OBJECTIVE: To obtain mean angulation values for renal hila in relation to the horizontal plane traced over the right and left spinal erector muscles, considering the center of the lumbar vertebral spine as a parameter for measuring the renal hila angles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors have analyzed 250 abdominal computed tomography studies of both male and female healthy individuals (128 men with mean age 52.45 ± 17.42 years, and 122 women with mean age 54.39 ± 18.27 years), corresponding to 500 renal hila evaluated. The mean angulation of each hilum in relation to the horizontal plane was obtained taking acute angles into consideration. RESULTS: The comparative study have not found any statistically significant difference in acute angles of renal hila between male and female individuals. The statistical analysis demonstrated limits of 40.40° and 44.54° for mean right hilum angulation and 39.91° and 43.23° for mean left hilum angulation, with a confidence interval of 95%. CONCLUSION: Renal hila present similar angulation independently of sex. Higher angulation values correspond to hyper-rotation or excessive rotation, and lower angulation values, to incomplete or reverse rotation.

Keywords: Congenital anomalies, Renal pelvis, Urinary tract, Helical computed tomography

Multidetector computed tomography has been progressively used for evaluation of coronary artery disease, so the knowledge about the anatomy of coronary arteries and veins is of fundamental importance.

Keywords: Coronary artery, Anatomy, Angiography, Multidetector computed tomography

The authors report two cases of pulmonary artery sling diagnosed by three-dimensional reconstruction of images of the tracheobronchial tree and the esophagus acquired using magnetic resonance imaging or helical computer tomography. The typical clinical findings of this congenital abnormality, which may not be as rare as previously believed, include those related to severe tracheobronchial obstruction, although asymptomatic or mild symptomatic cases have been reported. Early diagnosis of this anomaly is extremely important, since in most cases immediate surgical correction is indicated due to its high lethality. The use of three-dimensional reconstruction allows simultaneous identification of the associated tracheobronchial and cardiovascular malformations, in addition to a clear visualization of the anomaly. Thus, the diagnosis can usually be established non-invasively, avoiding the use of the selective angiocardiography, considered the gold-standard.

Keywords: Pulmonary artery sling, Anomalous left pulmonary artery, Tracheal stenosis, Vascular ring, Left pulmonary artery variants

Callosal dysgenesis is a malformation of the corpus callosum with origins in the embryogenesis of the telencephalon. We reviewed the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of 11 patients with callosal dysgenesis and one patient with normal corpus callosum associated with a lipoma. The patients were divided into three distinct groups: total agenesis (three patients), partial agenesis (six patients) and hypoplasia (two patients). Associated abnormalities were observed in nine patients, including Chiari II malformation (one patient), schizencephaly (one patient), interhemispheric cyst (two patients), Dandy-Walker cyst (one patient), nodular heterotopy (one patient) and lipoma of the corpus callosum (four patients). This paper presents a review that may contribute to the diagnosis of these disorders.

Keywords: Dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, Brain malformation, Developmental anomalies, Lipoma of the corpus callosum

Aberrant internal carotid artery is an anomaly of the embryogenesis of the vertical portion of the internal carotid artery, characterized by projection of the internal carotid artery into the middle ear, adjacent to the cochlear promontory. The authors report a case of a patient in which contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography examinations were decisive to adequately characterize the anomaly, thus avoiding instrumental or surgical intervention, which could bear fatal consequences.

Keywords: Vascular malformation, Internal carotid artery, Congenital anomalies, Temporal bone

Objective: We aimed to determine if multidetector-row computed tomography angiography is an effective and non-invasive method for diagnosing anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of 2,905 cases from July 2003 to November 2007 in which cardiac multidetector-row computed tomography angiography was used. Of the cases, 393 evaluated congenital cardiopathy, with the others (2,512) evaluating the coronary arteries. Results: Anomalous pulmonary venous drainage was found in 21 cases, with 7 (33.3%) from total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (3 supracardiac, 3 infracardiac and 1 cardiac), and 14 (66.7%) from partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. Conclusion: Multidetector-row computed tomography angiography can be useful for diagnosing the described anomalies because of its non-invasiveness, and its ability to evaluate intra- and extra-cardiac structures. The technique allows a thorough study of the thoracic anatomy and contributes to surgical conduct, consequently improving patient prognosis, in particular by allowing the diagnosis of clinically unsuspected malformations.

Keywords: Anomalous drainage; Pulmonary veins, Congenital abnormalities; Multidetector-row computed tomography.

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 completude das fissuras, resposta radiológica ao tratamento e análise quantitativa por TC (AQTC) em população de pacientes com enfisema grave submetidos ao implante de valvas endobrônquicas (VEB). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados exames de TC multidetectores de 29 pacientes, realizados com protocolo de baixo dose, cortes finos, sem contraste. Dois radiologistas revisaram, retrospectivamente, os exames em consenso. A completude das fissuras foi estimada em escala de 5% e a resposta radiológica (atelectasia/perda volumétrica do lobo alvo) foi avaliada. AQTC foi realizada nos exames pré e pós-tratamento utilizando programa completamente automático. RESULTADOS: Resposta radiológica positiva foi vista em 16/29 pacientes. Os 13 pacientes sem resposta à TC apresentavam fissuras incompletas e completude média das fissuras obliquas de 72,8%, contra 88,3% no outro grupo. Os resultados mais significativos da AQTC mostraram redução do volume pulmonar (VP) total (média de 542 ml), VP tratado (700 ml) e volume de enfisema (331,4 ml) no grupo com resposta positiva, que também apresentou melhora nos testes funcionais. CONCLUSÃO: O benefício das VEB é maior em pacientes com fissuras completas e que desenvolvem atelectasia lobar. Nos pacientes sem resposta radiológica encontramos maior prevalência de fissuras incompletas e grau de incompletude das fissuras. Nossa AQTC automática detectou as alterações pós-tratamento, principalmente considerado a análise do pulmão tratado.

Keywords: Enfisema; Terapia de colapso pulmonar; Tomografia computadorizada.

A literature review and pictorial essay were developed to discuss the importance of knowing the main findings and locations of otosclerosis at multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The authors performed a retrospective review of cases of otosclerosis diagnosed in their institution by means of high resolution multidetector computed tomography. Otosclerosis corresponds to otic capsule dysplasia characterized by metabolic derangement of its endochondral layer. Such condition constitutes a relevant cause of sensorineural hearing loss, affecting about 7% to 10% of the general population. The diagnosis is usually clinical, but imaging methods play a significant role in the anatomical detailing, differential diagnosis, surgical planning and evaluation of postoperative complications. Among such methods, the relevance of MDCT is highlighted. Radiologists should be familiar with the MDCT findings of otosclerosis, as well as with the temporal bone anatomy to assist in the appropriate clinical management of this disease.

Keywords: Otosclerosis; Otospongiosis; Sensorineural hearing loss; Multidetector computed tomography.

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a rare congenital condition. In addition to cardiac malformations or pulmonary hypertension, patients may present with recurrent pulmonary infections or hemoptysis in childhood or adolescence. The authors report a case where the typical findings of such condition were observed at computed tomography in an adult patient.

Keywords: Pulmonary veins; Unilateral pulmonary veins atresia; Computed tomography.

Renal cystic lesions are usually diagnosed in the radiologists' practice and therefore their characterization is crucial to determine the clinical approach to be adopted and prognosis. The Bosniak classification based on computed tomography findings has allowed for standardization and categorization of lesions in increasing order of malignancy (I, II, IIF, III and IV) in a simple and accurate way. The present iconographic essay developed with multidetector computed tomography images of selected cases from the archives of the authors' institution, is aimed at describing imaging findings that can help in the diagnosis of renal cysts.

Keywords: Bosniak classification; Renal cysts; Multidetector computed tomography.

Conventional angiography is still considered the gold standard for the study of the anatomy and of vascular diseases of the abdomen. However, the advent of multidetector computed tomography and techniques of digital image reconstruction has provided an alternative means of performing angiography, without the risks inherent to invasive angiographic examinations. Therefore, within the field of radiology, there is an ever-increasing demand for deeper knowledge of the anatomy of the regional vasculature and its variations. Variations in the renal vascular system are relatively prevalent in the venous and arterial vessels. For various conditions in which surgical planning is crucial to the success of the procedure, knowledge of this topic is important. The aim of this study was to familiarize the general radiologist with variations in the renal vascular system. To that end, we prepared a pictorial essay comprising multidetector computed tomography images obtained in a series of cases. We show patterns representative of the most common anatomical variations in the arterial blood supply to the kidneys, calling attention to the nomenclature, as well as to the clinical and surgical implications of such variations.

Keywords: Anatomic variation; Renal artery; Multidetector computed tomography.

Coronary arteries originating from the contralateral (noncoronary) sinus and having an interarterial course, in which they run from the ascending aorta to the pulmonary trunk, is a potentially fatal anomaly. Computed tomography (CT) angiography facilitates the recognition and therapeutic planning of such anomalies because of its ability to acquire high-resolution images of the entire course of the coronary artery, as well as of the accompanying atherosclerotic involvement. The right coronary artery originating from the left coronary sinus is the most prevalent anomaly of this type and usually implies a better prognosis, the interarterial course being classified as "high" or "low", depending on whether it is above or below the level of the pulmonary valve, with consequent stratification of the risk and the treatment. However, it is known that there is a high risk of sudden death among patients with a left coronary artery of anomalous origin from the right sinus. In such cases, surgical treatment is recommended, regardless of whether there are symptoms or evidence of ischemia. Given the importance of those aspects, which can be identified on CT of the chest or CT angiography of the aorta, this pictorial essay aims to illustrate such anomalies to facilitate their recognition and description by radiologists who are not specialists in cardiac imaging.

Keywords: Coronary vessel anomalies/complications; Coronary vessel anomalies/diagnostic imaging; Aorta, thoracic/abnormalities; Aorta, thoracic/diagnostic imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of morphological criteria of the cecal appendix using computed tomography (CT) and the possible risk of developing acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases were defined as patients with surgically confirmed acute appendicitis who had undergone CT at least twice: at diagnosis and at least one month prior. Controls were defined as emergency patients with abdominal pain who had undergone abdominal CT that excluded acute appendicitis and had also undergone CT at least one month before. RESULTS: 100 cases and 100 controls were selected for inclusion in the final analysis. Comparisons between the cases and controls revealed the following: mean transverse diameter of 0.6 cm (range, 0.4–1.0 cm) versus 0.6 cm (range, 0.6–0.8 cm; p = 0.37); mean length of 6.6 cm (range, 3.5–9.7 cm) versus 6.6 cm (range, 4.5–8.3 cm; p = 0.87); mean angle of 100º (range, 23–178º) versus 86º (range, 43–160º; p = 0.01); vertical descending orientation in 56% versus 45% (p = 0.2); absence of gas in 69% versus 77% (p = 0.34); and presence of an appendicolith in 17% versus 8% (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Hypothetical risk factors for obstruction of the vermiform appendix detected on CT were not associated with acute appendicitis. That suggests that factors other than those related to mechanical obstruction are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.

Keywords: Appendicitis; Appendix; Multidetector computed tomography; Emergency medicine.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os padrões tomográficos relacionados aos agentes etiológicos da pneumonia em pacientes durante o primeiro ano após transplante renal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de prontuários de 956 pacientes submetidos a transplante renal, no período de 2013 a 2018, em um centro transplantador renal do nordeste do Brasil. Nos pacientes que desenvolveram pneumonia, os agentes etiológicos foram classificados em bactérias piogênicas, micobactérias, fungos, vírus e pneumonia polimicrobiana, enquanto os padrões tomográficos foram classificados em consolidação, broncopneumonia, pneumonia intersticial e nódulos e massas. Para verificar associação estatística entre micro-organismos e padrões tomográficos, foi utilizado o teste exato de Fisher, com p < 0,001. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 101 casos de pneumonia, dos quais 60 (59,4%) tiveram agente etiológico identificado, sendo as bactérias piogênicas as mais frequentes, detectadas em 22 (36,7%) dos casos. Entre os pacientes com agente causal identificado, o padrão tomográfico predominante foi o de nódulos e massas, identificado em 25 (41,7%) casos. Foi observada associação entre bactérias piogênicas e o padrão de consolidação, fungos com nódulos e massas, bem como entre agentes virais e padrão intersticial. CONCLUSÃO: Foi demonstrada associação estatística entre micro-organismos causadores de pneumonia e padrões tomográficos, informação que pode contribuir para o planejamento da terapia de pacientes transplantados renais.

Keywords: Pneumonia; Transplante de rim; Tomografia computadorizada.