A Bibliometric Analysis of Citation Classics in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.

OBJECTIVES: A bibliometric analysis of articles in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) identified the journals' most impactful articles. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of citation classics that were published in the JUM from its inception in 1982 to 2019 was performed. All citation classics, defined as articles cited 100 or more times, were evaluated for the number of citations, citations per year, publication year, subspecialty, design, and country of origin. Characteristics were compared before and after 1998 by the Mann-Whitney test for unpaired data and 2-sample z tests of sample proportions. The Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric continuous data was used to compare the median number of citations per year by decade of publication. RESULTS: A total of 7868 articles were published in the JUM between 1982 and 2019; 54 (0.7%) were citation classics. The median citation classics year of publication was 1998 (interquartile range [IQR], 1991-2003). Most citation classics originated from the United States (36 of 54 [66.7%]), were observational (47 of 54 [87%]), and were related to obstetric and gynecologic topics (16 of 54 [29.6%]). Citation classics after 1998 received significantly more citations per year (9.3 versus 4.7; P < .001), with no other differences noted. The median number of citations per year increased for each decade, with medians of 4 citations (IQR, 3.6-4.7) in 1982 to 1991 and 11.2 citations (IQR, 9-13.9) in 2002 to 2012 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This list provides insight into the most influential articles that were published in the JUM. Most citation classics were observational, were from the United States, and covered obstetric and gynecologic topics. Citation classics received more citations per year after 1998.

Ultrasound findings in endometriosis: avoid hidden surprises.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the steps to performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging for pelvic pain in women with suspicions of endometriosis. DESIGN: Educational video. SETTING: Specialized gynecologic ultrasound clinic. PATIENTS: Reproductive-age women with pelvic pain with findings suggestive of endometriosis. INTERVENTION: Transvaginal ultrasound imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A detailed discussion of findings suggesting endometriosis. RESULTS: There are four basic sonographic steps for examining women with pelvic pain, especially when there is suspicion of endometriosis. Step 1: routine evaluation of the uterus and adnexa (this includes uterine orientation, sonographic signs of adenomyosis, and the presence or absence of endometrioma). Step 2: evaluation of transvaginal sonographic markers for endometriosis, for example, site-specific tenderness and ovarian mobility. Step 3: assessment of anterior and posterior compartments using a real-time ultrasound-based "sliding sign"; and Step 4: assessment for deep endometriotic nodules in anterior and posterior compartments. Note: the bladder should contain a small amount of urine for anterior compartment evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a powerful and dynamic tool for evaluating pelvic pain with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in diagnosing deep endometriosis. Ultrasound imaging is important not only for diagnosing but also to counsel patients properly, consent appropriately, and plan for interdisciplinary consultations.

Complete evaluation of anatomy and morphology of the infertile patient in a single visit; the modern infertility pelvic ultrasound examination.

The comprehensive "one-stop shop" ultrasound evaluation of an infertile woman, performed around cycle days 5 to 9, will reveal abundant information about the anatomy and morphology of the pelvic organs and thereby avoid costly radiation and iodinated contrast exposure. We propose a two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound to examine the appearance and shape of the endometrium, endometrial cavity, myometrium, and junctional zone, to assess for müllerian duct anomalies fibroids, adenomyosis, and polyps. We then evaluate the adnexa with grayscale ultrasound and Doppler, looking for ovarian masses or cysts, and signs of tubal disease. The cul-de-sac is imaged to look for masses, endometriosis, and free fluid. We then push gently on the uterus and ovaries to assess mobility. Lack of free movement of the organs would suggest adhesions or endometriosis. The sonohysterogram then allows for more detailed evaluation of the endometrial cavity, endometrial lining, and any intracavitary lesions. Tubal patency is then assessed during the sonohysterogram in real time by introducing air and saline or contrast and imaging the tubes (HyCoSy). With this single comprehensive ultrasound examination, patients can obtain a reliable, time-efficient, minimally invasive infertility evaluation in their own clinician's office at significantly less cost and without radiation.