Total Ultrasonography Research Articles

Diagnostic value of a novel salivary gland ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-related sialadenitis.

To develop a novel ultrasound scoring system for the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and assess its diagnostic value in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients. Twenty clinicians (rheumatologists, stomatologists, and radiologists) participated. The study was conducted in four steps: (1) defining the ultrasonography (US) elements, (2) developing a novel ultrasound scoring system for US of the salivary glands, (3) evaluation of inter- and intra-reader reliabilities using the new ultrasound scoring system, and (4) assessing the diagnostic value of this novel ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-RS patients in a Chinese multicenter cohort. A novel ultrasound scoring system for the salivary glands was developed, with total scores ranging from 0 to 34. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities of the ultrasound scoring system were excellent (0.972 and 0.940, respectively). A total of 470 people were recruited in this study; 187 patients were diagnosed with IgG4-RS, and the remaining 283 people were diagnosed with non-IgG4-RS. Patients with IgG4-RS had significantly higher US scores than the non-IgG4-RS group (mean US score=16 vs. 4, P < 0.001). The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the total US score was 0.852 (95% CI: 0.814-0.891). The total US scores≥9 showed a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 91.9%. Association analysis showed a positive correlation between total US scores and serum IgG4 levels and hypocomplementemia (r=0.221, r=0.349; P = 0.002) and a negative correlation between total US scores and serum C3 and C4 levels (r=-0.210, r=-0.303; P = 0.005, P < 0.001). A novel semiquantitative ultrasound scoring system for patients with IgG4-RS was developed, with good diagnostic performance. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities were excellent. US scores were correlated with IgG4, C3, and C4 levels and hypocomplementemia.

The safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification surgery in uncomplicated cataracts with and without an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device.

To compare and evaluate the results of phacoemulsification surgery involving and not involving an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device (OVD). A prospective, randomized controlled trial included 60 eyes of 60 patients scheduled to receive phacoemulsification surgery. In order of presentation, patients were randomized into two groups to undergo different surgical techniques: the OVD-free group (n = 30) and the OVD group (n = 30). Each patient's operating time, total ultrasonography (U/S) time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time, and volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) aspirated were recorded. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperation, measurements of endothelial cell density (ECD) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were taken and compared between the groups. Total U/S time (p = .567) and CDE (p = .168) were similar between the groups. In the OVD group, operating time (p = .011), aspiration time (p < .001), and volume of BSS aspirated (p < .001) were greater than in the OVD-free group. The change in ECD between the groups was not statistically significant at all visits (p = .433, p = .147, p = .379, p = .534; respectively). Although IOP increased in the OVD group at 1 day postoperation (p = .001), no difference emerged between the groups at 3 months postoperation (p = .121). Phacoemulsification surgery without an OVD took less time than with the OVD and caused no significant loss in ECD. Surgeons concerned about elevated IOP following cataract surgery should apply the OVD-free method.

Role of ultrasound for assessment of psoriatic arthritis patients with fibromyalgia

ObjectiveTo investigate whether ultrasonography (US), as an objective imaging modality, can optimise the evaluation of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with concomitant fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).MethodsThe study population included...

Ultrasonography predicts the results of labial salivary gland biopsy in patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome: a matrix risk model.

Objective:Although a positive result of labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) is critical for the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatologists prefer assessing the non-invasive objective items and hope to learn the predicted probability of positive LSGB before referring patients with suspected Sjögren’s syndrome to receive biopsy. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of combined B-mode ultrasonography (US) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) examination on LSGB results.Methods:A derivation cohort and later a validation cohort of patients with suspected Sjögren’s syndrome were recruited. All participants received clinical assessments, B-mode US and SWE examination on bilateral parotid and submandibular glands before LSGB. Positive LSGB was defined by a focus score ⩾1 per 4 mm2 of glandular tissue.Results:In the derivation cohort of 91 participants, either the total US scores or the total SWE values of four glands significantly distinguished patients with positive LSGB from those with negative results (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.956, 0.825, both p < 0.001). The positive predictive value (PPV) was 100% in patients with total US scores ⩾9 or with total SWE values ⩾33 kPa. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% in patients with total US scores <5, but 68% in patients with total SWE values <27 kPa. A matrix risk model was derived based on the combination of total US scores and total SWE values. Patients can be stratified into high, moderate, and low risk of positive LSGB. In the validation cohort of 52 participants, the PPV was 94% in the high-risk subpopulation and the NPV was 93% in the low-risk subpopulation.Conclusion:A novel matrix risk model based on the combined B-mode US and SWE examination can help rheumatologists to make a shared decision with suspected Sjögren’s syndrome patients on whether the invasive procedure of LSGB should be performed.

Feasibility of patient-oriented ultrasound joint selection: Cross-sectional observational study on rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: Ultrasonography (US) is a useful tool for evaluating the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. As the systemic evaluation of many joints is time-consuming, a method to evaluate this activity with a smaller number of joints is needed. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the number of joints assessed may be reduced using patient-oriented joint selection.Methods: A total of 492 RA patients were recruited at Kyoto University Hospital. Bilateral metacarpophalangeal (MCP), (proximal) interphalangeal (PIP/IP), and wrist joints were evaluated by US. Gray scale and power Doppler imaging findings were scored by a 0–3 semi-quantitative method. Clinical assessments were performed by physicians who were blind to US results, and a questionnaire on subjective symptoms was collected from each patient.Results: The correlation between the US score of all 22 joints (US22) and patient-oriented painful joints (PtUS) or physician-oriented tender and/or swollen joints were moderate (Spearman’s ρ = 0.435) and weak (ρ = 0.383), respectively. These correlations were weaker than that between the total US score of 5 preselected joints (unilateral 2MCP, 3MCP, 2PIP, 3PIP, and the wrist) and US22 (ρ = 0.813). However, when focusing on patients whose painful joints were 5 and more, the correlation between PtUS and US22 was markedly stronger (ρ = 0.757).Conclusion: Patient-oriented joint selection reflected actual joint inflammation to some extent. However, excessive reductions in the number of joints assessed need to be avoided even if patients do not have arthralgia because of the potential for underestimations.

Modified Lung Ultrasonographic Technique for Evaluation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lateral Decubitus Position.

To compare lung ultrasonography (US) in the sitting or supine positions and the lateral decubitus position, with regard to the feasibility, duration, patient convenience, and assessment of B-lines, in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty consecutive patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were prospectively enrolled. Lung US included scanning of 56 intercostal spaces. Each patient was examined twice by 2 protocols. During protocol 1, patients were examined in the supine and sitting positions for the anterior and dorsal chest, respectively. During protocol 2, patients were examined in the left lateral decubitus position for the evaluation of the right hemithorax and the reverse. Total, anterior, and posterior US scores resulted from the sum of B-lines at the whole, anterior, and posterior chest, respectively. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was considered the reference standard. The duration of each protocol was recorded. Patients were questioned about which protocol they preferred. There was no difference regarding feasibility between the protocols. A significant correlation was found between total US scores for both protocols and high-resolution CT findings (P < .0001), with protocol 2 showing a slightly higher correlation. A positive correlation was found between the protocols regarding total, anterior, and posterior US scores (P < .0001). The mean duration of protocol 2 was less than that of protocol 1 (P < .005). Nineteen patients (95%) reported a preference for protocol 2. Lung US in the lateral decubitus position seems to be faster and more convenient. There appears to be no difference regarding feasibility and the number of B-lines, whereas it shows slightly higher correlation with high-resolution CT, compared with the sitting or supine positions in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Diagnostic Value of Conventional and Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Background The main outcome of virus-related hepatitis is progression to liver fibrosis. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important in the treatment and management of patients. Although liver biopsy is the gold standard test for assessment of liver fibrosis, it is expensive and has some disadvantages such as sampling errors, interobserver variability, and a significant mortality and morbidity rate. Moreover, this method is invasive and has side effects, especially if it needs repeated sampling. In order to come up with a reliable noninvasive modality in place of biopsy, we studied the value of grayscale ultrasonography (US) and Doppler ultrasonography (DS) for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Patients and methods Sixty patients, 43 with chronic hepatitis B and 17 with chronic hepatitis C, were enrolled in this study. Grayscale US and DS were performed for all patients in the week prior to liver biopsy. Ultrasonographic findings were recorded according to a US scoring system, and they were compared with histological findings after liver biopsy. Results A total of 35 male (mean age: 36.1 ± 10.1 years) and 25 female (mean age: 36.1 ± 10.4 years) patients were studied. Forty-three patients had chronic hepatitis B and the others had chronic hepatitis C. The overall grayscale US score was abnormal (ranged from 1 to 7) in 63.3% of patients and normal (0) in the other patients. The mean portal vein velocity ranged from 8.1 cm/s to 31.7 cm/s (mean: 17.1 ± 5.1 cm/s). The right hepatic vein diameter ranged from 2.8 mm to 8 mm (mean: 5.1 ± 1.2 mm). The total DS score was abnormal (1 or 2) in 66.7% of patients. Quantitative US parameters that were related more significantly to the histopathological staging scores of liver fibrosis were mean portal vein velocity, right hepatic vein diameter, and gallbladder wall thickness. The total grayscale US score, DS score, and accumulation of US and DS scores (US–DS score) were significantly different between patients with liver fibrosis and those without fibrosis ( p = 0.03, p = 0.03, and p Conclusion Based on these findings, one can conclude that US may be an accurate, noninvasive alternative modality for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, with fewer side effects than biopsy. It may be especially useful for repetitive follow-up of patients.

Mini-percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Under Total Ultrasonography in Patients Aged Less Than 3 Years: A Single-center Initial Experience from China.

Background:Urolithiasis in pediatric population is a serious problem with the incidence increased these years. In the management of larger stones (diameters >2 cm), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered to be the gold standard. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mini-PCNL under total ultrasonography in patients aged <3 years.Methods:We reviewed 68 patients (80 renal units) aged <3 years between August 2006 and December 2014 in Peking University People's Hospital and Beijing Tsinghua Changung Hospital, including 36 renal units with a single stone, 6 with staghorn stones, 14 with upper ureteral stones, and 24 with multiple stones. The mean age of the patients was 24.2 months (range 6–36 months), and the mean maximum stone diameter was 19.2 mm (range 10–35 mm). The puncture site selection and tract dilation were guided by Doppler ultrasonography solely. All procedures were performed using 12–16 Fr tracts. Stones were fragmented using pneumatic lithotripsy and a holmium laser with an 8/9.8 Fr rigid ureteroscope.Results:Fifty-six patients with unilateral stones underwent a single session procedure, and 12 patients with bilateral stones underwent two procedures. The mean time to establish access was 2.8 min (range 1.8–5.0 min), the mean operative time was 36.5 min (range 20–88 min), the mean decrease in hemoglobin concentration was 8.9 g/L (2–15 g/L), and the stone-free rate (SFR) at hospital discharge was 94.0%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.1 days (range 3–13 days). Postprocedure complications included fever (>38.5°C) in five patients and reactive pleural effusion in one patient. Blood loss requiring transfusion, sepsis, adjacent organ injury, and kidney loss were not observed.Conclusions:This study indicated that ultrasound-guided mini-PCNL is feasible and safe in patients aged <3 years, without major complications or radiation exposure.

The soluble biomarker calprotectin (a S100 protein) is associated to ultrasonographic synovitis scores and is sensitive to change in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab

IntroductionCalprotectin (MRP8/MRP14, S100A8/A9) is associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ultrasonography (US) is a reliable method for evaluation of synovitis (B-mode (BM) and power Doppler (PD)). The present objectives were to explore in RA patients the associations between calprotectin and a comprehensive US examination, as well as the responsiveness of calprotectin compared to other inflammatory markers during anti-TNF treatment.MethodsA total of 20 RA patients starting treatment with adalimumab were examined longitudinally by US (BM and PD (semi-quantitative scores 0 to 3) of 78 joints, 36 tendons/tendon groups and 2 bursae) and clinically at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Associations between the US sum scores and the inflammatory markers calprotectin, serum amyloid A (SAA), CRP and ESR were explored by correlation and linear regression analyses, and the response to treatment was assessed by Standardized Response Mean (SRM).ResultsThe inflammatory markers, clinical examinations and US sum scores improved during treatment (P < 0.001). Of the inflammatory markers, calprotectin had the highest correlation coefficients with the total BM and PD sum scores (median (range) 0.59 (0.37 to 0.76) for BM and 0.56 (0.38 to 0.72) for PD). Even higher correlations were found between calprotectin and sum US scores of reduced number of joint counts. Calprotectin made a considerable contribution to total US sum scores in the linear regression analyses (P = 0.001 to 0.031) and among the inflammatory markers, calprotectin had the highest SRM (0.84 at one month).ConclusionsCalprotectin was associated with the sum scores from a comprehensive US assessment and was responsive to change during anti-TNF treatment. Thus, examination of this leukocyte protein could be of additional value in the assessment of RA patients on biologic treatment.