, potentially improving patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Errores en la interpretación de la radiografía de tórax en el lactante: ¿qué tenemos que saber de la técnica? / Errors in the Interpretation of chest X-rays in Infants: what do we need to know about the technique?

La radiografía de tórax sigue siendo fundamental para la evaluación de patologías torácicas en lactantes. Antes de iniciar su interpretación, muchos autores sugieren revisar la técnica radiológica, ya que a esta edad se presentan varias particularidades técnicas que deben tenerse en cuenta para evitar errores interpretativos y no confundir hallazgos técnicos con patologías. Entre estas particularidades técnicas se deben evaluar: el centraje transversal o rotación, el centraje longitudinal o posición lordótica, el grado de inspiración, la posición de la vía aérea superior, la penetración o exposición de la radiografía, tipos de proyecciones y el movimiento. El objetivo de esta revisión es comentar y ejemplificar las peculiaridades técnicas que presenta la radiografía de tórax en lactantes y que pueden llevar a interpretaciones erróneas.

The chest X-ray remains essential for evaluating thoracic pathology in infants. Before beginning its interpretation, many authors recommend assessing the radiographic technique, as several technical peculiarities must be considered at this age to avoid interpretive errors and prevent mistaking technical artifacts for pathology. The technical aspects to be evaluated include transverse centering or rotation, longitudinal centering or lordotic position, degree of inspiration, upper airway positioning, radiograph penetration or exposure, projection types, and movement. The objective of this review is to discuss and illustrate the technical peculiarities of infant chest X-rays that can lead to erroneous interpretations.

Chest Radiograph Screening for Detecting Subclinical Tuberculosis in Asymptomatic Household Contacts, Peru.

The World Health Organization's end TB strategy promotes the use of symptom and chest radiograph screening for tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, asymptomatic early states of TB beyond latent TB infection and active disease can go unrecognized using current screening criteria. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study enrolling household contacts initially free of TB disease and followed them for the occurrence of incident TB over 1 year. Among 1,747 screened contacts, 27 (52%) of the 52 persons in whom TB subsequently developed during follow-up had a baseline abnormal radiograph. Of contacts without TB symptoms, persons with an abnormal radiograph were at higher risk for subsequent TB than persons with an unremarkable radiograph (adjusted hazard ratio 15.62 [95% CI 7.74-31.54]). In young adults, we found a strong linear relationship between radiograph severity and time to TB diagnosis. Our findings suggest chest radiograph screening can extend to detecting early TB states, thereby enabling timely intervention.

For Tuberculosis, Not "To Screen or Not to Screen?" but "Who?" and "How?"

Active case finding leveraging new molecular diagnostics and chest X-rays with automated interpretation algorithms is increasingly being developed for high-risk populations to drive down tuberculosis incidence. We consider why such an approach did not deliver a decline in tuberculosis prevalence in Brazilian prison populations and what to consider next.

Hallazgos radiológicos en pacientes con la COVID-19 / Radiological findings in patients with COVID-19

Introducción: La COVID-19 ha impuesto un reto para los servicios de salud desde el punto de vista económico y social. El papel de la radiografía de tórax ha sido fundamental para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Objetivo: Caracterizar los hallazgos radiológicos más frecuentes en pacientes confirmados a la COVID-19. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 859 pacientes ingresados, confirmados a la COVID-19, que presentaron lesiones radiológicas durante su estadía hospitalaria; se realizaron radiografías de tórax al ingreso y evolutivas, según el protocolo de atención vigente en el momento del estudio. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo biológico, gravedad del cuadro radiológico, patrón radiológico y localización de las lesiones. Resultados: La mayor frecuencia fue de adultos (65,7 por ciento), masculinos (60,4por ciento ); predominaron las lesiones de moderada gravedad (51,6 por ciento); solo el 17,4 por ciento evolucionó a formas radiológicas graves. El 64,8 por ciento mostró un patrón radiológico mixto; con mayor frecuencia en la localización bilateral (89,9 por ciento ), la periférica/subpleural (66,7 por ciento ) y en campos inferiores (90,9 por ciento ). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos radiológicos se caracterizan por presentar lesiones de gravedad moderada, con patrón mixto, en las localizaciones bilateral, periférica/subpleural y en campos inferiores(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 has imposed a challenge for health services, from an economic and social point of view. The role of chest radiography has been fundamental in the management of these patients. Objective: To characterize the most frequent radiological findings in patients confirmed to COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 859 admitted patients, confirmed to COVID-19, who presented radiological lesions during their hospital stay; chest X-rays were taken on admission and during evolution, according to the protocol of care in force at the time of the study. The variables used were: age, biological sex, severity of the radiological picture, radiological pattern and location of the lesions. Results: Adults (65.7 percent), males (60.4 percent), were more frequent; moderate severity lesions predominated (51.6 percent); only 17.4 percent evolved to severe radiological forms. 64.8 percent showed mixed radiological pattern; with higher frequency in bilateral (89.9 percent), peripheral/subpleural (66.7 percent) and in lower fields (90.9 percent ). Conclusions: Radiological findings are characterized by presenting lesions of moderate severity, with mixed pattern, in bilateral, peripheral/subpleural and in inferior fields locations(AU)

Spontaneous rupture of chemotherapy catheter diagnosed using chest X-ray oblique projections: An interventional radiology approach.

Totally implanted central venous port systems are widely used to access central veins for patients needing long-term therapy. These devices have low rates of complications and are commonly used to administer medications like chemotherapeutic agents. Spontaneous rupture of a catheter segment is a rare mechanical complication, usually belatedly diagnosed and presenting with complications. We present a case of a spontaneously ruptured chemotherapy catheter diagnosed using a novel approach via oblique projections on chest X-rays and successfully removed using an endovascular approach.

How accurate are radiography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of COVID-19?-A Bayesian approach.

Background: The role of radiology in patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 is evolving with scientific evidence, but there are differences in opinion on when and how the technique should be used for clinical diagnosis. Purpose: To estimate the pre-test and post-test probability that a patient has COVID-19 in the event of a positive and/or negative result from chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) radiological studies, comparing with those of real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. Methods: The literature on the sensitivity and specificity of the chest X-ray, chest CT, and RT-PCR was reviewed. Based on these reported data, the likelihood ratios (LR) were estimated and the pre-test probabilities were related to the post-test probabilities after positive or negative results. Results: The chest X-ray has only a confirmatory value in cases of high suspicion. Chest CT analyses showed that when it is used as a general study, it has almost confirmatory value under high clinical suspicion. A chest CT classified with CO-RADS ≥ 4 has almost a diagnostic certainty of COVID-19 even with moderate or low clinical presumptions, and the CO-RADS 5 classification is almost pathognomonic before any clinical presumption. To rule out COVID-19 completely is only possible in very low clinical assumptions with negative RT-PCR and/or CT. Conclusions: Chest X-ray and especially CT are fast studies that have the capacity to report high probability of COVID-19, being a real contribution to the concept of "probable case" and allowing support to be installed in an early and timely manner.

COVID-19 Detection on Chest X-ray and CT Scan: A Review of the Top-100 Most Cited Papers.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many works have been published proposing solutions to the problems that arose in this scenario. In this vein, one of the topics that attracted the most attention is the development of computer-based strategies to detect COVID-19 from thoracic medical imaging, such as chest X-ray (CXR) and computerized tomography scan (CT scan). By searching for works already published on this theme, we can easily find thousands of them. This is partly explained by the fact that the most severe worldwide pandemic emerged amid the technological advances recently achieved, and also considering the technical facilities to deal with the large amount of data produced in this context. Even though several of these works describe important advances, we cannot overlook the fact that others only use well-known methods and techniques without a more relevant and critical contribution. Hence, differentiating the works with the most relevant contributions is not a trivial task. The number of citations obtained by a paper is probably the most straightforward and intuitive way to verify its impact on the research community. Aiming to help researchers in this scenario, we present a review of the top-100 most cited papers in this field of investigation according to the Google Scholar search engine. We evaluate the distribution of the top-100 papers taking into account some important aspects, such as the type of medical imaging explored, learning settings, segmentation strategy, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), and finally, the dataset and code availability.

COVID-19 detection on Chest X-ray images: A comparison of CNN architectures and ensembles.

COVID-19 quickly became a global pandemic after only four months of its first detection. It is crucial to detect this disease as soon as possible to decrease its spread. The use of chest X-ray (CXR) images became an effective screening strategy, complementary to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are often used for automatic image classification and they can be very useful in CXR diagnostics. In this paper, 21 different CNN architectures are tested and compared in the task of identifying COVID-19 in CXR images. They were applied to the COVIDx8B dataset, a large COVID-19 dataset with 16,352 CXR images coming from patients of at least 51 countries. Ensembles of CNNs were also employed and they showed better efficacy than individual instances. The best individual CNN instance results were achieved by DenseNet169, with an accuracy of 98.15% and an F1 score of 98.12%. These were further increased to 99.25% and 99.24%, respectively, through an ensemble with five instances of DenseNet169. These results are higher than those obtained in recent works using the same dataset.

Integrated screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 in Peru.

We describe the experience of integrating COVID-19 screening and testing into a mobile TB screening unit in Lima, Peru. All attendees received chest radiographs, which were analysed using CAD4TB and CAD4COVID; Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra was used to test for TB, and antibody and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. One Xpert-positive TB case was diagnosed per 168 people screened, one person with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies per 3 people screened, and one PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection per 8 people screened. Integrated screening can help to avoid delays in the diagnosis of both TB and COVID-19.

Nous décrivons l'expérience de l'intégration du dépistage et du test COVID-19 dans une unité mobile de dépistage de la TB à Lima, au Pérou. Toutes les personnes présentes ont reçu des radiographies pulmonaires, qui ont été analysées à l'aide de CAD4TB et CAD4COVID ; Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra a été utilisé pour le dépistage de la TB, et les anticorps et la réaction en chaîne par polymérase (PCR) pour le SARS-CoV-2. Un cas de TB Xpert-positif a été diagnostiqué pour 168 personnes dépistées, une personne présentant des anticorps du SARS-CoV-2 pour 3 personnes dépistées et une infection du SARS-CoV-2 confirmée par PCR pour 8 personnes dépistées. Le dépistage intégré peut contribuer à éviter les retards dans le diagnostic de la TB et du COVID-19.

Impact of Lung Segmentation on the Diagnosis and Explanation of COVID-19 in Chest X-ray Images.

COVID-19 frequently provokes pneumonia, which can be diagnosed using imaging exams. Chest X-ray (CXR) is often useful because it is cheap, fast, widespread, and uses less radiation. Here, we demonstrate the impact of lung segmentation in COVID-19 identification using CXR images and evaluate which contents of the image influenced the most. Semantic segmentation was performed using a U-Net CNN architecture, and the classification using three CNN architectures (VGG, ResNet, and Inception). Explainable Artificial Intelligence techniques were employed to estimate the impact of segmentation. A three-classes database was composed: lung opacity (pneumonia), COVID-19, and normal. We assessed the impact of creating a CXR image database from different sources, and the COVID-19 generalization from one source to another. The segmentation achieved a Jaccard distance of 0.034 and a Dice coefficient of 0.982. The classification using segmented images achieved an F1-Score of 0.88 for the multi-class setup, and 0.83 for COVID-19 identification. In the cross-dataset scenario, we obtained an F1-Score of 0.74 and an area under the ROC curve of 0.9 for COVID-19 identification using segmented images. Experiments support the conclusion that even after segmentation, there is a strong bias introduced by underlying factors from different sources.

Factores asociados a hallazgos anormales en radiografías digitales de tórax en trabajadores asintomáticos en Lima, Perú / Factors associated with abnormal findings on digital chest radiographs in asymptomatic workers in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Introducción : La radiografía posteroanterior (PA) de tórax es utilizada rutinariamente como examen complementario en la evaluación de trabajadores. Sin embargo, existe la controversia sobre su indicación y utilidad en todos los trabajadores. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir los factores asociados a hallazgos anormales en radiografías digitales de tórax en trabajadores sin síntomas respiratorios. Materiales y métodos : Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal analítico, utilizando registros de placas radiografías digitales de tórax PA de 24 069 trabajadores asintomáticos respiratorios, evaluados en un establecimiento de salud acreditado para la realización de exámenes médicos ocupacionales en el Perú, entre los años 2016 - 2019. Resultados : De los 24 069 trabajadores asintomáticos, 1166 (4,84 % IC 95 % [4,58 - 5,12]) presentaron radiografía anormal. Los principales hallazgos se encontraron en el parénquima pulmonar y de estas, las imágenes secuelares de tuberculosis fueron las más frecuentes. Se observó que los trabajadores mayores de 50 años (RP(a) = 6,34 IC 95 % [1,68 - 2,01]), los que presentaron bajo peso (RP(a) = 2,71 IC 95 % [1,88 - 3,91]) y los que tuvieron antecedentes patológicos pulmonares (RP(a) = 6,19 IC 95 % [5,54 - 6,91]) presentaron mayor probabilidad de presentar anormalidades en la radiografía pulmonar. Conclusiones : Debido a la baja frecuencia de radiografías digitales anormales de tórax, creemos que no resulta de utilidad como detección precoz de patología respiratoria en la población estudiada y que debería considerarse en trabajadores mayores de 50 años, con antecedente de enfermedad respiratoria y/o con bajo peso. Es importante realizar mayor cantidad de estudios que confirmen nuestros resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction : Posteroanterior Chest X-Ray (CXR) is usually performed as a routine exam for workers' health surveillance, but their benefits are discussed and controversial. Our investigation described the associated factors with abnormal digital CXR in workers without respiratory symptoms. Materials and methods : An analytical cross-sectional observational study was performed, including 24 069 digital CXR obtained from workers without respiratory symptoms who performed their workers' health surveillance at an accredited occupational health center in Lima, Perú, from 2016 to 2019. Results : Of the 24 069 asymptomatic workers, 1166 (4.84 %, 95 % CI [4.58-5.12]) had abnormal radiography. The main findings were found in the lung parenchyma and of these, sequential images of tuberculosis were the most frequent. It was observed that workers older than 50 years (RP(a) = 6.34, 95 % CI [1.68 - 2.01]), those with low weight (RP(a) = 2.71 95 % CI [1.88 - 3.91]) and those with a history of pulmonary pathology (RP(a) = 6.19 95 % CI [5.54 - 6.91]) were more likely to have abnormalities on pulmonary radiography. Conclusions : Due to the low frequency of abnormal digital Chest X-Ray (CXR), it is not useful as an early detection of respiratory pathology in the population studied, however it should be considered in those over 50 years with a history of respiratory disease and/or low weight. It is important to carry out more studies that confirm our results.

Relación de las medidas de mecánica ventilatoria y radiográficas con el tiempo de conexión a ventilación mecánica en pacientes COVID-19: un análisis preliminar / Relations of ventilatory mechanical and radiographic measures with the connection time to mechanical ventilation in patients COVID-19: a preliminary analysis

RESUMEN: Los pulmones son el sitio predominante en la infección por COVID-19. Esta puede conducir al síndrome distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA). Frente a su sintomatología severa, la ventilación mecánica (VM), y sus valores de mecánica ventilatoria aparecen como una herramienta fundamental. Un complemento, para analizar el estado de avance de esta patología es la radiografía de tórax (RT), aunque en ocasiones esta depende de la experiencia del equipo de salud. Así el objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar la relación de las medidas de mecánica ventilatoria y radiográficas con el tiempo de conexión a VM en pacientes COVID-19. Estudio retrospectivo, que incluyó a 23 pacientes en VM. Se recolectó información de variables de mecánica ventilatoria; PEEP, presión plateau, presión de distensión y compliance estática. Desde la RT se midió, altura y ancho pulmonar, ángulo costodiafragmático y espacio intercostal. Los resultados indicaron que las variables de mecánica ventilatoria tales como el PEEP y el plateau se relacionaron significativamente con el tiempo de conexión a VM (r=0,449; p=0,035 y r=0,472; p=0,026), mientras que las variables radiográficas construidas en base al ángulo costodiafragmático y el espacio intercostal presentaron similares comportamientos (r= 0,462; p=0,046 y r=-0,543; p=0,009). En conclusión, la presión resultante de la programación del ventilador mecánico junto a cambios estructurales observados en la RT, se relacionan con el tiempo de conexión a VM.

SUMMARY: The lungs are the predominant site of COVID-19 infection. This can lead to severe acute respiratory síndrome (ARDS). In view of its severe symptoms, mechanical ventilation (MV) and its ventilatory mechanics values appear as a fundamental tool. Chest radiography (CR) is a complement to analyze the state of progress of this pathology, although this sometimes depends on the experience of the health team. Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the relationship of ventilatory mechanics and radiographic measures with connection time to MV in COVID-19 patients. Retrospective study, which included 23 patients on MV. Information on ventilatory mechanics variables was collected; PEEP, plateau pressure, distension pressure and static compliance. And from CR, lung height and width, costodiaphragmatic angle and intercostal space were measured. The results indicated that ventilatory mechanics variables such as PEEP and plateau were significantly related to connection time to MV (r = 0.449; p = 0.035 and r = 0.472; p = 0.026), while the radiographic variables Constructed on the basis of the costodiaphragmatic angle and the intercostal space, they showed similar behaviors (r = 0.462; p = 0.046 and r = -0.543; p = 0.009). In conclusion, the pressure resulting from mechanical ventilator programming, together with the structural changes observed in CR, are related to the connection time to MV.

Systemic cytokines/chemokines associated to radiographic abnormalities in pneumonia in children.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis remains a challenge in paediatrics. Chest radiography is considered gold standard for definition of pneumonia, however no previous study assessed the relationship between immune response and radiographic-confirmed-pneumonia. We assessed association between cytokines/chemokines levels and radiographic abnormalities in children with CAP. Children < 5-years-old hospitalized with CAP were investigated in a prospective study at the Federal University of Bahia Hospital, Brazil. On admission, clinical data and biological samples were collected to investigate 20 aetiological agents and determine serum cytokines/chemokines levels; chest radiographs were performed. Among 158 patients, radiographic diagnosis of pneumonia was confirmed in 126(79.7%) and 17(10.8%) had pleural effusion. Viral, bacterial and pneumococcal infection were detected in 80(50.6%), 78(49.4%) and 37(23.4%) cases. By comparing the median concentrations of serum cytokines/chemokines between children with or without pleural effusion, interleukin(IL)-6 was higher (26.6[18.6-103.7] vs 3.0[0.0-19.8]; p < 0.001) among those with pleural effusion; and between children with or without radiographic-confirmed-pneumonia, IL-6 was higher in the first subgroup (4.5[0.0-23.4] vs 0.0[0.0-3.6]; p = 0.02) after having excluded cases with pleural effusion. Stratified analyses according to aetiology showed IL-6 increase in the radiographic-confirmed-pneumonia subgroup inside the pneumococcal infection (28.2[5.9-64.1] vs 0.0[0.0-0.0]; p = 0.03) subgroup. By multivariable analysis, with IL-6 as dependent variable, pneumococcal infection and pleural effusion showed independent association with IL-6 elevation [respective OR: 5.071 (95%CI = 2.226-11.548; p < 0.001) and 13.604 (95%CI = 3.463-53.449; p = 0.0001)]. Considering the cases without pleural effusion, the area under the curve of IL-6 to predict pneumococcal infection was 0.76 (95%CI = 0.66-0.86; p < 0.001). IL-6 increase is a potential biomarker of pneumococcal infection among children with CAP without pleural effusion upon admission.

Review of Evidence for Using Chest X-Rays for Active Tuberculosis Screening in Long-Term Care in Canada.

Background: People living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at high risk to develop active tuberculosis primarily as a result of reactivation of a latent TB infection, or endemic transmission between residents. Current national guidelines in Canada are to use a posterior-anterior and lateral chest X-ray to screen for TB for those over 65 years old, upon admission to a LTCF. Objective: To assess the available evidence for cost benefits of universal chest X-ray screening for new LTCF residents. Methodology: We conducted a search for all articles published until September 2018, in PubMed and WorlCat databases, in English, using a combination of key words: chest X-ray, chest radiography or CXR, long-term care, elderly, screening, and tuberculosis. We also reviewed publicly available guidelines for screening new residents to LTCF from across Canada. We report on a qualitative synthesis of the evidence in the documents retrieved. Results: The final review yielded four cost-effectiveness studies (2 of 4 conducted in countries with low incidence), one systematic review, one recommendation/editorial, and one cohort study. We found that in a tuberculosis low-incidence country the CXR cost per identified case was $672,298 CAD. Enacting a more targeted screening program, perhaps one that tests only those who previously had TB, or other high-risk medical conditions may enhance the cost-effectiveness. Recommendations: We suggest reviewing the screening policy for active TB in people entering LTCF, which is based on a CXR. The results indicate that a targeted search for active TB in people with symptoms or other high-risk medical conditions may be more cost-effective.

Severe pulmonary radiological manifestations are associated with a distinct biochemical profile in blood of tuberculosis patients with dysglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is thought to affect tuberculosis (TB) clinical presentation and treatment response. Whether DM impacts radiological manifestations of pulmonary TB is still not clear. This study investigated the impact of glycemic status on radiological manifestations of pulmonary TB cases and its relationship with concentration of biochemical parameters in peripheral blood. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study used data from 132 microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients from Lima, Peru, evaluated in a previous investigation performed between February and December 2017. Chest radiographs were analyzed by a radiologist and a pulmonologist. Radiographic lesions were identified as cavities, alveolar infiltrates and fibrous tracts. Hyperglycemia in TB patients was identified by use of fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance test. Clinical, biochemical and hematological parameters were also analyzed. RESULTS: TB patients with hyperglycemia presented more frequently with cavities, alveolar infiltrates and fibrous tracts than those with normoglycemia. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that patients with more diverse and higher number of lung lesions exhibited a distinct laboratorial profile characterized by heightened white blood cell counts and circulating levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and transaminases and simultaneously low levels of albumin and hemoglobin. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, prior TB, hemoglobin levels and acid-fast bacilli ≥2+ in sputum smears, demonstrated that presence of prediabetes or diabetes in TB patients was associated with increased odds of having 3 pulmonary lesion types (p = 0.003 and p < 0.01 respectively) or ≥ 4 lesions (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia (both DM and prediabetes) significantly affected the presentation of radiographic manifestations and the number of lesions in pulmonary TB patients as well as the biochemical profile in peripheral blood.

Signo de Chilaiditi como hallazgo incidental en un paciente con enfermedad respiratoria: reporte de caso / Chilaiditi sign as an incidental finding in a patient with respiratory disease: a case report

Resumen El signo de Chilaiditi es un hallazgo radiográfico infrecuente que consiste en la interposición de un asa intestinal entre el hígado y el diafragma. No existe etiología claramente establecida; sin embargo, se han planteado varias hipótesis que explican su presencia, entre ellos la hiperlaxitud de los ligamentos suspensorios del hígado, el aumento de la presión intraabdominal y la redundancia colónica. Al asociarse este hallazgo con síntomas gastrointestinales o respiratorios se denomina síndrome de Chilaiditi, y su tratamiento principalmente es sintomático, en casos excepcionales requiere abordaje quirúrgico. Este signo se encuentra usualmente de manera incidental y se ha visto una relación con enfermedad respiratoria crónica; pudiendo afectar su curso clínico, motivando a profundizar en el estudio integral. Se presenta el caso de un paciente adulto mayor, en seguimiento médico por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cuya radiografía de tórax evidencia la interposición de un asa intestinal entre la cúpula diafragmática derecha y el hígado. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(3):57-61.

Abstract The Chilaiditi sign is a rare radiographic finding, which consists in the interposition of an intestinal handle between the liver and the diaphragm. There is no clear etiology established, however, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain its presence, including the hyper-laxity of the liver suspensory ligaments, an increase on the intra-abdominal pressure and colonic redundancy. When this finding is associated with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms is called "Chilaiditi syndrome", and its treatment is mainly symptomatic; in exceptional cases a surgical approach is required. The Chilaiditi sign is usually an incidental finding, and a connection with chronic respiratory disease has been seen, and it could affect this pathology's clinical course, being this a motivation to deepen in an integral study. We present a case of an elder patient, being followed due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, whose chest X-ray shows interposition of an intestinal handle between the right diaphragmatic dome and the liver. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(3):57-61.

Ecografía pulmonar como herramienta diagnóstica de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en niños / Pulmonary echography as a diagnostic tool of pneumonia acquired in the community in children

Resumen La neumonía se define clínicamente como la presencia aguda de fiebre acompañada de síntomas y signos respiratorios que pueden estar o no acompañados de hallazgos radiográficos. Sin embargo, los signos y síntomas que acompañan la enfermedad en la edad pediátrica son inespecíficos. La radiografía de tórax continúa siendo la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico de neumonía. Contrario a esto, la radiografía de tórax no se recomienda de forma rutinaria ante la sospecha de neumonía. La tomografía y la resonancia magnética ofrecen mejores herramientas diagnósticas, aunque todas conllevan a una exposición a radiación ionizante y a un mayor costo en los servicios de salud. Es conocido que la radiación ionizante es capaz de causar potencialmente daños a los tejidos y más aún en los niños. En los últimos años, diferentes estudios proponen la ecografía pulmonar como ayuda diagnóstica para la neumonía al ofrecer ventajas como no requerir uso de sedantes, no expone a radiación ionizante, fácil transporte y ofrece mejor resolución en lo referente al diagnóstico de septos. Muchos estudios han demostrado la efectividad de la ecografia pulmonar para el diagnóstico de la neumonía. Un metaanálisis reciente reportó una sensibilidad de 96 % (IC95 % 94-97 %) y una especificidad del 93 % (IC95 % 90-96 %) de la ecografía pulmonar para el diagnóstico para la neumonía. Deduciendo que la ecografía pulmonar se proyecta como una herramienta diagnóstica para la neumonía, llegando a ser igual o superior a la radiografía de tórax.

Abstract Pneumonia is defined clinically as the acute presence of fever accompanied by respiratory symptoms and signs that may or may not be accompanied by radiographic findings. However, the signs and symptoms that accompany the disease in the pediatric age are nonspecific. Chest radiography continues to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of pneumonia. Contrary to this, chest radiography is not routinely recommended in case of suspected pneumonia. The tomography and the magnetic resonance offer better diagnostic tools, nevertheless these, along with the x-ray, lead to an exposure to ionizing radiation and to a greater cost in the health services. It is known that ionizing radiation is capable of potentially causing damage to tissues and even more so in children. In recent years, different studies have proposed pulmonary ultrasound as a diagnostic aid for pneumonia, offering advantages such as not requiring the use of sedatives, exposure to ionizing radiation, easy transport and offering better resolution regarding the diagnosis of septa. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of pulmonary ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumonia. A recent meta-analysis reported a sensitivity of 96% (95% CI 94-97%) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI 90-96%) for pulmonary ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumonia. Deducing that the pulmonary ultrasound is projected as a diagnostic tool for pneumonia, being equal or superior to chest radiography.

Predictors of Intrathoracic Injury after Blunt Torso Trauma in Children Presenting to an Emergency Department as Trauma Activations.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic injuries are a major cause of death associated with blunt trauma in children. Screening for injury with chest x-ray study, compared with chest computed tomography (CT) scan, has been controversial, weighing the benefits of specificity with the detriment of radiation exposure. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of thoracic injury in children presenting as trauma activations to a Level I trauma center after blunt torso trauma, and to compare these predictors with those previously reported in the literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who presented to the Emergency Department of a Level I trauma center between June 2010 and June 2013 as a trauma activation after sustaining a blunt torso trauma and who received diagnostic imaging of the chest as part of their initial evaluation. RESULTS: Data analysis was performed on 166 patients. There were 33 patients (20%) with 45 abnormalities detected on diagnostic imaging of the chest, with the most common abnormalities being lung contusion (36%), pneumothorax (22%), and rib fracture (13%). Statistically significant predictors of abnormal diagnostic imaging of the chest included Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) < 15 (27% with abnormality vs. 13% without abnormality), hypoxia (22% vs. 5%), syncope/loss of consciousness (55% vs. 35%), cervical spine tenderness (12% vs. 3%), thoraco-lumbar-sacral spine tenderness (41% vs. 17%), and abdominal/pelvic tenderness (12% vs. 3%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, predictors of thoracic injury in children after blunt torso trauma include GCS < 15, hypoxia, syncope/dizziness, cervical spine tenderness, thoraco-lumbar-sacral spine tenderness, and abdominal/pelvic tenderness.