Noninvasive Staging of Hepatic Steatosis Using Calibrated 2D US with Liver Biopsy as the Reference Standard.

Background Accumulation of lipid in the liver (ie, hepatic steatosis) is the basis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Asymptomatic steatosis can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and downstream complications. Purpose To assess the diagnostic performance of calibrated US (CAUS) as a method for detection and staging of hepatic steatosis in comparison with liver biopsy. Materials and Methods Two-dimensional US images in 223 consecutive patients who underwent US-guided liver biopsy from May 2012 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed by two observers using CAUS. CAUS semiautomatically estimates echo-level and texture parameters, with particular interest in the residual attenuation coefficient (RAC), which is the remaining steatosis-driven attenuation obtained after correction of the beam profile. Data were correlated with patient characteristics and histologically determined steatosis grades and fibrosis stages. The data were equally divided into training and test sets to independently train and test logistic regression models for detection (>5% fat) and staging (>33% and >66% fat) of hepatic steatosis by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Results A total of 195 patients (mean age, 50 years ± 13 [SD]; 110 men) were included and divided into a training set (n = 97 [50%]) and a test set (n = 98 [50%]). The average CAUS interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.95 (R range, 0.87-0.99). The best correlation with steatosis was found for the RAC parameter (R = 0.78, P < .01), while no correlation was found for fibrosis (R = 0.14, P = .054). Steatosis detection using RAC showed an AUC of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00), and the multivariable AUC was found to be 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.00). The predictive performance for moderate and severe hepatic steatosis using RAC was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.98) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.98), respectively. Conclusion The calibrated US parameter residual attenuation coefficient detects and stages steatosis accurately with limited interobserver variability, and performance is not hampered by the presence of fibrosis. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Grant in this issue.

Three-dimensional quantitative muscle ultrasound in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Ultrasound imaging of muscle tissue conventionally results in two-dimensional sampling of tissue. For heterogeneously affected muscles, a sampling error using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound can therefore be expected. In this study, we aimed to quantify and extend ultrasound imaging findings in neuromuscular disorders by using three-dimensional quantitative muscle ultrasound (3D QMUS). METHODS: Patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (n = 31) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (n = 16) were included in this study. After physical examination, including Medical Research Council (MRC) scores, the tibialis anterior muscle was scanned with automated ultrasound. QMUS parameters were calculated over 15 cm of the length of the tibialis anterior muscle and were compared with a healthy reference data set. RESULTS: With 3D QMUS local deviations from the healthy reference could be detected. Significant Pearson correlations (P < .01) between MRC score and QMUS parameters in male patients (n = 23) included the mean echo intensity (EI) (0.684), the standard deviation of EI (0.737), and the residual attenuation (0.841). In 91% of all patients, mean EI deviated by more than 1 standard deviation from the healthy reference. In general, the proportion of muscle tissue with a Z score >1 was about 50%. DISCUSSION: In addition to mean EI, multiple QMUS parameters reported in this study are potential biomarkers for pathology. Besides a moderate correlation of mean EI with muscle weakness, two other parameters showed strong correlations: standard deviation of EI and residual attenuation. Local detection of abnormalities makes 3D QMUS a promising method that can be used in research and potentially for clinical evaluation.

3D ultrasound strain imaging of puborectal muscle with and without unilateral avulsion.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The puborectal muscle (PRM), one of the female pelvic floor (PF) muscles, can get damaged during vaginal delivery, leading to disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse. Current diagnosis involves ultrasound (US) imaging of the female PF muscles, but functional information is limited. Previously, we developed a method for strain imaging of the PRM from US images in order to obtain functional information. In this article, we hypothesize that strain in the PRM would differ from intact to the avulsed end. METHODS: We calculated strain in PRMs at maximum contraction, along their muscle fiber direction, from US images of two groups of women, which consisted of women with intact (n1 = 8) and avulsed PRMs (unilateral) (n2 = 10). Normalized strain ratios between both ends of the PRM (avulsed or intact) and the mid region were calculated. Subsequently, the difference in ratio between the avulsed and intact PRMs was determined. RESULTS: We observe from the obtained results that the contraction/strain pattern of intact and undamaged PRMs is different from PRMs with unilateral avulsion. Normalized strain ratios between avulsed and intact PRMs were statistically significant (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we were able to show that US strain imaging of PRMs can show differences between intact PRMs and PRMs with unilateral avulsion.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Pediatric Patients with Ebstein Anomaly Requires Both Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

With the trend towards childhood surgery in patients with Ebstein anomaly (EA), thorough imaging is crucial for patient selection. This study aimed to assess biventricular function by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare EA severity classifications. Twenty-three patients (8-17 years) underwent echocardiography and CMR. Echocardiographic parameters included tricuspid annular plane systolic excursions (TAPSE), fractional area change of the functional right ventricle (fRV-FAC), fRV free wall peak systolic myocardial velocity (fRVs'), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). End-diastolic and end-systolic volume (EDV resp. ESV), fRV- and LV ejection fraction (EF) and TR were obtained by CMR. EA severity classifications included displacement index, Celermajer index and the total-right/left-volume index. Median fRV-FAC was 38% (IQR 33-42). TAPSE and fRVs' were reduced in 39% and 75% of the patients, respectively. Echocardiographic TR was visually graded as mild, moderate, or severe in nine, six and eight patients, respectively. By CMR, median fRVEF was 49% (IQR 36-58) and TR was graded as mild, moderate, or severe in nine, twelve and two patients, respectively. In 70% of cases, fRV-EDV was higher than LV-EDV. LVEF was decreased in 17 cases (74%). There was excellent correlation between echocardiography-derived fRV-FAC and CMR-derived fRVEF (rho = 0.812, p < 0.001). While echocardiography is a versatile tool in the complex geometry of the Ebstein heart, it has limitations. CMR offers a total overview and has the advantage of reliable volume assessment of both ventricles. Comprehensive evaluation of pediatric patients with EA may therefore require a synergistic implementation of echocardiography and CMR.

US Attenuation for Liver Fat Quantification: An AIUM-RSNA QIBA Pulse-Echo Quantitative Ultrasound Initiative.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of up to 30% in the general population and higher in people with type 2 diabetes. The assessment of liver fat content is essential to help identify patients with or who are at risk for NAFLD and to follow their disease over time. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine-RSNA Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance Pulse-Echo Quantitative Ultrasound Initiative was formed to help develop and standardize acquisition protocols and to better understand confounding factors of US-based fat quantification. The three quantitative US parameters explored by the initiative are attenuation, backscatter coefficient, and speed of sound. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of attenuation imaging for fat quantification and to provide expert opinion on examination performance and interpretation. US attenuation methods that need further study are outlined.

Three-dimensional quantitative muscle ultrasound in a healthy population.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Quantitative muscle ultrasound offers biomarkers that aid in the diagnosis, detection, and follow-up of neuromuscular disorders. At present, quantitative muscle ultrasound methods are 2D and are often operator and device dependent. The aim of this study was to combine an existing device independent method with an automated ultrasound machine and perform 3D quantitative muscle ultrasound, providing new normative data of healthy controls. METHODS: In total, 123 healthy volunteers were included. After physical examination, 3D ultrasound scans of the tibialis anterior muscle were acquired using an automated ultrasound scanner. Image postprocessing was performed to obtain calibrated echo intensity values based on a phantom reference. RESULTS: Tibialis anterior muscle volumes of 61.2 ± 24.1 mL and 53.7 ± 22.7 mL were scanned in males and females, respectively. Echo intensity correlated with gender**, age**, fat fraction*, histogram kurtosis**, skewness* and standard deviation** (*P < .05, **P < .01). Outcome measures did not differ significantly for different acquisition presets. The 3D quantitative muscle ultrasound revealed the non-uniformity of echo intensity values over the length of the tibialis anterior muscle. DISCUSSION: Our method extended 2D measurements and confirmed previous findings. Our method and reported normative data of (potential) biomarkers can be used to study neuromuscular disorders.

Diagnostic tools for early detection of cardiac dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors: Methodological aspects of the Dutch late effects after childhood cancer (LATER) cardiology study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction and heart failure are major problems in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). We hypothesize that assessment of more sensitive echo- and electrocardiographic measurements, and/or biomarkers will allow for improved recognition of patients with cardiac dysfunction before heart failure develops, and may also identify patients at lower risk for heart failure. OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodology of the Dutch LATER cardiology study (LATER CARD). METHODS: The LATER CARD study is a cross-sectional study in long-term CCS treated with (potentially) cardiotoxic cancer therapies and sibling controls. We will evaluate 1) the prevalence and associated (treatment related) risk factors of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in CCS compared to sibling controls and 2) the diagnostic value of echocardiography including myocardial strain and diastolic function parameters, blood biomarkers for cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, cardiac remodeling and inflammation and ECG or combinations of them in the surveillance for cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction. From 2017 to 2020 we expect to include 1900 CCS and 500 siblings. CONCLUSIONS: The LATER CARD study will provide knowledge on different surveillance modalities for detection of cardiac dysfunction in long-term CCS at risk for heart failure. The results of the study will enable us to improve long-term follow-up surveillance guidelines for CCS at risk for heart failure.

Production and clinical evaluation of breast lesion skin markers for automated three-dimensional ultrasonography of the breast: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Automated ultrasound of the breast has the advantage to have the whole breast scanned by technicians. Consequently, feedback to the radiologist about concurrent focal abnormalities (e.g., palpable lesions) is lost. To enable marking of patient- or physician-reported focal abnormalities, we aimed to develop skin markers that can be used without disturbing the interpretability of the image. METHODS: Disk-shaped markers were casted out of silicone. In this IRB-approved prospective study, 16 patients were included with a mean age of 57 (39-85). In all patients, the same volume was imaged twice using an automated breast ultrasound system, once with and once without a marker in place. Nine radiologists from two medical centers filled scoring forms regarding image quality, image interpretation, and confidence in providing a diagnosis based on the images. RESULTS: Marker adhesion was sufficient for automated scanning. Observer scores showed a significant shift in scores from excellent to good regarding diagnostic yield/image quality (χ2, 15.99, p < 0.01), and image noise (χ2, 21.20, p < 0.01) due to marker presence. In 93% of cases, the median score of observers "agree" with the statement that marker-induced noise did not influence image interpretability. Marker presence did not interfere with confidence in diagnosis (χ2, 6.00, p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Inexpensive, easy producible skin markers can be used for accurate lesion marking in automated ultrasound examinations of the breast while image interpretability is preserved. Any marker-induced noise and decreased image quality did not affect confidence in providing a diagnosis. KEY POINTS: • The use of a skin marker enables the reporting radiologist to identify a location which a patient is concerned about. • The developed skin marker can be used for accurate breast lesion marking in ultrasound examinations.

Predictive Value of Endobronchial Ultrasound Strain Elastography in Mediastinal Lymph Node Staging: The E-Predict Multicenter Study Results.

BACKGROUND: Systematic assessment of lymph node status by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is indicated in (suspected) lung cancer. Sampling is herein guided by nodal size and FDG-PET characteristics. Ultrasound strain elastography (SE) might further improve risk stratification. By imaging tissue deformation over time, SE computes relative tissue strain. In several tissues, a lower strain (deformation) has been associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy. OBJECTIVES: To assess if EBUS-SE can independently help predict malignancy, and when combined with size and FDG uptake information. METHODS: This multicenter (n = 5 centers) prospective trial included patients with suspected or proven lung cancer using a standardized measurement protocol. Cytopathology combined with surgery or follow-up imaging (>6 months) were used as reference standard. RESULTS: Between June 2016 and July 2018, 327 patients and 525 lymph nodes were included (mean size 12.3 mm, malignancy prevalence 0.48). EBUS-SE had an overall AUC of 0.77. A mean strain <115 (range 0-255) showed 90% sensitivity, 43% specificity, 60% positive predictive value, and 82% negative predictive value. Combining EBUS-SE (<115) with size (<8 mm) and FDG-PET information into a risk stratification algorithm increased the accuracy. Combining size and SE showed that the 48% a priori chance of malignancy changed to 11 and 70% in double negative or positive nodes, respectively. In the subset where FDG-PET was available (n = 370), triple negative and positive nodes went from a 42% a priori chance of malignancy to 9 and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-SE can help predict lymph node malignancy and may be useful for risk stratification when combined with size and PET information.

Multicore Liquid Perfluorocarbon-Loaded Multimodal Nanoparticles for Stable Ultrasound and 19F MRI Applied to In Vivo Cell Tracking.

Ultrasound is the most commonly used clinical imaging modality. However, in applications requiring cell-labeling, the large size and short active lifetime of ultrasound contrast agents limit their longitudinal use. Here, 100 nm radius, clinically applicable, polymeric nanoparticles containing a liquid perfluorocarbon, which enhance ultrasound contrast during repeated ultrasound imaging over the course of at least 48 h, are described. The perfluorocarbon enables monitoring the nanoparticles with quantitative 19F magnetic resonance imaging, making these particles effective multimodal imaging agents. Unlike typical core-shell perfluorocarbon-based ultrasound contrast agents, these nanoparticles have an atypical fractal internal structure. The nonvaporizing highly hydrophobic perfluorocarbon forms multiple cores within the polymeric matrix and is, surprisingly, hydrated with water, as determined from small-angle neutron scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Finally, the nanoparticles are used to image therapeutic dendritic cells with ultrasound in vivo, as well as with 19F MRI and fluorescence imaging, demonstrating their potential for long-term in vivo multimodal imaging.

Single finger movements in the aging hand: changes in finger independence, muscle activation patterns and tendon displacement in older adults.

With aging, hand mobility and manual dexterity decline, even under healthy circumstances. To assess how aging affects finger movement control, we compared elderly and young subjects with respect to (1) finger movement independence, (2) neural control of extrinsic finger muscles and (3) finger tendon displacements during single finger flexion. In twelve healthy older (age 68-84) and nine young (age 22-29) subjects, finger kinematics were measured to assess finger movement enslaving and the range of independent finger movement. Muscle activation was assessed using a multi-channel electrode grid placed over the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the extensor digitorum (ED). FDS tendon displacements of the index, middle and ring fingers were measured using ultrasound. In older subjects compared to the younger subjects, we found: (1) increased enslaving of the middle finger during index finger flexion (young: 25.6 ± 12.4%, elderly: 47.0 ± 25.1%; p = 0.018), (2) a lower range of independent movement of the index finger (youngmiddle = 74.0%, elderlymiddle: 45.9%; p < 0.001), (3) a more evenly distributed muscle activation pattern over the finger-specific FDS and ED muscle regions and (4) a lower slope at the beginning of the finger movement to tendon displacement relationship, presenting a distinct period with little to no tendon displacement. Our study indicates that primarily the movement independence of the index finger is affected by aging. This can partly be attributed to a muscle activation pattern that is more evenly distributed over the finger-specific FDS and ED muscle regions in the elderly.

Optimal Endobronchial Ultrasound Strain Elastography Assessment Strategy: An Explorative Study.

BACKGROUND: In lung cancer staging, mediastinal lymph nodes are currently aspirated using endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) based on size and FDG-PET avidity. EBUS strain elastography (SE) is a new technique that may help predict the presence of malignancy. However, a standardized assessment strategy for EBUS-SE measurement is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal assessment strategy for investigating the predictive value of EBUS-SE in mediastinal lymph nodes. METHODS: Two qualitative visual analogue scale strain scores and two semiquantitative strain elastography measurements (a strain histogram and strain ratio) were acquired in 120 lymph nodes of 63 patients with (suspected) lung cancer. The dataset was randomized into an 80% training dataset to determine cut-off values. Performance was consecutively tested on the remaining 20% and the overall dataset. RESULTS: The semiquantitative mean histogram scoring strategy with a cut-off value of 78 (range 0-255) showed the best and most reproducible performance in prediction of malignancy with 93% overall sensitivity, 75% specificity, 69% positive predictive value, 95% negative predictive value, and 82% accuracy. Combining the EBUS-SE mean histogram scoring outcome with PET-CT information increased the post-test probability of disease in relevant clinical scenarios, having a positive test likelihood ratio of 4.16 (95% CI 2.98-8.13) and a negative test likelihood ratio of 0.14 (95% CI 0.04-2.81) in suspicious lymph nodes based on FDG-PET or CT imaging. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-SE can potentially help predict lymph node malignancy in patients with lung cancer. The best semiquantitative assessment method is the mean strain histogram technique.

How useful is muscle ultrasound in the diagnostic workup of neuromuscular diseases?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on developments in muscle ultrasound as a noninvasive and accurate tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of neuromuscular disease. It discusses current muscle ultrasound applications with already proven clinical value, and highlights recent technical developments that may further advance muscle ultrasounds' diagnostic qualities. RECENT FINDINGS: The sensitivity and specificity of muscle ultrasound for detecting a neuromuscular disorder are high (90-95%), and quantitative ultrasound is well suited to monitor disease progression in several disorders. Adding ultrasound to electromyography significantly improves diagnostic certainty in patients with suspected motor neuron disease, and ultrasound increases the detection of fasciculations with 30-50%. New developments include speckle tracking of tissue motion to quantify diaphragm excursions and diminished muscle contractility in dystrophy, and strain elastography to detect changes in muscle stiffness and anisotropy during contraction and in disease states. Deep learning algorithms are being developed to predict the presence of a muscle disease and differentiate between disorders. SUMMARY: Muscle ultrasound is excellent for screening, diagnosing, and follow-up of neuromuscular disease. New developments are underway to automate and objectify the diagnostic process, and to quantify tissue motion that can provide new insights in pathophysiology and serve as a biomarker.

Cardiac function in paediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Hyperandrogenism and exogenous glucocorticoid excess may cause unfavourable changes in the cardiovascular risk profile of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiac function in paediatric patients with CAH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven paediatric patients with CAH, aged 8-16 years, were evaluated by physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging and two-dimensional (2D) myocardial strain (rate) imaging. Results were compared to 27 age- and gender- matched healthy controls. RESULTS: No signs of left ventricular hypertrophy or dilatation were detected on echocardiography. ECG revealed a high prevalence (25.9%) of incomplete right bundle branch block. Left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd) was significantly lower in patients with CAH compared to controls (5.55 vs 6.53 mm; P = .009). The LVPWd Z-score was significantly lower in patients with CAH yet within the normal range (-1.12 vs -0.35; P = .002). Isovolumetric relaxation time was significantly lower in patients with CAH (49 vs 62 ms; P = .003). Global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain was not significantly different compared to controls. Global radial strain rate was significantly higher compared to healthy controls (2.58 vs 2.06 1/s; P = .046). Global longitudinal strain was negatively correlated with 24-hour blood pressure parameters. CONCLUSION: Cardiac evaluation of paediatric patients with CAH showed no signs of left ventricular hypertrophy or ventricular dilatation. LVPWd was lower in patients with CAH than in controls but within the normal range. A shorter isovolumetric relaxation time in patients with CAH may be a sign of mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Validation of Noninvasive In Vivo Compound Ultrasound Strain Imaging Using Histologic Plaque Vulnerability Features.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid plaque rupture is a major cause of stroke. Key issue for risk stratification is early identification of rupture-prone plaques. A noninvasive technique, compound ultrasound strain imaging, was developed providing high-resolution radial deformation/strain images of atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims at in vivo validation of compound ultrasound strain imaging in patients by relating the measured strains to typical features of vulnerable plaques derived from histology after carotid endarterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strains were measured in 34 severely stenotic (>70%) carotid arteries at the culprit lesion site within 48 hours before carotid endarterectomy. In all cases, the lumen-wall boundary was identifiable on B-mode ultrasound, and the imaged cross-section did not move out of the imaging plane from systole to diastole. After endarterectomy, the plaques were processed using a validated histology analysis technique. RESULTS: Locally elevated strain values were observed in regions containing predominantly components related to plaque vulnerability, whereas lower values were observed in fibrous, collagen-rich plaques. The median strain of the inner plaque layer (1 mm thickness) was significantly higher (P<0.01) for (fibro)atheromatous (n=20, strain=0.27%) than that for fibrous plaques (n=14, strain=-0.75%). Also, a significantly larger area percentage of the inner layer revealed strains above 0.5% for (fibro)atheromatous (45.30%) compared with fibrous plaques (31.59%). (Fibro)atheromatous plaques were detected with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 75%, 86%, 88%, and 71%, respectively. Strain did not significantly correlate with fibrous cap thickness, smooth muscle cell, or macrophage concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Compound ultrasound strain imaging allows differentiating (fibro)atheromatous from fibrous carotid artery plaques.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Using Ultrasound Decorrelation Analysis.

PURPOSE: We developed a noninvasive method to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction. An ultrasound based decorrelation method was applied in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 60 patients ultrasound data were acquired transperineally while they were voiding while sitting. Each patient also underwent a standard invasive pressure flow study. RESULTS: High frequent sequential ultrasound images were successfully recorded during voiding in 45 patients. The decorrelation (decrease in correlation) between subsequent ultrasound images was higher in patients with bladder outlet obstruction than in unobstructed patients and healthy volunteers. ROC analysis resulted in an AUC of 0.96, 95% specificity and 88% sensitivity. A linear relationship was fitted to the decorrelation values as a function of the degree of obstruction represented by the bladder outlet obstruction index, measured in the separate pressure flow studies. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to noninvasively diagnose bladder outlet obstruction using the ultrasound decorrelation technique.

Dependence of ultrasound decorrelation on urine scatter particle concentration for a non-invasive diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction.

AIMS: To develop a non-invasive method to diagnose Bladder Outlet Obstruction (BOO) based on decorrelation of subsequently acquired UltraSound (US) data of urinary flow, we studied the influence of scatter particle concentration on the decorrelation process in urethra models using both aqueous solutions of scattering particles and urine samples. METHODS: A tissue mimicking urethra model made from PolyVinyl Alcohol (PVA) solution was infused with seven aqueous solutions containing different particle concentrations at a constant flow rate value of 10 ml/sec. The average correlation coefficients between subsequent US images were calculated and plotted as a function of particle concentration. This procedure was also applied to stepwise diluted urine samples from nine healthy volunteers. An inversely exponential curve was fitted to the experimental data to estimate the scatter particle concentration in the urine samples. RESULTS: The average correlation values between subsequent US images increased with the particle concentration. The morning urine samples contained an appropriate number of scattering particles to make clinical application of the decorrelation method possible. The fitted correlation curves made an estimation of urine particle concentration possible. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that morning urine is suitable for US decorrelation without correcting for differences in particle concentration.

Early myocardial deformation abnormalities in breast cancer survivors.

To evaluate the role of 2D myocardial strain (rate) imaging in the detection of early subclinical cardiotoxicity in breast cancer survivors treated with an anthracycline-based chemotherapeutic regimen. 57 adult breast cancer survivors were analyzed 1 year after therapy. All patients underwent biomarker analysis and 2D echocardiography consisting of conventional echocardiographic and strain (rate) parameters. Conventional echocardiographic values were normal. Global longitudinal strain was normal, but 18 % of patients showed a >2 SD decrease when individually compared to reference values. This subgroup showed a decrease in end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes and an increase in left ventricular mass. Radial and circumferential strain rates were significantly decreased in the whole study group. 2D myocardial strain (rate) imaging showed abnormalities in breast cancer survivors, while conventional echocardiographic values remained normal, rendering 2D myocardial strain (rate) imaging an interesting tool for the early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

Long term cerebral and vascular complications after irradiation of the neck in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective cohort study: study rationale and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment options for cancer result in more young long-term survivors prone for long-term complications. Carotid artery vasculopathy is a potential long-term complication after radiotherapy of the neck, resulting in cerebrovascular events and probably deficits in cognitive and motor functioning. Better insight into the underlying pathofysiology of radiotherapy induced carotid artery vasculopathy is needed for prognostic purposes and to develop preventive strategies. METHODS/DESIGN: The current study is a prospective cohort study on the long-term cerebral and vascular complications after radiotherapy of the neck, in 103 patients treated for head and neck cancer, included in our study database between 2002 and 2008. Baseline protocol (before radiotherapy) included screening for cerebrovascular risk factors and intima media thickness measurement of carotid arteries by ultrasonography. Follow-up assessment more than 5 years after radiotherapy included screening of cerebrovascular risk factors, cerebrovascular events, neurological examination with gait and balance tests, extensive neuropsychological examination, self-report questionnaires, ultrasonography of the carotid arteries with measurement of intima media thickness and elastography, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries. DISCUSSION: The current study adds to the understanding of the causes and consequences of long-term cerebral and vascular changes after radiotherapy of the neck. These data will be helpful to develop a protocol for diagnostic and preventive strategies for long-term neurological complications in future head and neck cancer patients with anticipated radiotherapy treatment.