High-resolution Real-time Sonography Research Articles

High-resolution real-time ultrasonography of neonatal kidneys.

A high-resolution real-time ultrasound system was used to evaluate 43 neonates who had problems referable to the kidney. In addition to a review of normal anatomic features portrayed by this instrument, a variety of pathologic states are illustrated. The system offers the dual advantages of superior spatial resolution and rapid survey capability when compared with traditional articulated-arm contact scanners. As with all sonographic investigations, functional immaturity or depressed organ function is no hindrance to obtaining diagnostic examinations.

High-resolution real-time sonography of the parathyroid.

High-resolution real-time sonography of the parathyroid.

Real-time ultrasonography. Diagnostic technique of choice in calculous gallbladder disease.

We used high-resolution real-time ultrasonography to examine the gallbladder in patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease. Using this noninvasive technique, the physician can examine the gallbladder and related anatomy thoroughly in less than five minutes. The technique is much easier to learn and perform than gray-scale ultrasonography. In 313 patients in whom gallstones were later confirmed at cholecystectomy or autopsy, the ultrasound examination achieved an accuracy of 96 per cent in the evaluation of cholelithiasis. Five examinations gave false-negative results, one a definite false-positive result, and two possible false-positive results; six examinations were inadequate. The sensitivity of the method was 98 per cent, and the specificity was between 93.5 and 97.7 per cent. In 124 patients evaluated prospectively by means of both ultrasound and oral cholecystography, the ultrasound study revealed calculi in five patients in whom calculi were not demonstrated on an adequate oral cholecystogram. No calculus detected with oral cholecystography was missed by ultrasound. We believe that ultrasound should replace oral cholecystography as the first technique in evaluation of the patient with suspected gallbladder disease.

High resolution real-time sonography of hemodialysis vascular access complications.

Chronic hemodialysis requires an adequately functioning, surgically created vascular access. Many operative techniques have been devised, and each is subject to a variety of complications that significantly shorten the life span of any shunt. Among these are stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and infection. High resolution sonography is a promising means to evaluate most of these complications. To determine the potential capability of the technique for detecting graft complications, a retrospective review of 30 hemodialysis patients examined with high resolution sonography is presented. Sonographic findings in normal grafts and in a variety of vascular access problems are illustrated.

High-resolution real-time ultrasonography of thyroid nodules.

High-resolution real-time ultrasonography was used to evaluate 98 patients with palpable abnormalities of the thyroid and positive isotopic studies. It confirmed 37 of 73 (51%) suspected solitary nodules. Of 25 patients thought to have multinodular goiter, sonography was supportive in 21 (84%). In patients with adenoma or adenomatous nodules, characteristic features included a sonolucent "halo". Colloid nodules tended to be more sonolucent than normal thyroid tissue, whereas Hashimoto thyroiditis was characterized by an enlarged gland and decreased echogenicity.