[Ultrasound artifacts and their diagnostic significance in internal medicine and gastroenterology - part 2: color and spectral Doppler artifacts]. / Artefakte in der Sonografie und ihre Bedeutung für die internistische und gastroenterologische Diagnostik - Teil 2: Artefakte im Farb- und Spektraldoppler.

Artifacts in ultrasonographic diagnostics are a result of the physical properties of the ultrasound waves and are caused by interaction of the ultrasound waves with biological structures and tissues of the body and with foreign materials. On the one hand, they may be diagnostically helpful. On the other hand, they may be distracting and may lead to misdiagnosis. Profound knowledge of the causes, avoidance, and interpretation of artifacts is a necessary precondition for correct clinical appraisal of ultrasound images. Part 1 of this review commented on the physics of artifacts and described the most important B-mode artifacts. Part 2 focuses on the clinically relevant artifacts in Doppler and color-coded duplex sonography. Problems and pitfalls of interpretation arising from artifacts, as well as the diagnostic use of Doppler and colour-coded duplex sonography, are discussed.

[Ultrasound artifacts and their diagnostic significance in internal medicine and gastroenterology - Part 1: B-mode artifacts]. / Artefakte in der Sonografie und ihre Bedeutung für die internistische und gastroenterologische Diagnostik - Teil 1: B-Mode-Artefakte.

Artifacts in ultrasonographic diagnostics are a result of the physical properties of the ultrasound waves and are caused by interaction of the ultrasound waves with biological structures and tissues and with foreign bodies. On the one hand, they may be distracting and may lead to misdiagnosis. On the other hand, they may be diagnostically helpful. Ultrasound imaging suffers from artifacts, because in reality, parameters assumed to be constant values, such as sound speed, sound rectilinear propagation, attenuation, etc., are often different from the actual parameters. Moreover, inadequate device settings may cause artifacts. Profound knowledge of the causes, avoidance, and interpretation of artifacts is a necessary precondition for correct clinical appraisal of ultrasound images. Part 1 of this review comments on the physics of artifacts and describes the most important B-mode artifacts. Pitfalls, as well as diagnostic chances resulting from B-mode artifacts, are discussed.

Duplex sonography of the mesenteric vessels--a critical evaluation of inter-observer variability.

INTRODUCTION: The number of publications concerning mesenteric Doppler sonography (mesDS) is immense and does not correlate with the frequency of its use in clinical practice. This is astonishing since it provides real time blood flow (perfusion) information without side effects. Despite uncontrollable parameters like the technical limitations in some situations the optimization of (possibly) controllable parameters like standardization, production of normal values and reduction of the investigator variability by evaluating stable parameters could change the situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 10 investigators experienced in abdominal sonography ("DEGUM-Seminarleiter") performed mesenteric Doppler sonography in 5 healthy subjects with 5 different machines. RESULTS: The portal vein at the confluence and the common hepatic artery provide a significant portion of investigations with intromission angles of more than 60°. Values of diameter, resistance index and pulsatility index of the celiac trunc could be obtained with inter-observer variability values below 25 %. The proper and the common hepatic artery show no differences in inter-observer variability values, whereas the intrahepatic measure point of the portal vein showed a higher reproducibility. DISCUSSION: We define frame conditions for future mesenteric Doppler studies: the portal vein should be investigated at the intrahepatic measure point. Pathophysiological studies should refrain from velocity parameters except in the case of larger vessels running in a straight course towards the probe.

Clinical value of imaging for lymph nodes evaluation with particular emphasis on ultrasonography.

Enlarged or irregular lymph nodes (LNs) are clinical and imaging findings in a large variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. A comprehensive diagnostic work up is usually necessary in order to differentiate the benign or the malignant nature of the altered LNs. The diagnosis has to be made using all clinical information and, if necessary, assessed LNs need to be biopsied and further, histologically or microbiologically characterized. However, imaging techniques, and particularly ultrasonography (US), are essential on the way to the final diagnosis, from initial detection and characterization to follow-up of biopsy guidance. Computed-tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are of great value for oncological diseases staging and treatment monitoring. Imaging techniques are helpful in distinguishing between benign and malignant LNs disease as well as between LNs metastases and lymphoma in most cases. Furthermore, imaging can define the extent and distribution of malignant diseases. It may assist, through the use of particular techniques such as elastography, to identify the most suspicious LN to be biopsied and to guide targeted biopsies from the most suspicious areas. It also serves as the main tool for the evaluation of treatment response in malignant diseases. The quality of LNs imaging has remarkably improved in recent years. New methods, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), elastography, positron emission tomography (PET)/PET-CT, as well as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in MRI, have already led to substantial changes in clinical practice. This review describes the most recent imaging techniques for LNs assessment, and their particular clinical value, with a special emphasis on the role of US techniques. Strengths and weaknesses of different imaging tools are discussed comprehensively, highlighting the importance of a corroborative attitude for successful management of each particular case.

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part VI - Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Interventions.

The sixth part of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) assesses the evidence for ultrasound guidance and assistance in vascular interventions. Based on convincing data, real-time sonographic guidance for central venous access is strongly recommended as a key safety measure. Systematic analysis of scientific literature shows that in difficult situations and special circumstances US guidance may also improve the efficacy and safety of peripheral venous and arterial access and endovascular interventions. Moreover, the recommendations of this guideline endorse the use of ultrasound to detect complications of vascular access and US-guided interventional treatment of arterial pseudoaneurysms.

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part IV - EUS-guided interventions: General Aspects and EUS-guided Sampling (Short Version).

The fourth part of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound describes general aspects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and assesses the evidence for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling. Endoscopic ultrasound combines the most advanced high-resolution ultrasound imaging of lesions within the wall and in the vicinity of the gastrointestinal tract and safe and effective fine needle-based tissue acquisition from these lesions. The guideline addresses the indications, contraindications, techniques, adverse events, training and clinical impact of EUS-guided sampling. Advantages and drawbacks are weighed in comparison with image-guided percutaneous biopsy. Based on the most current evidence, clinical practice recommendations are given for crucial preconditions and steps of EUS-guided sampling as well as for safe performance. Additionally, the guideline deals with the principles and reliability of cytopathological reporting in endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling (short version; the long version is published online).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part IV - EUS-guided Interventions: General aspects and EUS-guided sampling (Long Version).

The fourth part of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound describes general aspects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and assesses the evidence for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling. Endoscopic ultrasound combines the most advanced high-resolution ultrasound imaging of lesions within the wall and in the vicinity of the gastrointestinal tract and safe and effective fine needle based tissue acquisition from these lesions. The guideline addresses the indications, contraindications, techniques, adverse events, training and clinical impact of EUS-guided sampling. Advantages and drawbacks are weighed in comparison with image-guided percutaneous biopsy. Based on the most current evidence, clinical practice recommendations are given for crucial preconditions and steps of EUS-guided sampling as well as for safe performance. Additionally, the guideline deals with the principles and reliability of cytopathological reporting in endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling (long version).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part V.

The fifth section of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) assesses the evidence for all the categories of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment reported to date. Celiac plexus neurolysis and block, vascular intervention, drainage of fluid collections, drainage of biliary and pancreatic ducts, and experimental tumor ablation techniques are discussed. For each topic, all current evidence has been extensively analyzed and summarized into major recommendations for reader consultation in clinical practice (long version).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part V - EUS-Guided Therapeutic Interventions (short version).

The fifth section of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) assesses the evidence for all the categories of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment reported to date. Celiac plexus neurolysis and block, vascular intervention, drainage of fluid collections, drainage of biliary and pancreatic ducts, and experimental tumor ablation techniques are discussed. For each topic, all current evidence has been extensively analyzed and summarized into major recommendations for reader consultation (short version; the long version is published online).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part III - Abdominal Treatment Procedures (Short Version).

The third part of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound assesses the evidence for ultrasound-guided and assisted interventions in abdominal treatment procedures. Recommendations for clinical practice are presented covering indications, contraindications, safety and efficacy of the broad variety of these techniques. In particular, drainage of abscesses and fluid collections, interventional tumor ablation techniques, interventional treatment of symptomatic cysts and echinococcosis, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage, percutaneous gastrostomy, urinary bladder drainage, and nephrostomy are addressed (short version; a long version is published online).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part III - Abdominal Treatment Procedures (Long Version).

The third part of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) assesses the evidence for ultrasound-guided and assisted interventions in abdominal treatment procedures. Recommendations for clinical practice are presented covering indications, contraindications, and safe and effective performance of the broad variety of these techniques. In particular, drainage of abscesses and fluid collections, interventional tumor ablation techniques, interventional treatment of symptomatic cysts and echinococcosis, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage, percutaneous gastrostomy, urinary bladder drainage, and nephrostomy are addressed (long version).

[Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterisation of focal liver lesions, practical advice]. / Kontrastmittelsonografie zur Charakterisierung von Lebertumoren: Praktische Aspekte.

This review article reports on evidence-based and clinical aspects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver masses. The advanced possibilities of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to detect and characterise liver tumors are described as well as limitations and pitfalls of the method. The choice of the ultrasound device and contrast agents as well as the qualifications of the examiners according to guidelines are discussed.

[Ultrasound in palliative care medicine]. / Bedeutung der Sonografie bei palliativmedizinischen Interventionen.

This review summarizes ultrasound guided interventions in palliative care medicine.

[Abdominal ultrasonography in patients with diabetes mellitus. Part 1: Liver]. / Abdominelle Sonografie bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus. Teil 1: Leber.

In patients with diabetes mellitus, abdominal ultrasonography is the appropriate diagnostic technique to detect and to follow-up secondary and accompanying diseases of the liver, the kidneys, the pancreas, the gastrointestinal tract and of abdominal vessels. Moreover, pancreatic and hepatic diseases may be realized which are of etiological importance for diabetes mellitus. Based on a systematic survey of the published literature, this review in 3 parts will describe the value of abdominal ultrasonography in patients with diabetes mellitus. Part 1 deals with the diagnostic relevance and particular findings of ultrasonographic methods in hepatic manifestations and complications of diabetes mellitus.

Intestinal Ultrasound in Rare Gastrointestinal Diseases, Update, Part 2.

Intestinal ultrasound has become an established and valid diagnostic method for inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, perforation and intussusception. However, little is known about sonographic findings in other rarer intestinal diseases. Ultrasound may display the transformation of the intestinal wall from a normal to a pathological state both in inflammatory and neoplastic disease. Besides demonstrating the transmural aspect, it also shows the mesenteric reaction as well as complications such as fistula, abscesses, stenosis, or ileus. Furthermore, in some diseases intestinal ultrasound may serve as a diagnostic clue if typical patterns of the bowel wall and impaired peristalsis can be demonstrated. This may lead to an important reduction of invasive and expensive (follow-up) procedures. The information gained by ultrasound regarding intestinal disease, however, is as important and valid as e. g. in case of focal lesions of the liver. Serving as tertiary referral centers for a broad spectrum of intestinal diseases, we therefore report some aspects of ultrasound in patients with less often recognized diseases. The article is divided into two parts, the first focusing on examination techniques, infectious diseases and celiac sprue and the second on hereditary, vascular and neoplastic diseases and varia.

German Survey on EUS-Guided Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) - Evidence or "Gut-Feeling"?

PURPOSE: To examine practice patterns of endosonographers in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified published survey (Ha et al., Gastrointest Endosc 2009) was sent to endosonographic ultrasound (EUS) customers in Germany. The survey was also publicized on the homepage of an EUS interest group. To avoid duplicate opinions, participants were asked to return one survey per institution. RESULTS: 142 centers of roughly 850 German EUS centers responded. 25 % were from University hospitals and 74 % from community hospitals. 61 % performed > 2 EUS scans for suspected subepithelial lesions/week. Although 97 % of respondents believed that tissue acquisition with CD117 immunohistochemistry best predicts a GIST, 11 % do not perform EUS-FNA when suspecting a GIST, 68 % perform it occasionally and 18 % perform it regularly. The main EUS criteria used for a suspected GIST are the typical layer (85 %), hypoechoic appearance (80 %) and gastric location (51 %). 69 % would diagnose a GIST with negative CD117 if the EUS criteria and spindle cells are present. FNA was rated helpful in < 50 % by 55 % of participants. Size was the primary criterion for suspecting malignancy. 95 % of respondents would perform surveillance ≥ 1x/year of GISTs that are not resected. CONCLUSION: There is significant variability in the diagnosis and management of GISTs in Germany. Diagnostic certainty of EUS-FNA is suboptimal in many centers and EUS is frequently used for guidance. The diagnosis of a GIST is often guided by a "gut feeling" rather than evidence. Efforts should be made to unify existing guidelines.

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part I. General Aspects (Short Version).

This is the first part of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) and covers all general aspects of ultrasound-guided procedures (short version; the long version is published online).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part I. General Aspects (long Version).

This is the first part of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) and covers all general aspects of ultrasound-guided procedures (long version).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part II. Diagnostic Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Procedures (Short Version).

This is the second part of the series on interventional ultrasound guidelines of the Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB). It deals with the diagnostic interventional procedure. General points are discussed which are pertinent to all patients, followed by organ-specific imaging that will allow the correct pathway and planning for the interventional procedure. This will allow for the appropriate imaging workup for each individual interventional procedure (Long version/ short version; the long version is published online).

EFSUMB Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS), Part II. Diagnostic Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Procedures (Long Version).

This is the second part of the series on interventional ultrasound guidelines of the Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB). It deals with the diagnostic interventional procedure. General points are discussed which are pertinent to all patients, followed by organ-specific imaging that will allow the correct pathway and planning for the interventional procedure. This will allow for the appropriate imaging workup for each individual interventional procedure (Long version).