Frequently Found Research Articles

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING PRESENTATION IN THORACIC HYDATID CYSTS

Hydatid cysts are widespread zoonosis that originate from the larval embodiment of the Echinococcusand can be frequently found in the lung and liver parenchyma, in addition, they emerge in various atypical locationsin the thoracic cavity such as the mediastinum, its vascular compounds and the heart, the interlobar fissures, thepleural and pericardial space, as well as the structures of the chest wall and the diaphragm. Computed tomographyas one of the most utilized instruments of radiology imaging has a crucial role in the diagnosis of hydatid cysts,depiction of their exact size and location, as well as estimation of impending complications.The aim of this pictorial review is to offer full scale understanding of the recurrent imaging findings in thoracichydatid disease as well as to display some rare, extra parenchymal involvement and a summary of the complicationsand differential diagnosis.We did an in depth analysis of 55 chest CT scans of patients with thoracic hydatid cysts from North Macedonia andall patients underwent a contrast enhanced chest CT according to appropriate diagnostic protocol on a 16- sliceSomatom GO computed tomograph (Siemens Healthineers, USA).Hydatid cysts in all 55 patients were divided by location and appearance in two by two categories, uncomplicatedparenchymal and extra parenchymal, and complicated or ruptured parenchymal and extra parenchymal cysts.Uncomplicated parenchymal hydatid cysts were presented by well circumscribed, low attenuating, homogenouslesions with smooth walls of varying thickness, whereas complicated or ruptured hydatid cysts could be categorizedin two forms, contained or complete rupture. The most frequent imaging findings were the air crescent sign,waterlily sign and dry cyst sign. Uncommon extra parenchymal hydatid cysts’ locations were the mediastinum,pericardium and the diaphragm.Computed tomography plays an important diagnostic role in common thoracic hydatid cysts and aids in theevaluation of rare and complicated cases.

The Impact of Iron Dyshomeostasis and Anaemia on Long-Term Pulmonary Recovery and Persisting Symptom Burden after COVID-19: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently associated with iron dyshomeostasis. The latter is related to acute disease severity and COVID-19 convalescence. We herein describe iron dyshomeostasis at COVID-19 follow-up and its association with long-term pulmonary and symptomatic recovery. The prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study “Development of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in Patients With Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection (CovILD)” encompasses serial extensive clinical, laboratory, functional and imaging evaluations at 60, 100, 180 and 360 days after COVID-19 onset. We included 108 individuals with mild-to-critical acute COVID-19, whereas 75% presented with severe acute disease. At 60 days post-COVID-19 follow-up, hyperferritinaemia (35% of patients), iron deficiency (24% of the cohort) and anaemia (9% of the patients) were frequently found. Anaemia of inflammation (AI) was the predominant feature at early post-acute follow-up, whereas the anaemia phenotype shifted towards iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and combinations of IDA and AI until the 360 days follow-up. The prevalence of anaemia significantly decreased over time, but iron dyshomeostasis remained a frequent finding throughout the study. Neither iron dyshomeostasis nor anaemia were related to persisting structural lung impairment, but both were associated with impaired stress resilience at long-term COVID-19 follow-up. To conclude, iron dyshomeostasis and anaemia are frequent findings after COVID-19 and may contribute to its long-term symptomatic outcome.

Potencial arrítmico de cardiopatias em cães

ABSTRACT: Presently, pet life expectancy is becoming longer and several diseases inherent to age have been diagnosed, with heart disease being a frequent finding. Although various heart diseases have different pathophysiologies, many morphological and hemodynamic changes can predispose patients to arrhythmias. The presence of arrhythmias can worsen the underlying heart disease and predispose patients to develop new alterations, making arrhythmia detection important for establishing adequate therapeutic protocols and a better prognosis. The present study aimed to determine the arrhythmias most frequently found in dogs treated at the Cardiology and Respiratory Diseases Service (SCDR) of the Small Animals Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), during the period from January to 2014 to December 2017, relating them to sex, age group, size, and the presence or absence of heart disease. A total of 586 medical records of dogs treated with SCDR-UFRRJ were retrospectively evaluated. Of these, 15.4% had arrhythmias, 95.6% had diagnoses of heart disease, 61.1% (55/90) were diagnosed with mitral valve disease, and 27.8% (25/90) had dilated cardiomyopathies. The most frequent rhythm disturbances were premature ventricular complexes associated with chronic degenerative mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Statistical analysis confirmed the risk of a cardiac patient developing rhythm or conduction alterations (OR, 4.46; p = 0.0003). In conclusion, the pathophysiology of heart failure can lead to the development of rhythm and conduction disorders.

White Matter Hyperintensities and Cerebral Microbleeds in Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

Background and ObjectivesTo systematically assess the occurrence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the largest published cohort of adults with ataxia-telangiectasia (AT).MethodsWe assessed 38 adults with AT (age range 18–55 years) including 15 classic and 23 variant AT, evaluated by two independent assessors. WMHs were quantified on T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery images using the semiquantitative modified Scheltens and Fazekas scales and CMB on susceptibility-weighted imaging and T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences using the Brain Observer MicroBleed Scale.ResultsCMBs were more frequently found in classic AT compared with variant AT (66.7% vs 5.9%) predominantly in cortical and subcortical regions. WMHs were seen in 25 (73.5%) probands and CMBs in 9 (31.0%). The burden of WMHs increased with age, and WMHs were focused in periventricular and deep white matter regions. WMHs were more frequently seen in variant than classic AT.DiscussionThis cohort study confirms that WMHs and CMBs are a frequent finding in AT. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand how WMHs and CMBs relate to the neurodegeneration that occurs in AT and the predisposition to cerebral hemorrhage.

Pulp enlargement in individuals born with cleft lip and palate pulp, a radiographic study from the cleft lip and palate service of paraiba, Brazil'.

Pulp chamber enlargement impacts endodontic treatment planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in pulp chamber size of posterior teeth in individuals born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Ninety individuals were treated at the Cleft Lip and Palate Service of the University Hospital Lauro Wanderley, Federal University of Paraíba, between the ages of 4 and 15years born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate were selected. Ninety-nine patients from the archives of the residency program in Orthodontics of the Brazilian Dental Association (ABO) were paired by sex and age as a comparison group. Radiographs were evaluated by a single examiner, observing the presence/absence of an enlarged pulp chamber in the first and second permanent molars of all quadrants. Chi square or Fisher's exact tests were used (α = 0.05) in all comparisons. Pulp enlargement was more frequently found among individuals born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (p = 0.0005). However, pulp enlargement frequency was different among subjects born with clefts (p = 0.0006). Pulp enlargement was more common in the maxilla, in both groups. Individuals born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate more often had six or more teeth affected (p = 0.02). Furthermore, individuals with a bilateral cleft more often had six or more teeth affected in comparison to unilateral cases (p = 0.002). Pulp enlargement is a frequent finding, particularly among individuals born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, with a higher prevalence in the maxilla.

Gastrointestinal Bleeds.

Gastrointestinal Bleeds.

Radiological Characteristics of Extraocular Muscles in Myasthenia Gravis Patients with Ocular Manifestations: A Case-Control Study.

PurposeTo analyze radiological characteristics of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with ocular manifestations.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective case–control study included all MG cases with ocular manifestations, who attended a neuro-ophthalmology clinic at a university hospital, Bangkok, from April 2009 to June 2018. They experienced double vision and ophthalmoplegia. Control participants had normal eye movements. Orbital scans were thoroughly reviewed. We measured muscle thickness (MT) of the superior rectus, inferior rectus, medial rectus and lateral rectus muscles in both eyes using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan. The sum of the muscle thickness at all sites was calculated (MTsum). Comparisons of the mean MT of each muscle type and the mean MTsum between the MG and control groups were performed by using Student’s t-test. MRI signal intensities of the EOMs were also recorded.ResultsTwenty MG cases and 20 controls were included in the study. The mean MTsum was 23.7 (standard deviation 4.8) mm in the MG group and 32.6 (3.5) mm in the controls. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to the mean MT and mean MTsum (p <0.001). In the MG group, there was a negative correlation between the MTsum and disease duration (p= 0.03). By using coronal T2-weighted orbital MRI with fat suppression (T2W/FS), the most frequent finding was isointensity with central hypointensity of the EOMs in the MG group.ConclusionAtrophic EOMs were frequently found in the MG group, particularly in chronic cases. Isointensity with central hypointensity of EOMs on T2W/FS was also common in the MG group. These findings highlight the importance of muscle involvement in MG and may be helpful for clinical decision-making.

THE USE OF CELL PHONES AS A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION ROUTE OF MICROORGANISMS BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN HOSPITALS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

OBJECTIVE: Nosocomial infections are considered a public health issue. Such infections can originate from a range of microorganisms and many of these microorganisms can be resistant to antibiotics. The use of cellular devices can contribute considerably to the transmission and maintenance of these microorganisms in hospital environments, which represents an additional risk to hospitalized patients and to the health professionals. Thus, the aim of this study was to carry out an integrative review to observe the frequency of contamination from cell phones, as well as the frequency of the main agents found. METHODS: For that, a validated instrument from URSI was used to analyze the main articles used in the study, the articles were collected from the VHL, PubMed, LILACS, BDENF and Medline databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we used 16 articles. RESULTS: A high frequency of the presence of bacteria, fungi and viruses has been identified. Among the most frequently found agents were Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Bacilus sp., Acinetobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Candida sp. Norovirus, among others. CONCLUSION: Most of the health professionals' cell phones were positive for at least one of these microorganisms, such frequent findings highlight the need to establish control measures and protocols in order to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection.

Prediction of chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a general population: the Tromsø study.

AimsHeart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are main causes of dyspnoea, and echocardiography and spirometry are essential investigations for these diagnoses. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of HF and COPD in a general population, also how the diseases may be identified, and to what extent their clinical characteristics differ.Methods and resultsIn the seventh survey of Tromsø study (2015–16), subjects aged 40 years or more were examined with echocardiography, spirometry, lung sound recordings, questionnaires, including the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire on dyspnoea, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide analysis. A diagnosis of HF (HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mid‐range ejection fraction, or HF with preserved ejection fraction) or COPD was established according to current guidelines. Predictors of HF and COPD were evaluated by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A total of 7110 participants could be evaluated for COPD, 1624 for HF, and 1538 for both diseases. Age‐standardized prevalence of HF was 6.8% for women and 6.1% for men; the respective figures for COPD were 5.2% and 5.1%. Among the 1538 evaluated for both diseases, 139 subjects fulfilled the HF criteria, but only 17.1% reported to have the disease. Of those fulfilling the COPD criteria, 31.6% reported to have the disease. Shortness of breath at exertion was a frequent finding in HF; 59% of those with mMRC ≥2 had HF, while such shortness of breath was found in 24% among those with COPD. Reporting mMRC ≥2 had an odds ratio for HF of 19.5 (95% confidence interval 11.3–33.7), whereas the odds ratio for COPD was 6.3 (95% confidence interval 3.5–11.6). Current smoking was the strongest predictor of COPD but did not predict HF. Basal inspiratory crackles were significant predictors of HF in multivariable analysis. Among the subtypes of HF, an age <70 years was most frequently found in HF with reduced ejection fraction, in 51.7%. Clinical scores based on the predictive value in multivariable analysis of history, symptoms, and signs predicted HF and COPD with areas under the curve of 0.833 and 0.829, respectively.ConclusionsStudy participants with HF and COPD were in most cases not aware of their condition. In general practice, when an elderly patient present with shortness of breath, both diseases should be considered. Previous cardiovascular disease points at HF, while a history of smoking points at COPD. The threshold should be low for ordering echocardiography or spirometry for verifying the suspected cause of dyspnoea.

Monitoring micropollutants in the Swist river basin.

Micropollutant pathways were studied for the Swist river basin (Western Germany). The aim was to verify the effectiveness of a monitoring approach to detect micropollutants entering the river. In a separate sewer system, water was frequently found to be contaminated with micropollutants. Improper connections of sewage canals to the stormwater network seemed to be the cause of pollution. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) exerted the largest influence on micropollutants for the receiving river. During a flu outbreak, antibiotics in the Swist stemming from WWTPs increased remarkably. Elevated levels of pharmaceuticals were measured in discharges from a combined sewer overflow (CSO). The study showed that the pharmaceutical load of a CSO was significantly reduced by advanced treatment with a retention soil filter. Painkillers, an anticonvulsant and beta blockers were the most often detected pharmaceuticals in the sewage of urban areas. Herbicides, flame retardants and industrial compounds were also observed frequently. On cropland, Chloridazon and Terbuthylazine compounds were often found in landscape runoff. Fungicides and insecticides were the most frequent positive findings in runoff from orchards. The paper shows that a coherent approach to collecting valid information regarding micropollutants and to addressing relevant pathways as a basis for appropriate management strategies could be established.

Procjena citomorfologije, HPV statusa i HPV 16 genotipa u predikciji ishoda bolesti kod pacijentica s citološkim nalazom ASCUS i LSIL

Objective: To analyse characteristics and prognostic value of HPV status (human papilloma virus), HPV 16 genotype and cytomorphology in the patients with cervical cytology finding of borderline and mild abnormalities of squamous epithelium. Material and methods: Patients with initial cytology finding of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS, N = 160) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL, N = 155) were included. Cytomorphological characteristics of koilocytosis, parakeratosis and macrocytosis were analysed. In all patients HPV DNA test was performed using high risk probe of hybrid capture 2 test. In positive samples additional HPV genotyping was doneusing INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping v2 assay. Patients were followed by cytology, colposcopy and histology for average of 26 months. Three possible clinical outcomes: regression, stagnation or progression were recorded. Results: The most frequent HPV genotype was HPV 16 and it was found in 27.9% ASCUS (N = 29) and in 16.5% LSIL (N = 16) cases. It was found more frequently in women under 30 years of age (P < 0.001). Macrocytosis was more frequent finding in HR HPV negative cases in ASCUS and LSIL (P < 0.05). Koilocytosis and parakeratosis did not show relationship with HR HPV status. When analysed according to HPV genotype, in LSIL, koilocytosis was more frequent finding in HPV non-16 genotype compared to HPV 16 genotype (P=0.002). Parakeratosis is more frequently found in HPV non-16 genotype cases, but statistically significant difference is found only in LSIL (P = 0.005). Unfavourable disease outcome was recorded in 25.3% of ASCUS and 13.8% LSIL. Disease progression was associated with HR HPV positivity (P < 0.001) and HPV 16 genotype (P < 0.001). Presence of koilocytosis, parakeratosis and macrocytosis are not associated with the unfavourable disease outcome in ASCUS and LSIL. Conclusion: HPV 16 was the most frequent genotype in ASCUS and LSIL and it is more frequently associated with koilocytosis and parakeratosis absence. HR HPV DNA positivity and HPV 16 genotype were associated with the disease progression in ASCUS and LSIL. Cytomorphology features showed no association with the unfavourable disease outcome. These results could help in optimising follow up and management of patients with initial cytology diagnosis of ASCUS and LSIL and have possible impact on used guidelines for cervical abnormalities.

Prevalence and impact on outcome of electrocardiographic early repolarization patterns among stroke patients: a prospective observational study.

Early repolarization pattern (ER) gained attention as a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in the general population. While electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequent findings in stroke patients, data on ER pattern in this population are lacking. We assessed the prevalence of ER pattern in consecutive acute stroke patients at a tertiary stroke center. Functional outcome after 90 days was analyzed to determine the effect of an ER pattern on mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with an ER pattern. Out of 1141 consecutive stroke patients 771 patients remained for analysis after application of exclusion criteria. ER was observed in 62 (8.04%) patients. ER was more prevalent among subjects with intracerebral and subarachnoidal hemorrhage (13.0%) than among patients with ischemic stroke (7.0%; p = 0.024). Multiple regression analysis revealed QRS-duration (OR 0.972 95% CI 0.950-0.994, p = 0.012), QT-duration (OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.004-1.014, p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation on admission (OR 0.320, 95% CI 0.136-0.752, p = 0.009) as independent predictors for ER. Overall ER on admission was not associated with increased mortality at 3-month follow-up (ER 11.3% vs. non-ER 9.2%; p = 0.582). ER is frequently found among patients with acute cerebrovascular events and is more prevalent in patients with hemorrhagic compared to ischemic events. Our study yields no evidence that ER is associated with worse outcome or mortality after stroke.

Dijagnostičke i terapijske mere lečenja pacijenata sa adrenalnim incidentalomom

Routine and frequent use of computerized tomography (CT) angiography in vascular disease detection has led to frequent suprarenal gland abnormal findings that could, if undiagnosed, significantly complicate the course of the future treatment. The term adrenal incidentaloma refers to adrenal lesion discovered serendipitously during an imaging investigation. Adrenal incidentalomas do not constitute a single pathological entity. Major concerns are risks of malignancy and autonomous hormone secretion. The majority of all adrenal incidentalomas (approximately 79%) are nonfunctioning benign lesions. Among functioning lesions subclinical cortisol excess is most frequently found. All patients with adrenal incidentaloma should undergo clinical, biochemical, and imaging evaluation for malignancy and hormone production. In this review, we discuss the current issues in diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with adrenal incidentaloma. Follow-up of patients with adrenal incidentalomas involves the assessment of growth and development of hormonal function. After this review analysis several useful protocols could be designed to help vascular surgeons to adequately treat patients with concomitant vascular disease and adrenal incidentaloma.

The Spectrum Of Pathological Findings Of Kidney Injury In The Cases Of Multiple Myeloma: A Clinico-Pathological Study Of 93 Consecutive Autopsy Cases

BackgroundKidney injury and/or renal failure are common complication in multiple myeloma. Well known mechanism is deposition of free immunoglobulin light chains in renal tubules leading to cast nephropathy and renal failure. In addition, not only cast nephropathy, but also invasion of myeloma cells is frequently found in autopsied cases of multiple myeloma.Recent development of treatment improved the remission rate and survival of multiple myeloma. Few data exist about pathological findings of kidney injury and it is not well known about kidney findings in autopsy cases at era of novel agent. We investigated the pathological findings and the factors associated with kidney injury in the consecutively autopsy cases. MethodsWe reviewed the autopsy reports and medical records of 93 consecutively autopsied multiple myeloma cases between 1979 and 2012 at the National Medical Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, Japan. Patient profile, the clinical records including treatment and the duration of illness, the type of monoclonal gammopathy, clinical stage and history of treatment were studied. Durie & Salmon's criteria was used for diagnosis and staging. The pathological findings like cast nephropathy, invasion of myeloma cell at kidney and the other findings of whole samples were studied gross and microscopically. Immunohistochemistry and Congo-red stain were performed.The pathological findings and the factors were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test and the chi-square test. ResultsIn 93 autopsy cases, 58% was male. Mean age and the duration of illness were 64.3(38-85) years old and 41 months (24.4-37.5). Thirteen patients and 14 were treated with SCT and hemodialysis (Table. 1). Cast nephropathy and direct invasion about kidney were observed in 51.2% and 29.3%, respectively. Other frequent finding associated with myeloma was renal amyloidosis (29%). Frequent non-specific findings were arteriosclerosis (76 %), glomerulosclerosis (61%). Combination of findings were found in 66% cases (Fig.1).Table 1Age at death64.3 years old (38-85)Time from diagnosis41 months (1-156)SexMale 54Female 39Types of M proteinIgG4952.7 %IgA1516.1 %IgD88.6 %BJP1617.2%Non-secretary11.1 %NA44.3%Initial treatmentMP based chemotherapy6671.0High dose melphalan with auto-SCT2324.7Allo-SCT22.2None11.1Salvage therapyChemotherapy6974.2 %Thalidomide99.7 %Bortezomib1516.1 %Both66.5 %Lenalidomide33.2 % [Display omitted] The tumor volume in bone marrow (percentage of myeloma cells in cellular component) had correlation to incidence of direct invasion (Pearson's correlation factor is 0.55, p<0.005). ConclusionAutopsy findings of the kidney are various, complicated pathological findings of two or more was not uncommon. Frequency of cast nephropathy was high, but the direct invasion of the tumor cells was observed in about one-third of the cases. Correlation was observed between the kidney and invasive tumor burden in the bone marrow. Therefore, in the advanced stage myeloma, when tumor cell occupy more than about 60% of the bone marrow should be considered renal failure mechanism by myeloma cell infiltration. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

SP0171 Should we worry about osteopenia?

The risk of fracture increases with decreasing bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk is highest in subjects with osteoporosis. However, most patients at the time of a fracture have...

Aspectos anatomopatológicos da leptospirose em cães: 53 casos (1965-2011)

Os aspectos anatomopatológicos da leptospirose foram estudados em 53 cães que tiveram diagnóstico definitivo confirmado por imuno-histoquímica do tecido renal. Na necropsia, as principais lesões observadas incluíram icterícia (79,2%) e hemorragia (75,5%), principalmente no pulmão (56,6%). Alterações macroscópicas hepáticas (56,6%) e renais (50,9%) foram frequentes e caracterizavam-se principalmente por descolorações (30,2% e 32,1% respectivamente), acentuação do padrão lobular hepático (26,4%) e estriações brancas na superfície de corte dos rins (22,6%). Lesões extrarrenais de uremia ocorreram na metade dos casos (50,9%). Hepatomegalia (11,3%), nefromegalia (9,4%) e irregularidade da superfície capsular dos rins (3,8%) foram menos comuns. Na histologia dos rins (n=53), as lesões encontradas (98,1%) foram quase que exclusivamente agudas ou subagudas (96,2%) e caracterizavam-se por graus variados de nefrose tubular (86,8%) e nefrite intersticial não supurativa (60,4%), com evidente dissociação degenerativo-inflamatória. Na histologia do fígado (n=42), as lesões encontradas (97,6%) eram constituídas principalmente por dissociação dos cordões de hepatócitos (78,6%), colestase intra-canalicular (33,3%) e necrose hepática (31%). Lesões reativas, como hipertrofia das células de Kupffer, leucocitostase sinusoidal e infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear nos espaços porta, foram vistas em muitos casos (42,8%). Na histologia do pulmão (n=28), hemorragia (85,7%) e edema (57,1%) alveolares foram muito prevalentes. Neutrófilos e macrófagos nos espaços alveolares (35,7%) e neutrófilos no interior de pequenos vasos pulmonares (17,9%) também foram achados frequentes. Os resultados aqui demonstrados devem servir de alerta aos patologistas veterinários brasileiros, pois a apresentação anatomopatológica da leptospirose canina em nossa região (Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil) não se modificou nos últimos 50 anos, mantendo-se semelhante àquela descrita internacionalmente até a década de 1980, mas muito diferente do que é atualmente reconhecido para os Estados Unidos, o Canadá e parte da Europa Ocidental. Recomendamos que os critérios histopatológicos para o diagnóstico da leptospirose canina devem incluir a presença concomitante de nefrite tubulointersticial aguda ou subaguda, hepatite reativa não específica e lesão alveolar difusa, incluindo hemorragia alveolar difusa com capilarite, em um cão que durante a necropsia demonstre icterícia, hemorragias e lesões extrarrenais de uremia na ausência de esplenomegalia.

Schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland tumour. It can occur in any salivary gland, but is most frequently found in the parotid gland. Chondroid metaplasia is a frequent finding in pleomorphic adenoma. Other forms of metaplasia have been described, but are encountered less frequently. We report a rare case of unusual pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with schwannoma-like feature.

Sonographic Findings of High-Grade and Non-High-Grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast

The purpose of this study was to differentiate between high-grade and non-high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast on sonography. From October 2003 to August 2009, 76 DCIS lesions in 73 women who underwent sonography and mammography were included in this study. Lesions were confirmed by mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, or surgical biopsy. Images were analyzed by 2 radiologists with consensus and were correlated with histologic grades. Of the 76 lesions, 44 were classified as high--grade and 32 as non-high-grade DCIS. Fifty-seven lesions (75.0%) were identified on sonography, which revealed a mass in 30 cases, microcalcifications in 20, ductal changes in 4, and architectural distortion in 3. All cases with false-negative findings on sonography (n = 19) showed microcalcifications on mammography. On sonography, masses were more frequently found in non-high-grade (62.5%) than high-grade DCIS (22.7%; P < .01). No significant difference was seen in the sonographic features of masses between high-grade and non-high-grade DCIS. Microcalcifications were more common in high-grade (43.2%) than non-high-grade (3.1%) DCIS (P = .02). Most sonographically visible microcalcifications had associated findings such as ductal changes (n = 11), a mass (n = 7), or a hypoechoic area (n = 5). The detection rate of microcalcifications on sonography was higher in high-grade (62.9%) than non-high-grade DCIS (25.0%; P = .023). Microcalcifications with associated ductal changes (11 of 31 [35.5%]) were the most common sonographic findings in high-grade DCIS. An irregular hypoechoic mass with an indistinct and microlobulated margin (13 of 26 [50.0%]) was the most frequent finding in non-high-grade DCIS.

Characteristics of Patients With Sulphonurea-Induced Hypoglycemia

Sulphonylurea (SU) agents continue to be a cornerstone of the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous side effect of SU. Identifying the characteristics of patients with SU-induced hypoglycemia (SUIH) may help in reducing its frequency. All consecutive admissions of patients with SUIH, between 2000 and 2008, were retrospectively reviewed. Over the study period, 4702 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were admitted to the department of medicine. Of these, 155 patients were admitted because of SUIH. Most of these patients were elderly, had multiple comorbid situations, and were taking multiple medications. Almost a third of the patients had a history of recent changes in the use of their medications. Various infectious complications (urinary, lung, skin, and peritoneal) occurred in 43% of patients. Renal failure was a frequent finding at admission (44% of patients had creatinine plasma levels > 120 μmol/L). Poor oral intakebefore admission was reported by 31% of patients. Markers of malnutrition (low serum levels of albumin, iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid) were frequently found in most patients. Mean hemoglobin A1C levels were in the low abnormal levels. A major vascular event during hospitalization co-occurred in 11% of patients. Three patients died during the hospital admission for SUIH. Elderly fragile patients with multiple comorbidsituations including renal failure and tightglycemic control are prone to develop SUIH. Sulphonylurea agents should be avoided in such patients.An episode of SUIH should be considered as an alarming prognostic marker.

Single photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation in SLE patients with and without neuropsychiatric involvement

To assess the relationship between clinical picture and neuroimaging in patients affected by SLE with and without neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement. One hundred and seven SLE patients including 66 with NP involvement (NPSLE) with focal or diffuse presentation and 41 without underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MRI. After stratification for diffuse or focal NP involvement, in the 52 patients with diffuse presentation, abnormalities detected with MRI or SPECT did not differ from patients without NP; however, after combining the two techniques, a normal result was more frequently observed in patients without NP involvement (P = 0.010). In the 14 patients with focal presentation, MRI alone and concordant abnormal MRI plus SPECT were more frequently detected in the NPSLE group; again normal findings by both techniques simultaneously applied were more frequently found in SLE patients without NP involvement. White matter hyperintense T2-weighted lesions were the most frequent MRI abnormal findings in both groups, but the presence of multiple lesions (>5) involving both the hemispheres at subtentorial level was limited to NPSLE patients. Multifocal hypoperfused SPECT areas were more frequently observed in frontal and parietal lobes of NPSLE. Combining SPECT and MRI appears more useful than the two techniques alone and may help the clinician in the assessment of patients with NP involvement since normal findings contemporarily detected by these two techniques have been rarely observed in patients with NP involvement especially in those with focal manifestations where MRI and SPECT were never simultaneously normal.