Superb Microvascular Imaging Research Articles

The role of superb micr ole of superb microvascular imaging in detecting low-gr ascular imaging in detecting low-grade inflammation among adults and those with chronic kidney disease: A preliminary study.

Pathophysiologic changes associated with chronic inflammation occur with aging and more prominently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and an association between chronic inflammation and muscle wasting has been identified. The microcirculation is extremely sensitive to the inflammatory process and actively participates in it. In a healthy adult, angiogenesis is a strictly controlled and rare occurrence. However, aberrant angiogenesis and the development of new tiny blood vessels are known in chronic inflammatory diseases. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is a noninvasive technique that can evaluate tiny vessels with low blood flow and provide quantitative data. Our goal was to detect increased blood flow secondary to low-grade chronic inflammation in micro-circulation in the rectus femoris (RF) muscle using SMI. This cross-sectional study involved 30 patients with CKD, 30 adults without CKD or other chronic illnesses, and 32 young healthy volunteers. This study was conducted in our university hospital between March and December 2021. The RF cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured, and vascular index (VI) values were obtained using SMI. All three groups' RF-CSA and VI values were compared. Although there was no statistically significant difference in RF-CSAs between the groups, the VI values of all three groups were statistically different (p < 0.001). The median (min-max) VI values were 0.90 (0.60-1.30), 0.50 (0.20-1.0), and 0.30 (0.10-0.50) for the CKD, adult control, and young healthy groups, respectively. The VI significantly differentiated patients with CKD from all other patients and the adult control group. When a cutoff value of 6.5 was used for the VI in detecting increased blood supply in RF muscle in patients with CKD, the accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93.5%, 85.3%, and 98.3%, respectively. SMI can detect increased blood supply caused by low-grade inflammation in the RF muscle.

Differential diagnosis between placenta accreta and placenta remnant using Superb Microvascular Imaging in patients with retained placenta

Differential diagnosis between placenta accreta and placenta remnant using Superb Microvascular Imaging in patients with retained placenta

The Importance of Superb Microvascular Imaging for the Differentiation of Malignant Breast Lesions from Benign Lesions.

In this prospective study, the diagnostic performance of the new version of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in differentiating malignant from benign lesions was evaluated. Ninety breast lesions were included. During color SMI examination, both free-hand region of interest (ROI) and box ROI were used. Vascular index (VI) values were obtained from the lesion using both types of ROI and from normal breast tissue via box ROI. VI values, monochrome SMI grading and histopathological results were compared. The efficacy of color SMI and monochrome SMI was investigated in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions. The cut-off value, in the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions with color SMI was 0.50 for box ROI, while it was 0.30 for free-hand ROI. The specificity of VI values obtained with box ROI was higher than that of free-hand ROI when differentiating malignant lesions from benign. Comparison of VI values from a lesion and from normal breast tissue showed that VI values in malignant lesions were significantly higher (p<0.05). The VI values of benign lesions and VI values of normal breast tissue were similar. There was a statistically significant relationship between monochrome SMI grading and the malignancy or benign status of the lesion (p<0.001). Drawing the lesion circumference free-hand using a free-shape ROI did not enhance the sensitivity and specificity. Contrary to popular belief, a more easy and practical measurement method may be more suitable for SMI examination. It is hoped that this will be one of the earliest studies to assess the clinical performance of the latest version of SMI.

Superb Microvascular Imaging for the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A System Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of SMI in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, OVID, SCI, and SCOPUS was performed to find relevant studies which applied SMI to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions. All the studies were published before October 10, 2022. Only studies published in English were collected. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was applied to assess the quality of the included studies. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) modeling was also performed to the diagnostic performance of SMI in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to find out the heterogeneity. Twenty studies which include a total of 2873 lesions (1748 benign and 1125 malignant) in 2740 patients were evaluated in this meta-analysis. The summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.86), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.64-0.76) for SMI vascular degree, 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67-0.84), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75-0.83) for SMI vascular distribution, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70-0.84), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.69-0.80) for SMI vascular morphology, 0.81 (95% CI: 0.72-0.87), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.85) SMI penetration vessel. For SMI overall vascular features, the summary sensitivity and summary specificity were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.84) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76-0.84). The result of subgroup analysis and meta-analysis showed malignant rate and country might be the cause of heterogeneity of diagnostic accuracy of vascular grade and morphology. SMI vascular features have high sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. Future international multicenter studies in various regions with large sample size are required to confirm these findings.

Application value of shear-wave elastography combined with monochrome superb microvascular imaging in renal allograft chronic rejection.

Conventional ultrasound (US), which include gray scale US and Doppler US, is the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of renal allograft; however, conventional US indicators have limitations. To explore the application value of shear-wave elastography (SWE) combined with monochrome superb microvascular imaging (mSMI) in renal allograft chronic rejection (CR). From November 2021 to February 2022 in the Lanzhou University Second Hospital, the US features of 54 patients with renal allograft were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups: stable group(n = 44) and CR group(n = 10), with clinical diagnosis as reference standard. The vascular index (VI) on mSMI and parenchymal stiffness were measured in the middle cortex of all renal allografts and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the feasibility of differentiation. Statistically significant US features and biochemical indicators such as creatinine were scored, and the results of the scores were analyzed by ROC curve. The VI on mSMI of the stable group (49.5±2.0) was significantly greater than that of the CR group (33.8±5.9) (P = 0.028). There was a statistically significant difference in parenchymal stiffness between stable group (16.2kPa±1.2) and CR group (33.9kPa±6.6) (P = 0.027). The sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 81.8% of the scores in the differentiation of stable group from CR group (cut-off value, 2; P = 0.000). SWE combined with mSMI may help differentiate stable renal allograft from renal allograft CR and have the potential application value in the diagnosis of renal allograft CR.

Superb Microvascular Imaging Generation 4 for Depiction of Fetal Peripheral Microvessels

Superb Microvascular Imaging Generation 4 for Depiction of Fetal Peripheral Microvessels

Predicting axillary nodal metastasis based on the side of asymmetrical cortical thickening in breast cancer: Evaluation with grayscale and microvascular imaging findings

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between sonographic findings and the axillary status, especially the side of thickening in the presence of cortical asymmetry. MethodsPatients with biopsy-proven axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis were included in this study. The lymph nodes were divided into three groups depending on the type of cortical thickening as diffuse, closer (eccentric cortical thickening on the side near the tumor and/or breast) and distant (thickening on the further side) asymmetry. Longitudinal to transverse axis (L/T) ratio, the largest cortical thickness, cortex to hilum ratio (C/H), hilar status (normal/displaced/absent), orientation (parallel/vertical), capsular integrity (sharp/indistinct), vascularisation pattern (hilar/peripheral/penetrant/anarchic/avascular) on superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and presence of conglomeration were recorded for each lymph node. Axillary nodal status on 18F-FDG PET-CT/MRI scans was recorded, if available. Features of the breast lesions like size, laterality, nuclear grade, hormone receptor status and the level of Ki-67 expression have been added. ResultsA total of 219 metastatic ALNs [diffuse (n = 122), closer asymmetry (n = 71), distant asymmetry (n = 26)] were evaluated. By the univariate analysis, ALN metastasis was significantly associated with the presence of closer asymmetrical cortical thickening (p < 0,0001), C/H ratio (p = 0.001), cortical thickness (p = 0.001), hilar status (p < 0.005) and vascular pattern (p < 0.005). L/T ratio was only a statistically significant parameter for lymph nodes with diffuse cortical enlargement in predicting metastasis, and conglomeration was also observed only in this group (p < 0.05). By multivariate analysis, nodal metastasis was significantly associated with asymmetrical cortical thickening (p = 0.001), C/H ratio (p = 0.005) and vascular pattern (p < 0.0001). ConclusionAsymmetrical cortical enlargement on the side closer to the breast, C/H ratio and abnormal microvascular pattern are the independent predictors of axillary nodal involvement. Closer asymmetry is an eligible, easy-to-detect grayscale US finding to decide sampling that highly predicts ALN metastasis.

Evaluation of Accuracy of Shear Wave Elastography and Superb Microvascular Imaging Methods in Diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome: A Preliminary Study.

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disease resulting from sciatic nerve compression caused by an abnormal condition in the piriformis muscle. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is a new ultrasound imaging technique that visualizes low-velocity and small-diameter blood vessel flow. In our prospectively designed study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of piriformis syndrome with innovative methods such as shear wave elastography (SWE) and SMI. Thirty-two patients diagnosed with unilateral piriformis syndrome were accepted to the statistical stage. The side without symptoms was considered the "unaffected side." Bilateral piriformis muscles were examined by ultrasonography. Muscle thickness was determined on gray scale, stiffness on SWE and vascularity characteristics on power Doppler and SMI by two independent radiologists. Piriformis muscle stiffness on the non-pathological (unaffected) side was measured by SWE as 18.27 ± 7.301 kPa, and the mean stiffness on the pathological side was 29.70 ± 10.095 kPa. Pathological side muscle stiffness was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Using innovative methods such as SWE and SMI in addition to conventional ultrasonography as much as possible in our daily practice and research helps us in making the correct diagnosis in piriformis syndrome.

Usefulness of Ultrasonographic Superb Microvascular Imaging for Diagnosis and Management of Splenic Vein Thrombosis for CME Credit December 2022

Usefulness of Ultrasonographic Superb Microvascular Imaging for Diagnosis and Management of Splenic Vein Thrombosis for CME Credit December 2022

The World's Smallest Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A 1.9 Millimeter-Diameter

This study investigated the usefullness of the Sonography, Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging and FNAC for the risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). We report a case of a 30 -year-old Caucasian man affected by a papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) of the right lobe of the thyroid gland with very tiny size of a 1.9-mm-diameter. The characteristics with the Diagnostic Imaging using Ultrasonography (US), Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging (SMI) and fine-needle- aspiration cytology (FNAC) are discussed. Ultrasonography, (SMI) and FNAC have proven to be the most sensitive diagnostic combination for the early detection of thyroid cancer. Despite tiny size of this nodule, associated with malignant cytology at FNAC represents an important biological risk factor and could predict possible for neck lymph node metastases (LNM).

Quantitative ultrasound for non-invasive evaluation of subclinical rejection in renal transplantation.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive efficacy of shear-wave elastography, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), and CEUS for allograft rejection in kidney transplants without graft dysfunction. From January 2021 to November 2021, 72 consecutive patients who underwent both allograft biopsy and ultrasound were evaluated. Blood test results were obtained within a week of the ultrasound examinations, which were performed before the protocol biopsy. Resistive index (RI), tissue viscoelasticity, vascular index, and quantitative CEUS parameters were measured. Patients were divided based on biopsy results into the rejection and non-rejection groups. Among the 72 patients, 21 patients had pathological characteristics of acute rejection. RI of allograft was significantly higher in the rejection group (p = 0.007), compared to the non-rejection group. There were no significant between-group differences in vascular indices of SMI, mean elasticity, and mean viscosity. Meanwhile, among the parameters obtained by the time-intensity curve on CEUS, the cortical and medullary ratios of average contrast signal intensity, peak enhancement, wash-in area AUC, wash-in perfusion index, wash-out AUC, and wash-in and wash-out AUC were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting allograft rejection, the AUC was 0.853 for the combination of six CEUS parameters, RI, and blood urea nitrogen. Among non-invasive quantitative ultrasound measurements, CEUS parameters are the most useful for diagnosing subclinical allograft rejection. Furthermore, the combination of CEUS parameters, RI, and blood urea nitrogen may be helpful for the early detection of renal allograft rejection. • Among non-invasive quantitative ultrasound measurements, CEUS parameters are the most useful for the diagnosis of subclinical allograft rejection. • On CEUS, the C/M ratios of MeanLin, PE, WiAUC, WiPI, WoAUC, and WiWoAUC are significantly lower in the rejection group; the combination of these showed reliable predictive performance for rejection. • The combination of CEUS parameters, RI, and BUN has a high predictive capability for subclinical allograft rejection.

Diagnostic Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that investigated the diagnostic performance of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) in differentiating between benign and malignant breast tumors. Studies published between January 2010 and March 2022 were retrieved by online literature search conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Vip databases. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odd ratios were calculated using Stata software 15.0. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using I2 statistic and Q test. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. Influence analysis was conducted to determine the robustness of the pooled conclusions. Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test was performed to assess publication bias. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was constructed. Twenty-three studies involving 2749 breast lesions were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.84, inconsistency index [I2] = 28.32%) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.88, I2 = 89.36%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 19.95 (95% CI, 14.84-26.82). The area under the SROC (AUC) was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-0.87). SMI has a relatively high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions. It represents a promising supplementary technique for the diagnosis of breast neoplasms.

Utility of Superb Microvascular Imaging in the Assessment of Foot Perfusion in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia.

(1) Background: Although the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and skin perfusion pressure (SPP) are commonly used to evaluate the peripheral circulation in critical limb ischemia (CLI), they often cannot be performed on sore areas. We investigated the utility of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for assessing foot perfusion in CLI patients. (2) Methods: We measured the SMI-based vascular index (SMI-VI) at six sites in the foot before and after endovascular treatment (EVT) in 50 patients with CLI who underwent EVT of the superficial femoral artery and compared the results with SPP values and the ABI. (3) Results: SMI visualized foot perfusion in all subjects in accordance with the angiosome, including the toe areas, while the ABI was unmeasurable in three patients on hemodialysis and SPP failed in four patients. SMI-VI values were significantly lower in the CLI group than in controls, and the plantar SMI-VI had the highest diagnostic performance for CLI (sensitivity 88.6%, specificity 95.6%). After EVT, the increase in the SMI-VI was positively correlated with the increase in SPP but not that in the ABI, implying that the SMI-VI reflects foot microcirculation. (4) Conclusions: SMI enables the visualization and quantification of foot microcirculation based on the angiosome. SMI has high utility as a tool for assessing foot perfusion in CLI.

Assessing scleroderma patterns with superb microvascular imaging: is it possible? New prospects for ultrasound.

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is the gold standard for the early differentiation of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Advances in high-frequency ultrasound with superb microvascular imaging show significant potential for exploring structural changes that were previously inaccessible. Ultrasound makes it possible to assess not only the superficial layers of the skin but also structural microvascular abnormalities in the deep layers of the nail fold. There is potential for identifying a 'scleroderma pattern', which presents with the loss of continuous vascular arches above and below the nail plate in transverse and longitudinal scans of the nail folds. The 'active' pattern presents with the loss of the junctions between vascular signals, which is not seen in the 'early' pattern. Severely reduced vascularity with avascular areas in both of the nail fold zones is seen in a 'late' pattern. The quality of the evaluation is highly dependent on how experienced the sonographer is. This is the first detailed description of every pattern assessed through superb microvascular imaging, including high-quality images for a better understanding of the technique.

Sono-histological findings of the placenta accreta spectrum using wideband ultra-high frequency linear transducer and superb microvascular Doppler imaging

Sono-histological findings of the placenta accreta spectrum using wideband ultra-high frequency linear transducer and superb microvascular Doppler imaging

Blood Perfusion Characteristics of Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Process of Tumor Growth: Monitored With Multiple Sonographic Modalities.

Tumor angiogenesis is an essential factor for tumor growth and antiangiogenic therapy. To simulate the blood perfusion characteristics of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) longitudinally in the process of tumor growth, multimodal ultrasound examination was performed on 40 orthotopic xenograft RCC mouse models. According to tumor maximum diameter ( d ), tumor growth progress was divided into 3 steps: d ≤ 5 mm, 5 mm < d ≤ 10 mm, and d > 10 mm. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), superb microvascular imaging (SMI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were administered to monitor tumor perfusion characteristics. The abundance of tumor vascularity on CDFI and SMI was divided into grades 0 to III in ascending order, and their distribution range was categorized into types I to IV. As a result, heterogeneous echogenicity and irregular shape were more common in tumors d > 10 mm than those d < 10 mm ( P < 0.001 for both). Tumor perfusion grade and type on both CDFI and SMI made statistic difference among different growth steps, with higher ratio of hypervascular characteristic in bigger ones (all P < 0.05). Tumor in the same growth step had a higher perfusion grade on SMI than that on CDFI ( P < 0.001). On contrast-enhanced ultrasound, heterogeneous enhancement was more common in those >10 mm ( P < 0.001). It can be concluded that the blood perfusion characteristics of RCC keep on changing during its growth process. In addition, SMI is more sensitive in evaluating tumor perfusion than CDFI.

The Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Neovascularization in Carotid Artery Plaques

To compare the consistency between superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the detection of neovascularization in carotid plaques of different thicknesses and to evaluate the applied value of these two methods for detecting neovascularization in carotid plaques in the clinic. A total of 45 patients with carotid artery plaques who were diagnosed in our hospital involving 76 hypoechoic plaques with a thickness ≥2.0 mm were selected. According to thickness, the plaques were divided into three groups: 2.0-2.5 mm, 2.5-3.0 mm and ≥3.0 mm. Each group underwent both SMI and CEUS, and two experienced sonographers (A and B) analyzed the ultrasound images to evaluate the neovascularization of carotid plaques. The amount of the neovascular signal was assessed using a semi-quantitative grading scale (vascularity grade: grade 0-3). SMI and CEUS were graded respectively according to the visual methods as follows: grade 0: no blood flow signal/enhancement within plaques; grade 1: a few blood flow signals/enhancement within plaques; grade 2: medium blood flow signals/enhancement within plaques; and grade 3: extensive blood flow signals/enhancement within plaques. Kappa consistency test was used to analyze the consistency of the grade of neovascularization in plaques between SMI with CEUS. Gamma rank correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between neovascularization grade by SMI and CEUS in plaque and plaque thickness. Of these patients, 14 had unilateral plaques and 31 had bilateral plaques. The two sonographers were highly consistent in terms of applying SMI and CEUS methods for diagnosing neovascularization in carotid plaques (Kappa values were 0.736 and 0.680>0). Consistency was found between SMI and CEUS by sonographers (sonographer A: Kappa=0.823; sonographer B: Kappa=0.842) in evaluating the neovascular grade in the carotid plaques. SMI and CEUS grades were positively correlated with plaque thickness (sonographer A: γ=0.735 and 0.772; sonographer B: γ=0.805 and 0.798). Neovascularization in carotid plaques was successfully detected by SMI in a manner that concurred well with CEUS results. Our data indicate that both CEUS and SMI have high diagnostic value for assessing the neovascularization of plaques.

Acute effect of resistance exercise at different velocities on stiffness and vascularity of the biceps brachii muscle: a preliminary study.

Resistance exercise can be defined as the percentage of maximal strength (%1 repetition maximum) used for a particular exercise. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a robust and novelty imaging technique that provides information regarding tissue stiffness. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is a non-irradiating technique that can provide quantitative measurement of muscle blood flow non-invasively. To compare the acute effects of low- and high-velocity resistance exercise on stiffness and blood flow in the biceps brachii muscle (BBM) using SWE and SMI. This prospective study included 60 healthy men (mean age=28.9 years; age range=26-34 years). BBM stiffness was measured by using SWE at rest, after low- and high-velocity resistance exercise, and muscle blood flow was also evaluated by SMI. Resistance exercise was performed using a dumbbell with a mass adjusted to 70%-80% of one-repetition maximum. The stiffness values increased significantly from resting to high- and low-velocity resistance exercises. There was no significant difference between the elastography values of the BBM after the high- and low-velocity resistance exercise. The blood flow increased significantly from resting to high- and low-velocity resistance exercises. Blood flow increase after low-velocity exercise was significantly higher compared to high-velocity exercise. While muscle stiffness parameters and blood flow significantly increased from resting after both high- and low-velocity resistance exercises, blood flow significantly increased after low-velocity exercise compared to high-velocity exercise. This can mean that metabolic stress, an important trigger for muscle development, is more likely to occur in low-velocity exercise.

Response of human periodontal ligament to orthodontic force using superb microvascular imaging

Remodeling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) during orthodontic tooth movement is closely related to the vascularity of the PDL, which has not been thoroughly investigated in humans. This study aimed to measure the width and vascular parameters of human PDL using superb microvascular imaging for the first time. Patients aged 18-25 years were selected for participation. The intervention was randomly allocated from the maxillary canines to the first molars on both sides using 50 g or 150 g of force. The width and vascular parameters of the PDL were measured using superb microvascular imaging at different time intervals (baseline, 30 minutes, and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days). Before the intervention, the width of the PDL ranged from 0.14 to 0.25 mm, and the vascular index ranged from 9.40% to 13.54%. After applying orthodontic forces, the cervical and middle PDL widths increased. The vascular index decreased slightly in 30 minutes, decreased to a minimum value after 1 day, increased to the maximum in 3-7 days, and returned to baseline values in 14 days. The values of other vascular parameters showed similar trends. The width and vascular parameters of the PDL changed slightly after force application, underwent changes in the period of reconstruction for 3-7 days, and eventually returned to baseline in 14 days.

Diagnostic performance of “Superb Microvascular Imaging” in fetal heart exploration during first trimester of pregnancy in a high-risk population for cardiac malformations fetuses

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Superb Micro vascular Imaging (SMI) at 11–14 weeks of gestation in an early extended fetal heart examination in a high-risk population of fetal cardiac malformations. We present a moncocentric study in a referral unit of fetal medicine in a university hospital in Lyon, from September 2020 to March 2022. Only transabdominal fetal echocardiography was performed with an Aplio i800 US system, Canon Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan, in routine care, during the first trimester screening, in a high risk population of fetal heart malformations. Extended cardiac examination was performed using six views (four chamber, pulmonary veins, left outflow, right outflow, three vessel trachea, aorta in sagittal view) with B mode, Color Doppler and SMI. All the pregnancies, which were continued, had second trimester heart scan. In total, 142 fetuses were scanned at 11 to 14 weeks gestation. In total, 100% were performed in transabdominal examination. Congenital heart diseases (CHD) were identified in 31 (23%): 11 to 11 + 6 weeks (8.5%), 12 to 12 + 6 weeks (36.6%) 13 to 14 weeks (54.9%). Ninety-two percent of all views were obtained with SMI, 63% in color doppler ( P < 0.001) and 40% in B Mode ( P < 0.001). When adding SMI to the examination, we obtained a complete 6-views examination for 80.3% up to 90.8% with 5 views out of 6 ( P < 0.001); in comparison, those scores were respectively of 23.5% and 45.6% using only B mode and color doppler ( P < 0.001). In total, 106 (75%) normal scans were confirmed at the second trimester control. In detection of CHD, sensitivity and specificity were high (100%). In diagnostic concordance, sensitivity was 92%, specificity 99%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 99% ( Fig. 1 ). SMI is a complementary mode with B-Mode and Color Doppler to improve early detection of congenital heart disease in this high-risk population, with transabdominal examination.