Intramural ectopic pregnancy: An individual patient data systematic review.

Intramural pregnancies (IMP) are very rare and represent about 1% of ectopic pregnancies (EPs). Despite a few reported cases, there is limited awareness & knowledge among sonographers and physicians. Moreover, no established diagnostic or treatment protocol exists for such a condition. This study identifies and synthesizes what is known about IMP, including etiology and pathophysiology, common clinical presentations, imaging features, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic findings, and management. PUBMED and Google Scholar were queried to identify eligible studies. All articles on IMP in human subjects available in English and French languages were included. Other types of ectopic pregnancies, including cesarean scar and cervical ectopic pregnancies, were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and a narrative synthesis approach were used to systematically review the medical literature. 82 cases distributed around 27 countries with an average maternal age of 32.07 years and gestational age of 9.27 weeks were eventually selected for this study. History of curettage was the most common risk factor reported in 30 (36.58%) patients, followed by history of salpingectomy, assisted reproduction with embryo transfer, and previous cesarean delivery, in 10(12.19%), 10(12.19%), and 9(10.97%) patients respectively. Ultrasound was performed in 80(97.56%) cases. Of the 66 reported ultrasound findings, 29 were diagnostic or suggestive of IMP. MRI, laparoscopy (both diagnostic & surgical) and diagnostic hysteroscopy were carried out on 18(21.95%), 36(43.9%) and 22(26.83%) patients respectively. Histopathologic examination mainly performed after surgery was the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis. Management involved conservative (3.65%) approach, medical treatment with methotrexate or potassium chloride (23.17%), and surgical interventions. The latter includes laparoscopic surgery (25.61%), laparotomic surgery (23.17%), and hysterectomy (13.41%). IMP is a rare but potentially lethal clinical entity. A significant proportion of patients are asymptomatic and have no known risk factors. Correlation between clinical history and imaging findings is vital to establish a prompt diagnosis and reduce the risk of a catastrophic outcome.

Incarcerated gravid uterus: A rare but potentially devastating obstetric complication.

Incarceration of the gravid uterus is a rare obstetric complication characterized by entrapment of the gravid uterus between the sacral promontory and pubic symphysis. Clinical symptoms are highly variable and may include low back pain, urinary retention, and nausea. A presumptive diagnosis can often be established based on correlation of clinical history and physical examination. However, ultrasound and/or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are essential for confirmation. Herein, we describe a 30-year-old female who presented with uterine incarceration and discuss the diagnosis, imaging features, and management of this uncommon but important clinical entity.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Appearance of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscesses.

There has been a paradigm shift with Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) emerging as the most frequently isolated bacterium in pyogenic liver abscesses in immunocompetent patients. Colonization of this hypervirulent KP strain has led to community-acquired liver abscesses. Septic seeding to distant sites of the body has been recognized and is strongly associated with diabetes. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic features have been described. Grayscale ultrasound (US) features remain inconclusive, with variable US appearances. Here we describe the contrast-enhanced US features of KP liver abscesses, which correlated with previously described computed tomographic findings. The use of contrast-enhanced US eliminates the need for radiation exposure.

Clinical Importance and Natural History of Biliary Sludge in Outpatients.

OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder sludge is a common diagnosis on routine abdominal sonography, yet its clinical importance is uncertain, especially in outpatients. To determine its natural history and potential future complications in this setting, we reviewed the imaging and clinical histories of nonhospitalized patients with a diagnosis of sludge on sonography. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective search of our institutional radiology information system for all sonographic reports using the key words "biliary sludge without gallstones" over a 3-year period. For each of the 104 patients with isolated biliary sludge on initial sonography, we reviewed the electronic medical records and all imaging for the development of pancreaticobiliary complications. RESULTS: We found an overall prevalence of biliary sludge in outpatients of 1.8%. Of the 104 patients reviewed with a mean follow up of 630 days (21 months), 25 developed a pancreaticobiliary complication, including cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and pancreatitis. The most frequent complication was cholecystitis, with a total of 14 diagnoses (12 chronic acalculous and 2 acute with gallstones). An additional 6 patients developed gallstones without cholecystitis features; 4 patients developed pancreatitis; and 1 developed choledocholithiasis. Biliary sludge remained quiescent or resolved in 76% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary sludge always represents a pathologic process, but its clinical implications among outpatients have not been previously investigated. Our ambulatory population developed pancreaticobiliary complications at similar rates as prior mixed-patient setting studies. Regardless of the patient setting, biliary sludge is likely of more clinical importance than previously regarded.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Pelvic Pain in the Reproductive Age Group.

Acute pelvic pain in premenopausal women frequently poses a diagnostic dilemma. These patients may exhibit nonspecific signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and leukocytosis. The cause of pelvic pain includes a myriad of diagnostic possibilities such as obstetric, gynecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, and vascular etiologies. The choice of the imaging modality is usually determined by a suspected clinical differential diagnosis. Thus the patient should undergo careful evaluation and the suspected differential diagnosis should be narrowed before an optimal imaging modality is chosen. Transvaginal and transabdominal pelvic sonography is the modality of choice, to assess for pelvic pain, when an obstetric or gynecologic etiology is suspected and computed tomography is often more useful when gastrointestinal or genitourinary pathology is thought to be more likely. Magnetic resonance imaging, when available in the acute setting, is favored over computed tomography for assessing pregnant patients for nongynecologic etiologies owing to its lack of ionizing radiation.The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every three years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

The disruptive radiologist.

Radiologists interact with many individuals during daily practice, including patients, technologists, and other physicians. Some interactions may potentially negatively affect patient care and are termed "disruptive" behaviors. These actions are not uncommon and may begin during training, long before a radiologist enters clinical practice. The causes of disruptive behavior are multifactorial, and it is important that educators and radiologists in practice alike be able to identify them and respond accordingly. An escalated approach for both trainees and practicing radiologists is recommended, with substantial penalties after each incident that can include termination of employment. Training programs and practices must have clearly defined methods for confronting this potentially time-consuming and difficult issue.

ACR appropriateness Criteria® infertility.

Appropriate imaging for women undergoing infertility workup depends upon the clinician's suspicion for potential causes of infertility. Transvaginal US is the preferred modality to assess the ovaries for features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. For women who have a history or clinical suspicion of endometriosis, which affects at least one third of women with infertility, both MRI and pelvic US can provide valuable information. If tubal occlusion is suspected, whether due to endometriosis, previous pelvic inflammatory disease, or other cause, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is the preferred method of evaluation. To assess for anatomic causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) such as Müllerian anomalies, synechiae, and leiomyomas, saline infusion sonohysterography, MRI and 3-D US are most appropriate. Up to 10% of women suffering recurrent pregnancy loss have a congenital Müllerian anomaly. When assessment of the pituitary gland is indicated, MRI is the imaging exam of choice.The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every three years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Utility of compact ultrasound in a mass surgical selection program in Africa: experience of a sonologist at the MV Africa Mercy Hospital Ship's screening day.

Compact ultrasound (US) was introduced in an austere setting with no other available imaging for an annual mass surgical screening day. Compact US examinations were performed on 25 patients from more than 7000 potential patients, as deemed possibly useful by the screening surgeons. Of the 20 patients with recorded data, compact US was helpful in 14 of 20 as a decision-making tool, obviating computed tomography for preoperative planning. Compact US was helpful in most cases, saving resources (computed tomography), technologist time, and radiation risk in this select population.

ACR appropriateness criteria staging and follow-up of ovarian cancer.

Imaging is used to detect and characterize adnexal masses and to stage ovarian cancer both before and after initial treatment, although the role for imaging in screening for ovarian cancer has not been established. CT and MRI have been used to determine the resectability of tumors, the candidacy of patients for effective cytoreductive surgery, the need for postoperative chemotherapy if debulking is suboptimal, and the need for referral to a gynecologic oncologist. Radiographic studies such as contrast enema and urography have been replaced by CT and other cross-sectional imaging for staging ovarian cancer. Contrast-enhanced CT is the procedure of choice for preoperative staging of ovarian cancer. MRI without and with contrast may be useful after equivocal CT, but is usually not the best initial procedure for ovarian cancer staging. Fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET/CT may not be needed preoperatively, but its use is appropriate for detecting and defining post-treatment recurrence. Ultrasound is useful for evaluating adnexal disease, but has limited utility for staging ovarian cancer. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR appropriateness Criteria® second and third trimester bleeding.

Vaginal bleeding occurring in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy can variably affect perinatal outcome, depending on whether it is minor (i.e. a single, mild episode) or major (heavy bleeding or multiple episodes.) Ultrasound is used to evaluate these patients. Sonographic findings may range from marginal subchorionic hematoma to placental abruption. Abnormal placentations such as placenta previa, placenta accreta and vasa previa require accurate diagnosis for clinical management. In cases of placenta accreta, magnetic resonance imaging is useful as an adjunct to ultrasound and is often appropriate for evaluation of the extent of placental invasiveness and potential involvement of adjacent structures. MRI is useful for preplanning for cases of complex delivery, which may necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach for optimal care.The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® growth disturbances - risk of intrauterine growth restriction.

Fetal growth disturbances include fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth restriction. These fetuses may have an estimated fetal weight at less than the 10% or demonstrate a plateau of fetal growth with an estimated fetal growth greater than the 10%. Uteroplacental insufficiency may play a major role in the etiology of intrauterine growth restriction. Fetuses at risk for intrauterine fetal growth restriction are susceptible to the potential hostility of the intrauterine environment leading to fetal hypoxia and fetal acidosis. Fetal well-being can be assessed using biophysical profile, Doppler velocimetry, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal movement counting.Fetal growth disturbances include fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth restriction. These fetuses may have an estimated fetal weight at less than the 10% or demonstrate a plateau of fetal growth with an estimated fetal growth greater than the 10%. Uteroplacental insufficiency may play a major role in the etiology of intrauterine growth restriction. Fetuses at risk for intrauterine fetal growth restriction are susceptible to the potential hostility of the intrauterine environment leading to fetal hypoxia and fetal acidosis. Fetal well-being can be assessed using biophysical profile, Doppler velocimetry, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal movement counting.The ACR Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR appropriateness Criteria® first trimester bleeding.

Vaginal bleeding is not uncommon in the first trimester of pregnancy. Ultrasound is the foremost modality for evaluating normal development of the gestational sac and embryo and for discriminating the causes of bleeding. While correlation with quantitative ßHCG and clinical presentation is essential, sonographic criteria permit diagnosis of failed pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease and spontaneous abortion. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria guidelines have been updated to incorporate recent data. A failed pregnancy may be diagnosed when there is absence of cardiac activity in an embryo exceeding 7 mm in crown rump length or absence of an embryo when the mean sac diameter exceeds 25 mm. In a stable patient with no intrauterine pregnancy and normal adnexae, close monitoring is advised. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy should be based on positive findings rather than on the absence of an intrauterine sac above a threshold level of ßHCG. Following abortion, ultrasound can discriminate retained products of conception from clot and arteriovenous fistulae. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® clinically suspected adnexal mass.

Adnexal masses are a common problem clinically and imaging-wise, and transvaginal US (TVUS) is the first-line imaging modality for assessing them in the vast majority of patients. The findings of US, however, should be correlated with the history and laboratory tests, as well as any patient symptoms. Simple cysts are uniformly benign, and most warrant no further interrogation or treatment. Complex cysts carry more significant implications, and usually engender serial ultrasound(s), with a minority of cases warranting a pelvic MRI.Morphological analysis of adnexal masses with gray-scale US can help narrow the differential diagnosis. Spectral Doppler analysis has not proven useful in most well-performed studies. However, the use of color Doppler sonography adds significant contributions to differentiating between benign and malignant masses and is recommended in all cases of complex masses. Malignant masses generally demonstrate neovascularity, with abnormal branching vessel morphology. Optimal sonographic evaluation is achieved by using a combination of gray-scale morphologic assessment and color or power Doppler imaging to detect flow within any solid areas.The ACR Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Radiology on the Africa Mercy, the largest private floating hospital ship in the world.

OBJECTIVE: The Africa Mercy, a rehabilitated Danish ferry, is the largest private hospital ship in the world, devoted to providing medical and surgical care to the residents of West Africa, one of the poorest regions on the globe. CONCLUSION: There is a small radiology department on board, along with six operating rooms and a small ICU and inpatient wards, and the former is described in this report, as well as opportunities for humanitarian work by volunteer radiologists.

Image quality in real-time teleultrasound of infant hip exam over low-bandwidth internet links: a transatlantic feasibility study.

Evolution of communication systems, especially internet-based technologies, has probably affected Radiology more than any other medical specialty. Tremendous increase in internet bandwidth has enabled a true revolution in image transmission and easy remote viewing of the static images and real-time video stream. Previous reports of real-time telesonography, such as the ones developed for emergency situations and humanitarian work, rely on high compressions of images utilized by remote sonologist to guide and supervise the unexperienced examiner. We believe that remote sonology could be also utilized in teleultrasound exam of infant hip. We tested feasibility of a low-cost teleultrasound system for infant hip and performed data analysis on the transmitted and original images. Transmission of data was accomplished with Remote Ultrasound (RU), a software package specifically designed for teleultrasound transmission through limited internet bandwidth. While image analysis of image pairs revealed statistically significant loss of information, panel evaluation failed to recognize any clinical difference between the original saved and transmitted still images.

Compact ultrasound donations to medical facilities in low-resource countries: a survey-based assessment of the current status and trends.

OBJECTIVES: Many ultrasound (US) specialists, independently or as part of institutionally directed teams, have donated compact US equipment and training to rural and urban clinics in low-resource regions. The objective of our study was to assess the scope, impact, and characteristics of these donation and training activities. METHODS: We designed a 1-page, 10-question survey soliciting responses on donors, equipment, donation sites, training, and follow-up. Physicians and sonographers with qualifying donation experience were located by means of personal references, professional networking, and referral from US manufacturers. Respondents were also solicited at several online sites for medical imagers. The survey was active from May 2010 to March 2011 and was available via an interactive website (www.surveymonkey.com) or as an electronic download directly from the authors. RESULTS: Fifteen respondents provided data on deployments spanning a 7-year period from 2004 to early 2011. Forty-eight compact US units were donated to sites in 15 different nations on 4 continents; 69% of the units went to sites in Africa. All but 4 sites received initial training. Donated systems were reported as "operational and functional" for all units for which the current status was available. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest involvement by a broad variety of participants. The number of successful deployments and excellent equipment durability support the premise that small-scale, individual donation and training activities have the potential for a substantial public health impact. The authors recommend better coordination of effort and the need for additional data.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Multiple gestations.

Multiple gestations are high-risk compared with singleton pregnancies. Prematurity and intrauterine growth restrictions are the major sources of morbidity and mortality common to all twin gestations. Monochorionic twins are at a higher risk for twin-twin transfusion, fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies, vasa previa, velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord and fetal death. Therefore, determination of multiple gestation, amnionicity and chorionicity in the first trimester is important. Follow up examinations to evaluate fetal well-being include assessment of fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume, umbilical artery Doppler, nonstress test and biophysical profile. To date, there is a paucity of literature regarding imaging schedules for follow-up. At the very least, antepartum testing in multiple gestations is recommended in all situations in which surveillance would ordinarily be performed in a singleton pregnancy.The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed biennially by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging.

Donation and training of medical personnel in compact ultrasound in low-resource settings: how we do it.

The authors offer a concise summary of dos and don'ts for the radiologist/sonologist wishing to expand his horizons and join those physicians donating ultrasound equipment and training medical personnel in low-resource countries. Topics include choosing a site, obtaining ultrasound equipment, preparing to travel, and starting a training program. The most important points to keep in mind are: (1) be prepared for any circumstance; (2) do your homework ahead of time; (3) make sure there is a local group "on the ground" that can ensure the machine's sustainability; and (4) allow for much more time to get things accomplished than in the developed world.