Ultrasonic Omics Based on Intelligent Classification Algorithm in Hormone Receptor Expression and Efficacy Evaluation of Breast Cancer.

The changes of hormone expression and efficacy of breast cancer (BC) were investigated under the VGG19FCN algorithm and ultrasound omics. 120 patients with BC were selected, of which 90 were positive for hormone receptor and 30 were negative. The VGG19FCN model algorithm and classifier were selected to classify the features of ultrasound breast map, and reliable ultrasound feature data were obtained. The evaluation and analysis of BC hormone receptor expression and clinical efficacy in patients with BC were realized by using ultrasonic omics. The evaluation of the results of the VGG19FCN algorithm was DSC (Dice similarity coefficient) = 0.9626, MPA (mean pixel accuracy) = 0.9676, and IOU (intersection over union) = 0.9155. When the classifier was used to classify the lesion features of BC image, the sensitivity of classification was improved to a certain extent. Compared with the classification of radiologists, when classifying whether patients had BC lesions, the sensitivity increased by 22.7%, the accuracy increased from 71.9% to 79.7%, and the specific evaluation index increased by 0.8%. No substantial difference was indicated between RT (arrive time), WIS (wash in slope), and TTP (time to peak) before and after chemotherapy, P > 0.05. After chemotherapy, the AUC (area under curve) and PI (peak intensity) of ultrasonographic examination were substantially lower than those before chemotherapy, and there were substantial differences in statistics (P < 0.05). In summary, the VGG19FCN algorithm effectively reduces the subjectivity of traditional ultrasound images and can effectively improve the value of ultrasound image features in the accurate diagnosis of BC. It provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent treatment of BC and the prediction of biological behavior. The VGG19FCN algorithm had a good performance in ultrasound image processing of BC patients, and hormone receptor expression changed substantially after chemotherapy treatment.

Intelligent Algorithm-Based Ultrasound Image for Evaluating the Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Scheme on Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease.

This study was aimed at exploring the effect of ultrasound image evaluation of comprehensive nursing scheme based on artificial intelligence algorithms on patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). 44 patients diagnosed with DKD were randomly divided into two groups: group A (no nursing intervention) and group B (comprehensive nursing). In the same period, 32 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. Ultrasonographic images based on the K non-local-means (KNL-Means) filtering algorithm were used to perform imaging examinations in healthy people and DKD patients before and after care. The results suggested that compared with those of the SAE reconstruction algorithm and KAVD reconstruction algorithm, the PSNR value of artificial bee colony algorithm reconstruction of image was higher and the MSE value was lower. The resistant index (RI) of DKD patients in group B after nursing was 0.63 ± 0.06, apparently distinct from the RI of the healthy people (controls) in the same group (0.58 ± 0.06) and the RI of DKD patients in group A (0.68 ± 0.07) (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of complications in DKD patients in group B was apparently inferior to that in group A. After comprehensive nursing intervention (CNI), the scores of all dimensions of quality of life (QoL) in DKD patients in group B were obviously superior versus those in DKD patients in group A. It suggests that implementation of nursing intervention for DKD patients can effectively help patients improve and control the level of renal function, while ultrasound images based on intelligent algorithm can dynamically detect the changes in the level of renal function in patients, which has the value of clinical promotion.

Value of Ultrasonic Image Features in Diagnosis of Perinatal Outcomes of Severe Preeclampsia on account of Deep Learning Algorithm.

This study is aimed at discussing the value of ultrasonic image features in diagnosis of perinatal outcomes of severe preeclampsia on account of deep learning algorithm. 140 pregnant women singleton with severe preeclampsia were selected as the observation group. At the same time, 140 normal singleton pregnant women were selected as the control group. The hemodynamic indexes were detected by color Doppler ultrasound. The CNN algorithm was used to classify ultrasound images of two groups of pregnant women. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mean pixel accuracy (MPA), and mean intersection of union (MIOU) values of CNN algorithm were 0.9410, 0.9228, and 0.8968, respectively. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were 93.44%, 95.13%, 95.09%, and 94.87%, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the umbilical artery (UA), uterine artery-systolic/diastolic (UTA-S/D), uterine artery (UTA), and digital video (DV) of pregnant women in the observation group were remarkably increased; the minimum alveolar effective concentration (MCA) of the observation group was obviously lower than the MCA of the control group, and the differences between groups were statistically valid (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that UA-S/D, UA-resistance index (UA-RI), UTA-S/D, UTA-pulsatility index (UTA-PI), DV-peak velocity index for veins (DV-PVIV), and MCA-S/D were independent risk factors for the outcome of perinatal children with severe preeclampsia. In the perinatal management of severe epilepsy, the combination of the above blood flow indexes to select the appropriate delivery time had positive significance to improve the pregnancy outcome and reduce the perinatal mortality.

Ultrasound Image Features under Decomposition Algorithm to Analyze the Nursing Intervention on Patients with Colon Polyps Undergoing Endoscopic Resection.

Based on the ultrasonic imaging and endoscopic resection of the intelligent segmentation algorithm, this study is aimed at exploring whether nursing intervention can promote the good recovery of patients with colon polyps, hoping to find a new method for clinical treatment of the colon polyps. Patients with colon polyps were divided into an experimental group (fine nursing) and a control group (general nursing). The colonoscopy polyp ultrasound image was preprocessing to select the seed points and background points. The random walk decomposition algorithm was applied to calculate the probability of each marked point, and then, the marked image was outputted. The accuracy of the intelligent segmentation algorithm was 81%. The incidence of complications in the experimental group was 4.83%, which was lower than 16.66% in the control group, and the difference was statistically obvious (P < 0.05). Perioperative refined nursing intervention for colon polyp patients undergoing endoscopic electrosurgical resection can decrease postoperative adverse reactions; reduce postoperative mucosal perforation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and small bleeding; lower the incidence of postoperative complications; and allow patients to recover quickly, enhancing the life comfort of patient.

Evaluation of Crohn's Disease Activity: Development of an Ultrasound Score in a Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal in this multicentric prospective study was 2-fold: first, to test the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, color Doppler imaging (CDI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in identifying disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) compared with endoscopy as the reference standard; and, second, to construct a sonographic score that allows disease activity to be detected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients with CD from 3 hospitals underwent within a 30-day period both colonoscopy and ultrasound (US), including mural thickness, CDI, and CEUS, prospectively as part of clinical care. A multivariate analysis was carried out to assess the influence of each of the ultrasound variables in predicting endoscopic activity. We then developed a predictive ultrasound score for disease activity, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the best cut-off score value to discriminate between active and inactive disease. RESULTS: Sonographic findings that were independent predictors of the presence of active disease at endoscopy were wall thickness, color grade, and contrast parameters. A score based on those variables showed high accuracy in predicting active disease, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.972. A simpler index, without contrast parameters, also showed high accuracy in detecting disease activity (AUC, 0.923). CONCLUSION: A score based on wall thickness, color Doppler grade, and contrast parameters showed high accuracy in predicting active disease. A score without including the use of contrast agent had practically similar results and is easier to use in monitoring response to treatment.

Ultrasonic detection of fetal persistent right umbilical vein and incidence and significance of concomitant anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is characterized by atresia of the left umbilical vein while the right umbilical vein remains open. Given the limited sample size of most studies, the incidence of PRUV and the status of concomitant anomalies may not be fully reflected. Thus, we studied the incidence of fetal PRUV and its concomitant anomalies on a larger scale using our hospital database. This study hoped to address the following questions: Does PRUV increase the risk of fetal anomalies? If the PRUV fetus also has a single umbilical artery (SUA), does the risk of fetal anomaly increase further? What is the positive predictive value of PRUV for fetal anomalies? METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 756 cases of fetal PRUV at our hospital from January 2007 to April 2017. Prenatal ultrasound and color Doppler images were assessed. All PRUV fetuses underwent echocardiography and detailed ultrasound examinations of other systems. Newborn status was obtained via the database or by telephone follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 435,428 pregnant women underwent prenatal ultrasonography at 16-40 weeks, the incidence of fetal PRUV was 0.17%, and 102 fetuses (13.5%) developed other anomalies. Two complicated cases had trisomy 18. PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of fetal anomalies. When fetal anomalies were classified by body systems, PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, skeletal, digestive, and respiratory system anomalies. The positive predictive values of a PRUV for any fetal anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies were 13.5% (95%CI, 11.2-16.2%) and 5.4% (95%CI, 4.0-7.3%), respectively. SUA further increases the risk of PRUV fetuses with other anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed prenatal ultrasonography and echocardiography should be performed in fetuses with PRUV to rule out anomalies in other systems. When the PRUV is combined with SUA, echocardiography is particularly important. Fetuses with complicated PRUV should undergo chromosomal examination. Although isolated fetal PRUV prognosis is good, complicated PRUV prognosis depends on the type and severity of the concomitant anomalies.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound versus computed tomography for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective, single-center evaluation of 234 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of primary liver cancer. A major part of diagnostic HCC work-up is based on imaging findings from sonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows for the dynamic assessment of the microperfusion pattern of suspicious liver lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS compared with CT scans for assessing HCC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center study between 2004 and 2018 on 234 patients with suspicious liver lesions who underwent CEUS and CT examinations. All patients underwent native B-mode, color Doppler and CEUS after providing informed consent. Every CEUS examination was performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology level 3). RESULTS: CEUS was performed on all included patients without occurrence of any adverse effects. CEUS showed a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 70%, a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 72% for analyzing HCC compared with CT as the diagnostic gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS has an excellent safety profile and shows a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing HCC compared with corresponding results from CT scans.

Ultrasound Elastic Parameters Predict Central Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the new factors that can predict central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) independently from ultrasound characteristics, elastic parameters, and endocrine indicators. METHODS: A total of 391 patients with PTC undergoing thyroidectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection from January 2017 to June 2019 were collected to determine the independent predictors of CLNM by single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed 9 independent predictors of CLNM, age, male, tumors in the middle or lower poles (without tumors in the isthmus), tumors in the isthmus, multiple tumors, and maximum tumor diameter measured by ultrasound, microcalcification, visible surrounding blood flow signal, and the maximum value of elastic modulus (Emax).We used the aforementioned factors to establish a scoring prediction model: predictive score Y(P) = 1/[1 + exp (1.444 + 0.084 ∗ age - 0.834 ∗ men - 0.73 ∗ multifocality - 2.718 ∗ tumors in the isthmus - 0.954 ∗ tumors in the middle or lower poles - 0.086 ∗ tumor maximum diameter - 1.070 ∗ microcalcification - 0.892 ∗ visible surrounding blood flow signal - 0.021 ∗ Emax)]. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.827. It was found that 0.524 was the highest index of Youden, and the best cutoff value for predicting CLNM. When Y(P)≥0.524, the risk of CLNM in patients with PTC is predicted to be high. Predictive accuracy was 78.5% and 72.4% in the internal validation group and 78.6% in the external validation group. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the scoring prediction model could provide a scientific and quantitative way to predict CLNM in patients with PTC.

False positives in the ultrasound diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: some diseases can also show the halo sign.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency and causes for the presence of a halo sign on the ultrasound of patients without a diagnosis of GCA. METHODS: In total, 305 patients with temporal artery colour Doppler ultrasound showing the presence of halo sign (intima-media thickness ≥0.34 mm for temporal arteries [TAs] and ≥1 mm for axillary arteries) were included, and their medical records were reviewed. The clinical diagnosis based on the evolution of the patient over at least one year was established as the definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 305 (4.6%) patients included showed presence of the halo sign without final diagnosis of GCA: 12 patients in the TAs (86%), and two patients with isolated AAs involvement (14%). Their diagnoses were PMR (n = 4, 29%); atherosclerosis (n = 3, 21%); and non-Hodgkin lymphoma type T, osteomyelitis of the skull base, primary amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, neurosyphilis, urinary sepsis and narrow-angle glaucoma (n = 1 each, 7%). CONCLUSION: The percentage of halo signs on the ultrasound of patients without GCA is low, but it does exist. There are conditions that may also show the halo sign (true positive halo sign), and we must know these and always correlate the ultrasound findings with the patient's clinic records.

The impact of disease extent and severity detected by quantitative ultrasound analysis in the diagnosis and outcome of giant cell arteritis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a quantitative score based on colour duplex sonography (CDS) to predict the diagnosis and outcome of GCA. METHODS: We selected patients with positive CDS and confirmed diagnosis of GCA recruited into the TA Biopsy (TAB) vs Ultrasound in Diagnosis of GCA (TABUL) study and in a validation, independent cohort. We fitted four CDS models including combinations of the following: number and distribution of halos at the TA branches, average and maximum intima-media thickness of TA and axillary arteries. We fitted four clinical/laboratory models. The combined CDS and clinical models were used to develop a score to predict risk of positive TAB and clinical outcome at 6 months. RESULTS: We included 135 GCA patients from TABUL (female: 68%, age 73 (8) years) and 72 patients from the independent cohort (female: 46%, age 75 (7) years). The best-fitting CDS model for TAB used maximum intima-media thickness size and bilaterality of TA and axillary arteries' halos. The best-fitting clinical model included raised inflammatory markers, PMR, headache and ischaemic symptoms. By combining CDS and clinical models we derived a score to compute the probability of a positive TAB. Model discrimination was fair (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.84). No significant association was found for prediction of clinical outcome at 6 months. CONCLUSION: A quantitative analysis of CDS and clinical characteristics is useful to identify patients with a positive biopsy, supporting the use of CDS as a surrogate tool to replace TAB. No predictive role was found for worse prognosis.

Imaging in gynecological disease (16): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of serous cystadenofibromas in adnexa.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of serous cystadenofibromas in the adnexa. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients identified in the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database, who had a histological diagnosis of serous cystadenofibroma and had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner, between 1999 and 2012. In the IOTA database, which contains data collected prospectively, the tumors were described using the terms and definitions of the IOTA group. In addition, three authors reviewed, first independently and then together, ultrasound images of serous cystadenofibromas and described them using pattern recognition. RESULTS: We identified 233 women with a histological diagnosis of serous cystadenofibroma. In the IOTA database, most cystadenofibromas (67.4%; 157/233) were described as containing solid components but 19.3% (45/233) were described as multilocular cysts and 13.3% (31/233) as unilocular cysts. Papillary projections were described in 52.4% (122/233) of the cystadenofibromas. In 79.5% (97/122) of the cysts with papillary projections, color Doppler signals were absent in the papillary projections. Most cystadenofibromas (83.7%; 195/233) manifested no or minimal color Doppler signals. On retrospective analysis of 201 ultrasound images of serous cystadenofibromas, using pattern recognition, 10 major types of ultrasound appearance were identified. The most common pattern was a unilocular solid cyst with one or more papillary projections, but no other solid components (25.9%; 52/201). The second most common pattern was a multilocular solid mass with small solid component(s), but no papillary projections (19.4%; 39/201). The third and fourth most common patterns were multi- or bilocular cyst (16.9%; 34/201) and unilocular cyst (11.9%; 24/201). Using pattern recognition, shadowing was identified in 39.8% (80/201) of the tumors, and microcystic appearance of the papillary projections was observed in 34 (38.6%) of the 88 tumors containing papillary projections. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound features of serous cystadenofibromas vary. The most common pattern is a unilocular solid cyst with one or more papillary projections but no other solid components, with absent color Doppler signals. Most serous cystadenofibromas were poorly vascularized on color Doppler examination and many manifested acoustic shadowing. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The value of 3-dimensional color Doppler in predicting intraoperative hemorrhage for cesarean scar pregnancy.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and 3D color power Doppler ultrasound in the management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).A case-control study enrolled 190 CSP patients who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) in combination with dilatation and curettage (D&C). The maximum diameter of gestational sac or CSP mass, uterine scar thickness, and resistance index (RI) were measured by 2D ultrasound. The lesion volume, vascular index (VI), flow index (FI), blood vessels, and blood flow index (VFI) were assessed by 3D ultrasound. The changes of these parameters before and after UAE were analyzed. Then, the patients were divided into bleeding group and control group according to the intraoperative hemorrhage during D&C to access and compare the significance of 2D and 3D parameters in intraoperative hemorrhage.The mean VI and the mean VFI were significantly reduced after embolization (P < .01). In the bleeding group, the lesion volume and diameter of gestational sac or CSP mass were significantly larger, VI and VFI were significantly higher, the uterine scar thickness was thinner, and RI was lower (P < .05). The best indicator for prediction of massive intraoperative bleeding was the VI with an area under the curve of 0.870, the best cut-off value of VI was 7.500, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.2% and 82.4%, respectively. In comparing the receiver operating characteristic curves among 2D and 3D ultrasound parameters, the diagnostic efficacy of lesion volume was significantly higher than maximum diameter (P < .001). The diagnostic efficacy of VI was significantly higher than maximum diameter (P = .020) and RI (P = .011).UAE reduces the number of vessels and the blood flow perfusion obviously; however, it does not reduce lesion size or increases myometrial thickness. Three-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler, especially VI, lesion volume may be helpful in predicting excessive bleeding during D&C after UAE.

The anteroposterior diameter of nodules in the risk assessment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

This study investigates the application of ultrasound, especially the anteroposterior diameter of nodules in the malignancy and metastasis risk assessment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma through a retrospective analysis of 500 cases of thyroid nodule ultrasonography.We selected 500 patients with thyroid nodules (maximum nodule diameter ≤2.0 cm) that had been diagnosed clinically and graded TI-RADS 4c by ultrasonography and surgically treated. Among these, there were 258 cases of pathologically diagnosed papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 72 cases of nodular goiter or adenoma, 137 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, 28 cases of acinar cell carcinoma, and 5 cases of undifferentiated carcinoma. In all cases, color Doppler ultrasonography had been performed preoperatively to determine the size and number of nodules, surrounding lymph node metastasis, and TI-RADS grading. Cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma diagnosed by pathology were selected as the study group, and cases of nodular goiter or adenoma as the control group. Each group was further subdivided based on the anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse nodule diameters. Intergroup statistical analysis was also performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted on the study and control groups based on the anteroposterior nodule diameters, and the optimal critical value for malignancy risk was determined. Thyroid nodules in the study group were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis. Based on the anteroposterior nodule diameter, ROC curve analysis was performed, and the optimal critical value for metastasis risk was determined.There were 500 cases of malignant nodules diagnosed by ultrasound. Among these, there were 428 cases of malignant nodules diagnosed by pathology. The coincidence rate of the ultrasound diagnosis with pathological diagnosis was 85.60%. While, interestingly, There was a significant statistical difference between the study and control groups based on the anteroposterior nodule diameter. When the anteroposterior nodule diameter was 0.7 cm, sensitivity of malignant diagnosis was 76.70% and specificity of that was 66.70%, and the Youden index was the highest. The lymph node metastasis rate for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma was 13.95%. Within this group, the lymph node metastasis rate for nodules ≥0.9 cm (anteroposterior diameter) was 38.46%. When the anteroposterior nodule diameter was equal to 0.9 cm, sensitivity of diagnosis was 83.30%, and specificity of that was 77.80%, and the Youden index was the highest.The anteroposterior diameter of thyroid nodules is more suitable for assessing their malignancy with 0.7 cm, which can be used as the critical value. Nodules ≥ 0.7 cm require surgical treatment, and those <0.7 cm can be observed. An anteroposterior diameter of 0.9 cm can be used as the critical value for assessing the metastasis risk of malignant thyroid nodules. During surgery, the dissection of central cervical lymph nodes is required for nodules ≥0.9 cm.

Uterine artery pulsatility index in the first trimester: assessment of intersonographer and intersampling site measurement differences.

OBJECTIVE: To determine intersonographer, intersampling site pulsatility index differences in the ascending branch of the uterine artery (UtA-PI) and their effect on detection rates (DR) for early onset preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted including 52 women with singleton viable pregnancy at 11-13 weeks' gestation. Consecutive bilateral UtA-PI measurements were performed by two sonographers. Both sonographers hold the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) uterine artery Doppler assessment competency certificates. Sonographer "A" underwent mentorship-based specialist training at the FMF; whilst sonographer "B" is a fetal maternal specialist who was deemed competent to measure UtA-PI based on completion of the FMF online course. Both sonographers were unaware of each other's UtA-PI and peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements throughout the study. UtA-PI was measured by sonographer "A" at 1, 2 and 3 cm distally from the internal os. UtA-PI minimum ("Low-PI") and mean ("Mean-PI") were determined. Intraclass correlation (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis and Wilcoxon signed rank test were performed to determine bias, 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for intersonographer and intersampling site differences. Simulation studies were performed to determine the effect on early onset PE screening DR. RESULTS: (1) Intersite assessment indicated that UtA-PI and PSV decreased by 7-8% per centimeter relative to the measurement taken at the internal os; (2) Sonographer "B" UtA-PI measurements were significantly lower than those of sonographer "A" for "Low-PI" (p = .001), "Mean-PI" (p = .002) and PSV (p = .004) determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. The mean reduction in "Low-PI", "Mean-PI" and PSV of sonographer "B" relative to sonographer "A" were 14.04%, 11.09% and 10.99%, respectively; (3) Measurements taken by sonographer "B" at the level of the internal os were comparable to measurements taken by sonographer "A" at 2 cm distal to the internal os (low-PI: p = .98, Mean-PI: p = .49 and PSV: p = .24); (4) Between sonographer ICC for UtA-PI was asymmetrical strong (left ICC = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.51-0.84) to fair (right ICC = 0.38, 95%CI: -0.08-0.64); and (5) The 14% mean intersonographer difference in lowest UtA-PI would have resulted in an 7% difference in PE screening performance. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of UtA-PI is sampling site dependent with the potential for significant intersonographer differences despite the availability of a prescriptive measurement protocol. This is an important observation as it implies that sonographer "B" inadvertently measured the UtA-PI at a distal site, not at the level of internal os, compared to those measured by sonographer "A", resulting in a lower DR for early onset PE.

Can we perform a prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa to improve its obstetrical and neonatal outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Vasa previa (VP) is defined as a condition in which the fetal blood vessels, unsupported by the placenta or the umbilical cord, run through the membranes of the lower uterine segment. It is associated with a high risk of stillbirth by exsanguination. This study aimed to assess the clinical context of diagnosis of VP in order to elaborate a strategy for its prenatal diagnosis and to improve its obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This historical cohort study covered the period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. All women who gave birth at our obstetrics and gynecology department (level 3 university hospital) and who had a VP were included. RESULTS: Eight cases of VP among 18,152 deliveries were observed (0.04%). Transvaginal sonography (TVS) with color Doppler allowed a prenatal diagnosis of VP in all cases. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 26 weeks. Placental abnormalities were noted in 7 cases (87.5%) as bipartita or low-lying placenta. In one case (12.5%), the placenta appeared normal while umbilical cord insertion was velamentous. In 2 cases (25%), concomitant placental and cord abnormalities were objectified. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37±2.1 weeks. Seven deliveries (87.5%) had been by caesarean sections, except one, which occurred by vaginal route at 33 weeks of gestation (twin pregnancy). No case of perinatal death was observed. DISCUSSION: Prenatal diagnosis of VP during screening ultrasounds appears easy to perform and can improve obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. For this purpose, TVS with color and pulsed Doppler remains essential, particularly when an anomaly of the umbilical cord insertion and/or placental location is diagnosed.

Most Thyroid Cancers Detected by Sonography Lack Intranodular Vascularity on Color Doppler Imaging: Review of the Literature and Sonographic-Pathologic Correlations for 698 Thyroid Neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the controversy of whether hypervascularity on color Doppler sonography correlates with thyroid malignancy by reviewing the literature and sonographic-pathologic correlation. METHODS: Over a 20-year period, 698 thyroid nodules had color Doppler and histopathologic data. Intranodular vascularity was graded 0 to 3+, and histopathologic findings were recorded. RESULTS: The data were collected from 698 patients (557 women and 141 men) with a mean age of 48 years (range, 16-87 years). Of the 698 neoplasms, 425 were malignant (mean size, 1.7 cm; range, 0.4-9 cm; 150 ≤1 cm), and 273 were benign. The carcinomas included 391 papillary, 12 Hürthle cell, 9 medullary, 6 follicular, 5 poorly differentiated, and 2 anaplastic. The grading of intranodular vascularity was 0 in 63.3%, 1+ in 12.9%, 2+ in 6.6%, and 3+ in 17.4%. Among thyroid carcinomas, follicular carcinoma and the encapsulated subtype of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma had significantly higher intranodular vascularity than the rest (P < .0001). Benign neoplasms included 226 follicular adenoma/adenomatoid nodules (mean size, 3.2 cm; range, 1.2-8.0 cm), 42 Hürthle cell adenoma/adenomatoid nodules (mean size, 2.6 cm; range, 0.8-5.5 cm), and 5 hyalinizing trabecular adenomas (mean size, 2.4 cm; range, 0.6-6.0 cm; 4 ≤1 cm). The grading of intranodular vascularity was 0 in 6.9%, 1+ in 12.1%, 2+ in 2.6%, and 3+ in 78.4%. Intranodular hypervascularity was associated with adenoma/adenomatoid thyroid nodules, whereas a lack of vascularity was related to thyroid carcinomas (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most sonographically detected thyroid cancers lack intranodular vascularity, and most hypervascular thyroid nodules are adenoma/adenomatoid nodules, the encapsulated subtype of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, or follicular carcinomas.

Incidence and Predictors of In-stent Re-Stenosis in the Superficial Femoral Artery: Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes by Color Duplex Ultrasound.

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of in-stent re-stenosis (ISR) for nitinol stents in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) by color duplex ultrasound (CDU). In total, 235 patients undergoing SFA stenting were included in the present study. The cumulative ISR rates at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 mo post-procedure were 5.4%, 24.0%, 49.0%, 61.5% and 71.5%, respectively. The markedly low peak systolic velocity of the popliteal artery (PSV2) post-operation was inversely correlated with the ISR. The threshold for ≥50% re-stenosis was PSV2 ≤ 63 cm/s with 86.6% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity. With regard to re-occlusion, the PSV2 was ≤40 cm/s with 98.1% sensitivity and 93.4% specificity. Cox regression analysis indicated that the cumulative stent length, diabetes, and pre-stent stenosis level were independent risk factors of ISR. In conclusion, the ISR incidence after SFA stenting is relatively high and CDU follow-up is a feasible method for evaluating ISR.

Dysfunction Screening in Experimental Arteriovenous Grafts for Hemodialysis Using Fractional-Order Extractor and Color Relation Analysis.

In physical examinations, hemodialysis access stenosis leading to dysfunction occurs at the venous anastomosis site or the outflow vein. Information from the inflow stenosis, such as blood pressure, pressure drop, and flow resistance increases, allows dysfunction screening from the stage of early clots and thrombosis to the progression of outflow stenosis. Therefore, this study proposes dysfunction screening model in experimental arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) using the fractional-order extractor (FOE) and the color relation analysis (CRA). A Sprott system was designed using an FOE to quantify the differences in transverse vibration pressures between the inflow and outflow sites of an AVG. Experimental analysis revealed that the degree of stenosis (DOS) correlated with an increase in fractional-order dynamic errors (FODEs). Exponential regression was used to fit a non-linear curve and can be used to quantify the relationship between the FODEs and DOS (R (2) = 0.8064). The specific ranges were used to evaluate the stenosis degree, such as DOS: <50, 50-80, and >80%. A CRA-based screening method was derived from the hue angle-saturation-value color model, which describes perceptual color relationships for the DOS. It has a flexibility inference manner with color visualization to represent the different stenosis degrees, which has average accuracy >90% superior to the traditional methods. This in vitro experimental study demonstrated that the proposed model can be used for dysfunction screening in stenotic AVGs.

Internal Carotid Artery Hypoplasia: Role of Color-Coded Carotid Duplex Sonography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of color-coded carotid duplex sonography for diagnosis of internal carotid artery hypoplasia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 25,000 color-coded carotid duplex sonograms in our neurosonographic database to establish more diagnostic criteria for internal carotid artery hypoplasia. RESULTS: A definitive diagnosis of internal carotid artery hypoplasia was made in 9 patients. Diagnostic findings on color-coded carotid duplex imaging include a long segmental small-caliber lumen (52% diameter) with markedly decreased flow (13% flow volume) in the affected internal carotid artery relative to the contralateral side but without intraluminal lesions. Indirect findings included markedly increased total flow volume (an increase of 133%) in both vertebral arteries, antegrade ipsilateral ophthalmic arterial flow, and a reduced vessel diameter with increased flow resistance in the ipsilateral common carotid artery. Ten patients with distal internal carotid artery dissection showed a similar color-coded duplex pattern, but the reductions in the internal and common carotid artery diameters and increase in collateral flow from the vertebral artery were less prominent than those in hypoplasia. The ipsilateral ophthalmic arterial flow was retrograde in 40% of patients with distal internal carotid artery dissection. In addition, thin-section axial and sagittal computed tomograms of the skull base could show the small diameter of the carotid canal in internal carotid artery hypoplasia and help distinguish hypoplasia from distal internal carotid artery dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Color-coded carotid duplex sonography provides important clues for establishing a diagnosis of internal carotid artery hypoplasia. A hypoplastic carotid canal can be shown by thin-section axial and sagittal skull base computed tomography to confirm the final diagnosis.

Differentiating between benign and malignant adnexal lesions with contrast-enhanced transvaginal ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between contrast kinetics in tumorous vessels and lesion histologic type in an attempt to differentiate between malignant and benign disease. METHODS: In a single-center prospective study, patients who had been referred for elective surgery because of a diagnosis of unilateral and/or bilateral adnexal masses were enrolled at Dr Jan Biziel University Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland, between January 2012 and September 2013. Participants underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography examination (CEUS). Contrast kinetics were obtained and compared with the neovascularization of the tumor. Accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Among 160 enrolled patients, 84 underwent CEUS examination and 51 lesions were studied. Baseline and maximum color Doppler intensities were significantly higher in malignant than in benign tumors (P < 0.001 for both). Similarly, the absolute and relative increases in color Doppler intensity were significantly higher in malignant tumors (P < 0.001). The estimated positive predictive value was 97.1%, the negative predictive value was 100%, and the accuracy was 100%. Peak enhanced intensity of fractional color Doppler Area and area under the time-intensity curve (S-parameter) correlated significantly with the histology of the lesion (P < 0.001). Probability curves demonstrated that higher S-parameter values were correlated with a higher risk of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal CEUS is a reliable and reproducible way to differentiate between benign and malignant adnexal lesions.