Predictive Value Of Ultrasound Research Articles

Is Ultrasonography an Effective Method for Diagnosing Degenerative Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint?

The accurate diagnosis of degenerative joint diseases (DJDs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) presents a significant clinical challenge due to their progressive nature and the complexity of associated structural changes. These conditions, characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and eventual joint dysfunction, necessitate reliable and efficient imaging techniques for early detection and effective management. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating osseous changes in the TMJ, offering detailed visualization of bony structures. However, ultrasonography (US) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a non-invasive and radiation-free option for assessing TMJ disorders. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US in identifying degenerative changes in the TMJ, with CBCT serving as the definitive diagnostic reference. By analyzing the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of US in detecting key degenerative markers-such as subchondral erosion, osteophytes, and joint space narrowing-this investigation seeks to assess its utility as a screening tool and its potential integration into clinical workflows. Forty adult patients presenting temporomandibular joint disorders were included in our cross-sectional study. Each patient underwent a clinical examination and was subjected to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and ultrasonography (US). A statistical analysis was performed to compare the imaging results from CBCT and US. The results are summarized in three tables. The first table presents a comparative analysis of radiological outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders using different imaging techniques. CBCT demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting osteophytes in the right mandibular head (27.50% vs. 7.50%, p = 0.027) and higher detection rates for erosions, though without a significant advantage over US. The second table analyzes the consistency of diagnostic results between CBCT and US. A moderate agreement was observed for detecting normal bone structures, with AC1 values of 0.58 for the right and 0.68 for the left mandibular head (p < 0.001). The third table evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of US compared to CBCT. US demonstrated a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90% for detecting normal conditions, indicating its high reliability as a screening tool for normal findings. US demonstrates higher effectiveness in ruling out certain issues due to its high specificity and negative predictive value. However, its lower sensitivity in detecting abnormalities may lead to both false-positive and false-negative results. US holds significant promise as a screening modality for detecting normal anatomical features of the temporomandibular joint, its limitations in identifying more complex degenerative changes necessitate a cautious and integrated approach to TMJ diagnostics.

Role of Abdominal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pregnant Women Presenting With Acute Abdominal Pain.

Background and Purpose: Abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite common; however, surgical pathology such as acute appendicitis as a cause of such pain is not. Diagnostic tests used in addition to history and physical examination (PE) are ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We elected to find the role of these tests in pregnant patients who presented to our emergency department with acute abdominal pain.Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of 136 pregnant women with acute abdominal pain presented to the emergency department (ED). We reviewed PE, US, MRI, gestational age, comorbid conditions, and length of stay. Statistical analysis was done using student's t-test and chi-square test. Institutional review board approval was obtained.Results: Mean age was 26 (±4.6) and the mean gestational age was 24 (±9.9) weeks. Of those patients, there were 81 patients who had an US and MRI performed. The US was positive in 16 patients, while the MRI was positive in 25 patients. Three patients went for appendectomy. The US sensitivity was 0% and specificity 79%. Positive predictive value for US was 0% and negative predictive value was 95%, which was less than 100%. The MRI likelihood ratios were calculated for each test's clinical application and demonstrated that the US test result was indeterminate for ruling in and for ruling out appendicitis while the MRI allowed for high ability to rule out the disease.Conclusion: In pregnant women with acute abdominal pain and a positive PE highly suggestive of surgical pathology, US had limited value and patients should proceed to MRI.

The diagnosis of malignant breast lumps using fine needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonography versus histopathology

Background and objective: The most common cancer of women worldwide is breast cancer and usually presents as a breast lump. Fine needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonography are two investigational techniques used to differentiate malignant breast lump from benign one. This study aimed to find out and compare the specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values of ultrasonography versus fine needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of malignant breast lump. Methods: Patients who presented with clinically palpable breast lump at the department of Surgery, Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil, from October 2014 to March 2016, were included. The age of the study participants ranged from 15 to 56 years. The highest rate (28.9%) was among the age group 35-45 years. Breast abscess, cystic breast lumps, and recurrent lumps have been excluded. The ultrasonographic evaluation was done by using 7.5 MHz probe for all patients at the department of radiology and fine needle aspiration cytology at the department of histopathology. All the patients underwent excision of the lumps, and histopathological examination was done for tissues. Specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology were estimated, taking the histopathological result as the gold standard. A comparison of values was made. Results: Ninety patients with 93 breast lumps were included in this study. Fine needle aspiration cytology reported 28 lumps as malignant lumps and 63 as benign, and two cases were indeterminate. Ultrasonography reported 27 cases as malignant, 54 as benign, and nine as indeterminate, while three breast lumps were failed to be detected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosing malignant breast lump were 94.74%, 100%, 100%, 97.22%, and 90.48%, 100%, 100%, 95.24%,respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology are 100% specific in diagnosing malignant breast lesions. Although ultrasonography appears more sensitive than fine needle aspiration cytology, it has a higher percentage of the indeterminate report. Keywords: Fine needle aspiration cytology; Ultrasonography; Breast lumps.

Ultrasound can differentiate complicated and noncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis: a prospective comparative study with computed tomography.

To prospectively assess the diagnostic value of intestinal ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD). During a period of 14months patients referred to the department of Radiology with clinical suspicion of ACD underwent an US examination. All confirmed US ACD diagnosis were included and subsequently underwent an emergency abdominal CT, used as gold standard. The WSES (World Society for Emergent Surgery) classification of diverticulitis was used. Diverticulitis was prospectively classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of US were evaluated. Before CT scan, the radiologist indicated whether they would have required or not a complementary CT scan, based on US findings. Of the 240 patients included in our study, 71 (29.6%) were Stage 0, 127 (53%) Stage 1A, and 42 (17.5%) were moderate-severe ACD (stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4). The sensitivity of US for diagnosing complicated ACD was 84% and specificity of 95.8%. Most patients (24 of 27) misclassified by US as uncomplicated diverticulitis were classified on CT as stage 1A. From the 148 cases in which the radiologist considered CT unnecessary, only 3 of these revealed signs of complicated ACD on CT; none of them required emergency surgery. US is an effective technique to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated ACD. Our results suggest that US, may be a valuable alternative to CT for the initial radiologic evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of ACD.

A Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Ultrasound for the Detection of Metastatic Axillary Nodal Disease in Treatment-Naive Breast Cancer.

The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and ultrasound (US) for identifying metastatic axillary disease in primary breast cancer. This is a retrospective review of 240 patients with treatment-naive unilateral primary breast cancer of at least stage T2. Eighty-five patients met our inclusion criteria. Initial whole-body PET/CT and axillary US examinations were reviewed and compared with the criterion standard of fine-needle aspiration cytology. Sensitivity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) for each modality were computed. Because of all positive US cases, specificity and negative predictive value of US were not determined. Sensitivity and accuracy between modalities were compared using McNemar test. The majority of the patients were White women with clinical inflammatory breast cancer and with histologically invasive ductal carcinoma. The most common tumor and nodal stage was T4N3. The tumors were predominantly estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative. The sensitivities of PET/CT and US were 96.2% and 100%, respectively. The accuracies for PET/CT and US were 91.8% and 94.1%, respectively. The PPV for PET/CT was 95.1%, and for US, the PPV was 94.1%. No significant difference in sensitivity or accuracy was shown between PET/CT and US for the diagnosis of metastatic axillary nodal disease. Three of 85 cases showed discordance between negative PET/CT and positive US and fine-needle aspiration cytology.

Diagnosis of liver tumors by multimodal ultrasound imaging.

To investigate the diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound imaging composed of conventional ultrasonography (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and shear wave elastography (SWE) for liver tumors.Between October 2017 and October 2019, US, CEUS, and SWE examinations of a total of 158 liver tumors in 136 patients at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were performed. The histopathological or imaging diagnostic results were used as controls to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of US, CEUS, SWE, and multimodal ultrasound imaging, which combines these 3 modes, in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors.Among the 158 tumors, there were 64 benign tumors, including 55 cases of hepatic hemangioma, 3 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, 4 cases of hepatic cyst, and 2 cases of focal nonuniform distribution of fat in the liver. There were 94 malignant tumors, including 32 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 22 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma, 29 cases of metastatic liver cancer, and 11 cases of dysplastic nodules in cirrhotic liver. In the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 82.56%, 68.06%, 75.96%, 75.53%, and 76.56% for US; 92.39%, 86.36%, 89.87%, 90.43%, and 89.06% for CEUS; 87.14%, 76.81%, 82.91%, 82.98%, and 82.81% for SWE; and 97.85%, 95.38%, 96.83%, 96.81%, and 96.88% for multimodal ultrasound imaging, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were all significantly higher for multimodal ultrasound imaging than those values for US, CEUS, and SWE (all P < .05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for US, CEUS, SWE, and multimodal ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors were 0.760, 0.897, 0.829, and 0.968, respectively.US, CEUS, and SWE all have diagnostic value in the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors. Multimodal ultrasound imaging could significantly increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors and has higher value for clinical application.

Ultrasonic assessment has high sensitivity for pregnant women with previous cesarean section occurring uterine dehiscence and rupture: A STARD-compliant article.

To investigate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) for pregnant women with previous caesarean section (CS) occurring lower uterine segment (LUS) dehiscence and rupture.107 pregnant women with previous CS and LUS thickness of 1.0 mm or less were recruited, the LUS and myometrium was measured, and US findings suggestive of uterine rupture were compared with findings at laparotomy. The included pregnant women were assigned into 2 groups, including 64 pregnant women had vaginal delivery at full-term and 43 pregnant women underwent repeat CS at preterm.US findings suggestive of uterine rupture and dehiscence occurred in 18 women and 89 women, respectively; ten of them developed uterine rupture, and the incidence of uterine rupture was 9.34% (10/107). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values of US for the evaluation of LUS dehiscence and rupture were 100.0%, 91.8%, 92.5%, 55.6%, and 100.0%, respectively. There was no severe maternal obstetric complication, 1 fetus died, and the other fetuses were born with a 5-minute Apgar score of 7 to 10.US has high sensitivity and specificity for pregnant women with previous CS occurring LUS dehiscence and rupture.

Making the diagnosis of midgut volvulus: Limited abdominal ultrasound has changed our clinical practice

PurposeTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of limited abdominal ultrasound (US) examination for midgut volvulus (MGV) and to evaluate how clinical practice has changed in a free-standing children's hospital leading to the near obsolescence of upper GI (UGI) studies for the diagnosis of MGV. Materials and methodsAll patients with suspected MGV who underwent abdominal US during 2016–2017 were identified using keyword search tools in the radiology information system. Retrospective, blinded image review was performed by a certificate of added qualification (CAQ), board certified pediatric radiologist. US images were evaluated for the presence of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) cutoff sign and twisting of the bowel and mesentery around the SMA (whirlpool sign). The results were compared with the operative reports. Results195 US studies were performed from 2016 to 2017. The most common presentations were vomiting (44%), abdominal pain (7%), and suspected malrotation (10%) 195 US studies were reviewed, of which 16 were nondiagnostic. The remaining 179 diagnostic studies showed MGV in 14 patients. Those 14 patients were surgically explored and confirmed to have midgut volvulus. 7 of the 16 nondiagnostic US studies were further evaluated with UGI examination with 1 patient demonstrating malrotation without volvulus, which was confirmed at surgery. 2 had CT exams which were normal. 4 were followed clinically. The remaining 3 patients went to surgery, all of which did not show MGV. There were 164 negative US, none of whom went to surgery. US was diagnostic in 92% of patients and when diagnostic the positive and negative predictive values of US were 100%. ConclusionLimited abdominal US is a highly accurate examination for the diagnosis of midgut volvulus. UGI exposes patients to ionizing radiation and should be reserved for patients in whom US is nondiagnostic or inconclusive. Type of studyRetrospective review. Level of evidenceLevel 3.

Diagnosis of avulsion fractures of the distal fibula after lateral ankle sprain in children: a diagnostic accuracy study comparing ultrasonography with radiography

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of avulsion fractures of the distal fibula for lateral ankle sprain in children and compare it to that of radiography.MethodsChildren who sustained lateral ankle sprain were prospectively surveyed. They underwent both ultrasonography and radiography at the first clinic visit to diagnose any concomitant avulsion fractures of the distal fibula. The patients underwent follow-up radiography 4 weeks later to obtain the reference standard diagnosis. The measures of diagnostic accuracy (i.e., sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) of the initial ultrasonography and radiography were calculated; they were then compared using the McNemar test. Totally, 52 patients (with a median age of 9 years) were analyzed.ResultsOn the reference standard (follow-up) radiographs, 32 patients (62%) were found to have avulsion fractures of the distal fibula. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for ultrasonography were 94, 85, 91, and 89% respectively; and 81, 100, 100, and 77% respectively for radiography at the first visit. There were no significant differences in sensitivity and specificity between the two diagnostic methods (P = 0.22, 0.25).ConclusionsUltrasonography has a high diagnostic accuracy, which is comparable to that of radiography, for the diagnosis of avulsion fracture of the distal fibula. Ultrasonography may be used as an option of imaging modality for lateral ankle sprain in children.

Establishment of Simple Nomograms for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Involvement in Early Breast Cancer.

PurposeAxillary lymph node (ALN) involvement is an important prognostic factor of early invasive breast cancer. The objective of this study was to establish simple nomograms for predicting ALN involvement based on ultrasound (US) characteristics and evaluate the predictive value of US in the detection of ALN involvement.Patients and MethodsA total of 1328 patients with cT1-2N0 breast cancer by physical exam were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis was used for the comparison of variables, and multivariate analysis was performed by binary logistic regression analysis. The R software was used to establish simple nomograms based on the US characteristics alone. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the prediction model and the verification group were drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the discrimination of the prediction model. A calibration curve was plotted to assess the nomogram predictions vs the actual observations of the ALN metastasis rate and axillary tumor burden rate.ResultsThe ALN metastasis rates of the training group and the validation group were 35.1% and 34.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that molecular subtype, lymphovascular invasion, mass descriptors (size, margin, microcalcification and blood flow signal) and LN descriptors (shape, cortical thickness and long-to-short ratio) were independent impact factors in early breast cancer. The AUC of ALN metastasis rate of prediction model based on US features was 0.802, the AUC of high tumor burden rate was 0.873, and the AUC of external validation group was 0.731 and 0.802, respectively. The calibration curve of the nomogram showed that the nomogram predictions are consistent with the actual metastasis rate and the high tumor burden rate. The results showed that preoperative US had a sensitivity of 59.4% and a specificity of 88.9% for predicting the ALN metastasis rate.ConclusionThe successfully established nomograms based on US characteristics to predict ALN metastasis rate and high axillary tumor burden rate in early breast cancer can achieve individual prediction. Compared with other nomogram predictions, it is more intuitive, and can help clinical decision-making; thus, it should be promoted. However, at this time US features alone are insufficient to replace sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Prevalence and Sonographic Detection of Gallbladder Polyps in a Western European Population

BackgroundGallbladder cancer is rare but associated with significant morbidity and mortality necessitating the early identification of premalignant and malignant lesions to improve overall prognosis. Despite limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of transabdominal ultrasound (US) in the detection of gallbladder polyps, it plays a key role in current European guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate gallbladder polyp prevalence in a western European population and assess the diagnostic accuracy of transabdominal US. MethodsData from patients who underwent cholecystectomy for US detected gallbladder polypoid lesions at four hospitals in Ireland and the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. Patient demographics, ultrasonographic, and histopathologic findings were analyzed. ResultsA total of 134 patients underwent cholecystectomy for US-detected gallbladder polyps. After histopathologic examination, pseudopolyps were found in 75 (56%) specimens with dysplastic or malignant polyps seen in only six (4.5%) specimens. Mean size for neoplastic polyps was 33 mm. The positive predictive value for US in detecting neoplastic polyps in this study was 4.5%, which is significantly lower than the 10%-15% reported previously. ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of neoplastic polyps in this study is higher than in the previous literature, the distribution of pseudopolyps and true polyps is as expected. With all malignant polyps being >10 mm in diameter, these findings support the current size thresholds stated in European guidelines. The poor diagnostic accuracy of US demonstrated may have led to significant number of patients undergoing unnecessary surgical intervention, further supporting the argument for improved strategies for the investigation of gallbladder polyps.

Ultrasonography of articular and periarticular structures as a relapse predictor in patients with clinically remitted rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing mortality and morbidity among patients. The goal of RA treatment is remission and prevention of joint degeneration. Remission is diagnosed by physical examinations and laboratory markers. Due to the high rate of relapse, it appears that physical examination is not a sensitive method in detecting active and remitted RA patients. The aim of this study is to find whether ultrasonography (US) is an appropriate method in detecting active RA patients and estimating the relapse rate. Methods: Seventy clinically remitted RA patients were enrolled based on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints. They underwent US to examine the presence of synovitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and bursitis and were followed for 6 months regarding the relapse rate. Moreover, the predictive value of US was measured. SPSS was used for analyzing data. Results: According to the US findings, 27.1% of the clinically remitted patients had signs of active synovitis, whereas 15.7% of them showed signs of tenosynovitis, tendinitis, or bursitis. In addition, relapse was observed in 12.9% of the patients with clinical remission and was significantly higher in patients with signs of active synovitis (P Conclusions: US is capable of detecting active synovitis among patients with clinically remitted RA and also predicts those with a higher risk of relapse within 6 months. It is also useful in identifying people with active RA, whose clinical symptoms indicate remission of the disease. Involvement of periarticular structures including tenosynovitis, tendinitis, or bursitis cannot independently predict relapse in patients with RA.

Predictive value of ultrasonography in metastasis of cervical lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective To investigate the value of ultrasonography (US) in predicting the cervical metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods Preoperative ultrasonographic data of 65 PTC with MLN confirmed by surgery and pathology were studied retrospectively. These sonographic features such as the size of lymph nodes, the distribution area, boundary, aspect ratio, the shape, internal calcification and the internal blood flow were observed. Results (1) In diagnosis of MLN by US, the accurate rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were separately 90.65%, 83.50%, 88.61%, 92.71% and 88.68%. There was no significant difference between preoperative US in predicting MLN with PTC and postoperative pathological diagnosis (χ2=0.316, P>0.05), but the internal consistency of the two methods was poor, Kappa value=0.023, P>0.05. (2) There was statistically significant difference in eccentricity or loss of an echogenic fatty hilum, internal microcalcification, the aspect ratio, rich or irregular internal blood flow, internal cystic change and moderate echo mass between MLN and non-MLN (χ2=153.582, 43.793, 38.996, 65.530, 22.205 and 37.611 respectively, all P 0.05). (3) The predominant sites of metastasis were Ⅳ region and Ⅵ region, while the most was the central region (Ⅵ region, 73.8%), and the predominant site of non-metastasis was the lateral neck region (Ⅰ region, Ⅴ region), both with the statistically significant difference (χ2=12.493, 44.320, 7.444, 12.976, all P<0.05). Conclusion US has the important value in predicting MLN with PTC. Key words: Ultrasonography; Thyroid carcinoma; Cervical lymph node metastasis

Correlations of neck ultrasound and pathology in cervical lymph node of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background: High-resolution sonography is becoming a method of choice for the detection and diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of neck ultrasound (US) in the detection of lymph node metastases from PTC.Methods: Data for all patients with papillary thyroid cancers and preoperative neck US were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnostic accuracy of US was determined according to whether histologically confirmed cancer was present in surgical cervical lymph node specimens.Results: A total of 206 patients (149 central and 57 central and lateral lymph nodes dissection) were included. Their mean age was 56 years (14–88 years). Central and lateral lymph nodes were involved in 68% (n = 141 patients; 141/206) and 60% (n = 34 patients; 34/57) of cases, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of US in predicting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) metastasis in the central neck were 69%, 71%, 84% and 51% respectively, and in the lateral neck were 85%, 65%, 78% and 75% respectively.Conclusions: Preoperative neck US is a valuable tool in the detection of cervical lymph node metastases from papillary thyroid cancer and can provide reliable information to assist in surgical management.

Accuracy of ultrasonography in the evaluation of abdominal masses in children in Nigeria.

Introduction:Abdominal masses in children constitute a spectrum of lesions of diverse origin, nature and significance. In a low-income setting with limited investigative facilities, accurate diagnosis of abdominal masses can be very challenging. However, ultrasound has been used preferentially as a diagnostic tool in evaluating abdominal masses in children. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of ultrasound evaluation of abdominal masses in children.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective descriptive study of 135 consecutive children presenting with palpable and/or suspected abdominal masses over a 1-year period at a tertiary hospital. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 17 software and level of significance was set at P < 0.05.Results:Abdominal mass was located in the kidney in 40 (32.3%) patients. Definitive diagnoses of abdominal masses were confirmed intraoperatively in 33 (24.4%) and by histopathological examination in 102 (75.6%) cases. Abdominal masses were detected in 124/135 (91.9%) of the participants. Ultrasound (US) correctly identified 109/124 (87.9%) of the pathologies. The sensitivity and specificity of USS were 87.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 97.2%–98.2% and 37.5%–45.7%, respectively. The overall US diagnostic accuracy was 87.4%. The predictive value of US for intussusceptions, Wilms' tumour and hydronephrosis was high (sensitivity was 92.0%, 95.8% and 81.1% and PPV was 90.0%, 83.0% and 93.8%, respectively). On the other hand, the sensitivity indices for appendiceal mass/abscess, lymphoma and neuroblastoma were low (28.6%, 66.7% and 57.1%, respectively), while their PPV was low too (66.7%, 42.9% and 77.7%, respectively). The PPV was especially poor for lymphoma. The specificity and NPV indices for these six disease conditions were good.Conclusion:Ultrasound is a reliable tool in the evaluation of abdominal masses in children in this setting.

Real-time Tracheal Ultrasound for the Confirmation of Endotracheal Intubations in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study.

Current methods to confirm endotracheal tube (ETT) placement have varying degrees of effectiveness and time to completion. We aimed to study the accuracy of real-time tracheal ultrasound (US) to confirm ETT placement in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. This work was a prospective study completed at 2 academic tertiary care centers. Patients in the adult ICU requiring emergent intubation were enrolled in the trial. During the intubation process, a US team performed a tracheal US examination to determine, in real time, whether the ETT was placed into the trachea or the esophagus. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in the study and were available for analysis. There were 12 (16%) esophageal intubations and 63 (84%) tracheal intubations. One hundred percent of the tracheal intubations and 83% of the esophageal intubations were correctly identified. The positive and negative predictive values of US to detect an esophageal intubation were 100% and 97%, respectively. Tracheal US can be highly accurate in identifying the location of the ETT, in real time, in ICU patients undergoing emergent intubation. Although our study shows a great potential of real-time US use during emergent intubations, larger studies would be needed to further evaluate the accuracy of this technique.

Comparison of DMSA Scintigraphy and USG in Detecting Renal Cortical Scars in Children with Urinary Tract Infection

Objective Multiple imaging techniques may be used to evaluate the development of progressive renal damage in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy and renal ultrasonography (USG) in detecting renal scars in children with UTIs. Methods A total of 630 kidneys from 364 children were included in the study and the results of DMSA and USG of children with UTIs were evaluated retrospectively between January 2016 and October 2017. DMSA scintigraphy is accepted as the gold standard and it was compared with USG results. Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for USG in the detection of renal scarring was found as 57.1, 89.6, 40.8, and 94.4%, respectively. Conclusions Although USG is known to be safe, readily available, and relatively inexpensive, the sensitivity of USG does not seem to be sufficient to identify the renal parenchymal damage. We concluded that USG cannot replace DMSA in the evaluation of renal scarring.

Predictive Value of Cranial Ultrasound for Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants with Brain Injury.

Background:Compared with full-term infants, very preterm infants are more vulnerable to injury and long-term disability and are at high risk of death. The predictive value of ultrasound and imaging on the neurodevelopment is one of the hot topics. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cranial ultrasound (cUS) variables and neurodevelopmental outcomes of very preterm infants.Methods:Totally 129 very preterm infants (gestational age ≤28 weeks) in neonatal intensive care unit of Hunan Children's Hospital between January 2012 and November 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Serial cUS (weekly before discharge and monthly after discharge) was performed on the infants until 6 months or older. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the infants at approximately the term-equivalent age. The mental developmental index (MDI) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI) were followed up until the infants were 24 months or older. The relationship between brain injury and MDI/PDI scores was analyzed.Results:The consistency rate between cUS and MRI was 88%. At the first cUS, germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) Grades 3 and 4, hospitalization duration, and weight are significantly correlated with MDI/PDI and prognosis (MDI: odds ratio [OR] = 8.415, 0.982, and 0.042, P = 0.016, 0.000, and 0.004; PDI: OR = 7.149, 0.978, and 0.012, P = 0.025, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively). At the last cUS, gestational age, extensive cystic periventricular leukomalacia (c-PVL), and moderate and severe hydrocephaly are significantly correlated with MDI (OR = 0.292, 60.220, and 170.375, P = 0.004, 0.003, and 0.000, respectively). Extensive c-PVL and moderate and severe hydrocephaly are significantly correlated with PDI (OR = 76.861 and 116.746, P = 0.003 and 0.000, respectively).Conclusions:Very premature infants with GMH Grades 3 and 4, short hospitalization duration, and low weight have low survival rates and poorly developed brain nerves. Cerebral palsy can result from severe cerebral hemorrhage, moderate and severe hydrocephaly, and extensive c-PVL. The sustained, inhomogeneous echogenicity of white matter may suggest subtle brain injury.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for the detection of disc displacements in the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe aim was to assess the added diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) for establishing the presence or absence of disc displacements (DDs) in temporomandibular joints (TMJs).Materials and methodsPubmed and EMBASE were searched electronically to identify diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed the diagnostic value of US for the diagnosis of DD, using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard. Meta-analyses were performed with Metadisc 1.4 and RevMan 5.3.ResultsA total of 16 studies qualified for meta-analyses. For the diagnosis of DD at closed mouth position (DD-CM) and DD at maximum mouth-opening position (DD-MMO), the added values of a positive result with US for ruling in DD-CM and DD-MMO were 22 and 41%, while those of a negative result with US for ruling out DD-CM and DD-MMO were 30 and 20%. For the diagnosis of DD with reduction (DDWR) and DD without reduction (DDWoR), the added values of a positive result in US for ruling in DDWR and DDWoR were 35 and 41%, while those of a negative result in US for ruling out DDWR and DDWoR were 21 and 27%.ConclusionsUsing MRI as reference standard, the added values of both positive predictive values and negative predictive values of US for ruling in and ruling out DDs are sufficient in the decision-making in dental practice.Clinical relevanceUS can be a good imaging tool to supplement clinical examination findings in patients with suspected DDs. Combined static and dynamic examinations using high-resolution US should be preferred.

The Role of Renal Ultrasound in Children With Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

Background: This study was designed to examine the capability of renal ultrasonography (US) for predicting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring (RS), and to assess, using initial US, the significant urologic abnormalities that impact on management of children hospitalized with the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: Hospitalized children aged <= 2 years with the first febrile UTI were prospectively evaluated using imaging studies, including 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan, US, and voiding cystourethrography. Results: Of the 310 children analyzed (195 boys and 115 girls), 105 (33.9%) had abnormal US. Acute DMSA scans were abnormal in 194 children (62.6%), including 89 (45.9%) with concomitant abnormal US. There was VUR in 107 children (34.5%), including 79 (25.5%) with grades III-V VUR. The sensitivity and negative predictive values of US were 52.3% and 75.1%, respectively, for grades I-V VUR; and 68.4% and 87.8%, respectively, for grades III-V VUR. Eighty-five children (27.4%) had RS, including 55 (64.7%) with abnormal US. Of the 105 children with abnormal US, 33 (31.4%) needed subsequent management (surgical intervention, parental counseling, or follow-up of renal function). Nephromegaly on initial US and grades III-V VUR were risk factors of RS. Conclusions: Abnormal US may carry a higher probability of grades III-V VUR and RS, and can affect subsequent management in a significant number of children. Nephromegaly on initial US and grades III-V VUR are strongly associated with an increased risk for RS. Thus, US should be performed on children after the first febrile UTI and children with normal US may not require voiding cystourethrography. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2018;7(1-2):6-12 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp295e