Hepatic hemangioma is frequently asymptomatic, and bleeding is rare, even in cases of large lesions. The authors report the case of a 31-year-old female patient presenting with acute abdominal pain, whose imaging studies have demonstrated hematoma in the left hepatic lobe associated with hemoperitoneum. The patient was submitted to left hepatectomy, with a final histopathological diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma.

Keywords: Hepatic hemangioma, Hemoperitoneum, Computed tomography, Acute abdomen

OBJECTIVE: To establish the role of MRI T2-weighted sequences in the differentiation between simple cysts and hepatic hemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blinded, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study evaluated 52 patients with 91 hepatic lesions (34 simple cysts and 57 hemangiomas) submitted to abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. The combined analysis of all sequences was considered as the golden-standard. TSE sequences with long echo trains and b-FFE sequences were subjectively analyzed by two independent observers for differentiating cysts from hemangiomas. The kappa test (κ) was utilized in the analysis of the methods accuracy and inter- and intra-observer agreement (p < 0.05*). RESULTS: Cysts and hemangiomas dimensions ranged respectively between 0.5 and 6.5 cm (mean = 1.89 cm), and 0.8 and 11 cm (mean = 2.62 cm). The analysis of the sequences with long-TE and the golden-standard demonstrated a non-statistically significant agreement (κ: 0.00-0.10). The agreement between the evaluation of the b-FFE sequence and the golden-standard ranged from substantial (κ: 0.62-0.71) to almost perfect (κ: 0.86) for both observers. The inter- and intra-observer agreement for the b-FFE sequence ranged from substantial (κ: 0.62-0.70) to almost perfect (κ: 0.85-0.91). CONCLUSION: T2-weighted images acquired with the b-FFE technique present a high accuracy and reproducibility in the differentiation between cysts and hepatic hemangiomas.

Keywords: Liver, Cyst, Hemangioma, Magnetic resonance imaging

In order to evaluate atypical aspects of hepatic hemangiomas at ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we have retrospectively analyzed 300 cases of patients diagnosed with hepatic hemangiomas by means of combined imaging studies, clinical follow-up and/or biopsy results. Based on this analysis we have selected those cases with atypical findings at one or more imaging methods or those presenting an unusual evolution such as: hypoechoic nodules at US; giant, heterogeneous hemangiomas; rapidly filling hemangiomas; calcified hemangiomas; pedunculated hemangiomas; hypointense hemangiomas at T2-weighted images; causing perfusion defect; with central scar simulating focal nodular hyperplasia; hemangiomas with adjacent abnormalities such as arterial-portal venous shunt and capsular retraction as well as hemangiomas enlarging over time. The hepatic hemangioma is the most common benign tumor affecting the liver and usually presents typical aspect. However, atypical findings should be known aiming at supporting diagnosis guidance and clinical decisions.

Keywords: Hemangioma, Liver, Atypical findings, Ultrasound, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver, occurring in all age groups, and more frequently in adults. The vast majority of hemangiomas are small, asymptomatic, and are incidentally discovered. Larger lesions may eventually produce symptoms. The sonographic aspect of these tumors varies, the lesions being typically small, well defined and hyperechoic. In this study the authors review clinical and sonographic features of hemangiomas, highlighting the clinical significance of such features to be taken into consideration in the treatment of affected patients.

Keywords: Hemangioma, Liver, Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the qualitative (morphological) and quantitative characteristics of hepatic hemangiomas with magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with 57 hemangiomas were prospectively studied with magnetic resonance imaging using a system operating at 1.5 T. T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images were obtained, including heavily T2-weighted images with TE of 160 ms. The morphological characteristics of the hemangiomas were studied and the lesions were classified as typical or atypical. Quantitative parameters (T2 relaxation time, simplified T2 index and lesion/liver signal intensity ratio) were also calculated. The values obtained for typical and atypical hemangiomas were compared as well as for the hemangiomas measuring £ 2.0 cm and > 2.0 cm. RESULTS: 78.9% of hemangiomas showed typical morphological features. There was no difference between the quantitative values for typical and atypical hemangiomas. There was not significant difference in T2 relaxation times and values of simplified T2 index in hemangiomas measuring £ 2.0 cm and > 2.0 cm. Lesion/liver signal intensity ratios showed significant differences between the two groups. T2 relaxation times, the simplified T2 index and the lesion/liver signal intensity ratios correctly characterized 96.5%, 93%, and 89.5% of the hemangiomas, respectively. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of hepatic hemangiomas is a simple technique that in conjunction with morphological evaluation provides a more reliable characterization of these tumors.

Keywords: Liver, Hemangioma, Magnetic resonance imaging

Hemangiomas are benign hepatic tumors that in most cases require no surgical excision if correctly identified. Ultrasound (US) usually shows hyperechogenic tumors although some unusual hypoechogenic hemangiomas have also been described. Fifteen patients with hypoechogenic hemangiomas, identified in a period of approximately four years, were evaluated prospectively. As the US findings of these hemangiomas were atypical, the final diagnosis was established after a combined analysis of US and helical computed tomography (helical-CT) findings. Helical-CT showed centripetal enhancement after administration of intravenous iodinated contrast media in all lesions. The levels of carcinoembrionic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein were measured in all patients who were also submitted to endoscopy and colonoscopy (or double contrast enema). No abnormalities were found in any of these tests. Additionally, US and helical-CT examinations were performed 8 to 12 months after the initial investigation in all patients, and no changes were seen in the appearance and dimensions of the lesions. There was associated steatosis in 14 of the 15 patients with hypoechogenic hemangiomas. The authors concluded that atypical hypoechogenic hemangiomas occur mainly in patients with steatosis and only occasionally in patients with nonsteatotic liver. In these atypical cases complementary imaging and biochemical studies, and follow-up tests are necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: Liver, Hemangioma, Hypoechogenic hemangioma, Ultrasonography

We report the clinical and imaging findings of a patient with a symptomatic vertebral hemangioma treated with radiotherapy alone. There was partial relief of the pain 3 months after radiotherapy. We recommend a total dose of 40 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction. A review of literature is also presented.

Keywords: Hemangioma, Radiotherapy, Spine

Objective: To describe the MR imaging features of hepatic hemangioma with perilesional enhancement. Materials and methods: A search was performed of the MRI section database to identify all cases of hepatic hemangioma with perilesional enhancement between March 2008 and July 2009. All patients underwent MR examinations including precontrast T1- and T2-weighted images and postgadolinium dynamic images. On MR images, characteristics of the hemangioma and perilesional enhancement were evaluated. Results: Seven hemangiomas in seven patients (five men, two women; age range, 41–69 years; mean, 57 years) were included in this study. Lesion size ranged from 7 to 20 mm (mean, 12.4 mm). On hepatic arterial dominant phase, all seven hemangiomas exhibited wedge-shaped perilesional enhancement which faded on two minutes postgadolinium images. Four of these lesions demonstrated adjacent capsular enhancement. Conclusion: All hepatic hemangiomas with perilesional enhancement were < 2 cm capsulebased lesions. This location suggests that these hemangiomas may conscript capsular vessels to account for the perilesional enhancement.

Keywords: Liver; Liver hemangioma; Liver perfusion; Liver contrast enhancement.

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.

Breast hemangioma is a rare benign tumor that presents either absent or low 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake at positron emission tomography (PET). The authors report the case of a breast nodule pathologically compatible with hemangioma in a woman whose PET-scan has demonstrated increased FDG uptake (simulating a malignant tumor). A brief review of factors leading to false positive and false negative PET results is also undertaken.

Keywords: PET/CT; FDG-18F; Hemangioma; Breast.

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.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of liver cysts and hemangiomas in the general population and in cirrhotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study selecting consecutive magnetic resonance imaging studies performed in the period from February to July 2011. A total of 303 patients (187 women and 116 men) with mean age of 53.3 years were included in the present study. Patients with previously known liver lesions were excluded. The images were consensually analyzed by two observers in the search for simple liver cysts and typical liver hemangiomas, according to universally accepted imaging criteria. Lesions prevalence, diameters and location were determined in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic individuals. RESULTS: The authors observed prevalence of 8.6% for hemangiomas and 14.5% for simple cysts. No statistically significant difference was observed in relation to prevalence of hemangiomas and cysts among cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients (p = 0.954; p = 0.472). CONCLUSION: In the present study, the prevalence of cysts and hemangiomas was higher than the prevalence reported by autopsy series. No influence of cirrhosis was observed on the prevalence and appearance of such incidental lesions.

Keywords: Hemangioma; Cysts; Magnetic resonance imaging; Prevalence; Liver.

OBJECTIVE: The present article is aimed at reporting the author's experience with transcatheter arterial embolization using a lipiodol-ethanol mixture in three cases of unresectable symptomatic giant hepatic hemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases of three patients with giant unresectable symptomatic hepatic hemangiomas embolized in the period 2009-2010 were retrospectively reviewed. In all the cases, transarterial embolization was performed with an ethanol-lipiodol mixture. RESULTS: Symptoms regression and quality of life improvement were observed in all the cases. No complications were observed and all the patients were discharged within 12 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter arterial embolization using ethanol mixed with lipiodol was a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic giant hepatic hemangiomas in this small series of patients.

Keywords: Hemangioma; Therapeutic embolization; Ethanol; Ethiodized oil.

Abdominal vascular syndromes are rare diseases. Although such syndromes vary widely in terms of symptoms and etiologies, certain imaging findings are characteristic. Depending on their etiology, they can be categorized as congenital—including blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome)—or compressive—including "nutcracker" syndrome, median arcuate ligament syndrome, Cockett syndrome (also known as May-Thurner syndrome), and superior mesenteric artery syndrome. In this article, we aimed to illustrate imaging findings that are characteristic of these syndromes, through studies conducted at our institution, as well as to perform a brief review of the literature on this topic.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal tract; Venous thrombosis; Arteriovenous fistula; Hemangioma.

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.