Development and validation of an assessment tool for adult simulated ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block: a prospective monocentric study.

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca block (FIB) is an effective technique for analgesia. While FIB using ultrasound is preferred, there is no current standardised training technique or assessment scale. We aimed to create a valid and reliable tool to assess ultrasound-guided FIB. METHOD: This prospective observational study was conducted in the ABS-Lab simulation centre, University of Poitiers, France between 26-29 October and 14-17 December 2021. Psychometric testing included validity analysis and reliability between two independent observers. Content validity was established using the Delphi method. Three rounds of feedback were required to reach consensus. To validate the scale, 26 residents and 24 emergency physicians performed a simulated FIB on SIMLIFE, a simulator using a pulsated, revascularised and reventilated cadaver. Validity was tested using Cronbach's α coefficient for internal consistency. Comparative and Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to determine whether the scale discriminated by learner experience with FIB and professional status. Reliability was analysed using the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient and a correlation score using linear regression (R2). RESULTS: The final 30-item scale had 8 parts scoring 30 points: patient positioning, preparation of aseptic and tools, anatomical and ultrasound identification, local anaesthesia, needle insertion, injection, final ultrasound control and signs of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity. Psychometric characteristics were as follows: Cronbach's α was 0.83, ICC was 0.96 and R2 was 0.91. The performance score was significantly higher for learners with FIB experience compared with those without experience: 26.5 (22.0; 29.0) vs 22.5 (16.0; 26.0), respectively (p=0.02). There was a significant difference between emergency residents' and emergency physicians' scores: 20.5 (17.0; 25.0) vs 27.0 (26.0; 29.0), respectively (p=0.0001). The performance was correlated with clinical experience (Rho=0.858, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This assessment scale was found to be valid, reliable and able to identify different levels of experience with ultrasound-guided FIB.

Point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesiology: considerations for training and credentialing.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss considerations surrounding the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in pediatric anesthesiology. RECENT FINDINGS: POCUS is an indispensable tool in various medical specialties, including pediatric anesthesiology. Credentialing for POCUS should be considered to ensure that practitioners are able to acquire images, interpret them correctly, and use ultrasound to guide procedures safely and effectively. In the absence of formal guidelines for anesthesiology, current practice and oversight varies by institution. In this review, we will explore the significance of POCUS in pediatric anesthesiology, discuss credentialing, and compare the specific requirements and challenges currently associated with using POCUS in pediatric anesthesia. SUMMARY: Point-of-care ultrasound is being utilized by the pediatric anesthesiologist and has the potential to improve patient assessment, procedure guidance, and decision-making. Guidelines increase standardization and quality assurance procedures help maintain high-quality data. Credentialing standards for POCUS in pediatric anesthesiology are essential to ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to use this technology effectively and safely. Currently, there are no national pediatric POCUS guidelines to base credentialing processes on for pediatric anesthesia practices. Further work directed at establishing pediatric-specific curriculum goals and competency standards are needed to train current and future pediatric anesthesia providers and increase overall acceptance of POCUS use.

Preoperative Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Identify Frailty and Predict Postoperative Outcomes: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is increasingly being recognized as a public health issue, straining healthcare resources and increasing costs to care for these patients. Frailty is the decline in physical and cognitive reserves leading to increased vulnerability to stressors such as surgery or disease states. The goal of this pilot diagnostic accuracy study was to identify whether point-of-care ultrasound measurements of the quadriceps and rectus femoris muscles can be used to discriminate between frail and not-frail patients and predict postoperative outcomes. This study hypothesized that ultrasound could discriminate between frail and not-frail patients before surgery. METHODS: Preoperative ultrasound measurements of the quadriceps and rectus femoris were obtained in patients with previous computed tomography scans. Using the computed tomography scans, psoas muscle area was measured in all patients for comparative purposes. Frailty was identified using the Fried phenotype assessment. Postoperative outcomes included unplanned intensive care unit admission, delirium, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, unplanned skilled nursing facility admission, rehospitalization, falls within 30 days, and all-cause 30-day and 1-yr mortality. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients and 20 healthy volunteers were included. Frailty was identified in 18 of the 32 patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that quadriceps depth and psoas muscle area are able to identify frailty (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.64 to 0.97] and 0.88 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.00], respectively), whereas the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris is less promising (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.91]). Quadriceps depth was also associated with unplanned postoperative skilled nursing facility discharge disposition (area under the curve 0.81 [95% CI, 0.61 to 1.00]) and delirium (area under the curve 0.89 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.00]). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to computed tomography measurements of psoas muscle area, preoperative ultrasound measurements of quadriceps depth shows promise in discriminating between frail and not-frail patients before surgery. It was also associated with skilled nursing facility admission and postoperative delirium.

Diagnostic accuracy of gray scale muscle ultrasound screening for pediatric neuromuscular disease.

OBJECTIVE: Gray scale ultrasound (US) has been demonstrated to be a sensitive and specific tool in the diagnosis of pediatric neuromuscular disease (NMD). With recent advances in genetic testing, the diagnostic work up for NMD has evolved. The purpose of this study was to compare the current diagnostic value of gray scale US to previously defined sensitivities and specificities to determine when this test can add value to a patient's diagnostic workup. METHODS: Standardized quantitative gray scale US imaging was performed on 148 pediatric patients presenting for electrodiagnostic testing to evaluate for NMD. Patients were categorized as having an NMD, a non-NMD, or as "uncertain." The US results were defined as normal, borderline or abnormal based on echointensity values. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the test were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-five percent of the patients had an NMD, 54% a non-NMD, and in 1% the diagnosis remained uncertain. US was abnormal in 73% of myopathies, 63% of neuromuscular junction disorders, 60% of generalized neuropathies and 58% of focal neuropathies. After excluding patients in whom muscle US was not expected to be abnormal (eg, sensory neuropathy), sensitivity was 83%, specificity 79%, PPV 75%, NPV 86%, and accuracy 81%. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative gray scale muscle US still has good diagnostic value as a screening tool in pediatric NMD. As with any diagnostic test, muscle US is best used in conjunction with history and physical examination to increase specificity and diagnostic yield.

Smart Glasses for Radial Arterial Catheterization in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hand-eye coordination and ergonomics are important for the success of delicate ultrasound-guided medical procedures. These can be improved using smart glasses (head-mounted display) by decreasing the head movement on the ultrasound screen. The hypothesis was that the smart glasses could improve the success rate of ultrasound-guided pediatric radial arterial catheterization. METHODS: This prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled, single-center study enrolled pediatric patients (n = 116, age less than 2 yr) requiring radial artery cannulation during general anesthesia. The participants were randomized into the ultrasound screen group (control) or the smart glasses group. After inducing general anesthesia, ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization was performed. The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate. The secondary outcomes included the first-attempt procedure time, the overall complication rate, and operators' ergonomic satisfaction (5-point scale). RESULTS: In total, 116 children were included in the analysis. The smart glasses group had a higher first-attempt success rate than the control group (87.9% [51/58] vs. 72.4% [42/58]; P = 0.036; odds ratio, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.04 to 7.4; absolute risk reduction, -15.5%; 95% CI, -29.8 to -12.8%). The smart glasses group had a shorter first-attempt procedure time (median, 33 s; interquartile range, 23 to 47 s; range, 10 to 141 s) than the control group (median, 43 s; interquartile range, 31 to 67 s; range, 17 to 248 s; P = 0.007). The overall complication rate was lower in the smart glasses group than in the control group (5.2% [3/58] vs. 29.3% [17/58]; P = 0.001; odds ratio, 0.132; 95% CI, 0.036 to 0.48; absolute risk reduction, 24.1%; 95% CI, 11.1 to 37.2%). The proportion of positive ergonomic satisfaction (4 = good or 5 = best) was higher in the smart glasses group than in the control group (65.5% [38/58] vs. 20.7% [12/58]; P <0.001; odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI, 3.16 to 16.8; absolute risk reduction, -44.8%; 95% CI, -60.9% to -28.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Smart glasses-assisted ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization improved the first-attempt success rate and ergonomic satisfaction while reducing the first-attempt procedure time and overall complication rates in small pediatric patients.

Emergency physician performed ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lumbar puncture (LP) is one of the most common procedures performed in pediatric emergency departments but first-attempt success rates remain low and traumatic LP remains frequent. The aim of this study was to determine if ultrasound performed by emergency physicians improves the probability of first-attempt success for lumbar puncture in children. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in two tertiary care, pediatric, university-affiliated emergency departments in 2017-2018. Eligible participants were children younger than 19 years old requiring an LP in the emergency department. They were randomized to either the standard landmark-based LP (SLP) or ultrasound-assisted LP (UALP) groups. Our primary outcome was the first-attempt LP success rate. RESULTS: 166 patients were enrolled, with 84 in the UALP and 82 in the SLP group. A total of 23 physicians performed ultrasounds in the study. The proportion of successful first-attempt LP was higher in the ultrasound group (60/84; 68%) than for the standard procedure (52/82; 60%), but this failed to reach statistical significance (difference: 8.1%; 95% CI: -6.4 to 22.2). CONCLUSION: Our study does not support the routine use of ultrasound for performing lumbar puncture in children. Considering the minimal harm and ease of performance, ultrasound may be used as an adjunct and teaching tool in certain clinical situations.

Ultrasound-guided versus blind subacromial bursa corticosteroid injection for paraplegic spinal cord injury patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder pain is one of the common musculoskeletal complaints of the patients with spinal cord injury. Corticosteroid injection to the subacromial bursa is one of the confirmed therapies which can be guided by anatomic landmarks or ultrasound. This study is aimed to compare these two methods to find the one with the highest therapeutic impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 30 patients with paraplegic SCI suffering from shoulder pain were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups based on 4-block randomization sampling. The first group received subacromial corticosteroid injection through anatomic landmarks; while in the second group, the injection was guided by ultrasound. VAS criterion was employed for investigation of pain severity; while the constant score was used to study the shoulder pain and function. BREF questionnaire was also applied to examine the quality of life. FINDINGS: The mean scores of VAS and Constant in both groups showed a significant improvement two months after intervention when compared with their condition before the intervention. This improvement was significantly higher in the ultrasound group. The physical, physiological and environmental health scores of BREF questionnaire as well as their total score showed a significant improvement in both groups two months after intervention. But this improvement was not significantly different between the two groups in terms of any of the items. DISCUSSION: Hence, although ultrasound-guided injection is more costly and requires higher skills in comparison with blind injection, it is significantly more effective in controlling the pain and improving the shoulder function.

Risk of Prostate Cancer after a Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Biopsy.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy which reveals no cancer may impart reassurance beyond that offered by ultrasound guided biopsy. However, followup of men after a negative magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy has been mostly by prostate specific antigen testing and reports of followup tissue confirmation are few. We investigated the incidence of clinically significant prostate cancer in such men who, because of persistent cancer suspicion, subsequently underwent a repeat magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were all men with a negative initial magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy who underwent at least 1 further magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy due to continued clinical suspicion of clinically significant prostate cancer (September 2009 to July 2019). Biopsies were magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion with targeted and systematic cores. Regions of interest from initial magnetic resonance imaging and any new regions of interest at followup magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy were targeted. The primary end point was detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason Grade Group 2 or greater). RESULTS: Of 2,716 men 733 had a negative initial magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy. Study subjects were 73/733 who underwent followup magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy. Median (IQR) age and prostate specific antigen density were 64 years (59-67) and 0.12 ng/ml/cc (0.08-0.17), respectively. Baseline PI-RADS® scores were 3 or greater in 74%. At followup magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy (median 2.4 years, IQR 1.3-3.6), 17/73 (23%) were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer. When followup magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion (PI-RADS 3 or greater), clinically significant prostate cancer was found in 17/53 (32%). When followup magnetic resonance imaging was negative (PI-RADS less than 3), cancer was not found (0/20) (p <0.01). Overall 54% of men with PI-RADS 5 at followup magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy were found to have clinically significant prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Men with negative magnetic resonance imaging following an initial negative magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy are unlikely to harbor clinically significant prostate cancer and may avoid repeat biopsy. However, when lesions are seen on followup magnetic resonance imaging, repeat magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy is warranted.

SCAI expert consensus statement update on best practices for transradial angiography and intervention.

Transradial angiography and intervention continues to become increasingly common as an access site for coronary procedures. Since the first "Best Practices" paper in 2013, ongoing trials have shed further light onto the safest and most efficient methods to perform these procedures. Specifically, this document comments on the use of ultrasound to facilitate radial access, the role of ulnar artery access, the utility of non-invasive testing of collateral flow, strategies to prevent radial artery occlusion, radial access for primary PCI and topics that require further study.

Ultrasound can differentiate inclusion body myositis from disease mimics.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of inclusion body myositis (IBM) can be challenging, and its presentation can be confused with other forms of myositis or neuromuscular disorders. In this study we evaluate the ability of quantitative muscle ultrasound to differentiate between IBM and mimicking diseases. METHODS: Patients 50 years of age and older were included from two specialty centers. Muscle echogenicity and muscle thickness of four characteristically involved muscles in IBM were measured and compared with polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM), other neuromuscular disorders, and healthy controls. RESULTS: Echogenicity was higher and muscle thickness generally lower in all four muscles in IBM compared with PM/DM and normal controls. When comparing IBM with the comparator groups, the flexor digitorum profundus was the most discriminative muscle. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound appears to be a good test to differentiate established IBM from PM/DM and neuromuscular controls, with value as a diagnostic tool for IBM.

Ultrasound to Detect Central Venous Catheter Placement Associated Complications: A Multicenter Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical complications arising after central venous catheter placement are mostly malposition or pneumothorax. To date, to confirm correct position and detect pneumothorax, chest x-ray film has been the reference standard, while ultrasound might be an accurate alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect central venous catheter malposition and pneumothorax. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, diagnostic accuracy study conducted at the intensive care unit and postanesthesia care unit. Adult patients who underwent central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein were included. Index test consisted of venous, cardiac, and lung ultrasound. Standard reference test was chest x-ray film. Primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect malposition and pneumothorax; for malposition, sensitivity, specificity, and other accuracy parameters were estimated. For pneumothorax, because chest x-ray film is an inaccurate reference standard to diagnose it, agreement and Cohen's κ-coefficient were determined. Secondary outcomes were accuracy of ultrasound to detect clinically relevant complications and feasibility of ultrasound. RESULTS: In total, 758 central venous catheterizations were included. Malposition occurred in 23 (3.3%) out of 688 cases included in the analysis. Ultrasound sensitivity was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.86) and specificity 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.00). Pneumothorax occurred in 5 (0.7%) to 11 (1.5%) out of 756 cases according to chest x-ray film and ultrasound, respectively. In 748 out of 756 cases (98.9%), there was agreement between ultrasound and chest x-ray film with a Cohen's κ-coefficient of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study shows that the complication rate of central venous catheterization is low and that ultrasound produces a moderate sensitivity and high specificity to detect malposition. There is moderate agreement with chest x-ray film for pneumothorax. In conclusion, ultrasound is an accurate diagnostic modality to detect malposition and pneumothorax.

Lung Ultrasound in Emergency and Critically Ill Patients: Number of Supervised Exams to Reach Basic Competence.

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound is increasingly used in critically ill patients as an alternative to bedside chest radiography, but the best training method remains uncertain. This study describes a training curriculum allowing trainees to acquire basic competence. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, and educational study was conducted in 10 Intensive Care Units in Brazil, China, France and Uruguay. One hundred residents, respiratory therapists, and critical care physicians without expertise in transthoracic ultrasound (trainees) were trained by 18 experts. The main study objective was to determine the number of supervised exams required to get the basic competence, defined as the trainees' ability to adequately classify lung regions with normal aeration, interstitial-alveolar syndrome, and lung consolidation. An initial 2-h video lecture provided the rationale for image formation and described the ultrasound patterns commonly observed in critically ill and emergency patients. Each trainee performed 25 bedside ultrasound examinations supervised by an expert. The progression in competence was assessed every five supervised examinations. In a new patient, 12 pulmonary regions were independently classified by the trainee and the expert. RESULTS: Progression in competence was derived from the analysis of 7,330 lung regions in 2,562 critically ill and emergency patients. After 25 supervised examinations, 80% of lung regions were adequately classified by trainees. The ultrasound examination mean duration was 8 to 10 min in experts and decreased from 19 to 12 min in trainees (after 5 vs. 25 supervised examinations). The median training duration was 52 (42, 82) days. CONCLUSIONS: A training curriculum including 25 transthoracic ultrasound examinations supervised by an expert provides the basic skills for diagnosing normal lung aeration, interstitial-alveolar syndrome, and consolidation in emergency and critically ill patients.

Ultrasound Guidance for Central Venous Access: Current Evidence and Clinical Recommendations.

Ultrasound-guided central line placement has been shown to decrease the number of needle puncture attempts, complication, and failure rates. In order to obtain successful central access, it is important to have adequate cognitive knowledge, workflow understanding, and manual dexterity to safely execute this invasive procedure. The operator should also be familiar with the anatomical variations, equipment operations, and potential complications and their prevention. In this article, we present a detailed review of ultrasound-guided central venous access. It includes a description of anatomy, operative technique, equipment operation, and techniques for specific situations. We describe the use of ultrasound guidance to avoid and identify various complications associated with this procedure. We have also reviewed recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of ultrasound for central venous access and the current evidence pertaining to the recommendations for the expected level of training, methodology, and metrics for establishing competency.

Short versus long axis ultrasound guided approach for internal jugular vein cannulations: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation is a standard procedure performed in ICUs worldwide. According to the guidelines, the short-axis approach is recommended over the long-axis approach for IJV cannulation. Double-operator cannulation is more convenient for the said procedure. However, the guidelines favor single-operator cannulation due to limited trials. We hypothesized that double-operator long-axis cannulation will be faster and have fewer complications than double-operator short-axis cannulation. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized trial of patients who needed central venous catheterization in the intensive care unit. The eligible patients were randomized into two groups. In one group, the short-axis view by two operators was used for cannulation, and the long-axis view by 2 operators was used in the other group. The time elapsed from skin puncture to guide-wire insertion. RESULTS: The central venous catheter was placed by ultrasound guidance in all 100 patients. No significant differences were observed in the patient characteristics between the two groups. The mean time of insertion was 74.2 ±â€¯110.1 s with the short-axis approach compared with 70.3 ±â€¯97.3 s with the long-axis approach. The frequency of complications was also significantly lower with the long-axis approach. DISCUSSION: The long-axis view for IJV cannulation has similar insertion and procedure timings to the short-axis view. However, the complication rate and number of needle punctures required were less with the long-axis view than with those with the short-axis view.

Ultrasound-guided versus Shikani optical stylet-aided tracheal intubation: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: To compare ultrasound-guided tracheal intubation (UGTI) versus Shikani optical stylet (SOS)-aided tracheal intubation in patients with anticipated normal airway. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 18-65 years old who presented for elective surgery under general anesthesia were recruited in this prospective randomized study. They were assigned into two equal groups, either an ultrasound-guided group (Group UG, n = 30) or an SOS-aided group (Group SOS, n = 30). After the induction of anesthesia, the tracheal intubation was performed by a specified skilled anesthesiologist. The number of tracheal intubation attempt and the duration of successful intubation on the first attempt were recorded. Complications relative to tracheal intubation including desaturation, hoarseness and sore throat were also recorded. RESULTS: The first-attempt success rate is 93.3% (28/30) in Group UG and 90% (27/30) in Group SOS (P = 0.640). The second-attempt was all successful for the 2 and 3 patients left in the two groups, and the overall success rate of both groups was 100%. The duration of successful intubation on the first attempt of Group UG was not significantly different from that of Group SOS (34.0 ± 20.8 s vs 35.5 ± 23.2 s, P = 0.784). One patient in Group SOS had desaturation (P = 0.313), and there was none hoarseness in the two groups. Sore throat was detected in both group (4 in Group UG, 5 in Group SOS, P = 0.718). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided tracheal intubation was as effective as Shikani optical stylet-aided tracheal intubation in adult patients with anticipated normal airway. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IIC-17010875 . Date of Registration: 15 March 2017.

Feasibility and efficacy of lung ultrasound to investigate pulmonary complications in patients who developed postoperative Hypoxaemia-a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and hypoxaemia are associated with morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of lung ultrasound (LUS) to diagnose PPCs in patients suffering from hypoxaemia after general anaesthesia and compare the results to those of thoracic computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Adult patients who received general anaesthesia and suffered from hypoxaemia in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) were analysed. Hypoxaemia was defined as an oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SPO2) less than 92% for more than 30 s under ambient air conditions. LUS was performed by two trained anaesthesiologists once hypoxaemia occurred. After LUS examination, each patient was transported to the radiology department for thoracic CT scan within 1 h before returning to the ward. RESULTS: From January 2019 to May 2019, 113 patients (61 men) undergoing abdominal surgery (45 patients, 39.8%), video-assisted thoracic surgery (31 patients, 27.4%), major orthopaedic surgery (17 patients, 15.0%), neurosurgery (10 patients, 8.8%) or other surgery (10 patients, 8.8%) were included. CT diagnosed 327 of 1356 lung zones as atelectasis, while LUS revealed atelectasis in 311 of the CT-confirmed zones. Pneumothorax was detected by CT scan in 75 quadrants, 72 of which were detected by LUS. Pleural effusion was diagnosed in 144 zones on CT scan, and LUS detected 131 of these zones. LUS was reliable in diagnosing atelectasis (sensitivity 98.0%, specificity 96.7% and diagnostic accuracy 97.2%), pneumothorax (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 98.9% and diagnostic accuracy 96.7%) and pleural effusion (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 96.0% and diagnostic accuracy 95.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound is feasible, efficient and accurate in diagnosing different aetiologies of postoperative hypoxia in healthy-weight patients in the PACU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT03802175 , 2018/12/05, www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

Correlation between acromiohumeral distance and the severity of supraspinatus tendon tear by ultrasound imaging in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to investigate the intrarater reliability of acromiohumeral distance measurement; (ii) to assess the level of association between acromiohumeral distance measured by ultrasonography, and the degree of supraspinatus tendon tear, in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain. METHODS: A cross-sectional, case-control study was carried out. A convenience sample comprising 59 patients with a unilateral supraspinatus tendon tear was assessed. Both shoulders of each patient were scanned by ultrasound, with the contralateral asymptomatic shoulders serving as the control group for comparison. Acromiohumeral distances of each shoulder were measured and analysed. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability was excellent for the ultrasound method of acromiohumeral distance measurement. The acromiohumeral distance of shoulders with full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear was significantly smaller than that of joints with partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear and an intact supraspinatus tendon. There was a significant positive correlation between reduced acromiohumeral distance and the severity of a supraspinatus tendon tear. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a reliable tool to measure acromiohumeral distance. A positive relationship was found between a narrowed acromiohumeral distance and the severity grading of a supraspinatus tendon tear. Reduced acromiohumeral distance can be considered a predictive parameter for a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-17013550. Date of registry: 26 November 2017.

Education and training in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and pain medicine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Effective and safe regional anaesthesia and pain medicine procedures require clinicians to learn and master complex theoretical knowledge and motor skills. This review aims to summarize articles relevant to education and training in these skill sets in the previous 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS: Twenty-two articles were identified, investigating nine out of the 13 top-ranked research topics in education and training in regional anaesthesia. Research topics addressed by these articles included prerotation simulation, deliberate practice combined with formative assessment tools, validation of assessment tools, three-dimensional-printed models, and knowledge translation from simulation to clinical practice. Emerging concepts investigated for their applications in regional anaesthesia included eye-tracking as a surrogate metric when evaluating proficiency, and elastography aiding visual salience to distinguish appropriate perineural and inappropriate intraneural injections. SUMMARY: Research into education and training in regional anaesthesia covered multiple and diverse topics. Methodological limitations were noted in several articles, reflecting the difficulties in designing and conducting medical education studies. Nonetheless, the evidence-base continues to mature and innovations provide exciting future possibilities.

Factors leading to failure to diagnose pulmonary malignant tumors using endobronchial ultrasound with guide sheath within the target lesion.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions has significantly increased with the use of radial endobronchial ultrasound with guide sheath within the lesion. Here, we retrospectively evaluated factors leading to misdiagnosis of pulmonary malignant tumors using endobronchial ultrasound with the guide sheath within the lesion. METHODS: We assessed the final histopathological diagnosis of biopsy samples taken from 130 patients with lung malignant tumors that underwent endobronchial ultrasound with guide sheath within the lesion. RESULTS: Among 130 patients, 8 (6%) showed no definite malignant findings in biopsy samples but the presence of malignant cells (primary lung cancer 7, diffuse large B cell lymphoma 1) was subsequently confirmed by histopathological study of specimens taken by computed tomography-guided needle biopsy or surgery. Of the eight cases with diagnostic failure, the size of the biopsy sample was insufficient in five due to technical difficulties during the diagnostic procedure, and the diagnosis of malignant tumor was difficult in five cases because of extensive scarring tissue or central necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that technical difficulties and/or pathological heterogeneity of the tumor might lead to failure to diagnose lung malignant tumor in cases using endobronchial ultrasound with guide sheath within the lesion.

Diagnostic accuracy of capnovolumetry for the identification of airway obstruction - results of a diagnostic study in ambulatory care.

BACKGROUND: One of the known weaknesses of spirometry is its dependence on patients' cooperation, which can only partially be alleviated by educational efforts. Therefore, procedures less dependent on cooperation might be of value in clinical practice. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-based capnovolumetry for the identification of airway obstruction. METHODS: Consecutive patients from a pulmonary outpatient clinic were included in the diagnostic study. As reference standard, the presence of airway obstruction was evaluated via spirometry and bodyplethysmography. Capnovolumetry was performed as index test with an ultrasound spirometer providing a surrogate measure of exhaled carbon dioxide. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed using the ratio of slopes of expiratory phases 3 and 2 (s3/s2) ≥ 0.10 as primary capnovolumetric parameter for the recognition of airway obstruction. Logistic regression was performed as secondary analysis to identify further useful capnovolumetric parameters. The diagnostic potential of capnovolumetry to identify more severe degrees of airway obstruction was evaluated additionally. RESULTS: Of 1400 patients recruited, 1287 patients were included into the analysis. Airway obstruction was present in 29% of patients. The area under the ROC-curve (AUC) of s3/s2 was 0.678 (95% CI 0.645, 0.710); sensitivity of s3/s2 ≥ 0.10 was 47.7 (95% CI 42.7, 52.8)%, specificity 79.0 (95% CI 76.3, 81.6)%. When combining this parameter with three other parameters derived from regression analysis (ratio area/volume phase 3, slope phase 3, volume phase 2), an AUC of 0.772 (95% CI 0.743, 0.801) was obtained. For severe airway obstruction (FEV1 ≤ 50% predicted) sensitivity of s3/s2 ≥ 0.10 was 75.9 (95% CI 67.1, 83.0)%, specificity 75.8 (95% CI 73.3, 78.1)%; for very severe airway obstruction (FEV1 ≤ 30% predicted) sensitivity was 86.7 (95% CI 70.3, 94.7)%, specificity 72.8 (95% CI 70.3, 75.2)%. Sensitivities increased and specificities decreased considerably when the combined capnovolumetric score was used as index test. CONCLUSIONS: Capnovolumetry by way of an ultrasound spirometer had a statistically significant albeit moderate potential for the recognition of airway obstruction in a heterogeneous population of patients typically found in clinical practice. Diagnostic accuracy of the capnovolumetric device increased with the severity of airway obstruction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered under DRKS00013935 at German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS).