Identificación de las características de los ganglios evaluados en el procedimiento EBUS y su relación con el diagnóstico de malignidad en instituto de alta complejidad en cáncer / Identification of the Characteristics of the Lymph Nodes Evaluated in the EBUS Procedure and their Relationship with the Diagnosis of Malignancy in a Highly Complex Cancer Institute

Introducción: La EBUS ha sido el foco de numerosos estudios destinados a evaluar su utilidad y rendimiento diagnóstico en diversas patologías. Objetivo principal: Identificación de las características ganglionares evaluadas en el procedimiento de Ultrasonido Endobronquial (EBUS) y su relación con el diagnóstico de malignidad en pacientes del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de Colombia del 1 de enero de 2017 al 31 de marzo de 2021.Métodos: Estudio analítico observacional transversal. La recopilación de datos implicó un muestreo de casos consecutivos no probabilísticos entre individuos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión.Resultados: Un total de 75 pacientes fueron sometidos a EBUS. Se identificaron 6 características ecográficas de los ganglios de la biopsia asociadas a malignidad destacándose los ganglios mayores de 1 cm, márgenes mal definidos, ecogenicidad heterogénea, ausencia de una estructura hiliar central, presencia de signos de necrosis o coagulación y presencia de conglomerado ganglionar. Conclusión: Este estudio caracterizó la frecuencia de los hallazgos en la ultrasonografía endobronquial destacando algunas características ecográficas de los ganglios mediastínicos que podrían predecir patología maligna.

Introduction: The EBUS has been the focus of numerous studies aiming to evaluate its utility and diagnostic performance across various pathologies. Objective: Identification of the node characteristics evaluated in the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedure and their relationship with malignancy diagnosis in patients at the National Cancer Institute of Colombia from January 1st, 2017, to March 31st, 2021. Methods: Observational cross-sectional analytical study. Data collection involved non-probabilistic consecutive case sampling among individuals meeting the inclusion criteria.Results: A total of 75 patients underwent the EBUS procedure. Our findings revealed six predictors of malignancy based on sonographic features of biopsy nodes, including nodes larger than 1 cm, poorly defined margins, heterogeneous echogenicity, absence of a central hilar structure, presence of signs indicating necrosis or coagulation, and the presence of a ganglion conglomerate. Conclusions: This study showed that endobronchial ultrasonography has several sonographic characteristics at the time of evaluating mediastinal nodes that could predict malignant and benign pathology.

Confiabilidad Inter-evaluador en la Medición del Grosor Muscular y el Ángulo de Penación a través de la Evaluación Ecográfica: Estudio entre un Experto y un Kinesiólogo en Formación / Inter-Evaluator Reliability in Measurement of Muscle Thickness and Penance Angle through Ultrasound Evaluation: Comparison Study between an Expert and a Physical Therapist in Training

Existen diversas formas de evaluar el músculo esquelético. Una herramienta que ha ganado relevancia es la evaluación ecográfica. Esta, permite medir el grosor muscular (GM) y el ángulo de penación (AP). Por otra parte, en la formación inicial de los Kinesiólogos es importante realizar el ejercicio de la confiabilidad en la medición en relación al experto. un procedimiento diagnóstico. Así, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la confiabilidad inter-evaluador en la medición del GM y el AP, a través de la evaluación ecográfica, entre un experto y un kinesiólogo en formación. La capacitación contó de tres fases; el ciclo teórico, el ciclo práctico y el proceso de confiabilidad. Para este último, se realizaron 10 pruebas para cada una de las mediciones GM 1, GM 2 y GM 3 y de AP. La confiabilidad inter-evaluador en la medición de GM es buena a excelente en los tres intentos GM1 (ICC=0,81; p=0,001), GM2 (ICC=0,86; p<0,001), GM3 (ICC=0,88;<0,001). Por su parte, la confiabilidad del AP fue pobre a regular (ICC=0,21; p=0,143. Las conclusiones de esta investigación indican que existe una excelente confiabilidad inter evaluador en la medición de GM. No así, en la medición de AP, por lo que se sugiere incrementar las horas prácticas en el proceso de aprendizaje de esta medida.

SUMMARY: Skeletal muscle can be assessed in a number of different ways. Consequently, ultrasound evaluation has become a relevant diagnostic tool. This procedure allows measuring muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA). Furthermore, during the initial training of physical therapists it is important in a diagnostic procedure, to exercise reliability in measurement in comparison to the expert. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the inter-rater reliability in the measurement of MT and PA, through ultrasound evaluation, between an expert and a physical therapist in training. This training was comprised of three phases: The theoretical cycle, the practical cycle and the reliability process. For the latter, ten different tests were performed for each of the MT 1, MT 2 and MT 3 and PA measurements. Inter-rater reliability in the MT measurement was good to excellent in the three attempts MT1 (ICC=0.81; p=0.001), MT2 (ICC=0.86; p<0.001), MT3 (ICC=0. 88;<0.001). On the other hand, reliability of the PA was poor to fair (ICC=0.21; p=0.143. In conclusion, this research indicates that there is excellent inter-rater reliability in the measurement of MT. This does not however apply to the measurement of PA. It is therefore suggested that practical hours during the learning process of this measure be increased.

Desafios do rastreamento do câncer de mama / Challenges of breast cancer screening

A mamografia é o método de eleição para o rastreamento do câncer de mama, sendo o único que demonstra redução de mortalidade na população de risco habitual. A periodicidade de realização e a idade de início do rastreamento mamográfico são um tema controverso na literatura. Entretanto, dados no nosso país apontam para uma porção significativa de neoplasia de mamas em mulheres abaixo dos 50 anos. A Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (Febrasgo), a Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia (SBM) e o Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem (CBR) concordam que o rastreamento mamográfico deveria ser realizado, anualmente, por todas as mulheres a partir de 40 anos de idade. No Brasil, há uma distribuição desigual de mamógrafos nas várias regiões. As políticas de rastreamento devem considerar essa desigualdade. A grande maioria dos serviços no Brasil realiza rastreamento oportunístico para o câncer de mama. A implantação de rastreamento organizado por faixa etária e estratificação de risco pode otimizar os custos do sistema público de saúde. Pacientes de alto risco precisam ser rastreadas de forma diferente das pacientes de risco habitual. Essas pacientes precisam ter acesso à ressonância magnética das mamas e também iniciar seu rastreamento em idade mais precoce. O protocolo abreviado da ressonância magnética para rastreamento de pacientes de alto risco para câncer de mama pode melhorar a adesão e o acesso dessas pacientes ao programa de rastreamento. A ultrassonografia das mamas não é método de rastreamento isoladamente. Entretanto, ela tem seu papel como método complementar à mamografia e à ressonância magnética em cenários específicos, bem como em substituição à ressonância magnética em pacientes com contraindicação ao uso desse método. As mamas densas possuem baixa sensibilidade para o rastreamento por mamografia

La nefroprevención prenatal, un reto en la prevención primaria / Prenatal Kidney Prevention: A Challenge in Primary Care

Por su avanzado desarrollo, la ecografia constituye la prueba de imagen de elección en el diagnóstico de las malformaciones durante la etapa prenatal y, en el caso de la correspondiente al tracto genitourinario, dicha técnica no solo permite el diagnóstico de estas, sino que también ofrece información relacionada con los indicadores de mal pronóstico de la función renal. De ahí que la importancia del diagnóstico prenatal por ultrasonografía de estos defectos radica en la posibilidad de realizar acciones preventivas y educativas encaminadas a disminuir la enfermedad renal terminal en la infancia.1,2) No obstante, dichas acciones se pueden ver entorpecidas debido al desarrollo embriológico del aparato genitourinario en diferentes estadios, a la interacción de factores genéticos, epigenéticos y ambientales durante este, así como a su variada expresión fenotípica.2) De lo antes expuesto se deriva la importancia de realizar acciones preventivas de carácter proactivo, es decir, llevar a cabo acciones que superen la actitud reactiva en los individuos ante los problemas, mediante un trabajo de búsqueda capaz de identificar aquellas situaciones desfavorables que puedan incidir de forma negativa en la calidad de vida y que definan una práctica profiláctica para la reducción de los factores de riesgo.3) Este tipo de acción se facilita, en el nivel primario de salud, a través del trabajo que se realiza con los posibles factores que modifican el riesgo preconcepcional genético. Entonces, en qué situación se sugiere actuar por parte del equipo de salud en la atención primaria, con la finalidad de iniciar la nefroprevención desde la etapa prenatal y así contribuir a amortiguar la aparición de dichas anomalías o defectos capaces de afectar de forma negativa la calidad de vida postnatal al no poderse explicar solamente mediante los factores genéticos. Para comenzar se sugiere cumplimentar a cabalidad las medidas tendientes a disminuir la prematuridad y el bajo peso al nacer mediante la captación precoz y el apropiado seguimiento del embarazo; disminuir la incidencia del embarazo en adolescentes, asegurar una nutrición adecuada de la gestante, así como evitar el uso de drogas teratogénicas (alcohol, warfarina, inhibidores de la enzima de conversión, alquilantes, ácido valproico, comitoína, cocaína, etcétera) que pueden ocasionar malformaciones renales. Deberá realizarse un control cuidadoso de la presión arterial, teniendo cuidado de no usar inhibidores de la encima convertidora de angiotensina en casos de hipertensión arterial. Además, fomentar el diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano y adecuado de la infección urinaria, lo cual constituye otra medida para evitar el parto prematuro.2,4 Todo ello basado en que el recién nacido no forma nuevas nefronas y que la nefrogénesis se extiende hasta las 36 semanas de gestación, por lo tanto, los prematuros nacen con menor número de nefronas, lo cual predispone un mayor riesgo de enfermedades renales futuras y de hipertensión arterial. Asimismo, es más susceptible a infecciones, hipoxia por síndrome de dificultad respiratoria, factores que predisponen a una insuficiencia renal aguda y a lesiones renales seculares. En otro sentido, debemos continuar con la administración de ácido fólico a las potenciales gestantes, lo cual contribuye a disminuir la incidencia de defectos de cierre del tubo neural y, en consecuencia, los casos de mielomeningocele, que es la causa más frecuente de vejiga neurógena. Igualmente, el suplemento de vitamina A, cuya deficiencia ha sido implicada en la génesis de las malformaciones renales.4 Otro acápite importante resulta el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las infecciones durante la gestación, ya que pueden ser potencialmente teratogénicas u ocasionar glomerulopatías (lúes, toxoplasmosis, citomegalovirosis, retrovirosis). La infección por estreptococo grupo B deberá ser adecuadamente pesquisada y tratada eliminando una causa frecuente de sepsis neonatal y la probabilidad de insuficiencia renal aguda secundaria. El diagnóstico prenatal de la uropatía mediante la ecografía bidimensional prenatal (fundamental la ecografía estructural del tercer trimestre) conducirá a una evaluación pronóstica de la función renal y a un tratamiento temprano en caso necesario, evitando así el daño renal secundario.2,4 A modo de conclusión, se puede afirmar que la nefroprevención prenatal en la atención primaria de salud, independiente del origen multifactorial de este tipo de defecto congénito y su asociación a síndromes genéticos, se hace posible y, de esta forma, se contribuye de manera satisfactoria a modificar tanto la incidencia al nacimiento como la prevalencia de estos(AU)

Ecografía realizada por cirujanos generales más allá de la evaluación enfocada al trauma / Echography Scans Performed by General Surgeons beyond Focused Assessment for Trauma

Introducción: La ecografía es considerada en la actualidad una modalidad de imagen establecida en medicina con múltiples beneficios que se utiliza ampliamente en la práctica quirúrgica. Los cirujanos son entrenados en exploraciones de Evaluación Ecográfica Enfocada para el Trauma. Sin embargo, cada vez adquieren más habilidades para realizar ecografías, tanto al lado de la cama como en el transoperatorio para otras presentaciones quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Exponer el uso de la ecografía realizada por el cirujano general ante el paciente quirúrgico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica del tema en las bases de datos PubMed, BVS-BIREME y Cochrane. Se consideraron en la búsqueda todo tipo de estudios publicados desde enero de 1958 hasta enero del 2022, a los cuales se tuvo acceso. Los idiomas utilizados en la búsqueda fueron el español y el inglés. Desarrollo: La ecografía realizada por el cirujano general es cada vez más preconizada a nivel mundial, no solo para el trauma sino tanto en afecciones agudas intrabdominales como para aumentar la seguridad durante el transoperatorio. Conclusiones: La ecografía tiene muchas ventajas debido a que es una técnica segura, rápida, no invasiva, portátil y repetible, que brinda imágenes dinámicas en tiempo real relevantes para el manejo del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Echography is nowadays considered an established imaging modality in medicine and with multiple benefits, as well as widely used in surgical practice. Surgeons are trained in focused assessment with echography for trauma. However, they are becoming increasingly skilled in performing echography scans, both at the point of care and in the transoperative setting for other surgical presentations. Objective: To expose the use of echography performed by the general surgeon directly on the surgical patient. Methods: A bibliographic review of the subject was carried out in the PubMed, BVS-BIREME and Cochrane databases. All types of studies published from January 1958 to January 2022, to which access was available, were considered in the search. The languages used in the search were Spanish and English. Development: The echography scan performed by the general surgeon is increasingly advocated worldwide, not only for trauma but also for acute intraabdominal conditions, as well as to increase safety during the transoperative period. Conclusions: Echography has many advantages because it is a safe, fast, noninvasive, portable and repeatable technique that provides real-time dynamic images relevant to patient management(AU)

Biometría fetal en la confirmación de restricciones del crecimiento intrauterino / Fetal Biometrics in Confirming Restrictions of Intrauterine Growth

Introducción: El crecimiento y el desarrollo son fenómenos biológicos que implican aumento de masa celular y diferenciación de forma o función, respectivamente. En beneficio del diagnóstico, se utilizan las bondades del ultrasonido en la evolución biométrica del crecimiento fetal. Objetivo: Determinar mensuraciones biométricas fetales más asociadas a la restricción del crecimiento fetal en infantes que sufrieron restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal descriptivo y retrospectivo de gestantes captadas en dos áreas de salud del municipio Santa Clara, que terminaron su embarazo entre septiembre del 2013 y octubre del 2018 y cuyos recién nacidos experimentaron restricción del crecimiento. La muestra se clasificó al nacimiento en pequeños y adecuados, según condición trófica y en cada grupo se estudió relación con valores percentilares de variables biométricas en los dos últimos trimestres. Resultados: Predominaron en todas las biometrías y en los dos trimestres los valores por debajo del décimo percentil. En la totalidad de los infantes y durante todo el período fetal, la circunferencia abdominal estuvo por debajo del percentil 10. En las variables largo del fémur y circunferencia cefálica los percentiles más altos se encontraron en el tercer trimestre y desde el segundo en la variable diámetro biparietal, posiblemente relacionado con restricciones asimétricas del crecimiento. Conclusiones: La variable biométrica circunferencia abdominal desde el segundo trimestre es fiable en la detección de restricciones del crecimiento intrauterino y su existencia por debajo del décimo percentil debe servir como certeza de su existencia, aun cuando la condición trófica del recién nacido parezca revelar otra realidad(AU)

Introduction: Growth and development are biological phenomenons involving cell mass increase and differentiation of form or function, respectively. For diagnostic purposes, the benefits of ultrasound are used for the biometric evolution of fetal growth. Objective: To determine fetal biometric measurements mostly associated with fetal growth restriction in infants who suffered intrauterine growth restriction. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective longitudinal study was carried out with pregnant women from two health areas of Santa Clara Municipality, who finished their pregnancy between September 2013 and October 2018 and whose newborns experienced growth restriction. The sample was classified at birth into small and adequate, according to trophic condition; and, in each group, the relationship with percentile values of biometric variables in the last two trimesters was studied. Results: Values below the tenth percentile predominated in all biometrics and in the two trimesters. In all infants and during the whole fetal period, abdominal circumference was below the tenth percentile. In the variables femur length and cephalic circumference, the highest percentiles were found in the third trimester; while, from the second trimester on, the same occurred in the variable biparietal diameter, possibly related to asymmetric growth restrictions. Conclusions: The biometric variable abdominal circumference is, from the second trimester on, reliable in the detection of intrauterine growth restrictions; its existence below the tenth percentile should serve as certainty of its existence, even when the trophic condition of the newborn seems to reveal another reality(AU)

Resultados materno y perinatal de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis en un centro de Medellín / Maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in a center in Medellin

Objetivo: Describir los resultados maternos y perinatales de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis atendidos en un centro de referencia obstétrica de Medellín. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, llevado a cabo en la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana en fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis desde el 1 de enero de 2010 hasta el 31 de julio de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 54 gestantes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis. En el 63% era su primer embarazo y el 27,8% eran adolescentes. La duración promedio de la gestación fue de 35 semanas y 6 días. La cesárea fue la vía más común (98,1%) y la indicación más frecuente fue sufrimiento de asa 66,7%. El 55,6% de los neonatos requirieron más de una intervención quirúrgica para el cierre de la pared abdominal. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia (66,7%) e íleo posoperatorio (72,2%). La mortalidad fue del 13%. Conclusiones: Se evidencian algunas características similares a las reportadas en otras series. La mayor presentación fue en primer embarazo, la causa de finalización de la gestación fue sufrimiento de asas (demostrando la importancia del seguimiento ecográfico), y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia e íleo posoperatorio presentados por la prematuridad. La mortalidad comparada con la de otras instituciones locales fue menor.

Objective: To describe the outcomes of maternal and perinatal in patients diagnosed with prenatal gastroschisis that received medical care at an obstetric reference center in Medellin. Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis performed in the Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana between January 1st 2010 and July 31st 2021. Results: Were included 54 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The 63% were their first pregnancy and 27,8% were adolescents. The average duration of gestation was 35 weeks and 6 days. Cesarean section was the most common way of delivery (98,1%) and the most frequent indication was suffering from loop (66,7%). The 55,6% of neonates required more than one surgical intervention for closure of the abdominal wall. The most frequent complications were anemia (66,7%) and postoperative ileus (72,2%). A mortality of 13% was presented. Conclusions: Some characteristics like reported in other series are evident. The greatest presentation was in the first pregnancy, the cause of termination of pregnancy was suffering from loops (demonstrating the importance of ultrasound monitoring) and the most frequent complications were anemia and postoperative ileus presented by prematurity. Mortality, compared to other local institutions, was lower.

Influencing Factors of Bethesda Ⅲ Results in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of Bethesda Ⅲ results in fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules.Methods A total of 300 thyroid nodules with cytological diagnosis results were analyzed retrospectively,including 100 Bethesda Ⅲ nodules and 50 nodules of Bethesda Ⅱ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,and Ⅵ categories,respectively.Univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were performed on the clinical data of patients and the ultrasound signs of thyroid nodules to clarify the factors influencing the diagnosis of Bethesda Ⅲ nodules.Results Univariate analysis showed that Bethesda Ⅲ nodules were mostly adjacent to the capsule(P<0.001),with no blood flow in the color Doppler assessment(P=0.011)and lack of blood supply(P=0.033)and maximum diameter ≤0.9 cm(P=0.038)as revealed by the contrast-enhanced ultrasound.Logistic regression showed that the position close to the capsule(OR=5.110,95%CI=2.153-12.130,P<0.001)and color Doppler without blood flow signal(OR=3.015,95%CI=1.094-8.311,P=0.033)were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of Bethesda Ⅲ nodules.Conclusions The puncture difficulty caused by the dangerous position of thyroid nodules close to the capsule and the aspiration difficulty caused by the absence of blood flow signal in color Doppler are the main factors influencing the diagnosis of Bethesda Ⅲ nodules.Therefore,corresponding avoidance measures should be taken during the aspiration process to reduce the diagnosis results of Bethesda Ⅲ nodules.

Diagnostic Value of American Thyroid Association Guidelines,American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System,and Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Alone and Combined With BRAFV600E Mutation in Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the diagnostic efficacy of American Thyroid Association(ATA)guidelines,American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System(ACR-TIRADS),and Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(C-TIRADS)alone and combined with BRAFV600E mutation in atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance(AUS/FLUS).Methods A total of 138 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(FNA)in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to May 2023 were selected.The clinicopathological and ultrasound characteristics were retrospectively analyzed for each nodule.Each nodule underwent preoperative BRAFV600E mutation testing and was diagnosed according to the ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS.The diagnostic efficacy of ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS alone and combined with BRAFV600E mutation was assessed based on the results of histopathological diagnosis.Results The 138 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules included 45(32.6%)benign ones and 93(67.4%)malignant ones.The patient age(t=1.444,P=0.151),gender(χ2=0.259,P=0.611),and location of nodules(χ2=2.055,P=0.358)had no statistical significance for the differentiation between benign and malignant nodules,while nodule size(Z=2.500,P=0.012),echo(χ2=14.693,P<0.001),composition(χ2=17.075,P<0.001),aspect ratio ≥1(χ2=9.477,P=0.002),and microcalcification(χ2=6.892,P=0.009)were of significance for the differentiation.When applied alone,BRAFV600E mutation showed high specificity(95.56%)and positive predictive value(95.65%).Among the three ultrasound grading systems,ACR-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity(χ2=37.923,P<0.001;χ2=40.462,P<0.001)and accuracy(χ2=81.595,P<0.001;χ2=76.912,P<0.001),while C-TIRADS had the highest specificity(χ2=11.746,P<0.001;χ2=21.235,P<0.001).However,the three systems showed no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic efficiency when applied alone(Z=1.177,P=0.239;Z=0.213,P=0.831;Z=1.016,P=0.310).The combination of BRAFV600E mutation with ACR-TIRADS or C-TIRADS improved the diagnostic efficacy of BRAFV600E mutation in distinguishing the benign and malignant AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=2.107,P=0.035;Z=2.752,P=0.006).The combination of ATA guidelines with BRAFV600E mutation increased the diagnostic accuracy of BRAFV600E mutation(χ2=20.679,P<0.001),while it had no statistically significant difference in distinguishing the benign and malignant AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=1.321,P=0.186).The combination of ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,or C-TIRADS with BRAFV600E mutation improved the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound grading systems for AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=2.770,P=0.006;Z=2.770,P=0.006;Z=2.890,P=0.004).Specifically,ACR-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation showed the highest sensitivity(χ2=4.712,P=0.030;χ2=4.712,P=0.030),while C-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation showed the highest accuracy(χ2=77.627,P<0.001;χ2=85.827,P<0.001).However,there were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic performance between the combinations(Z=1.276,P=0.202;Z=0.808,P=0.419;Z=1.615,P=0.106).Conclusion ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation can improve the diagnostic efficacy of BRAFV600E mutation or ultrasound grading system alone in AUS/FLUS nodules,which can facilitate the further management and treatment of such patients.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography for differentiating mass-forming pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Patients with mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presented similar clinical symptoms, but required different treatment approaches and had different survival outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in differentiating MFP from PDAC.@*METHODS@#A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu (VIP), and WanFang databases to identify original studies published from inception to August 20, 2021. Studies reporting the diagnostic performances of CEUS and CECT for differentiating MFP from PDAC were included. The meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 software. The outcomes included the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (-LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves of CEUS and CECT. Meta-regression was conducted to investigate heterogeneity. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to indirectly compare the overall diagnostic performance.@*RESULTS@#Twenty-six studies with 2115 pancreatic masses were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for MFP were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73%-88%; I2  = 0.00%) and 95% (95% CI, 90%-97%; I2  = 63.44%), respectively; the overall +LR, -LR, and DOR values were 15.12 (95% CI, 7.61-30.01), 0.19 (95% CI, 0.13-0.29), and 78.91 (95% CI, 30.94-201.27), respectively; and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-92). However, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CECT were 81% (95% CI, 75-85%; I2  = 66.37%) and 94% (95% CI, 90-96%; I2  = 74.87%); the overall +LR, -LR, and DOR values were 12.91 (95% CI, 7.86-21.20), 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16-0.27), and 62.53 (95% CI, 34.45-113.51), respectively; and, the SROC AUC was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90-0.94). The overall diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was comparable to that of CECT for the differential diagnosis of MFP and PDAC (relative DOR 1.26, 95% CI [0.42-3.83], P  > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#CEUS and CECT have comparable diagnostic performance for differentiating MFP from PDAC, and should be considered as mutually complementary diagnostic tools for suspected focal pancreatic lesions.

Advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the localization and diagnostics of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are the first station of lymph nodes that extend from the breast tumor to the axillary lymphatic drainage. The pathological status of these LNs can predict that of the entire axillary lymph node. Therefore, the accurate identification of SLNs is necessary for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The quality of life and prognosis of breast cancer patients are related to proper surgical treatment after the precise identification of SLNs. Some of the SLN tracers that have been identified include radioisotope, nano-carbon, indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB). However, these tracers have certain limitations, such as pigmentation, radiation dangers, and the requirement for costly detection equipment. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have good specificity and sensitivity, and thus can compensate for some shortcomings of the mentioned tracers. This technique is also being applied to SLNB in patients with breast cancer, and can even provide an initial judgment on SLN status. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has the advantages of high distinguishability, simple operation, no radiation harm, low cost, and accurate localization; therefore, it is expected to replace the traditional biopsy methods. In addition, it can significantly enhance the accuracy of SLN localization and shorten the operation time.

Research progress in pelvic floor ultrasound for assessing the morphology and function of levator ani muscle in women / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Pelvic floor ultrasound can clearly visualize the position and morphology of pelvic floor organs, observe the pelvic organ prolapse in real-time, and quantify and analyze the degree of the levator ani muscle injury, which is the most common imaging method to assess the morphology and function of the levator ani muscle to date. The different ultrasound imaging techniques provide a variety of indicators, each with its own advantages and limitations.Furthermore, two-dimensional ultrasound is the basis of imaging, but it fails to detect cross-sectional images of the pelvic floor; three-dimensional ultrasound can acquire the axial plane of the levator hiatus; tomographic ultrasound imaging allows real-time observation of the levator ani muscle injury; shear wave elastography can provide a quantitative assessment of the contractility and elastic characteristics of the levator ani muscle in real-time. It is of great significance to summarize the basic principles of various ultrasound imaging techniques, summarize the ultrasound image characteristics of levator ani muscle and its hiatus in different populations and different states, and explore the cut-off values and diagnostic criteria-related ultrasound parameters for improving the diagnostic efficiency of pelvic floor ultrasound for levator ani muscle injury, leading to reducing missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of lesions.

Multiresolution discrete optimization registration method of ultrasound and magnetic resonance images based on key points / 生物医学工程学杂志

The registration of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images and intraoperative ultrasound (US) images is very important in the planning of brain tumor surgery and during surgery. Considering that the two-modality images have different intensity range and resolution, and the US images are degraded by lots of speckle noises, a self-similarity context (SSC) descriptor based on local neighborhood information was adopted to define the similarity measure. The ultrasound images were considered as the reference, the corners were extracted as the key points using three-dimensional differential operators, and the dense displacement sampling discrete optimization algorithm was adopted for registration. The whole registration process was divided into two stages including the affine registration and the elastic registration. In the affine registration stage, the image was decomposed using multi-resolution scheme, and in the elastic registration stage, the displacement vectors of key points were regularized using the minimum convolution and mean field reasoning strategies. The registration experiment was performed on the preoperative MR images and intraoperative US images of 22 patients. The overall error after affine registration was (1.57 ± 0.30) mm, and the average computation time of each pair of images was only 1.36 s; while the overall error after elastic registration was further reduced to (1.40 ± 0.28) mm, and the average registration time was 1.53 s. The experimental results show that the proposed method has prominent registration accuracy and high computational efficiency.

Value of High-Frequency Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pronator Teres Syndrome / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of pronator teres syndrome (PTS). Methods The high-frequency ultrasound was employed to examine and measure the median nerve of the pronator teres muscle in 30 patients with PTS and 30 healthy volunteers (control group).The long-axis diameter (LA),short-axis diameter (SA) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve were measured.The receiver operating characteristic curve of the median nerve ultrasonic measurement results was established,and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.The diagnostic efficiency of each index for PTS was compared with the surgical results as a reference. Results The PTS group showed larger LA[(5.02±0.50) mm vs.(3.89±0.41) mm;t=4.38,P=0.013],SA[(2.55±0.46) mm vs.(1.70±0.41) mm;t=5.19,P=0.009],and CSA[(11.13±3.72) mm2 vs.(6.88±2.68) mm2;t=8.42,P=0.008] of the median nerve than the control group.The AUC of CSA,SA,and LA was 94.3% (95%CI=0.912-0.972,Z=3.586,P=0.001),77.7% (95%CI=0.734-0.815,Z=2.855, P=0.006),and 78.8% (95%CI=0.752-0.821,Z=3.091,P=0.004),respectively.With 8.63 mm2 as the cutoff value,the sensitivity and specificity of CSA in diagnosing PTS were 93.3% and 90.0%,respectively. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound is a practical method for diagnosing PTS,and the CSA of median nerve has a high diagnostic value.

Evaluation of Extrathyroidal Extension of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma With Three-Dimensional Tomographic Ultrasound Imaging / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate extrathyroidal extension (ETE) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with three-dimensional tomographic ultrasound imaging (3D-TUI). Methods A total of 97 thyroid nodules of 79 patients with PTMC treated in PUMC Hospital from February 2016 to January 2018 were included in this study.Two ultrasound experts performed independent blinded assessment of the relationship between thyroid nodules and thyroid capsule by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and 3D-TUI.The results of 2D-US and 3D-TUI in evaluating ETE were compared with intraoperative findings and postoperative histological and pathological results. Results Among the 97 nodules,54 (55.7%) nodules had ETE.The diagnostic sensitivity (68.5% vs.37.0%;χ2=10.737,P=0.002),accuracy (74.5% vs.56.7%;χ2=6.686,P=0.015),and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[0.761 (95%CI=0.677-0.845) vs.0.592 (95%CI=0.504-0.680);Z=3.500,P<0.001] of 3D-TUI were higher than those of 2D-US.However,3D-TUI and 2D-US showed no significant difference in the specificity (84.1% vs.81.4%;χ2=0.081,P=0.776),negative predictive value (67.9% vs.50.7%;χ2=3.645,P=0.066),or positive predictive value (84.1% vs.71.4%;χ2=1.663,P=0.240). Conclusion Compared with 2D-US,3D-TUI demonstrates increased diagnostic efficiency for ETE of PTMC.

Advances in Molecular Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents / 中国医学科学院学报

In real-time ultrasound,molecular targeted contrast agent is introduced into the blood circulation through peripheral intravenous injection to enhance the imaging signal of target lesions after binding to the corresponding intravascular receptors,which can realize early diagnosis,staging of diseases,assessment of treatment response,and targeted treatment.In addition,molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents provide a platform for the delivery of drugs and genes via microbubbles,and nanoscale contrast agents can be infiltrated through vascular endothelium into the interstitial space of the lesion for imaging or treatment.The available studies of molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents mainly focus on the preclinical trials.Some clinical trials have been conducted in humans and preliminarily confirm the safety and feasibility of targeted ultrasound contrast agents.The molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents enjoy a broad prospect in clinical application.

Diagnostic value of ACR TI-RADS combined with three-dimensional shear wave elastography in ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 thyroid nodules / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Three-dimensional shear wave elastography (3D-SWE) is a promising method in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules. By combining with conventional method, it may further improve the diagnostic value. The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of American College of Radiology (ACR) thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) combined with 3D-SWE in ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 thyroid nodules.@*METHODS@#All nodules were examined by conventional ultrasonography, ACR TI-RADS classification, and 3D-SWE examination. Conventional ultrasonography was used to observe the location, size, shape, margin, echogenicity, taller-than-wide sign, microcalcification, and blood flow of thyroid nodules, and then ACR TI-RADS classification was performed. The Young's modulus values (3D-C-Emax, 3D-C-Emean, and elastography standard deviation [3D-C-Esd]) were measured on the reconstructed coronal plane images. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best diagnostic efficiency among 3D-C-Emax, 3D-C-Emean, and 3D-C-Esd was selected and the cut-off threshold was calculated. According to the surgical pathology, they were divided into benign group and malignant group. And appropriate statistical methods such as t -test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the difference between the two groups. On this basis, 3D-SWE combined with conventional ACR TI-RADS was reclassified as combined ACR TI-RADS to determine benign or malignant thyroid nodules.@*RESULTS@#Of the 112 thyroid nodules, 62 were malignant and 50 were benign. The optimal cut-off value of three-dimensional maximum Young's modulus in coronal plane (3D-C-Emax) was 51.5 kPa and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.798. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional ACR TI-RADS were 0.828, 83.9%, 66.0%, and 75.9%, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS were 0.845, 90.3%, 66.0%, and 79.5%, respectively. The difference between the two AUC values was statistically significant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Combined ACR TI-RADS has higher diagnostic efficiency than conventional ACR TI-RADS. The sensitivity and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS showed significant improvements. It can be used as an effective method in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) / Ultrassonografia abdominal em peixe boi amazônico (Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883)

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intra-glandular contrast injection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the value of lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS) with intra-glandular injection of contrast agent for diagnosis of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer.@*METHODS@#From November, 2020 to May, 2022, the patients suspected of having thyroid cancer and scheduled for biopsy at our center received both conventional ultrasound and LCEUS examinations of the central compartment lymph nodes before surgery. All the patients underwent surgical dissection of the lymph nodes. The perfusion features in LCEUS were classified as homogeneous enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, regular/irregular ring, and non-enhancement. With pathological results as the gold standard, we compared the diagnostic ability of conventional ultrasound and LCEUS for identifying metastasis in the central compartment lymph nodes.@*RESULTS@#Forty-nine patients with 60 lymph nodes were included in the final analysis. Pathological examination reported metastasis in 34 of the lymph nodes, and 26 were benign lymph nodes. With ultrasound findings of heterogeneous enhancement, irregular ring and non-enhancement as the criteria for malignant lesions, LCEUS had a diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 97.06%, 92.31% and 95% for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes, respectively, demonstrating its better performance than conventional ultrasound (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LCEUS had a significantly greater area under the curve than conventional ultrasound for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes (94.7% [0.856-0.988] vs 78.2% [0.656-0.878], P=0.003).@*CONCLUSION@#LCEUS can enhance the display and improve the diagnostic accuracy of the central compartment lymph nodes to provide important clinical evidence for making clinical decisions on treatment of thyroid cancer.