Journal of Medical Ultrasonics最新文献

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the four-section approach using two-dimensional sonography in diagnosing Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) during second-trimester screening.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on low-risk pregnant women undergoing routine mid-trimester screening. Cases with suspected micrognathia prenatally were included and examined using the four-section approach. Initially, we measured the inferior facial angle (IFA) for fetuses suspected of having micrognathia. Subsequently, in the oblique coronal section via the oral fissure, we examined the continuity of the hard and soft palate line. Finally, dynamic scanning of both the sagittal and coronal sections of the mandible was performed to confirm whether the echogenic tongue was displaced posteriorly. All fetuses diagnosed with PRS were followed up through autopsy and postnatal evaluation.

Results: Forty-three fetuses were initially subjectively suspected of having micrognathia by sonographers. After objective IFA measurement, 25 cases had an IFA < 50°, while 18 had an IFA > 50°. Among the 25 cases with IFA < 50°, we identified 13 cases of PRS with micrognathia, cleft palate (CP), and glossoptosis. However, one case failed to be diagnosed prenatally because it had micrognathia and CP but no glossoptosis. Eleven cases had neither CP nor glossoptosis yet exhibited other malformations. Among the 18 fetuses with IFA > 50°, 15 cases were normal, while three cases had other deformities. In this study cohort, no false-positive results were found. The four-section approach for diagnosing PRS showed a sensitivity of 92.9%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 91.7%.

Conclusion: The four-section method proved highly effective in assessing PRS during second-trimester sonographic scans. The combined evaluation of micrognathia and glossoptosis can remarkably enhance the accuracy of prenatal PRS diagnosis.

We aimed to compare the outcomes of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) between elderly and non-elderly patients utilizing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Repositories of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to 25 January 2025 for all comparative studies providing data on the adequacy of the sample obtained from the procedure, procedure duration, and complications. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Six studies were eligible. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in procedure duration, inadequate sampling, and all complications between elderly and non-elderly groups. There was no statistically significant difference between elderly and non-elderly for specific complications like bleeding, cardiovascular events, and hypoxemia. Subgroup analysis based on the definition of elderly did not change the results of inadequate sampling and all complications. Descriptive analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for malignant lesions showed no difference between the two groups. EBUS-TBNA seems to have similar diagnostic yield and complication rates in the elderly as compared to the non-elderly population. More studies are needed to improve the quality of evidence.

Ultrasound is a good diagnostic technique for musculoskeletal system diseases in children. At present, musculoskeletal ultrasound is widely used in diagnosing soft tissue and joint diseases in pediatric patients, but its application for bone and cartilage diseases is limited. However, ultrasound examination is very important for the diagnosis of bone and cartilage diseases in children. Especially for lesions displaying periosteum, ultrasound has unique advantages, but there are few reports. This article summarized the normal, variant and abnormal ultrasound findings of periosteum on the surface of bone cortex, which could help to diagnose the diseases of children's skeletal system.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in assessing induction therapy for active ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Thirty-two patients (12 with severe colitis and 20 with moderate colitis) were analyzed. Disease activity was assessed using the Mayo endoscopic score (MES) obtained via colonoscopy. Ultrasound (US) grade and bowel wall thickness (BWT) before induction therapy were compared in terms of MES. Changes in US grade and BWT from pre-treatment to clinical improvement were analyzed at the most inflamed segments, oral side, and anal side.

Results: A correlation coefficient of 0.58 (p < 0.01) indicated a strong correlation between US grade and MES. US grade and BWT decreased at the most inflamed segments, oral side, and anal side for clinical improvement in all cases (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). However, changes in US grade were significantly greater on the oral side than the most inflamed segments or the anal side (p = 0.008 and p = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusion: IUS is an effective method for assessing the efficacy of induction therapy for active UC. The assessment should be performed at the proximal part of the colon, rather than solely at the site of the most pronounced inflammation.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate muscle atrophy in critically ill patients using ultrasonography. We compared the rectus femoris (a major muscle of the lower limbs) with the sternocleidomastoid (an accessory respiratory muscle).

Methods: Thirty-four patients hospitalized at the Critical Care Medical Center of Kindai University Hospital between January 2022 and March 2023 were enrolled. Muscle dysfunction was measured based on the thickness and cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris and sternocleidomastoid using ultrasonography. These values were evaluated every alternate day for 13 days after admission or until discharge, whichever occurred first. Factors that correlated with percentage changes in sternocleidomastoid thickness were also analyzed.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.3 ± 15.3 years, and 20 (59%) were men. Seven patients (21%) were admitted for trauma, and 27 (79%) for medical or other non-trauma-related emergency conditions. The rectus femoris thickness and cross-sectional area significantly decreased after day 7 (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in sternocleidomastoid thickness. However, it negatively correlated with the length of hospitalization and duration of mechanical ventilation use (r = - 0.38, P < 0.05; r = - 0.64, P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: Although rectus femoris thickness decreased significantly, changes in sternocleidomastoid thickness may be related to the use of mechanical ventilation.