Hematological problems are associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Respiratory impairment is the higher point studied, although without experimental studies related to the oxygen transport performed by erythrocytes. Therefore, we decided to investigate if erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients have their functionality changed. The case-control study included hospitalized patients with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result admitted to University Hospital. Volunteers (negative RT-PCR results) were recruited as a control group. Thus, we assessed different erythrocytes parameters, oxidative stress markers, and biophysical studies using whole blood and isolated hemoglobin. We found a decrease of 51% in oxygen uptake and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Raman spectrometry showed structural changes in the hemoglobin and lipids of the erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients; thus, these results were consolidated with an increase in Young’s modulus in erythrocytes followed by morphology changes. Besides, isolated hemoglobin from COVID-19 patients has a distinct interaction profile using a ligand model compared to the control. COVID-19 leads to structural, functional, and morphological damage to human erythrocytes. Our data showed structural and molecular changes and induction of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by COVID-19, a new perspective on the contribution of erythrocytes to a respiratory commitment in COVID-19.

Resumo Transplantes pulmonares são procedimentos progressivamente mais realizados em todo o mundo como opção para tratamento de doenças pulmonares em estágio terminal. Apesar dos avanços laboratoriais, da técnica cirúrgica e da seleção de doadores e receptores, a mortalidade nesses procedimentos ainda é significativa, em razão de complicações típicas dos pacientes transplantados. Este trabalho consiste em uma revisão da literatura acerca do tema, ilustrando as complicações abordadas por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. terminal laboratoriais receptores significativa transplantados tema computadorizada

Abstract Lung transplantation is becoming increasingly more common as an alternative treatment for end-stage lung disease. Despite advances in laboratory testing, surgical technique, and donor/recipient selection, lung transplantation is still associated with significant mortality, due to postoperative complications. This paper consists of a brief review of postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients, illustrating those complications with computed tomography images. endstage end stage disease testing technique donorrecipient donor recipient selection mortality recipients images

Abstract Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein expressed in normal prostate cells and overexpressed in prostate cancer. Consequently, it is an important tool in the evaluation of prostate cancer, including the staging of high-risk patients and the assessment of biochemical recurrence. Despite the “specific” designation, benign musculoskeletal conditions, such as fractures, osteodegenerative changes, and fibrous dysplasia, can also show PSMA uptake, which can lead to misinterpretation of the imaging findings. Therefore, radiologists must be aware of these potential pitfalls, understand their causes, and fully analyze their morphologic features on unfused computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging scans to correctly interpret the examination. In this pictorial essay, we review the basic characteristics of the 68Ga-PSMA positron-emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) radiotracer, discuss potential causes of false-positive findings on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the musculoskeletal system, and illustrate the corresponding imaging findings.

Resumo O antígeno de membrana próstata específico (PSMA) é uma proteína transmembrana que apresenta expressão em células prostáticas normais e superexpressão em neoplasia da próstata. Dessa forma, é uma importante ferramenta na avaliação da neoplasia prostática, de utilidade no estadiamento de pacientes de alto risco e na análise de recorrência bioquímica. Apesar do termo “específico”, condições musculoesqueléticas benignas podem demonstrar captação de PSMA, como fraturas, alterações osteodegenerativas e displasia fibrosa, podendo levar a uma avaliação equivocada dos achados de imagem. Assim, o radiologista deve conhecer esses potenciais pitfalls, compreender suas causas e analisar as características morfológicas nas imagens não fundidas de TC e RM para interpretar corretamente o exame. Neste ensaio iconográfico, revisaremos as características básicas do radiofármaco 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, discutiremos possíveis causas de resultados falso-positivos na 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT no sistema musculoesquelético e ilustraremos os achados de imagem correspondentes.

ABSTRACT Objective The radiological and functional lung sequelae in COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. We compared the chest computed tomography findings of COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase. Methods The data of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography within 14 days after recovery from COVID-19 at two medical centers between May and October 2020 were collected retrospectively. Two thoracic radiologists who were blinded to the clinical information and pulmonary function test results classified the patients according to the computed tomography features, evidence of fibrotic-like changes, and semi-quantitative quantification of the extent of pulmonary abnormalities. The clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings of patients with normal pulmonary function test results were compared with those of patients with abnormal results. Results A total of 101 COVID-19 survivors, comprising 48 ambulatory and 53 hospitalized patients, were included at a median of 95 days from initial symptom onset. Computed tomography revealed fibrotic-like changes in 10.9% of patients. A reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was the most common lung function abnormality (19.8%). Abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was associated with the presence and extension of lung opacities on chest computed tomography scans and fibrotic pulmonary abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide for detecting fibrotic-like pulmonary changes on chest computed tomography scans were 72.7%, 87.8%, and 86.1%, respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that the presence of an abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of long-term parenchymal lung disease, as evidenced by the presence of fibrotic-like changes on chest computed tomography scans, such as traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion.

Resumo A estenose da válvula aórtica é a doença cardíaca valvar adquirida mais comum. A substituição transcateter da válvula aórtica (TAVR), ou implante transcateter da válvula aórtica, é uma importante opção no tratamento da estenose aórtica sintomática, independente do risco cirúrgico do paciente. O papel da angiotomografia computadorizada cresceu consideravelmente nos últimos anos e tornou-se o método de escolha no planejamento de TAVR. Assim, o radiologista deve compreender os principais aspectos dessa modalidade, incluindo técnica e protocolo, a fim de adquirir imagens confiáveis e compor um relatório para a realização do procedimento. O objetivo deste ensaio é revisar os pontos mais importantes que precisam ser avaliados na angiotomografia no planejamento de TAVR.

Abstract Aortic valve stenosis is the most common acquired valvular heart disease. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is an important treatment option for symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients at any level of surgical risk. The role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) has expanded considerably in recent years, and it has now become the imaging method of choice for the planning of TAVR. Therefore, radiologists should understand the main aspects of this imaging modality, including the appropriate technique and protocol to acquire reliable CTA images and to create a useful radiology report. The aim of this study was to review the most important aspects of CTA for TAVR planning.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate anthropometric and clinical data, muscle mass, subcutaneous fat, spine bone mineral density, extent of acute pulmonary disease related to COVID-19, quantification of pulmonary emphysema, coronary calcium, and hepatic steatosis using chest computed tomography of hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and verify its association with disease severity. Methods: A total of 123 adults hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled in the present study, which evaluated the anthropometric, clinical and chest computed tomography data (pectoral and paravertebral muscle area and density, subcutaneous fat, thoracic vertebral bodies density, degree of pulmonary involvement by disease, coronary calcium quantification, liver attenuation measurement) and their association with poorer prognosis characterized through a combined outcome of intubation and mechanical ventilation, need of intensive care unit, and death. Results: Age (p=0.013), body mass index (p=0.009), lymphopenia (p=0.034), and degree of pulmonary involvement of COVID-19 pneumonia (p<0.001) were associated with poor prognosis. Extent of pulmonary involvement by COVID-19 pneumonia had an odds ratio of 1,329 for a poor prognosis and a cutoff value of 6.5 for increased risk, with a sensitivity of 64.9% and specificity of 67.1%. Conclusion: The present study found an association of high body mass index, older age, extent of pulmonary involvement by COVID-19, and lymphopenia with severity of COVID-19 pneumonia in hospitalized patients.

ABSTRACT Background: Neglected tropical diseases are a growing threat to global health, and endemic Chagas disease has emerged as one of the most important health problems in America. The main strategy to prevent Trypanosoma cruzi transmission is chemical control of vectors. This study presents a descriptive analysis of synanthropic triatomines before and after the implementation of a vector-control program in Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Descriptive analysis and geospatial statistics were performed on triatomine data, (1) the relative abundance and (2) proportional spatial distribution, from Bahia during two periods: (A) 1957 to 1971 and (B) 2006 to 2019. Results: We observed a decrease in the relative abundance of Panstrongylus megistus (A: n=22.032, 61.9%; B: n=1.842, 1.0%) and Triatoma infestans (A: n=1.310, 3.7%; B: n=763, 0.43%), as well as an increase in the relative abundance of T. sordida (A: n=8.314, 23.4%, B: n=146.901, 81.6%) and T. pseudomaculata (A: n=894, 2.5%, B: n=16.717, 9.3%). Conclusions: Our results indicate a clear reduction in the occurrence of P. megistus and T. infestans (last record in 2015) and an increase in the relative abundance and geographical distribution of T. sordida and T. pseudomaculata after 40 years of the vector-control program. The high frequency of other triatomine species in the municipalities of the state of Bahia and their abundance in recent years highlight the need to reinforce permanent entomological surveillance actions to prevent Chagas disease.

Resumo Transplantes pulmonares são procedimentos progressivamente mais realizados em todo o mundo como opção para tratamento de doenças pulmonares em estágio terminal. Apesar dos avanços laboratoriais, da técnica cirúrgica e da seleção de doadores e receptores, a mortalidade nesses procedimentos ainda é significativa, em razão de complicações típicas dos pacientes transplantados. Este trabalho consiste em uma revisão da literatura acerca do tema, ilustrando as complicações abordadas por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada.

Abstract Lung transplantation is becoming increasingly more common as an alternative treatment for end-stage lung disease. Despite advances in laboratory testing, surgical technique, and donor/recipient selection, lung transplantation is still associated with significant mortality, due to postoperative complications. This paper consists of a brief review of postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients, illustrating those complications with computed tomography images.

Resumo A radioterapia tem papel fundamental no tratamento curativo ou paliativo de neoplasias da parede torácica ou intratorácicas. No entanto, mesmo com o avanço das técnicas, órgãos e tecidos vizinhos podem ser acometidos e apresentar alterações que devem ser reconhecidas pelos radiologistas, de maneira a evitar confusão com recidiva das lesões inicialmente tratadas, ou mesmo com outras complicações do tratamento oncológico. O objetivo deste ensaio iconográfico é ilustrar as diferentes consequências torácicas da radioterapia.

Abstract Radiotherapy plays a central role in the palliative and curative treatment of neoplasms of the chest wall or intrathoracic structures. However, despite technical advances, radiotherapy can alter previously normal organs and tissues, those alterations presenting as various types of imaging findings. Post-radiation alterations must be promptly recognized by radiologists, in order to avoid confusion between complications of radiotherapy and the recurrence of a tumor. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate different thoracic changes after radiotherapy.