Assessment of knee instability in ACL-injured knees using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT): a novel protocol and preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a protocol for assessing knee instability in ACL-injured knees using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled five patients with unilateral chronic ACL tears referred for WBCT. Bilateral images were obtained in four positions: bilateral knee extension, bilateral knee flexion, single-leg stance with knee flexion and external rotation, and single-leg stance with knee flexion and internal rotation. The radiation dose, time for protocol acquisition, and patients' tolerance of the procedure were recorded. A blinded senior radiologist assessed image quality and measured the anterior tibial translation (ATT) and femorotibial rotation (FTR) angle in the ACL-deficient and contralateral healthy knee. RESULTS: All five patients were male, aged 23-30 years old. The protocol resulted in a 16.2 mGy radiation dose and a 15-min acquisition time. The procedure was well-tolerated, and patient positioning was uneventful, providing good-quality images. In all positions, the mean ATT and FTR were greater in ACL-deficient knees versus the healthy knee, with more pronounced differences observed in the bilateral knee flexion position. Mean lateral ATT in the flexion position was 9.1±2.8 cm in the ACL-injured knees versus 4.0±1.8 cm in non-injured knees, and mean FTR angle in the bilateral flexion position was 13.5°±7.7 and 8.6°±4.6 in the injured and non-injured knees, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our protocol quantitatively assesses knee instability with WBCT, measuring ATT and FTR in diverse knee positions. It employs reasonable radiation, is fast, well-tolerated, and yields high-quality images. Preliminary findings suggest ACL-deficient knees show elevated ATT and FTR, particularly in the 30° flexion position.

Venous thrombosis: a mimic of musculoskeletal injury on MR imaging.

Clinical signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis and musculoskeletal pathologies frequently overlap. Sometimes, patients with venous thrombosis undergo MR examinations under an equivocal suspicion of muscle, tendon or articular injury. A low pretest clinical suspicion and lack of familiarity with the conventional MR imaging signs of venous thrombosis may result in failure to diagnose venous thrombosis, delaying treatment and raising morbimortality. In MR imaging, thrombosis presents as venous ectasia with intraluminal heterogeneous content. Small vein thrombosis is often identified as having a branching aspect. Perivenous edema and inflammatory soft tissue changes may be the most prominent findings. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate MR findings of venous thrombosis in patients who underwent MR examinations due to suspected musculoskeletal pathologies. Cases of venous thrombosis in different sites of the body diagnosed through MR are presented.

Shear wave elastography is a valuable tool for diagnosing and grading carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the shear velocity and stiffness of the median nerve (MN) with shear wave elastography (SWE) at the carpal tunnel entrance and determine whether SWE is useful for diagnosing and staging carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 58 patients (79 wrists) with clinical and electroneuromyographic diagnoses of CTS and 55 healthy controls (63 wrists). MN shear velocity and stiffness were measured by SWE on the axial plane in both groups. The differences between CTS patients and controls and between different grades of CTS based on electrodiagnostic tests were studied using Student's t test and ANOVA with ROC analysis. RESULTS: The mean MN shear velocity and stiffness were significantly greater in CTS patients (2.5 ± 0.37 m/s and 19.4 ± 5.8 kPa) than in controls (1.91 ± 0.24 m/s and 11.1 ± 3.0 kPa) (p < 0.001) and greater in the severe CTS group (2.69 ± 0.39 m/s and 22.4 ± 7.1 kPa) than in the mild CTS group (2.37 ± 0.35 m/s and 17.3 ± 4,8 kPa). The cutoff value for the shear velocity was 2.13 m/s, with 86% and 82% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, and the cutoff value for stiffness was 13.6 kPa, with 87% and 82% sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: MN shear velocity and stiffness are significantly higher in CTS patients. SWE can be used to diagnose CTS and distinguish between patients with mild and severe disease.

No Clinical or Radiographic Difference Seen in Arthroscopic Bankart Repair With Knotted Versus Knotless Suture Anchors: A Randomized Controlled Trial at Short-Term Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of labral lesions using knotted and knotless anchors. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with anterior labral lesions (bone defects of the glenoid up to 13.5% or up to 20% if the instability severity index score was less than 4) and without other shoulder pathologies were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 32 patients in each group. Clinical outcomes were assessed 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery by the Rowe score, Western Ontario shoulder instability index (WOSI), single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), visual analog scale for pain (VASp), range of motion, and rate of postoperative recurrence. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, and the anterior and inferior labrum glenoid height indexes and anterior and inferior labral slopes were measured. The primary endpoint was the Rowe score at 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, 24 in the knotted group and 27 in the knotless group, completed 24 months of follow-up. At 24 months, the Rowe scores were 81.7 ± 19.9 points and 85.9 ± 14 points, respectively (P = .623); the WOSI scores were 509.2 ± 480.1 points and 555.9 ± 393.6 points, respectively (P = .533); the SANE scores were 90.7 ± 18.7 points and 89.2 ± 14.8 points, respectively (P = .427); and the VASp scores were 1.7 ± 2.5 points and 2.5 ± 2.7 points, respectively (P = .275). There was no significant difference in range of motion, postoperative recurrence, or MRI parameters between the groups. All subjects (100%) in both groups exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of 9.7 for the Rowe score (P > .999). CONCLUSION: Repair of Bankart's lesion through the use of knotted and knotless suture anchors yielded similar clinical and radiographic results on analysis at 24 months after operation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I. Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the normal knee anterolateral ligament in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the anterolateral ligament (ALL) in normal knees of pediatric patients by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to establish the age at which it is possible to visualize its presence and whether there are differences between male and female populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI scans of patients younger than 18 years were retrospectively evaluated. The exams were performed in 1.5-T scanners. The ALL was characterized dichotomously as visualized or not visualized based on the assessment criteria of this structure in adult patients. The characterization of the ALL was divided according to sex and age. RESULTS: A total of 363 knee MRI scans were evaluated, 200 from male and 163 from female patients. The ALL was more frequently visualized in coronal sequences. The mean ALL visualization in pediatric patients was 69.4% and was lower in younger patients and higher in patients close to 18 years. It was not possible to visualize the ALL in female patients younger than 7 years or in male patients younger than 6 years. In patients between 17 and 18 years of age, the ALL was visualized in 100% of cases in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the ALL increased with age in both sexes. Only after age 13 in females and age 15 in males was visualization of the ALL close to 70%; thus, below these ages, we believe that the characterization of this structure with conventional protocols is still imprecise.

Anterolateral ligament abnormalities are associated with peripheral ligament and osseous injuries in acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament.

PURPOSE: Few studies have used MRI to identify the ALL. As it was shown that it is not possible to precisely characterize this ligament in all examination, it is important to identify concomitant lesions that can help in diagnosing ALL abnormalities. It is important to characterise this injury due to its association with anterolateral knee instability. Thus, the present study was performed to determine the frequency of ALL injuries in patients with acute ACL rupture and to analyse its associated knee lesions. METHODS: Patients with acute ACL injuries were evaluated by MRI. Among this population, the ALL was classified as non-visualised, injured or normal. The possible abnormalities of the meniscus, collateral ligaments, popliteus tendon, posterior cruciate ligament, Iliotibial band (ITB), anterolateral capsule and osseus injuries were evaluated. The association of an ALL injury with these other knee structures as well as sex and age was calculated. RESULTS: Among the 228 knees evaluated, the ALL could not be entirely identified in 61 (26.7%). Of the remaining 167, 66 (39.5%) presented an ALL abnormality and only four (6.1%) were Segond fractures. ALL abnormalities were associated with lesions of the lateral collateral ligament, medial collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, ITB, anterolateral capsule and osseous contusions of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau. No correlation was found with medial meniscus, lateral meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament injuries. There was no association between ALL injuries and gender, and older patients were more likely to present an ALL injury. CONCLUSION: ALL injuries are present in approximately 40% of ACL injuries, and a minority of these are Segond fractures. These injuries are associated with peripheral ligament injuries, anterolateral structures lesions and bone contusions, but there is no association with meniscal injuries. Surgeons must be aware of these associations to consider an ALL lesion even if it is not completely clear in imaging evaluation, especially if a high degree of anterolateral instability is present on physical examination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Anterolateral Ligament and Kaplan Fiber Injury Both Occur Frequently in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Knees.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association of ALL and KF injuries in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees remain topics of conflicting research despite improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to evaluate the rate of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and Kaplan fibers (KF) injuries in adults with acute ACL injuries using MRI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 64 patients with clinical and MRI diagnoses of acute ACL tears. Two radiologists analyzed and categorized the status of the ALL and KF in all patients as intact, partially injured, or completely injured. Interobserver agreement was assessed. Injuries to the collateral ligaments, ITB and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33 years. ALL injuries were observed in 46 (71%) patients, among whom 33 (71%) had partial and 13 (28%) had complete injuries. KF injuries were identified in 32 (50%) patients, with 28 (87.5%) of them having partial and 4 (12.5%) having complete injuries. Combined injuries of both ALL and KF were found in 25 (32.4%) patients (p-value of 0.266). The agreement between the examiners ranged from moderate to substantial (Kappa between 0.55 and 0.75), with the highest agreement observed in cases of KF injuries (Kappa = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: ALL and KF injuries were prevalent in acute ACL-injured knees with rates of injury of 71% and 50%, respectively. ALL injuries were more frequent and more frequently severe compared to KF injuries.

Unsuspected cerebrospinal fluid leak following a minor sacral fracture: A case report.

We describe a unique case of a 38-year-old female who presented at the emergency room due to a minor sacral fracture and local pain complicated by an initially undiagnosed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This case emphasizes the importance of radiologists being attentive to subtle imaging findings of CSF leaks on computed tomography (CT) examinations, even in cases of low-energy traumas, as well as the complementary role of a dedicated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol for such diagnosis.

Iliotibial band reconstruction with allograft fasciae latae tissue: Imaging aspects of a novel surgical technique.

We describe a unique case of 43-year-old male who presented with a persistent lateral knee pain caused by impingement between a femoral surgical screw and the iliotibial band, which was treated with surgical resection of the screw debris. The patient had reincidence of the symptoms and a magnetic resonance showed a wide and unrepairable tear of the iliotibial band, which was treated with interposition of a folded fasciae latae allograf. After the procedure, the patient had excellent clinical results and imaging evaluation showed progressive allograft integration. This case highlights the imaging findings and surgical aspects of an iliotibial band reconstruction, a novel surgical procedure that could be considered in patients with an unrepairable iliotibial band injury.

Imaging of solitary and multiple osteochondromas: From head to toe - A review.

Osteochondromas account for 20%-50% of all benign bone lesions. These tumors may present as solitary non-hereditary lesions, which are the most common presentation, or as multiple tumors associated with hereditary conditions. Plain radiography is the imaging method of choice and demonstrates the typical cortical and medullary continuity of the tumor with the underlying bone. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed to evaluate cartilage cap thickness, which correlates with malignant transformation. Other local complications include compression of adjacent neurovascular bundles, muscles, and tendons, bursitis, tendon tears, stalk fracture, and angular or rotational long bone deformities. Although the imaging features of osteochondromas are largely known, only a few papers in the literature have focused on their main complications and image-based follow-up. This paper aimed to illustrate the main complications of osteochondromas, suggest an image-based algorithm for management and follow-up and discuss differential diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with the clinical diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Materials and Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with untreated PMR, meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria, underwent MRI examinations of the shoulder(s), hip(s), or both, depending on clinical complaints. Six patients also underwent MRI of the spine. Results: We evaluated 24 shoulders, among which we identified subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in 21 (87.5%), glenohumeral joint effusion in 17 (70.8%), and fluid distention of the long head of the biceps tendon sheath in 15 (62.5%). Peritendinitis and capsular edema were observed in 21 (87.5%) and 17 (70.8%) shoulders, respectively. We also evaluated 17 hips, identifying hip joint effusion in 12 (70.6%), trochanteric bursitis in 11 (64.7%), peritendinitis in 17 (100%), and capsular edema in 14 (82.4%). All six of the patients who underwent MRI of the spine were found to have interspinous bursitis. Conclusion: Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, glenohumeral joint effusion, and hip joint effusion are common findings in patients with PMR. In addition, such patients appear to be highly susceptible to peritendinitis and capsular edema. There is a need for case-control studies to validate our data and to determine the real impact that these findings have on the diagnosis of PMR by MRI.

Objetivo: Descrever os achados de ressonância magnética (RM) mais prevalentes em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de polimialgia reumática (PMR). Materiais e Métodos: Dezesseis pacientes com PMR não tratada, classificados pelos critérios do American College of Rheumatology, foram submetidos a RM do ombro e/ou quadril, segundo suas queixas clínicas. Seis pacientes também foram submetidos a RM da coluna. Resultados: Foram avaliados 24 ombros, identificando-se bursite subacromial-subdeltoide em 21 (87,5%), sinovite glenoumeral em 17 (70,8%) e distensão líquida da bainha do tendão da cabeça longa do bíceps em 15 (62,5%). Peritendinite e edema capsular foram observados em 21 (87,5%) e 17 (70,8%) ombros, respectivamente. Dezessete quadris foram analisados, identificando-se sinovite em 12 (70,6%), bursite trocantérica em 11 (64,7%), peritendinite em 17 (100%) e edema capsular em 14 (82,4%). Os seis pacientes que realizaram RM da coluna apresentavam bursite interespinhosa. Conclusão: Bursite subacromial-subdeltoide, sinovite glenoumeral e do quadril são achados de imagem prevalentes em pacientes com PMR. Além disso, achados como peritendinite e edema capsular tiveram alta prevalência nesses pacientes. Estudos de casocontrole devem ser realizados para validar esses dados e estabelecer o real impacto desses achados no diagnóstico de PMR.

What abdominal radiologists should know about extragenital endometriosis-associated neuropathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of endometriosis-associated neuropathy and to review main anatomical concepts of intrapelvic peripheral nerves. METHODS: In this pictorial essay, we review the anatomy of pelvic nerves and imaging features of endometriosis-associated neuropathy. We also evaluate clinical findings, imaging features, and outcome of seven patients with endometriosis-associated neuropathy. RESULTS: Nerve involvement by endometriosis is rare and may manifest with neurological symptoms, including pain, muscle weakness, bowel and bladder incontinence, and paraplegia. The neural involvement may be isolated or caused by a direct extension of a deep infiltrating endometriosis of the pelvic structure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable imaging modality for detecting neural involvement of endometriosis. On MRI, the main imaging features are retractile fibrous tissue and endometriomas. The signal intensity of the endometriotic tissue may vary depending on the age of the hemorrhage and the proportion of endometrial cells and stroma. Early diagnosis and treatment may avoid permanent neural damage. CONCLUSION: Considering that patients with endometriosis usually undergo pelvic MRI, which is generally reported by a non-musculoskeletal-trained radiologist, abdominal radiologists need to be familiar with the pelvic nerve anatomy and the possible patterns of presentation of neural endometriosis. Early diagnosis may obviate permanent nerve damage and MRI is a reliable tool for the diagnosis.

Accuracy of an artificial intelligence algorithm for detecting moderate-to-severe vertebral compression fractures on abdominal and thoracic computed tomography scans / Acurácia de um algoritmo de inteligência artificial na detecção de fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves na tomografia computadorizada abdominal e torácica

Abstract Objective: To describe the accuracy of HealthVCF, a software product that uses artificial intelligence, in the detection of incidental moderate-to-severe vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) on chest and abdominal computed tomography scans. Materials and Methods: We included a consecutive sample of 899 chest and abdominal computed tomography scans of patients 51-99 years of age. Scans were retrospectively evaluated by the software and by two specialists in musculoskeletal imaging for the presence of VCFs with vertebral body height loss > 25%. We compared the software analysis with that of a general radiologist, using the evaluation of the two specialists as the reference. Results: The software showed a diagnostic accuracy of 89.6% (95% CI: 87.4-91.5%) for moderate-to-severe VCFs, with a sensitivity of 73.8%, a specificity of 92.7%, and a negative predictive value of 94.8%. Among the 145 positive scans detected by the software, the general radiologist failed to report the fractures in 62 (42.8%), and the algorithm detected additional fractures in 38 of those scans. Conclusion: The software has good accuracy for the detection of moderate-to-severe VCFs, with high specificity, and can increase the opportunistic detection rate of VCFs by radiologists who do not specialize in musculoskeletal imaging.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a acurácia do software HealthVCF na detecção incidental de fraturas compressivas de corpos vertebrais moderadas a graves em exames de tomografia computadorizada do tórax e abdome. Materiais e Métodos: Foram incluídos 899 exames consecutivos de pacientes com idades entre 51 e 99 anos. As imagens foram retrospectivamente avaliadas pelo software e por dois radiologistas especializados em musculoesquelético que investigaram fraturas compressivas de corpos vertebrais com perda da altura somática > 25%. A análise comparativa foi realizada entre o software e um radiologista geral, usando a avaliação do especialista como referência. Resultados: O software apresentou uma acurácia de 89,6% (IC 95%: 87,4-91,5%) para fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves, com sensibilidade de 73,8%, especificidade de 92,7% e valor preditivo negativo de 94,8%. Entre as 145 tomografias positivas detectadas pelo software, o radiologista geral deixou de relatar as fraturas em 62 (42,8%) e o algoritmo detectou fraturas adicionais em 38 dessas tomografias. Conclusão: O software possui boa acurácia na detecção de fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves, com alta especificidade, podendo aumentar a taxa de detecção oportunística dessas fraturas por radiologistas não especializados em musculoesquelético.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica / Achados de ressonância magnética em pacientes com polimialgia reumática

Abstract Objective: To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with the clinical diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Materials and Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with untreated PMR, meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria, underwent MRI examinations of the shoulder(s), hip(s), or both, depending on clinical complaints. Six patients also underwent MRI of the spine. Results: We evaluated 24 shoulders, among which we identified subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in 21 (87.5%), glenohumeral joint effusion in 17 (70.8%), and fluid distention of the long head of the biceps tendon sheath in 15 (62.5%). Peritendinitis and capsular edema were observed in 21 (87.5%) and 17 (70.8%) shoulders, respectively. We also evaluated 17 hips, identifying hip joint effusion in 12 (70.6%), trochanteric bursitis in 11 (64.7%), peritendinitis in 17 (100%), and capsular edema in 14 (82.4%). All six of the patients who underwent MRI of the spine were found to have interspinous bursitis. Conclusion: Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, glenohumeral joint effusion, and hip joint effusion are common findings in patients with PMR. In addition, such patients appear to be highly susceptible to peritendinitis and capsular edema. There is a need for case-control studies to validate our data and to determine the real impact that these findings have on the diagnosis of PMR by MRI.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os achados de ressonância magnética (RM) mais prevalentes em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de polimialgia reumática (PMR). Materiais e Métodos: Dezesseis pacientes com PMR não tratada, classificados pelos critérios do American College of Rheumatology, foram submetidos a RM do ombro e/ou quadril, segundo suas queixas clínicas. Seis pacientes também foram submetidos a RM da coluna. Resultados: Foram avaliados 24 ombros, identificando-se bursite subacromial-subdeltoide em 21 (87,5%), sinovite glenoumeral em 17 (70,8%) e distensão líquida da bainha do tendão da cabeça longa do bíceps em 15 (62,5%). Peritendinite e edema capsular foram observados em 21 (87,5%) e 17 (70,8%) ombros, respectivamente. Dezessete quadris foram analisados, identificando-se sinovite em 12 (70,6%), bursite trocantérica em 11 (64,7%), peritendinite em 17 (100%) e edema capsular em 14 (82,4%). Os seis pacientes que realizaram RM da coluna apresentavam bursite interespinhosa. Conclusão: Bursite subacromial-subdeltoide, sinovite glenoumeral e do quadril são achados de imagem prevalentes em pacientes com PMR. Além disso, achados como peritendinite e edema capsular tiveram alta prevalência nesses pacientes. Estudos de caso- controle devem ser realizados para validar esses dados e estabelecer o real impacto desses achados no diagnóstico de PMR.

Abdominal manifestations of fishbone perforation: a pictorial essay.

PURPOSE: The present article provides an overview of the spectrum of abdominal presentations of fishbone (FB) ingestion and its complications. METHODS: In image data from 9 patients, FB perforations were found in different levels of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including duodenal, jejunal, and sigmoid perforations; in 4 asymptomatic patients, FBs were observed in the mesentery, falciform ligament, and intestinal bowel. RESULTS: The main imaging features of FB perforation were focal gastric or intestinal wall thickening, fat stranding, bowel obstruction, ascites, localized pneumoperitoneum, intra-abdominal abscess, liver abscess, and a linear hyperdense structure in the abdominal cavity in the GIT or within a parenchymal organ often surrounded by inflammatory changes. Free pneumoperitoneum was rare. CONCLUSION: Although in most cases, a FB does not cause any serious complications, an inflammatory process and complications may occur when it perforates the stomach or bowel loops. Radiologists need to be aware of the possibility of FB perforation, especially in high-risk patients, because it is not always considered in the differential diagnosis by referring physicians and can mimic other inflammatory conditions and tumoral lesions.

Epidemiologia do melanoma em hospital de referência / Epidemiology of melanoma in reference hospital

OBJETIVO: investigar aspectos clínicoepidemiológicos de pacientes com diagnóstico de melanoma no Hospital OphirLoyola (HOL) em Belém-PA. MÉTODO: a casuística compreendeu 170 pacientes atendidos no HOL com diagnósticode melanoma cutâneo e mucoso, nos anos de 2000 a 2010. Realizada revisão de prontuários, utilizando um protocolocontendo as variáveis a serem estudadas. Utilizaram-se os testes de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e o Teste Exato de Fisherpara análise bivariada de associação entre as variáveis dependentes e as demais variáveis independentes coletadas nosprontuários dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: predominou o gênero masculino (58,8%), faixa etária de 51 a 65 anos(32,9%), com predomínio de pardos (57,14%) e casados (70,90%). O sítio primário mais acometido foi o membroinferior (44,12%) seguido pelo tronco (16,47%). O tipo histológico específico mais encontrado foi o nodular (20%).Metástases foram detectadas em 41,18% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com melanoma, neste Estado,são constituídos, majoritariamente, por homens, entre 51 e 65 anos, pardos e cujo sítio primário mais acometido é omembro inferior.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with melanoma, treated of the OphirLoyola Hospital (HOL) in Belém-PA. METHOD: the sample included 170 patients admitted in HOL with a diagnosisof cutaneous or mucosal melanoma from 2000 to 2010. A review of the medical records was performed, using such aprotocol containing the variables to be studied. It was used chi-square test and Fisher?s exact test for bivariate associationbetween dependent variables and the other independent variables collected from patient charts. RESULTS: therewas a predominance of males (58.8%), the most affected age was 51-65 years (32.9%), with a predominance of brown(57.14%). The most affected primary site was the limbs (44.12%), followed by trunk (16.47%). The specific histologictype most frequently found was the nodular (20%). Metastasis were detected in 41,18% of patients. CONCLUSION:in the state, patients with melanoma are mostly males, between 51 and 65 years, brown and whose primary site wasthe lower limb.

Avaliação do metabolismo de etanol em ratos expostos a diferentes temperaturas / Evaluation of the ethanol metabolism in rats undergone different temperatures

Objetivo: avaliar o metabolismo do etanol em diferentes temperaturas. Método: foram utilizados 11ratos mantidos à temperatura corporal de 30ºC (Grupo Frio) e posteriormente a 39,5ºC (Grupo Quente).O etanol foi administrado aos animais etanol na dose de 3g.kg-¹. Foi então realizada punção cardíaca comcoleta do material para determinação da concentração sanguínea do etanol. Resultados: no Grupo Frio asconcentrações séricas de etanol foram aproximadamente 22% menores que no Grupo Quente. Entretanto,resultados divergentes foram encontrados na literatura, sendo estes também ainda insuficientes para umadefinição final a respeito do efeito da temperatura no metabolismo do etanol. Conclusão: observou-seque ratos submetidos a temperaturas ambiente mais baixas registraram menores níveis séricos de etanol,após administração via oral, em comparação com animais submetidos a maiores temperaturas. Entretanto,mais estudos são ainda necessários para elucidar esta questão e suas implicações práticas no estudo dometabolismo do etanol

Introduction: overall, the ethanol causes 3,2% of deaths or 1,8 million deaths and, per year, represents 4,0% of alldeseases, mainly in countries in development. Studies of metabolism in people who live in different geographicregions have revealed metabolic rates 10% to 20% lower in tropical regions than in artic regions. Many experimentalresearchs, however, have revealed lower seric ethanol rates in rats undergone high temperatures. Objective: evaluatethe ethanol metabolism in rats undergone different temperatures. Method: for that, it was used 11 rats exposed to30oC and after to 39,5oC. The ethanol was given through gavage in the dose of 3g.Kg -¹. Then, a cardiac puction andthe collect of the material was performed in order to determinate the blood ethanol concentration. The results weresubmitted to statistic tests. Results: it was found that in the Cold Group, the ethanol concentrations wereapproximately 22% lower than in Heat Group. However, divergent results were found in literature, but they are stillinsufficient for a final definition about the temperature effect in ethanol metabolism. Conclusion: in rats undergonelower temperatures the seric concentration of ethanol is lower than in rats under higher temperatures. Thus, it wasconcluded that more studies are still necessary to clarify this question.

Efeito do extrato alcoólico da aloe vera na sobrevida de camundongos e no crescimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich / Effect of alcoholic extract of aloe vera on survival of mice and tumor growth of solid ehrlich tumor

Objetivo: analisar o efeito do extrato alcoólicoda Aloe vera na sobrevida de camundongos e nocrescimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich. Método: a amostra contou com 23 animais distribuídos em 04grupos com 05 animais em cada, sendo estes: Tumor + Água 1 (TA1), no qual os animais receberam águadestilada; Tumor + Aloe vera 1 (TAV1), no qual os animais receberam extrato alcóolico da Aloe vera, paraanálise da evolução tumoral. Para o estudo da sobrevida os grupos foram: Tumor + Água 2 (TA2) e Tumor+ Aloe Vera 2 (TAV2). O tumor foi injetado via subcutânea no dorso de todos os animais. A administraçãodas substâncias foi realizada por gavagem. No dia previsto, foi realizada eutanásia dos animais e adissecção tumoral, sendo as peças tumorais pesadas e realizada análise macroscópica e histopatológica.Resultados: no grupo TA1, a média do peso dos tumores ressecados foi 0,182g, detectou-se ascite eaderências em 02 animais e metástases em 04 destes. Já no grupo TAV2, a média do peso tumoral foi0,258g, detectou-se ascite e aderências em 01 animal e metástases foram verificadas em 04. Nos grupos deanálise da sobrevida, todos os animais do grupo TA2 conseguiram sobreviver até o 20o dia pós-implante, omesmo ocorreu somente com 03 animais do grupo TAV2. Conclusão: a utilização do extrato alcoólicodaAloe vera não apresentou efeito benéfico na sobrevida de camundongos e não se mostrou estatisticamenterelevante no crescimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich.

Objective: to analyze the effect of alcoholic extract of Aloe veraon the survival of mice and growth ofEhrlich solid tumor. Methods: the sample consisted of 23 animals distributed in 04 groups with 05animals each, the groups were: Tumor + Water (TA1), in which the animals received distilled water;Tumor + Aloe vera 1 (TAV1), in which the animals received alcoholic extract of Aloe vera for analysis oftumor evolution. To study the survival rate the groups were: Tumor + Water 2 (TA2) and Tumor + AloeVera 2 (TAV2). The tumor was injected subcutaneously on the back of all animals. The administration ofthe substances was performed by gavage. Euthanasia and tumoral dissection were performed in thepredicted day, and the tumor pieces were weighed and a macroscopic and histopathological analysis wasperformed. Results: in TA1 group, the average weight of resected tumors was 0.182 g, and ascites andadhesions were detected in 02 animals and metastases in 04. In the group TAV2, the average tumorweight was 0.258 g, ascites and adhesions were detected in 01 animal and metastases in 04. In the groupsof survival analysis, all animals in group TA2 survived until the 20th day post-implant, the same occurredwith only 03 animals in the group TAV2. Conclusion: the use of alcoholic extract of Aloe vera showedno beneficial effect on survival of mice and was not statistically significant in the growth of Ehrlich solidtumor