Francisco José Rodríguez-Cuadrado, Gaston Roustan-Gullón, Fernando Alfageme-Roldán
Introduction
Although the diagnosis of tinea capitis is mainly microbiological, the risk of evolution towards cicatricial alopecia in the most severe cases requires empirical treatment based on physical examination and complementary examinations.
Methods
Two patients were evaluated by physical examination, cutaneous ultrasound and microbiological examination.
Results
Ultrasound showed follicular widening and increased vascularization in Doppler mode. In one of them, the finding of severe inflammatory activity led to the indication of oral corticotherapy.
Discussion
Cutaneous ultrasound could play a role not only in supporting the clinical diagnosis but that it may even guide the indication of treatment in the presence of severe inflammation that sometimes may not manifest itself clinically.
Conclusion
Cutaneous ultrasound may constitute an additional test of considerable usefulness in the diagnosis and evaluation of inflammatory activity in cases such as the ones presented, fast, non-invasive and of high accessibility.
{"title":"Cutaneous ultrasound in the diagnosis and assessment of inflammatory activity in tinea capitis","authors":"Francisco José Rodríguez-Cuadrado, Gaston Roustan-Gullón, Fernando Alfageme-Roldán","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12402","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12402","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although the diagnosis of tinea capitis is mainly microbiological, the risk of evolution towards cicatricial alopecia in the most severe cases requires empirical treatment based on physical examination and complementary examinations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Two patients were evaluated by physical examination, cutaneous ultrasound and microbiological examination.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasound showed follicular widening and increased vascularization in Doppler mode. In one of them, the finding of severe inflammatory activity led to the indication of oral corticotherapy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cutaneous ultrasound could play a role not only in supporting the clinical diagnosis but that it may even guide the indication of treatment in the presence of severe inflammation that sometimes may not manifest itself clinically.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cutaneous ultrasound may constitute an additional test of considerable usefulness in the diagnosis and evaluation of inflammatory activity in cases such as the ones presented, fast, non-invasive and of high accessibility.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 4","pages":"251-253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141661393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The optimal utilisation of echocardiography in intensive care units (ICU) is not yet known; however, its use is becoming more frequent. Management change from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in ICU is quoted to be from 3% to 50%.
Methods
A retrospective review of clinical practice was performed over a 2-month period in a tertiary adult ICU, to explore the utilisation of formal TTEs and the findings of these. The rate of management change and critical findings were investigated, along with the indication for TTE and the patient cohort.
Results
Sixty-three TTEs were performed in 54 patients. A change in management occurred in 25.4% (16/63) of TTEs, with critical findings being found in 47.6% (30/63) of all TTEs. The most common indications for formal TTEs were incompletely differentiated or further evaluation of shock, and post arrest cardiac function.
Discussion
Almost half of the TTEs performed had critical findings, with common critical findings being severe LV dysfunction, severe RV dysfunction and regional wall motion abnormalities. Despite critical findings being seen frequently, there was only management change in 25%, suggesting that several of the critical findings were already suspected, clinically confirmed or had anticipatory management prior to TTE.
Conclusion
Critical findings are common in critically ill patients. However, not all critical findings will lead to a change in management. Formal TTEs in the ICU should be focussed to the clinical question being asked and a screening intensivist performed bedside TTE may be appropriate in certain situations to decrease workload of cardiology department.
{"title":"Management change following transthoracic echocardiogram in the intensive care unit","authors":"Jeremy A Smith, Ravi Mistry","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12397","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.12397","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction/Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The optimal utilisation of echocardiography in intensive care units (ICU) is not yet known; however, its use is becoming more frequent. Management change from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in ICU is quoted to be from 3% to 50%.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective review of clinical practice was performed over a 2-month period in a tertiary adult ICU, to explore the utilisation of formal TTEs and the findings of these. The rate of management change and critical findings were investigated, along with the indication for TTE and the patient cohort.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sixty-three TTEs were performed in 54 patients. A change in management occurred in 25.4% (16/63) of TTEs, with critical findings being found in 47.6% (30/63) of all TTEs. The most common indications for formal TTEs were incompletely differentiated or further evaluation of shock, and post arrest cardiac function.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Almost half of the TTEs performed had critical findings, with common critical findings being severe LV dysfunction, severe RV dysfunction and regional wall motion abnormalities. Despite critical findings being seen frequently, there was only management change in 25%, suggesting that several of the critical findings were already suspected, clinically confirmed or had anticipatory management prior to TTE.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Critical findings are common in critically ill patients. However, not all critical findings will lead to a change in management. Formal TTEs in the ICU should be focussed to the clinical question being asked and a screening intensivist performed bedside TTE may be appropriate in certain situations to decrease workload of cardiology department.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"174-178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142320796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Intracranial epidural abscesses require swift diagnosis and treatment. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for its detailed visualisation, it is costly and time-consuming. Transcranial sonography offers a rapid, portable and cost-effective alternative for assessing brain lesions.
Methods
We present a case study involving the diagnosis and management of an intracranial epidural abscess in a 25-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury who underwent a craniectomy and later developed fever and drowsiness in the intensive care unit.
Results
Using transcranial point-of-care ultrasound, a hypoechoic collection was identified at the surgical site, prompting further imaging with computed tomography (CT) and MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis of an epidural abscess. Prompt surgical intervention led to the resolution of symptoms and a favourable clinical outcome.
Conclusion
This case highlights the potential utility of brain sonography as an efficient and cost-effective initial diagnostic tool for detecting intracranial complications, particularly in postoperative patients with altered sensorium and fever, where timely intervention is crucial.
{"title":"Diagnostic role of sonography in early detection and surgical intervention of an epidural abscess: A case report","authors":"Issac Cheong, Francisco Marcelo Tamagnone","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12400","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12400","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intracranial epidural abscesses require swift diagnosis and treatment. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for its detailed visualisation, it is costly and time-consuming. Transcranial sonography offers a rapid, portable and cost-effective alternative for assessing brain lesions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We present a case study involving the diagnosis and management of an intracranial epidural abscess in a 25-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury who underwent a craniectomy and later developed fever and drowsiness in the intensive care unit.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using transcranial point-of-care ultrasound, a hypoechoic collection was identified at the surgical site, prompting further imaging with computed tomography (CT) and MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis of an epidural abscess. Prompt surgical intervention led to the resolution of symptoms and a favourable clinical outcome.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case highlights the potential utility of brain sonography as an efficient and cost-effective initial diagnostic tool for detecting intracranial complications, particularly in postoperative patients with altered sensorium and fever, where timely intervention is crucial.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 4","pages":"259-262"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
It is well-documented in the literature that the placenta migrates during pregnancy; however, studies regarding placental cord insertion (PCI) migration are scarce. This longitudinal, prospective study aimed to determine whether PCI migration is a true phenomenon, to assess whether the PCI can change classification during pregnancy and to determine the validity of PCI site documentation including follow-up of abnormal PCI.
Methods
Eighty-three participants who had first, second and third trimester ultrasound examinations at a Western Australian private imaging practice over a 12-month period between November 2021 and November 2022 were recruited. The measured distance of the lower margin of the placenta to the cervix, the distance of the PCI to the closest placental edge and the PCI classification were documented in each trimester. Data analysis was conducted to determine PCI migration rates during pregnancy and to test for association between PCI migration and maternal and placental factors.
Results
The PCI migrated during pregnancy and the PCI classification has the potential to evolve. All identifiable PCIs that were normal in first trimester remained so throughout the pregnancy. The majority (67.6%) of cord insertions that were marginal in first trimester progressed to a normal insertion site by third trimester; 23.5% remained marginal and 8.8% evolved to a velamentous insertion. Three velamentous cord insertions were recorded in first trimester, none of which normalised—two remained velamentous during the pregnancy and one evolved to marginal in second trimester. Marginal cord insertions (MCIs) ≤10 mm from the placental edge in second trimester remained marginal in third trimester; MCIs that were >15 mm from the placental edge in second trimester normalised in third trimester.
Conclusions
Placental cord insertion migration is a phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy with the potential for PCI classification to evolve. Due to the association between abnormal PCI and perinatal complications, coupled with the potential for marginal cord insertion to evolve, documentation of PCI and follow-up of abnormal PCI is beneficial, particularly in cases of velamentous insertion and marginal insertion at the placental edge or in the lower uterus.
{"title":"Placental cord insertion migration: Implications for ultrasound documentation and follow-up of abnormal placental cord insertion site","authors":"Samantha Ward, Zhonghua Sun, Sharon Maresse","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12399","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12399","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction/Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>It is well-documented in the literature that the placenta migrates during pregnancy; however, studies regarding placental cord insertion (PCI) migration are scarce. This longitudinal, prospective study aimed to determine whether PCI migration is a true phenomenon, to assess whether the PCI can change classification during pregnancy and to determine the validity of PCI site documentation including follow-up of abnormal PCI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eighty-three participants who had first, second and third trimester ultrasound examinations at a Western Australian private imaging practice over a 12-month period between November 2021 and November 2022 were recruited. The measured distance of the lower margin of the placenta to the cervix, the distance of the PCI to the closest placental edge and the PCI classification were documented in each trimester. Data analysis was conducted to determine PCI migration rates during pregnancy and to test for association between PCI migration and maternal and placental factors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The PCI migrated during pregnancy and the PCI classification has the potential to evolve. All identifiable PCIs that were normal in first trimester remained so throughout the pregnancy. The majority (67.6%) of cord insertions that were marginal in first trimester progressed to a normal insertion site by third trimester; 23.5% remained marginal and 8.8% evolved to a velamentous insertion. Three velamentous cord insertions were recorded in first trimester, none of which normalised—two remained velamentous during the pregnancy and one evolved to marginal in second trimester. Marginal cord insertions (MCIs) ≤10 mm from the placental edge in second trimester remained marginal in third trimester; MCIs that were >15 mm from the placental edge in second trimester normalised in third trimester.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Placental cord insertion migration is a phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy with the potential for PCI classification to evolve. Due to the association between abnormal PCI and perinatal complications, coupled with the potential for marginal cord insertion to evolve, documentation of PCI and follow-up of abnormal PCI is beneficial, particularly in cases of velamentous insertion and marginal insertion at the placental edge or in the lower uterus.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 4","pages":"200-209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.12399","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141339337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Călina Maier, Radu Vlădăreanu, Raluca Tocariu, Marcela Șerban, Maria Olincă, Elvira Brătilă
Introduction
Oesophageal duplication cyst (EDC) is a rare congenital anomaly representing, after neuronal tumours, the second most common cause of posterior mass in children, with a prevalence of approximately 1/22,500 live births. Cervical cysts are very rare, and their antenatal detection is fairly uncommon.
Methods
We report the case of an isolated large mediastinal and cervical tubular EDC diagnosed prenatally in the third trimester.
Results
After birth, the baby became symptomatic developing respiratory distress due to the enlargement of the cyst and she underwent excision of the mass. The post-operative evolution was very good.
Conclusion
Our purpose was to raise awareness of the ultrasonographic features of this condition, thus improving the rate of prenatal diagnosis and offering the parents a proper counselling regarding the prognosis and the need for a further multidisciplinary approach after birth.
{"title":"Fetal large tubular oesophageal duplication cyst: A case report","authors":"Călina Maier, Radu Vlădăreanu, Raluca Tocariu, Marcela Șerban, Maria Olincă, Elvira Brătilă","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12387","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.12387","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Oesophageal duplication cyst (EDC) is a rare congenital anomaly representing, after neuronal tumours, the second most common cause of posterior mass in children, with a prevalence of approximately 1/22,500 live births. Cervical cysts are very rare, and their antenatal detection is fairly uncommon.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We report the case of an isolated large mediastinal and cervical tubular EDC diagnosed prenatally in the third trimester.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>After birth, the baby became symptomatic developing respiratory distress due to the enlargement of the cyst and she underwent excision of the mass. The post-operative evolution was very good.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our purpose was to raise awareness of the ultrasonographic features of this condition, thus improving the rate of prenatal diagnosis and offering the parents a proper counselling regarding the prognosis and the need for a further multidisciplinary approach after birth.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"189-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.12387","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142320627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Procedural guidance with ultrasound is challenging traditional medicine. And for good reason – precision is an ally whenever you are inserting a needle into a human body. With some imagination, I am able to conjure up a gruesome Hollywood-esque image of someone gripping a syringe in a gloved fist and thrusting it towards a body with the intention of hitting a target under the skin. In my mind, there is an element of chance as to whether the needle hits the intended anatomical target. It's a stab in the dark. In a more nuanced and stable clinical scenario, the insertion point is carefully considered and the odds of missing may be relatively low. But no matter how low, it seems intuitively sensible to use any imaging guidance available. And increasingly, that guidance is provided by ultrasound. Ultrasound has been established as a helpful addition to inserting intravenous lines, taking biopsies and draining free fluid, to name but a few.
If one assumes that the person inserting a needle has absolutely no knowledge of underlying anatomy and is simply taking a stab whilst hoping it will hit its spot then it is easy to perceive the massive benefit of ultrasound-guided procedures. But that simply isn't true. Medical students spend many hours learning about surface anatomy and how it relates to the underlying layers of tissue, muscle and bone below the skin. Doctors have a great understanding of anatomy and use their hands to palpate for certain underlying structures such as bony processes, tendons and veins, in order to piece together an image in their mind about the underlying anatomy. Anyone who has had blood taken knows that those technicians who do this are adept at feeling the anatomy on the inside of the elbow to find a vein to puncture and drain blood from no matter how deep it is. It is a well-honed skill.
But taking blood is one thing, injecting substances is quite another. Intra-articular injections for the treatment of joint osteoarthritis have been popular for some time and are safely performed using anatomical landmarks only. But increasingly, practitioners are using ultrasound to guide needle placement. In this issue of AJUM, Oo et al.1 have performed a systematic review of ultrasound-guided injections and concluded that clinical outcomes are superior compared with landmark-guided injections. As a potential patient, I can see how this may build confidence in the procedure, but the added benefit of improved clinical outcomes makes ultrasound guidance even more compelling.
All new approaches come with a learning curve however and potentially some questions about who should do these procedures. Those with extensive landmark-guided experience may find the ultrasound hinders the process at first. And conversely, those with ultrasound experience may not have the confidence with landmark-guided procedures. Having two professionals (one an ultrasound expert) working side by side may seem attract
超声波手术引导正在挑战传统医学。这是有道理的--只要将针头插入人体，精确度就是盟友。只要稍加想象，我就能勾勒出一幅好莱坞式的可怕画面：戴着手套的人握紧注射器，将其推向人体，意图击中皮下目标。在我看来，针头是否击中预定的解剖目标存在偶然因素。这是在黑暗中摸索。在更细微、更稳定的临床情况下，插入点是经过仔细考虑的，失误的几率可能相对较低。但无论几率有多低，直觉上使用任何可用的成像引导似乎都是明智的。而这种引导越来越多地由超声提供。如果我们假设插针者完全不了解潜在的解剖结构，只是简单地一针刺入，并希望能刺中目标，那么我们就不难发现超声引导手术的巨大优势。但事实并非如此。医科学生花费大量时间学习表面解剖学，以及它与皮下组织、肌肉和骨骼的关系。医生对解剖学非常了解，他们会用手触摸某些底层结构，如骨突、肌腱和静脉，以便在脑海中拼凑出底层解剖的图像。抽过血的人都知道，从事这项工作的技术人员善于感受肘部内侧的解剖结构，无论静脉有多深，都能找到静脉进行穿刺放血。但抽血是一回事，注射药物又是另一回事。用于治疗关节骨关节炎的关节内注射已经流行了一段时间，只需使用解剖标记即可安全进行。但越来越多的医生开始使用超声波引导针头放置。在本期《AJUM》杂志上，Oo 等人1 对超声引导注射进行了系统回顾，并得出结论认为，与地标引导注射相比，超声引导注射的临床效果更佳。作为一名潜在患者，我可以理解这将如何建立起对手术的信心，但临床疗效改善的额外好处让超声引导变得更有说服力。那些拥有丰富地标引导经验的人可能会发现，超声波一开始会阻碍手术的进行。反之，有超声波经验的人可能对地标引导手术没有信心。让两名专业人员（其中一名是超声波专家）并肩工作看似很有吸引力，但随着超声波引导手术数量的增加，成本会很高。此外，我还听到一些从业者担心，经验不足的从业者会过于依赖超声波进行手术；他们会失去传统地标引导技术的艺术，但如果超声波对患者更好，这又是否是个问题呢？由于针吸术需要精确的解剖对准，以确保采集到正确的细胞样本，因此超声波在完善这项技术方面可能非常有用。在本期的《AJUM》杂志中，Akahoshi 等人2 介绍了一项小型研究，他们评估了内窥镜检查中超声引导细针活检低回声病变的效果。它为新手提供了一种练习插针的方法，并通过一系列导线和 LED 灯提供直接和实时的反馈（与无处不在的 "操作 "游戏的方式基本相同，但没有响亮的蜂鸣器！）。我坚信，超声引导正逐渐成为标准护理，增加的费用（如果有的话）将为患者带来更好的治疗效果，并增强从业人员（和患者）对手术的信心。
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Yana Vinnikov, Eran Barzilay, Oshri Barel, Gil Levy
Introduction
Cervical elongation is considered a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse treatment failure in uterine preservation surgery. Consensus has not been reached regarding what is considered a normal cervical length, or how to measure it. Our primary aim was to test a new technique for measuring cervical length.
Materials and Methods
We enrolled women undergoing hysterectomy, with or without pelvic organ prolapse (for all indications except cervical tumours/history of cervical operations). Their cervical lengths were measured both by ultrasound and anatomical measurement. The external length of the cervix was measured using Doppler location of the uterine artery near the cervical-uterine junction as the proximal point and compared to the ultrasound measurement of the cervical canal. The uterine specimen was used to record anatomical cervical measurements as well as uterine corpus length. Baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index and pelvic organ prolapse quantification were also collected.
Results
Twenty women were eligible for evaluation. We found the average anatomical cervical canal length was (ccAN) 33.95 mm (range ± 9.23) and by external measurement (ceAN) 36.80 mm (range ± 7.54). We found a significant, high-powered correlation between our ultrasound and anatomical measurements in both techniques, as well as between the two ultrasound techniques. We also found a negative correlation between cervical length and women's age (rp = −0.443, P = 0.05).
Conclusion
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length using the location of the uterine artery was found to have a strong correlation to the anatomical cervical length and can be used for the measurement of normal cervical length.
{"title":"A novel technique for the measurement of cervical length in non-pregnant women","authors":"Yana Vinnikov, Eran Barzilay, Oshri Barel, Gil Levy","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12383","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12383","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cervical elongation is considered a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse treatment failure in uterine preservation surgery. Consensus has not been reached regarding what is considered a normal cervical length, or how to measure it. Our primary aim was to test a new technique for measuring cervical length.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We enrolled women undergoing hysterectomy, with or without pelvic organ prolapse (for all indications except cervical tumours/history of cervical operations). Their cervical lengths were measured both by ultrasound and anatomical measurement. The external length of the cervix was measured using Doppler location of the uterine artery near the cervical-uterine junction as the proximal point and compared to the ultrasound measurement of the cervical canal. The uterine specimen was used to record anatomical cervical measurements as well as uterine corpus length. Baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index and pelvic organ prolapse quantification were also collected.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twenty women were eligible for evaluation. We found the average anatomical cervical canal length was (ccAN) 33.95 mm (range ± 9.23) and by external measurement (ceAN) 36.80 mm (range ± 7.54). We found a significant, high-powered correlation between our ultrasound and anatomical measurements in both techniques, as well as between the two ultrasound techniques. We also found a negative correlation between cervical length and women's age (r<sub>p</sub> = −0.443, P = 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length using the location of the uterine artery was found to have a strong correlation to the anatomical cervical length and can be used for the measurement of normal cervical length.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"141-148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141111260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ultrasonography as a guide for intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is increasingly accepted within the spheres of acute care. Initial investigations and protocols often focused on measures of arterial flow as an objective approach for personalising organ ‘perfusion.’ More recently, and with literature associating excessive IV fluid with adverse outcomes, venous ultrasound as a measure of organ ‘congestion’ is taking hold. Yet, arterial (i.e., ‘perfusion’) and venous (i.e., ‘congestion’) Doppler ultrasound measures are often performed separately and can be time-consuming, especially for novices.
Methods
We report a case, wherein venous and arterial Doppler were simultaneously measured using a wireless, wearable ultrasound as a means to optimise flow without congestion.
Results
Before IV volume expansion, the patient had Doppler measures consistent with low central venous pressure (CVP) and stroke volume (SV). Following IV volume expansion, venous Doppler remained the same; however, carotid corrected flow time (ccFT) increased significantly.
Conclusion
A framework for venous-arterial Doppler enhanced resuscitation (VADER) can be used to guide IV volume in patients at risk for venous congestion.
{"title":"Optimising flow without congestion using the venous-arterial Doppler enhanced resuscitation framework","authors":"Jon-Emile S Kenny, Philippe Rola","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12388","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12388","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasonography as a guide for intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is increasingly accepted within the spheres of acute care. Initial investigations and protocols often focused on measures of arterial flow as an objective approach for personalising organ ‘perfusion.’ More recently, and with literature associating excessive IV fluid with adverse outcomes, venous ultrasound as a measure of organ ‘congestion’ is taking hold. Yet, arterial (i.e., ‘perfusion’) and venous (i.e., ‘congestion’) Doppler ultrasound measures are often performed separately and can be time-consuming, especially for novices.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We report a case, wherein venous and arterial Doppler were simultaneously measured using a wireless, wearable ultrasound as a means to optimise flow without congestion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Before IV volume expansion, the patient had Doppler measures consistent with low central venous pressure (CVP) and stroke volume (SV). Following IV volume expansion, venous Doppler remained the same; however, carotid corrected flow time (ccFT) increased significantly.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A framework for venous-arterial Doppler enhanced resuscitation (VADER) can be used to guide IV volume in patients at risk for venous congestion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"193-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.12388","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141129224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaobo Xin, Yingjia Li, Rui Liu, Xiaozhen Liu, Shaoqing Cai
Purpose
This study aimed to employ tissue Doppler imaging to monitor diaphragmatic peak velocity and acceleration during contraction and relaxation in mechanically ventilated patients, with the objective of assessing the potential utility of this technique in predicting weaning outcomes.
Methods
A total of 89 adult subjects were recruited in this study. After 30 min of spontaneous breathing trial, the diaphragm motion parameters, including peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, contraction acceleration and relaxation acceleration, were measured in real time using tissue Doppler imaging. According to the results of weaning, the patients were divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group. The differences of diaphragmatic tissue Doppler imaging monitoring indicators between the two groups were analysed, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyse the value of each ultrasound parameter in predicting weaning.
Results
In the successful weaning group, there were 61 subjects, while in the failed weaning group, there were 28 subjects. The peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, contraction acceleration and relaxation acceleration of the diaphragm were significantly higher in the failed weaning group compared to the successful weaning group (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of diaphragmatic peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, diaphragmatic contraction acceleration and diaphragmatic relaxation acceleration were 0.81 (0.72–0.91), 0.85 (0.77–0.93), 0.74 (0.63–0.86) and 0.86 (0.78–0.94), respectively.
Conclusions
The diaphragm ultrasonic tissue Doppler imaging variables can serve as predictive indicators for weaning mechanical ventilation in patients, thus providing an effective tool to assist critical care physicians in determining the optimal timing for weaning mechanical ventilation.
{"title":"Tissue Doppler imaging of the diaphragm and outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation","authors":"Shaobo Xin, Yingjia Li, Rui Liu, Xiaozhen Liu, Shaoqing Cai","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12389","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12389","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to employ tissue Doppler imaging to monitor diaphragmatic peak velocity and acceleration during contraction and relaxation in mechanically ventilated patients, with the objective of assessing the potential utility of this technique in predicting weaning outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 89 adult subjects were recruited in this study. After 30 min of spontaneous breathing trial, the diaphragm motion parameters, including peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, contraction acceleration and relaxation acceleration, were measured in real time using tissue Doppler imaging. According to the results of weaning, the patients were divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group. The differences of diaphragmatic tissue Doppler imaging monitoring indicators between the two groups were analysed, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyse the value of each ultrasound parameter in predicting weaning.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the successful weaning group, there were 61 subjects, while in the failed weaning group, there were 28 subjects. The peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, contraction acceleration and relaxation acceleration of the diaphragm were significantly higher in the failed weaning group compared to the successful weaning group (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of diaphragmatic peak contraction velocity, peak relaxation velocity, diaphragmatic contraction acceleration and diaphragmatic relaxation acceleration were 0.81 (0.72–0.91), 0.85 (0.77–0.93), 0.74 (0.63–0.86) and 0.86 (0.78–0.94), respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The diaphragm ultrasonic tissue Doppler imaging variables can serve as predictive indicators for weaning mechanical ventilation in patients, thus providing an effective tool to assist critical care physicians in determining the optimal timing for weaning mechanical ventilation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"159-166"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.12389","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141007245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joyce Yea See Lau, Sandra O'Hara, Paul Lombardo, Melinda Goodyear
Introduction/Purpose
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a widely spread viral infectious disease, which can impact multiple organs, including the liver. Elevated liver enzymes have been reported in COVID-19 patients; however, potential changes in liver stiffness following the viral infection remain uncertain. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine if there is a significant difference in liver stiffness between individuals who have never been infected with COVID-19 and those who had been infected with COVID-19 <6 months, experiencing only mild symptoms. The secondary aim was to compare the liver stiffness between participants infected with COVID-19 depending on the elapsed time since infection.
Methods
Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) was performed prospectively on 68 participants. Thirty-four participants had been infected with COVID-19 (all for <6 months) (COVID-19 group), and another 34 had never been infected with COVID-19 (control group). The mean 2D-SWE measurements of both the COVID-19 group and the control group were compared using an independent t-test. The mean 2D-SWE measurements of the COVID-19 subgroups A (<2 months), B (2 to <4 months) and C (4 to <6 months) were compared using a one-way ANOVA test (P < 0.05).
Results
The (mean ± standard deviation) liver stiffness (kPa) of the COVID-19 group (5.26 ± 1.63 kPa) was significantly higher than the control group (4.30 ± 0.96 kPa) (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in liver stiffness among subgroups A (5.20 ± 1.79 kPa), B (4.70 ± 1.53 kPa) and C (5.96 ± 1.48 kPa) (P = 0.143) respectively.
Discussion
The mean liver stiffness of 4.30 ± 0.96k Pa in the control group showed a high probability of being normal as per guidelines. Conversely, the mean liver stiffness of 5.26 ± 1.63 kPa in the COVID-19 group exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group. However, compensated advanced chronic liver disease was ruled out without other known clinical signs, as per guidelines.
Conclusion
A statistically significant increase in liver stiffness value was observed in the post-COVID-19 infection group compared to the group who had never been infected. This highlights the potential for short-term impact on liver stiffness associa
{"title":"Assessment of the liver with two-dimensional shear wave elastography following COVID-19 infection: A pilot study","authors":"Joyce Yea See Lau, Sandra O'Hara, Paul Lombardo, Melinda Goodyear","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12390","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.12390","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction/Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a widely spread viral infectious disease, which can impact multiple organs, including the liver. Elevated liver enzymes have been reported in COVID-19 patients; however, potential changes in liver stiffness following the viral infection remain uncertain. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine if there is a significant difference in liver stiffness between individuals who have never been infected with COVID-19 and those who had been infected with COVID-19 <6 months, experiencing only mild symptoms. The secondary aim was to compare the liver stiffness between participants infected with COVID-19 depending on the elapsed time since infection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) was performed prospectively on 68 participants. Thirty-four participants had been infected with COVID-19 (all for <6 months) (COVID-19 group), and another 34 had never been infected with COVID-19 (control group). The mean 2D-SWE measurements of both the COVID-19 group and the control group were compared using an independent <i>t</i>-test. The mean 2D-SWE measurements of the COVID-19 subgroups A (<2 months), B (2 to <4 months) and C (4 to <6 months) were compared using a one-way ANOVA test (P < 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The (mean ± standard deviation) liver stiffness (kPa) of the COVID-19 group (5.26 ± 1.63 kPa) was significantly higher than the control group (4.30 ± 0.96 kPa) (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in liver stiffness among subgroups A (5.20 ± 1.79 kPa), B (4.70 ± 1.53 kPa) and C (5.96 ± 1.48 kPa) (P = 0.143) respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The mean liver stiffness of 4.30 ± 0.96k Pa in the control group showed a high probability of being normal as per guidelines. Conversely, the mean liver stiffness of 5.26 ± 1.63 kPa in the COVID-19 group exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group. However, compensated advanced chronic liver disease was ruled out without other known clinical signs, as per guidelines.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A statistically significant increase in liver stiffness value was observed in the post-COVID-19 infection group compared to the group who had never been infected. This highlights the potential for short-term impact on liver stiffness associa","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"167-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.12390","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141010492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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