Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M N Gomes

Publications and source records attributed to M N Gomes.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Non-invasive evaluation of thoracic aneurysms.

Sixty-six patients with possible abnormalities of the thoracic aorta were examined by CT and the data compared with standard chest radiographs, angiography and, in most, with the surgical findings. Using contrast enhancement computed tomography was able to evaluate and differentiate between a tortuous aorta, an atherosclerotic aneurysm, and aortic dissection and extra-aortic masses. Distinguishing pathological features are discussed. In aortic dissections angiography may be necessary to delineate the site of the intimal tear. Long term follow-up of aortic dissections, especially Type III, is best done by CT. Aneurysmal rupture or leakage, as well as extension into the abdominal aorta, can easily be ascertained by this method.

Aged↗

MR and CT findings in pulmonary artery sarcoma.

Pulmonary artery sarcomas are a rare and frequently forgotten cause of pulmonary artery occlusion. We present a case report that details magnetic resonance and new CT findings, which may help establish early diagnosis of this infrequently encountered tumor.

Aged↗

Infected aortic aneurysms: CT diagnosis.

Infected aortic aneurysms are uncommon but important because they can lead to uncontrolled sepsis and/or aortic rupture. Symptoms are frequently minimal during the early stages and a high index of suspicion is essential to make the diagnosis. The surgical literature suggests that survival is markedly improved by a prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical intervention. Our recent experience with 5 cases who underwent arteriography and/or computed tomography (CT) prior to surgery was reviewed and these diagnostic methods compared. Traditionally, arteriography has been considered indispensable in the evaluation of infected aortic aneurysms but the aneurysm lumen must reach a certain size before it can be detected and, even then, the extraluminal component may be underestimated. CT, with contrast enhancement, was more sensitive in the early stages of the disease and provided a more complete depiction of the anatomic abnormalities. Mural enhancement preceded the increase in the aortic lumen with disruption of aortic wall calcification. An earlier and more accurate diagnosis can be provided by CT than by angiography without the disadvantages of its invasiveness and cost.

Aneurysm, Infected↗

Assessment of major venous anomalies by computerized tomography.

Congenital anomalies of major venous structures are not common but their identification and relative position, particularly in relation to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, are of significant value in planning and conducting aortic operations. Computed tomography (CT) has become a common method of preoperative evaluation of aortic disease. Its reliability in providing accurate information regarding aneurysmal size, configuration, and extension, as well as the presence of intraluminal thrombus and involvement of the renal and iliac arteries, has been demonstrated. Simultaneous visualization of the major adjacent venous structures with the use of contrast enhancement is obtained, but anatomic variants can be overlooked because they are commonly subtle and considered incidental. The preoperative diagnosis of these venous abnormalities is significant to the vascular surgeon. Such information can be accurately and reliably acquired with the present CT techniques without the need for further diagnostic studies.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

Pre-operative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms: ultrasound or computed tomography?

Evaluation of aortic aneurysms by ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) is now commonplace and their use often reflects personal preferences given their similar diagnostic accuracy. Knowledge of anatomic details may be very helpful in the planning of the surgical procedure. Involvement of the supra-renal aorta, relative position of the renal arteries, intra-aneurysmal thrombus, and extension to the iliac arteries were retrospectively evaluated by both techniques to determine which modality was more valuable in the preoperative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. A group of 58 patients was reviewed. An infra-renal aortic aneurysm was identified in all instances by both methods. The supra-renal aorta was always well visualized by CT but not by US. The origin of at least one renal artery was seen in only 11% of the cases by US but in 100% by CT. CT demonstrated the left renal vein in all cases, while only 41% were demonstrated by US. Intra-aneurysmal thrombus was depicted by both methods but its distribution within the sac and the characteristics of the thrombus were apparent on CT but not on US. Aneurysmal involvement of the iliac arteries was present in 19% of the patients. CT detected all cases but only 14% were demonstrated by US. Both methods accurately diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Supplementary data regarding proximal and distal extension, characteristics of the thrombus, relationship to the renal vessels, and adjacent major veins can be obtained by CT and usually not by US. This information is of value in the planning and execution of the indicated surgical procedure.

Aged↗

Present status of abdominal aorta imaging by computed tomography.

A seven-year experience with CT scanning in the diagnosis and evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms is reviewed. Two hundred twenty-six patients with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysms were studied, 12 being acute situations with possible rupture. In 15 no aortic pathology was seen. The diagnosis of an aneurysm regardless of its location was made in all instances and confirmed by other techniques and/or surgery. Location, size, extension and presence of thrombus were well delineated. Aortic rupture or leakage was demonstrated when present. Unsuspected involvement of the thoracic aorta, as well as the iliac arteries was shown. CT scanning is a technique that can safely, easily and accurately be used in the diagnosis of, follow-up and extension of aneurysmal disease regardless of its location or clinical situation and compares favorably with any other available technology.

Aortic Dissection↗