[Understanding the classification, physiopathology and the diagnostic radiology of bronchiectasis].

Bronchiectasis is defined as an abnormal persistent bronchial dilatation usually associated with inflammation in the bronchial tree and lung parenchyma. The disease remains a common cause of significant morbidity and mortality, especially when associated with hereditary disorders such as cystic fibrosis, ciliary dyskinesia, and immunodeficiency states. Computed tomography is now the diagnostic modality of choice and may also contribute to clinical management, suggesting some etiologic causes.

CT quantification of emphysema in young subjects with no recognizable chest disease.

Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate volumetric CT emphysema quantification (CT densitovolumetry) in a young population with no recognizable lung disease.

Subjects And Methods: A cohort of 30 nonsmoking patients with no recognizable lung disease (16 men, 14 women; age range, 19-41 years) underwent inspiratory and expiratory CT, after which the data were postprocessed for volumetric quantification of emphysema (threshold, -950 HU). Correlation was tested for age, weight, height, sex, body surface area (BSA), and physical activity.

[Chest X-ray and computed tomography in the evaluation of pulmonary emphysema].

Emphysema is a condition of the lung, characterized by the abnormal increase in the size of the airspace distal to the terminal bronchioles. Currently, emphysema is the fourth leading cause of death in the USA, affecting 14 million people. The present article describes the principal tools in the imaging diagnosis of emphysema, from the early days until the present.

Differences in the clinical and radiological presentation of intrathoracic tuberculosis in the presence or absence of HIV infection.

Objective: To describe the differences in the clinical and radiological presentation of tuberculosis in the presence or absence of HIV infection.

Methods: A sample of 231 consecutive adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to a tuberculosis hospital were studied, assessing HIV infection, AIDS, and associated factors, as well as re-evaluating chest X-rays.

Results: There were 113 HIV-positive patients (49%) Comparing the 113 HIV-positive patients (49%) to the 118 HIV-negative patients (51%), the former presented a higher frequency of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary lesions accompanied by intrathoracic lymph node enlargement), hematogenous tuberculosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by superficial lymph node enlargement, as well as presenting less pulmonary cavitation.

Lung abscess: analysis of 252 consecutive cases diagnosed between 1968 and 2004.

Objective: To relate the experience of the staff at a health care facility specializing in the management of patients with aspiration lung abscess.

Methods: Diagnostic aspects and therapeutic results of 252 consecutive cases of lung abscess seen in patients hospitalized between 1968 and 2004.

Results: Of the 252 patients, 209 were male, and 43 were female.

Zygomycosis: A report of eleven cases and a review of the Brazilian literature.

Eleven cases of zygomycosis (mucormycosis) observed throughout an eighteen year period (1982-2000) have been reviewed. The most important demographic and clinical data of seven patients were tabulated. The remaining four are related as illustrative cases.