Different sonographic presentations of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

BACKROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma of fibroblastic origin. This tumor originates in the dermis and infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue. The highest incidence occurs in the third and fourth decades of life, affecting most frequently the trunk and proximal extremities. Ultrasound is performed in those cases where the clinical appearance of the lesion is not typical and when the physician wants to determine the extent and depth of the lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the ultrasound and demographic findings of thirteen patients with DFSP. RESULTS: 13 patients, 8 females and 5 males, aged from 2 months to 58 years old. One patient with two different separated synchronous tumors. On ultrasonography they compromised the dermal hypodermal layers in 93% of the cases and 1 dermal lesion. The compromise reached the aponeurotic plane in two cases. The sized varied from 5 to 38 mm. They presented as a well-defined hypoechogenic nodule in seven cases (50%). In three cases (21%) they presented as a hypoechogenic infiltrate ill-defined border solid lesion; in two cases as a plaque ill-defined lesion, and two cases as a pseudonodular inflammatory lesion with irregular borders. All lesions appeared vascularized on color Doppler imaging. CONCLUSION: DFSP is a low grade sarcoma of fibroblastic origin, that usually arises in the dermis and infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue. The clinical presentations are variable. On ultrasound we found different patterns: well-defined hypoechogenic solid nodule, hypoechogenic infiltrate ill-defined border solid lesion, plaque ill-defined lesion, and pseudonodular inflammatory lesion. It is important to know and recognize this suspicious different ultrasound presentations in order to recommend a histological study.

Diagnóstico prenatal de vasa previa tipo 3, comunicación de un caso

La vasa previa es una patología poco frecuente en la que los vasos umbilicales se encuentran transcurriendo en las cercanías del orificio cervical interno. Habitualmente está asociada a inserción velamentosa del cordón, placenta succenturiata, inserción baja placentaria y fertilización in vitro. Tiene importantes implicancias perinatales el lograr un diagnóstico precoz en el segundo trimestre, porque se logra disminuir la mortalidad neonatal. Presentamos el primer caso de diagnóstico prenatal de vasa previa tipo 3 (una variante poco conocida) comunicado en el Perú en una gestante con placenta previa y sin diagnóstico hasta el tercer trimestre.

Vasa previa is a rare condition in which the umbilical vessels are found to run in the vicinity of the internal cervical os. It is usually associated with velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord, placenta succenturiata, low placenta insertion and in vitro fertilization. Early diagnosis in the second trimester has important perinatal implications because it reduces neonatal mortality. We present the first case of prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa type 3 (a little known variant) reported in Peru in a pregnant woman with placenta previa and undiagnosed until the third trimester.

Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasound in patients undergoing elective craniotomy: A prospective observational feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Brain ultrasound allows measuring the cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter. Literature is scarce in determining the feasibility to perioperatively perform these measurements altogether and the cerebrovascular behavior in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy. METHODS: We assessed bilateral cerebral flow velocities, composite index, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by cerebral ultrasound in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy before anesthetic induction, at extubation, and at 6 and 24 h after. The aim was to assess the feasibility of brain ultrasound in patients for elective craniotomy and to describe the changes in cerebral flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter from baseline values at different times in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included, of these two were excluded from analysis due to an inadequate sonographic window. There were no changes throughout the study regarding cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift nor optic nerve sheath diameter assessments. All parameters were maintained in the physiological range without significant variations during the procedure. No perioperative complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show the feasibility to perform a perioperative assessment of cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift or optic nerve sheath diameter jointly and successfully to obtain additional information of baseline cerebral hemodynamics in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy and their postoperative changes during the first 24 h. Future studies with lager samples are needed to address the efficacy of cerebral ultrasound as a monitoring tool.

Medición de las velocidades de flujo sanguíneo cerebral, desviación de la línea media y diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico mediante ecografía en pacientes sometidos a craneotomía electiva: Estudio observacional prospectivo / Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasound in patients undergoing elective craniotomy: A prospective observational feasibility study

Introducción: La ecografía cerebral permite valorar las velocidades del flujo sanguíneo cerebral (VFSC), la desviación de la línea media (DLM) y el diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico (DVNO). La literatura es escasa en determinar la viabilidad de realizar dichas medidas, de forma conjunta en el perioperatorio, en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva. Métodos: Evaluamos las VFSC de forma bilateral con sus índices compuestos, la DLM y el DVNO por medio de ultrasonido cerebral en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva antes de la inducción anestésica, en la extubación inmediata, a las seis y 24 horas posoperatorias. El objetivo fue evaluar la viabilidad del uso de la ecografía cerebral en pacientes sometidos a craneotomía electiva y describir los cambios de estas mediciones en diferentes momentos con respecto a los valores basales. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 16 pacientes en el estudio, de los cuales dos se excluyeron del análisis debido a una mala ventana ecográfica. No hubo cambios a lo largo del estudio con respecto a las VFSC, tampoco en la DLM o en el DVNO. Todos los parámetros se mantuvieron dentro de los rangos fisiológicos sin variaciones significativas durante el procedimiento. No hubo complicaciones perioperatorias. Conclusiones: Los resultados de nuestro trabajo muestran la factibilidad de realizar una valoración perioperatoria de las VFSC, DLM y DVNO de forma conjunta y exitosa para obtener información de la hemodinámica cerebral basal en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva y valorar sus cambios durante las primeras 24 horas del posoperatorio. Son necesarios estudios con mayor número de pacientes para evaluar la eficacia del ultrasonido cerebral como herramienta de monitorización neurológica perioperatoria.(AU)

Background: Brain ultrasound allows measuring the cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter. Literature is scarce in determining the feasibility to perioperatively perform these measurements altogether and the cerebrovascular behavior in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy. Methods: We assessed bilateral cerebral flow velocities, composite index, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by cerebral ultrasound in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy before anesthetic induction, at extubation, and at 6 and 24 hours after. The aim was to assess the feasibility of brain ultrasound in patients for elective craniotomy and to describe the changes in cerebral flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter from baseline values at different times in the postoperative period. Results: Sixteen patients were included, of these two were excluded from analysis due to an inadequate sonographic window. There were no changes throughout the study regarding cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift nor optic nerve sheath diameter assessments. All parameters were maintained in the physiological range without significant variations during the procedure. No perioperative complications were detected. Conclusions: The results of our study show the feasibility to perform a perioperative assessment of cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift or optic nerve sheath diameter jointly and successfully to obtain additional information of baseline cerebral hemodynamics in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy and their postoperative changes during the first 24 hours. Future studies with lager samples are needed to address the efficacy of cerebral ultrasound as a monitoring tool.(AU)

Malformación arteriovenosa uterina. Un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico / Uterine arteriovenous malformation: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Introducción: Las malformaciones arteriovenosas uterinas (MAVU) generalmente se presentan como sangrado vaginal en mujeres en edad fértil. Los antecedentes obstétricos o quirúrgicos uterinos y la ecografía son clave para la sospecha de esta dolencia. Existen múltiples tratamientos disponibles tanto médicos como quirúrgicos, con efectividad diversa. Material y métodos: Analizamos el proceso diagnóstico y terapéutico de 3 pacientes con episodios de metrorragias y antecedentes obstétricos o cirugías uterinas que presentaban MAVU. Resultados: En los 3 casos analizados, se realizó tratamiento médico como primera elección. Tras el fracaso del tratamiento médico mediante gestágenos orales, metilergometrina o ácido tranexámico, se realizó embolización transarterial con oclusión del nido o punto de la fístula. Conclusiones: Con base en nuestra experiencia, debido a la demora entre el diagnóstico y la amplia variedad de tratamientos de las MAVU, la embolización supraselectiva podría valorarse como uno de los tratamientos con mayor tasa de eficacia en un perfil de paciente que habitualmente no ha completado su deseo genésico. Aunque los resultados a corto plazo parece que no afectan a la fertilidad, sería importante realizar un seguimiento prospectivo de estas pacientes en lo que respecta a la consecución de nueva gestación o recidiva de MAVU.(AU)

Introduction: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (UAVM) usually present as vaginal bleeding in women of childbearing age. Obstetric or uterine surgical history and ultrasound are key when suspecting this pathology. There are multiple treatments available, including medical surgery or interventional radiology with different effectiveness. Material and methods: We analysed the diagnosis and management of three patients with episodes of vaginal bleeding and obstetric history, or uterine surgeries with a MAVU diagnosis. Results: In the three cases analysed, medical treatment was provided as first line treatment. After the failure of medical treatment with oral gestagens, methylergometrine, or tranexamic acid, transarterial embolization was performed with occlusion of the nidus or fistula point. Conclusions: Based on our experience, due to the delay between diagnosis and the wide variety of MAVU treatments, supraselective embolization could be assessed as one of the treatments with the highest rate of efficacy in a patient profile that has usually not fulfilled their reproductive desire. Although the short-term results do not seem to affect fertility, it is important to prospectively follow-up these patients regarding achievement of a new pregnancy or recurrence of MAVU.(AU)

Right ventricular myocardial performance index (Tei) in premature infants

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the right ventricular myocardial performance index) based on echocardiography in very low birth weight premature neonates, close to hospital discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study that included premature neonates with birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <37 weeks at the Intermediate Neonatal Unit of Bonsucesso Federal Hospital from July 2005 to July 2006. The infants underwent two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography, being the right ventricular myocardial performance index evaluated close to hospital discharge. We compared the neonatal and echocardiographic variables in neonates with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RESULTS: A total of 81 exams were analyzed. The mean birth (standard deviation) weight and gestational age were 1,140 (235) g and 30 (2.2) weeks, respectively. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 32%. The mean right ventricle myocardial performance index (standard deviation) of the sample was 0.13 (0.06). We found a significant difference in aortic diameter [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.79 (0.07) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.87 (0.11) cm, p=0.003], left ventricle in diastole [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.4 (0.19) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.59 (0.21) cm, p=0.0006], ventricular septal thickness [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.23 (0.03) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.26 (0.05) cm, p=0.032], and "a" measurement [(= sum of the isovolumetric contraction time, ejection time, and isovolumetric relaxation time) when calculating the myocardial performance index (p=0.01)]. CONCLUSION: Higher "a" interval in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia suggests right ventricle diastolic dysfunction. We conclude that the right ventricle myocardial performance index is an important indicator both of ventricular function and for serial follow-up testing of very low birth weight premature neonates, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Study on characteristics of microvascular perfusion with superb micro-vascular imaging after tibia transverse bone transport for diabetic foot / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of super micro vascular imaging (SMI) in evaluating the microvascular perfusion of diabetes foot treated by tibial transverse bone transport.Methods:A retrospective study of 18 diabetic foot patients who underwent tibial transverse bone transport in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2019 to December 2021 were analysed, including 12 males and 6 females, with an average age of 64.89±14.34 years (range, 30-90 years). All patients had varying degrees of foot ulcer. Before and after the operation, the blood vessels of the patient's lower leg and foot were examined. The display rate of low-velocity blood flow was compared between color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and SMI; the blood flow and vascular index at the beginning of the first dorsal metatarsal artery before and after operation under SMI were compared; the number and length of new blood vessels were also compared before and after operation.Results:All patients were followed up for at least 2 months. CDFI blood flow display rate was 73.6% (106/144), and SMI blood flow display rate was 80.6% (116/144), the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.68, P=0.031). Under SMI, the blood flow at the beginning of the first dorsal metatarsal artery on the affected side was measured before operation 3.38 (1.33, 7.56) ml/min, 1 week after operation 4.19(2.84, 11.48) ml/min and 1 month after operation 3.72 (2.52, 11.40) ml/min, with statistically significant difference (χ 2=9.46, P=0.009). There were statistically significant differences in blood flow at 1 week and 1 month after operation compared with that before operation ( P=0.033, P=0.003). The vascular index at the beginning of the first dorsal metatarsal artery on the affected side was 3.84±3.60, 6.51±4.92 and 6.82±5.36 before operation, 1 week and 1 month after operation, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant( F=4.35, P=0.031). The vascular index in the first week after operation was significantly higher than that before operation ( P=0.026). Up to the last follow-up, the number of new collaterals in 18 patients was 4.5 (2, 8), which was significantly different from 1 (0, 2) before operation ( Z=-3.57, P=0.001). In total, the length of 18 new blood vessels in 9 patients was longer than that before operation, and the establishment of grade 2 and grade 3 branches were observed in 5 patients. The superficial subcutaneous vessels were showed more clarity than that before surgery, and there was collateral circulation on the opposite side. Conclusion:SMI objectively reflects the changes of hemodynamics and microcirculation of patients after tibial transverse bone transport, and helps clinical preliminary predict the prognosis of patients and adjust individual treatment plan according to blood perfusion in time.

Evaluation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula insufficiency by ultrasound monitoring of brachial artery resistance index / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the autogenous arteriovenous fistula(AVF) insufficiency by ultrasound monitoring of brachial artery resistance index(RI).Methods:The brachial artery RI and blood flow volume(FV) data of 828 patients who underwent color-Doppler ultrasound detection after AVF in the General Hospital of Western Theater Command from January 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to the adequacy of clinical dialysis, including 668 patients in the group with normal AVF function and 160 patients in the group with insufficient AVF function. The general information and ultrasonic measurement parameters were compared between the two groups. The correlation between brachial artery FV and RI was analyzed. The evaluation of brachial artery flow RI for AVF insufficiency was analyzed by ROC curve.Results:There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in brachial artery RI and FV(both P<0.001). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that brachial artery FV was negatively correlated to RI ( r=-0.657, P<0.001). The area under ROC curve for assessing AVF function by brachial artery RI was 0.970, with 95% CI was 0.955-0.986, the optimal cut-off value was 0.665, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.888 and 0.955, respectively. Conclusions:Brachial artery RI in patients with AVF insufficiency is significantly higher than that in patients with normal AVF function. The optimal cutoff value of brachial artery RI can be used as an evaluation parameter for rapid screening of AVF function.

Construction of predictive model for renal allograft rejection based on clinical multimodal ultrasound features / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To construct a nomogram for predicting the occurrence of renal allograft rejection based on the combination of multimodal ultrasound features and clinical data.Methods:The ultrasound findings and clinical characteristics of 102 patients with transplanted kidneys who underwent renal biopsy in the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2021 to March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into rejection group and nephropathy group according to Banff transplant kidney pathological diagnostic criteria (2017 edition). Multivariate Logistic regression was used to screen independent predictors related to the status of rejection, and nomograms were drawn based on the independent predictors. The internal validation of the nomogram was carried out by Bootstrap method, and the ROC curve and calibration curve were utilized to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the nomogram.Results:Blood urea nitrogen concentration, renal aortic resistance index, absolute time to peak and cortical echo were independent predictors of rejection( OR=1.073, 1.078, 0.843, 0.205; all P<0.05). Incorporating blood urea nitrogen concentration, renal aortic resistance index, absolute peak time and cortical echo, the nomogram was constructed. The AUC of the predictive model was 0.814(95% CI=0.722-0.905) and the cutoff value was 0.67(corresponding to a total score of about 157 points). Both internal verification (AUC=0.788) and calibration curve demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Conclusions:The nomogram for predicting the occurrence of rejection in renal allograft patients based on multimodal ultrasound features and clinical data can guide the individualized treatment of patients with renal dysfunction.

Application and new progress of transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer / 中国医师杂志

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the male urogenital system. Transrectal ultrasound has become a commonly used method for the diagnosis and biopsy of prostate cancer due to its simplicity, economy, and non radiation. This article will discuss the current application status and progress of traditional transrectal ultrasound, color doppler ultrasound, ultrasound imaging, elastic ultrasound, micro ultrasound, tissue scanning, and multimodal ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Diagnosis and evaluation of 38 cases of pelvic congestion syndrome and single center experience in intracavitary treatment / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic evaluation process and the effectiveness and safety of intracavitary therapy for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from March 2019 to February 2022. Combined with the patient′s symptoms, PCS was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography venography (CTV), and venography. The ovarian vein was embolized with controllable spring coil and polydocanol foam sclerosing agent. The patients were followed up 1, 3 and 6 months after operation.Results:The total surgical success rate of 38 patients was 100%, and the incidence of complications was 5.3%(2/38); Spring coils (2.8±0.3)per person; The dosage of hardener was (7.0±2.1)ml/person. The improvement rate of patient symptoms was 97.4%(37/38); After 1, 3, and 6 months of surgery, color Doppler ultrasound was reexamined and no recanalization was observed in the embolized ovarian veins; The diameter of the parauterine vein was (2.8±0.5)mm, which was significantly lower than the preoperative (7.5±1.9)mm ( P<0.05); The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower than the preoperative score [(2.12±1.87)points vs (7.58±0.82)points, P<0.001]. Conclusions:Process based assessment is helpful in identifying and diagnosing PCS patients who urgently need treatment; Endovascular treatment based on embolization of ovarian vein with controllable spring coil and foam sclerosing agent is minimally invasive, safe and effective.

Clinical features of portal biliopathy / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveThis article aims to investigate the clinical features of portal biliopathy （PB） patients， in order to improve the understanding of PB. MethodsClinical data were collected from 22 patients who were diagnosed with PB in recent years in The First Hospital of Jilin University， and an analysis was performed for their clinical manifestations， liver function， abdominal color Doppler ultrasound， abdominal CT， and hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging. The imaging manifestations of biliary tract abnormalities were described， as well as the type of collateral circulation and the location of thrombosis. ResultsAs for the initial symptom in these 22 patients， three were 11 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding， 5 with abdominal distension， 3 with abdominal pain， 1 with fever， 1 with abdominal discomfort， and 1 with gingival bleeding. There were 3 patients with an increase in aspartate aminotransferase， 4 with an increase in alanine aminotransferase， 4 with an increase in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase， 7 with an increase in alkaline phosphatase， 8 with a reduction in cholinesterase， 9 with a reduction in albumin， 2 with an increase in globulin， and 5 with an increase in total bilirubin. Among the 22 patients， 20 had cavernous transformation of the portal vein， and 2 had portal vein thrombosis without cavernous transformation. All 22 patients had bile duct abnormalities， among whom 2 had extrahepatic bile duct abnormalities alone， 12 had intrahepatic bile duct dilatation alone， and 8 had dilatation of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Varices at different sites were observed in 20 patients， among whom 19 had esophageal and gastric varices and 1 had peri-gallbladder varices， and no varices was observed in the superior mesenteric vein or the splenic vein. ConclusionThere are no typical clinical symptoms and changes in liver function parameters in patients with PB， but radiological examination may show dilatation， stenosis， or malformation of the bile ducts at different parts. Therefore， it is necessary to expand the sample size to further explore the diagnosis and treatment of PB.

Significance of jellyfish sign in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes of complete placenta previa combined with placenta accreta spectrum disorders / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of jellyfish sign, an abnormal ultrasonographic sign, in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes of women with complete placenta previa combined with placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the ultrasound images of 72 singleton gravidas, diagnosed with complete placenta previa combined with PAS, who underwent cesarean section at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and February 2023. Based on the presence and absence of the jellyfish sign in ultrasound images, these gravidas were divided into the jellyfish-sign group (15 cases, 20.8%) and the non-jellyfish-sign group (57 cases, 79.2%). The clinical data and perinatal outcomes of the two groups were analyzed. The adverse perinatal outcomes encompassed conditions such as abdominal aorta balloon block, uterine artery embolism, hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission of their neonates. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square (or Fisher's exact) test. Results:(1) The jellyfish-sign group exhibited a higher parity [(1.6±0.7) times vs (1.2±0.6) times, t=2.01] and higher prenatal scores of placenta accreta [(12.3±1.5) scores vs (8.6±2.9) scores, t=6.59] than those in the non-jellyfish-sign group (both P<0.05). Among the 57 cases in the non-jellyfish-sign group, there were 14 cases of placenta creta (24.6%), 40 cases of placenta increta (70.2%), and three cases of placenta percreta (5.3%). Among the 15 cases in the jellyfish-sign group, nine cases were diagnosed with placenta increta, six with placenta percreta, and none with placenta creta. The difference in distribution between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P<0.001). (2) Intraoperative blood loss [(for those who accepted abdominal aorta balloon block, 1 973±1 057) ml vs (1 211±576) ml, t=2.55], red blood cells transfused [4.0 U (2.0-23.0 U) vs 2.5 U (0.0-11.0 U), Z=－2.53], postoperative hospitalization time [(9.7±2.4) vs (7.5±2.2) d, t=3.36], the incidence of abdominal aorta balloon block [15/15 vs 38.6% (22/57), χ2=17.92], uterine artery embolism [for those who accepted abdominal aorta balloon block, 3/15 vs 1.8% (1/57), Fisher's exact test], and requiring blood transfusion [15/15 vs 63.2% (36/57), Fisher's exact test] were higher in the jellyfish-sign group than those in the non-jellyfish-sign group. However, the non-jellyfish-sign group had lower gestational age at delivery [(33.6±1.5) weeks vs (35.2±1.8) weeks, t=－3.24], and lower neonatal Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min [1 min: 8 scores (3-10 scores) vs 9 scores (4-10 scores), Z=－2.46; 5 min: 9 scores (7-10 scores) vs 10 scores (6-10 scores), Z=－2.02] (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in emergency surgery rate, 24 h postoperative blood loss, neonatal birth weight, and proportion of NICU admission between the two groups. Additionally, no cases of hysterectomy or death were observed in the two groups. Conclusions:Ultrasound examination revealing jellyfish signs in patients with complete placenta previa and PAS is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes. Consequently, the management of these patients should be given greater attention.

Application of uterine artery blood flow ultrasonic parameters in prognosis evaluation of threatened abortion during early pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the application value of uterine artery blood flow ultrasound parameters in evaluating the prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy.Methods:In this non-randomized controlled prospective clinical study, 108 women with threatened abortion during early pregnancy (6-12 weeks of pregnancy) who received treatment in the Health Community Group of Yuhuan Second People's Hospital from July 2021 to December 2022 were included in the observation group. An additional 108 healthy women who were at the early stage of pregnancy were selected for the control group. Color Doppler ultrasound was performed in both groups to measure the ultrasonic parameters of uterine artery blood flow (peak systolic/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, pulsatility index) and compare their differences. The pregnant women in the observation group were followed up until 28 weeks of gestation, and their prognosis was analyzed. The pregnant women who had successfully insured their babies were included in the good prognosis group, and the pregnant women who had aborted their babies were included in the poor prognosis group. The ultrasonic parameters of uterine artery blood flow in the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between ultrasound parameters of uterine artery blood flow and poor prognosis.Results:In the observation group, the systolic peak/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, and pulsatility index on the left side were (6.46 ± 1.71), (0.97 ± 0.30), (2.72 ± 0.89), respectively, and they were (6.49 ± 1.70), (0.96 ± 0.32), (2.70 ± 0.91) respectively on the right side, which were significantly greater than (3.90 ± 1.02), (0.64 ± 0.17), (1.36 ± 0.54), (3.91 ± 1.04), (0.62 ± 0.18), (1.35 ± 0.52) in the control group ( t = 13.36, 9.95, 13.58, 13.45, 9.62, 13.39, all P < 0.001). Twenty-eight-week follow-up results showed that 72 women (66.67%) in the observation group had successfully insured their babies and 36 women (33.33%) had aborted their babies. In the good prognosis group, the systolic peak/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, and pulsatile index were (7.95 ± 1.89), (1.22 ± 0.36), (3.06 ± 0.95) on the left side, and they were (7.45 ± 1.94), (1.24 ± 0.37), and (3.03 ± 0.96) on the right side, which were significantly greater than (4.72 ± 1.27), (0.77 ± 0.24), (1.74 ± 0.69), (4.74 ± 1.32), (0.75 ± 0.25), (1.77 ± 0.70) in the poor prognosis group ( t = 10.53, 7.73, 8.23, 8.55, 8.14, 7.76, all P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that peak systolic/end diastolic flow velocity and resistance index were risk factors for poor prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy, while the pulsatility index had no significant correlation with poor prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy. Conclusion:Uterine artery blood flow ultrasound parameters have a certain predictive value for the prognosis evaluation of threatened abortion during early pregnancy, which can provide an important reference for clinical fetal protection treatment and benefit the prognosis of pregnant women.

Ultrasound findings and related factors of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the value of ultrasound findings in the diagnosis of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and correlate it with clinical factors.Methods:A total of 535 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received treatment in Taiyuan Second People's Hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 underwent color Doppler ultrasound examination (T2DM group). Vascular inner diameter, intima-media thickness, atherosclerotic plaque formation, lumen stenosis or occlusion, and hemodynamic characteristics were determined in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus compared with those in 107 patients with non-type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-T2DM group). These parameters were correlated with the course of the disease, blood glucose level, concomitant hypertension or not, and clinical Wagner grade.Results:The incidences of intima-media thickening, atherosclerotic plaque, stenosis, and occlusion of lower extremity arteries were 69.9%, 89.0%, 77.0% and 11.6% respectively, in the T2DM group, which were significantly higher than 41.1%, 78.5%, 72.0%, and 1.9% respectively in the non-T2DM group ( χ2 = 32.52, P < 0.001; χ2 = 8.76, P = 0.003; χ2 = 27.77, P < 0.001). With the prolongation of the course of T2DM, the incidence of arterial lesions in the lower extremities increased ( P < 0.001). The incidences of intima-media thickening, atherosclerotic plaque, stenosis, and occlusion of lower extremity arteries were significantly greater in the poor blood glucose control group and non-hypertension group compared with the good blood glucose control group and hypertension group (all P < 0.05). The degree of lower extremity arterial stenosis in T2DM patients was related to Wagner's grade. As the degree of stenosis increased, Wagner's grade increased correspondingly and significantly ( P < 0.001). Conclusion:Color Doppler ultrasound examination has an important value in evaluating lower extremity arterial lesions in patients with T2DM. The degree of arterial lesions in the lower extremities of T2DM patients is correlated with the course of the disease, blood glucose levels, concomitant hypertension, and clinical Wagner grade. Color Doppler ultrasound examination has an important clinical significance in evaluating the degree of vascular lesions and guiding early interventions in the clinic.

Application of high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification for assessing limb muscle tone after stroke / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in the assessment of limb muscle tension after stroke in patients.Methods:A total of 31 patients with stroke who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to May 2022 and 41 healthy controls who concurrently underwent physical examination in the same hospital were included in this study. Before rehabilitation treatment, the shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups of the limbs was measured using virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in all participants. The shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups was compared between the affected and healthy sides of patients between two sides of patients. The patient's muscle tension was evaluated using the modified Ashworth Scale. The shear wave velocity of the affected muscle groups in patients was correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score.Results:There were no significant differences in the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper (biceps, flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus) and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle] limbs between the left [(2.46 ± 0.26) m/s, (2.81 ± 0.50) m/s, (2.96 ± 0.31) m/s, (2.49 ± 0.44) m/s, (2.21 ± 0.20) m/s] and right [(2.42 ± 0.29) m/s, (2.80 ± 0.47) m/s, (3.02 ± 0.36) m/s, (2.54 ± 0.37) m/s, (2.18 ± 0.17) m/s] sides in healthy controls ( t = 0.78, 0.04, 0.83, 0.58, 1.15, P = 0.435, 0.967, 0.405, 0.558, 0.216). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper [flexor digitorum sublimis (3.74 ± 0.67) m/s, flexor digitorum profundus (3.64 ± 0.60) m/s), biceps (3.63 ± 0.64) m/s] and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (3.28 ± 0.61) m/s, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle (2.90 ± 0.37) m/s] limbs on the affected side in patients with stroke were significantly higher than (2.56 ± 0.40) m/s, (2.67 ± 0.38) m/s, (2.78 ± 0.41) m/s, (2.30 ± 0.21) m/s, (2.25 ± 0.23) m/s on the healthy side ( t = 11.81, 8.21, 8.75, 8.91, 10.43, all P < 0.001). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper (flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus, and biceps) and lower (medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle) limbs were positively correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score ( r = 0.77, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.78, P = 0.007, 0.029, 0.021, 0.016, 0.001). Conclusion:Monitoring the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs using high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification can effectively reflect the change in limb muscle tension of patients with stroke, which is highly valuable for evaluating rehabilitation efficacy and prognosis in patients with stroke.

Application value of color Doppler ultrasonography combined with thyroid autoantibody detection in early diagnosis of thyroid cancer / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of color Doppler ultrasonography combined with detection of thyroid autoantibodies in the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 108 patients with thyroid cancer who treated in Shaoxing Central Hospital Medical Community General Hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected as the research group, and 108 patients with benign thyroid lesions during the same period were selected as the control group. The ultrasound examination results and the levels of serum thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) were compared between the two groups. The relationship between the thyroid autoantibodies index and the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis; the value of early diagnosis by color Doppler ultrasonography combined with detection of thyroid autoantibodies were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The main features of ultrasonic images in the research group were unclear edge, low echo, irregular shape, chaotic blood flow distribution, internal micro calcification, no envelope and blood flow resistance index ≥0.7. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 86.11% (93/108), the specificity was 87.18% (102/117) and the accuracy was 90.28% (195/216). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in the research group were higher than those in control group: (32.28 ± 2.85) kU/L vs. (21.96 ± 2.54) kU/L, (81.28 ± 7.32) kU/L vs. (51.53 ± 5.86) kU/L, (4.48 ± 1.25) U/L vs. (2.35 ± 0.63 ) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those in the patients without lymph node metastasis: (36.28 ± 3.12) kU/L vs. (30.60 ± 2.54) kU/L, (93.51 ± 8.57) kU/L vs. (76.13 ± 6.62) kU/L, (5.73 ± 1.54) U/L vs. (3.95 ± 1.12) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ were higher than those in the patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ: (35.84 ± 3.28) kU/L vs. (29.74 ± 2.29) kU/L, (89.35 ± 8.16) kU/L vs. (75.52 ± 6.23) kU/L, (5.28 ± 1.49) U/L vs. (3.91 ± 1.25) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis ( r = 0.758, 0.824, 0.695, P<0.05) and clinical stage of thyroid cancer ( r = 0.735, 0.796, 0.673, P<0.05). The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC) of ultrasound examination combined with TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb for early diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 0.930, the sensitivity was 85.19%, and the specificity was 91.67%. The combined diagnostic value was better than single diagnosis. Conclusions:Ultrasound examination combined with serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb has high diagnostic value for early stage thyroid cancer, which is helpful to clinically clarify the condition, and provides a reliable basis for preoperative diagnosis and targeted individualized treatment plan.

Various Intratesticular Hypoechoic Lesions on Scrotal Sonography.

Sonography with a high-frequency transducer is the modality of choice for imaging the scrotum. Most intratesticular lesions are hypoechoic. Differentiation of intratesticular hypoechoic lesions as either malignant or benign is important because the treatment of these lesions vary. In this paper, we review the sonographic features of different types of intratesticular hypoechoic lesions, such as testicular cysts, testicular tumors, testicular inflammatory lesions, segmental testicular infarction, and testicular trauma.

Usefulness of lung ultrasound for early detection of hospital-acquired pneumonia in cardiac critically ill patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is the most common and severe complication in patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) and its diagnosis remains challenging. Nothing is known about the usefulness of lung ultrasound (LUS) in early detection of HAP in patients treated with VA ECMO. Also, LUS and chest radiography were performed when HAP was suspected in cardiac critically ill adult VA ECMO presenting with acute respiratory failure. The sonographic features of HAP in VA ECMO patients were determined and we assessed the performance of the lung ultrasound simplified clinical pulmonary score (LUS-sCPIS), the sCPIS and bioclinical parameters or chest radiography alone for early diagnosis of HAP. RESULTS: We included 70 patients, of which 44 (63%) were independently diagnosed with HAP. LUS examination revealed that color Doppler intrapulmonary flow (P = 0.0000043) and dynamic air bronchogram (P = 0.00024) were the most frequent HAP-related signs. The LUS-sCPIS (area under the curve = 0.77) yielded significantly better results than the sCPIS (area under the curve = 0.65; P = 0.004), while leukocyte count, temperature and chest radiography were not discriminating for HAP diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of HAP is a daily challenge for the clinician managing patients on venoarterial ECMO. Lung ultrasound can be a valuable tool as the initial imaging modality for the diagnosis of pneumonia. Color Doppler intrapulmonary flow and dynamic air bronchogram appear to be particularly insightful for the diagnosis of HAP.

Usefulness of Real-Time Quantitative Microvascular Ultrasonography for Differentiation of Graves' Disease from Destructive Thyroiditis in Thyrotoxic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular ultrasonography (MVUS) is a third-generation Doppler technique that was developed to increase sensitivity compared to conventional Doppler. The purpose of this study was to compare MVUS with conventional color Doppler (CD) and power Doppler (PD) imaging to distinguish Graves' disease (GD) from destructive thyroiditis (DT). METHODS: This prospective study included 101 subjects (46 GDs, 47 DTs, and eight normal controls) from October 2020 to November 2021. All ultrasonography examinations were performed using microvascular flow technology (MV-Flow). The CD, PD, and MVUS images were semi-quantitatively graded according to blood flow patterns. On the MVUS images, vascularity indices (VIs), which were the ratio (%) of color pixels in the total grayscale pixels in a defined region of interest, were obtained automatically. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to verify the diagnostic performance of MVUS. The interclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa analysis were used to analyze the reliability of MVUS (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04879173). RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) for CD, PD, MVUS, and MVUS-VI was 0.822, 0.844, 0.808, and 0.852 respectively. The optimal cutoff value of the MVUS-VI was 24.95% for distinguishing GD and DT with 87% sensitivity and 80.9% specificity. We found a significant positive correlation of MVUS-VI with thyrotropin receptor antibody (r=0.554) and with thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin bioassay (r=0.841). MVUS showed high intra- and inter-observer reliability from various statistical method. CONCLUSION: In a real time and quantitative manner, MVUS-VI could be helpful to differentiate GD from thyroiditis in thyrotoxic patients, with less inter-observer variability.