OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of equipment conditions and dosimetry in computed tomography services utilizing protocols for head, abdomen, and lumbar spine in adult patients (in three different units) and pediatric patients up to 18 months of age (in one of the units evaluated). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography dose index and multiple-scan average dose were estimated in studies of adult patients with three different units. Additionally, entrance surface doses as well as absorbed dose were estimated in head studies for both adult and pediatric patients in a single computed tomography unit. RESULTS: Mechanical quality control tests were performed, demonstrating that computed tomography units comply with the equipment-use specifications established by the current standards. Dosimetry results have demonstrated that the multiple-scan average dose values were in excess of up to 109.0% the reference levels, presenting considerable variation amongst the computed tomography units evaluated in the present study. Absorbed doses obtained with pediatric protocols are lower than those with adult patients, presenting a reduction of up to 51.0% in the thyroid gland. CONCLUSION: The present study has analyzed the operational conditions of three computed tomography units, establishing which parameters should be set for the deployment of a quality control program in the institutions where this study was developed.

Keywords: Computed tomography equipment, Quality control, Dosimetry, Dose reduction

OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively determining the coloileal reflux prevalence at the barium enema examination, characterizing its distribution by sex and age range and classifying it according to the intensity degree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 715 barium enemas were reviewed, being 268 of male patients and 447 of female patients, with average age of 54 years. RESULTS: Of the 715 enemas performed, 46.5% showed coloileal reflux, classified as mild (45%), moderate (37.5%) and severe (17.5%). Coloileal reflux was present in 48.3% of female and in 43.6% of male patients. The coloileal reflux distribution by age range was 46.1% in individuals less than 21 years, 42.1% in individuals between 21-40, 49.8% in individuals between 41-60 and 44.7% in people more than 60 years old. CONCLUSION: Coloileal reflux was a common finding, with 25% of them being classified as moderate or severe. Apparently, there is not a clear relationship between its occurrence and gender or age. The etiopathogenesis and consequences of the coloileal reflux remain still poorly known. Some studies suggest that the compromising of ileocecal junction components, like ligaments, could favor the coloileal reflux occurrence. Among the probable consequences, we could mention contamination and ileal motility disorders resulting from the material refluxed from cecum into the ileum.

Keywords: Coloileal reflux, Ileocecal valve, Ileocecal junction, Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome, Coloileal reflux at the barium enema

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the optimization of mammographic images with a considerable radiation dose reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study the X-ray beam was calibrated for each tension (kVp), aiming at determining the best combination between kVp and mAs, resulting in optical densities of about 1.0 above the base-plus-fog density. RESULTS: This study will bring into question the methods for X-ray beam calibration, the choice of the best image by means of visual grading analysis, comparisons between doses and tube load (kVp × mAs) delivered by the techniques described in this study and by those adopted in the clinical routine at Service of Diagnostic Imaging of Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Clinics Hospital, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Excellent breast radiographic images have been obtained with doses and tube loads reduction of respectively 36.8% and 46.2% in comparison to those employed in our institutions' clinical routine. CONCLUSION: This study is a contribution to the optimization of the risk-benefit ratio for patients and cost-benefit ratio for the institution.

Keywords: Mammography, Homogeneous phantom, Quality control, Dose reduction

We evaluated the adrenals of individuals without tuberculosis (group 1 - G1) and with tuberculosis (group 2 - G2) using computed tomography. The antero-posterior length, the thickness, and the longitudinal length of the adrenals were compared in G1 and G2. The duration of the disease, the occurrence of morphologic abnormalities in G2, the distribution according to sex, age and skin color were also studied. There was difference in the antero-posterior length and thickness of right adrenal between G1 and G2. A higher prevalence of white skin male individuals was observed in G2. There was no association between duration of the disease and the occurrence of morphologic abnormalities in G2. A higher occurrence of adrenal enlargement was observed in G2. The main computed tomography findings in patients with tuberculosis were enlargement of the adrenal without calcification, enlargement of the adrenal with punctiform calcifications, and residual calcification of the adrenal.

Keywords: Adrenal, Tuberculosis, Computed tomography

The authors report a rare case of intramedullary spinal cord cysticercosis in a 36-year-old male patient. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the brain showed multiple ring enhanced lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a cystic intramedullary formation at C5-C6 level containing a scolex.

Keywords: Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging