ABSTRACTBackgroundThe literature contains a few studies that explore the possibility of assessing coronary artery disease (CAD) risk based on the angle between the coronary arteries and the bifurcation of the aorta.PurposeTo reveal the relationship between the angle of the right coronary artery and the aorta, as well as the bifurcation angle of the left main coronary artery, with the degree of plaque and stenosis in the right coronary artery, left main coronary artery, left anterior descending artery (LAD), and circumflex artery (Cx).Materials and MethodsThe coronary CT angiographies of 217 patients, taken due to suspected CAD at our institution between October 2023 and June 2024, were retrospectively evaluated. All CT images were analyzed at different times by two experienced radiologists using a specialized workstation. There was significant concordance between intraobserver and interobserver assessments. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed to measure the angles.ResultsThe mean LAD–Cx angle measured by the first radiologist was 78.81 ± 30.54, while the second radiologist's measurement was 79.34 ± 30.62, demonstrating excellent agreement. The mean right coronary artery–aortic (RCA–Aortic) angle measured by the first radiologist was 96.21 ± 33.47, while the second radiologist's measurement was 96.75 ± 33.62, again demonstrating excellent agreement.ConclusionIn this study, no association was found between coronary artery angles and the presence of plaque or stenosis. Therefore, coronary artery angles should not be considered a reliable indicator of CAD risk. Instead, risk assessment should include other well‐established risk factors.

ABSTRACTLower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare but severe fetal condition associated with significant morbidity and long‐term renal risk. Several prenatal staging systems have been proposed to guide management and predict outcomes, yet their comparative prognostic value remains uncertain. This review provides a structured evaluation of three staging systems currently used in clinical practice: those proposed by Ruano, Fontanella, and Nassr. Ruano's system integrates detailed ultrasound findings and biochemical markers, providing explicit stage‐specific management recommendations and guidance for specific prenatal therapy. Fontanella's approach depends solely on ultrasound parameters, specifically bladder volume and the gestational timing of oligohydramnios onset, without incorporating biochemical markers or offering clear treatment guidelines. Nassr's score employs both ultrasound and biochemical data within a numerical scoring framework, focusing primarily on identifying severe cases that might benefit from prenatal intervention. Each system has distinct strengths and limitations. Further multicenter validation studies are necessary to determine which staging system most effectively predicts clinical outcomes and optimally guides management for fetuses diagnosed with LUTO.

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo prevent complications, early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are crucial. The gold standard for diagnosis is colonoscopy with biopsy, which is invasive and costly. Bowel ultrasound (BUS) is a non‐invasive and accurate diagnostic imaging tool. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of BUS in detecting IBD, compared to the gold standard of colonoscopy with biopsy.ObjectivesA BUS imaging protocol for IBD was used to make a preliminary diagnosis of IBD with a BUS scan. The preliminary diagnoses were compared to the confirmatory diagnoses that used histology.MethodA radiologist made a preliminary diagnosis using the instrument BUS parameter measurements. Fisher's exact test (p = 0.05) was performed to determine if an association existed between the preliminary IBD diagnosis and confirmation. The accuracy of BUS diagnosis was calculated for the individual parameters and the preliminary ultrasound diagnosis.ResultsOf the participants, 47 (61%) were diagnosed with IBD, and 30 (39%) were negative. The majority had thickened bowel walls and increased bowel wall vascularity. The BUS parameters of bowel wall thickness and vascularity accuracy were above 80%. Bowel wall stratification, haustration, fatty wrapping, peristalsis, mesenteric lymph nodes, and free fluid ranged between 66% and 71%. The overall accuracy of BUS parameters exceeded 80%.ConclusionThe potential of using BUS parameters as a sifting or screening tool should be considered in the workup to expedite the diagnosis of IBD.ContributionThe identification and description of BUS parameters for ultrasound diagnosis of IBD may facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo develop a nomogram of fetal ear length (FEL) by gestational age in a healthy pregnant Southern European population and assess its potential as a prenatal ultrasound marker of chromosomal anomalies in this demographic.MethodsThis prospective, multicenter cohort study included low‐risk pregnancies from 11 + 2 to 34 + 6 gestational age. A nomogram was constructed based on gestational age for healthy fetuses with normal perinatal outcomes. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were evaluated. To assess the efficacy of FEL as a marker of chromosomal anomalies, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed; sensitivity and specificity were calculated.ResultsA total of 1923 FEL measurements were obtained from 1331 singleton pregnancies. Using data from healthy fetuses, a nomogram was constructed through linear regression analysis. Measurement feasibility was excellent, with intra‐ and interobserver correlation coefficients of 0.996 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.995–0.997) and 0.998 (95% CI: 0.978–0.999), respectively. FEL achieved a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 49.8% in detecting chromosomal anomalies. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that FEL ≤ 5th percentile significantly increased the likelihood of detecting chromosomal anomalies (odds ratio = 3.11); although the wide 95% CI (1.92–10.7) suggests a cautious interpretation of this finding.ConclusionsWhile FEL demonstrates potential as a prenatal marker of chromosomal anomalies, its clinical utility remains limited due to moderate sensitivity and specificity. Further studies are warranted to refine its diagnostic value in routine screening practices.

ABSTRACTPurposeTargeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) is increasingly utilized by neonatologists to assess hemodynamics, particularly when cardiology‐performed echocardiography (CPE) is unavailable. It is crucial that TNE screens and identifies structural abnormalities. This study evaluated the agreement between TNE and CPE in detecting significant congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodsThis retrospective, single‐center cohort study included infants who underwent TNE between 2015 and 2019 and had at least one complete CPE before discharge. Infants with a known CHD diagnosis prior to TNE were excluded. Atrial septal defects (ASD) < 3 mm, peripheral pulmonary stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus were excluded. Agreement between TNE and CPE was assessed using correlation coefficients and kappa statistics.ResultsA total of 339 infants with 954 TNE scans were included. TNE identified CHD in 41 infants, with all but one (a false positive bicuspid aortic valve) confirmed by CPE. TNE missed CHD in 29 infants (31 lesions), mostly minor, with only one case (pulmonary stenosis) requiring intervention. The overall agreement was 91.15%, with a kappa of 0.68 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionTNE demonstrated good agreement with CPE in detecting significant CHD in a low‐risk neonatal population. Most missed lesions were minor, underscoring the importance of ongoing training and quality assurance.

ABSTRACTThis case report presents an atypical presentation of proximal intersection syndrome and provides ultrasound‐based evidence of extensor pollicis brevis muscle belly hypertrophy with associated edema in a non‐athletic population. While occupationally induced PIS has been previously documented, the patient's symptoms in this case were linked to repetitive lifting tasks involving prolonged extension of the first metacarpophalangeal joint with a wide grip. Dynamic ultrasound assessment revealed radial displacement of the second compartment tendons by the extensor pollicis brevis muscle during the aggravating movement. This finding suggests a novel pathomechanism, potentially driven by mechanical friction and stress between the first and second dorsal compartments, warranting further investigation.