Implantación de un protocolo de angio-TC coronaria basado en el índice de masa corporal: reducción de dosis, calidad de imagen y rendimiento diagnóstico / Implementing a coronary CT angiography protocol based on the body mass index: radiation dose reduction, image quality, and diagnostic performance

Objetivos: Valorar la relación entre el score de calcio coronario y la elección posterior del kilovoltaje según el criterio del radiólogo en un protocolo estándar (PE) de angio-TC coronaria (aTCC) para descartar enfermedad coronaria. Cuantificar la reducción de la radiación ionizante después de vincular el kilovoltaje al índice de masa corporal en un protocolo de baja dosis (PBD) con reconstrucción iterativa de modelado. Valorar la calidad de imagen y el rendimiento diagnóstico del PBD. Material y método: Las características antropométricas, el score de calcio, los niveles de kilovoltaje y los valores de dosis estimada específica para el tamaño (SSDE) y del producto dosis-longitud fueron comparados entre un grupo de 50 pacientes con PBD reclutados prospectivamente y una cohorte histórica adquirida con el PE. Estos parámetros, el número de segmentos coronarios no valorables sin y con tolerancia de fase, la atenuación y la relación señal-ruido en la aorta ascendente en el PBD fueron correlacionados con una calidad de imagen de nivel excelente según una escala semicuantitativa. El rendimiento diagnóstico por paciente fue calculado usando la revaloración clínica a los 24 meses como el método diagnóstico de referencia, incluyendo las pruebas derivadas. Resultados: En el PE existía una relación entre la presencia de calcio coronario y la elección de kilovoltajes altos (p=0,02), que desaparecía en el PBD (p=0,47). Los valores de SSDE y de DLP en el PBD fueron significativamente inferiores y presentaron menor dispersión que en el PE (9,22 mGy [RIQ 7,84-12,1 mGy] y 97 mGy*cm [RIQ 78-134 mGy*cm] contra 26,5 mGy [RIQ 21,3-36,3 mGy] y 253 mGy*cm [RIQ 216-404 mGy*cm]; p <0,001 para las comparaciones de las medianas y de las dispersiones entre ambos grupos)...(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the relation between the coronary calcium score and the posterior choice of kilovoltage according to radiologists’ criteria in a standard coronary CT angiography protocol to rule out coronary disease. To quantify the reduction in ionizing radiation after linking kilovoltage to patients’ body mass index in a low-dose protocol with iterative model reconstruction. To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of the low-dose protocol. Material and methods: We compared anthropometric characteristics, calcium score, kilovoltage levels, size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), and the dose-length product (DLP) between a group of 50 patients who were prospectively recruited to undergo coronary CT angiography with a low-dose protocol and a historical group of 50 patients who underwent coronary CT angiography with the standard protocol. We correlated these parameters, the number of coronary segments that could not be evaluated with and without temporal padding, the attenuation, and the signal-to-noise ratio in the ascending aorta in the low-dose protocol with excellent imaging quality according to a semiquantitative scale. To calculate the diagnostic performance per patient, we used 24-month clinical follow-up including all tests as the gold standard. Results: In the standard protocol, the presence of coronary calcium correlated with the selection of high kilovoltage (P=0.02); this correlation was not found in the low-dose protocol (P=0.47). Median values of SSDE and DLP were significantly (P<0.001) lower and less dispersed in the low-dose protocol [9.22 mGy (IQR 7.84-12.1 mGy) vs. 26.5 mGy (IQR 21.3-36.3 mGy) in the standard protocol] and [97mGy*cm (IQR 78-134mGy*cm) vs. 253mGy*cm (IQR 216-404mGy*cm) in the standard protocol], respectively...(AU)

Implementing a coronary CT angiography protocol based on the body mass index: Radiation dose reduction, image quality, and diagnostic performance.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between the coronary calcium score and the posterior choice of kilovoltage according to radiologists' criteria in a standard coronary CT angiography protocol to rule out coronary disease. To quantify the reduction in ionizing radiation after linking kilovoltage to patients' body mass index in a low-dose protocol with iterative model reconstruction. To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of the low-dose protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared anthropometric characteristics, calcium score, kilovoltage levels, size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), and the dose-length product (DLP) between a group of 50 patients who were prospectively recruited to undergo coronary CT angiography with a low-dose protocol and a historical group of 50 patients who underwent coronary CT angiography with the standard protocol. We correlated these parameters, the number of coronary segments that could not be evaluated with and without temporal padding, the attenuation, and the signal-to-noise ratio in the ascending aorta in the low-dose protocol with excellent imaging quality according to a semiquantitative scale. To calculate the diagnostic performance per patient, we used 24-month clinical follow-up including all tests as the gold standard. RESULTS: In the standard protocol, the presence of coronary calcium correlated with the selection of high kilovoltage (p = 0.02); this correlation was not found in the low-dose protocol (p = 0.47). Median values of SSDE and DLP were significantly (p < 0.001) lower and less dispersed in the low-dose protocol [9.22 mGy (IQR 7.84-12.1 mGy) vs. 26.5 mGy (IQR 21.3-36.3 mGy) in the standard protocol] and [97 mGy cm (IQR 78-134 mGy cm) vs. 253 mGy cm (IQR 216-404 mGy cm) in the standard protocol], respectively. The overall quality of the images obtained with the low-dose protocol was considered good or excellent in 96% of the studies. The parameters associated with image quality in a multivariable model (C statistic = 0.792) were heart rate (estimated coefficient, -0,12 [95% confidence interval: -0.2, -0.04]; p < 0.01) and the SSDE (estimated coefficient, -0,26 [95% confidence interval: -0.51, -0.01]; p < 0.05). The CAD-RADS modifier for a not fully evaluable or diagnostic study was used on two occasions (4%); the final measures for the diagnosis of coronary disease were sensitivity 100%, specificity 94%, and efficacy 94%. CONCLUSIONS: In the standard protocol, the radiologist selects higher kilovoltage for CT angiography studies for patients whose previous calcium score indicates the presence of coronary calcium. In the low-dose protocol, linking kilovoltage with body mass index enables the dose of radiation to be reduced by 65% while obtaining excellent or good image quality in 96% of studies and excellent diagnostic performance.

What do we see when we do not see the bladder? Review of the main urinary diversion techniques and their complications.

OBJECTIVE: To review the different types of urinary diversion surgeries (UDS) in order to recognize the expected findings in a postoperative study, using different imaging techniques. To recognize the main postoperative complications, both early and late. CONCLUSION: UDS are surgical procedures whose purpose is to redirect urine flow after cystectomy, generally in an oncologic context. The imaging evaluation of urological surgeries is often a radiological challenge, with CT being the most commonly used image modality. Therefore, it is essential to know the main surgical techniques, the expected postoperative findings and the optimization of imaging techniques for early diagnosis and correct evaluation of postoperative complications.

Chronic expanding hematoma.

Chronic expansive hematoma (CEH) is a rare lesion, characterized by the persistence and increase in size of an hematoma for a period greater than one month since the initial hemorrhage. The clinical importance of this pathology is due to the fact that it can simulate malignant soft tissue neoplasms, both clinically as a result of its progressive growth and radiologically for its findings in imaging studies. This article will review three cases of CEH in different scenarios, explaining the radiological findings in different imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET-CT.

Actualización sobre el meningioma: correlación clínico-radiológica y radio-patológica / Update on meningioma: Clinical-radiological and radio-pathological correlation

Los meningiomas son tumores que se originan en las vellosidades aracnoideas y que constituyen la neoplasia no glial más común en el sistema nervioso central. Las manifestaciones clínicas asociadas al meningioma dependen, fundamentalmente, de su localización. La ubicación en la convexidad cerebral es las más frecuente, especialmente en lóbulos frontales, manifestándose con cefalea, alteraciones motoras, convulsiones e, incluso, con trastornos neurocognitivos. Existen 15 subtipos histológicos de meningioma y 3 grados histológicos. Dentro de estos, los grados 2 y 3 tienen un peor pronóstico y una mayor tasa de recurrencia, así como un comportamiento radiológico, por lo general, más agresivo. Aunque existen algunas características de imagen que pueden permitir demostrar un subtipo concreto, el diagnóstico definitivo siempre requerirá la confirmación histológica/molecular.(AU)

Meningiomas are tumors that originate in the arachnoid villi and are the most common non-glial neoplasm in the central nervous system. The clinical manifestations associated with meningioma depend, fundamentally, on its location. The location in the cerebral convexity is the most frequent, especially in the frontal lobes, manifesting with headache, motor disturbances, seizures and even neurocognitive disorders. There are 15 histologic subtypes of meningioma and three histologic grades. Within these, grades two and three have a worse prognosis and a higher rate of recurrence, as well as a radiological behavior that is generally more aggressive. Although there are some imaging features that can suggest a specific subtype, the definitive diagnosis will always require histological/molecular confirmation.(AU)

Update on meningioma: Clinical-radiological and radio-pathological correlation.

Meningiomas are tumors that originate in the arachnoid villi and are the most common non-glial neoplasm in the central nervous system. The clinical manifestations associated with meningioma depend, fundamentally, on its location. The location in the cerebral convexity is the most frequent, especially in the frontal lobes, manifesting with headache, motor disturbances, seizures and even neurocognitive disorders. There are 15 histologic subtypes of meningioma and three histologic grades. Within these, grades two and three have a worse prognosis and a higher rate of recurrence, as well as a radiological behavior that is generally more aggressive. Although there are some imaging features that can suggest a specific subtype, the definitive diagnosis will always require histological/molecular confirmation.

Bowel obstruction: signs indicating the need for urgent surgery.

Bowel obstruction is common in emergency departments. Obstruction is more common in the small bowel than in the large bowel. The most common cause is postsurgical adhesions. Nowadays, bowel obstruction is diagnosed with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). MDCT studies for suspected bowel obstruction should focus on four points that need to be mentioned in the report: confirming the obstruction, determining whether there is a single transition point or whether the obstruction is found in a closed loop, establishing the cause of the obstruction, and seeking signs of complications. Identifying signs of ischemia is important in the management of the patient because it enables patients at higher risk of poor outcomes after conservation treatment who could benefit from early surgical intervention to avoid greater morbidity and mortality associated with strangulation and ischemia of the obstructed bowel loop.

Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM.

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes.

Recomendaciones sobre el uso de la tomografía computarizada en el código ictus: Documento de consenso SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM / Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM

La Sociedad Española de Radiología de Urgencias (SERAU), la Sociedad Española de Neurorradiología (SENR), la Sociedad Española de Neurología a través de su Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares (GEECV-SEN) y la Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica (SERAM) se han reunido para redactar este documento de consenso que repasará el uso de la tomografía computarizada en el código ictus, centrándose en sus indicaciones, la técnica para su correcta adquisición y las posibles causas de error en su interpretación (AU)

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes (AU)

Adrenal pheochromocytoma: Keys to radiologic diagnosis.

Pheochromocytomas are adrenal paragangliomas. Potentially malignant, these tumors have a low incidence but clear importance. They can appear in various hereditary syndromes, especially in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia-2 (MEN2), and familial paraganglioma syndromes. In sporadic cases, underlying genetic alterations are often found, and these findings are changing our understanding of the disease. Although these tumors can manifest with a characteristic clinical presentation, in 13.1%-57.6% of cases, it is the radiologist who first suggests the diagnosis, indicating analyses for catecholamines or nuclear medicine examinations. Radiologists should suspect a pheochromocytoma on detection of a well-delimited adrenal mass with rapid, intense enhancement that typically shows cystic and hemorrhagic phenomena, high T2 signal intensity, and the absence of macroscopic or microscopic lipids. The behavior in diffusion-weighted imaging usually does not provide very useful information. Approximately one-third of lesions show late washout similar to that seen with adenomas on CT. Percutaneous puncture should be avoided to avoid the risk of unleashing a severe hypertensive crisis.

Feocromocitoma adrenal. Claves para el diagnóstico radiológico / Adrenal pheochromocytoma: keys to radiologic diagnosis

El feocromocitoma es un paraganglioma adrenal potencialmente maligno, con baja incidencia, pero relevancia evidente. Puede aparecer en varios síndromes hereditarios, especialmente von Hippel-Lindau, neoplasia endocrina múltiple 2 y paraganglioma familiar. En casos esporádicos subyacen también frecuentemente alteraciones genéticas que están cambiando el paradigma de la enfermedad.Aunque puede tener una presentación clínica característica, en un 13,1-57,6% de los casos es el radiólogo el primero en sugerirlo, indicando determinaciones analíticas de catecolaminas o exploraciones de Medicina Nuclear.Debe sospecharse ante una masa adrenal bien delimitada con realce intenso y rápido, mostrando característicamente fenómenos quísticos y hemorrágicos, alta señal en T2 y ausencia de lípidos macro o microscópicos. El comportamiento en difusión no suele aportar información muy relevante. Aproximadamente un tercio presentan lavado tardío similar al del adenoma en TC. Debe evitarse su punción percutánea ante su sospecha, por el riesgo de desencadenar una crisis hipertensiva grave.(AU)

Pheochromocytomas are adrenal paragangliomas. Potentially malignant, these tumors have a low incidence but clear importance. They can appear in various hereditary syndromes, especially in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia-2 (MEN2), and familial paraganglioma syndromes. In sporadic cases, underlying genetic alterations are often found, and these findings are changing our understanding of the disease.Although these tumors can manifest with a characteristic clinical presentation, in 13.1% to 57.6% of cases, it is the radiologist who first suggests the diagnosis, indicating analyses for catecholamines or nuclear medicine examinations.Radiologists should suspect a pheochromocytoma on detection of a well-delimited adrenal mass with rapid, intense enhancement that typically shows cystic and hemorrhagic phenomena, high T2 signal intensity, and the absence of macroscopic or microscopic lipids. The behavior in diffusion-weighted imaging usually does not provide very useful information. Approximately one-third of lesions show late washout similar to that seen with adenomas on CT. Percutaneous puncture should be avoided to avoid the risk of unleashing a severe hypertensive crisis.(AU)

Enfoque del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo desde el momento inicial en el servicio de urgencias / Initial Approach to Acute Pulmonary Embolism since the Initial Moment in the Emergency Department / Abordagem para tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo desde o momento inicial no departamento de emergência

El tromboembolismo pulmonar es la manifestación más grave de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa y la tercera causa de mortalidad cardiovascular. Su sintomatología puede ir desde un cuadro asintomático o con síntomas leves, hasta el paro cardiaco. Dentro del enfoque de esta patología es importante tener en cuenta escalas que permiten estimar la probabilidad de que determinado paciente con ciertos signos, síntomas y factores de riesgo presente un tromboembolismo pulmonar, así como escalas diseñadas para valorar el riesgo de morir, en pacientes en los que ya se estableció este diagnóstico. Los pilares del tratamiento son la anticoagulación y la trombólisis, sin embargo, esta última está indicada únicamente en algunos casos. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo presentar una actualización de la evidencia sobre el enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo, desde el ingreso del paciente al servicio de urgencias.

Pulmonary embolism is the most severe manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease and the third cause of cardiovascular mortality. Its symptoms can range from asymp-tomatic or mild symptoms to cardiac arrest. The approach to patients with suspected pulmonary embolism includes scores that allow estimating the clinical probability that a certain patient with certain signs, symptoms and risk factors will present a pulmonary thromboembolism, as well as scores that classify patients by severity and risk of hemody-namic decompensation. Treatment is based on anticoagulation and thrombolysis, which is used only in certain patients. The goal of this review is to present updated evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism from the moment the patient arrives at the emergency room.

A embolia pulmonar é a manifestação mais grave da doença tromboembólica venosa e a terceira principal causa de mortalidade cardiovascular. Seus sintomas podem variar de sintomas assintomáticos ou leves a parada cardíaca. No enfoque desta patologia, é importante levar em consideração escalas que permitem estimar a probabilidade de um determinado paciente com determinados sinais, sintomas e fatores de risco apresentar tromboembolismo pulmonar, bem como escalas destinadas a avaliar o risco de morrer, em pacientes nos quais esse diagnóstico já foi estabelecido. Os pilares do tratamento são a anticoagulação e a trombólise, porém, esta última está indicada apenas em alguns casos. A presente revisão tem como objetivo apresentar uma atualização das evidências sobre a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica do tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo, desde a admissão do paciente no pronto-socorro.

COVID-19 en imagen tomográfica por energía dual

RESUMEN En diciembre de 2019 se informaron casos de una neumonía grave en la ciudad de Wuhan, China. En enero de 2020 fue identificado el nuevo virus, SARS-CoV-2, que producía esta enfermedad altamente contagiosa denominada COVID-19, y alcanzó nivel de epidemia en marzo de ese propio año. Existe un protocolo establecido para su diagnóstico, donde se encuentran los estudios de imagen, entre ellas la tomografía de tórax con técnica de energía dual. Las características de los hallazgos anatómicos pulmonares y vasculares en las imágenes tomográficas de pacientes con COVID-19, su distribución, y la relación con el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de los síntomas, juegan un papel importante en el control y tratamiento de esta enfermedad, lo que refleja el valor diagnóstico de esta técnica.

ABSTRACT In December 2019 some cases of a severe pneumonia were reported in the city of Wuhan, China. In January 2020, the new virus, SARS-CoV-2, which produced this highly contagious disease called COVID-19, was identified and it reached epidemic level in March 2020. There is an established protocol for its diagnosis, which includes imaging studies, including chest dual energy computed tomography. The characteristics of pulmonary and vascular anatomical findings in tomographic images of patients with COVID-19, their distribution, and their relationship with the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms, play an important role in the control and treatment of this disease, reflecting the diagnostic value of this technique.

Hallazgos tomográficos posoperatorios en pacientes con traumatismos torácicos / Tomographic postoperative findings in patients with thoracic trauma

Introducción: El trauma torácico se encuentra entre las primeras causas de muerte, fundamentalmente en personas jóvenes. Objetivos: Caracterizar a una población operada por traumatismos torácicos según variables clinicoepidemiológicas y describir los hallazgos tomográficos posquirúrgicos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 48 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Radiología del Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, de enero del 2016 a diciembre del 2018, a los cuales se les realizó tomografía computarizada multidetector. Resultados: Los traumas torácicos predominaron en personas jóvenes del sexo masculino, asociadas fundamentalmente a acciones violentas que provocaron traumas abiertos. La contusión pulmonar resultó ser el hallazgo tomográfico inicial más frecuente, en tanto, el neumotórax persistente y el hemotórax coagulado constituyeron los hallazgos tomográficos más influyentes en la decisión de una reintervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones: La tomografía es un medio diagnóstico que permite una descripción detallada del estado posoperatorio de los órganos afectados, con un alto valor orientativo para decidir procedimientos quirúrgicos posteriores.

Introduction: The thoracic trauma is among the first causes of death, fundamentally in young people. Objectives: To characterize a population operated due to thoracic trauma according to clinical epidemiological variables and describe the postsurgical tomographic findings. Methods: An observational and descriptive study of 48 patients assisted in the Radiology Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to December, 2018, to whom a multidetector computed tomography was carried out. Results: The thoracic traumas prevailed in young male people, fundamentally associated with violent actions that caused open traumas. The lung contusion was the most frequent initial tomographic finding, as long as, the persistent pneumothorax and the coagulated hemothorax constituted the most influential tomographic findings in the decision of a surgical reintervention. Conclusions: Tomography is a diagnostic means that allows a detailed description of the postoperative state in the affected organs, with a high orientative value to decide later surgical procedures.

Incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy after a computed tomography scan.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The term contrast-induced nephropathy is used to describe acute deterioration of renal function after the intravenous administration of iodinated contrast material. We aimed to estimate the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy and to analyze the evolution of different biomarkers of renal function in patients who underwent computed tomography with intravenous contrast administration after premedication with oral hydration and N-acetylcysteine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 112 patients with chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 30ml-60ml/min/1.73m2) scheduled for computed tomography with intravenous iodinated contrast material. We recorded demographic variables, dose of contrast material, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and serum hemoglobin. We measured serum creatinine and GFR after premedication and after the CT examination. We summarized variables as means, standard deviations, and percentages. We used the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests to compare pre- and post-CT values and Pearson's r to analyze correlations. RESULTS: Incidence acute kidney injury: 0.9%; 95%CI: 0.36-1.4. Mean difference between pre- and post-CT creatinine: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.002-0.09, p<0.004. Mean difference between pre- and post-CT GFR: -3.06; 95%CI: -4.66 to -1.47), p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic renal failure and GFR 30ml-60ml/min/1.73m2 is low. The biomarkers of renal function analyzed improve in patients who receive premedication and the minimum dose of contrast material.

Evaluación morfométrica del complejo estilohioideo mediante tomografía computarizada multicorte / Morphometric assessment of the stylohioid complex by multislice computed tomography

Objetivo: Estudiar morfométricamente el complejo estilohioideo (CEH) mediante tomografía computarizada multicorte (TCM). Materiales y métodos: Investigación descriptiva, retrospectiva y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 238 estudios de TCM, pertenecientes a pacientes de ambos sexos con edades entre 20 y 87 años, con indicación de tomografía para el macizo craneofacial. Se realizó la medición de la longitud del CEH en vistas laterales de reconstrucciones volumétricas en 3D. Se obtuvo la distribución de estos casos de acuerdo con edad, sexo, lateralidad, tipo de osificación y motivo de indicación del examen. Resultados: La longitud media del CEH fue de 30,66 ± 10,58 mm. Del total de la muestra, 127 (53,4%) individuos mostraron un CEH elongado; de estos, un 63,8% fueron mujeres y un 64,6% de los pacientes presentó un compromiso bilateral del complejo. La mayoría de los sujetos con un CEH elongado tenían edades comprendidas entre 30 y 59 años. El tipo de osificación encontrada con mayor frecuencia fue del tipo I (elongación continua). En cuanto al motivo de indicación del examen, la mayoría de los pacientes fueron referidos para estudio de la articulación temporomandibular. Conclusiones: La TCM es una herramienta útil en la identificación y el estudio morfométrico de la osificación del CEH, tanto en su longitud como tipo. El examen de un CEH osificado es importante para el diagnóstico diferencial de dolor cervicofacial y disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular. (AU)

Objective: tomography (MCT). Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study. The sample was made up of 238 MCT studies performed in patients of both sexes between 20 to 87 years of age, with indication of tomography of the craniofacial complex. The length of the SHC was measured in lateral views of 3D volumetric reconstructions. The distribution of these cases was obtained according to age, sex, laterality, type and the reason for the examination. Results: The mean length of the SHC was 30.66 ± 10.58 mm. Of the total sample, 127 (53.4%) individuals showed an elongated SHC; of these, 63.8% were women and 64.6% of the patients presented a bilateral compromise of the complex. Most of the subjects with an elongated SHC were between 30 and 59 years old. The type of ossification most frequently found was type I (continuous elongation). Regarding the reason for the examination, most of the individuals were referred for study of the temporomandibular joint. Conclusions: MCT is a useful tool for the identification and morphometric study of ossification of the SHC, both in length and type. Examination of an ossified SHC is important for the differential diagnosis of cervico-facial pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. (AU)

Diameter measurements and variations of the hepatic arterial system in multidetector computed tomography images / Mediciones de diámetro y variaciones del sistema arterial hepático en imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector

SUMMARY: Liver plays an important role in many events such as bile production, blood filtration and metabolic functions. The liver is supplied by the hepatic arterial system. The hepatic arterial system anatomy has a variable structure and the rate of variation is high. In our study, we aimed to determine the diameters and variation of the arteries supplying the liver with multidetector computed tomography images. In this study, hepatic arterial system variations of 500 cases whose abdominal region was imaged with multi- detector computed tomography were evaluated and the diameters of the related arteries were measured. The mean diameters of classical and variational anatomy were determined in this study. According to mean measurements of classical and variational anatomy were abdominal aorta 21.95 mm, celiac artery 7.2 mm, common hepatic artery 4.3 mm, proper hepatic artery 2.93 mm, right hepatic artery 2.92 mm, left hepatic artery 2.51 mm and abdominal aorta 21.85 mm, celiac artery 6.99 mm, common hepatic artery 5.07 mm, proper hepatic artery 3.83 mm, right hepatic artery 2.87 mm ve left hepatic artery 2.09 mm respectively. When evaluated in terms of variations, 85.6 % of the cases had branching according to Type I, 14.4 % of the cases had different branching patterns. Type III (87.5 %) was the most observed variation among them. As a result of the study, it was determined that the arterial diameters vary according to the state of variation and that the arterial diameter of men are greater than that of women.

RESUMEN: El hígado juega un papel importante en diferentes eventos, tal como la producción de bilis, la filtración de sangre y las funciones metabólicas. El hígado está irrigado por el sistema arterial hepático. La anatomía del sistema arterial hepático tiene una estructura variable y la tasa de variación es alta. En nuestro estudio, nuestro objetivo fue determinar los diámetros y la variación de las arterias que irrigan el hígado con imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector. Se evaluaron las variaciones del sistema arterial hepático de 500 casos y se obtuvieron imágenes con tomografía computarizada de detectores múltiples abdominales y se midieron los diámetros de las arterias relacionadas. Se determinaron los diámetros medios de la anatomía clásica y variacional. Según las medidas medias de la anatomía clásica y variacional fueron aorta abdominal 21,95 mm, arteria celíaca 7,2 mm, arteria hepática común 4,3 mm, arteria hepática propia 2,93 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,92 mm, arteria hepática izquierda arteria 2,51 mm y parte abdominal de la aorta 21,85 mm, arteria celíaca 6,99 mm, arteria hepática común 5,07 mm, arteria hepática propia 3,83 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,87 mm y arteria hepática izquierda 2,09 respectivamente. Cuando se evaluó en términos de variaciones, el 85,6 % de los casos tenían ramificaciones según el Tipo I, el 14,4 % de los casos tenían diferentes patrones de ramificación. El tipo III (87,5 %) fue la variación más observada entre ellos. Como resultado del estudio, se determinó que los diámetros arteriales varían según el estado de variación y que el diámetro arterial de los hombres es mayor que el de las mujeres.

Principales medidas anatómicas de las cavidades cardíacas y grandes vasos por tomografía computarizada cardíaca de doble fuente / Main anatomical sizes of the cardiac chambers and great vessels by dual-source cardiac computed tomography

RESUMEN Introducción: Los avances tecnológicos en tomografía computarizada han hecho posible la evaluación de estructuras pequeñas y móviles, como las arterias coronarias y el resto del corazón. La tomografía cardíaca aporta información anatómica y funcional. Objetivo: Identificar los valores de las principales medidas anatómicas de las cavidades cardíacas y los grandes vasos, y compararlos con los valores de referencia utilizados. Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico de investigación y desarrollo con un universo de 325 pacientes normotensos, no obesos, sin enfermedad estructural cardiopulmonar o de grandes vasos, arritmia o enfermedad coronaria significativa, de donde se seleccionaron 100 pacientes por muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple, a quienes se les realizó tomografía computarizada cardíaca de doble fuente en el Cardiocentro Ernesto Che Guevara, Santa Clara, Cuba. Resultados: Las mediciones ventriculares izquierda y derecha mostraron diferencias con la mayoría de los valores referenciales. Los diámetros de la aorta, aumentaron con la edad, fueron superiores en los hombres y difieren de los valores de referencia con excepción del medido en eje corto de la raíz aórtica en telediástole, y el diámetro en eje corto de la aorta descendente en telesístole. La arteria pulmonar mostró diferencias significativas con relación a los valores de referencia. Conclusiones: Las mediciones de las cavidades cardíacas y los grandes vasos basados en las técnicas tomográficas constituyen una necesidad en determinados grupos poblacionales para lograr una estandarización adecuada debido a su gran variabilidad en relación a distintas variables. La diferencia significativa con los valores de referencia indica le necesidad de estudios multicéntricos con poblaciones mayores para lograr su homogeneidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Technological advances in computed tomography have made it possible to assess small, mobile structures such as the coronary arteries and the rest of the heart. Cardiac tomography provides anatomical and functional information. Objective: To identify the values of the main anatomical sizes of the cardiac chambers and great vessels, and compare them with the reference values. Method: An analytical research and development study was conducted with a population of 325 normotensive, non-obese patients without cardiopulmonary or great vessel structural disease, arrhythmia or significant coronary artery disease. One hundred patients were selected by simple random probability sampling, who underwent dual-source cardiac computed tomography at the Cardiocentro Ernesto Che Guevara, Santa Clara, Cuba. Results: Left and right ventricular measurements showed differences when compared with most reference values. Aortic diameters increased with age. They were higher in men and were different from the reference values except for the short-axis diameter of the aortic root in end-diastole and short-axis diameter of the descending aorta in end-systole. The pulmonary artery showed significant differences in relation to the reference values. Conclusions: Measurements of cardiac chambers and great vessels by tomographic techniques are necessary in certain population groups to achieve adequate standardization due to their great variability in relation to different variables. The significant difference with the reference values indicates the need for multicenter studies with larger populations to achieve homogeneity.

Metástasis cardíaca en paciente con cáncer de colon: Informe de un caso / Cardiac metastasis in colon cancer: A case report

RESUMEN Las masas cardíacas constituyen un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. Muchas veces se descubren casualmente y la evaluación confirma, finalmente, la presencia de un tumor cardíaco. Estos son neoplasias originadas en cualquier capa del corazón y se dividen en primarios y secundarios. Los primarios tienen una incidencia en autopsias de 0,001 - 0,03%, que contrasta con la frecuencia 20-40 veces mayor de los secundarios. Se presenta un paciente de 28 años de edad diagnosticado 1 año antes de adenocarcinoma de colon transverso infiltrante, en quien hace 3 meses se constató metástasis a cadena ganglionar intraabdominal y se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico más quimioterapia. Posteriormente comenzó con taquicardia y acudió a su centro de salud donde se le realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico que constató una imagen de aspecto tumoral en ventrículo derecho. Por tomografía se demostró una masa tumoral compleja inoperable y el paciente falleció en su hogar, bajo cuidados paliativos, un mes y medio después del egreso.

ABSTRACT Cardiac masses are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. They are often found incidentally and assessment eventually confirms the presence of a heart tumor. They are neoplasms that originate in any layer of the heart and are divided into primary and secondary. The primary ones have a 0.001 - 0.03% incidence in autopsies, contrasting with the 20-40 times higher frequency of the secondary ones. We present the case of a 28-year-old patient diagnosed one year before with infiltrating transverse colon adenocarcinoma in whom intra-abdominal lymph node chain metastases were confirmed three months ago, receiving surgical treatment and chemotherapy. Later, he began with tachycardia and presented to his health care center where a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, which showed a tumor-like image in the right ventricle. The CT-scan showed an unresectable complex tumor mass and the patient died at home, under palliative care, a month or so after discharge.

Utilidad de la TC espectral cardíaca para la evaluación de complicaciones trombóticas en pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico / Usefulness of Spectral Cardiac Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Thrombotic Complications in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la angiotomografía computada (TC) espectral cardíaca en pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Material y métodos: En el contexto de pandemia de COVID-19 incorporamos la utilización de la TC espectral cardíaca en pacientes con ACVi para descartar en una única sesión, tanto fuentes cardioembólicas (FCE) como la presencia de complicaciones trombóticas o daño miocárdico. A partir de julio de 2020 incorporamos una adquisición tardía a las TC cardíacas en contexto de ACVi. Se presentan cuatro casos representativos sobre su utilidad y hallazgos cardiovasculares. Resultados: Se presentan cuatro casos registrados en un lapso de 40 días. Dos pacientes con FCE (aorta y orejuela izquierda) y dos con ACVi de origen indeterminado donde se evidenció miocardiopatía (isquémica y no isquémica). Conclusiones: En el contexto del ACVi, la TC espectral cardíaca, que incluía adquisición tardía, permitiría, eventualmente, descartar la presencia de FCE e identificar la etiología subyacente.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of spectral cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: In the setting of COVID-19 pandemic, we incorporated the use of spectral cardiac CT in patients with ischemic stroke to rule out the presence of cardioembolic sources, thrombotic complications or myocardial damage in a single session. Since July 2020, a delayed-phase image acquisition was incorporated to cardiac CT scans in the context of ischemic stroke. We describe four representative cases of the usefulness of the method and the cardiovascular findings. Results: We present four cases recorded recorded within a 40-day period. Two patients with patients with cardioembolic source (aorta and left atrial appendage) and two with ischemic stroke of undetermined source with evidence of cardiomyopathy (ischemic and non-ischemic). Conclusions: In the setting of ischemic stroke, spectral cardiac CT with delayed acquisition could be useful to rule out the presence of cardioembolic sources and identify the underlying etiology.