Pathological processes of the testis are very frequently found, and include non-tumoral and tumoral lesions. Ultra-sonography performed with a high-frequency transducer has become the imaging modality of choice for examination of these organs. This method is of help to improve intratesticular lesions characterization, and in many instances the findings suggest a more specific diagnosis, especially in the presence of similar clinical manifestations such as pain, swelling and local increase in volume. Color Doppler is an invaluable tool for demonstrating anomalous patterns of testicular perfusion and aids in the diagnosis of acute clinical conditions. In the present iconographic essay, the authors summarize the most frequent clinical, pathological findings as well as the main diagnostic features of benign intratesticular lesions such as microlithiasis, simple cysts, spermatocele, varicocele, tubular ectasia of the rete testis, orchitis, hematomas and more rare conditions. Familiarity with clinical and sonographic features is essential for the correct diagnosis and starting of the most effective therapy, as necessary.

Keywords: Testis, Benign testicular lesions, Ultrasonography, Color Doppler

OBJECTIVE: To systematize the assessment of vestibular aqueduct by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease as compared with a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have selected 20 patients with unilateral Ménière's disease, according to the guidelines proposed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. The control group consisted of ten individuals with normal audiometric tests. Overall, we have studied 60 ears, equally divided into three groups: group I - Ménière's disease, affected ear; group II - Ménière's disease, non-affected ear; group III - control. All the individuals have undergone temporal bones HRCT. Images were blindly reviewed, trying to evaluate the visibility of the descendent portion of the ventricular aqueduct. Afterwards data were correlated with their respective groups. RESULTS: We have identified the vestibular aqueduct in 95% of ears in group I, 90% in group II, and 100% in group III. CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform a systematic evaluation of the vestibular aqueduct by axial HRCT, using the same radiological technique, anatomical knowledge and sequential images of inner ear structures. With this systematic approach we have obtained a high rate of vestibular aqueduct visualization, with no statistically significant difference between the groups.

Keywords: Vestibular aqueduct, Temporal bone, Tomography, Helicoidal computed tomography, Ménière's disease

OBJECTIVE: To describe the high-resolution computed tomography findings in the lung of patients with systemic sclerosis, independently of the respiratory symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three high-resolution computed tomography scans of 44 patients with clinical diagnosis of systemic sclerosis were reviewed and defined by the consensus of two radiologists. RESULTS: Abnormalities were seen in 91.8% (n = 67) of the scans. The most frequent findings were reticular pattern (90.4%), ground-glass opacities (63%), traction bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis (56.2%), esophageal dilatation (46.6%), honeycombing pattern (28.8%) and signs of pulmonary hypertension (15.6%). In most cases the lesions were bilateral (89%) and symmetrical (58.5%). The lesions were predominantly located in the basal (91.2%) and peripheral (92.2%) regions. CONCLUSION: In the majority of the patients, progressive systemic sclerosis can cause pulmonary fibrosis mainly characterized by reticular pattern with basal and peripheral distribution on high-resolution computed tomography.

Keywords: High-resolution computed tomography, Progressive systemic sclerosis, Reticular pattern

The author reports a case of an adult patient with a simple testicular cyst diagnosed by ultrasound. A review of the literature is presented and a conservative treatment approach and follow-up is recommended.

Keywords: Testis. Cyst. Testicular cyst.

Caroli's disease is a rare congenital malformation characterized by multifocal dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts predisposing to cholestasis and recurrent cholangitis. The authors describe the case of a young patient with Caroli's disease diagnosed by magnetic resonance cholangiography and complicated with liver abscess, being submitted to surgical drainage.

Keywords: Caroli's disease; Magnetic resonance cholangiography; Liver abscess.

The present study is aimed at describing scrotal collections observed at ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. The authors describe the main features of hydrocele, hematocele and pyocele, as well as the most common causes, clinical manifestations and associated diseases, with a brief review of the embryology and anatomy of the scrotum. Collections are frequently found in the evaluation of the scrotum, which is often performed on an emergency basis, and in most cases can be differentiated by means of imaging studies. With the consolidation of magnetic resonance imaging as the method of choice complementary with ultrasonography, the authors also describe magnetic resonance imaging findings of scrotal collections as well as the situations where such method is indicated.

Keywords: Testis; Testicular hydrocele; Hematocele; Abscess; Ultrasonography: Magnetic resonance imaging.

Although the correct diagnosis of inguinal hernias can often be made by clinical examination, there are several situations in which imaging methods represent the best option for evaluating such hernias, their content, and the possible complications. In addition, bulging of the inguinal region is not always indicative of a hernia, because other lesions, including tumors, cysts, and hematomas, also affect the region. The objective of this pictorial essay is to demonstrate what can be identified within inguinal hernias. Differentiating the types of herniated structures is of absolute importance for planning the appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Urinary bladder; Inguinal canal; Inguinal hernia; Testicular neoplasms; Metastasis; Ovary.

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.

Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare. However, because of the increase in the number of immunocompromised individuals, they have been gaining prominence in the differential diagnosis of CNS infections. Imaging techniques are sensitive for detecting and localizing an abnormality, in many cases allowing the origin of a lesion to be categorized as infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, or vascular. This essay illustrates the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings of the most common fungal infections of the CNS, based on the experience of the Radiology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Keywords: Central nervous system fungal infections/diagnostic imaging; Mycoses/diagnosis; Brain abscess/diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging.