Echogenic Pattern Research Articles

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscle Thickness and Internal Structure in Young Adult Patients With Bruxism.

The current study is a comparative cross-sectional analysis study to determine the thickness and internal structure of the masseter muscle (MM) and anterior temporal muscle (ATM) in patients with bruxism by ultrasonography (USG). A total of 100 patients (36 males, 64 females), 50 with bruxism and 50 without bruxism, aged 20-30 years were included in the study. All patients were investigated with MM and ATM USG. The thickness of the muscles was measured at rest and during clenching and the internal structure at rest was classified as Type I, II, and III. Differences in the internal structure between bruxism and non-bruxism groups were determined using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). The most common internal structure in bruxism was Type 2 in MM (74%) and Type 1 in ATM (46%), whereas in non-bruxism, Type 1 in MM (58%) and Type 1 in ATM (80%) were found most frequently. While there was a statistically significant difference in the internal echogenic pattern in the right MM and ATM in bruxism (p < 0.05), no significant difference was observed on the left side (p > 0.05). Bruxism patients had higher rest and clench thicknesses than non-bruxism patients on both sides in MM and ATM, however, this did not result in a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The results obtained showed that the evaluation of internal structure and thickness differences via USG is crucial in understanding the nature of the bruxism process affecting the masseter and ATM, facilitating its clinical diagnosis and leading to its treatment.

Ultrasonography for non-invasive sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Sex identification and the selection of monosex male tilapia are crucial for tilapia aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the application of ultrasonography as an alternative procedure for sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Ultrasonography was performed on 23 fish weighing 232-1,281 g to capture longitudinal and transverse images of the ovaries and testes. Female tilapia were identified by the presence of numerous small egg granules and gray or light gray ovarian tissue and male tilapia by the homogeneous echogenicity and uniform gray tubular appearance of the testes. These distinct echogenic patterns allowed for accurate differentiation between the female and male fish. Ultrasonography achieved a 95% accuracy in sex identification, with minimal stress to the fish during the procedure, compared to manual sex sorting, which demonstrated an accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, the method facilitated the assessment of the reproductive status of the fish, including the maturation stages and fecundity potential. The use of ultrasonography offers significant advantages over traditional methods, such as animal welfare enhancements and improved breeding program efficiency. Our findings support the integration of ultrasonography into aquaculture practices and will promote sustainable and humane fish farming while optimizing reproductive management and productivity.

8402 The Usefulness Of The Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) In Preoperative Localization Of Parathyroid Gland Adenomas

Abstract Disclosure: A. Żyłka: None. K. Dobruch-Sobczak: None. H. Piotrzkowska-Wróblewska: None. P. Góralski: None. J. Gałczyński: None. E. Bakuła-Zalewska: None. M. Dedecjus: None. Objectives: Preoperative localization of parathyroid gland adenomas in patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is challenging process. The aim of the study was to assessed the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as complimentary diagnostic modality to conventional ultrasonography for detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland lesions. Methods: Between the years 2021 and 2022, 36 adult patients (33 women and 3 men, aged 37-76) diagnosed with pHPT, underwent high-resolution ultrasound (US) and CEUS of parathyroid gland adenomas, suspected after fine-needle aspiration biopsy with positive parathormone (PTH) wash-out results and/or avid in 99mTechnetium -sestamibi scintigraphy. During CEUS examination 1.5 ml of SonoVue contrast has been injected and followed by analysing of qualitative CEUS enhancement features. All patients were qualified to surgical treatment according to clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings and underwent parathyroidectomy with histopathologic results confirming parathyroid gland adenomas. Analysis of the B-mode features and visual CEUS enhancement patterns was performed retrospectively. Ten CEUS qualitative parameters of lesions were assessed including: homo- or heterogenous enhancement; hyper- or hypoenhancement; distribution of contrast in wash-in phase as: centripetal, centrifugal or combined and in wash-out phase as: centrally, peripherally or combined. Then the model was extended using the results based on US B-mode imaging which involved size, echogenicity, calcifications, cystic components and vascularity patterns assessed in Color Doppler (CD) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI). Results: Histopathologic results included 36 parathyroid adenomas (in 33 women and 3 men), the medium size 18.8mm (±11.1) and volume 3.7mm3 (±8.2). In B-mode US examination the majority of lesions were assessed as hypoechoic (n=36; 100%) with dominant inhomogenous echostructure (n=20; 55.5%), mixed vascularity (n=24; 66.6%) and polar vessel observed in 14 lesions (38.8%). There were no adenomas with calcifications, cystic components were observed only in 4 nodules (11.1%). In the CEUS study, dominated qualitative features were homogenous (n=22; 61,1%) and hyperenhancement (n=27; 75%), with centripetal distribution of contrast in wash-in phase (n=24; 66,6%) and dominant centrally wash-out of the contrast (n=20; 55,5%). Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate ultrasonographic patterns characteristic for parathyroid gland adenomas in multiparametric ultrasound involved CEUS examination, which seemed to be valuable tool for localization hyperfunctional parathyroid glands. Further multicenter studies should be performed to standardize qualitative CEUS features in order to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism preoperatively. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8402 The Usefulness of the Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Gland Adenomas

Abstract Disclosure: A. Żyłka: None. K. Dobruch-Sobczak: None. H. Piotrzkowska-Wróblewska: None. P. Góralski: None. J. Gałczyński: None. E. Bakuła-Zalewska: None. M. Dedecjus: None. Objectives: Preoperative localization of parathyroid gland adenomas in patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is challenging process. The aim of the study was to assessed the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as complimentary diagnostic modality to conventional ultrasonography for detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland lesions. Methods: Between the years 2021 and 2022, 36 adult patients (33 women and 3 men, aged 37-76) diagnosed with pHPT, underwent high-resolution ultrasound (US) and CEUS of parathyroid gland adenomas, suspected after fine-needle aspiration biopsy with positive parathormone (PTH) wash-out results and/or avid in 99mTechnetium -sestamibi scintigraphy. During CEUS examination 1.5 ml of SonoVue contrast has been injected and followed by analysing of qualitative CEUS enhancement features. All patients were qualified to surgical treatment according to clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings and underwent parathyroidectomy with histopathologic results confirming parathyroid gland adenomas. Analysis of the B-mode features and visual CEUS enhancement patterns was performed retrospectively. Ten CEUS qualitative parameters of lesions were assessed including: homo- or heterogenous enhancement; hyper- or hypoenhancement; distribution of contrast in wash-in phase as: centripetal, centrifugal or combined and in wash-out phase as: centrally, peripherally or combined. Then the model was extended using the results based on US B-mode imaging which involved size, echogenicity, calcifications, cystic components and vascularity patterns assessed in Color Doppler (CD) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI). Results: Histopathologic results included 36 parathyroid adenomas (in 33 women and 3 men), the medium size 18.8mm (±11.1) and volume 3.7mm3 (±8.2). In B-mode US examination the majority of lesions were assessed as hypoechoic (n=36; 100%) with dominant inhomogenous echostructure (n=20; 55.5%), mixed vascularity (n=24; 66.6%) and polar vessel observed in 14 lesions (38.8%). There were no adenomas with calcifications, cystic components were observed only in 4 nodules (11.1%). In the CEUS study, dominated qualitative features were homogenous (n=22; 61,1%) and hyperenhancement (n=27; 75%), with centripetal distribution of contrast in wash-in phase (n=24; 66,6%) and dominant centrally wash-out of the contrast (n=20; 55,5%). Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate ultrasonographic patterns characteristic for parathyroid gland adenomas in multiparametric ultrasound involved CEUS examination, which seemed to be valuable tool for localization hyperfunctional parathyroid glands. Further multicenter studies should be performed to standardize qualitative CEUS features in order to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism preoperatively. Presentation: 6/1/2024

KRC-APM: Key region cutting and artificial prior model for breast cancer recognition in ultrasound images

Computer-aided analysis of ultrasound images is important for the early detection of breast cancer, obtaining more treatment time and improving the likelihood of survival. Current methods are either limited by predefined Regions of Interest (ROIs), suffer from a low proportion and variable locations of tumors, or lack appropriate modeling of tumor characteristics in ultrasound images. This paper proposes a framework called Key Region Cutting and Artificial Prior Model (KRC-APM) for breast cancer recognition in ultrasound images. Firstly, to avoid the reliance on predefined ROIs, as well as to increase the proportion of tumor areas and eliminate abundant background, we propose a Key Region Cutting (KRC) method, which analyzes the confidence levels for tumor areas and tolerantly cuts high-confidence areas into key regions. Next, to model the characteristics of tumors in ultrasound images, we design three types of diagnosis-related Artificial Priors (APs) under the guidance of experienced oncologists: Shape Modeling, Margin Analysis, and Echogenicity Pattern Indication. Finally, to fuse the key region with the extracted APs, we propose an Artificial Prior Model (APM), which synthetically learns the pattern of breast cancer. The proposed KRC-APM is validated on two public datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that the key regions identified by the KRC method and the designed APs significantly enhance the performance of breast cancer recognition. Furthermore, the proposed KRC-APM framework outperforms current state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods.

Application of the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) in Ultrasound Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) affects a significant proportion of women, particularly around the ages of menarche and menopause. While ultrasonography is a primary diagnostic tool for AUB, techniques like the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) scoring system have enhanced diagnostic accuracy for endometrial abnormalities. IETA provides a standardized approach to evaluating endometrial features, which aids in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. This study applied the IETA scoring system to the ultrasound evaluation of 50 women presenting with AUB. The study assessed various endometrial characteristics, including thickness, echogenicity, midline appearance, junction regularity, and vascular patterns. Data were analyzed to correlate IETA scores with histopathological findings and to compare the ultrasound features of benign and malignant lesions. The study found that non-uniform endometrial characteristics and irregular midline appearances were more common in malignant lesions. Specifically, interrupted or irregular endometrial-myometrial junctions, absence of the bright edge, higher color scores, and complex vascular patterns were significantly associated with malignancy. Mean endometrial thickness was notably higher in malignant cases compared to benign ones, with a statistically significant difference. The most frequent IETA scores were 7, 12, and 13. Integrating the IETA scoring system into ultrasound evaluation enhances the detection of endometrial abnormalities, improving the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. This approach provides a reliable framework for diagnosing and managing AUB, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and facilitating better clinical decision-making.

Utility of perioperative ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology in differentiation between benign and malignant cervical lymphadenopathy: a retrospective cohort study

Background: The preoperative differentiation of benign form malignant cervical lymphadenopathy (CLA) is crucial in determining the need for surgical intervention. This study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US), fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and their combination with the postoperative histopathological diagnoses of CLA. Method: In a retrospective study between April 2021 and May 2023, 214 patients with CLA were assessed with preoperative US and FNAC. The morphological parameters, including tissue margins, vascularity, and fatty hilum echogenicity, were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The diagnostic efficacies of US, FNAC, and their combined use were compared to the postoperative histopathological findings. Result: In the final histopathological examination, 185 cases (86.4%) were found to be benign, while 29 cases (13.6%) were determined to be malignant. The US features of fatty hilum, echogenicity, and vascularity pattern had the highest diagnostic accuracy in characterizing CLA patterns, with values of 88.3%, 85.5%, and 85.0%, respectively. The ROC curve showed a significantly higher AUC value of 0.883 (95% CI: 0.832 to 0.923; P&lt;0.0001) for the combined use of all US parameters with better sensitivity (93.10%) and specificity (68.65%) than individual parameters. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC were 97.3%, 82.8%, and 95.3%, respectively. Additionally, US parameters and FNAC together showed a significantly higher AUC value of 0.924 (95% CI: 0.880 to 0.956; P&lt;0.0001) and achieved a sensitivity of 86.21% and specificity of 88.65%. Conclusions: The combined use of US and FNAC provides high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy in characterizing CLA patterns. In limited-resources settings, this approach is feasible, less invasive, and cost-effective thereby enabling clear management strategies and avoiding additional surgical interventions.

(PM-17) THE ROLE OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE-5 INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX PENILE WOUNDS: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract Introduction/Objective Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are traditionally employed for the management of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. However, their role in the healing of complex penile wounds remains scarcely discussed. This study aims to describe the case of a 27-year-old man who suffered from penile strangulation, treated with sildenafil. Additionally, a literature review concerning the use of PDE5i for the treatment of complex penile injuries will be conducted. Methods A 27-year-old man presented to the emergency room after a self-induced penile strangulation using a ring placed at the base of the penis. Extensive necrosis of the corpus cavernosum was identified through magnetic resonance imaging. Considering the psychosocial implications of penile amputation, organ preservation was chosen, and conservative treatment with sildenafil and daily local dressings was initiated. Thirty days after admission, Doppler ultrasound revealed symmetrical corpus cavernosum with normal echogenicity and usual blood flow patterns. Subsequently, the patient underwent superficial necrotic tissue debridement followed by partial skin grafting in a second stage, leading to hospital discharge after 55 days of hospitalization. Results PDE5 inhibitors enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, promoting vasodilation and improved tissue oxygenation, thereby facilitating various phases of the healing process. Evidence indicates their benefit in microvascular perfusion in skin and soft tissues. Reports suggest satisfactory outcomes of topical PDE5i application in radiation-induced lesions, implying their role in epidermal cell expansion, reduction of inflammatory infiltrates, enhanced vascularization, and decreased collagen deposition. Conclusion This study presents a successful case of sildenafil use in treatment of a complex penile wound, shedding light on an unconventional application of PDE5i. Financing No conflict.

‘Wisp of smoke sign" - Spontaneous echogenic contrast in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy

Aim: To highlight the unique appearance of Spontaneous Echo Contrast (SEC) in the Left Ventricle of a patient with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and low ejection fraction Methods: Image and Video from Transthoracic echocardiography performed to assess cardiac function Results: 'Wisp of Smoke' pattern of echogenic contrast noted within the left ventricle Conclusion: While commonly noted in atria rather than ventricles, this echogenic pattern is a marker of low-velocity blood flow and lends itself to a higher probability of thromboembolic events.

Ultrasonographic characterization of tendons and ligaments of palmar/plantar aspect of the cannon region in Egyptian donkeys.

There is a scarcity of data regarding the ultrasonographic characterization of tendons and ligaments in the distal limbs of donkeys. To determine ultrasonographic characteristics of normal tendons and ligaments at the palmar/plantar aspect of the cannon region in Egyptian donkeys. B-mode ultrasonography was conducted for the proposed tendons and ligaments in 12 clinically normal donkeys. Targeted structures were examined using transverse and longitudinal scans and evaluated in shape, echogenicity, echogenic pattern, fiber alignment pattern, and cross-sectional area (CSA). Using transverse scan, the sonographic shapes of tendons and ligaments of metacarpal and metatarsal regions were determined. Upon examining different levels of each region, specific ligaments, not tendons, were present only at the higher levels. The echogenicity of ligaments and tendons was either similar or variable across different levels. All tendons and ligaments displayed homogeneous echogenicity except for the suspensory ligament. In the longitudinal scan, tendons maintained linear and parallel fiber alignment along examination levels. Conversely, ligaments displayed mostly inconstant fiber patterns (linear/crimp). There was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in CSA of tendons and ligaments between certain levels within metacarpal and metatarsal regions. Upon comparing metacarpal and metatarsal regions, there were distinct variations in some ultrasonographic characteristics of the same tendons and ligaments. This study established the ultrasonographic features of normal tendons and ligaments at the palmar/plantar aspect of the cannon region in donkeys (Equus asinus). These ultrasonographic data can be a reference guide when cannon region lameness is suspected.

Comparison of Thyroid Gland Sonography Index with Serum Antithyroid Peroxidase, Antithyroglobulin, and Thyroid Function Tests in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid has emerged as a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool, along with measuring serum titers of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid hormones, in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. So, we aimed at considering correlations of ultrasonographic, antibodies, and thyroid hormone levels. A total of 149 patients (118 females, 31 males; aged 18-60 years; mean age: 38.60 ± 8.03 years) who were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were enrolled in the study. The blood sample was taken to measure serum titers of free T3 (FT3) and T4 (FT4), TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg antibody titers. The thyroid sonography of each patient was classified into one of the five grades by real-time ultrasound (US) based on echogenicity, thyroid size, and thyroid pattern. We evaluated whether there was a correlation between thyroid characteristics observed via ultrasound and serum levels of thyroid hormones, anti-TPO antibodies, and anti-Tg antibodies. Nodular structures were detected in 54 (36.2%) patients (38 micro-nodular and 16 macro-nodular). Echogenicity was recorded as isoechoic in 15(10.07%) and hypoechoic in 119 (79.87%) subjects. Euthyroid subjects had significantly thicker isthmus than overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients (P=0.018). Mean serum TSH, anti-Tg, and anti-TPO antibody titers showed a significant increase in patients with macro-nodules compared to those with micro-nodules and individuals without nodules (P0.05). The thickness of the isthmus had a significant negative correlation with FT4 (P=0.046; r=0.11) and FT3 (P=0.017; r=0.15), respectively. Thyroid autoantibodies had positive significant correlations with different parameters of thyroid volume (P0.05). Thyroid US findings, in addition to serum anti-Tg and anti-TPO antibody titers, might be correlated with the severity and extent of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but further evaluations are needed.

Primary Thyroid Lymphoma: Clinical Factors Predicting the Possibility of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Aims: Among primary thyroid lymphomas (PTLs), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has a poorer prognosis than other indolent lymphomas such as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) or follicular lymphoma (FL). However, the clinical differences between DLBCL and indolent lymphoma remain unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study on PTL was aimed at investigating the clinical differences between DLBCL and indolent lymphomas and identifying the factors differentiating DLBCL from indolent lymphomas. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 28 patients diagnosed with PTL and treated at our institution between 2005 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on the following clinical variables were extracted: sex, age, symptoms (pain and dysphagia), ultrasonographic appearance patterns, the presence of airway stenosis on computed tomography and laryngeal endoscopy, blood test results, disease stage, and pathological diagnosis. Results: In all, 13 patients were histologically diagnosed with DLBCL, 12 with MALT lymphoma, and 3 with FL. Significant differences in disease-specific survival rates were evident between the DLBCL and indolent lymphoma groups (68.2 vs 100%, P = .043). High lactate dehydrogenase levels (>230 U/mL) and airway stenosis were observed only in patients with DLBCL. Multivariate analysis identified that the presence of a linear echoic strand pattern and the absence of an echoic nodular pattern on ultrasound were independently associated with DLBCL (P = .0497 and .012, respectively). Conclusion: DLBCL can cause airway stenosis. The linear echogenic strand pattern and the absence of a nodular pattern should be recognized as predictive factors of DLBCL.

Hepatic Schistosomiasis with Abnormal Ultrasound Findings

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease in many countries in Africa and the Middle East, and affects millions of individuals. When schistosome eggs are deposited in the liver, an inflammatory response occurs, and if this response becomes chronic, it can lead to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. A 46-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with hepatic schistosomiasis who recently traveled to the Philippines presented to our hospital with a one-week history of abdominal pain and diarrhea. On transabdominal ultrasound, a reticular echogenic pattern and periportal wall thickening were noted. If the patient has a recent history of travel and characteristic findings on abdominal ultrasound, hepatic schistosomiasis should be suspected and can be diagnosed by detecting ova on liver biopsy.

High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging to Distinguish High-Risk and Low-Risk Dermatofibromas.

Dermatofibroma has various pathological classifications, some of which pose a risk of recurrence and metastasis. Distinguishing these high-risk dermatofibromas based on appearance alone can be challenging. Therefore, high-frequency ultrasound may provide additional internal information on these lesions, helping to identify high-risk and low-risk dermatofibroma early. In this retrospective study, 50 lesions were analyzed to explore the correlation between clinical and high-frequency ultrasound features and dermatofibroma risk level. Based on their pathological features, the lesions were divided into high-risk (n = 17) and low-risk (n = 33) groups. Subsequently, an identification model based on significant high-frequency ultrasound features was developed. Significant differences were observed in the thickness, shape, internal echogenicity, stratum basal, and Doppler vascular patterns between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The median lesion thickness for the high-risk dermatofibroma group was 4.1 mm (IQR: 3.2-6.1 mm), while it was 3.1 mm (IQR: 1.3-4.2 mm) for the low-risk dermatofibroma group. In the high-risk dermatofibroma group, irregular morphology was predominant (70.6%, 12/17), the most common being dermis-to-subcutaneous soft tissue penetration (64.7%, 11/17), and heterogenous internal echogenicity was observed in the majority of cases (76.5%, 13/17). On the other hand, regular morphology was more prevalent in the low-risk dermatofibroma group (78.8%, 26/33), primarily limited to the dermis layer (78.8%, 26/33), with homogeneous internal echogenicity also being prevalent in the majority of cases (81.8%, 27/33). Regarding the Doppler vascularity pattern, 69.7% (23/33) of low-risk dermatofibromas had no blood flow, while 64.7% (11/17) of high-risk dermatofibromas had blood flow. High-frequency ultrasound is crucial in distinguishing high-risk and low-risk dermatofibromas, making it invaluable for clinical management.

Sonographic Features of Atypical and Initially Missed Parathyroid Adenomas: Lessons Learned From a Single-Center Cohort.

Awareness of typical and atypical ultrasonographic (US) features of parathyroid adenomas (PAs) is crucial since US is the most widely used first-line imaging modality. The purpose of this study was to describe the atypical features of PAs on US and other possible factors leading to a false negative examination in a large single-center cohort. The US records of 457 PAs in 445 patients with biochemically proven primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) were evaluated in a prospectively maintained database. Atypical size, composition, shape, echogenicity, location, and vascular pattern on US were noted. For patients who previously had at least one negative US examination in referring centers, the main possible reason was defined accordingly. The study group included 359 female and 86 male patients with PHPT. Typical sonographic features were observed in 231 PAs (51%), whereas 226 (49%) had at least one atypical US feature. The most common atypical features were atypical size (29%), followed by atypical echogenicity (19%), shape (8%), location (7%), and composition (7%), respectively. There were 122 initially missed PAs in all groups. The most frequent main atypical US features leading to false negative examinations were atypical size (22.1%) and atypical location (18.8%). Inexperience was third most common reason (16.3%) for false negative US examinations. Almost half of PAs have at least one atypical feature on US. Awareness of the high prevalence of atypical US features could increase the accuracy of US examination and potentially decrease demand for more expensive second-line imaging modalities.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of changes in the thickness, width, elasticity index and echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle after mandibular set-back surgery

IntroductionThe masseter muscle is one of the structures that undergoes significant changes following jaw movements in orthognathic surgery. This study aims to investigate the effects of mandibular setback surgery, performed in patients with skeletal class III deformity, on the thickness, width, elasticity index, and echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle. Material and methodsThis prospective case-control study enrolled patients with class III deformity who underwent mandibular setback surgery, while the control group consisted of class I patients. The predictor variable was the time measured at two different points: preoperative (T1) and postoperative 6 months (T2). The primary outcome variable focused on changes in the internal echogenic pattern of the masseter muscle. Secondary, tertiary, and quaternary outcome variables included changes in the thickness, width, and elasticity index of the masseter muscle, respectively. Gender, age, type of operation, and amount of movement were considered as covariates. Ultrasonography was employed to evaluate the outcome variables. ResultsThe study group comprised 31 patients, including 17 females (mean age 22.24 ± 3.52 years) and 14 males (mean age 23.14 ± 2.65 years). The control group consisted of 16 females (mean age 23.34 ± 1.22 years) and 15 males (mean age 23.12 ± 1.76 years). Masseter muscle thickness increased significantly after mandibular setback surgery (p = 0.015). However, there was no statistically significant difference in masseter muscle width before and after surgery (p = 0.627), nor in the elasticity index (p = 0.588). Furthermore, a statistically significant transformation from Type I to Type II was observed in the internal echogenic pattern of the muscle (p = 0.039). Additionally, there was no statistically significant correlation between the amount of mandibular movement performed and the changes in the masseter muscle. ConclusionsMandibular setback surgery leads to changes in both the physical and structural properties of the masseter muscle.

Serum Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with the Echogenic Features of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Disease.

Uric acid is a marker of inflammation and a risk factor for atherosclerosis that has been suggested to play a role in carotid plaque instability. Reduced atherosclerotic plaque echogenicity at ultrasound examination is associated with alarming histopathological features and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and echogenic patterns of plaque instability in elderly subjects with carotid atherosclerosis. Since uric acid metabolism largely depends on renal function, SUA levels were indexed for serum creatinine levels (SUA/SCr). We enrolled 108 patients aged 65 years or more (72.7 ± 5.9 years; 50 females and 58 males) who underwent carotid duplex ultrasound to evaluate plaque echogenicity by greyscale median (GSM). The regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.567; 95% CI -0.751 to -0.384 and p < 0.0001). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 30.3% of GSM variability (β: -0.600; 95% CI -0.777/-0.424, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial correlation 0.303). After a mean period of 3.5 ± 0.5 years, 48 patients were reevaluated according to the same baseline study protocol. The regression analysis demonstrated a still significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.462; 95% CI -0.745 to -0.178 and p = 0.002). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 28.0% of GSM variability (coefficient -0.584, 95% CI -0.848/-0.319, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial R2 0.280). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SUA levels indexed for serum creatinine are associated with the echogenic features of carotid plaque vulnerability in elderly patients with atherosclerotic disease. These data could suggest an influential role for uric acid metabolism in carotid plaque biology.

The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Tuberous Vas Deferens Tuberculosis and Metastatic Inguinal Lymph Nodes.

To retrospective analysis and summary the features of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and inguinal metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) in routine ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) as well as to assess the utility of CEUS in differentiating between the two diseases. The US and CEUS findings of patients with pathologically confirmed tuberous VD TB (n = 17) and inguinal MLN (n = 28), including the number of lesions, presence of bilateral disease, differences in internal echogenicity, a conglomeration of lesions, and blood flow within the lesions, were retrospectively analyzed. Routine US showed no significant difference in the number of lesions, nodule size, internal echogenicity, sinus tract, or skin rupture; however, significant differences were observed between the two conditions in the conglomeration of lesions (χ2 = 6.455; p = 0.023) and the degree, intensity, and echogenicity pattern on CEUS (χ2 = 18.865, 17.455, and 15.074, respectively; p = 0.000 for all). CEUS can show the blood supply of the lesion, and judge the physical condition of the lesion better than US. Homogeneous, centripetal, and diffuse enhancement should prompt a diagnosis of inguinal MLN, whereas lesions with heterogeneous and diffuse enhancement on CEUS should be considered as VD TB. CEUS has great diagnostic value in differentiating between tuberous VD TB and inguinal MLN.

Value of High-Frequency Ultrasonography in the Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Assessment of Immunoglobulin G4-Related Submandibular Sialadenitis.

To assess the value of high-frequency ultrasonography in the evaluation of immunoglobulin G4-related submandibular sialadenitis (IgG4-SS). Thirty-four submandibular glands in 17 patients with IgG4-SS were retrospectively enrolled, as well as 34 submandibular glands in 17 healthy control subjects. Qualitative ultrasonic features including submandibular gland size, border, echogenicity, and vascularity were reviewed. Two different scoring systems (0-16 and 0-48, respectively) were used for semi-quantitative analysis of imaging features. Comparison of both qualitative and semi-quantitative ultrasonic analysis were made between patients with IgG4-SS and healthy controls. Spearman correlation was used to explore relationships between variables. The submandibular glands with IgG4-SS presented with enlarged size, rough border, increased vascularity, and abnormal echogenicity (All P < .05). The most common echogenicity pattern for IgG-SS was diffuse hypoechoic foci pattern (44.1%), followed by superficial hypoechoic pattern (20.6%), tumor-like pattern (14.7%), and diffuse hypoechogenicity pattern (11.8%). Most IgG4-SS glands presented linear hyperechogenicity in parenchyma (91.2%). Based on both scoring system, scores of IgG4-SS were significantly higher than those of the controls (All P < .05). Association analysis of both scoring systems showed positive correlation of scores with vascularity in the gland parenchyma (All P < .05). The ultrasonic features of IgG4-SS comprise enlarged gland, rough border, increased vascularity, and abnormal echogenicity, which correlate with its pathological characteristics. The most common echogenicity pattern for IgG4-SS was diffuse hypoechoic foci pattern. Semi-quantitative analysis systems could be useful in the assessment of IgG4-SS. Ultrasound is a potential, valuable, and non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of IgG4-SS.

Hybrid reflected-ultrasound computed tomography versus B-mode-ultrasound for muscle scoring in spinal muscular atrophy.

Novel light- and sound-based technologies like multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) with co-registered reflected-ultrasound computed tomography (RUCT) could add additional value to conventional ultrasound (US) for disease phenotyping in pediatric spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of RUCT compared to US for qualitative and quantitative assessment of imaging neuromuscular disorders. Subanalyzing the MSOT SMA study, 288 RUCT and 276 US images from 10 SMA patients (mean age 9.0±3.7) and 10 gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers (HV; mean age 8.7±4.3) were analyzed for quantitative (grayscale levels [GSLs]) and qualitative (echogenicity, distribution pattern, Heckmatt scale, and muscle texture) muscle changes. RUCT and US measures were further correlated with clinical standard motor outcomes. Quantitative agreement using GSLs revealed significantly higher GSLs in muscles of SMA patients compared to healthy muscles in both techniques (US mean GSL [SD] SMA vs. HV: 110.70 [27.8] vs. 68.85 [19.2], p<.0001; RUCT mean GSL [SD] SMA vs. HV: 91.81 [21.8] vs. 59.86 [8.2], p<.0001) with good correlation with motor outcome tests, respectively. Qualitative agreement between methods for muscle composition was excellent for differentiation of pathological versus healthy muscles, echogenicity, and distribution pattern, moderate for Heckmatt scale, and poor for muscle texture. The data suggest that RUCT may allow the assessment of basic qualitative and quantitative measures for muscular diseases with comparable results to conventional US.