Positive Predictive Value Of Ultrasonography Research Articles

Evaluation of high-frequency ultrasonography for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel for a positive diagnosis had a sensitivity of ∼ 98.6% but a specificity of 60%. The measure of the difference in cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and at the level of pronator quadratus had much better sensitivity and specificity of 97.1% and 80%, respectively. Signs of nerve flattening, palmar bowing and increased nerve vascularity were valuable in confirming the diagnosis. A positive predictive value of ultrasonography was found to be > 95% and a negative predictive value was ∼ 66% for a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ultrasonography is, therefore, an effective diagnostic tool in this regard.

Comparison of Ultrasound and MRI in Detecting Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study in Mumbai Hospitals, India

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women throughout the world. Early detection of breast cancer is very important to increase the chances of cure. Ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two imaging methods commonly used to detect breast cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound and MRI in detecting breast cancer in female patients at Mumbai Hospital, India.
 Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 2435 female patients who underwent ultrasound and MRI examinations at Mumbai Hospital, India between 2018 and 2023. Patient data was collected from electronic medical records and analyzed to compare the accuracy of ultrasound and MRI in detecting breast cancer.
 Results: The research results show that MRI is more accurate than ultrasound in detecting breast cancer. MRI sensitivity was 95.2%, while ultrasound sensitivity was 78.3%. The specificity of MRI was 98.7%, while the specificity of USG was 94.3%. The positive predictive value of MRI was 95.2%, while the positive predictive value of USG was 87.5%. The negative predictive value of MRI was 98.7%, while the negative predictive value of USG was 94.3%.
 Conclusion: MRI is recommended as the primary imaging method for detecting breast cancer in female patients. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary method to MRI.

Positive Predictive Value of Ultrasonography for Detection of Ovarian Masses Taking Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Gold Standard

Aim: To determine the efficacy of ultrasonography in the detection of ovarian masses considering MRI a Gold standard. Study design: Prospective analytical cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, Pakistan from 1st June 2018 to 30th November 2019. Methodology: One hundred and forty eight ovarian cancer patients were enrolled. Results: The mean age of the patient was 41.87±16.30 years. The majority of the patients were age ≥20 years (29.10%) and obese (33.1%). Malignant tumors were 56.1% (n=83) and 64.2% (n=95) respectively on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound had a positive predictive value of 80%, sensitivity of 98.11%, and specificity of 86.32 % for the diagnosis of ovarian masses. Overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was 90.54%. There was an excellent agreement between the ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (kappa=0.84, p-value <0.001) and area under the curve was 92.2%. Conclusion: Ultrasonography has excellent diagnostic accuracy in the detection of ovarian masses. Keywords: Ovarian mass/tumor, Ultrasonography, MRI, Positive predictive value, Benign, Malignant

The usefulness and positive predictive value of ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults: A retrospective study

ObjectiveTo analyze the evolution of the use of imaging tests (ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT)) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. To determine the positive predictive value of these tests and the percentage of negative and complicated appendectomies. Material and methodsThis retrospective study compared adults who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis at our tertiary hospital during 2015 versus similar patients at our center during 2007. ResultsA total of 278patients were included. The rate of negative appendectomies descended to 5%. The positive predictive value of ultrasonography increased to 97.4% in 2015, and the positive predictive value of CT and combined CT and ultrasonography was 100%. The rate of complicated appendicitis increased (23% in 2015). ConclusionsThe use of imaging tests increased, and the rate of “blind” laparotomies decreased. Nevertheless, the rate of complicated appendicitis increased.

Preoperative Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Suspected Familial Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Are We Able to Predict Multifocality and Extrathyroidal Extension?

Family history of thyroid cancer increases the risk of harboring thyroid malignancies that end up having extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and multifocality on histology; some authors suggest a more aggressive surgical approach. Their pre-operative identification could allow more conservative surgical procedures if none of these features are suspected. Our aim was to assess if neck ultrasonography could identify or exclude multifocality or ETE in these patients to tailor the extent of surgery. This retrospective study included patients with previous thyroid surgery, ≥1 first-grade relative with thyroid cancer, and who had undergone pre-surgical ultrasound. ETE was suspected in the case of thyroid border interruption or gross invasion of perithyroidal tissues. Multiple suspicious nodules were defined as suspicion of multifocal cancer. The cohort consisted of 45 patients (median age 49 years, 40 with thyroid cancer, 30 females). The positive predictive value of ultrasonography in predicting multifocality and ETE was 57.14% (25.25–84.03) and 41.67% (21.5–65.1%), respectively, while the negative predictive values were 63.2% (56.4–69.4%) and 72.7% (63.3–80.5%). Pre-operative ultrasound examination is unable to reliably identify or exclude multifocal disease or extrathyroidal extension. In patients scheduled for surgery and with a first-degree relative affected by DTC, a “negative” pre-operative US report does not exclude the potential finding of multifocality and ETE at final histopathology.

ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR EVALUATION OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS: A UNAMID EXPERIENCE

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound findings as compared to operative findings and positive predictive value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
 Study Design: Cross sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Pak Field Hospital – 7 (Level III) United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Darfur, Sudan, from Mar 2015 to Mar 2016.
 Methodology: All patients presenting with clinically suspected acute appendicitis (Alvarado’s score >4) were referred for right lower quadrant sonography. Three point scale was used to grade sonographic findings ranging from grade 1 to grade 3. Fifty One patients with persistent symptoms and/or positive sonographic findings were operated. Operative findings were also graded on a 3 point scale. Subsequently, sonographic and operative findings were compared. Surgical findings were considered gold standard to assess diagnostic accuracy of sonography.
 Results: Out of 51 patients 46 (90.2%) were males and 5 (9.8%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 32.3 ± 7.3 years. Among the study subjects, 15 (29.4%) patients were from Nigeria followed by 12 (23.5%) from Pakistan, 7 (13.7%) from Egypt and 17 (33.5%) from other countries.The sonographic findings were detected positive for acute appendicitis in 40 (78.4%) and negative in 11 (21.6%) out of 51. All Fifty-one patients underwent surgery. The surgical findings were positive for appendicitis in 43 patients (84.3%). Four patients with negative sonographic findings did have acute appendicitis according to surgical findings. The positive predictive value was 90.9%. There was good agreement between sonographicfindings and surgical findings..........

Estudio retrospectivo y comparativo de la utilidad y del valor predictivo positivo de la ecografía y la tomografía computarizada en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en adultos

ObjectiveTo analyze the evolution of the use of imaging tests (ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT)) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. To determine the positive predictive value of these tests and the percentage of negative and complicated appendectomies. Material and methodsThis retrospective study compared adults who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis at our tertiary hospital during 2015 versus similar patients at our center during 2007. ResultsA total of 278 patients were included. The rate of negative appendectomies descended to 5%. The positive predictive value of ultrasonography increased to 97.4% in 2015, and the positive predictive value of CT and combined CT and ultrasonography was 100%. The rate of complicated appendicitis increased (23% in 2015). ConclusionsThe use of imaging tests increased, and the rate of “blind” laparotomies decreased. Nevertheless, the rate of complicated appendicitis increased.

SAT-394 Concordant Parathyroid Imaging; Frequency and Predictors of Concordance and Its Impacts on Cure

Introduction: Accurate pre-operative imaging of a parathyroid adenoma facilitates minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, increases cure rate and reduces perioperative complications. The two most commonly deployed preoperative localization studies are ultrasonography (US) and parathyroid scintigraphy using 99m-techentium sestamibi (RN). Patients who have concordant results between the two studies (most studies report concordance rate of 60%) usually undergo minimally invasive surgery whilst those with non-concordance scan results often need bilateral open neck surgery.Objectives: We did a retrospective assessment of the clinical, biochemical and imaging parameters of patients who had parathyroid surgery in our hospital to assess (a) the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of US and RN scans (b) the frequency of concordance between the two imaging studies (c) the clinical and laboratory predictors of concordance and (d) the impact of concordance on the cure rate.Method: 155 patients who were operated for PHPT between January 2011 and January 2019 were included. All patients underwent preoperative localization with US and RN imaging. The sensitivity and PPV of the 2 imaging procedures in detecting a parathyroid adenoma were determined by correlating the imaging findings of both scans with the composite information obtained from surgical findings and post-operative biochemical results to indicate cure. The patients with concordant and non-concordant imaging findings were compared for surgical cure rate, serum calcium and parathormone level, and the volume and weight of the adenoma.Results: The sensitivity and PPV of US were 80.9% and 82.8% and for RN scan 78.7% and 87.8% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy between the two modalities. 93(60%) patients had concordant and 62(40%) patients had non-concordant scan results, which included true discordance and non-localization by one or both scans. Cure rate in concordant and non-concordant scans were 96.8% and 83.7% respectively (p=0.02, chi-square). In comparison to patients with non-concordant imaging, patients with concordant imaging had higher level of serum calcium (mean 3.02 vs 2.86, p=0.04), the resected adenoma was larger in volume (mean 3109mm3 vs 2083mm3, p=0.05) and was heavier (mean 1.59 vs 1.10 p=ns). However there was no difference in the age or serum PTH level between the 2 groups of patients.Conclusion: Both US and RN imaging have similarly high sensitivity and PPV in identifying a parathyroid adenoma and our figures were comparable to the published literature. When the two studies are concordant a significantly higher surgical success rate is obtained. Patients with higher serum calcium and larger adenomas are more likely to demonstrate concordant imaging.

Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography for detection of the cause and location of ureteral obstruction in cats: 71 cases (2010-2016).

OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of ultrasonography to detect the cause and location of ureteral obstruction in cats and to identify factors associated with agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 71 cats. PROCEDURES Medical records were searched to identify cats that had ureteral obstruction diagnosed ultrasonographically and that subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy. Patient signalment, ultrasonographic findings, interventions performed, and surgical findings were recorded. Cause and location of ureteral obstruction as assessed by ultrasonography were compared with surgical findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of ultrasonography for detection of ureteroliths and strictures were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings. RESULTS There was significant, moderate agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings for the cause and location of ureteral obstruction. Signalment variables, ureter affected (left vs right), and presence of retroperitoneal effusion were not associated with this agreement. Sensitivity was 98% and 44%, specificity was 96% and 98%, and positive predictive value was 98% and 88% for detection of ureteroliths and strictures, respectively, by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasonography was highly sensitive for detection of ureteroliths that caused ureteral obstruction but was considerably less sensitive for detection of ureteral strictures in the study population. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the role of advanced imaging in assessing cats with ureteral abnormalities. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019;254:710-715).

Ultrasonography in diagnosing clinically occult groin hernia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To provide an updated systematic review on the performance of ultrasonography (US) in diagnosing clinically occult groin hernia. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Accuracy data of US in detecting clinically occult groin hernia were extracted. Positive predictive value (PPV) was pooled with a random effects model. For studies investigating the performance of US in hernia type classification (inguinal vs femoral), correctly classified proportion was assessed. Sixteen studies were included. In the two studies without verification bias, sensitivities were 29.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.1-47.5%] and 90.9% (95% CI, 70.8-98.9%); specificities were 90.0% (95% CI, 80.5-95.9%) and 90.6% (95% CI, 83.0-95.6%). Verification bias or a variation of it (i.e. study limited to only subjects with definitive proof of disease status) was present in all other studies. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) were not pooled. PPV ranged from 58.8 to 100%. Pooled PPV, based on data from ten studies with low risk of bias and no applicability concerns with respect to patient selection, was 85.6% (95% CI, 76.5-92.7%). Proportion of correctly classified hernias, based on data from four studies, ranged between 94.4% and 99.1%. Sensitivity, specificity and NPV of US in detecting clinically occult groin hernia cannot reliably be determined based on current evidence. Further studies are necessary. Accuracy may strongly depend on the examiner's skills. PPV is high. Inguinal and femoral hernias can reliably be differentiated by US. • Sensitivity, specificity and NPV of ultrasound in detecting clinically occult groin hernia cannot reliably be determined based on current evidence. • Accuracy may strongly depend on the examiner's skills. • PPV of US in detection of clinically occult groin hernia is high [pooled PPV of 85.6% (95% confidence interval, 76.5-92.7%)]. • US has very high performance in correctly differentiating between clinically occult inguinal and femoral hernia (correctness of 94.4- 99.1%).

Multicystic dysplastic kidney: Assessment of the need for renal scintigraphy and the safety of conservative treatment

ObjectivesTo assess the need for implementing renal scintigraphy in the diagnosis of the multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and the safety of its conservative treatment. Material and methodsA retrospective study of patients with unilateral MCDK was conducted at our center from January 2005 to August 2015. We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ultrasonography, taking renal scintigraphy and pathology as the gold standard. We calculated a survival curve according to the Kaplan–Meier method to assess the annual probability of spontaneous resolution of the multicystic kidney. ResultsFifty-six patients were identified, 48 (85.7%) of whom had a prenatal diagnosis. Thirty eight (67.9%) of the patients were males, and the left side was affected in 33 (58.9%) of the patients. We observed associated urological abnormalities in 22 (39.29%) patients, with vesicoureteral reflux the most common (8, 14.29%). Seven patients (12.5%) developed renal failure. Forty-nine (87.5%) patients developed compensatory contralateral renal hypertrophy. Of the 33 patients who underwent surgery, the pathology results confirmed the MCDK diagnosis in 32. Compared with scintigraphy and pathology, the PPV of ultrasonography was 100% and 97%, respectively.The rate of spontaneous involution was 5.4% at 3 months of life, 11.3% at 2 years and 38.4% at 5 years. ConclusionsIn our experience, the conservative treatment of MCDK, until at least 5 years of age, is safe. Our data suggest that performing scintigraphy is not required for these patients, which means lower radiation exposure, as well as financial savings.

Displasia renal multiquística: evaluación de la necesidad de la gammagrafía renal y seguridad del tratamiento conservador

ObjectivesTo assess the need for implementing renal scintigraphy in the diagnosis of the multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and the safety of its conservative treatment. Material and methodsA retrospective study of patients with unilateral MCDK was conducted at our centre from January 2005 to August 2015. We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ultrasonography, taking renal scintigraphy and pathology as the gold standard. We calculated a survival curve according to the Kaplan-Meier method to assess the annual probability of spontaneous resolution of the multicystic kidney. ResultsFifty-six patients were identified, 48 (85.7%) of whom had a prenatal diagnosis. Thirty eight (67.9%) of the patients were males, and the left side was affected in 33 (58.9%) of the patients. We observed associated urological abnormalities in 22 (39.29%) patients, with vesicoureteral reflux the most common (8, 14.29%). Seven patients (12.5%) developed renal failure. Forty-nine (87.5%) patients developed compensatory contralateral renal hypertrophy. Of the 33 patients who underwent surgery, the pathology results confirmed the MCDK diagnosis in 32. Compared with scintigraphy and pathology, the PPV of ultrasonography was 100% and 97%, respectively.The rate of spontaneous involution was 5.4% at 3 months of life, 11.3% at 2 years and 38.4% at 5 years. ConclusionsIn our experience, the conservative treatment of MCDK, until at least 5 years of age, is safe. Our data suggest that performing scintigraphy is not required for these patients, which means lower radiation exposure, as well as financial savings.

Abstract P6-01-04: Breast ultrasound and mammography and response to neoadjuvant lapatinib, trastuzumab and their combination in HER2 positive breast cancer: Results from Neo-ALTTO (BIG 1-06)

Abstract Mammography (Mx) and breast ultrasound (US) are the most commonly used diagnostic imaging modalities to estimate primary tumor size at the time of diagnosis. However, there are uncertainties regarding their use in the context of neoadjuvant therapy to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) or event-free survival (EFS). In this study, we sought to determine the value of Mx and US in predicting outcomes in women with HER2-positive breast cancer treated within the Neoadjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation (Neo-ALTTO) trial. METHODS Neo-ALTTO enrolled 455 women with invasive HER2-positive breast cancer and compared rates of pCR to neoadjuvant lapatinib, trastuzumab, and their combination. Each anti-HER2 therapy was given alone for 6 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of the same therapy plus weekly paclitaxel prior to surgery. Mx and US were requested at baseline, week 6 and before surgery. Central imaging review was not pre-planned and two independent investigators (SDC and HAA Jr), blinded to assigned treatment and clinical outcomes, reviewed the measurements reported for each imaging modality and assigned the corresponding RECIST category of response. Responders were defined as patients who had either a partial or complete response (CR + PR). We evaluated the association between radiological response at week 6/surgery with both pCR and EFS. RESULTS A total of 340 (77%) and 267 (61%) pts had an evaluable US and Mx at weeks 6; and 309 (70%) and 248 (56%) pts had an evaluable US and Mx at the time of surgery. Early response (CR + PR) in the primary tumors was observed after 6 weeks of treatment in 32% pts by Mx and in 43% pts by US. pCR rates were twice as high for early responders than non-responders (week 6: 46% vs 23% by US, p =<0.0001; 41% versus 24% by Mx, p= 0.007). The positive predictive value of US and Mx at surgery were 57% and 53%, respectively; the negative predictive values were 72% and 81%. The results according to hormone receptor status were similar to those in the overall patient population.There was no significant relationship between response at ultrasound and/or at mammography at 6 weeks/surgery and EFS. CONCLUSION Our results show that both Mx and US are underused during neo-adjuvant treatment, and further recommendations regarding the use of both imaging modalities should be explored prospectively. US may be used to assess early response to preoperative treatment in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer receiving anti-HER2 therapies, whereas Mx appears to be more useful in detecting residual disease at the time of surgery. Citation Format: Di Cosimo S, Campbell C, Hazim Jr HA, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C, Crescenzo R, de la Pena L, Piccart-Gebhart MJ, Eidtmann H, Baselga J, de Azambuja E. Breast ultrasound and mammography and response to neoadjuvant lapatinib, trastuzumab and their combination in HER2 positive breast cancer: Results from Neo-ALTTO (BIG 1-06). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-04.

The impact of combined interpretation of localization studies on image-guided surgical approaches for primary hyperparathyroidism.

The impact of single and combined interpretations of ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy to select the appropriate surgical approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 183 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who were evaluated preoperatively using both ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy were included in the study. The results of preoperative localization studies were correlated with intraoperative findings and postoperative histopathological results. The localization rates of individual and combined interpretations of ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy were evaluated. The overall sensitivity and the positive predictive value of ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy were 76% and 90%, and 81% and 91%, respectively. Both imaging studies were concordant for the same localization(s) in 121 (66%) of 183 patients. The prevalence rates of single-gland and multiglandular disease were 90% (N.=109) and 10% (N.=12), respectively, in patients with concordant results (P=0.0001). The overall rate of localization was 91% (N.=110) in these patients. In these patients with concordant results, the sensitivity and the positive predictive value of imaging were 91% and 100%, respectively. The localization rates were 96% and 42% for single-gland and multiglandular disease, respectively (P=0.0001). Of the remaining 62 patients, 50 had negative imaging with either ultrasonography (N.=29) or MIBI (N.=21). Of the 29 patients with negative ultrasonography results, sestamibi scintigraphy was positive in 23. Of the 21 patients with negative sestamibi scintigraphy imaging, ultrasonography was positive in 15. Thus, 38 patients had a single positive imaging result. The majority (95%) of these 38 patients had single-gland disease, and the rate of multiglandular disease was 5% (P=0.0001). The rate of localization was 95% (36/38) in patients with a single positive imaging study. Eighteen patients had discordant imaging results. The overall rate of localization in primary hyperparathyroidism is greater than 90% if ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy are concordantly positive for the same localization, and the prevalence of multiglandular disease is low in patients with concordant imaging. An image-guided surgical approach and selective parathyroidectomy exhibit high cure rates in the setting of concordantly positive sestamibi and ultrasonography results, even if intraoperative parathormone monitoring is not used.

A simple clinical decision rule to rule out appendicitis in patients with nondiagnostic ultrasound results.

The objective was to identify a set of clinical features that can rule out appendicitis in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and nondiagnostic ultrasound (US) results, allowing safe discharge and next-day reevaluation without initial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data on clinical and US evaluation, including a number of prespecified variables potentially associated with acute appendicitis, were prospectively collected in two diagnostic accuracy studies of imaging. These studies included patients with suspected appendicitis seen in the emergency department (ED). For development and validation of the clinical decision rule (CDR), only patients with inconclusive or negative US results were included. There were 199 (of 422) patients in the development cohorts and 120 (of 211) patients in the validation cohort. Logistic regression analysis was used for data from patients with inconclusive or negative US results, and profiles were created of all possible combinations of predictors retained in the multivariable model. A final diagnosis was assigned by an expert panel based on perioperative data, histopathology, and clinical follow-up of at least 3 months. The CDR selected patients after negative or inconclusive US for discharge and next-day reevaluation without initial CT or MRI if fewer than two of the following predictors were present: male sex, migration of pain to the right lower quadrant, vomiting, and white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 12.0 × 10(9) /L. Applying the CDR in the development set selected 126 of 199 (63%) patients with negative or inconclusive US results for discharge without further imaging. This rule reduced the probability of appendicitis from 26% (51 of 199) in the total group of patients with negative or inconclusive US results to 12% (15 of 126) in the group that would be discharged based on the rule (p = 0.001). In the validation set (n = 120), the decision rule selected 72 (60%) patients for discharge and next-day reevaluation and reduced the probability of appendicitis from 20% (24 of 120) in the total group to 6% (4 of 72) in the patients selected on the rule (p = 0.001). The negative predictive value of the decision rule in the validation set was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 87% to 98%). In comparison, the negative predictive value of CT in the same group was 99% (95% CI = 93% to 100%, p = 0.14), and that of MRI was 99% (95% CI = 94% to 100%, p = 0.12). Alternative decision rules based on combinations of the present decision rule with C-reactive protein (CRP) results did not improve selection. This newly developed CDR significantly reduces the probability of appendicitis in a large subgroup of patients with negative or inconclusive US results. These patients can be safely discharged for outpatient reevaluation without further initial imaging if proper follow-up is available. This could assist in lowering the number of ED imaging investigations in patients with suspected appendicitis.

Primary hyperparathyreosis: is concordant sonography and scintigraphy really so important?

In primary hyperparathyreosis, US and scintigraphy are the most usual preoperative localization methods for detection of parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia. 88 (80 female) patients were detected. Unilateral neck exploration was performed in 43 patients (48.9 %) and bilateral exploration in 45 patients (51.1 %). The cure rate was 97.6 %. None case of parathyroid hyperplasia was detected, there were 2 cases of duplex adenoma. For left/right and quadrant localization, sensitivity of US was 71.05 % and 55.07 %, of scintigraphy 95.77 % and 88.71 %, and in concordant imaging 97.67 % and 96.77 %. Analogically, PPV was: US 91.53 % and 76.00 %, scintigraphy 87.18 % and 74.32 %, concordant imaging 93.33 %and 81.08 %. Only US sensitivity was significantly lower, all other differences showed no statistical significance. Our data showed low sensitivity but a high positive predictive value of ultrasonography and a high diagnostic value of scintigraphy. Sensitivity and the positive predictive value of concordant localization showed no significant difference, compared to scintigraphy. The routine need for concordance for parathyroid adenoma localization appears dubious, however, its value for prediction of multiglandular disease remains important for protocols that do not apply peroperative localization (Tab. 2, Ref. 35).

Frequency and Disposition of Ovarian Abnormalities Followed With Serial Transvaginal Ultrasonography

To examine the prevalence, incidence, persistence, and resolution of ovarian abnormalities using serial transvaginal ultrasonography. A group of 39,337 women in the University of Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Screening Program were monitored with 221,576 baseline and interval transvaginal ultrasonography. The transvaginal ultrasonogram was normal for first and all subsequent visits for 31,834 participants (80.9%), whereas 6,807 women (17.3%) had transvaginal ultrasonograms interpreted as abnormal and were monitored over 21,588 ultrasonograms. Ovarian cysts were more common in premenopausal (prevalence 34.9%, incidence 15.3%) than in postmenopausal women (prevalence 17.0%, incidence 8.2%). For the group with abnormalities, the initial transvaginal ultrasonogram was abnormal in 46.7% of the cases, of which 63.2% resolved to normal on subsequent ultrasonograms. Of 35,314 cases classified as normal on the first examination, 9.9% were abnormal on subsequent annual examinations. The abnormal findings were classified as follows: unilocular cysts (11.5%), cysts with septations (9.8%), cysts with solid areas (7.1%), and solid masses (1.8%). Many transvaginal ultrasonographic abnormalities were followed to resolution. Surgery was performed on 557 participants for 85 ovarian malignancies and 472 nonmalignancies. Over the duration of the study, the positive predictive value (PPV) increased from 8.1% to 24.7%. Serial ultrasonography has shown that many ovarian abnormalities resolve, even if the initial appearance is complex, solid, or bilateral. Thus, it is advantageous to avoid a single transvaginal ultrasonographic abnormality as the sole trigger for surgery and to take a measured serial approach to reduce false-positive results and increase the PPV. II.

Sensitivity and predictive value of ultrasound in pediatric cholecystitis

BackgroundUltrasonography has a high sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for diagnosing cholecystitis in adults. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and PPV of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pediatric cholecystitis. MethodsWe performed a single-institution retrospective review of the records of all patients undergoing cholecystectomy with a preoperative ultrasound during 2005–2010. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and PPV using pathologic findings as the standard for the diagnosis of cholecystitis. ResultsIn the 223 included patients, the median (interquartile range) age was 14 y (11–16 y); and 64% were female. Preoperative symptoms of abdominal pain were reported in 98% of patients. A diagnosis of cholecystitis was reported in 10% (23 of 223) of ultrasound readings. Pathologic diagnosis of cholecystitis was present in 80% (179 of 223) of cholecystectomy specimens, with 8% (15 of 179) having acute cholecystitis, 83% (148 of 179) chronic cholecystitis, and 9% (16 of 179) both. Sensitivity of ultrasound findings ranged from 6% for Murphy's sign to 66% for cholelithiasis. Positive predictive values ranged from 67% for Murphy's sign to 87% for gallbladder sludge. Presence of any one ultrasound sign had a sensitivity of 82% and PPV of 80%. ConclusionsUltrasound findings in pediatric cholecystitis have lower sensitivities and PPVs than reported in adults. These differences may be explained by the higher prevalence of chronic cholecystitis in children, which suggests that children may have milder episodes of self-limited gallbladder inflammation compared with adults, which may lead to a delay in treatment.

US Appearance of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive cancer that accounts for 25% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. DCIS is a heterogeneous disease process with varied clinical manifestations and a broad spectrum of imaging findings. With advances in technology, the ability to detect early-stage cancers has improved, and understanding the role of ultrasonography (US) in the multimodality era of detection and diagnosis is paramount. When calcifications are identified at mammography, US can be performed to evaluate for an invasive component and to allow possible US-guided biopsy. Use of high-frequency transducers, spectral compounding, and speckle reduction algorithms can aid in the detection of calcifications. Calcified DCIS most commonly manifests as echogenic foci located within a mass or duct, associated with internal microlobulations, or distributed in a branch pattern. Noncalcified DCIS, which is more often identified in symptomatic patients, may manifest as a hypoechoic mass with microlobulated margins and no posterior acoustic features, or it may have a "pseudomicrocystic" appearance. Harmonic imaging and coronal reconstruction may improve detection of noncalcified DCIS. The appearance of DCIS at "second-look" US can be subtle and may warrant a lower threshold for detection, given a higher pretest probability of malignancy. US features are nonspecific, and careful correlation with respect to lesion location, size, shape, and depth is needed. The presence of internal vascularity can help increase the positive predictive value of US in this setting. US is a useful adjunct to mammography and magnetic resonance imaging, and recognizing the US appearance of DCIS will aid in the detection and diagnosis of this disease entity.

Use of ultrasound as the initial screening exam for hepatocellular carcinoma in high risk populations

Background: Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high risk populations has traditionally involved the use of ultrasound (US), followed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for confirmation of suspected lesions. The aim of our study was to determine, retrospecttively, in an unselected population of patients with cirrhosis, if an initial US could be as accurate as a subsequent CT or MRI in detecting HCC. Methods: 1600 consecutive cases from 2004-2007 in which US was performed for HCC screening were evaluated. 160 were identified which had an initial US followed by CT or MRI within 6 months. This group included 34 cases of HCC and 126 controls without HCC. Results: 26 cases of HCC were correctly identified by US, representing a sensitivity of 76.5%; the mean alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 440.4 ng/dL. The other 8 cases had a false negative US; the mean AFP was 212.4 ng/dL. In 125 controls the mean AFP was 17.14 ng/dL. This group had only 12 patients, or 9.6%, with an AFP greater than 20 ng/dL, and only 1 who had an AFP greater than 400 ng/mL. In this study, the positive predictive value of US for detecting HCC was 96.3%, while the negative predictive value was 94.0%. Combining US with the AFP level, and using a cutoff of 20 ng/dL, the sensitivity was increased to 87.5%. In this series of 160 patients, only 2 patients with HCC had a negative US and normal serum AFP. Conclusion: In combination with regular monitoring of AFP levels, US can eliminate more expensive imaging studies until further investigation by CT or MRI of questionable US results or elevated AFP is necessary, thus reducing the overall cost of monitoring these populations.