Standardized Scanning Protocol Research Articles

Comparison of Echo Planar and Turbo Spin Echo Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Intraoperative MRI.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is routinely used in brain tumor surgery guided by intraoperative MRI (IoMRI). However, conventional echo planar imaging DWI (EPI-DWI) is susceptible to distortion and artifacts that affect image quality. Turbo spin echo DWI (TSE-DWI) is an alternative technique with minimal spatial distortions that has the potential to be the radiologically preferred sequence. To compare via single- and multisequence assessment EPI-DWI and TSE-DWI in the IoMRI setting to determine whether there is a radiological preference for either sequence. Retrospective. Thirty-four patients (22 female) aged 2-61 years (24 under 18 years) undergoing IoMRI during surgical resection of intracranial tumors. 3-T, EPI-DWI, and TSE-DWI. Patients were scanned with EPI- and TSE-DWI as part of the standard IoMRI scanning protocol. A single-sequence assessment of spatial distortion and image artifact was performed by three neuroradiologists blinded to the sequence type. Images were scored regarding distortion and artifacts, around and remote to the resection cavity. A multisequence radiological assessment was performed by three neuroradiologists in full radiological context including all other IoMRI sequences from each case. The DWI images were directly compared with scorings of the radiologists on which they preferred with respect to anatomy, abnormality, artifact, and overall preference. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for single-sequence assessment, weighted kappa for single and multisequence assessment. A P-value <0.001 was considered statistically significant. For the blinded single-sequence assessment, the TSE-DWI sequence was scored equal to or superior to the EPI-DWI sequence for distortion and artifacts, around and remote to the resection cavity for every case. In the multisequence assessment, all radiologists independently expressed a preference for TSE-DWI over EPI-DWI sequences on viewing brain anatomy, abnormalities, and artifacts. The TSE-DWI sequences may be favored over EPI-DWI for IoMRI in patients with intracranial tumors. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Computed Tomographic Angiography in Planning Thoraco-dorsal Artery Perforator Flap in Breast and Soft Tissue Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Thoraco-dorsal Artery Perforator (TDAP) flaps have been increasingly used in breast and soft tissue reconstruction. Perforator localization is often done using a hand-held doppler, however, false results are not uncommon. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the value of preoperative Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) in TDAP flaps examining scanning protocol, mapping technique, concordance with operative findings and disadvantages. A PRISMA-compliant comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases was conducted in November 2023. We included studies evaluating CTA mapping of free and pedicled TDAPs for breast or soft tissue reconstruction using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Five studies were included and considered at high risk of bias. The studies included 72 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years. Concordance between CT findings and Doppler mapping or operative visualization was reported in two studies. In three studies, CTA was combined with Doppler flowmetry, whilst dynamic infrared thermography was used in one study. Standardized scanning protocol and patient positioning were lacking in all reports. This study highlights the paucity of evidence on the value of CTA in TDA perforator mapping with inconsistent outcomes and non-standardized scanning protocols. Despite difficult imaging acquisition and interpretation, 3D reconstructed images and detailed vascular anatomy may facilitate planning. Further research is required to explore the practical value of CTA in TDAP planning and standardizing protocols.

Ultrasound normalized local variance to assess metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

PurposeIncreased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) highlights a desire for screening with liver ultrasound normalized local variance (NLV). We aimed to assess variations in NLV values measured at different sampling depths and discuss common technical considerations in measuring liver NLV. MethodsWe retrospectively measured liver NLVs at variable depths on ultrasound images pre-recorded in 116 participants who underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and ultrasound to screen for MASLD. Liver NLVs were measured and differences at variable depths were tested using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple paired comparisons using post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD), Scheffé, Bonferroni, and Holm multiple comparisons. Diagnostic performance of NLV values were analyzed by area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve. ResultsThe NLV measured at a depth of 10 cm significantly differed from those measured near the liver capsule and at depths of 6 cm and 8 cm (p < 0.001) from the skin. There was no significant difference in NLV value in other paired groups (p > 0.05). The difference in the area under AUROCs for NLVs measured at variable depths was not significant (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe best diagnostic performance of liver NLV was measured at depth of 8 cm from the skin, although NLV measured at variable depth showed similar diagnostic performance for assessing ≥ mild hepatic steatosis. The study results provide a reference that can be used in the development of standardized scanning protocols and technical considerations in measuring liver NLV.

In vitro blood sample assessment: investigating correlation of laboratory hemoglobin and spectral properties of dual-energy CT measurements (ρ/Z)

Abstract Objectives Our study comprised a single-center retrospective in vitro correlation between spectral properties, namely ρ/Z values, derived from scanning blood samples using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) with the corresponding laboratory hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Hct) levels and assessed the potential in anemia-detection. Methods DECT of 813 patient blood samples from 465 women and 348 men was conducted using a standardized scan protocol. Electron density relative to water (ρ or rho), effective atomic number (Zeff), and CT attenuation (Hounsfield unit) were measured. Results Positive correlation with the Hb/Hct was shown for ρ (r-values 0.37–0.49) and attenuation (r-values 0.59–0.83) while no correlation was observed for Zeff (r-values −0.04 to 0.08). Significant differences in attenuation and ρ values were detected for blood samples with and without anemia in both genders (p value &lt; 0.001) with area under the curve ranging from 0.7 to 0.95. Depending on the respective CT parameters, various cutoff values for CT-based anemia detection could be determined. Conclusion In summary, our study investigated the correlation between DECT measurements and Hb/Hct levels, emphasizing novel aspects of ρ and Zeff values. Assuming that quantitative changes in the number of hemoglobin proteins might alter the mean Zeff values, the results of our study show that there is no measurable correlation on the atomic level using DECT. We established a positive in vitro correlation between Hb/Hct values and ρ. Nevertheless, attenuation emerged as the most strongly correlated parameter with identifiable cutoff values, highlighting its preference for CT-based anemia detection. Clinical relevance statement By scanning multiple blood samples with dual-energy CT scans and comparing the measurements with standard laboratory blood tests, we were able to underscore the potential of CT-based anemia detection and its advantages in clinical practice. Key Points Prior in vivo studies have found a correlation between aortic blood pool and measured hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin and hematocrit correlated with electron density relative to water and attenuation but not Zeff. Dual-energy CT has the potential for additional clinical benefits, such as CT-based anemia detection. Graphical Abstract

Clinical implementation of first trimester screening for congenital heart defects.

To examine the feasibility and performance of implementing a standardized fetal cardiac scan at the time of a routine first-trimester ultrasound scan. A retrospective, single-center study in an unselected population between March 2021 and July 2022. A standardized cardiac scan protocol consisting of a four-chamber and 3-vessel trachea view with color Doppler was implemented as part of the routine first-trimester scan. Sonographers were asked to categorize the fetal heart anatomy. Data were stratified into two groups based on the possibility of evaluating the fetal heart. The influence of maternal and fetal characteristics and the detection of major congenital heart disease were investigated. A total of 5083 fetuses were included. The fetal heart evaluation was completed in 84.9%. The proportion of successful scans increased throughout the study period from 76% in the first month to 92% in the last month. High maternal body mass index and early gestational age at scan significantly decreased the feasibility. The first-trimester detection of major congenital heart defects was 7/16, of which four cases were identified by the cardiac scan protocol with no false-positive cases. First-trimester evaluation of the fetal heart by a standardized scan protocol is feasible to implement in daily practice. It can contribute to the earlier detection of congenital heart defects at a very low false positive rate.

Abstract PO5-26-02: Changes in Breast Cancer Optoacoustic Imaging Features During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Correlation with Pathologic Response: A feasibility study

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the association of optoacoustic imaging (OA/US) feature changes with neoadjuvant therapy response and compare with volumetric changes. Methods and Materials: In an IRB approved, HIPAA compliant single arm, single-institution study, 20 breast cancer patients scheduled to undergo neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC) were prospectively enrolled to undergo optoacoustic imaging (OA/US) at baseline, prior to cycle 2(Postcycle 1), mid-therapy (mid-chemo)and pre-operative(pre-op) timepoints using a standardized scan protocol. % change in volume was recorded for each timepoint. OA/US features: internal vessels (OAint), total internal hemoglobin (OAHb), internal deoxyHb, external peripheral zone (OApz), boundary zone (OAbz) scored using a previously validated schema. Pathology was collected from standardized reports using residual cancer burden (RCB) and pathologic complete response (pCR) as end points. RCB0-II were classified as responders, RCB-III as non-responders. Descriptive statistics displayed as mean and standard deviation and compared using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. Association of volume change was performed using odds ratio (OR) generated from univariate logistic regressions (P-Value &amp;lt; 0.05 for significance). Results: Mean patient age was 50.4 years (SD± 9.5), index cancer size: 26.3mm (SD±9.7). Surgical pathology showed pCR in 6(30%), partial response in 11(55%), no response in 3(15%) cancers, with mean overall residual cellularity of 32.7%(SD±33.5). Mean % residual volume was not significantly different between responders vs nonresponders. [PostCycle 1 (43.7 ± 25.3 vs 38.5 ± 24.8, p=0.7), mid-chemo (64.2 ± 30.9 vs. 65.8 ± 24.6, p=0.8), pre-op (82.9 ± 23.5 vs 89.3 ± 8.4, p=0.9) timepoints. Regression analysis did not show significant correlation of %vol change with pCR at any timepoint (p &amp;gt;0.05). Postcycle 1, OAHb change was significantly higher in patients who had pCR (76.4% vs 108.8%; p=0.02). At pre-op scan, greater decreases were seen in all OA/US scores in cancers that achieved pCR compared to non-pCR [OAbz (25.0% vs. 84.7% P = 0.03; OAint (40.0% vs. 90.3% P = 0.03);OAHb (18.3% vs. 91.8%; P = 0.03); deoxyHb (26.7% vs. 104.8%; P = 0.02), total OAext (25.8% vs. 88.1%; P = 0.03); total internal (16.2% vs. 91.6%; P = 0.03)]. Conclusions: OA/US feature changes demonstrate higher correlation with pCR than volumetric shrinkage in this feasibility study and show promise as a potential tool to non-invasively identify pCR. Table. Percentage Change in Optoacoustic Ultrasound (OA/US) Feature Scores from Baseline, Stratified by (pathologic complete response (pCR). Citation Format: Baṣak Dogan, Berat Bersu Ozcan, Heather McArthur, Yan Peng. Changes in Breast Cancer Optoacoustic Imaging Features During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Correlation with Pathologic Response: A feasibility study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-26-02.

Toward diffusion tensor imaging as a biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases: technical considerations to optimize recordings and data processing.

Neuroimaging biomarkers have shown high potential to map the disease processes in the application to neurodegenerative diseases (NDD), e.g., diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). For DTI, the implementation of a standardized scanning and analysis cascade in clinical trials has potential to be further optimized. Over the last few years, various approaches to improve DTI applications to NDD have been developed. The core issue of this review was to address considerations and limitations of DTI in NDD: we discuss suggestions for improvements of DTI applications to NDD. Based on this technical approach, a set of recommendations was proposed for a standardized DTI scan protocol and an analysis cascade of DTI data pre-and postprocessing and statistical analysis. In summary, considering advantages and limitations of the DTI in NDD we suggest improvements for a standardized framework for a DTI-based protocol to be applied to future imaging studies in NDD, towards the goal to proceed to establish DTI as a biomarker in clinical trials in neurodegeneration.

Trueness evaluation of three intraoral scanners for the recording of maximal intercuspal position.

This clinical study aimed to assess the trueness of three intraoral scanners for the recor-ding of the maximal intercuspal position (MIP) to provide a reference for clinical practice. Ten participants with good occlusal relationship and healthy temporomandibular joint were recruited. For the control group, facebow transferring procedures were performed, and bite registrations at the MIP were used to transfer maxillary and mandibular casts to a mechanical articulator, which were then scanned with a laboratory scanner to obtain digital cast data. For the experimental groups, three intraoral scanners (Trios 3, Carestream 3600, and Aoralscan 3) were used to obtain digital casts of the participants at the MIP following the scanning workflows endorsed by the corresponding manufacturers. Subsequently, measurement points were marked on the control group's digital casts at the central incisors, canines, and first molars, and corresponding distances between these points on the maxillary and mandibular casts were measured to calculate the sum of measured distances (DA). Distances between measurement points in the incisor (DI), canine (DC), and first molar (DM) regions were also calculated. The control group's maxillary and mandibular digital casts with the added measurement points were aligned with the experimental group's casts, and DA, DI, DC, and DM values of the aligned control casts were determined. Statistical analysis was performed on DA, DI, DC, and DM obtained from both the control and experimental groups to evaluate the trueness of the three intraoral scanners for the recording of MIP. In the control group, DA, DI, DC, and DM values were (39.58±6.40), (13.64±3.58), (14.91±2.85), and (11.03±1.56) mm. The Trios 3 group had values of (38.99±6.60), (13.42±3.66), (14.55±2.87), and (11.03±1.69) mm. The Carestream 3600 group showed values of (38.57±6.36), (13.56±3.68), (14.45±2.85), and (10.55±1.41) mm, while the Aoralscan 3 group had values of (38.16±5.69), (13.03±3.54), (14.23±2.59), and (10.90±1.54) mm. Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups for overall deviation DA (P=0.96), as well as local deviations DI (P=0.98), DC (P=0.96), and DM (P=0.89). With standardized scanning protocols, the three intraoral scanners demonstrated comparable trueness to traditional methods in recording MIP, fulfilling clinical requirements.

Cine clips increase the detection of thyroid pyramidal lobe in routine thyroid sonogram.

Identification and resection of the thyroid pyramidal lobe is important for thyroid cancer surgery in order to prevent interval cancer in residual thyroid tissue. The purpose of this study was to determine how often a thyroid pyramidal lobe is found in patients with and without previous thyroidectomy and to optimise the protocol for identifying thyroid pyramidal lobes during routine thyroid ultrasonography. In this prospective study, a total of 1579 patients who received routine thyroid ultrasound scans at a single centre were enrolled. A dedicated standard scanning protocol was established containing both static images of the anterior neck superior to the thyroid as well as a transverse cine loop starting from the isthmus to the hyoid bone. The presence and features of thyroid pyramidal lobes were evaluated and compared. Detection rate of thyroid pyramidal lobes in patients without thyroidectomy improved from 39.5% (480/1215) to 49.7% (640/1215) with protocol adding cine-loop as compared to protocol without cine-loop. The cine-loops were particularly helpful in the detection of thyroid pyramidal lobes when it is separated from the main lobe or in thyroidectomy patients. By adding assessment with cine-loop into the dedicated protocol, we have further detected different pathologies occurring on thyroid pyramidal lobes including benign and malignant solid nodules and pseudo-nodules of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The addition of dynamic assessment with cine-loop increases the detection rate of thyroid pyramidal lobes. By paying attention to the thyroid pyramidal lobe in pre-operative diagnostic sonographic images, we can help to avoid incomplete removal of the thyroid gland during thyroidectomy.

The Incidence of the Associated Meniscal Ligament (ML) With the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

Objective: To assess the incidence of the associated meniscal ligament (ML) with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in hospital A in Medina-KSA. And to see the effect of sports activities in comparison between males and females. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, ninety-nine patients' knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) records were selected conveniently from the (A) hospital's picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Patients with suspected anterior cruciate and meniscal ligament' tears were included. Patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, and previously operated index knees were excluded. All patients were scanned by a 1.5T MRI machine using standard MRI knee scanning protocol. The categorical and continuous variables were presented as percentages, frequencies, and descriptive statistics. The cross-tabulations and chi-square test were applied to obtain the statistical associations between the study variables. A statistical association was considered significant if the P-value was &lt; 0.05. &#x0D; Results: 72 males and 27 females were included, with a mean age of 33 ± 2.43. 42.4% of the knee tears were ML tears, followed by associated (ACL with ML) tears, noted in 31.3%, and 26.3% were ACL tears. The tears were more frequent in the age group (31-40), reported in 35.3% (out of 99). There was no statistical association between the tears and the participants' age, gender, or sports activities; P value = 0.3, 0.5, and 0.9, respectively. &#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that the isolated ML tears were more frequent than the associated (ACL with ML) tears—moreover, there was no significant statistical association between the participants' age, gender, or sports activities.

Handheld Lung Ultrasound to Detect COVID-19 Pneumonia in Inpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Chest imaging, including chest X-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT), can be a helpful adjunct to nucleic acid test (NAT) in the diagnosis and management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lung point of care ultrasound (POCUS), particularly with handheld devices, is an imaging alternative that is rapid, highly portable, and more accessible in low-resource settings. A standardized POCUS scanning protocol has been proposed to assess the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, but it has not been sufficiently validated to assess diagnostic accuracy for COVID-19 pneumonia. Purpose: To assess the diagnostic performance of a standardized lung POCUS protocol using a handheld POCUS device to detect patients with either a positive NAT or a COVID-19-typical pattern on CT scan. Methods: Adult inpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and a recent CT were recruited from April to July 2020. Twelve lung zones were scanned with a handheld POCUS machine. Images were reviewed independently by blinded experts and scored according to the proposed protocol. Patients were divided into low, intermediate, and high suspicion based on their POCUS score. Results: Of 79 subjects, 26.6% had a positive NAT and 31.6% had a typical CT pattern. The receiver operator curve for POCUS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.787 for positive NAT and 0.820 for a typical CT. Using a two-point cutoff system, POCUS had a sensitivity of 0.90 and 1.00 compared to NAT and typical CT pattern, respectively, at the lower cutoff; it had a specificity of 0.90 and 0.89 compared to NAT and typical CT pattern at the higher cutoff, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed lung POCUS protocol with a handheld device showed reasonable diagnostic performance to detect inpatients with a positive NAT or typical CT pattern for COVID-19. Particularly in low-resource settings, POCUS with handheld devices may serve as a helpful adjunct for persons under investigation for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Utility of Fetal Cardiac Resonance Imaging in Prenatal Clinical Practice: Current State of the Art

The field of prenatal cardiac imaging has revolutionized the way we understand and manage congenital heart diseases (CHD) in the developing fetus. In the prenatal period, cardiac imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic pathway, from screening to classification and follow-up of CHD. The ability to visualize the fetal heart in utero allows healthcare professionals to detect abnormalities early, thus enabling timely interventions and informed decision-making processes for both the mother and the medical team. Early CHD detection improves preparation for delivery, postnatal care, and postnatal outcomes. Advancements in medical technology and imaging techniques have provided clinicians with insights into the fascinating workings of the fetal heart. Several imaging modalities have proven to be helpful in this field, with echocardiography undoubtedly representing the primary modality for evaluating the fetus. By providing detailed anatomical and functional information, fetal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging contributes to better prenatal counseling and enhances the coordination of care between obstetricians, maternal–fetal medicine specialists, and pediatric cardiologists. Shortcomings of fetal CMR are due to technical concerns related to the intrauterine position of the fetus and subsequent challenges to following a standard scan protocol. The aim of this paper was to revise the current state-of-the-art in the field of fetal CMR and its clinical applications and to delve into methods, challenges, and future directions of fetal CMR in prenatal imaging.

Intraprocedural assessment of ablation margins using computed tomography co-registration in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment with percutaneous ablation: IAMCOMPLETE study

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of ablation margin quantification using a standardized scanning protocol during thermal ablation (TA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and a rigid registration algorithm. Secondary objectives were to determine the inter- and intra-observer variability of tumor segmentation and quantification of the minimal ablation margin (MAM). Materials and methodsTwenty patients who underwent thermal ablation for HCC were included. There were thirteen men and seven women with a mean age of 67.1 ± 10.8 (standard deviation [SD]) years (age range: 49.1–81.1 years). All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination under general anesthesia directly before and after TA, with preoxygenated breath hold. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography examinations were analyzed by radiologists using rigid registration software. Registration was deemed feasible when accurate rigid co-registration could be obtained. Inter- and intra-observer rates of tumor segmentation and MAM quantification were calculated. MAM values were correlated with local tumor progression (LTP) after one year of follow-up. ResultsCo-registration of pre- and post-ablation images was feasible in 16 out of 20 patients (80%) and 26 out of 31 tumors (84%). Mean Dice similarity coefficient for inter- and intra-observer variability of tumor segmentation were 0.815 and 0.830, respectively. Mean MAM was 0.63 ± 3.589 (SD) mm (range: -6.26–6.65 mm). LTP occurred in four out of 20 patients (20%). The mean MAM value for patients who developed LTP was -4.00 mm, as compared to 0.727 mm for patients who did not develop LTP. ConclusionAblation margin quantification is feasible using a standardized contrast-enhanced computed tomography protocol. Interpretation of MAM was hampered by the occurrence of tissue shrinkage during TA. Further validation in a larger cohort should lead to meaningful cut-off values for technical success of TA.

Inflammatory ultrasound features as prognostic factors of pain and functional outcomes following intra-articular platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis.

To explore inflammatory ultrasound predictors of improvements in pain and function over 2, 6, and 12 months following administration of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients with painful mild-moderate radiographic knee OA from a subset of the RESTORE RCT underwent ultrasound assessment according to the standardized OMERACT scanning protocol to detect inflammatory features such as synovitis, synovial hypertrophy, and effusion with power Doppler. The study knee was treated with 3 once-weekly PRP injections obtained after centrifugation at 1500 g for 5 min. Numerical Rating Score (NRS), Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) questionnaire, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) function sub-score were used to measure pain and functional severity. Separate linear regression models were performed to determine whether baseline ultrasound-detected features of inflammation predicted the improvement in pain and function following PRP injection in both unadjusted and adjusted models for confounders. Forty-four participants were included, with 25 (56.8%) being female. In an unadjusted model, higher OMERACT scores for inflammatory features such as global synovitis and/or effusion were significantly associated with greater improvement in all outcomes measured at 2 months but not at 6 and 12 months for pain measures. Only global synovitis showed significant association with functional improvement at 2 and 12 months. Similar findings were observed in the adjusted model. Ultrasound indices of knee inflammation predicted short-term improvements in pain severity and both short- and longer-term improvements in function following intra-articular PRP injection.

Neuromuscular ultrasound standardized scanning techniques and protocols: Expert panel recommendations.

Neuromuscular ultrasound has become an integral part of the diagnostic workup of neuromuscular disorders at many centers. Despite its growing utility, uniform standard scanning techniques do not currently exist. Scanning approaches for similar diseases vary in the literature creating heterogeneity in the studies as reported in several meta-analysis. Moreover, neuromuscular ultrasound experts including the group in this study have different views with regards to technical aspects, scanning protocols, and the parameters that should be assessed. Establishing standardized neuromuscular scanning protocols is essential for the development of the subspeciality to ensure uniform clinical and research practices. Therefore, we aimed to recommend consensus-based standardized scanning techniques and protocols for common neuromuscular disorders using the Delphi approach. A panel of 17 experts participated in the study, which consisted of three consecutive electronic surveys. The first survey included voting on six scanning protocols addressing the general scanning technique and five common categories of suspected neuromuscular disorders. The subsequent surveys focused on refining the protocols and voting on new steps, rephrased statements, or areas of non-agreement. A high degree of consensus was achieved on the general neuromuscular ultrasound scanning technique and the scanning protocols for focal mononeuropathies, brachial plexopathies, polyneuropathies, amyotophic lateral sclerosis, and muscle diseases. In this study, a group of neuromuscular ultrasound experts developed six consensus-based neuromuscular ultrasound scanning protocols that may serve as references for clinicians and researchers. The standardized protocols could also aid in achieving high-quality uniform neuromuscular ultrasound practices.

Early brain magnetic resonance imaging findings and neurodevelopmental outcome in children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review.

To investigate the association between early brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). A search for studies was conducted in Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Observational and interventional studies were included, in which patients with CHD underwent surgery before 2 months of age, a brain MRI scan in the first year of life, and neurodevelopmental assessment beyond the age of 1 year. Eighteen studies were included. Thirteen found an association between either quantitative or qualitative brain metrics and NDO: 5 out of 7 studies showed decreased brain volume was significantly associated with worse NDO, as did 7 out of 10 studies on brain injury. Scanning protocols and neurodevelopmental tests varied strongly. Reduced brain volume and brain injury in patients with CHD can be associated with impaired NDO, yet standardized scanning protocols and neurodevelopmental assessment are needed to further unravel trajectories of impaired brain development and its effects on outcome.

Thoracic Ultrasound in COVID-19: Use of Lung and Diaphragm Ultrasound in Evaluating Dyspnea in Survivors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome from COVID-19 Pneumonia in a Post-ICU Clinic.

Dyspnea is a common symptom in survivors of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. While frequently employed in hospital settings, the use of point-of-care ultrasound in ambulatory clinics for dyspnea evaluation has rarely been explored. We aimed to determine how lung ultrasound score (LUS) and inspiratory diaphragm excursion (DE) correlate with patient-reported dyspnea during a 6-min walk test (6MWT) in survivors of COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesize higher LUS and lower DE will correlate with dyspnea severity. Single-center cross-sectional study of survivors of critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia (requiring high-flow nasal cannula, invasive, or non-invasive mechanical ventilation) seen in our Post-ICU clinic. All patients underwent standardized scanning protocols to compute LUS and DE. Pearson correlations were performed to detect an association between LUS and DE with dyspnea at rest and exertion during 6MWT. We enrolled 45 patients. Average age was 61.5years (57.7% male), with average BMI of 32.3 Higher LUS correlated significantly with dyspnea, at rest (r = + 0.41, p = < 0.01) and at exertion (r = + 0.40, p = < 0.01). Higher LUS correlated significantly with lower oxygen saturation during 6MWT (r = -0.55, p = < 0.01) and lower 6MWT distance (r = -0.44, p = < 0.01). DE correlated significantly with 6MWT distance but did not correlate with dyspnea at rest or exertion. Higher LUS correlated significantly with patient-reported dyspnea at rest and exertion. Higher LUS significantly correlated with more exertional oxygen desaturation during 6MWT and lower 6MWT distance. DE did not correlate with dyspnea.

The prevalence and associated factors of myocardial involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients in the first decade of life.

The prevalence and associated factors of myocardial involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients in the first decade of life.

Possibilities of CT angiography of the inferior mesenteric artery in planning resections of the left half of the colon in patients with colorectal cancer

During laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, vascular structures may be incorrectly identified and damaged due to ignorance of the variant anatomy of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), lack of tactile sensations, narrowed field of vision, which leads to complications such as massive bleeding and intestinal ischemia. Therefore, the preoperative study of the variant anatomy of the IMA is of paramount importance. Knowing the variant anatomy of the vessels before surgery, you can make an operation plan in advance, which will ensure fast and safe vascular ligation at the required level and lymph dissection.Aim: To develop a classification of IMA variability for practical use in operations for colorectal cancer. Optimize the standard abdominal scanning protocol to improve the accuracy of MSCT and the best visualization of the IMA and its branches.Material and methods. From February 2013 to March 2022, 214 computed tomograms (CT) of abdominal organs with intravenous contrast were analyzed. We studied the variant anatomy of the IMA. The abdominal cavity scanning protocol was optimized using a 100 kV tube voltage, the contrast density of the NBA and its branches was compared using standard and optimized scanning protocols during a retrospective analysis of 105 CT studies of abdominal organs.Results. We proposed the classification of structure of the IMA and its branches. This is especially important when the safe lymph node dissection along the IMA is necessary. I type – several colonic branches derivate from the IMA by independent trunks (54%); II type – all colon branches derivate from the IMA in one point like a “goose paw” (25%); III type – one colon branch departs from the IMA by a single trunk; then it divides into colonic branches (21%).The accuracy of MSCT of the abdominal organs with intravenous contrast, which was determined by comparing the results of studies with intraoperative data, was 97.9%. The sensitivity of the method is 95.8%, the specificity of the method is 100%.The use of a scanning protocol with a tube voltage of 100 kV makes it possible to simplify and speed up the determination of the anatomical type of structure, improve the visualization of the IMA and its branches.Conclusion. CT with 3D-reconstruction of vessels allows the surgeon to perform an extended LND for colorectal cancer with a minimal risk of complications.

Ultrasound Assessment of the Fetal Optic Chiasm.

This article reviews the literature on different methods of prenatal ultrasound visualization of the optic chiasm (OC) and its applications. Prenatal imaging of the OC is feasible from 19 to 37 weeks of gestation. Evaluation of the OC has been shown crucial in differentiating isolated agenesis of the septum pellucidum from septo-optic dysplasia. Multiple methods can be applied for imaging of the OC, including three-dimensional and two-dimensional ultrasounds in different views, as well as color Doppler. According to the literature, both transabdominal and transvaginal routes produce equally acceptable images. OC visualization might be challenging but can be achieved by developing a standard scanning protocol and raising awareness.