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Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a combination of congenital flexion contractures of the fingers (camptodactyly), non-inflammatory joint swelling (arthropathy), hip deformities (coxa vara), and recurrent pericarditis. In early childhood, the clinical presentation is dominated by the articular manifestations that can easily mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, often leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatments. Although not pathognomonic, ultrasound may provide specific ultrasound characteristics of joint involvement in CACP syndrome that help differentiate it from inflammatory arthropathies. This report aims to highlight the role of ultrasound in the initial assessment, differential diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring of CACP syndrome, drawing on both our patient series and a review of the literature.
Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) has emerged as a pivotal imaging modality, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes across a wide spectrum of medical disciplines. This paper explores the technological advancements, clinical applications and potential limitations of IOUS. Additionally, it discusses the future potential and integration with other imaging modalities to foster minimally invasive and precision-guided surgery. By providing a detailed bibliometric and narrative review, this study aims to consolidate current knowledge while identifying areas for further research.
Aim: The objective was to assess chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity by comparing changes in myocardial work indices (MWI) using echocardiographic myocardial work (MW).
Material and method: A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, covering literature up to June 2024.
Results: A total of 13 non-randomized experimental studies (n=1,373) assessed changes in MWI of cancer patients treated with anthracyclines, trastuzumab/pertuzumab, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. After chemotherapy, adecrease was observed in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (Pooled standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.75, 95% CI: -1.18, -0.31, p=0.001, I 2= 95.9%), global longitudinal strain (GLS) (Pooled SMD = -2.38, 95% CI: -3.10, -1.66, p<0.001, I 2= 97.9%), global work index (Pooled SMD = -1.27, 95% CI: -1.68, -0.86, p<0.001, I2= 95.0%), global constructive work (GCW) (Pooled SMD = -1.55, 95% CI: -2.10, -0.99, p<0.001, I 2= 96.9%), and global work efficiency (Pooled SMD = -1.66, 95% CI: -2.39, -0.94, p<0.001, I2= 98.2%). Conversely, global wasted work (GWW) increased (Pooled SMD = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.89, p=0.002, I 2= 98.2%). Post-chemotherapy, GCW and GLS were below normal ranges, GWW exceeded normal values, and LVEF remained within normal limits across all subgroups.
Conclusions: Echocardiographic MWI provides a non-invasive method for assessing cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines, trastuzumab / pertuzumab, or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Aim: Ultrasound is frequently used to assess muscle mass adaptations in athletes, with measurements often collected across multiple training centers. Extended field of view (EFOV) technology provides a faster, safer, more accessible, and less expensive alternative to gold standard methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the reliability and validity of portable ultrasound devices for EFOV imaging are not well established. This study aimed to: a) evaluate the validity of a portable ultrasound device compared to a commonly used clinical device, and b) assess the reliability of EFOV ultrasound measurements using both a validated clinical device and a portable device.
Material and methods: Twenty-four recreational athletes participated. EFOV images of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles were captured using both a clinical and portable device, and cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at three regions of interest (ROIs).
Results: A strong correlation (r=0.989-0.999, p<0.001) between the two devices across all ROIs was found, with minimal mean differences. Both devices demonstrated high reliability, with low coefficients of variation (clinical=2.22%, portable=3.55%).
Conclusion: The portable device is a valid and reliable tool for EFOV ultrasound measurements, facilitating its use in multi-center studies by allowing comparison across different devices and training centers.

