OBJECTIVE: To describe key imaging findings in a series of cases of primary neuroendocrine tumors of the lung (NTLs), with emphasis on computed tomography changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging studies of 22 patients (12 men, mean age 60 years) with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis, evaluated in the authors's institution during the last five years were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists, with findings being consensually described focusing on changes observed at computed tomography. RESULTS: The authors have described five typical carcinoids, three atypical carcinoids, three large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNCs), and 11 small-cell lung cancers (SCLCs). Only one typical carcinoid presented the characteristic appearance of central endobronchial nodule with distal pulmonary atelectasis, while the others were pulmonary nodules or masses. The atypical carcinoids corresponded to peripheral heterogeneous masses. One out of the three LCNCs was a peripheral homogeneous mass, while the others were ill-defined and heterogeneous. The 11 SCLCs corresponded to central, infiltrating and heterogeneous masses with secondary pleuropulmonary changes. Calcifications were absent both in LGNCs and SCLCs. Metastases were found initially and also at follow-up of all the cases of LCNCs and SCLCs. CONCLUSION: Although some imaging features may be similar, radiologic findings considered together with clinical information may play a relevant role in the differentiation of histological types of NTLs.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Lung neoplasms; Neuroendocrine tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of metabolic staging (MS) with FDG-PET as compared with the conventional staging (CS) strategy in the preoperative staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 95 patients with initial diagnosis of NSCLC were staged before undergoing treatment. The MS and CS results were compared with regard to treatment definition and incidence of futile thoracotomies with both strategies. RESULTS: Metabolic staging with FDG-PET upstaged 48.4% and downstaged 5.3% of the patients, and would lead to change in the treatment of 41% of cases. Thoracotomy was considered as futile in 47% of the patients with CS, and in 19% of the patients with MS. The cost of futile thoracotomies in eight patients with MS was R$ 79,720, while in 31 patients with CS it would be R$ 308,915. Just such saving in costs would be more than enough to cover the costs of all FDG-PETs (R$ 126,350) or FDG-PET/CTs (R$ 193,515) for the 95 patients. CONCLUSION: The metabolic staging with FDG-PET is more accurate than CS in patients with NSCLC. Both FDG-PET and FDG-PET/CT are cost-effective methods and their utilization is economically justifiable in the Brazilian public health system.

Keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer; FDG-PET; Staging; Cost-effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate five discal cysts with detailed magnetic resonance imaging findings in nonsurgical and following postoperative microdiscectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five discal cysts in four patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging were found through a search in our database and referral from a single orthopedic spine surgeon. Computed tomography in two cases and computed tomography discography in one case were also performed. RESULTS: Five discal cysts were present in four patients. Three patients had no history of previous lumbar surgery and the other patient presented with two discal cysts and recurrent symptoms after partial laminectomy and microdiscectomy. All were oval shaped and seated in the anterior epidural space. Four were ventrolateral, and the other one was centrally positioned in the anterior spinal canal. One showed continuity with the central disc following discography. Three were surgically removed. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging can easily depict an epidural cyst and the diagnosis of a discal cyst should be raised when an homogeneous ventrolateral epidural cyst contiguous to a mild degenerated disc is identified.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Lumbar spine; Discal cyst; Extradural cyst.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pediatric radiation exposure in procedures of interventional radiology in two hospitals in the Bahia state, aiming at contributing to delineate the scenario at the state and national levels. The knowledge of exposure levels will allow an evaluation of the necessity of doses optimization, considering that peculiarities of radiology and pediatrics become even more significant in interventional radiology procedures which involve exposure to higher radiation doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 procedures were evaluated in four rooms of the two main hospitals performing pediatric interventional radiology procedures in the Bahia state. Air kerma rate and kerma-area product were evaluated in 27 interventional cardiac and 5 interventional brain procedures. RESULTS: Maximum values for air kerma rate and kerma-area product and air kerma obtained in cardiac procedures were, respectively, 129.9 Gy.cm² and 947.0 mGy; and, for brain procedures were 83.3 Gy.cm² and 961.0 mGy. CONCLUSION: The present study results showed exposure values up to 14 times higher than those found in other foreign studies, and approximating those found for procedures in adults. Such results demonstrate excessive exposure to radiation, indicating the need for constant procedures optimization and evaluation of exposure rates.

Keywords: Radiation protection; Interventional radiology; Pediatrics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adherence of a hospital female personnel to a program for breast cancer prevention by means of mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was developed with 91 female workers evaluated by means of a questionnaire and follow-up of the periodicity of mammographic studies in the period from 2000 to 2009. RESULTS: A total of 247 mammography studies were performed. Compliance with the periodicity schedule was informed by 48 of the participants, 12.6% of them by medical request, 47.9% because they were aware of the relevance of such study, 4.1% because of previous family history of cancer, and 35.4% as a clinical routine. Forty-three participants did not comply with the periodicity schedule, 37.3% of them because they had not a medical request, 20.9% because they could not have it done through the Sistema Único de Saúde (Brazilian Unified Health System), 18.6% for fear, and 23.2% due to unawareness about the relevance of such an examination. CONCLUSION: The participation in the program was low. The adherence to the program was poor in the hospital because of the unawareness about breast cancer prevention.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Secondary prevention; Health care; Hospital environment.

Tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist is a condition surrounded by myths. The aim of this paper is scientifically review relevant aspects about terminology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and follow-up of this condition.

Keywords: Tenosynovitis; Ultrasonography; Quervain; Review.

The present article is aimed at describing the key findings of ovarian torsion at computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Two investigators have consensually selected and analyzed magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography images acquired in the period from January 2010 to December 2011 of patients with proven acute abdominal pain resulting from ovarian torsion, highlighting the main imaging findings. The increasing role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of patient with acute abdomen of gynecological origin demands radiologists' familiarity with the imaging findings related to the main causes of such condition through the use of these diagnostic tools in association with ultrasonography.

Keywords: Acute abdomen; Adnexal diseases; Ovarian torsion; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors rarely affect the urinary tract or children, and frequently mimic malignancy on imaging studies. According to the recent literature, only 35 cases of such bladder tumors in children have been reported. The authors present the case of a child with a bladder myofibroblastic tumor with favorable progression following complete surgical resection.

Keywords: Bladder tumor; Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor; Computed tomography.

Cake kidney, a rare anomaly of the urinary tract, may be diagnosed at any age range. During the investigation of recurrent urinary tract infection in a 12-year-old child, contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated the presence of a right-sided ectopic kidney, with renal fusion, drained by two ureters. Prophylactic treatment with nitrofurantoin was instituted, and the patient currently remains asymptomatic.

Keywords: Kidney; Malformation; Cake kidney.

Intramural duodenal hematomas secondary to blunt trauma, determining rapid luminal obstruction, are rare, benign lesions and may be confused with obstructive neoplastic conditions (either parietal or produced by extrinsic compression mechanisms). The present report describes a case of post-traumatic intestinal obstruction by an intramural hematoma in the third duodenal segment. Imaging diagnosis and the conservative management of such obstruction are discussed.

Keywords: Hematoma; Blunt abdominal trauma; Intestinal obstruction.

Paraccocidioidomycosis is the most frequently found endemic systemic mycosis in Brazil. No symptoms are observed in the early phases of the disease. As the disease progresses, the patient may present disseminated involvement, but bone involvement is extremely rare. The present report is aimed at evaluating bone changes found on imaging studies in a patient with osteomyelitis of the wrist as a result of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis.

Keywords: Paracoccidioidomycosis; Endemic mycosis; Osteomyelitis.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease characterized by proliferation of Langerhans cells. We report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 63-year-old patient, who presented an expansile periorbital lesion as the first symptom, in whom computed tomography revealed characteristic lung commitment of the disease. The case management, as well as radiological findings and outcomes are described.

Keywords: Histiocytosis; Langerhans cell; Orbit.

Acute cerebellitis is a rare inflammatory syndrome frequently characterized by fast onset of cerebellar dysfunction. The present case report describes imaging findings in a child with acute cerebellitis, tonsillar herniation and hypertensive hydrocephalus. The etiologic agent has not been determined. A conservative management was adopted, with corticoid and diuretic drugs. Imaging follow-up demonstrated resolution of the clinical condition with no sequela.

Keywords: Acute cerebellitis; Tonsillar herniation; Magnetic resonance imaging.