The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of concordance between radiological and radioisotopic methods and, if positive, to evaluate the usefulness of ictal SPECT in the localization of the epileptogenic focus. Ictal brain SPECT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were performed on six patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Ictal SPECT was performed after withdrawal of the anti-epileptogenic drugs during video-EEG monitoring, using 99mTc-ECD, administered to patients at the time of the ictus. MRI was performed in T1, T2 and FLAIR sequences and MRS was obtained using the PRESS technique, with a single voxel positioned in both hippocampi. The statistical analysis included the determination of the values of Kappa (k), standard error (se) and significance level (p) for the lateralization of the ictal focus. The analysis of all findings was based on EEG localization of the ictal discharge, seizure duration (109-280 s; 152 s average) and time of radiotracer injection (30-262 s; 96 s average). We obtained correlated data in four patients (67%), and values of k = 0.67, se = 0.38, and p = 0.041. We concluded that there is a concordance between ictal SPECT, MRI and MRS data and the usefulness of the radioisotopic procedure is related to a nondiagnostic EEG and when there is a discordant or misleading diagnosis after a comparative analysis of EEG and MRS.

Keywords: Ictal SPECT, Magnetic resonance imaging, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical signs of swallowing abnormalities with videofluoroscopy findings in patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in the subacute phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a group of 37 patients with subacute CVA confirmed by imaging examinations, 26 patients (male and female; mean age of 59.69 years) were clinically and videofluoroscopically evaluated. The clinical parameters for penetration/aspiration of fluids and the confirmation by videofluoroscopy were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Dysphagia was identified in 19 (73%) of the 26 patients who were submitted to videofluoroscopy; 10 (38.6%) patients presented penetration/aspiration of fluids. The results demonstrated that there was no correlation (p < 0.05) between the occurrence of dysphagia and/or dysartria and penetration/aspiration of fluids observed on videofluoroscopy. There was correlation between penetration/aspiration of liquids observed on videofluoroscopy and the following parameters: condition of the teeth (p = 0.047), face motility (p = 0.019) and sensibility (p = 0.039), and tongue motility (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: It was not possible to determine the presence of penetration/aspiration of liquids in the airways by the epidemiological data of the CVA. Patients with bad teeth, facial and/or tongue motility abnormalities, or facial sensibility showed increased risk of penetration/aspiration of liquids. Videofluoroscopic assessment remains an important means to better evaluate dysphagia in patients with CVA.

Keywords: Dysphagia, Cerebrovascular accident, Aspiration pneumonia, Videofluoroscopy, Radiology, Rehabilitation

Renal allograft acute rejection must be promptly diagnosed since its reversibility is related to the readiness in which treatment is initiated. The aim of this study was: 1) to establish a quantitative method to evaluate kidney rejection and acute tubular necrosis (ATN); 2) to assess the potential role of 99mTc-mononuclear leukocytes scintigraphy in the diagnosis of renal rejection and differential diagnosis of ATN. One hundred and sixty studies were performed in 80 renal transplant patients at the first and fifth day after transplantation. Autologous cells were used for labeling. Images were obtained at 30 minutes, 3 hours and 24 hours after intravenous administration of 444 MBq (12 mCi) of labeled cells. There was abnormal labeled cells uptake in 27 of 31 cases of rejection and in 6 of 8 cases of ATN. The results of each patient were compared with clinical findings. Doppler scanning detected 18 of 31 cases of rejection. Rejection diagnosis sensitivity and specificity rates using scintigraphy were 87.1% and 100%, respectively, and 58.1% and 100%, respectively using ultrasound. Renal biopsy was performed in eight patients which demonstrated seven cases of rejection and one case of ATN. These results suggest that 99mTc-mononuclear leukocytes imaging may be useful in the early diagnosis of rejection and in the differential diagnosis of ATN.

Keywords: 99mTc-mononuclear leukocytes, Renal allograft, Rejection, Diagnosis

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS™) of the American College of Radiology is a system designed to standardize mammography reports, to reduce breast imaging misinterpretations and to facilitate monitoring of the outcome. OBJECTIVE: To identify the compliance of women and physicians with BI-RADS recommendations in Goiânia, GO, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3,000 women submitted to mammography examinations in a private clinic in Goiânia (January to December, 2002) were evaluated. The mammograms were reported according to BI-RADS classification. Women classified as categories 0, 3, 4 and 5 were followed up by telephone. RESULTS: Women who refused to follow the recommendation: category 0 (11.5%), 3 (13.8%), 4 (28%), 5 (0%). Physician failure to advise the patient to follow the recommendation: category 0 (18.2%), 3 (17%), 4 (20%). Women who complied with BI-RADS recommendation: category 0 (1.8%), 3 (5.7%), 4 (40%), 5 (100%). Contact lost during the follow-up: category 0 (68.5%), 3 (39%), 4 (12%). CONCLUSION: The level of compliance with BI-RADS recommendations was low in categories 0 and 3, and moderate in category 4. About 30% of women classified as category 0 did not undergo additional imaging evaluations either because of their refusal or lack of adequate physician advice.

Keywords: Mammography, Screening, BI-RADS

In a retrospective study, from August 1999 until June 2002, 6,999 consecutive mammograms were analyzed using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS™) guidelines, with the purpose of a regional analysis of mammographic findings in the categories 4 and 5 BI-RADS, which were all recommended to histopathologic study, evaluating the sensibility of this method in these categories, as an indicator of malignancy. The analysis revealed 43.65% (n = 3,055) of negative findings, 47.36% (n = 3,315) of benign lesions, 7.47% (n = 523) of probably benign lesions, 0.87% (n = 61) of suspicious lesions, and 0.64% (n = 45) of highly suspicious lesions. All the patients fitted in the categories 4 (61 patients) and 5 (45 patients) were referred for biopsy. The histopathologic analysis showed 27 patients in category 4 (44.26%) and 27 patients in category 5 (60%): 55.55% (n = 15) of category 4 patients showed malignant lesions; 96.29% (n = 26) of category 5 patients showed malignant lesions. The study demonstrates the high positive predictive value for malignancy in BI-RADS category 5 and the real need for follow-up investigation in BI-RADS category 4.

Keywords: BI-RADS, Mammography

A computerized system to manage quality control testing and general X-ray equipment maintenance was developed in accordance with the requirements of Brazilian legislation (Ministerial Order No. 453/98). Quality control tests are part of a quality assurance program that should be implemented in all medical and odontological radiodiagnosis institutions. A Microsoft Access® database was developed to allow a direct link with the maintenance system that is being implemented at the "Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro", Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Keywords: Database management systems, Quality control, Radiography

Ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography have dramatically improved the diagnosis of portal hypertension thanks to the noninvasive visualization of the liver, spleen and splanchnic blood flow. In this article the authors discuss some important issues raised by the use of ultrasound and Doppler in the evaluation of portal hypertension.

Keywords: Portal hypertension, Liver, Ultrasound, Doppler

Early magnetic resonance angiography techniques used flow-sensitive sequences to obtain contrast of the vascular structures. Three techniques are based on this approach: phase-contrast, time-of-flight and black blood techniques. However, these acquisition methods are time-consuming and more susceptible to movement artifacts, flow-related artifacts and signal loss due to stenotic lesions. They also present low sensitivity for slow flow detection. The use of paramagnetic contrast medium in magnetic resonance angiography studies provides a simple and quick way of obtaining vascular enhancement. Image contrast is based on vascular enhancement in opposition to background suppression. Important factors for the technical improvement of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography include modern techniques of central k-space ordering that are responsible for high image contrast, and implementation of appropriate timing injection. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is a useful diagnostic tool for investigation of anatomical anomalies, stenotic and occlusive disease, and surgical complications, particularly in patients with organ transplants. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography has the advantage of a noninvasive method since it does not require ionizing radiation or an iodine contrast medium, and allows the evaluation of parenchymatous structures for additional diagnostic information.

Keywords: Angiography, Magnetic resonance imaging, Gadolinium

Radioiodine therapy has attained a significant role in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. The literature addressing possible secondary effects of 131I is limited, although there has been increasingly interest in this field. A more comprehensive understanding of the mutagenic effects of radiation on the offspring of women exposed to 131I is mandatory in view of the possibility of occurrence of miscarriages, congenital abnormalities and malignancies in these children. In this review, we found that many reports on safety of this type of treatment in female patients in reproductive age recommend that pregnancy should be avoided for at least one year after therapeutic administration of radioiodine.

Keywords: Radioiodine therapy, Differentiated thyroid carcinoma, Pregnancy

The authors report a case of lipoid pneumonia in an 80-year-old man with chronic constipation in regular use of mineral oil as a laxative. According to his family, he experienced coughing episodes when he took his medication. He also presented dyspnea at rest and diminished consciousness levels. Chest radiographs showed a consolidation area in the posterior segment of right upper lobe, which did not change on successive exams. High resolution computed tomography demonstrated low-density consolidation with negative Hounsfield units (-29 to -83 UH) and ground-glass opacities in the right upper lobe and inferior lobes. These opacities predominated in the posterior regions of the lungs. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of oil material on bronchoalveolar washing. The patient was advised to discontinue the ingestion of mineral oil and did not return for follow-up.

Keywords: Lipoid pneumonia, Computed tomography, Lungs

The authors report a case of a white four-year-old boy with progressive neurological symptoms due to a brain stem mass lesion identified by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. The diagnosis of gliosarcoma was confirmed by histological examination. This rare type of central nervous system tumor affects mainly patients over 40 years of age and is most commonly supratentorial. Only a few cases of gliosarcoma in children have been reported, particularly in the infratentorial region. The epidemiological data as well as the most frequent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed.

Keywords: Gliosarcoma, Brain tumors, Radiology, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging

The authors report a case of a 42-year-old male patient with progressive polyarthralgia since childhood. The patient developed deformities of his hands and feet, which prevented him from walking. There were no other abnormalities. Radiographs of the hands and feet showed bilateral osteolysis of carpal, tarsal, metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Osteolysis of carpal and tarsal bones is a rare syndrome whose clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical approach needs further study.

Keywords: Idiopathic osteolysis, Carpal-tarsal osteolysis, Disappearing bone disease