Objetivo: Analisar variações anatômicas relacionadas ao bloqueio do plexo celíaco por meio da simulação por tomografia computadorizada e avaliar a possibilidade de transfixação de órgãos pelo método transcrural. Materiais e Métodos: Cento e oito imagens de tomografias computadorizadas transaxiais abdominais foram analisadas. As relações aorto-vertebral, tronco celíaco (TCe)-vertebral, TCe-aórtica e celíaco-aorto-vertebral foram registradas. Em cada imagem foram dispostas duas trajetórias de agulhas, a 9 cm e a 4,5 cm à esquerda e à direita da linha média. Os órgãos vitais transfixados e associações relacionadas ao gênero foram registrados. Resultados: Aorto-vertebral - 45,37% esquerda e 54,62% central; TCe-vertebral - T12, 36,11%; T12-L1, 32,4%; L1, 27,77%; T11-T12, 2,77%; TCe-aórtica - 53,7% esquerda e 46,3% central; celíaco-aorto-vertebral - L-l, 22,22%; M-m, 23,15%; L-m, 31,48%; M-l, 23,15%. Em nenhum dos critérios analisados houve correspondência no lado direito e nem associação significativa entre os gêneros. Conclusão: O bloqueio do plexo celíaco não deve ser padronizado, em razão das amplas variações anatômicas abdominais e das características próprias de cada acesso, sendo necessário o registro de imagem prévio ao procedimento para cada paciente, visando diminuir riscos de lesão. Registros sobre a variação anatômica quanto ao gênero, relacionados ao bloqueio do plexo celíaco, devem ser aprofundados.

Objective: To analyze anatomical variations associated with celiac plexus complex by means of computed tomography simulation, assessing the risk for organ injury as the transcrural technique is utilized. Materials and Methods: One hundred eight transaxial computed tomography images of abdomen were analyzed. The aortic-vertebral, celiac trunk (CeT)-vertebral, CeT-aortic and celiac-aortic-vertebral topographical relationships were recorded. Two needle insertion pathways were drawn on each of the images, at right and left, 9 cm and 4.5 cm away from the midline. Transfixed vital organs and gender-related associations were recorded. Results: Aortic-vertebral - 45.37% at left and 54.62% in the middle; CeT-vertebral - T12, 36.11%; T12-L1, 32.4%; L1, 27.77%; T11-T12, 2.77%; CeT-aortic - 53.7% at left and 46.3% in the middle; celiac-aortic-vertebral - L-l, 22.22%; M-m, 23.15%; L-m, 31.48%; M-l, 23.15%. Neither correspondence on the right side nor significant gender-related associations were observed. Conclusion: Considering the wide range of abdominal anatomical variations and the characteristics of needle insertion pathways, celiac plexus block should not be standardized. Imaging should be performed prior to the procedure in order to reduce the risks for injuries or for negative outcomes to patients. Gender-related anatomical variations involved in celiac plexus block should be more deeply investigated, since few studies have addressed the subject.

Milkborne transmission of Shiga toxin- producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has raised considerable concern due to recent outbreaks worldwide and poses a threat to public health. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific multiplex PCR assay to detect the presence of STEC in bovine raw milk. To identify E. coli (ATCC 25922) contamination, the gene uspA was used, and PCR sensitivity and specificity were accessed by testing diluted samples ranging from 2 to 2.0 × 10(6) CFU/mL. To detect STEC, the stx1 and stx2 genes were selected as targets. After reaction standardization, the multiplex assay was tested in raw milk collected from 101 cows on dairy farms. PCR assay for E. coli detection had a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 79% (P<0.0001), with a lower detection limit of 2 CFU/mL. Multiplex PCR assay had 100% sensitivity for E. coli positive raw milk samples, and 31.1% were contaminated with STEC, 28.3% of stx2, and 1.9% of stx1. The multiplex PCR assay described in the present study can be employed to identify and screen E. coli harboring stx1 and stx2 genes in raw milk on dairy farms and in industries.