Doppler ultrasound-based evaluation of hemodynamic changes in the ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy and with mild non-proliferative retinopathy.

Aim: Determination of blood flow parameters in the ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery using Doppler ultrasound in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without fundus signs of diabetic retinopathy and with mild non-proliferative retinopathy. Material and methods: To eliminate the impact of other systemic factors on vascular flow, the study enrolled a total of 80 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, aged between 18 and 45 years. The study participants did not have any diabetic complications or other systemic or ocular comorbidities. The control group comprised 81 healthy individuals within a similar age range. Color Doppler ultrasound examinations of the ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery were performed to evaluate selected blood flow parameters including peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistance index. Results: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibited statistically significant decrease in both systolic and end-diastolic velocities in the central retinal artery, accompanied by an elevation in resistance index, compared to the control group. The study revealed differences in blood flow parameters between the patients without fundus changes and those exhibiting mild non-proliferative retinopathy. Specifically, patients with retinopathy showed a significant decrease in both systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity in the central retinal artery. No differences were observed for the same parameters in the ophthalmic artery. When analyzing the patients' blood flow parameters in relation to the degree of diabetes control, as determined by glycated hemoglobin levels, a statistically significant reduction in systolic velocity was identified in both the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries in the group with poorly controlled diabetes. Conclusions: Examination of the orbital vessels using Doppler ultrasound in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus holds promise as an effective method for early detection of vascular abnormalities.

Prospective analysis of inter-observer and intra-observer variability in multi ultrasound descriptor assessment of thyroid nodules.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer variability and accuracy of ultrasound assessment of thyroid nodules using a descriptive lexicon. Materials and methods: A prospective study was performed on complete ultrasound examinations, including sonoelastography and color Doppler ultrasound of 18 patients with 20 thyroid nodules. A total of 20 records of thyroid nodules from these techniques were duplicated, numbered, and randomly arranged. Five radiologists assessed the recordings independently. Cohen Kappa and Fleiss Kappa statistics were used to determine the degree of intra- and inter-observer agreement. Results: Mean accuracy rates for all radiologists, for all ultrasound features, ranged from 82.7 to 87.8%. For B-mode and strain elastography, accuracies ranged from 65.0 to 100% and 47.4 to 86.8%, respectively. Concerning intra-observer variability, three radiologists demonstrated almost perfect agreement (the κ-value ranged from 0.81 to 0.86), and a substantial agreement was noted for the two remaining radiologists. The κ-values for inter-observer agreement ranged from 0.61 for macrocalcifications (substantial agreement) to 0.33 for Asteria four-point elastography scale criteria (fair agreement). Conclusions: The results suggest relatively good inter-observer and excellent intra-observer agreement in the assessment of thyroid nodules using ultrasound, and fair agreement in the case of strain elastography.

Histopathological Verification of the Diagnostic Performance of the EU-TIRADS Classification of Thyroid Nodules-Results of a Multicenter Study Performed in a Previously Iodine-Deficient Region.

BACKGROUND: To validate the European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System EU-TIRADS classification in a multi-institutional database of thyroid nodules by analyzing the obtained scores and histopathology results. METHODS: A total of 842 thyroid lesions (613 benign, 229 malignant) were identified in 428 patients (mean age 62.7 years) and scored according to EU-TIRADS, using ultrasound examination. In all tumors, histopathological verification was performed. RESULTS: In EU-TIRADS 2 (154 nodules) all nodules were benign; in EU-TIRADS 3, only 3/93 malignancies were identified. In EU-TIRADS 4, 12/103 were malignant, and in EU-TIRADS 5 (278 benign vs. 214 malignant). The malignant nodules that would not have qualified for biopsy were: EU-TIRADS 3, 2/3 (67%) malignancies were <20 mm, in EU-TIRADS 4, 7/12 (58%) were <15 mm. In EU-TIRADS 5, 72/214 (34%) were <10 mm; in total, 81/229 (36%) malignant lesions would have been missed. The cutoff between EU-TIRADS 3/4 had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 25.1%. Using cutoff for EU-TIRADS 5, 93.4%, 54.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The application of EU-TIRADS guidelines allowed us to achieve moderate specificity. The vast majority of malignancies in EU-TIRADS 3, 4, and 5 would not have been recommended for biopsy because having a smaller size than that proposed classification.

Integration of Sonoelastography Into the TIRADS Lexicon Could Influence the Classification.

Aim: Numerous TIRADS (Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System) classifications have been developed, and various ultrasound (US) parameters are employed in different countries. The aim of our study was to introduce risk classification and management in a native population based on the Guidelines of Polish National Societies Diagnostics and Treatment of Thyroid Carcinoma but with the addition of sonoelastography. Materials and Methods: We examined prospectively 208 patients with 305 thyroid lesions employing B-mode ultrasound and sonoelastography (SE). Nodule composition, echogenicity, margins, shape, presence or absence of calcifications, thyroid capsule, nodule size were assessed using B-mode ultrasound. Moreover, sonoelastography results were presented using the Asteria scale. Results: In univariate analysis, the following US features were significantly associated with malignancy: >50% solid /solid component, marked hypoechogenicity, ill-defined margins, micro and macrocalcification, taller-than wide shape, no/partial halo pattern, infiltration of the capsule and an Asteria score of 4. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of B-mode features revealed that ill-defined margins (OR 10.77), markedly hypoechogenicity (OR 5.12), microcalcifications (OR 4.85), thyroid capsule infiltrations (OR 3.2), macrocalcifications (OR 3.01), and hard lesion in SE (OR 6.85) were associated with a higher Odds Ratio (OR) for malignancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that combining two features increases the OR and the best combination was irregular margins and Asteria scale 4 (OR 20.21). Adding a third feature did not increase the OR. Conclusions: Sonoelastography increases the value risk of predicted malignancy, with consequent different approach to further clinical investigation and management. A solitary feature (Asteria 4) in a solid tumor can result in its categorization as TIRADS 4, but coexistence with high risk features allows it to be upgraded to TIRADS 5. The irregular margin was the strongest single feature which allowed for the assignment of a solid tumor into TIRADS 5 category. The highest accuracy was found by combining the features of age, margin, echogenicity (markedly hypoechoic), capsule infiltration, microcalcifications and sonoelastography (Asteria 3,4) of the tumors.

Evaluation of Four Variants of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) Classification in Patients with Multinodular Goitre - initial study.

Purpose The goal this study was to evaluate the utility of four variants of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in the differentiation of focal lesions in individuals with multinodular goiter. Materials and Methods The study was approved by the Local Bioethical Committee. Each patient gave informed consent before enrolment. A total of 163 nodules in 124 patients with multinodular goiter were evaluated by ultrasound. B-mode and PD imaging and strain elastography were performed. Archived images were evaluated via retrospective analysis using four different proposed TIRADS classifications Results Sensitivity and specificity of the Horvath, Park, Kwak, and Russ classifications were 0.625 and 0.769, 0.813 and 0.864, 0.938 and 0.667, and 0.875 and 0.293, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 0.227 and 0.95, 0.394 and 0.977, 0.234 and 0.99, and 0.119 and 0.956, respectively. Receive operating characteristic analysis suggests that the best differentiation potential was demonstrated by the Kwak classification with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.896, followed by the Park (AUC = 0.872), Horvath (AUC = 0.774), and Russ (AUC = 0.729) classifications. Conclusion The TIRADS classification proposed by Kwak can be a useful tool in daily practice for the evaluation of thyroid cancer in individuals with multinodular goiter, particularly for selecting cases that require biopsy, which may improve and simplify clinical decision making. To adopt a definitive, comprehensive variant of the TIRADS classification with potential for universal, practical application, further prospective studies that include improvement of the lexicon and evaluation of the full spectrum of thyroid malignancy are warranted.

Evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms among physicians performing ultrasound.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Owing to its wide availability, relatively low cost and lack of negative effect on the patient, ultrasound has become the most commonly and readily used imaging modality. However, scanning for increasingly long periods of time on a given day and in a given week tends to negatively affect sonographers' health, primarily resulting with the overuse of the musculoskeletal system, as multiple muscles and joints are engaged during scanning. This research has been aimed at evaluating the prevalence and type of musculoskeletal symptoms among diagnostic medical sonographers, as well as identifying their professional profile. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study covered 553 sonographers who responded to an online survey comprising 27 questions, including branching questions allowing to provide more detailed information depending on the answers given, as well as open questions. The survey was geared towards identifying the type and frequency of the experienced symptoms, and determining additional contributing factors. RESULTS: 83% of the respondents have experienced work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). The study presents the detailed characteristics of the symptoms experienced by sonographers in their work, and their professional profile. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of physicians performing ultrasound experience musculoskeletal pain. Deeper analysis of the underlying causes and potential correlations with given contributing factors (variables) that could be effectively addressed may facilitate introduction of some preventive measures and occupational hygiene rules in the field of ultrasound diagnostics, as well as help to implement interventions aimed at relieving the experienced symptoms and improving the health of the examining specialists.

Mistakes in ultrasound diagnosis of superficial lymph nodes.

The article discusses basic mistakes that can occur during ultrasound imaging of superficial lymph nodes. Ultrasound is the first imaging method used in the diseases of superficial organs and tissues, including lymph nodes. The causes of mistakes can be either dependent or independent of the performing physician. The first group of mistakes includes inappropriate interpretation of images of anatomical structures, while the latter group includes, among other things, similar ultrasound images of different pathologies. For instance, a lymph node, whether normal or abnormal, may be mimicked by anatomical structures, such as a partially visible, compressed vein. Lymph nodes in lymphomas may be indistinguishable from reactive lymph nodes, even when using Doppler option, as well as morphologically difficult to distinguish from metastases. Metastatic lymph nodes can mimic e.g. nodular, separated postoperative thyroid fragments, a lateral neck cyst, chemodectoma (carotid body tumor) or neuroma. The appearance of lymph nodes in granulomatous diseases, such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, can be very similar to that of typical metastatic lymph nodes or lymphomas. Anechoic or hypoechoic areas in a lymph node can represent necrosis or metastatic hemorrhages, but also suppuration in inflamed lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in lymphomas, metastatic and reactive lymph nodes can adopt the classical characteristics of a simple cyst. The overall ultrasound picture along with all criteria for the assessment of a lymph node should be taken into account during ultrasound imaging. It seems that the safest management is to refer patients diagnosed with lymph node abnormalities for ultrasound-guided targeted fine needle aspiration biopsy followed by a total lymph node resection for histopathological examination in the case of suspected lymphoma.

Fine-needle versus core-needle biopsy - which one to choose in preoperative assessment of focal lesions in the breasts? Literature review.

AIM: The aim of the study was to review two techniques that can be used to verify focal lesions in the breasts: fine-needle aspiration biopsy and core-needle biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five articles (original papers and reviews), half of them published within the past 5 years, were included in the analysis. The authors also took their own experience into account. RESULTS: Pre-operative assessment of focal lesions in the breasts is crucial in the planning of further therapeutic management. The role of fine-needle aspiration biopsy has been reduced lately due to its low sensitivity and specificity as well as a high rate of non-diagnostic, suspicious and false negative results. This method does not enable one to differentiate between in situ and invasive disease. Currently, fine-needle biopsy is recommended for cystic lesions, suspected of being recurrences in the chest wall, and lymph node metastases. Core-needle biopsy is the basic diagnostic method of breast lesions. According to the recommendations of the Polish Ultrasound Society and American College of Radiology, BIRADS 4 and 5 lesions should be evaluated histopathologically. Core-needle biopsy makes it possible to establish a final diagnosis more frequently than fine-needle biopsy, both in the case of benign and malignant lesions. It delivers more information about the nature of a tumor (mutation of HER-2, estrogen and progesterone receptors and Ki-67 index). Its limitations include: underestimation of invasion and failure to recognize the components of ductal carcinoma in situ in papillary and atypical lesions. Single fine-needle aspiration biopsy is inexpensive, but when considering the cost of further diagnosis due to non-diagnostic, suspicious and atypical results, this method generates high additional costs. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic verification of focal breast lesions is crucial for further therapeutic decisions. It has been proven that histopathological verification is more accurate and has more advantages than cytological assessment.

Diagnostic Performance of Shear Wave Elastography Parameters Alone and in Combination with Conventional B-Mode Ultrasound Parameters for the Characterization of Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective, Dual-Center Study.

The aims of our study were to determine whether shear wave elastography (SWE) can improve the conventional B-mode differentiation of thyroid lesions, determine the most accurate SWE parameter for differentiation and assess the influence of microcalcifications and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis on SWE values. We examined 119 patients with 169 thyroid nodules who prospectively underwent B-mode ultrasound and SWE using the same ultrasound machine. The parameters assessed using SWE were: mean elasticity within the entire lesion (SWE-whole) and mean (SWE-mean) and maximum (SWE-max) elasticity for a 2-mm-diameter region of interest in the stiffest portion of the lesion, excluding microcalcifications. The discriminant powers of a generalized estimating equation model including B-mode parameters only and a generalized estimation equation model including both B-mode and SWE parameters were assessed and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, in association with pathologic verification. In total, 50 and 119 malignant and benign lesions were detected. In generalized estimated equation regression, the B-mode parameters associated with higher odds ratios (ORs) for malignant lesions were microcalcifications (OR = 4.3), hypo-echogenicity (OR = 3.13) and irregular margins (OR = 10.82). SWE-max was the only SWE independent parameter in differentiating between malignant and benign tumors (OR = 2.95). The area under the curve for the B-mode model was 0.85, whereas that for the model combining B-mode and SWE parameters was 0.87. There was no significant difference in mean SWE values between patients with and without chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. The results of the present study suggest that SWE is a valuable tool for the characterization of thyroid nodules, with SWE-max being a significant parameter in differentiating benign and malignant lesions, independent of conventional B-mode parameters. The combination of SWE parameters and conventional B-mode parameters does not significantly improve the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules. The presence of microcalcifications can influence the SWE-whole value, whereas the presence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis may not.

Mistakes in ultrasound examination of salivary glands.

Ultrasonography is the first imaging method applied in the case of diseases of the salivary glands. The article discusses basic mistakes that can be made during an ultrasound examination of these structures. The reasons for these mistakes may be examiner-dependent or may be beyond their control. The latter may include, inter alia, difficult conditions during examination (technical or patient-related), similarity of ultrasound images in different diseases, the lack of clinical and laboratory data as well as the lack of results of other examinations, their insufficient number or incorrectness. Doctor-related mistakes include: the lack of knowledge of normal anatomy, characteristics of ultrasound images in various salivary gland diseases and statistical incidence of diseases, but also attaching excessive importance to such statistical data. The complex anatomical structures of the floor of the oral cavity may be mistaken for benign or malignant tumors. Fragments of correct anatomical structures (bones, arterial wall fibrosis, air bubbles in the mouth) can be wrongly interpreted as deposits in the salivary gland or in its excretory duct. Correct lymph nodes in the parotid glands may be treated as pathologic structures. Lesions not being a simple cyst, e.g. lymphoma, benign or malignant tumors of the salivary glands or metastatic lymph nodes, can be mistaken for one. The image of disseminated focal changes, both anechoic and solid, is not pathognomonic for specific diseases in the salivary glands. However, in part, it occurs typically and requires an extended differential diagnosis. Small focal changes and infiltrative lesions pose a diagnostic problem because their etiology cannot be safely suggested on the basis of an ultrasound examination itself. The safest approach is to refer patients with abnormal focal changes for an ultrasoundguided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Differentiation of thyroid nodules in multinodular goiter with the application of technical ultrasound advances - initial results.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the relative value of technical ultrasound advances in differentiation of thyroid nodules in multinodular goitre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with multinodular goitre, who were referred for thyroidectomy. Ultrasound evaluation of suspicious nodules was performed with: improved B-mode (spatial compound imaging and differential tissue harmonics), dedicated mapping of microcalcifications, mapping of the nodule vessels, and strain elastography evaluated qualitatively and semi quantitatively. RESULTS: A total of 163 nodules in 124 patients with multinodular goitre were evaluated (147 benign and 16 cancers). Improved B-mode imaging was: 76.76% sensitive and 62.5% specific with AUC 0.740. Differentiating B-mode features were: shape - taller than wide OR 15.8, markedly hypoechoic OR 14.7, absence of cystic areas OR 6.6, absence of halo OR 5.0, and blurred/microlobulated margins OR 3.7. Addition of MicroPure imaging was 80.28% sensitive and 68.75% specific with AUC 0.771. MicroPure alone, power Doppler, and strain elastography were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Among singular modes of ultrasound imaging, only improved B-mode imaging proved to have a significant role in differentiation of thyroid nodules in multinodular goitre. Additional gain was seen with the addition to B-mode of the mapping of microcalcifications with MicroPure imaging. Power Doppler and strain elastography did not prove to be useful techniques in multinodular goitre.

Breast ultrasound scans - surgeons' expectations.

Recent years have witnessed a dynamic development of mammary gland imaging techniques, particularly ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. A challenge related to these studies is the increase in the precision of the anatomical assessment of breast, particularly for early detection of subclinical lesions, performance of ultrasound- guided biopsy procedures, and accurate preoperative location of pathological lesions so as to optimize the surgical treatment. Ultrasound imaging is a primary and baseline diagnostic procedure the patient with suspected pathological lesions within breast is referred to by the surgeon. Lesions visualized in ultrasound scans are classified according to the BI-RADS US assessment categories. The successive categories (2 through 6) encompass individual pathological lesions, estimating the risk of malignancy and provide guidelines for further diagnostic and therapeutic management. This article described the important aspects of ultrasonographic imaging of focal lesions within the breasts as significant from the standpoint of surgical treatment of patients falling within BI-RADS US categories 3, 4, 5, and 6. Attention is drawn to the importance of ultrasound scans in the assessment of axillary fossa lymph nodes before the decision regarding the surgical treatment.

Application of parametric ultrasound contrast agent perfusion studies for differentiation of hyperplastic adrenal nodules from adenomas-Initial study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possibilities of differentiation of non-malignant adrenal masses with the application of the new technique for the evaluation of enhancement after administration of an ultrasound contrast agent: parametric imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 34 non-malignant adrenal masses in 29 patients were evaluated in a dynamic examination after the administration of ultrasound contrast agent with parametric imaging. Patterns on parametric imaging of arrival time were evaluated. The final diagnosis was based on CT, MRI, biochemical studies, follow up and/or histopathology examination. RESULTS: The study included: 12 adenomas, 10 hyperplastic nodules, 7 myelolipomas, 3 pheochromocytomas, hemangioma with hemorrhage and cyst. The pattern of peripheral laminar inflow of Sonovue on parametric images of arrival time of was 100% sensitive for hyperplastic nodules and 83% specific in regard to adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: Parametric contrast enhanced ultrasound may accurately differentiate hyperplastic adrenal nodules from adenomas and could be complementary to CT or MRI. Incorporation of perfusion studies to CT or MRI could possibly enable one-shop complete characterization of adrenal masses. This could deliver additional information in diagnostics of patients with Conn Syndrome and warrants further studies in this cohort of patients.

Shear wave elastography in medullary thyroid carcinoma diagnostics.

UNLABELLED: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a modern method for the assessment of tissue stiffness. There has been a growing interest in the use of this technique for characterizing thyroid focal lesions, including preoperative diagnostics. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the clinical usefulness of SWE in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) diagnostics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 169 focal lesions were identified in the study group (139 patients), including 6 MTCs in 4 patients (mean age: 45 years). B-mode ultrasound and SWE were performed using Aixplorer (SuperSonic, Aix-en-Provence), with a 4-15 MHz linear probe. The ultrasound was performed to assess the echogenicity and echostructure of the lesions, their margin, the halo sign, the height/width ratio (H/W ratio), the presence of calcifications and the vascularization pattern. This was followed by an analysis of maximum and mean Young's (E) modulus values for MTC (EmaxLR, EmeanLR) and the surrounding thyroid tissues (EmaxSR, EmeanSR), as well as mean E-values (EmeanLRz) for 2 mm region of interest in the stiffest zone of the lesion. The lesions were subject to pathological and/or cytological evaluation. RESULTS: The B-mode assessment showed that all MTCs were hypoechogenic, with no halo sign, and they contained micro- and/ or macrocalcifications. Ill-defined lesion margin were found in 4 out of 6 cancers; 4 out of 6 cancers had a H/W ratio > 1. Heterogeneous echostructure and type III vascularity were found in 5 out of 6 lesions. In the SWE, the mean value of EmaxLR for all of the MTCs was 89.5 kPa and (the mean value of EmaxSR for all surrounding tissues was) 39.7 kPa Mean values of EmeanLR and EmeanSR were 34.7 kPa and 24.4 kPa, respectively. The mean value of EmeanLRz was 49.2 kPa. CONCLUSIONS: SWE showed MTCs as stiffer lesions compared to the surrounding tissues. The lesions were qualified for fine needle aspiration biopsy based on B-mode assessment. However, the diagnostic algorithm for MTC is based on the measurement of serum calcitonin levels, B-mode ultrasound and FNAB.

Standards of ultrasound imaging of the adrenal glands.

Adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands located over the upper renal poles. Adrenal pathologies have various clinical presentations. They can coexist with the hyperfunction of individual cortical zones or the medulla, insufficiency of the adrenal cortex or retained normal hormonal function. The most common adrenal masses are tumors incidentally detected in imaging examinations (ultrasound, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), referred to as incidentalomas. They include a range of histopathological entities but cortical adenomas without hormonal hyperfunction are the most common. Each abdominal ultrasound scan of a child or adult should include the assessment of the suprarenal areas. If a previously non-reported, incidental solid focal lesion exceeding 1 cm (incidentaloma) is detected in the suprarenal area, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be conducted to confirm its presence and for differentiation and the tumor functional status should be determined. Ultrasound imaging is also used to monitor adrenal incidentaloma that is not eligible for a surgery. The paper presents recommendations concerning the performance and assessment of ultrasound examinations of the adrenal glands and their pathological lesions. The article includes new ultrasound techniques, such as tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, three-dimensional ultrasound, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and parametric imaging. The guidelines presented above are consistent with the recommendations of the Polish Ultrasound Society.

Echogenicity of benign adrenal focal lesions on imaging with new ultrasound techniques - report with pictorial presentation.

AIM: The aim of the research was to assess the echogenicity of benign adrenal focal lesions using new ultrasound techniques. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 34 benign adrenal masses in 29 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The examinations were conducted using Aplio XG (Toshiba, Japan) ultrasound scanner with a convex probe 1-6 MHz in the B-mode presentation with the combined use of new ultrasound techniques: harmonic imaging and spatial compound sonography. The size of the adrenal tumors, their echogenicity and homogeneity were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the STATISTICA 10 software. RESULTS: The following adrenal masses were assessed: 12 adenomas, 10 nodular hyperplasias of adrenal cortex, 7 myelolipomas, 3 pheochromocytomas, a hemangioma with hemorrhage and a cyst. The mean diameter of nodular hyperplasia of adrenal cortex was not statistically different from that of adenomas (p = 0.075). The possibility of differentiating between nodular hyperplasia and adenoma using the parameter of hypoechogenicity or homogeneity of the lesion was demonstrated with the sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 41.7%, respectively. The larger the benign adrenal tumor was, the more frequently did it turn out to have a mixed and inhomogenous echogenicity (p < 0.05; ROC areas under the curve: 0.832 and 0.805, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A variety of echogenicity patterns of benign adrenal focal lesions was demonstrated. The image of an adrenal tumor correlates with its size. The ultrasound examination, apart from its indisputable usefulness in detecting and monitoring adrenal tumors, may also allow for the differentiation between benign lesions. However, for lesions found incidentally an algorithm for the assessment of adrenal incidentalomas is applicable, which includes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Shear wave elastography of adrenal masses is feasible and may help to differentiate between solid and cystic lesions - an initial report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of supersonic shear wave elastography (SSWE) in the diagnosis of nonmalignant adrenal masses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 13 patients with a total number of 16 adrenal masses were enrolled in the study. In each case, both conventional ultrasound imaging and SSWE for stiffness assessment were performed. The final diagnosis was based on CT, MRI, biochemical studies, surgery or more than one year of follow up. RESULTS: The final diagnosis: nodular hyperplasia in six masses, six adenomas, three cysts, and one myelolipoma. All solid adrenal masses presented the elastography signal in contrast to cystic lesions that were devoid of it, as shear waves do not propagate through fluids. CONCLUSIONS: SSWE is a feasible technique that can be applied during ultrasound of the abdomen and retroperitoneum. SSWE presents potential for the differentiation of solid and cystic adrenal lesions. Further large scale studies evaluating the possibility of differentiation of adrenal and other retroperitoneal masses with SSWE are warranted.

Errors and mistakes in ultrasound diagnostics of the thyroid gland.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland permits to evaluate its size, echogenicity, margins, and stroma. An abnormal ultrasound image of the thyroid, accompanied by other diagnostic investigations, facilitates therapeutic decision-making. The ultrasound image of a normal thyroid gland does not change substantially with patient's age. Nevertheless, erroneous impressions in thyroid imaging reports are sometimes encountered. These are due to diagnostic pitfalls which cannot be prevented by either the continuing development of the imaging equipment, or the growing experience and skill of the practitioners. Our article discusses the most common mistakes encountered in US diagnostics of the thyroid, the elimination of which should improve the quality of both the ultrasound examination itself and its interpretation. We have outlined errors resulting from a faulty examination technique, the similarity of the neighboring anatomical structures, and anomalies present in the proximity of the thyroid gland. We have also pointed out the reasons for inaccurate assessment of a thyroid lesion image, such as having no access to clinical data or not taking them into account, as well as faulty qualification for a fine needle aspiration biopsy. We have presented guidelines aimed at limiting the number of misdiagnoses in thyroid diseases, and provided sonograms exemplifying diagnostic mistakes.

Sonoelastographic evaluation with the determination of compressibility ratio for symmetrical prostatic regions in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer.

AIM: Sonoelastography is a technique that assesses tissue hardness/compressibility. Utility and sensitivity of the method in prostate cancer diagnostics were assessed compared to the current gold standard in prostate cancer diagnostics i.e. systematic biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 84 patients suspected of prostate cancer based on elevated PSA levels or abnormal per rectal examination findings. Sonoelastography was used to evaluate the prostate gland. In the case of regions with hardness two-fold greater than that of symmetric prostate area (strain ratio >2), targeted biopsy was used; which was followed by an ultrasound-guided 8- or 10-core systematic biopsy (regardless of sonoelastography-indicated sites) as a reference point. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 69 years. PSA serum levels ranged between 1.02 and 885 ng/dl. The mean prostate volume was 62 ml (19-149 ml). Prostate cancer was found in 39 out of 84 individuals. Statistically significant differences in strain ratios between cancers and benign lesions were shown. Sonoelastography guided biopsy revealed 30 lesions - overall sensitivity 77% (sensitivity of the method - 81%). Sonoelastographic sensitivity increased depending on cancer stage according to the Gleason grading system: 6-60%, 7-75%, 8-83%, 9/10-100%. The estimated sensitivity of systematic biopsy was 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Sonoelastography shows higher diagnostic sensitivity in prostate cancer diagnostics compared to conventional imaging techniques, i.e. grey-scale TRUS, Doppler ultrasound. It allows to reduce the number of collected tissue cores, and thus limit the incidence of complications as well as the costs involved. Sonoelastography using the determination of compressibility ratio for symmetrical prostatic regions may prove useful in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Basic dissecting techniques in ultrasound-guided surgery.

Ultrasound-guided surgery is an area of minimally-invasive surgery where surgical procedures are performed with the aid of ultrasound imaging throghout the operation. This requires the operator to posses a certain degree of experience in endoscopic procedures, and to be adeptly skillfull in conducting US examinations. It is combining and finely tuning together these two elements that allows to perform efficiently an ultrasound-guided surgical procedure. Accessing an affected site correctly is of utmost importance in surgery, being oftentimes decisive in terms of the procedure's final outcome. In ultrasound-guided procedures, the operative site is accessed percutaneously, with a single point incision, yet tissues situated deeper within are dissected with dissecting techniques in a fluid evironment, typical for this area of surgery. Dissecting techniques in ultrasound-guided surgery are currently divided into basic ones which employ either a hydrodissection needle, surgical instruments, electrosurgical instruments, a thread, or a combination thereof, and advanced ones where either a balloon, a hook dissection technique, or a hybrid one is used. Hydrodissection with a needle was devised based on the rule of complementarity, and is the most frequently applied technique in ultrasound-guided surgery. The immense possibilities that go along with this modality will be of huge benefit to any surgeon, regardless of their field. Dissection with a variety of surgical instruments and electrosurgery instruments is a standard practice in all surgery areas, yet the method of imaging we employ in ultrasound-guided surgery results in certain modifications of these techniques. It is, however, learning the thread technique that facilitates a precise and oftentimes extensive dissection. This technique is successfully applied for dissecting muscle, ligament, tendon, vascular and other structures. Having mastered dissecting techniques allows to perform any minimally-invasive procedure efficiently, be they ultrasound-guided, artroscopic, or endoscopic ones. Various surgical techniques are bridged, resulting in applying the so-called hybrid ones. Their strength lies in excellent imaging results allowing to conduct a surgical procedure both in a body cavity and within a parenchymal organ.