Intra-articular and intraosseous approach to temporomandibular joint-targeted injections: a cadaveric investigation.

PURPOSE: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) management is complex, and several conservative and minimally invasive protocols have been proposed. Intra-articular injections of medications directed at OA have been performed, but in some cases, these medications do not directly contact the tissue lesion sites. Here, we propose a new real-time ultrasound-guided technique to inject medications directly into the subchondral bone. METHODS: Ultrasound image screening was carried out with the point-of-care Clarius L15 device. Then, with the patient's mouth closed, a stainless-steel cannula with a concentric trocar was US-guided using an in-plane approach until the perforating tip of the internal trocar touched the lateral pole of the mandibular condyle. Then, the trocar was inserted through the medullary bone, where a posterior injection was made. RESULTS: The technique's precision was confirmed by capturing an iodine contrast solution that imaged the medullary condyle of fresh anatomical specimens processed by computed tomography. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique was effective in accessing the mandibular condyle subchondral bone in the inferior TMJ space for the simultaneously intra-articular (IA) and intra-osseous (IO) in-plane US-guided injections. Thus, its implementation may represent an important advance in early TMJ-OA treatment. This may be a promising approach, especially in OA cases in which the cortical bone is still preserved.

Ultrasound-guided vs. non-guided trigger finger release: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Trigger finger (TF) is a common hand condition that can be treated with surgery. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether ultrasound-guided (US-guided) percutaneous surgery is superior to other conventional surgical methods. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing US-guided TF release with blind percutaneous or open approaches. We combined Risk Ratios (RR) and Mean Differences (MD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) across studies. Data processing and analysis were conducted using R software, version 4.3.1. RESULTS: Our analysis included eight RCTs and two observational studies with 555 patients. US-guided surgery significantly reduced postoperative DASH scores (MD -3.75 points; 95% CI = -7.48, -0.02; p < 0.01), shortened time to resume activities (MD -11.52 days; 95% CI = -16.13, -6.91; p < 0.01), hastened discontinuation of oral analgesics (MD -4.44 days; 95% CI = -8.01, -0.87; p < 0.01), and improved patient satisfaction scores (RR 1.13; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.23; p = 0.75). There were no significant differences in VAS scores, time to movement recovery, or surgical success rate. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous release is a safe, effective, and superior alternative for treating TF compared to other methods, leading to improved DASH scores, quicker recovery, faster cessation of oral analgesics, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Bloqueo interescalénico en desarticulación de miembro torácico derecho por liposarcoma pleomórfico, para prevención de dolor de miembro fantasma. Reporte de caso / Interscalene block in right thoracic limb disarticulation due to pleomorphic liposarcoma, for the prevention of phantom limb pain. Case report

Resumen: El liposarcoma pleomórfico es una neoformación de tejidos blandos, que afecta principalmente las extremidades. Los pacientes que los presentan son candidatos a resección amplia o incluso amputación del miembro afectado. Como parte de una técnica anestésica integral y multimodal, destaca la utilización de bloqueos ecoguiados que disminuirán los requerimientos de opioides, teniendo un impacto importante en la preservación de la inmunidad del paciente oncológico, lo que le permitirá aumentar la tasa de supervivencia y su período libre de enfermedad; adicionando además un alfa 2 agonista, el cual nos brinda una adecuada analgesia postoperatoria, y realizando los bloqueos previos a la amputación, tenemos mayor tasa de éxito en la prevención del dolor y síndrome de miembro fantasma.

Abstract: Pleomorphic liposarcoma is a neoformation, which mainly affects the extremities. Being the patient candidate to perform a wide resection or even amputation of the affected limb. As part of a multimodal anesthetic technique, the use of ultrasound-guided blocks are useful, reducing opioid requirements, having an important impact on the preservation of the cancer patient's immunity, also adding an alpha 2 agonist, which provides adequate postoperative analgesia, and performing the blocks prior to amputation, we have a higher success rate in the prevention of pain and phantom limb syndrome.

Laser-sclerosing foam hybrid treatment, a non-tumescent technique for insufficient great saphenous vein ablation.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to report on the Laser-Sclerosing Foam Hybrid Treatment (LSFHT) and its outcomes when used on patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. METHODS: This was a single center retrospective cohort study on patients with GSV insufficiency that were treated with the LSFHT technique, a surgical procedure that comprises the use of both sclerosing foam and endovenous ablation and avoids the use of tumescent anesthesia. Occlusion rates and complications were reported. RESULTS: 139 legs from 106 patients were operated, achieving a 100% occlusion rate, while only a small burn and 2 popliteal vein thrombosis cases occurred. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the LSFHT is a feasible fast procedure that proved both effective and safe for the treatment of GSV insufficiency.

Ultrasound-guided mini-incision technique for CHIVA / Técnica de mini-incisões guiadas por eco-Doppler para realizar CHIVA

Abstract CHIVA (Cure Conservatrice et Hemodynamique de l'Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire) is a surgical technique for varicose veins that avoids destroying the saphenous vein and collaterals. In some patients, the flush ligation of saphenous collaterals performed in the CHIVA technique may require more dissection than is desirable. This is especially valid for obese patients and thigh ligations. We report an innovative technique that uses duplex-guided puncture to bring the collateral closer to the skin and reduce the need for dissection and incision. The technique does not change any of the CHIVA principles. While the long-term results are not yet known, we expect them to be similar to normal CHIVA procedures.

Resumo CHIVA (Cure Conservatrice et Hemodynamique de l'Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire) é uma técnica de cirurgia de varizes que evita a destruição da safena e das colaterais. A ligadura rasante de colaterais da safena usando a técnica CHIVA pode requerer mais dissecção do que o desejado em alguns subgrupos de pacientes, principalmente os obesos. Este estudo descreve uma técnica inovadora de ligadura das colaterais com mini-incisões guiadas por eco-Doppler. A técnica consiste em puncionar com eco e passar um fio ao redor da colateral para puxá-la para cima. Uma pequena incisão é feita exatamente onde a colateral está situada sob a pele. A veia é tracionada e ligada em sua junção com a safena. A técnica é factível e pode diminuir a incisão e o trauma cirúrgico. Os resultados a longo prazo são desconhecidos, mas esperamos que sejam semelhantes aos da técnica CHIVA, já que nenhum dos preceitos é modificado.

EBUS-TBNA in mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer: comparison with pathological staging

ABSTRACT Objective: Although EBUS-TBNA combined with EUS-FNA or EUS-B-FNA stands as the primary approach for mediastinal staging in lung cancer, guidelines recommend mediastinoscopy confirmation if a lymph node identified on chest CT or showing increased PET scan uptake yields negativity on these techniques. This study aimed to assess the staging precision of EBUS/EUS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study comparing the clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing EBUS/EUS with their post-surgery pathological staging. We analyzed the influence of histology, location, tumor size, and the time lapse between EBUS and surgery. Patients with N0/N1 staging on EBUS/EUS, undergoing surgery, and with at least one station approached in both procedures were selected. Post-surgery, patients were categorized into N0/N1 and N2 groups. Results: Among the included patients (n = 47), pathological upstaging to N2 occurred in 6 (12.8%). Of these, 4 (66.7%) had a single N2 station, and 2 (33.3%) had multiple N2 stations. The adenopathy most frequently associated with upstaging was station 7. None of the analyzed variables demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of upstaging. PET scan indicated increased uptake in only one of these adenopathies, and only one was visualized on chest CT. Conclusions: Upstaging proved independent of the studied variables, and only 2 patients with negative EBUS/EUS would warrant referral for mediastinoscopy. Exploring other noninvasive methods with even greater sensitivity for detecting micrometastatic lymph node disease is crucial.

Multicenter Study on the Performance of Imaging Tests Compared to Endosonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

Introduction: Imaging diagnosis of pancreatic solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) is difficult. Preoperative diagnosis by endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is possible and has been reported in the literature in pancreatic tumors. However, its usefulness is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of patients with SPN and describe the findings in computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography imaging (MRI/MRCP), and EUS therefore comparing the imaging methods alone to the findings of microhistology (McH) obtained by EUS-FNA. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing EUS-FNA with suspected SPN in imaging studies in 5 Brazilian high-volume hospitals (two university hospitals and three private hospitals). The demographic data; findings in CT, MRI/MRCP, and EUS; and McH results obtained by EUS-FNA were noted prospectively. The final diagnosis was obtained after the anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen in all patients (gold standard), and we compared the results of CT, MRI/MRCP, EUS, and the McH with the gold standard. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study, of which 49 (90.7%) were women with an average age of 33.4 (range 11-78) years. The most common symptom presented was abdominal pain, present in 35.2% patients. SPN was detected incidentally in 32 (59%) patients. The average size of the tumors was 3.8 cm (SD: 2.26). The most common finding at EUS was a solid, solid/cystic, and cystic lesion in 52.9%, 41.1%, and 7.8% patients, respectively. The final diagnosis was 51 patients with SPN and 3 with nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-NET). The correct diagnosis was made by CT, MRI/MRCP, EUS isolated, and EUS-FNA in 21.9%, 28.88%, 64.71%, and 88.24%, respectively. EUS-FNA associated with CT and MRI increased diagnostic performance from 22.72% to 94.11% and from 29.16% to 94.11%, respectively. Conclusions: SPN are rare, incidentally identified in most cases, and affect young women. Differential diagnosis between SPN, NF-NET, and other types of tumors with imaging tests can be difficult. EUS-FNA increases preoperative diagnosis in case of diagnostic doubt and should be used whenever necessary to rule out NF-NET or other type of solid/cystic nodular lesion of the pancreas.

Introdução: O diagnóstico por imagem da neoplasia pseudopapilar sólida do pâncreas (NPS) é difícil. O diagnóstico pré-operatório obtido pela endosonografia com punção aspirativa por agulha fina (USE-PAF) é possível e tem sido relatado na literatura em tumores do pâncreas. No entanto, sua indicação é controversa e merece discussão. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a acurácia da USE-PAF no diagnóstico de pacientes com NPS, descrever os achados da tomografia computadorizada (TC), colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética (RM/ CPRM) e USE, comparando os métodos de imagem isolados aos achados da microhistologia (McH) obtida pela USE-PAF. Material e Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à USE-PAF com suspeita de NPS em exames de imagem de 5 hospitais brasileiros de alto volume (dois universitários e três privados). Foram anotados prospectivamente os dados demográficos, os achados da TC, RM/CPRM e USE e o resultado da McH obtida pela USE-PAF. O diagnóstico final foi obtido após o anatomopatológico da peça operatória em todos os pacientes (padrão-ouro). Comparamos os resultados da TC, RM/CPRM, EUS isoladas e da McH obtida pela USE-PAF com o padrão-ouro. Resultados: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, 49 (90.7%) eram mulheres com média de idade de 33.4 (11­78) anos. O sintoma mais frequente foi dor abdominal, presente em 35.2%. A NPS foi detectada acidentalmente em 32 (59%) pacientes. O tamanho médio da lesão foi de 3.8 cm (SD: 2.26). O achado mais comum à USE foi lesão sólida, sólida/ cística e cística em 52.9%, 41.1% e 7.8%, respectivamente. O diagnóstico final foi NPS (51) e tumor neuroendócrino pancreático não funcionante [NF-NET] (3). O diagnóstico correto feito pela TC, RM, USE e USE-PAF foi feito em 21.9%, 28.9%, 64.7% e 88.2%, respectivamente. A USEPAF associada a TC e a RM aumentou o desempenho diagnóstico de 21.9% para 94.1% e de 28.8% para 94.1%, respectivamente. Conclusões: NPS são raras, identificadas de forma acidental na maioria dos casos e afetam principalmente mulheres jovens. O diagnóstico diferencial entre NPS, NF-NET e outros tipos de lesões com exames de imagem isolados pode ser difícil. A USE-PAF aumenta a chance do diagnóstico pré-operatório em caso de dúvida diagnóstica e deve ser usado sempre que necessário para descartar NF-NET ou outro tipo de lesão nodular sólida ou sólido/cística do pâncreas.

The use of erector spinae versus transversus abdominis blocks in ovarian surgery: A randomized, comparative study / Uso del bloqueo del plano erector de la espina versus el plano transverso abdominal en cirugía de ovario: un estudio aleatorizado comparativo

Abstract Introduction: Inadequate pain control after major surgery can lead to significant complications. Ultrasound (US) guided plane blocks account for significant progress in regional anesthesia. Objective: This study explored the analgesic superiority of ultrasound-guided erector spinae (ESPB) and transversus abdominis (TAPB) plane blocks in patients undergoing major ovarian cancer surgery under general anesthesia. There have been no previous studies comparing their efficacy under these circumstances. Methods: This double-blind randomized comparative study included 60 patients undergoing major ovarian cancer surgery under general anesthesia. The ESPB group (n=30), received preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB and the TAPB group (n=30), received preoperative low TAPB. Opioid consumption, HR, MAP, visual analogue scale (VAS) and adverse events were documented over 24 hours after surgery. Results: There was a highly significant difference in tramadol consumption between the two groups, with (95% CI: 16.23 to 50.43) and (95% CI: 59.23 to 95.43) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was shown in intraoperative fentanyl consumption with (95% CI: 113 to 135.6) and (95% CI: 141.8 to 167.6) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively. A highly significant longer time to first analgesic request was recorded in the ESPB group (95% CI: 5.5 -15.3) (P < 0.001). VAS had a median of 2 (1-3) and 4 (2-6) for ESPB and TAPB groups, respectively, with F(1)=18.15, P=0.001 between groups. Postoperative HR and MAP in the TAPB group were significantly higher with more incidence of PONV. Conclusions: ESPB provided a more reliable analgesia versus TAPB in patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery.

Resumen Introducción: El control inadecuado del dolor posterior a cirugía mayor puede generar complicaciones importantes. El bloqueo de los planos guiado por ecografía representa un avance significativo en anestesia regional. Objetivo: En el presente estudio se explora la superioridad analgésica de los bloqueos guiados por ecografía del plano erector de la espina (BPEE) y del plano transverso abdominal (BPTA) en pacientes sometidas a cirugía de cáncer de ovario bajo anestesia general. No se han hecho estudios previamente que comparen su eficacia bajo tales circunstancias. Métodos: Este estudio doble ciego, aleatorizado, comparativo, incluyó a 60 pacientes sometidas a cirugía mayor por cáncer de ovario, bajo anestesia general. El grupo del BPEE (n=30), recibió un BPEE guiado por ecografía, mientras que el grupo de BPTA (n=30), recibió un BPTA preoperatorio bajo. El consumo de opioides, la FC, la PAM, la escala visual analógica (EVA) y los eventos adversos, se documentaron durante las 24 horas posteriores a la cirugía. Resultados: Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el consumo de tramadol entre los dos grupos, con un IC del 95% de 16,23 a 50,43 y un IC del 95% de 59,23 a 95,43 para los grupos de BPEE y de BPTA respectivamente. Se demostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (P < 0,01) en el consumo de fentanilo con un IC del 95%: 113 a 135,6 y un IC de 95%: 141,8 a 167,6 para los grupos de BPEE y BPTA, respectivamente. El tiempo transcurrido hasta la primera solicitud de analgésico en el grupo de BPEE fue significativamente más prolongado (IC 95%: 5,5 -15,3) (P < 0,001). La escala visual analógica - EVA - tuvo una mediana de 2 (1-3) y 4 (2-6) para los grupos del BPEE y BPTA, respectivamente, con F(1)=18,15, P=0,001 entre grupos. La FC y la PAM postoperatorias en el grupo de BPTA fueron significativamente superiores, con una mayor incidencia de nausea y vómito postoperatorios. Conclusiones: El BPEE proporcionó una analgesia más confiable que BPTA, en pacientes sometidas a cirugía de cáncer de ovario.

Ultrasonographic measurement of the effect of physical training on ligament injuries / Medição ultrassonográfica do efeito do treinamento físico nas lesões ligamentares / Medición ecográfica del efecto del entrenamiento físico en las lesiones de ligamentos

ABSTRACT Introduction: The ankle joint is the most load-bearing joint of the human body. The health consciousness of people is increasing day by day, the probability of ankle sports injuries is also increasing. Objective: Analyze the applying sports medicine ultrasound value to rehabilitate anterior talofibular tendon injury. Methods: Seventy- two patients with anterior talofibular injury in a particular hospital were divided into control and observation groups to observe the effect of recovery, recovery time, and degree of ligament injury during rehabilitation treatment. Results: In the observation group, the complete recovery rate was 91.67%, incomplete recovery (8.33%), recovery time was (2.36±0.9) months. The complete recovery rate of the control group is (77.78%), the incomplete recovery (22.2%), the recovery time (3.58±0.42) months. Patients in the experimental group had a higher grade of ligament injury III than those in the control group during each rehabilitation period; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: Sports medical ultrasound can determine the degree of anterior talofibular ligament rupture after injury, providing a basis for the clinical formulation of the treatment plan. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMO Introdução: A articulação do tornozelo é a articulação do corpo humano que mais suporta carga. A consciência da saúde das pessoas está aumentando de dia para dia, a probabilidade de lesões esportivas no tornozelo também está aumentando. Objetivo: Analisar o valor de aplicação do ultra-som de medicina esportiva para a reabilitação de lesão no tendão talofibular anterior. Métodos: Setenta e dois pacientes com lesão talofibular anterior em um determinado hospital foram divididos em grupos de controle e observação para observar o efeito da recuperação, o tempo de recuperação e o grau de lesão ligamentar durante o tratamento da reabilitação. Resultados: No grupo de observação, a taxa de recuperação completa foi de 91,67%, a recuperação incompleta (8,33%), o tempo de recuperação foi de (2,36±0,9) meses. A taxa de recuperação completa do grupo de controle é de (77,78%), a recuperação incompleta (22,2%), o tempo de recuperação (3,58±0,42) meses. Os pacientes do grupo experimental tiveram maior grau de lesão ligamentar III do que os do grupo controle durante cada período de reabilitação, a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P<0,05). Conclusões: A ultra-sonografia médica esportiva pode determinar o grau de ruptura do ligamento talofibular anterior após a lesão, fornecendo uma base para a formulação clínica do plano de tratamento. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción: La articulación del tobillo es la que más carga soporta del cuerpo humano. La conciencia de la salud de las personas aumenta día a día, la probabilidad de lesiones deportivas en el tobillo también aumenta. Objetivo: Analizar el valor de la aplicación de ultrasonidos en medicina deportiva para la rehabilitación de la lesión del tendón talofibular anterior. Métodos: Setenta y dos pacientes con lesión talofibular anterior en un hospital particular fueron divididos en grupos de control y de observación para observar el efecto de la recuperación, el tiempo de recuperación y el grado de lesión del ligamento durante el tratamiento de rehabilitación. Resultados: En el grupo de observación, la tasa de recuperación completa fue del 91,67%, la recuperación incompleta (8,33%), el tiempo de recuperación fue de (2,36±0,9) meses. La tasa de recuperación completa del grupo de control fue (77,78%), la recuperación incompleta (22,2%), el tiempo de recuperación (3,58±0,42) meses. Los pacientes del grupo experimental tuvieron un mayor grado de lesión del ligamento III que el grupo de control durante cada periodo de rehabilitación, la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (P<0,05). Conclusiones: La ecografía médico-deportiva puede determinar el grado de rotura del ligamento talofibular anterior tras la lesión, proporcionando una base para la formulación clínica del plan de tratamiento. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle microforceps biopsy and needle-based confocal laser-endomicroscopy increase detection of potentially malignant pancreatic cystic lesions: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is insufficient data about the accuracy in the diagnosing of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), especially with novel endoscopic techniques such as with direct intracystic micro-forceps biopsy (mFB) and needle-based confocal laser-endomicroscopy (nCLE). AIM: To compare the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and associated techniques for the detection of potentially malignant PCLs: EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS), EUS-guided fiberoptic probe cystoscopy (cystoscopy), mFB, and nCLE. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. We identified patients who had undergone EUS, with or without additional diagnostic techniques, and had been diagnosed with PCLs. We determined agreement among malignancy after 24-mo follow-up findings with detection of potentially malignant PCLs via the EUS-guided techniques and/or EUS-guided biopsy when available (EUS malignancy detection). RESULTS: A total of 129 patients were included, with EUS performed alone in 47/129. In 82/129 patients, EUS procedures were performed with additional EUS-FNA (21/82), CE-EUS (20/82), cystoscopy (27/82), mFB (36/82), nCLE (44/82). Agreement between EUS malignancy detection and the 24-mo follow-up findings was higher when associated with additional diagnostic techniques than EUS alone [62/82 (75.6%) vs 8/47 (17%); OR 4.35, 95%CI: 2.70-7.37; P < 0.001]. The highest malignancy detection accuracy was reached when nCLE and direct intracystic mFB were both performed, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and observed agreement of 100%, 89.4%, 77.8%, 100% and 92.3%, respectively (P < 0.001 compared with EUS-alone). CONCLUSION: The combined use of EUS-guided mFB and nCLE improves detection of potentially malignant PCLs compared with EUS-alone, EUS-FNA, CE-EUS or cystoscopy.

Real-time ultrasound-guided lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia in obese or appropriate body condition score dogs: A randomized clinical trial.

Correctly identifying the puncture site and needle position in obese dogs can be challenging to achieve epidural anaesthesia. The current study aimed to evaluate a real-time ultrasound-guided technique, to perform epidural anaesthesia in obese or appropriate body condition score dogs, based on visualization of local anaesthetic flow during its injection, compared to the traditional method of palpation of anatomical landmarks. Seventy-two client-owned dogs were evaluated in a prospective, comparative, randomized clinical trial, allocated into four groups of 18 dogs. For the Palpation-guided 1 (PG1) and 2 (PG2) groups, epidural anaesthesia was based on palpating anatomical landmarks. Dogs with a body condition score (BCS) 1-5/9 were included in the PG1 (non-obese), and those with a BCS 6-9/9 in PG2 (obese) groups. In the Ultrasound-guided 1 (USG1 - BCS 1-5/9) and 2 (USG2 - BCS 6-9/9) groups, epidural anaesthesia was guided by ultrasound (US). The flow of anaesthetic through the epidural canal was observed in all dogs by US. There were fewer needle-to-bone contacts in the US-guided groups when performing epidural anaesthesia; this only occurred on the vertebral laminae, never in the vertebral canal. Ultrasound guidance enabled local anaesthetic injection into the epidural space without the need for palpation of anatomical landmarks to guide needle placement. Blood reflux occurred in 11.1% (PG1), 22.2% (PG2), 5.5% (USG1), and 0% (USG2) of the dogs. Ultrasound-guided punctures led to fewer vascular punctures. Epidural anaesthesia was effective in all animals, and no complications were observed.

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks: Suggested Procedural Guidelines for Emergency Physicians.

Acute pain is one of the most frequent, and yet one of the most challenging, complaints physicians encounter in the emergency department (ED). Currently, opioids are one of several pain medications given for acute pain, but given the long-term side effects and potential for abuse, alternative pain regimens are sought. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNB) can provide quick and sufficient pain control and therefore can be considered a component of a physician's multimodal pain plan in the ED. As UGNB are more widely implemented at the point of care, guidelines are needed to assist emergency providers to acquire the skill necessary to incorporate them into their acute pain management.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transgastric Puncture and Drainage of an Adrenal Abscess in an Immunosuppressed Patient.

Adrenal gland infection is a clinical entity of great importance, but it is a largely unrecognized pathology. Immunosuppressed individuals are at a higher risk of presentation. Herein, we describe a young female patient, recently diagnosed with HIV, who presented with severe sepsis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, associated with a left adrenal abscess. She was initially treated with antibiotics; however, due to the persistence of the systemic inflammatory response and bacteremia, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage was performed. This procedure was successful in resolving the clinical situation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided adrenal gland drainage can be a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive option for managing antibiotic-refractory adrenal abscesses in immunosuppressed patients.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in children. Five-year experience at a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Percutaneous liver biopsy with histopathologic analysis is a valuable tool for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment evaluation of liver diseases. Its ultrasound-guided performance is useful, making the procedure safer and reducing the risk for complications and hospital stay. Our aim was to describe the indications, histopathologic study, and complications associated with the performance of ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 102 ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsies performed on patients <16 years of age, within the time frame of January 2014 and December 2019. The information was obtained from electronic files and histopathologic studies and the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 102 procedures were carried out on 99 patients. Mean patient age was 72 months and 58.8% of the patients were female. Over 65% of the indications for liver biopsy included autoimmune hepatitis (23.5%), elevated liver enzymes (21.5%), and chronic liver disease (20.5%). Four patients presented with immediate complications (3.9%), three of which were major (2.9%), concurring with that reported in the international literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborates the importance of ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric patients. The procedure also had a low complication rate of only 3.9%.

Tratamiento del embarazo ectópico no complicado con inyección local de metotrexato / Management of uncomplicated ectopic pregnancy with local injection of methotrexate

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia en la atención de pacientes con embarazo ectópico no complicado con una inyección local de metotrexato guiada por ecografía. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y de serie de casos llevado a cabo del 1 de enero del 2021 al 28 de febrero del 2022 en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Perú. Las participantes tuvieron embarazo ectópico no complicado, tratado con inyección local de metotrexato guiada por ecografía. Los datos se obtuvieron de los registros en las historias clínicas. El análisis estadístico se procesó en el programa SPSS 19. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 222 casos de embarazo ectópico y se aplicaron 11 inyecciones locales con metotrexato guiadas por ecografía. De acuerdo con su localización 4 embarazos fueron tubáricos, 1 cervical y 6 en cicatriz de cesárea. La edad promedio de las embarazadas fue de 34.5 años. El promedio de semanas de embarazo fue de 7. La concentración inicial de b-hCG fue de 42812.55 mU/mL. El tamaño promedio del saco gestacional fue de 22.8 mm. El tamaño medio de los embriones fue de 7.81 mm. Se detectó actividad cardiaca embrionaria en 10 casos que recibieron una inyección intratorácica de cloruro de potasio hasta que no se evidenció el latido cardiaco. Un solo caso recibió una dosis sistémica adicional de metotrexato. Otro caso resultó con hemoperitoneo, por rotura de embarazo ectópico luego de la inyección local. CONCLUSIONES: La inyección local de metotrexato, guiada por ecografía, es una alternativa a otras técnicas quirúrgicas aplicadas para tratar pacientes con embarazo ectópico no complicado, con indicación quirúrgica.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience in the care of patients with uncomplicated ectopic pregnancy with ultrasound-guided local injection of methotrexate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive, case series study conducted from January 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022 at the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Peru. Participants had uncomplicated ectopic pregnancy treated with ultrasound-guided local injection of methotrexate. Data were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was processed in SPSS 19. RESULTS: 11 ultrasound-guided local methotrexate injections were performed. According to their location 4 pregnancies were tubal, 1 cervical and 6 in cesarean scar. The average age of the pregnant women was 34.5 years. The average number of weeks of pregnancy was 7. The initial b-hCG concentration was 42812.55 mU/mL. The mean gestational sac size was 22.8 mm. The mean embryo size was 7.81 mm. Embryonic cardiac activity was detected in 10 cases that received an intrathoracic injection of potassium chloride until no heartbeat was evident. A single case received an additional systemic dose of methotrexate. Another case resulted in hemoperitoneum, due to rupture of ectopic pregnancy after local injection. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided local injection of methotrexate is an alternative to other surgical techniques applied to treat patients with uncomplicated ectopic pregnancy with surgical indication.

Ultrasound-Guided Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling: A Minimally Invasive Autopsy Strategy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil, 2020.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive autopsies, also known as minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), have proven to be an alternative to complete diagnostic autopsies (CDAs) in places or situations where this procedure cannot be performed. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, CDAs were suspended by March 2020 in Brazil to reduce biohazard. To contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 pathology, we have conducted ultrasound (US)-guided MITS as a strategy. METHODS: This case series study includes 80 autopsies performed in patients with COVID-19 confirmed by laboratorial tests. Different organs were sampled using a standardized MITS protocol. Tissues were submitted to histopathological analysis as well as immunohistochemical and molecular analysis and electron microscopy in selected cases. RESULTS: US-guided MITS proved to be a safe and highly accurate procedure; none of the personnel were infected, and accuracy ranged from 69.1% for kidney, up to 90.1% for lungs, and reaching 98.7% and 97.5% for liver and heart, respectively. US-guided MITS provided a systemic view of the disease, describing the most common pathological findings and identifying viral and other infectious agents using ancillary techniques, and also allowed COVID-19 diagnosis confirmation in 5% of the cases that were negative in premortem and postmortem nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that US-guided MITS has the capacity similar to CDA not only to identify but also to characterize emergent diseases.

Comparison of the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The lateral sagittal brachial plexus block is the most used method for pediatric upper extremity surgery, whereas the applications of costoclavicular brachial plexus block are limited. This study aimed to compare the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty pediatric patients aged 5-15 years undergoing hand or forearm surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Group LS (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal block, and Group CC (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. The block performing time, needling time, imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The needling time (82.90 ± 28.17 seconds vs. 64.77 ± 28.11 seconds respectively, p = 0.004) and total block performance time (109.53 ± 29.75 seconds vs. 89.70 ± 29.98 seconds respectively, p = 0.005) were significantly longer in Group LS than in Group CC. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Costoclavicular and lateral sagittal brachial plexus blocks resulted in similar anesthetics effects. Moreover, the costoclavicular method can be a better alternative to lateral sagittal as it has a shorter block performance time.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in children. Five-year experience at a tertiary care center. / Biopsia hepática percutánea guiada por ultrasonido en pediatría. Experiencia de 5 años en un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Percutaneous liver biopsy with histopathologic analysis is a valuable tool for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment evaluation of liver diseases. Its ultrasound-guided performance is useful, making the procedure safer and reducing the risk for complications and hospital stay. Our aim was to describe the indications, histopathologic study, and complications associated with the performance of ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 102 ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsies performed on patients <16 years of age, within the time frame of January 2014 and December 2019. The information was obtained from electronic files and histopathologic studies and the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 102 procedures were carried out on 99 patients. Mean patient age was 72 months and 58.8% of the patients were female. Over 65% of the indications for liver biopsy included autoimmune hepatitis (23.5%), elevated liver enzymes (21.5%), and chronic liver disease (20.5%). Four patients presented with immediate complications (3.9%), three of which were major (2.9%), concurring with that reported in the international literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborates the importance of ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric patients. The procedure also had a low complication rate of only 3.9%.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with ultrasound-assisted puncture: does the technique reduce dependence on fluoroscopic ionizing radiation?

PURPOSE: The ultrasound-guided (US) puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has demonstrated advantages over traditional fluoroscopy access. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the reduction of fluoroscopy time using this technique during PCNL as the surgeon gained experience. METHODS: Transversal study performed on 30 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL from March to November 2019. All punctures were performed with US guidance. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 15 each according to the chronological order of the intervention. Demographic data, preoperative parameters, puncture time, fluoroscopy time, stone-free rate and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The time of fluoroscopy was considerably reduced as the experience in the number of cases increased, reducing from 83.09 ± 47.8 s in group 1 to 22.8 ± 10.3 s in group 2 (p < 0.01), the time required to perform the puncture was reduced of 108.1 ± 68.9 s in group 1, to 92.6 ± 94.7 s in group 2 (p < 0.67). Stone free rate of 83.3% was obtained globally. CONCLUSION: US percutaneous renal access is safe and reproducible technique; the main advantage is to reduce exposure to radiation without compromising clinical results and has a short learning curve for urologists with prior experience in PCNL.

Pancreatic Metastasis from Malignant Melanoma: Not All That Glitters Is Gold.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy of the pancreas; on rare occasions, metastatic tumors are present. Differentiating a primary neoplasm from a metastatic one is important for ensuring adequate treatment for the patient. We present a case of metastatic melanoma to the pancreas. A 60-year-old man presented with a history of weight loss, vague abdominal pain, jaundice, and pruritus. Laboratory tests showed increased total bilirubin, with a direct fraction predominance, as well as increased alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Imaging studies revealed a mass in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy was performed, and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. This case report illustrates the invaluable use of EUS-guided tissue acquisition in the study of pancreatic solid lesions to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Melanomas should always be part of a differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with pancreatic masses.