The yield of SNP microarray analysis for fetal ultrasound cardiac abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has emerged as a critical instrument in prenatal diagnostic procedures, notably in assessing congenital heart diseases (CHD). Nonetheless, current research focuses solely on CHD, overlooking the necessity for thorough comparative investigations encompassing fetuses with varied structural abnormalities or those without apparent structural anomalies. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the relation of single nucleotide polymorphism-based chromosomal microarray analysis (SNP-based CMA) in identifying the underlying causes of fetal cardiac ultrasound abnormalities. METHODS: A total of 2092 pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnosis from 2017 to 2022 were included in the study and divided into four groups based on the presence of ultrasound structural abnormalities and the specific type of abnormality. The results of the SNP-Array test conducted on amniotic fluid samples from these groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Findings from the study revealed that the non-isolated CHD group exhibited the highest incidence of aneuploidy, overall chromosomal abnormalities, and trisomy 18, demonstrating statistically significant differences from the other groups (p < 0.001). Regarding the distribution frequency of copy number variation (CNV) segment size, no statistically significant distinctions were observed between the isolated CHD group and the non-isolated CHD group (p > 0.05). The occurrence rates of 22q11.2 and 15q11.2 were also not statistically different between the isolated CHD group and the non-isolated congenital heart defect group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SNP-based CMA enhances the capacity to detect abnormal CNVs in CHD fetuses, offering valuable insights for diagnosing chromosomal etiology and facilitating genetic counseling. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the utility of SNP-based CMA in the context of fetal cardiac ultrasound abnormalities.

Effect of different positive end expiratory pressure levels on optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with or without midline shift who are undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

PURPOSE: In general, high levels of PEEP application is avoided in patients undergoing craniotomy to prevent a rise in ICP. But that approach would increase the risk of secondary brain injury especially in hypoxemic patients. Because the optic nerve sheath is distensible, a rise in ICP is associated with an increase in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). The cutoff value for elevated ICP assessed by ONSD is between 5.6 and 6.3 mm. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different PEEP levels on ONSD and compare the effect of different PEEP levels in patients with and without intracranial midline shift. METHODS: This prospective observational study was performed in aged 18-70 years, ASA I-III, 80 patients who were undergoing supratentorial craniotomy. After the induction of general anesthesia, the ONSD's were measured by the linear transducer from 3 mm below the globe at PEEP values of 0-5-10 cmH2O. The ONSD were compered between patients with (n = 7) and without midline shift (n = 73) at different PEEP values. RESULTS: The increases in ONSD due to increase in PEEP level were determined (p < 0.001). No difference was found in the comparison of ONSD between patients with and without midline shift in different PEEP values (p = 0.329, 0.535, 0.410 respectively). But application of 10 cmH2O PEEP in patients with a midline shift increased the mean ONSD value to 5.73 mm. This value is roughly 0.1 mm higher than the lower limit of the ONSD cutoff value. CONCLUSIONS: The ONSD in adults undergoing supratentorial tumor craniotomy, PEEP values up to 5 cmH2O, appears not to be associated with an ICP increase; however, the ONSD exceeded the cutoff for increased ICP when a PEEP of 10 cmH2O was applied in patients with midline shift.

Correlation of sonographic with intraoperative findings in laparoscopic managed ectopic pregnancies, a 10-year synopsis: a restrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancies (EP) are a common pregnancy complication that's associated with significant morbidity and rarely mortality if not managed properly. Ultrasound examination forms the cornerstone of diagnosis of EP with some sonographic features occasionally not correlating with intraoperative findings. We set out to conduct an audit of EP managed surgically at our hospital for a 10-year period and discern the correlation and prediction of sonographic findings to intraoperative findings. METHODS: This study was designed as a Retrospective Observational Study based at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Study population was all women admitted to AKUH with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy that was surgically managed between the period of January 1st 2011 to December 31st 2020. Analysis of data was done against a pre-set checklist. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables was calculated and tabulated in graphs and tables. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis of data. RESULTS: A total of 337 patients in this study had ultrasound findings. 99.7% (n = 336) of these patients had an intraoperatively confirmed EP. The commonest ultrasound finding was an adnexal mass in 97.1% (n = 309) of patients. These were confirmed surgically in 290 patients at the following locations: 76.6% (n = 222) were ampullary in location; 10.7% (n = 31) were fimbrial in location; 8.6%(n = 25) were isthmic in location; 2.4%(n = 7) were interstitial in location; 1%(n = 3) were abdominal in location; while 0.3% were located in the ovary(n = 1) or round ligament(n = 1) each. Interstitial EP on ultrasound were all (100%) confirmed in the same location intraoperatively, with ampullary EP also correlating fairly well with intraoperative location (75%). The distribution of location in the minor hemoperitoneum (HP) versus major HP groups were similar except for interstitial EP that increased from 1.4% in the minor HP group to 9.5% in the major HP group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ultrasonography still represents the best imaging modality for EP. The most common finding is usually an adnexal mass with no specific location. Most (99.7%) of the patients with this sonographic finding usually have a confirmed EP. Interstitial EP are the most well localized with ultrasound followed by ampullary EP. Furthermore, the presence of major (> 500mls) hemoperitoneum may act as an adjunct for diagnosis of an interstitial EP.

The outcome of early screening and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants and toddlers in the Northern Guizhou region.

This study is an observation of the early screening and treatment effect of infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in an area in China. From January 2016 to December 2017, we selected infants and toddlers with high-risk factors for DDH, such as asymmetric gluteal folds, unequal length of lower limbs, and limited hip joint abduction, who visited the Department of Child Health Care and the Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Orthopedics at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. In total, 1485 cases were divided into age groups, examined using Graf ultrasound and X-ray, and the results were analyzed. Meanwhile, early interventions were actively adopted for cases with abnormalities during the screening. The detection rates of DDH were 24.0%, 2.8%, 9.3%, and 12.2% among those with 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 13 to 18 months, and 19 to 24 months of age, respectively. Early and individualized corrective conservative treatment was considered for children with abnormalities, and the cure rates were 87.0%, 65.7%, 41.0%, and 16.7% among those with 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 13 to 18 months, and 19 to 24 months of age, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection and cure rates of DDH in infants and toddlers of different ages (P < .01).

Incidence and characteristics of developmental dysplasia of the hip in a Saudi population: A comprehensive retrospective analysis.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common hip disorder in infants. Ultrasonographic screening is considered the most reliable method for early detection of DDH in newborn infants. This study aimed to determine the incidence of DDH at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. From January 2017 to December 2018, this retrospective study analyzed the data of 8031 infants who underwent an early clinical examination of the hips. At the initial evaluation, 212 infants referred to the ultrasound department had risk factors for DDH and/or clinical instability. Different well-known risk factors of DDH have been identified including breech position, skeletal deformities, positive family history, hip side, sex and clicky hip. The findings revealed an incidence rate of 93 cases of DDH among 8031 infants (11.58 per 1000) births. Among the infants diagnosed with DDH, 55 were females (59.14 %), and 38 were males (40.86%). The results of the current study revealed that 45% of infants with DDH exhibited bilateral involvement. Moreover, results showed that the IIa hip joint was more prevalent in female than in male newborns, but without any significant difference. The incidence rate of DDH in this study was 11.58 per 1000 live births, and it was more prevalent among female than male newborns. Ultrasonography (US) should be used as a complementary imaging modality for clinical examination of DDH. Infants with breech presentation, clicky hip, and skeletal deformity should be scanned by US. Further prospective studies are recommended.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Two case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta (SMA-Ao). Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome, individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted. In this report, we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient. CASE SUMMARY: Case 1: A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting. Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position (4 mm), which slightly improved in the lateral position (5.7-7.0 mm) without the passage of duodenal contents. However, in the sitting position, the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage. Additionally, US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side. By day 2, the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage. Case 2: An 87-year-old woman with vomiting. After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT, dynamic US confirmed the optimal position (SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position, whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position). By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered, she could eat with the optimal position. CONCLUSION: The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals. Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Correlation Between the Clinical Diagnosis and Sonographic Diagnosis in Women with First-Trimester Vaginal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal bleeding is the most common cause of presentation at the emergency department in the first trimester. Clinical presentation helps determine the likely cause of first-trimester vaginal bleeding. However, ultrasound imaging is required to reach a definitive diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between clinical diagnosis and ultrasonographic findings in women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 94 pregnant patients with a history of bleeding per vagina (PV) in the first trimester by using transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS: PV spotting was noted in 64.9% and heavy bleeding in 35.1%. The most common clinically associated symptom was abdominal pain (68, 72.3%), and the least common clinically associated symptom was vesicle expulsion (2.1%). The most common predisposing factor was fever (31, 33.0%). The most frequent clinical diagnosis was threatened abortion (48, 51.1%), and the least common clinical diagnosis was gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and inevitable abortion (1, 1.1%). The most common ultrasound diagnosis at the initial scan was incomplete abortion (19.2%), while at follow-up scans, it was threatened abortion (48, 51.1%). The overall concordance between clinical diagnosis and ultrasound was 38.8%, with both complete abortion and GTD showing a concordance of 100%. The least concordance was seen in missed abortions (25%). CONCLUSION: Clinical assessment is insufficient in the identification of the cause of vaginal bleeding due to the overall low concordance rate. A combination of clinical assessment and ultrasonography is required for decision-making in every case.

Evaluation of major salivary glands with ultrasonography in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the homogeneity of the major salivary glands in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using ultrasonography (USG), assess DMFT indices, measure resting salivary flow rates, and compare these values with healthy individuals. METHODS: In this study, 20 individuals diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) (mean age 36.15 ± 8.51) and 20 systemically healthy individuals (mean age 35.7 ± 9.22) were included. Oral and radiologic examinations were performed in all individuals. The parotid and submandibular salivary glands were examined using USG, and their homogeneity was assessed based on the scoring system recommended by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) study group. Resting salivary flow rates and DMFT indices were measured, and the obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The parotid glands exhibited more heterogeneity on USG within the MS patient group than the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.015). A statistically significant correlation was observed in total homogeneity values between the patient and control groups (p = 0.021). Furthermore, the MS patient group exhibited higher DMFT indices and lower salivary flow rates than the control group. The difference between the DMFT indices and salivary flow rate between the patient groups was statistically significant (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The parenchyma of the major salivary glands in MS patients exhibited decreased homogeneity than the healthy controls. Additionally, the MS group showed a decrease in salivary flow rate and an increase in the DMFT index. Autonomic dysfunction and medications used for MS are thought to cause salivary gland hypofunction and dry mouth. It can be interpreted that hyposalivation and motor skill losses in MS patients lead to an increase in DMFT index.

"Percutaneous Ultrasound Treatment of Lumbar Facet Syndrome: A Systematic Review."

OBJECTIVE: Lumbar facet syndrome is a cause of pain. The diagnosis iconfirmation is achieved through a selective block. Although this procedure is standardized under fluoroscopic or computed tomography (CT) guidance, the current use of ultrasound may provide an alternative to its implementation. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted. "ultrasound-guided lumbar" and "lumbar facet joint." RESULTS: Twenty articles were included. Five randomized clinical trials, 4 observational studies, 2 clinical trials, 1 retrospective study, 2 metanalysis and 5 cadaveric studies, and 1 feasibility study. The studies demonstrated a improvement in pain with ultrasound. However, no significant differences in these outcomes were found when comparing ultrasound with fluoroscopy or CT. It was also observed that the procedural time was longer with ultrasound. Finally, success rates in correctly locating the injection site ranged from 88% to 100% when confirmed with fluoroscopy or CT. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of ultrasound for regional anesthesia is on the rise, there are no results that can replace those found with fluoroscopy or CT for performing the dorsal and medial branch block of the spinal root in the treatment of lumbar facet syndrome.

Machine learning-based prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms for individualized patient care.

OBJECTIVE: The United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are broad and exclude many at risk groups. We analyzed a large AAA screening database to examine the utility of a novel machine learning (ML) model for predicting individual risk of AAA. METHODS: We created a ML model to predict the presence of AAAs (>3 cm) from the database of a national nonprofit screening organization (AAAneurysm Outreach). Participants self-reported demographics and comorbidities. The model is a two-layered feed-forward shallow network. The ML model then generated AAA probability based on patient characteristics. We evaluated graphs to determine significant factors, and then compared those graphs with a traditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 10,033 patients with an AAA prevalence of 2.74%. Consistent with logistic regression analysis, the ML model identified the following predictors of AAA: Caucasian race, male gender, advancing age, and recent or past smoker with recent smoker having a more profound affect (P < .05). Interestingly, the ML model showed body mass index (BMI) was associated with likelihood of AAAs, especially for younger females. The ML model also identified a higher than predicted risk of AAA in several groups, including female nonsmokers with cardiac disease, female diabetics, those with a family history of AAA, and those with hypertension or hyperlipidemia at older ages. An elevated BMI conveyed a higher than expected risk in male smokers and all females. The ML model also identified a complex relationship of both diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia with gender. Family history of AAA was a more important risk factor in the ML model for both men and women too. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed an ML model based on an AAA screening database that unveils a complex relationship between AAA prevalence and many risk factors, including BMI. The model also highlights the need to expand AAA screening efforts in women. Using ML models in the clinical setting has the potential to deliver precise, individualized screening recommendations.

Ultrasound guidance for transfemoral access in coronary procedures: an individual participant-level data metaanalysis from the femoral ultrasound trialist collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials of ultrasound (US)-guided transfemoral access (TFA) for coronary procedures have shown mixed results. AIMS: We aimed to compare US-guided versus non-US-guided TFA from randomised data in an individual participant-level data (IPD) meta-analysis. METHODS: We completed a systematic review and an IPD meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials comparing US-guided versus non-US-guided TFA for coronary procedures. We performed a one-stage mixed-model meta-analysis using the intention-to-treat population from included trials. The primary outcome was a composite of major vascular complications or major bleeding within 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 2,441 participants (1,208 US-guided, 1,233 non-US-guided) from 4 randomised clinical trials were included. The mean age was 65.5 years, 27.0% were female, and 34.5% underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention. The incidence of major vascular complications or major bleeding (34/1,208 [2.8%] vs 55/1,233 [4.5%]; odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-0.94; p=0.026) was lower in the US-guided TFA group. In the prespecified subgroup of participants who received a vascular closure device, those randomised to US-guided TFA experienced a reduction in the primary outcome (2.1% vs 5.6%; OR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19-0.69), while no benefit for US guidance was observed in the subgroup without vascular closure devices (4.1% vs 3.3%; OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.65-2.26; interaction p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In participants undergoing coronary procedures by TFA, US guidance decreased the composite outcome of major vascular complications or bleeding and may be especially helpful when using vascular closure devices.

The risk of DDH between breech and cephalic-delivered neonates using Graf ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorder in infants. The most significant risk factors include female gender, breech presentation, left hip and family history. In this study, we utilized the Graf method at different time intervals to evaluate both breech-delivered and cephalic-born newborns. The objectives were to compare the incidence of DDH in cephalic and breech-delivered neonates and investigate whether the hip joints of neonates delivered in the breech position exhibit a distinct maturation pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 618 hip joints (309 newborns). Each hip joint was examined with the Graf method in four time periods as follows: Phase #1 (0-1 weeks), Phase #2 (1-4 weeks), Phase #3 (4-7 weeks), and Phase #4 (7-10 weeks). The α and ß angles for each hip joint were measured, and the hips were classified according to Graf classification. With our statistical analysis within the different phases, we were able to investigate potential variations in the maturation patterns between newborns delivered in the breech and cephalic delivery positions. RESULTS: A significant difference (at the 5% level) was observed in Phase 1 between breech and cephalic-delivered neonates (35.6-8.6%). This difference tended to decrease in next phases (13.6-1% in Phase 2, 2.5-0% in Phase 3 and 1.7-0% in Phase 4). A significant difference (at the 5% level) for cephalic-delivered neonates was also observed between Phase 1 and Phase 4 (8.5-0%), but the percentages were low. Additionally, the breech-delivered had extreme difference in incidence of DDH from Phase 1 to Phase 4 (35.6-11.9%, 2.5%, and 1.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: It appears that there is an actual difference in the incidence of DDH between breech-delivered and cephalic-delivered neonates, although the difference may be less significant than previously considered. The majority of the breech-delivered neonates that were initially considered as pathological (Phase 1) are, in fact, healthy. This is ascertained in subsequent ultrasound examinations conducted in later phases (Phases 2-4), when the incidence of pathological cases decreases. This could be attributed to potential different maturation pattern between these groups.

Changes in the swallowing pattern and tongue posture during the transition from deciduous to mixed dentition-a longitudinal ultrasonography study.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance that swallowing pattern and tongue posture might have in the aetiology of malocclusion, it appears important to be aware of the physiological changes of tongue function and its posture. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess changes of the swallowing pattern and tongue posture during the transition from the deciduous to mixed dentition and the association between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 57 subjects aged 5.87 ±â€…0.5 with normal occlusion, orofacial functions, no history of trauma, or orthodontic treatment. Ultrasonography was used for the assessment of tongue posture and swallowing pattern, where the spontaneous act of swallowing was recorded. To evaluate the possible effect of incisors' eruption, the swallowing pattern and tongue posture ultrasonograms were compared at the deciduous (DD), early mixed (EMD), and intermediate mixed (IMD) timepoints. RESULTS: A significant association between the swallowing pattern and tongue posture at the DD and IMD timepoint was found. Moreover, the visceral swallowing pattern decreases with age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.777), as well as with a prolonged phase IIa (OR = 0.071), while it increases when the tongue is postured on the mouth floor (OR = 5.020). LIMITATIONS: The young age of the investigated subjects, direct contact of the probe, and the determination of the rest phase of the tongue were considered limitations. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant changes in swallowing pattern and tongue posture occurred during the transition period; however, a significant association between the swallowing pattern and tongue posture among subjects with normal occlusion, regardless of the dentition phase was detected.

Ultrasound Pattern of Cutis Verticis Gyrata.

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a cutaneous benign condition that usually presents symmetric or asymmetric convoluted folds and deep furrows in the scalp, which mimic the disposition of the cerebral sulci and gyri. This scalp deformation may be a worrying situation for the patients and their families. Clinically, its diagnosis may be challenging because it can mimic other cutaneous conditions. So far, the ultrasonographic pattern of CVG has not been reported. Thus, we aim to review the ultrasound findings of this entity. All patients (n = 14) presented zones with dermal and hypodermal thickening that corresponded with the elevated clinical zones, followed by folds with normal cutaneous thicknesses. There was undulation of the cutaneous layers in all cases. The scalp areas involved the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions bilaterally. The mean maximum dermal and hypodermal thicknesses and echogenicities and the color Doppler characteristics are provided. No significant dilation of the hair follicles was detected. In conclusion, CVG presents an ultrasonographic pattern that can support its diagnosis and follow-up. This can help its differential diagnosis with other scalp dermatologic conditions.

Performance of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis.

OBJECTIVES: Computed tomography is regarded as the reference-standard imaging modality for the assessment of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis (ALCD). However, its utility may be impaired by cost issues, limited availability, radiation exposure, and contrast-related adverse effects. Ultrasonography is increasingly advocated as an alternative technique for evaluating ALCD, although there is variation regarding its accuracy in disease diagnosis and staging and in determining alternative diagnoses. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of ultrasonography in diagnosing ALCD, differentiating complicated from non-complicated disease and defining alternative diseases related to left lower quadrant pain. METHODS: Within a 2-year period, all consecutive adult patients with clinically suspected ALCD and available abdominal computed tomography were prospectively evaluated and planned to undergo an abdominal ultrasonographic examination, tailored to the assessment of left lower quadrant. Computed tomography (CT) was regarded as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients (60 males, 72 females; mean age: 61.3 ± 11 years) were included. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve of ultrasonography for diagnosing ALCD were 88.6, 84.9, and 86.8%, with positive and negative predictive values of 89.7 and 83.3%, respectively. The method had sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve of 77.8, 100, and 88.9%, respectively, for defining complicated disease. The area under the curve for the identification of alternative diseases in patients with left lower quadrant pain was 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography has high diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing ALCD, differentiating complicated from non-complicated disease and establishing alternative diagnoses related to left lower quadrant pain. A low threshold to get a CT should be maintained as not to miss cases that may mimic ALCD.

Refining postoperative monitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in esophagectomy patients through transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) leading to vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a significant complication following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative to endoscopic examination for evaluating vocal cord function. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of TLUSG in detecting RLNI by evaluating vocal cord movement after MIE. METHODS: This retrospective study examined 96 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE between January 2021 and December 2022, using both TLUSG and endoscopy. RESULTS: VCP was observed in 36 out of 96 patients (37.5%). The incidence of RLNI was significantly higher on the left side than the right (29.2% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001). Postoperative TLUSG showed a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5% (31/35) and 86.5% (45/52), respectively, with an AUC of 0.869 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.787-0.952). The percentage agreement between TLUSG and endoscopy in assessing VCP was 87.4% (κ = 0.743). CONCLUSIONS: TLUSG is a highly effective screening tool for VCP, given its high sensitivity and specificity. This can potentially eliminate the need for unnecessary endoscopies in about 80% of patients who have undergone MIE.

Cornual pregnancy rupture and massive hemorrhage: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Corneal pregnancy is rare and difficult to detect in the early stages. Due to the abundant blood supply in this area, a rupture can result in massive internal bleeding, shock, and even death. Therefore, immediate surgery is necessary, and patients must replenish their blood volume as soon as possible to ensure blood supply to important organs. For those whose blood pressure cannot immediately rise, surgery should be performed while resisting shock to buy time. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 34-year-old Chinese woman at 19 weeks of gestation who had a corneal pregnancy. No abnormalities were detected in the examinations in the first trimester. This patient was 19 weeks pregnant and sought medical advice due to sudden lower abdominal pain, syncope, and hemorrhagic shock. After rescue and treatment, she recovered and was discharged from the hospital, afterwards, the patient gave birth to a child 7 years later. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis of cornual pregnancy is mainly based on ultrasound. However, there is a high incidence of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of this disease. Patients may face serious and life-threatening conditions in case of the rupture of cornual pregnancy. This disease can be mainly treated by surgery.

[Digital artery pseudoaneurysm. Case report and systematic review of the literature]. / Pseudoaneurisma de arteria digital. Reporte de un caso y revisión sistemática de la bibliografía.

INTRODUCTION: aneurysms are focal and permanent dilations of an artery; in pseudoaneurysms, the normal layers of the blood vessel are replaced by fibrous tissue. Due to their low incidence, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge they represent; our objective is to present the clinical case of a pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery of the hand and to carry out a systematic review of this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: literature search in Medline, using the terms "digital artery" and "aneurysm." Studies of vascular dilation pathology affecting the hand and fingers were incorporated. Studies with pathology of proximal involvement of the hand were excluded. CASE PRESENTATION: a 79-year-old female patient who, after a sharp force trauma to the fifth finger of the left hand, develops a rapidly growing necrotic tumor. She had ultrasound and angiography that suggested hematoma. Surgical management was decided, during which it was observed that the tumor involved ulnar collateral digital artery of the fifth finger. The lesion and the arterial segment involved were resected. Post-surgical course without complications. The histopathological diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the lesion was confirmed. DISCUSSION: traumatic etiology is the most frequent cause of digital aneurysms. Risk factors for pseudoaneurysms include sharp force trauma and alterations of the coagulation pathways, as in the case presented. CONCLUSION: the pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery is a rare pathology with great variability of therapeutic management. Surgical resection of the lesion with vascular flow reconstruction is the recommended treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los aneurismas son dilataciones vasculares localizadas y permanentes de una arteria; en los pseudoaneurismas, las capas normales del vaso sanguíneo son reemplazadas por tejido fibroso. Debido a su baja incidencia, así como el desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico que representan; nuestro objetivo es presentar el caso clínico de un pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital de la mano y realizar una revisión sistemática sobre dicha patología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, utilizando los términos "arteria digital" y "aneurisma". Se incorporaron estudios de patología de dilatación vascular que afecte la mano y los dedos. Se excluyeron trabajos con patología de afección proximal de la mano. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASO: paciente femenino de 79 años de edad, que posterior a herida cortante de quinto dedo de mano izquierda, desarrolla tumoración necrótica de rápido crecimiento. Contaba con ecografía y angiografía que sugerían hematoma. Se decidió manejo quirúrgico, durante el cual se observó que la tumoración involucraba arteria digital colateral cubital del quinto dedo. Se resecó lesión y segmento arterial involucrado. Cursó postquirúrgico sin complicaciones. Se confirmó el diagnóstico histopatológico de pseudoaneurisma de la lesión. DISCUSIÓN: la etiología traumática es la causa más frecuente de los aneurismas digitales. Los factores de riesgo para los pseudoaneurismas incluyen lesiones penetrantes y alteraciones de la cascada de coagulación, como en el caso presentado. CONCLUSIÓN: el pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital es una patología rara y con gran variabilidad de manejo terapéutico. La resección quirúrgica de la lesión con la reconstrucción del flujo vascular, es el tratamiento recomendado.

The Yield of Routine Post-Operative Doppler Ultrasound to Detect Early Post-Liver Transplantation Vascular Complications.

Early detection of liver transplantation (LT) vascular complications enables timely management. Our aim was to assess if routine Doppler ultrasound (rDUS) improves the detection of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO). We retrospectively analysed timing and outcomes, number needed to diagnose one complication (NND) and positive predictive value (PPV) of rDUS on post-operative day (POD) 0,1 and 7 in 708 adult patients who underwent primary LT between 2010-2022. We showed that HAT developed in 7.1%, PVT in 8.2% and HVOO in 3.1% of patients. Most early complications were diagnosed on POD 0 (26.9%), 1 (17.3%) and 5 (17.3%). rDUS correctly detected 21 out of 26 vascular events during the protocol days. PPV of rDUS was 53.8%, detection rate 1.1% and NND was 90.5. Median time to diagnosis was 4 days for HAT and 47 days for PVT and 21 days for HVOO. After intervention, liver grafts were preserved in 57.1%. In conclusion, rDUS protocol helps to detect first week's vascular events, but with low PPV and a high number of ultrasounds needed.

Sonographic Evaluation of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hospitalized Neurosurgical Trauma Patients in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized trauma patients. Ultrasonography (US) has replaced venography as the initial diagnostic tool for DVT. AIMS: The study aimed to determine the incidence of lower limb DVT in hospitalized neurosurgical trauma patients in hospitalized neurosurgical patients. It also aimed to determine the effect of combined thrombo-prophylaxis on the incidence of lower limb deep DVT relative to a single regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 154 adult neurotrauma patients who consecutively had lower limb Doppler ultrasound, initially within 72 hours of admissions and subsequently weekly or when DVT was suspected for the first 3 weeks of admission. The study spanned a 12-month period. The data generated were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software version 20, Chicago IL. Inc. Chi-square test was used to compare the outcome (DVT incidence) between single and combined prophylaxis groups. RESULTS: The study participants consisted of 116 (75.3%) and 38 (24.7%) cases of head and spine injuries, respectively, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 6.3 years and 85.1% being males. A total of four cases of DVT were detected during the study period, with the majority of the cases (3) detected within the first week of admission, giving an incidence of 2.6%. All four cases of DVT were detected in patients on single thrombo-prophylaxis (4/55 = 7.3%), while none was found in those on a combined regimen (0/34, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Most cases of DVT developed in the first week of hospitalization. Combined thrombo-prophylaxis was more effective than single regimen at reducing rate of DVT in neurosurgical trauma patients. Routine Doppler ultrasound DVT surveillance should be part of the management protocol for neurosurgical trauma patients on admission to increase DVT detection and prevent possible fatal pulmonary embolism.