Diagnosis of bilateral pharyngoesophageal diverticula with using swallow contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a case report.

Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (PED) is a rare disease of the esophagus that is usually asymptomatic and often found incidentally during a thyroid ultrasound examination. Due to its anatomical location close to the thyroid, it is easily misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule, which leads to unnecessary thyroid biopsies and surgical treatment. The occurrence of a single esophageal diverticula is common, while the existence of multiple diverticula is rare. Left side diverticula are more common than right sided ones, while bilateral occurrences are rarely reported. We report an extremely rare case of bilateral pharyngeal esophageal diverticula. The patient was a 55-year-old asymptomatic man who came to our hospital after thyroid nodules were identified in another hospital. Due to the extensive clinical experience of the ultrasound physician at our facility, the patient was suspected to have bilateral esophageal diverticula, which was confirmed by using swallow contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Consequently, unnecessary thyroid treatments were avoided in this patient. This study shows that although bilateral pharyngeal diverticula are unusual, the possibility of their existence should be considered if nodules are located posterior to the bilateral thyroid glands and have suspicious imaging characteristics. Particular attention should be given to nodules located on the right side of the thyroid, which are sometimes overlooked easily due to their very low incidence. If real-time ultrasound cannot be used in making the diagnosis, PED can be further identified using swallowing CEUS to avoid unnecessary thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) and surgical treatment.

Developmental retardation of femoral head size and femoral head ossification in mild and severe developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants: a preliminary cross-sectional study based on ultrasound images.

Background: For infants up to 6 months, ultrasound (US) screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is recommended. This cross-sectional study investigated the developmental data of femoral head size and femoral head ossification in mature infant hips and the impact of mild and severe DDH on femoral head development based on US images. Methods: We reviewed all hip US studies performed from January 2018 to December 2019 to evaluate DDH in infants younger than 6 months at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The femoral head diameter (FHD) and femoral head ossification center type of each hip were recorded. A total of 1,037 normal participants with 2,074 mature hips and 367 DDH participants with 456 dysplastic hips were included in this study. Results: For normal mature hips (Graf I), the FHD of mature male hips was significantly larger than that of female hips from the age of 2 months to 6 months (all P values <0.01), and the femoral head ossification center of males occurred significantly later than that of females at the same age from 3 months to 6 months (all P values <0.05). Compared with the matched mature hips, the FHDs of Graf IIa (-), IIb, IIc, and D, III or IV hips were significantly smaller (1.64 vs. 1.72 cm, 1.75 vs. 1.79 cm, 1.65 vs. 1.73 cm, 1.51 vs. 1.71 cm, respectively; all P values <0.05), and the occurrence of the femoral head ossification center was delayed in Graf IIa (-) and D, III or IV hips (both P values <0.05). However, no significant developmental retardation of the femoral head was observed in Graf IIa (+) hips. Conclusions: We identified a relatively normal range for the development of infants' hips from 1 month old to 6 months old and found significant developmental retardation of the femoral head in Graf IIa (-), IIb, IIc, and D, III or IV hips. This is a preliminary study of the developmental impact of DDH on the femoral head, and we will continue the follow-up study after treatment.

A novel prediction tool based on shear wave elastography, gallbladder ultrasound, and serum biomarkers for the early diagnosis of biliary atresia in infants younger than 60 days old.

Background: Early Kasai surgery before 60 days of life results in better clinical outcomes in patients with biliary atresia (BA). We aimed to develop and validate a prediction tool for the early diagnosis of BA in infants younger than 60 days old. Methods: This prospective study recruited consecutive infants younger than 60 days old with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia who were evaluated with an ultrasound (US) scan, including B-mode US with color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) features and liver two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE), from March 2017 to July 2021. The reference standard for diagnosis was intraoperative cholangiography, liver biopsy, or the resolution of jaundice. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, logistic regression analysis, and establishment of a nomogram were performed. Results: A total of 174 patients (mean age, 46 days), including 87 infants with BA and 87 non-BA cholestatic infants, were included in the study. The established nomogram based on gallbladder (GB) abnormality, liver 2D SWE, and serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had an AUC of 0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-1.00], a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 100%. The nomogram in the validation cohort also had good diagnostic performance in the diagnosis of BA, with an AUC of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.95-1.00). Conclusions: The new prediction tool had a good diagnostic performance in the early prediction of BA in infants younger than 60 days old and will facilitate timely Kasai surgery.

How Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Pediatric Patients with Intussusception Treated by Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Enema Reduction?

BACKGROUND: The pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly influenced the epidemiology of intussusception. Nevertheless, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction (USGHER) for intussusception have been largely unknown. METHODS: The data of pediatric patients with intussusception who were treated by USGHER from January to March of 2019 (Control Group), 2020 (Study Group 1), and 2021 (Study Group 2) in a large Chinese medical institution were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: We enrolled 246 patients, including 90 cases in Control Group, 70 in Study Group 1, and 86 in Study Group 2 (p = 0.042). The time from the onset of symptoms to the hospital visit and the time from the hospital visit to performing the ultrasound in Study Group 1 was significantly longer than that in Control Group and Study Group 2 (p = 0.036, p = 0.031, respectively). The number of patients with bloody stool and the longest invaginated length of intussusception in Study Group 1 increased significantly compared with patients in the other two groups (p = 0.007, p = 0.042, respectively). Comparisons of neither the pressure of enema nor the time of duration when performing USGHER present statistical significance among the three groups (p = 0.091, p = 0.085, respectively). For all enrolled pediatric patients, there was no perforation case involved, and recurrence of intussusception occurred in few cases. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the negative impacts on the incidence of intussusception, the COVID-19 pandemic might have led to the diagnostic delay of intussusception and the deterioration of patients' clinical manifestations, but it did not significantly affect the operation of USGHER and patients' clinical outcome.

A Novel Model for Predicting the Clearance of Jaundice in Patients With Biliary Atresia After Kasai Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The failed clearance of jaundice (CJ) in patients with biliary atresia (BA) after the Kasai procedure (KP) often leads to a shorter native liver survival (NLS) time and earlier liver transplantation. We aimed to investigate risk factors of failed CJ and establish a novel nomogram model to predict the status of CJ. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed institutional medical records from January 2015 to April 2020 and enrolled BA patients post-KP, randomly divided into training and testing cohorts at a ratio of 7:3, and further subdivided into cleared and uncleared jaundice groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to select risk factors to establish the nomogram in the training cohort. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by calculating the areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) in both cohorts. RESULTS: This study included 175 BA patients post-KP. After univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, Cytomegalovirus IgM +ve associated BA (OR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.01-11.32; P = 0.04), ln γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.22-0.80; P = 0.009), thickness of the fibrous portal plate (OR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.27-0.76; P = 0.003), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.06-1.34; P = 0.002), and multiple episodes of cholangitis (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.13-2.41; P = 0.01) were identified as independent risk factors of unsuccessful CJ to construct the nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis suggested good nomogram performance in both the training (AUC = 0.96) and testing cohorts (AUC = 0.91). CONCLUSION: Our nomogram model including several risk factors effectively predicts CJ in patients post-KP, which could aid in clinical decision-making.

Diagnostic performance and prognostic value of elastography in patients with biliary atresia and after hepatic portoenterostomy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary atresia (BA) is a life-threatening disease with persistent neonatal cholestasis and progressive liver fibrosis. Timely non-invasive diagnosis of BA can result in early hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE) and better prognosis. Quantitative elastography enables the non-invasive measurement of liver stiffness. However, the studies on elastography methods in the diagnosis of BA and the prediction of post-HPE outcomes vary in their results and have small sample sizes. Thus, we propose this systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain comprehensive evidence on the value of elastography in BA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search the PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of elastography in patients with BA and the prognostic value of postoperative elastography, from inception to 31 December 2020. We plan to use the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 list and the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool to assess the risk of bias in the included studies and the study quality. We will evaluate the diagnostic performance of elastography by synthesising the pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio, pooled negative likelihood ratio, pooled diagnostic OR and summary receiver operating characteristic curve using Meta-Disc V.1.4. We will evaluate the predictive value of elastography after HPE by synthesising the pooled correlation coefficient and pooled OR of prognostic outcomes using STATA V.14. The funnel plot and Egger's test will be used to evaluate the potential publication bias. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted by examining the estimated effects of individual studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As this study is a meta-analysis based on previously published literature, ethical approval is not necessary according to the ethics committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020162055.

Ensembled deep learning model outperforms human experts in diagnosing biliary atresia from sonographic gallbladder images.

It is still challenging to make accurate diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) with sonographic gallbladder images particularly in rural area without relevant expertise. To help diagnose BA based on sonographic gallbladder images, an ensembled deep learning model is developed. The model yields a patient-level sensitivity 93.1% and specificity 93.9% [with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.956 (95% confidence interval: 0.928-0.977)] on the multi-center external validation dataset, superior to that of human experts. With the help of the model, the performances of human experts with various levels are improved. Moreover, the diagnosis based on smartphone photos of sonographic gallbladder images through a smartphone app and based on video sequences by the model still yields expert-level performances. The ensembled deep learning model in this study provides a solution to help radiologists improve the diagnosis of BA in various clinical application scenarios, particularly in rural and undeveloped regions with limited expertise.

Preoperative diagnosis of a "humanoid" fetus in fetu using multimode ultrasound: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare congenital anomaly. The preoperative diagnosis of FIF and differentiating it from teratoma and other abdominal tumors can be challenging for radiologists. Clarification of the blood supply and the relationship with the surrounding vessels is especially helpful for successful surgery; however, multimode ultrasound (US) performed for FIF has rarely been explored. Here, we first report a "humanoid" FIF case diagnosed by multimode US examinations, with the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for clarifying the blood supply features. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-day-old preterm male infant was referred to our hospital for surgery. The US and computed tomography (CT) examinations led to a diagnosis of teratoma at the local hospital. The laboratory workup at our hospital revealed an elevation of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, alpha-fetoprotein, and neuron-specific enolase levels. A precise diagnosis and differentiation from teratoma, hepatoblastoma, neuroblastoma and other abdominal tumors were needed. In addition, the blood supply and the relationship with the surrounding vessels needed clarification prior to surgery. Multimode US examinations were performed and the features of a "humanoid" FIF as well as the blood supply for the abdominal lesion of the infant were suggested by grayscale US, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and CEUS. Furthermore, CDFI and CEUS revealed an aorta-like structure and umbilical cord-like blood vessels in the "humanoid" FIF, and the CEUS helped with marking the surface of the infant's abdominal wall. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of CEUS in FIF, and the blood supply was clearly demonstrated in the FIF. The intraoperative findings confirmed our multimode US findings and revealed a "humanoid" FIF. The infant quickly recovered after the operation and had no positive findings at the 2-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Multimode US was helpful in diagnosing the rare FIF without radiation exposure. Specifically, CEUS clearly demonstrated the limb branch vessel-like structures, the abdominal aorta-like structure and the blood supply, which was useful for the FIF diagnosis and for avoiding damage to important vessels during the operation.

[Ultrasonic Manifestations of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor with Multiple Metastases: Case Report].

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant tumor, which is prone to occur in teenagers DSRCT is a rare malignant tumor that often occurs in adolescents. Early diagnosis is difficult and the prognosis is poor. In this case report, the ultrasonography of DSRCT showed that the huge solid mass was in the abdomen with unclear boundary, irregular shape, insufficient blood supply but without obvious liquefaction and calcification. The masses encircled the vessels, but no evidence of vascular invasion. Intrahepatic metastases with peripheral hypoechoic aureole and abdominal lymph node metastases were observed. The tumor mass compressed adjacent tissues and organs, causing bilateral hydronephrosis and bone erosion. In a word, the ultrasonographic characteristics could be used for diagnosing the DSRCT in the clinic.

A rare content of congenital inguinal hernia: a case report of splenogonadal fusion.

BACKGROUND: Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare congenital malformation that occurs during embryonic development. SGF typically presents as a left-sided scrotal swelling, left inguinal hernia, scrotal mass, or cryptorchidism. Therefore, it is easily misdiagnosed, and unnecessary orchiectomy may occur. This study aimed to report a rare case of SGF. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-month-old male child presented with a history of obvious left scrotal swelling for 1 month, which progressively worsened 10 h before the hospital visit. The ultrasound examination exhibited a solid mass in the left scrotum, with echo quite similar to that in the testicle and went up into the abdominal cavity through an identical echogenic band structure. After surgical resection, the pathological examination confirmed that the submitted tissue was spleen tissue with extensive bleeding. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can provide important information regarding the diagnosis of SGF. The possibility of SGF should be considered for further differential diagnosis in the case of similar patients.

[Ultrasound Manifestations of Eyes of Pediatric Patients with Morning Glory Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze ultrasonic manifestations of eyes of pediatric patients with morning glory syndrome (MGS). METHODS: Clinical data and ultrasound (US) findings for six children (4 males and 2 females, 5-60 months old) diagnosed with MGS between 2005 and 2016 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 12 eyes, seven were diagnosed with MGS; one with cataract; the other four were normal. One child had both eyes diagnosed with MGS. Of the seven eyes with MGS (5 right, 2 left), one was small associated with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV); 2 had retinal detachment. Findings of high frequency ultrasound included local anechoic lesions with distinct boundary showing a convert bottle-neck shape that appeared in the area of optic disk of posterior pole. The lesions communicated with the vitreous caicy and extended to the optic nerves. The lesions had a maximum depth of 4-15 mm [(8.29±4.42) mm] and a maximum width of 4-11 mm [(6.86±2.67) mm]. Hypoecho material was found in the bottom of five of the seven lesions. The distance between the end of the optic nerves and the bottom of the lesions ranged from 0 to 4.5 mm. Lower levels (Adler 0-1 grade) of blood flow in the bottom of the lesions were found compared with those (3-5 grade) in the rim of the lesions. CONCLUSION: MGS is rare and usual occurs in young children, especially infants. It is often associated with various eye complications. The ultrasound manifestations of MGS are characterized with a local anechoic lesion mimicking a convert bottle-neck shape in the area of optic disk of posterior pole.

Ultrasound in diagnosis of intrascrotal metastasis of Wilms' tumor: first case report of a Chinese boy and review of the literature.

A 31-month-old boy with Wilms' tumor (WT), which primarily had originated from the left kidney, was treated with nephrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. 2 months after nephrectomy, a left scrotal mass was found at routine follow-up. High-frequency sonography examination revealed an enlarged left testis with a heterogeneous texture and a hypoechoic solid mass in the left scrotum. Moreover, hypervascular signals presented in both the left testis and the mass on color Doppler flow imaging. Left orchiectomy was performed for suspected intrascrotal metastasis of WT, which was confirmed by histopathology examination. This was the first case of intrascrotal metastasis of WT reported in China with a detailed ultrasound description. Meanwhile, this study also reviewed the comparable diagnostic methods of intrascrotal metastasis of WT found in the English literature.

Modified technique of bilateral gluteus maximus transposition for reconstruction of sphincter for pediatric traumatic fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to report our 13-year experience of 14 children with gluteus maximus muscular transposition to treat post-trauma fecal incontinence and discuss our technical modifications to this surgical procedure. METHODS: Fourteen children (median age: 9.9years) with complete fecal incontinence after traumas received this procedure from December 1998 to February 2011. The major modification of the surgery was that we transposed two thick muscular bundles about 2cm in diameter bilaterally. They surrounded the middle portion of rectum to act as sphincters. We used dynamic defecography and anorectal endosonography to observe the functions of the transposed muscles. Wexner scores, fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire and self-rated health measurement scale scores had been used to evaluate their life quality. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 6.3years. Twelve children reported prominently improved fecal controls with reduced stool frequency. Postoperative dynamic defecography and anorectal endosongraphy vividly demonstrated the satisfactory voluntary contractile and relaxed states of the reconstructed muscle. Wexner scores were significantly improved both 1year and 2years after the procedure (P<.05). Two year after surgery, rectal maximum systolic pressure, contraction duration and maximum systolic volume significantly increased compared with the results before and 1year after surgery (P<.05) CONCLUSIONS: This modified technique of bilateral gluteus maximus transposition for reconstruction of sphincter efficiently improved fecal control and life quality for pediatric patients with traumatic fecal incontinence.

[Gluteus maximus transplantation for fecal incontinence after surgery of high anal atresia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of gluteus maximus transplantation for fecal incontinence after surgery of high anal atresia. METHODS: Between December 2002 and November 2010, 25 patients with fecal incontinence were treated with gluteus maximus transplantation, which was caused by surgery of high anal atresia. There were 11 males and 14 females with an average age of 10.2 years (range, 3-22 years). Preoperative radiography, anorectal manometer, and electromyogram showed abnormality or deficiency of anal sphincter function. Wexner score, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire, and Self-rated Health Measurement Scale Version 1.0 (SRHMS) score were used to evaluate life quality of the patients. The anorectal manometer, intra-rectal ultrasound examination, and defecation radiography were performed. RESULTS: Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in 23 cases and rectal-wound fistula occurred in 2 cases. The follow-up time was 1 to 9 years (mean, 6.3 years). Defecation frequency was decreased from more than 10 times to 4-6 times every day. Wexner score and SRHMS were significantly improved at 1 or 2 years after surgery when compared with preoperative socres (P < 0.05). FIQL was also significantly improved after 2 years (P < 0.05). At 2 years after surgery, the anal maximum systolic pressure, contraction duration, and maximum systolic volume were improved, showing significant differences when compared with those at preoperation and 1 year after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gluteus maximus transplantation can improve defecation controls in the patients with fecal incontinence after surgery of high anal atresia.

The effect of CO2 pneumovesicum on upper urinary tract.

OBJECTIVE: Pneumovesicum allows minimal invasive intravesical surgeries. The possible deleterious effect of intravesical CO(2) pressure is not known. We assessed the effect of CO(2) pneumovesicum on the urinary tract and renal function. METHODS: Pneumovesicum was established and maintained with CO(2) at 10 mm Hg in 10 sows. Cohen cross-trigonal reimplantation was carried out on the left ureter by a vesicoscopic approach. The right ureter was cannulated and served as control. CO(2) pneumovesicum was maintained for 2 hours. Color Doppler measurements of the upper urinary tract and blood sampling were carried out 30 minutes before and 2 hours after establishing pneumovesicum, and 30 minutes after releasing the pneumovesicum. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative values, the bilateral anteroposterior diameters of the renal pelves increased significantly after 2 hours of the pneumovesicum (P < .05). Thirty minutes after release of the pneumovesicum, the anteroposterior diameters decreased and showed no statistically significant difference compared with the preoperative values. No air embolus was detected in the ureters, renal pelves, renal veins, or renal arteries on either side 2 hours after establishing the pneumovesicum. There was no statistically significant change in arterial or venous blood flow. There was no significant change in the urea and creatinine levels 2 hours after establishing the pneumovesicum. CONCLUSION: CO(2) pneumovesicum at a pressure of 10 mm Hg for 2 hours did not result in any demonstrable deleterious effect.

Dynamic ultrasound study on urinary bladder in infants with antenatally detected fetal hydronephrosis.

UNLABELLED: To evaluate bladder function in infants with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis (ANH) using dynamic ultrasound protocol. Forty consecutive male infants (mean, 0.25 y) with ANH and 33 age-matched normal controls (mean, 0.49 y) were recruited. Anteroposterior (AP) diameter of renal pelvis (RP) and hydronephrosis index [HI = anteroposterior diameter of RP of kidney divided by urinary bladder volume (BV)] were calculated. Maximum BV (MaxBV) was determined just before voiding. Residual volume (RV) and bladder wall thickness (BWT) were measured after spontaneous voiding. Thirty-one infants (77.5%) showed persistently dilated RP postnatally in which 12 (39%) showed significantly high HI. In general, ANH infants had smaller MaxBV (30.71 versus 52.45 mL), larger residual volume (2.47 versus 1.93 mL), and larger BWT (4.4 versus 3.7 mm) than normal (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Infants with abnormally high HI had significantly more disturbed bladder parameters [smaller MaxBV (23.33 versus 33.49 mL) and larger BWT (4.67 versus 3.79 mm)] than the normal HI group (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Abnormal functional bladder parameters were evident in ANH infants. We postulated that immature function in the pelviureteric junction was associated with bladder dysfunction in these infants. Dynamic ultrasound protocol might help to understand the underlying pathophysiology of urinary system in ANH infants. ABBREVIATIONS: :

Triage of pediatric injuries after the 2008 Wen-Chuan earthquake in China.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to review the effect of modifying triage strategies on the consultation and operation waiting times during the Wen-Chuan earthquake in China in 2008. METHOD: The triage during the post-earthquake period was categorized into 3 phases. The consultation and operation waiting times were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 119 admitted children, there were 58 boys and 61 girls. Most of the victims were school-aged. In phase 1 (24 hours after the quake), the triage waiting time was 78 minutes. The waiting time for pediatric subspecialty consultation was 3.5 hours. There was an additional 7.5-hour delay before operation. In phase 2 (24-72 hours after the quake), senior pediatric surgeons carried out the triage and consultation. The consultation waiting time was reduced to 31 minutes. Four rotating teams operated 24 hours a day. The waiting time for operation was reduced to 4.5 hours. In phase 3 (4-19 days after the earthquake), gas gangrene screening was implemented. The triage waiting times for closed and open injuries were 47 and 64 minutes, respectively. Operation waiting times of 4.4 and 4.8 hours were recorded for closed and open injuries, respectively. Compared to that of phase 1, the waiting times for both consultation and operation of phases 2 and 3 were significantly shortened (P < .05). Most of the (89%) of the injuries were orthopedic traumas with lower limb fracture being the most common injury. Intraabdominal and thoracic injuries were relatively uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Triage by pediatric surgeons in the reception area greatly reduced the delay of treatment and (2) the predominance of orthopedic injuries resulting from the earthquake indicates the focus of medical resource allocation in natural disasters of this type in the future.

[Alteration of bladder function in response to surgical reduction in bladder capacity: conventional-fill cystometry in awake rabbit model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate alteration of bladder function in response to surgically reduced bladder capacity by using an awake rabbit model. METHODS: Forty rabbits were divided into two groups, one was experimental group in which the rabbits underwent semi-cystectomy to reduce 50% bladder capacity (n=20), another was control group in which the rabbits received sham operation (n=20). A conventional-fill cystometric investigation was performed as the animal under awake condition at the times of 4 weeks and 8 weeks after operation. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, the maximum cystometric capacity in experimental group was remarkably decreased at week 4 [(35.3 +/- 8.2) mL vs. (71.6 +/-12.9) mL, P < 0.05), and week 8 [(46.2 +/- 12.1) mL vs. (82.7 +/- 20.1) mL, P < 0.05] respectively; while the maximum voiding detrusor pressure was significantly enhanced at week 4 [(24.4 +/- 7.0) vs. (16.5 +/- 7.2) cm H2O, P < 0.05) and week 8[(27.7 +/- 8.0) vs. (16.8 +/- 7.5) cm H2O, P < 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: Alteration of bladder function, which mainly presented as the increase of maximum voiding detrusor pressure, was elicited at four to eight weeks after surgical reduction of bladder capacity in rabbit.

[The labral plicae entrapment syndrome of hip in children: an ultrasonography study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the ultrasonographic (US) features of labral plicae entrapment syndrome of hip (LPEH) in children and to evaluate the value of US in diagnosing LPEH. METHODS: (1) Twenty six LPEH models and 38 sham LPEH hips were established surgically from 32 children cadavers [15 male and 17 female, age from 2 to 8 years, mean age of (6.12 +/- 2.13) years]. US was performed on these hips double-blindly. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. (2) A total of 21 children (17 male and 4 female, mean age (5.95 +/- 2.67) years) with unilateral LPEH and 21 age and gender matched children with normal hips were consecutively recruited. The 21 symptomatic hips, 21 asymptomatic hips and 42 normal hips were examined by the US (ATL 5000) using the high-frequency (7.5-12 MHz) linear array transducer. RESULTS: (1) The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the US for the LPEH model were 88%, 84%, 79%, and 91%, respectively. (2) Fluids in hip joints were detected in all of the 21 symptomatic hips. No fluid was detected in the asymptomatic and normal hips (less than 2mm); The mean width of the inferomedial recess was significantly larger than that of the anterior recess (12.50 mm vs. 4.35 mm, P < 0.05) in the 21 symptomatic hip joints; The echogenic entrapped labral plicaes were demonstrated in the inferomedial recess of the 21 symptomatic hip joints, with a length ranging from 5.3 to 25.0 mm [mean(15.63 +/- 5.57) mm) and a width ranging from 4.0 to 17.0 mm [mean (8.90 +/- 7.81) mm], respectively; No color signal of blood flow was demonstrated in 90% of the 21 entrapped labral plicaes; With regard to the mean thickness of cartilage of femora head, anterior layer and posterior layer of the anterior capsule, there were no statistical significant differences between the three groups (P > 0.05). After manual reduction and conservative treatment, all of the entrapped labral plicae and fluids disappeared in the US follow-up examinations. CONCLUSION: The entrapped labral plicae in the inferomedial recess of hip joints could be visualized by the US. The US provides a useful diagnostic clue to LPEH in children.