OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diameter, perimeter and area of atrioventricular valves as well thickness of ventricular walls and diameter of ventricular cavity of fetal hearts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty fetal hearts at gestational age between 28 and 36 weeks were dissected. A paquimeter with 1/10 mm accuracy was utilized for the following morphological measurements: anteroposterior and transverse diameters, mitral and tricuspid valves areas and perimeters. RESULTS: Anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the left atrioventricular valve measured 10.35 ± 1.62 mm and 9.90 ± 1.79 mm, respectively; and anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the right atrioventricular valve measured 10.98 ± 1.90 mm and 9.51 ± 1.81 mm, respectively. Mitral valve area and perimeter were, respectively, 84.06 ± 25.09 mm² and 29.87 ± 3.96 mm. Tricuspid valve area and perimeter were, respectively, 84.49 ± 26.79 mm² and 28.44 ± 3.85 mm. The thicknesses of the anterior and posterior right ventricular walls were, respectively, 5.00 ± 1.70 mm and 3.83 ± 0.91 mm. The thicknesses of the anterior and posterior left ventricular walls were, respectively, 4.25 ±0.87 mm and 4.14 ± 0.89 mm. The thickness of the interventricular septum measured 4.10 ± 1.13 mm. The anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle was 9.25 ± 0.85 mm, and the transverse diameter was 8.24 ± 0.42 mm. The anteroposterior diameter of the left ventricle measured 9.95 ± 0.37 mm, and transverse diameter measured 9.20 ± 0.40 mm. CONCLUSION: The role of morphometric data of fetal atrioventricular valves is highly significant in the echocardiographic diagnosis of possible congenital cardiac malformations.

Keywords: Fetal echocardiography, Fetal circulation, Cardiac malformation, Heart

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for fetal nasal bone length measurements between 11 and 15 gestational weeks in a Brazilian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed with 171 normal pregnant women between their 11th and 15th gestational weeks. The fetal nasal bone was measured by means of transabdominal ultrasound in all of the cases. The 5th and 95th percentiles for the nasal bone length were calculated by the formula: mean ± 1.645 standard deviation. The Spearman correlation coefficient with 95% confidence interval was utilized to correlate the nasal bone length with fetal anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: The nasal bone could be measured in all of the cases with the mean length ranging between 1.69 mm and 2.94 mm. Nasal bone length demonstrated to be strongly correlated with all of the fetal anthropometric parameters (p < 0.001) and with the gestational age (R² = 0.59). CONCLUSION: Despite the preliminary character of the present study, a reference range of fetal nasal bone length was established.

Keywords: Fetal biometry, Nasal bone, Normality range, Ultrasound

Cardiac tumors constitute a rare condition, affecting 0.17-28/10,000 of the general population. Rhabdomyomas represent the most frequently found type of tumor in the prenatal period. The present report describes the case of a 31-week fetus presenting with a large intracardiac tumor with severe clinical repercussions.

Keywords: Prenatal diagnosis, Ultrasonography, Fetal masses, Fetal tumors

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at evaluating by means of magnetic resonance imaging a series of fetuses with sonographic diagnosis of malformation, establishing the diagnostic benefits and limitations of fetal magnetic resonance imaging as compared with ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women between 15-35 gestational weeks and previously diagnosed with fetal abnormality by ultrasonography were referred to undergo complementary fetal magnetic resonance imaging, particularly for evaluating abnormalities in the fetal central nervous system, thorax, abdomen, renal system, skeletal system, and tumors. The whole evaluation process included a review of the fetal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance images, postnatal follow-up, laboratory tests, imaging studies and necropsy. RESULTS: The present study has demonstrated that complementary magnetic resonance imaging did provide further information in 60% of cases, with the following benefits: improved information on the fetus as a whole, with a large field of view, higher anatomic resolution provided by fast sequences, superior soft tissue contrast resolution, besides the fact that the visualization of the fetus is not significantly affected by maternal obesity or oligohydramnios. Limitations of the method include contraindication in the first gestational trimester and in cases of maternal claustrophobia, sensitivity to fetal motion, low sensitivity for detecting cardiovascular and skeletal malformations. CONCLUSION: Fetal magnetic resonance imaging plays a significant role as a complementary method for the diagnosis of fetal anomalies.

Keywords: Fetal magnetic resonance imaging, Ultrasonography, Malformations, Single-shot, HASTE, Prenatal diagnosis

The fetal limb volume reflects the nutritional status and intra-uterine growth of the fetus. The arrival of the three-dimensional ultrasound has allowed a more accurate volumetric evaluation of irregularly shaped structures such as fetal organs. The three-dimensional multiplanar mode is the most efficient technique to evaluate fetal limb volume as a parameter for a more accurate birth weight prediction. Currently, this method is useful for monitoring the development of soft tissue and for early detection of fetal growth deviations. In our country, where fetal growth restriction is frequent, with poor access to a skilled neonatal assistance, the dissemination of this technique could definitely contribute to reduce the rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Three-dimensional ultrasound, Fetal limbs, Volume

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare existing ultrasound findings in women with Rh-alloimmunized pregnancies with diagnosis of fetal anemia by spectrophotometric analysis of amniotic fluid or Doppler ultrasound of the fetal middle cerebral artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational descriptive study involving 99 patients evaluated between January 1995 and January 2004. Patients were divided into two groups: 74 Rh-isoimmunized women submitted to spectrophotometry of the amniotic fluid (group S) and 25 Rh-isoimmunized women submitted to Doppler ultrasound of fetal middle cerebral artery (group D) to evaluate fetal anemia. Ultrasound findings in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Placental anomalies, mainly placentomegaly and textural irregularities were more frequently seen in pregnant women followed up with spectrophotometry of the amniotic fluid compared to those followed up with Doppler ultrasound (64% X 32%, p = 6,294). CONCLUSION: The frequency of abnormal ultrasound findings was 2-fold higher in pregnancies evaluated with spectrophotometry of the amniotic fluid compared to those followed up with Doppler ultrasound.

Keywords: Red blood cell isoimmunization, Fetal anemia, Middle cerebral artery, Doppler ultrasonography, Isoantibodies, Fetal erythroblastosis

OBJECTIVE: To observe digital sucking or hand sucking habits in fetuses using ultrasound, to identify pregnancy related factors that influence its appearance and to evaluate the persistence of digital sucking after delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two ultrasound examinations were performed in 55 pregnant women with 20-24 and 25-32 weeks of pregnancy. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the factors related to pregnancy. In order to verify the persistence of digital sucking, visits to the newborns were performed one week after delivery. RESULTS: Digital sucking was detected in 35 of the 55 fetus studied. Digital sucking in fetuses was not associated with the health status of the pregnant women and the level of pregnancy acceptance. The Q Cochran test showed no relationship between the observation of digital sucking in the fetuses and the development of sucking habit in the newborns. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is an effective method to observe digital sucking in the fetus. There is no association between prenatal digital sucking and the development of sucking habits after delivery.

Keywords: Fetal ultrasound, Obstetric ultrasound, Oral habits, Digital sucking, Malocclusion

OBJECTIVE: To develop a nomogram for the umbilical cord cross-sectional area (UCCSA) in normal pregnancies in women between 20 to 40 weeks gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed to determine reference ranges for the UCCSA during normal pregnancies (patients with known dates of last menstrual period, and a normal ultrasound examination before the 20th week of gestation). The measurements of the UCCSA were obtained using a plane adjacent to the insertion of the cord in the abdomen. A 3.5 MHz transabdominal transducer was used on all ultrasound equipment utilized (a Synergy Multi Sync M500, a Toshiba 140 and a Toshiba Corevision). The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software. RESULTS: The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed a normal distribution of the data and the nomogram was constructed by linear regression. The analysis of variance (F test = 356.27) showed that our model was significant at a p < 0.01 level, and therefore represented adequately the studied population. The confidence interval (95%) contained the real value of the UCCSA. The equation constructed for the UCCSA (y) according to the gestational age (x) was: y = -532.27 + 44.358x - 0,655x². CONCLUSION: The nomogram developed for the UCCSA shows a progressive increase of the UCCSA up to the 32nd week, stabilization until the 34th week, and decrease after the 35th week of gestation.

Keywords: Umbilical cord, Cross-sectional area, Fetal growth

The authors report a case of a 24 year-old female patient with a three-month history of pain and enlargement of the left halux. Ultrasound showed a heterogeneous, hypoechoic solid soft tissue mass with cystic areas and calcification in the dorsum of the left halux. A tendinous structure was identified within the lesion but no evidence of involvement of adjacent osseous structures was found. Doppler ultrasound revealed central and peripheral hypervascularization of the lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a solid soft tissue mass containing a tendinous structure. The lesion appeared as an intermediate signal intensity structure on T1 images, high signal intensity on T2 images, and showed marked enhancement after intravenous administration of gadolinium. No osseous lesions were identified. The patient was submitted to surgical resection of the lesion in the dorsum of the left halux and the pathology results revealed a monophasic fibrous synovial sarcoma.

Keywords: Synovial sarcomas, Soft-tissue tumors, Ultra-sonography, Magnetic resonance imaging

Objetivo: A principal utilidade da tomografia por emissão de pósitrons com 18-fluordeoxiglicose (FDG-PET) está no estadiamento do câncer de pulmão. Porém, ela também pode ser utilizada para diferenciar lesões pulmonares indeterminadas, mas seu impacto na ressecção cirúrgica de lesões benignas é desconhecido. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a prevalência de lesões benignas em toracotomias feitas por suspeição de câncer de pulmão, antes e após a introdução do FDG-PET, em um centro de referência de cirurgia torácica. Materiais e Métodos: Os autores analisaram, prospectivamente, uma base de dados cirúrgicos de todos os pacientes consecutivos submetidos a toracotomia por câncer de pulmão suspeito ou comprovado e compararam a prevalência de lesões benignas em dois grupos ao longo de dois anos consecutivos, respectivamente antes (grupo I) e depois (grupo II) da introdução da FDG-PET. Resultados: Ressecção cirúrgica foi feita em 1.233 pacientes durante o período do estudo. A prevalência de lesões benignas na cirurgia nos grupos I e II foi similar (44/626 e 41/607, ambas correspondendo a 7%), e também no grupo II, entre aqueles submetidos a FDG-PET e os restantes (21/301 e 20/306 respectivamente, ambos correspondendo a 7%). No grupo II, dos 21 pacientes com lesões benignas submetidos a FDG-PET, 19 tiveram um estudo falso-positivo (valor médio padrão de captação 5.3 [faixa 2.6–12.7]). Desses, respectivamente 13 e 4 pacientes tiveram broncoscopia não diagnóstica e biópsia transtorácica percutânea de pulmão antes da toracotomia. Não houve diferença na proporção de lesões benignas diferentes ressecadas entre o grupo I e aqueles submetidos a FDG-PET no grupo II. Conclusão: A introdução da FDG-PET não alterou a proporção de pacientes submetidos a toracotomia por lesões benignas, principalmente devido à avidez pelo isótopo de algumas lesões não malignas. Tais resultados falsos-positivos devem ser considerados nos casos em que se contempla a possibilidade de ressecção cirúrgica em pacientes com câncer de pulmão não confirmado.

Keywords: Tomografia por emissão de pósitrons; Tomografia computadorizada; Pulmão – lesões benignas ou congênitas; Câncer de pulmão – diagnóstico e estadiamento; Câncer de pulmão – cirurgia.

Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção de médicos residentes em radiologia de 4º ano sobre as melhores modalidades de imagem na investigação de neoplasias e trauma. Materiais e Métodos: Vinte e sete médicos residentes de 4º ano de quatro programas de residência em radiologia americanos participaram do estudo. Aos participantes foi perguntado sobre a melhor modalidade de imagem para se avaliar o cérebro e a coluna vertebral, pulmões, abdome e o sistema musculoesquelético. As modalidades de imagem disponíveis foram: RM, TC, ultrassonografia, PET e radiografia simples. Todos os achados foram comparados com os Critérios de Adequação de Exames de Imagem e Radioterapia do ACR. Resultados: A RM foi escolhida como melhor modalidade de imagem para se avaliar neoplasias encefálicas, espinhais, abdominais e musculoesqueléticas por 96,3%, 100%, 70,4% e 63% dos residentes, respectivamente. A TC foi escolhida por 88,9% dos residentes para avaliar neoplasias pulmonares. A modalidade de imagem ótima para se avaliar trauma foi a TC para lesões encefálicas (100%), espinhais (92,6%), pulmonares (96,3%), abdominais (92,6%) e grandes lesões traumáticas musculoesqueléticas (74,1%); a RM foi escolhida para lesões esportivas (96,3%). Observou-se concordância com os critérios de adequação do ACR. Conclusão: Houve concordância entre a percepção dos residentes sobre as melhores modalidades de imagem para avaliação de neoplasias e trauma e os critérios de adequação do ACR.

Keywords: Formação de residentes; Educação médica; Modalidades de imagem.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate SPECT/CT with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues (RSAs) in systemic granulomatous infections in comparison with gallium-67 (⁶⁷Ga) citrate scintigraphy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 28 patients with active systemic granulomatous infections, including tuberculosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, pneumocystosis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, leishmaniasis, infectious vasculitis, and an unspecified opportunistic infection. Of the 28 patients, 23 had started specific treatment before the study outset. All patients underwent whole-body SPECT/CT imaging: 7 after injection of ^99mTc-EDDA-HYNIC-TOC, and 21 after injection of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-octreotide. All patients also underwent ⁶⁷Ga citrate imaging, except for one patient who died before the ⁶⁷Ga was available. RESULTS: In 20 of the 27 patients who underwent imaging with both tracers, 27 sites of active disease were detected by ⁶⁷Ga citrate imaging and by SPECT/CT with an RSA. Both tracers had negative results in the other 7 patients. RSA uptake was visually lower than ⁶⁷Ga uptake in 11 of the 20 patients with positive images and similar to ⁶⁷Ga uptake in the other 9 patients. The only patient who did not undergo ⁶⁷Ga scintigraphy underwent ^99mTc-EDDA-HYNIC-TOC SPECT/CT-guided biopsy of a lung cavity with focal RSA uptake, which turned to be positive for aspergillosis. CONCLUSION: SPECT/CT with ^99mTc-EDDA-HYNIC-TOC or ¹¹¹In-DTPA-octreotide seems to be a good alternative to ⁶⁷Ga citrate imaging for the evaluation of patients with systemic granulomatous disease.

Keywords: Single photon emission computed tomography; X-ray computed tomography; Octreotide; Gallium-67; Tuberculosis; Paracoccidioidomycosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether technetium-99m-labeled tropane derivative single-photon emission computed tomography (^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT) provides results comparable to those of the less widely available, less accessible tool fluorine-18-labeled fluorodopa positron-emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDOPA PET) in the setting of a movement disorders clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective pilot study, eight subjects with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were randomly selected from among patients under treatment at a movement disorders clinic and submitted to ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT and ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET. The results were read by two experienced observers, and a semiquantitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: The visual and semiquantitative analyses were concordant for all studies, showing that radiotracer uptake in the contralateral striatum on the most affected side was lower when ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT was employed. The semiquantitative analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET and ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT (r = 0.73; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It appears that ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT is a valid option for the study of dopaminergic function in a clinical setting.

Keywords: Parkinson disease/diagnostic imaging; Parkinsonian disorders/diagnostic imaging; Tomography, emission-computed, single-photon/methods; Positron-emission tomography/methods; Tropanes/pharmacokinetics; Dihydroxyphenylalanine/analogs & derivatives.

Os nervos cranianos representam extensões das estruturas funcionais do cérebro que cruzam a cabeça e o pescoço. Eles estão ligados a diferentes estruturas cranianas e se relacionam com diversas doenças. Uma compreensão profunda de sua complexa anatomia e aparência normal de imagem permite ao examinador identificar e caracterizar com mais precisão as anormalidades. A ressonância magnética com contraste é uma importante ferramenta para avaliar essas estruturas, especialmente as sequências tridimensionais de precessão livre de estado estacionário, que proporcionam alta resolução espacial e de partes moles, apesar da fina espessura dos nervos cranianos. Na maioria dos casos, os achados de imagem são inespecíficos, e uma anamnese completa, exame físico dirigido e testes laboratoriais são necessários para estreitar o diagnóstico diferencial. Este ensaio iconográfico ilustra e discute doenças congênitas, traumáticas e vasculares dos nervos cranianos, mostrando imagens em uma abordagem fisiopatológica.

Keywords: Neuroimagem/métodos; Radiologia/métodos; Ressonância magnética/métodos; Nervos cranianos/diagnóstico por imagem.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether technetium-99m-labeled tropane derivative single-photon emission computed tomography (^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT) provides results comparable to those of the less widely available, less accessible tool fluorine-18-labeled fluorodopa positron-emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDOPA PET) in the setting of a movement disorders clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective pilot study, eight subjects with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were randomly selected from among patients under treatment at a movement disorders clinic and submitted to ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT and ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET. The results were read by two experienced observers, and a semiquantitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: The visual and semiquantitative analyses were concordant for all studies, showing that radiotracer uptake in the contralateral striatum on the most affected side was lower when ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT was employed. The semiquantitative analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET and ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT (r = 0.73; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It appears that ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT is a valid option for the study of dopaminergic function in a clinical setting.

Keywords: Parkinson disease/diagnostic imaging; Parkinsonian disorders/diagnostic imaging; Tomography, emission-computed, single-photon/methods; Positron-emission tomography/methods; Tropanes/pharmacokinetics; Dihydroxyphenylalanine/analogs & derivatives.