Doppler Ultrasound Flow Research Articles

Evaluation of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Combined with Color Doppler Flow Imaging in the Diagnosis of Primary Lacrimal Canaliculitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the performance of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in the diagnosis of primary lacrimal canaliculitis. Methods: Subjects with relevant symptoms of canaliculitis were prospectively recruited. UBM and CDFI were performed for presumptive diagnosis. Microbiology and histopathology were performed for definitive diagnosis. Results: A total of 37 cases were recruited, including 25 cases of canaliculitis and 12 cases of non-canaliculitis. Pathogens were isolated in 13 canaliculitis cases, and the leading pathogens were Actinomyces (4 cases) and Streptococcus (4 cases). UBM and CDFI identified 24 canaliculitis cases (sensitivity = 96%) and 11 non-canaliculitis cases (specificity = 92%). The predictive factors for canaliculitis were lumen wall thickness >0.25 mm (P = .019) and intracanalicular concretions (P = .010). Other typical features were enlarged lumen (2.16 ± 0.25 mm) and hot-wheel sign-on CDFI (84%). These image findings were congruent with histopathologic changes. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a valuable tool to assist the diagnosis of canaliculitis. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1900025411)

A Brief Review for Common Doppler Ultrasound Flow Phantoms.

In this review, the flow phantoms and the wall-less flow phantoms with recognized acoustic features (attenuation and speed of sound), interior properties, and dimensions of tissue were prepared, calibrated, and characterized by Doppler ultrasound (US) scanning which demands tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs). TMM phantoms are commercially available and readymade for medical US applications. Furthermore, the commercial TMM phantoms are proper for US purpose or estimation of diagnostic imaging techniques according to the chemical materials used for its preparation.

Doppler ultrasound flow measurement of non-parallel velocity fields in a deformed elastic tube

The ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UVP) method is well known for the laminar flow stream in a circular tube. In many practical situations, deformed tubes or, non-parallel streamlines are involved. An improved experimental arrangement of the UVP transducer is needed to define the real velocity-vectors of the flow when the streamlines are not parallel to its wall. An experimental approach has been used with two sets of transducers in perpendicular to each other to obtain the magnitude of the real velocity vector (vreal), the direction of velocity-vector, and axial velocity component along the flow direction. The experiments were carried out using a proposed arrangement of UVP transducer for flow visualisation in a squeezed elastic tube. The results show that the 2D velocity profiling found to be more accurate using the present transducer arrangement, which is important for generating further information such as shear rate, flow rate, etc.

Doppler ultrasound flow measurement of non-parallel velocity fields in a deformed elastic tube

Doppler ultrasound flow measurement of non-parallel velocity fields in a deformed elastic tube

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Breast Lymphoma and the Identification of Breast Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma.

By analyzing the B-mode ultrasound and color Doppler flow imaging characteristics of breast lymphoma (BL) and breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma (BIDC), we expected to discriminate these diseases. Thirty-two patients with BL and 30 with BIDC confirmed pathologically were selected. The BL group was divided into nodular and diffuse groups. We analyzed and compared the general and imaging characteristics of the BL subgroups and the BIDC group. The mean maximum diameter of BL was 54.93 ± 43.74 cm, and that of BIDC was 23.90 ± 6.79 cm (P < .05). The differences between the nodular BL and BIDC groups in a circumscribed margin (60.00% versus 20.00%), calcification (20.00% versus 53.33%), aggregation characteristics (0.00% versus 53.33%), and density (73.33% versus 10.00%) were statistically significant (P < .05). The differences between the diffuse BL and BIDC groups in calcification (6.67% versus 53.33%), aggregation characteristics (6.67% versus 53.33%) and density (40.00% versus 10.00%) were statistically significant (P < .05). The difference in a circumscribed margin (60% versus 13.33%) between the BL subgroups was statistically significant (P < .05). The blood flow signal in BL lesions was richer than that in BIDC lesions (P < .05). Extrasuperior-quadrant single lesions in the BL group were larger than those in the BIDC group. The edges of the lesions in the nodular BL group were circumscribed and dense. Lesions in the diffuse BL group did not have a circumscribed margin, calcification, aggregation characteristics, or density. The blood flow signal in BL lesions was richer than that in BIDC lesions.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Anatomy and Function in Adult Rats.

The use of experimental animal models has become crucial in cardiovascular science. Most studies using rodent models are focused on two-dimensional imaging to study the cardiac anatomy of the left ventricle and M-mode echo to assess its dimensions. However, this could limit a comprehensive study. Herein, we describe a protocol that allows an assessment of the heart chamber size, left ventricular function (systolic and diastolic) and valvular function. A conventional medical ultrasound machine was used in this protocol and different echo views were obtained through left parasternal, apical and suprasternal windows. In the left parasternal window, the long and short axis were acquired to analyze left chamber dimensions, right ventricle and pulmonary artery dimensions, and mitral, pulmonary and aortic valve function. The apical window allows the measurement of heart chamber dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic parameters. It also allows Doppler assessment with detection and quantification of heart valve disturbances (regurgitation or stenosis). Different segments and walls of the left ventricle are visualized throughout all views. Finally, the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta can be imaged through the suprasternal window. A combination of ultrasound imaging, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler assessment have been obtained to study cardiac morphology and function. This represents an important contribution to improve the assessment of cardiac function in adult rats with impact for research using these animal models.

Graft failure of IgA nephropathy in renal allografts following living donor transplantation: predictive factor analysis of 102 biopsies

BackgroundTo investigate predictive factors related to graft failure of IgA nephropathy(IgAN) in renal allografts following living donor transplantation.MethodsWe identified a series of 102 biopsies diagnosed as IgAN in renal allografts following living donor transplantation from July 2004 to January 2017 at our center, and assess the predict value of the Lee’s classification and the 2009 Oxford classification in IgAN in renal allografts, clinical, ultrasonic and pathological characteristics at biopsy and the outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe 5-year graft cumulative survival rate after transplantation was 91.4%. The 4-year graft cumulative survival rate after biopsy diagnosis of IgAN in renal allografts was 59.6%. The mean time ± SD to disease was 4.7 ± 3.5 years. The color doppler ultrasound and blood flow imagine showed the echo enhancement, the reduced blood flow distribution, the reduced peak systolic velocity of main renal artery, and the increased resistance index of arcuate renal artery were valuable in evaluating the graft dysfunction. The Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the 24-h urinary protein level (HR 1.6 for 1-g increase, 95%CI 1.2–2.0), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR 1.0 for 1-mL/min/1.73 m^2 decline, 95%CI 1.0–1.1), and mesangial C1q deposition (HR 3.0, 95%CI 1.2–7.4) at biopsy were independent predictive factors of graft failure of IgAN in renal allografts.ConclusionsIgAN in renal allografts occurred frequently within 5 years after transplantation. The risk of graft failure should be taken seriously in patients who exhibit heavy proteinuria and/or a declined eGFR as the initial symptoms; a high lesion grade (grade IV-V of Lee’s classification) and/or mesangial C1q deposition may also indicated a poor outcome.

Ultrasound Doppler Flow in Patients With Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: Is Surface Area Quantification a Reliable Method?

ObjectivesUltrasound assessments of patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy include determining the degree of neovascularization using Doppler flow. A frequently used measure to quantify neovascularization is the modified Öhberg score. It is unknown whether the semiquantitative modified Öhberg score (0–4+) has higher reliability than a quantified measure of Doppler flow (0–100%). The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of the modified Öhberg score and a surface area quantification (SAQ) method for Doppler flow in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsTwo observers examined the degree of Doppler flow independently using SAQ and the modified Öhberg score during a single consultation. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable difference were determined to evaluate the reliability and measurement properties of the SAQ method and the modified Öhberg score.ResultsIn total, 28 consecutive patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy participated. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability of the SAQ method was 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.91), compared to 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.81) for the modified Öhberg score. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable difference values for the SAQ method were 2.9% and 8.0%, respectively, and for the modified Öhberg score, they were 0.55 and 1.53 points.ConclusionsThe SAQ method shows good reliability to evaluate the degree of Doppler flow in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy, and it overcomes the ceiling effect of the modified Öhberg score. Future research should focus on the relationship between the SAQ method and clinical outcomes and use this method to monitor treatment responses.

P3588The synergistic effect of NIRS-detected lipid-rich plaque and 5 different multidirectional wall shear stress metrics on human coronary plaque growth

Abstract Introduction Local wall shear stress (WSS) metrics, high local lipid levels (as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)), as well as systemic lipid levels, have been individually associated with atherosclerotic disease progression. However, a possible synergistic effect remains to be elucidated. This study is the first study to combine WSS metrics with NIRS-detected local lipid content to investigate a potential synergistic effect on plaque progression in human coronary arteries. Methods The IMPACT study is a prospective, single centre study investigating the relation between atherosclerotic plaque progression and WSS in human coronary arteries. Patients with ACS treated with PCI were included. At baseline and after 1-year follow-up, patients underwent near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) imaging and intravascular doppler flow measurements of at least one non-culprit coronary artery. After one month, a CT angiography was made. CT derived centreline combined with IVUS lumen contours resulted in a 3D reconstruction of the vessel. The following WSS metrics were computed using computational fluid dynamics applying the vessel specific invasive flow measurements: time-average wall shear stress (TAWSS), relative residence time (RRT), cross-flow index, oscillatory shear index and transverse wall shear stress. Low TAWSS is known as pro atherogenic, in contrast to all the other shear stress metrics, at which a high magnitude is pro-atherogenic. The arteries were divided into 1.5mm/45° sectors. Based on NIRS-IVUS, wall thickness change over time was determined and NIRS positive sectors detected. Furthermore, per vessel the shear stress was divided into tertiles (low, intermediate, high). To investigate the synergistic effect of local lipids on shear stress related plaque growth, wall thickness change over time was related to the different shear stress metrics comparing the NIRS-positive with the NIRS-negative sectors. Results 15 non-culprit coronary arteries from the first 14 patients were analyzed (age 62±10 years old and 92.9% male). A total of 2219 sectors were studied (5.2%, N=130, NIRS-positive) for wall thickness changes. After studying all five shear stress metrics, we found for TAWSS and RRT that presence of lipids, as detected by NIRS, amplified the effect of shear stress on plaque progression (see figure). Sectors presenting with lipid-rich plaque, compared to NIRS-negative sectors, showed more progression when they were exposed to low TAWSS (p=0.07) or high RRT (p=0.012) and more regression in sectors exposed to high TAWSS (p=0.10) or low RRT (p=0.06). Delta wall thickness vs shear stress Conclusion We presented the first preliminary results of the IMPACT study, showing the synergistic effect of lipid rich plaque and shear stress on plaque progression. Therefore, intravascular lipid-rich plaque (NIRS) assessment has added value to shear stress profiling for the prediction of plaque growth, leading to improved risk stratification. Acknowledgement/Funding ERC starting grant 310457

Doppler Ultrasound of Hepatic Artery and Portal Vein: Relationship with Clinical Severity of Hepatitis C Virus Liver Cirrhosis

AbstractBackground: Doppler ultrasonography is an essential part of evaluating the vascular haemodynamic variation seen within cirrhotic patients. Differences in haemodynamics exhibited in hepatic vasculature has been appeared in previous reports to associate with the clinical severity of cirrhosis. In any case, the degree of changes in Doppler ultrasound flow parameters in foreseeing the clinical severity of liver cirrhosis stays uncertain.Aim of Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of Doppler ultrasound of Hepatic Artery (HA) and Portal Vein (PV) with Child-Pugh (CP) score to assess the advancement of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis.Patients and Methods: One hundred patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis divided according to CP score were included. Doppler ultrasound variables including Portal Vein (PV) diameter, Maximum Portal Vein Velocity (MPVV), and resistance index of the hepatic artery (HARI) were measured.Results: There was significant association between the diameter of PV and the increase in CP score, which was statistically significant (p=0.000). A choice of 12mm as a cutoff point of PV diameter between CP, A and B revealed sensitivity of 96.9%, and specificity of 97.9%. The mean MPVV was statistically significantly higher with Child A (mean 17.1±1.6 cm/sec), compared to Child B and C (p= 0.000), and Child B (mean 14.1±1.9cm/sec) compared to Child C (mean 11.3±1.4cm/sec) (p=0.000). The mean HARI was statistically significantly lower with Child A and B (0.8cm/sec), compared to Child C (0.9cm/sec) (p=0.000). There was a strong negative correlation between HARI and MPVV which was statistically significant (p=0.000). There was a strong positive correlation between HARI and Child class and diameter of PV which was statistically significant (p=0.000).Conclusion: PV diameter is a useful predictor of advance-ment of liver cirrhosis. Doppler measurements of MPVV, and HARI are useful in differentiating patients with CP, A and B from C.

Strategy to prevent cardiac toxicity induced by polyacrylic acid decorated iron MRI contrast agent and investigation of its mechanism

Polyelectrolyte modified iron oxide nanoparticles have great potential applications for clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anemia treatments, however, possible associated heart toxicity is rarely reported. Here, polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (PION) were synthesized and lethal reactions appeared when it was applied in vivo. The investigation of underlying mechanism showed that PION could break electrolyte balance and further resulted in serious heart failure, which was observed under color doppler ultrasound and dynamic vector blood flow technique. The results demonstrated that PION had a strong absorption tendency for divalent ions and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was lower than 100 mg/kg. From electrocardiography (ECG), PION presented an obvious impact on CaV1.2 ion channel, which leading to fatal arrhythmia. An appropriate solution for preventing this deadly effect was pre-chelation Ca2+ (n (Ca): n (COOH) = 3: 8) to PION (PION-Ca), which displayed much higher cardiac and electrophysiological safety when sealing the binding point of divalent cation ions with PAA. The injection in Beagle dogs further confirmed the safety of PION-Ca. This study explored the mechanism and offered a solution for cardiac toxicity induced by PAA-coated nanoparticles, which guides for enhancing the safety of such polyelectrolyte decorated nanoparticles and provides assurance for clinical applications.

Custom-made Doppler ultrasound flow simulator for dialysis access using continuous renal replacement therapy machine.

The purpose of this article was to introduce an easy and inexpensive way of making a simulator for training in Doppler ultrasound flow rate measurement using a continuous renal replacement therapy machine and home-made phantoms. A Doppler ultrasound flow simulator was made using a continuous renal replacement therapy machine and vascular phantoms for flow rate assessment of dialysis access with readily accessible components including rubber tube, keyboard cleaning gel, and freeze-dried instant coffee granules. The simulator is an affordable and easy method of Doppler ultrasound flow rate measurement training for dialysis staff using materials readily available in dialysis centers.

Maternal Serum Endocan Concentration in Pregnancies Complicated by Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Endocan plays a role in the development of vascular tissue in health and disease and is an indicator of endothelial cells activation and angiogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal endocan serum level and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as well as ultrasound Doppler flow measurements indicating placental insufficiency. This study included a group of women with IUGR (n = 37) and a group of healthy pregnant women (controls, n = 37). The endocan serum concentrations were assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Every woman underwent an ultrasound examination with Doppler flow measurements of the uterine arteries, umbilical vessels, and fetal middle cerebral artery. We used the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) to determine placental insufficiency. We found significant differences in median (interquartile) endocan serum level (pg/mL) between study and control groups (464 [374-532] vs 339 [189-496], respectively; P < .001). The endocan serum level correlated neither with umbilical cord blood gases nor with Apgar score. Ultrasound Doppler findings revealed significant differences in middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (PI), umbilical artery PI, CPR, as well as mean uterine arteries PI between IUGR group and controls. In the study group, we found significant correlations between the serum endocan and CPR ( R = 0.56, P < .001) as well as between serum endocan and mean uterine arteries PI ( R = 0.46, P = .006). Endocan is likely involved in the pathogenesis of IUGR in pregnant women and possibly is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction in these cases.

Cardiovascular assessment in Female Spotted Paca ( Cuniculus paca )

ABSTRACT Aiming to provide cardiovascular morphophysiology information on the Cuniculus paca, an important neotropical rodent, eight healthy adult females of this species were evaluated three times by echocardiography under general anesthesia with isoflurane every 15 days. The exams were performed by a single experienced evaluator with the animals positioned in right and left decubitus. Posteriorly, two expert evaluators measured the cardiac chambers, walls and flow patterns, by B-mode, M-mode, and Doppler ultrasonography. The resulting values were compared among evaluators and periods by the Bland-Altman agreement test and several descriptive statistics were presented for each parameter. Echocardiographic images were obtained between the second and fifth left and right intercostal spaces, enabling the measurement of heart chambers and walls, mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary valves blood flows, and the ejection and shortening fractions calculation. None of the studied variables showed inter-observers or inter-periods variations. This study provided some normal echocardiographic variables, applicable to epidemiological, pathophysiological or case studies in the Cuniculus paca and phylogenetically close species.

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats.

This is a detailed protocol describing invasive hemodynamic measurements in cirrhotic rats for the characterization of portal hypertensive syndrome. Portal hypertension (PHT) due to cirrhosis is responsible for the most severe complications in patients with liver disease. The full picture of the portal hypertensive syndrome is characterized by increased portal pressure (PP) due to the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR), hyperdynamic circulation, and increased splanchnic blood flow. Progressive splanchnic arterial vasodilation and increased cardiac output with elevated heart rate (HR) but low arterial pressure characterizes the portal hypertensive syndrome. Novel therapies are currently being developed that aim to decrease PP by either targeting IHVR or increased splanchnic blood flow - but side effects on systemic hemodynamics may occur. Thus, a detailed characterization of portal venous, splanchnic, and systemic hemodynamic parameters, including measurement of PP, portal venous blood flow (PVBF), mesenteric arterial blood flow, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and HR is needed for preclinical evaluation of the efficacy of novel treatments for PHT. Our video article provides the reader with a structured protocol for performing invasive hemodynamic measurements in cirrhotic rats. In particular, we describe the catheterization of the femoral artery and the portal vein via an ileocolic vein and the measurement of portal venous and splanchnic blood flow via perivascular Doppler-ultrasound flow probes. Representative results of different rat models of PHT are shown.

Carotid near-occlusion can be identified with ultrasound by low flow velocity distal to the stenosis.

Most carotid near-occlusions are indistinguishable from conventional ≥ 50% stenosis on ultrasound, demonstrating high peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the stenosis. To study whether the velocity distal to the stenosis can separate high PSV near-occlusion from conventional ≥ 50% stenosis. We included patients with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis with high PSV (≥125 cm/s), examined with both computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ultrasound within 30 days, and a distal velocity measurement was performed. Based on CTA, cases were divided into three groups: conventional stenosis; near-occlusion without full collapse (NwoC; normal-appearing albeit small distal artery); and near-occlusion with full collapse (NwC; threadlike distal artery). Distal Doppler ultrasound flow velocities were compared between these groups. Sixty patients were included: 33 patients with conventional stenosis; 20 patients with NwoC; and seven patients with NwC. Mean distal PSV was 93, 63, and 21 cm/s ( P < 0.001) and mean distal end-diastolic velocity was 30, 24, and 5 cm/s ( P < 0.001), respectively. A distal PSV < 50 cm/s was 63% sensitive and 94% specific for separating both types of near-occlusion from conventional stenosis. In high PSV carotid stenoses, the distal velocity was lower in near-occlusions than conventional carotid stenosis. Distal velocities warrant further investigation in diagnostic studies.

Comparison of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula blood flow rates measured by Doppler ultrasound and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare blood flow rates measured by Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients having a hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and to identify scenarios in which there was significant discordance between these two approaches. MethodsBlood flow rates in the proximal artery (PA) and draining vein (DV) of newly created upper extremity AVFs were measured and compared using DUS and phase-contrast MRI at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. ResultsBlood flow rates in the PA measured by DUS (1155 ± 907 mL/min, mean ± standard deviation) and by MRI (1170 ± 657 mL/min) were not statistically different (P = .812) based on 78 data pairs from 49 patients. DV DUS flow (1277 ± 995 mL/min) and MRI flow (1130 ± 655 mL/min) were also not statistically different (P = .071) based on 64 data pairs. In both PA and DV, the two methods substantially agreed with each other (Cohen κ: PA, 0.66; DV, 0.67) when flow rates were put into four clinically relevant categories (<300, 300-599, 600-1499, and ≥1500 mL/min). The Bland-Altman analyses of DUS and MRI flow identified six and four outliers for PA and DV, respectively. Seven outliers had higher DUS than MRI flow, with all DUS scan sites having a large lumen or significant local curvature; the other three had lower DUS flow, partly due to an underestimation of lumen diameter by DUS. ConclusionsDUS and MRI flow rates are generally comparable in both PA and DV. When DUS is used for flow measurements, careful attention to accurate lumen diameter measurements is needed and scan sites with marked curvature should be avoided. Our result may improve the accuracy of DUS-measured AVF blood flow rate.

Relationship between the von Willebrand Factor Plasma Concentration and Ultrasonographic Doppler Findings in Pregnancies Complicated by Hypertensive Disorders: A Pilot Study

Background/Aims: Recent evidence suggests that impaired cytotrophoblast proliferation and migration are major factors responsible for the development of hypertension in pregnancy. Studies report that von Willebrand factor (vWf) is a specific endothelial damage plasma marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vWf maternal plasma concentration and maternal and fetal Doppler flow measurements in pregnancies complicated by hypertension. It may provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related hypertension and show the potential method for disease prevention and therapy. Methods: We created 3 study groups: pregnant women with chronic hypertension (n = 10), gestational hypertension (n = 18), preeclampsia (n = 21), and control (22 healthy pregnant women). Every woman underwent ultrasound Doppler flow measurements performed simultaneously with venous blood collection. The vWf plasma concentrations were assessed using the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The preeclampsia group had significantly higher vWf plasma concentrations in those patients with ultrasonographic features of placental insufficiency than in those without these characteristics (638 ± 208 vs. 377 ± 74 ng/mL; p < 0.017). Conclusion: Our results may confirm the arrangement and severity of endothelial damage in preeclamptic patients and may have identified those patients with a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation presenting as spontaneous haemothorax on transthoracic ultrasound

A 45-year-old man with no known chronic medical illness presented with insidious onset of exertional dyspnoea and left pleuritic chest pain. He was pale on physical examination and left chest...

Effect of stem cell transplantation of premature ovarian failure in animal models and patients: A meta-analysis and case report.

Stem cell transplantation has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for premature ovarian failure (POF). However, to date, no quantitative data analysis of stem cell therapy for POF has been performed. Therefore, the present study performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of stem cell transplantation in improving ovarian function in animal models of POF. In addition, a case report of a patient with POF subjected to stem cell treatment was included to demonstrate that stem cell therapy also contributes to the recovery of ovarian function in patients. Published studies were identified by a systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane's library databases, and references cited in associated reviews were also considered. Data regarding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), ovarian weight, follicle count, the number of pregnancies and other parameters, including delivery route and cell type, were extracted. Pooled analysis, sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed. In the case of POF, transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), abdominal ultrasound (TAS) and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were performed to observe the endometrial morphology and blood flow signals in the patient. Overall, pooled results from 16 pre-clinical studies demonstrated that stem cell-based therapy significantly improved FSH levels [standardized mean difference (SMD)=−1.330; 95% confidence interval (CI), -(2.095–0.565); P=0.001], E2 levels (SMD=2.334; 95% CI, 1.350–3.319; P<0.001), ovarian weight (SMD=1.310; 95% CI, 0.157–2.463; P=0.026), follicle count (SMD=1.871; 95% CI, 1.226–2.516; P<0.001), and the number of pregnancies (risk ratio=1.715, 95% CI, 1.213–2.424; P=0.002). The results of TVS and TAS demonstrated improved ovarian size and endometrial thickness in the patient with POF after MSC treatment. Of note, a rich blood flow signal in the endometrium was observed on CDFI. It appeared that stem cell-based therapy may be an effective method for the resumption of ovarian function in a patient and in animal models of POF; however, large-scale and high-quality future studies are required to confirm the present findings due to heterogeneity.