OBJECTIVE: To assess the hemodynamic changes considered normal after transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) placement and the efficacy of TIPS parameters suggestive of stenosis using Doppler sonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients were prospectively evaluated from December, 2001 to March, 2003 after TIPS placement. Evaluations were performed 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and then at intervals of 30 days, three months, six months and one year using B mode, color Doppler, power Doppler and spectral Doppler in different TIPS related sites. Angiography was performed only to confirm Doppler findings and treatment. RESULTS: To date the only statistically significant parameters for diagnosis of TIPS stenosis were continuous flow pattern in the proximal third of TIPS and the velocity gradient between the two sites (p < 0.001). Different non-statistically significant parameters were also observed. CONCLUSION: Doppler sonography is an efficient tool for the diagnosis of shunt patency and TIPS related complications such as stenosis. However, it is necessary to study a larger number of patients in order to determine a group of parameters that would help in the follow-up of these patients, thus using portal angiography only for indicated treatment.

Keywords: Portal hypertension, Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, Ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound studies, Stents and prostheses

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to obtain an alternative angiographic diagnostic method which can be used in patients at a high risk for the use of iodine contrast medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with chronic renal failure whose fistulas were assessed by digital angiography were first evaluated using iodine contrast medium. Subsequently, carbon dioxide was used as contrast medium, and the images were printed in angiographic film. The angiographic studies were evaluated for opacification, radiological diagnosis and vessel diameter by two independent vascular surgeons; the author performed a comparative analysis of the measurement of the artery and the vein, and respiratory frequency before and after contrast injection. RESULTS: The results obtained with the statistical analysis using kappa coefficient showed agreement between the two doctors and were 0.3217 for opacification, 0.5583 for radiological diagnosis and of 0.4298 for the analysis of vessel diameter. For the carbon dioxide technique, no significant difference was seen in the comparative analysis of the measures of the artery (p = 0.3657) and vein (p = 0.2041), in the position measurements and dispersion; the analysis of the position measurements and dispersion for respiratory frequency showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: We concluded that this method can be used as an alternative for angiographic study in patients with history of allergy or risk of nephrotoxicity.

Keywords: Angiography using carbon dioxide, Renal failure, Arteriovenous fistula

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with leukemia and pulmonary symptoms, to establish the main patterns and to correlate them with the etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the HRCT of 15 patients with leukemia and pulmonary symptoms. The examinations were performed using a spatial high-resolution protocol and were analyzed by two independent radiologists. RESULTS: The main HRCT patterns found were ground-glass opacity (n=11), consolidation (n=9), airspace nodules (n=3), septal thickening (n=3), tree-in-bud pattern (n=3), and pleural effusion (n=3). Pulmonary infection was the most common finding seen in 12 patients: bacterial pneumonia (n=6), fungal infection (n = 4), pulmonary tuberculosis (n=1) and viral infection (n=1). Leukemic pleural infiltration (n=1), lymphoma (n=1) and pulmonary hemorrhage (n=1) were detected in the other three patients. CONCLUSION: HRCT is an important tool that may suggest the cause of lung involvement, its extension and in some cases to guide invasive procedures in patients with leukemia.

Keywords: Leukemias, High-resolution computed tomography, Lungs

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS™) from the American College of Radiology is a system designed to standardize mammographic reporting, reduce confounding factors in breast imaging interpretation, and to simplify the management of the final result. OBJECTIVE: To identify how the system is being used, providing information to help the Brazilian College of Radiology to develop strategies to improve its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected in the City of Goiânia, GO, Brazil. Each woman submitted to the examination in the service between January and June, 2003 was asked to provide previous reports and films. Examinations performed between 1/7/2001 and 30/6/2003 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 104 previous reports done by 40 radiologists from 33 different services were collected for analysis; 77% (n = 80) used the BI-RADS™. From these, only 15% (n = 12) were concise, none followed the recommendations suggested by the system, 98.75% (n = 79) were not in conformity with the lexicon terminology and in 65% (n = 51) there was no reference to pertinent recommendations. CONCLUSION: Although largely used, BI-RADS™ was not recognized as a system designed to standardize the reports and it was used almost exclusively to a final categorization of the exams.

Keywords: Mammography, Breast neoplasms, Detection

OBJECTIVE: To assess the behavior of nuchal translucency (NT) in the population of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, during weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy and to establish a reference range for this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal study was performed in 853 fetuses which presented normal cariotype or phenotype. All the fetuses were submitted to ultrasound analysis for NT measurement, during routine ultrasound examinations. The Student's "t" test and ANOVA were used in the statistical analysis. The regression test was used to adjust the better mathematical model to translate the NT behavior. RESULTS: Maternal age varied between 14 to 49 years (mean 30.2%), and 22.1% were above 35 years of age. The NT measurement increased with gestational age and the crown-rump length (CRL). In 73 normal fetuses (6.46%) the NT was thicker than 2.5 mm. The better mathematical model was the linear correlation (NT = 0.414 + 0.020 × CRL) which allowed to establish the reference range (percentiles 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 and 95). CONCLUSION: The NT measurement is a manageable method during the usual ultrasonography. NT measurements increase with gestational age during weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy. The NT measurements seen in the population of the State of Espírito Santo were similar to other population tested.

Keywords: Nuchal translucency, Reference curve, Prenatal diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: To review upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) contrast examinations in order to establish the main diagnoses and radiological findings, the actual benefits to the patients and the costs for the department of radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 270 UGI contrast examinations performed between 6/3/2001 and 12/4/2002 at the Department of Radiology of "Hospital Santa Cruz/Beneficência Portuguesa de Niterói", Niterói, RJ, Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 270 examinations were reviewed. Radiological findings (anatomical, congenital, acquired, peptic or surgery related findings) were seen in 115 (42.5%) examinations while 155 (57.5%) examinations were normal. The age range was 0-12 years in 197 (72.9%) patients whereas 73 (27.1%) patients were above 12 year-old. CONCLUSION: Due to the clear benefit to the patients, UGI contrast examinations should continue to be used as an important complementary method to study UGI diseases, particularly in children and surgical cases. Therefore, we should keep in mind that UGI contrast examinations and endoscopy are complementary methods of investigation when comparing its advantages and disadvantages. UGI contrast examination is a fast, simple, and relatively low cost procedure. In addition, it presents low risk to the patients.

Keywords: Upper gastrointestinal tract diseases, Contrast examination, Differential diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: To review 225 intravenous urography examinations in order to statistically analyze the main urinary tract related findings and to revalidate the usefulness of the method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study based on data of 225 intravenous urography examinations performed between 2/1/2002 and 29/11/2002 at the Department of Radiology of "Hospital Santa Cruz/Beneficência Portuguesa de Niterói", Niterói, RJ, Brazil. RESULTS: In a total of 225 examinations, radiological findings (anatomical, congenital, acquired, functional and others) were seen in 173 (76.9%) whereas 52 (23.1%) examinations were normal. The most common finding was calculus (35.9%), followed by dilatation of the calyceal system (9.9%). One hundred and ten patients (48.9%) were male and 115 (51.1%) were female. The youngest patient was 2-month-old and the oldest was 84-year-old. CONCLUSION: In spite of the new imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, intravenous urography still remains an important and valuable method for the investigation of the urinary tract.

Keywords: Intravenous urography, Urinary tract abnormalities, Differential diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: To present the process of implementation of toolkits for visualization of medical images using DICOM and to review the basis and characteristics of this protocol. In this paper we present a VDTApplication for visualization of local and remote images, and a VDTApplet that allows the visualization of images on a web browser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The toolkits were implemented using Java programming language. For the development of this toolkit we considered the different version of the DICOM protocol, creating a generic system capable of reading and opening images generated by different modalities of different manufacturers. The tools were evaluated qualitatively by doctors taking into account the system's interface, image quality and image adjustment. RESULTS: The evaluation score ranged from 1 (very poor ) to 5 (very good) for each item, with the following results: 5 for system interface, 4 for image quality and 3 for the image adjustment. Based on the scores obtained we concluded that the tools can be considered good. CONCLUSION: These results allowed us to conclude that these tools are practical, user friendly and should be added to the PACS (picture archiving and communication system) of "Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - Universidade de São Paulo", Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Keywords: Medical images, DICOM, Filmless radiology, Medical images visualization

The most important diagnostic sign of ureterolithiasis is the direct visualization of the stone within the ureter. However, in some patients with ureterolithiasis stone visualization may be impaired due to stone small size or low attenuation, respiratory artifacts between data acquisitions, low amount of retroperitoneal fat or recent elimination of the stone. In this context, we describe many secondary computed tomography signs of ureteral obstruction that may useful in the diagnosis of inconclusive cases, and also quantify the degree of urinary obstruction.

Keywords: Computed tomography, Acute flank pain, Ureteral stone

Radiograph of the nasopharynx is still the most commonly used imaging method to investigate the adenoidal tissue. Due to the variety and complexity of proposed methods to measure the adenoid size, some radiologists prefer subjective evaluation, which can, however, be imprecise and inaccurate. We review and describe several methods to determine the adenoid size, taking into account the practicity, accuracy and precision with the aim of pointing out the best methods to be applied in daily routine practice.

Keywords: Adenoids, Nasopharynx, Airway obstruction, Radiology

Disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint has been defined as an abnormal relationship between the articular disc and the mandibular condyle, fossa and articular eminence. Disc displacements may occur without immediate interference in the function of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging shows high diagnostic accuracy in the determination of articular disc position and has been indicated as the diagnostic method of choice for soft tissue abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint. The aim of this study is to review the literature including the normal features and different types of disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint as well as the imaging findings, emphasizing the role of magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords: Temporomandibular joint, Magnetic resonance imaging, Diagnosis

In 2003, the National Committee of Medical Residency established new criteria for the accreditation of Radiology and Imaging Diagnosis Residency programs. Although these rules represent an advance to the resident's training, other specific abilities and skills should be developed in order to keep up with the technical and scientific advances and with the new requirements of the career. The authors' present the must important competencies and skills that complement the radiologist's education and suggest a change in current programs so that the resident can acquire these competencies and skills.

Keywords: Medical residency, Radiology, Image diagnostic, Resident; Education

The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, also known as progonoma, is a rare benign disease of neural crest origin that occurs within the first year of life and affects mainly the maxilla. The authors report a case of a 10-month-old child presenting with this uncommon tumor in the maxilla, emphasizing the diagnostic findings on computed tomography, and present a literature review.

Keywords: Neoplasia, Neural crest, Maxilla, Infancy, Computed tomography

We report a case of a patient receiving chronic oral anticoagulant therapy with Warfarin who presented with acute intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography showed intramural duodenal hematoma. Treatment was conservative with correction of the coagulation parameters and observation. This case exemplifies the usefulness of conservative therapy and computed tomography in patients with acute small bowel obstruction receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Keywords: Duodenal hematoma, Warfarin, Anticoagulant therapy

Ameloblastomas are benign odontogenic neoplasms of epithelial origin, nonmineralized, relatively uncommon which present an aggressive local behavior. They affect predominantly the mandible and they can reach varied proportions depending on the evolution time. Radiographically they appear as unilocular or multilocular cystic lesions. The clinical and radiological findings assist to the differential diagnosis, although the histologic evaluation is necessary in characterization of the lesions.

Keywords: Ameloblastoma, Mandible, Diagnosis

Central nervous system involvement is frequently reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies usually show brain atrophy, cerebral infarction and/or intracranial bleeding. Extensive intracranial calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is rare. We report a case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with seizures and massive basal ganglia calcification and mild calcifications in the frontal lobes, seen on the brain computed tomography scan. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensity on FLAIR images and hypointense signals on T2* gradient echo images in the basal ganglia.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Intracranial calcification, Computed tomography