Ultrasound Grading Research Articles

Grading Carotid Intrastent Restenosis

The accuracy of carotid ultrasound has not been well established in predicting intrastent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). The aim of this study is to determine different degrees of ISR using ultrasound velocity criteria compared to percentage of stenosis at angiography. This is a 6-year prospective study. After CAS procedure, each patient underwent angiography for measuring ISR (NASCET method) which was compared to peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and the ratio between PSV of internal carotid artery and common carotid artery (ICA/CCA). This was done within 48 hours, thus creating a baseline value. Ultrasound (US) examination was performed at day 30, at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and then yearly. Patients with an increase in PSV greater than 3 times the baseline value or in presence of PSV >or=200 cm/s underwent angiography. 814 CAS procedures, 6427 US examinations, and 1123 angiographies were performed. ISR >or=70% and ISR >or=50% was detected, respectively, in 22 patients and in 73 patients. We defined velocity criteria for grading carotid ISR: PSV <or=104 cm/s, if <30% stenosis; PSV:105 to 174 cm/s if 30% to 50% stenosis; PSV:175 to 299 cm/s if a 50% to 70% stenosis; PSV >or=300 cm/s, EDV >or=140 cm/s, and ICA/CCA >or=3.8 if a >or=70% stenosis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for ISR >or=70% were, respectively, for PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA: 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99. US grading of carotid ISR can guarantee a correct follow-up after CAS if new customized velocity criteria are validated by skilled operators using a specific protocol of follow-up in a certified laboratory.

Urinary Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Electrophoresis With Silver Staining: A Noninvasive Diagnostic Tool for Obstructive Uropathy in Children

Obstructive uropathy such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the newborn is a major diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We investigated whether urinary sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver staining could be used to discriminate between children requiring and those not requiring pyeloplasty. In a pilot study we analyzed the urine of 18 children (mean age 2.7 years) with grade III or IV hydronephrosis according to the Society for Fetal Urology classification. A total of 44 healthy children were studied as controls. Children with hydronephrosis were followed using ultrasound, (99m)technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renography and voiding cystourethrography. Urine was obtained by spontaneous voiding and studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver staining using Melzer's modification. After the study period test results were compared to outcomes, ie whether patients required surgery, and to normalization of previously abnormal protein excretion patterns. All but 1 of the healthy controls had a normal electrophoresis assessment. Of 9 patients followed for hydronephrosis 7 had an abnormal electrophoresis result preoperatively. One child had to be operated on twice because of relapse of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Six children returned to a normal electrophoresis result postoperatively, including the child who was operated on twice. All children with an initially normal electrophoresis assessment displayed persistent normal values, except 1. Children shifting from a normal to an abnormal electrophoresis result underwent surgery after exclusion of urinary tract infection. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver staining seems to be a good predictive test for clinically relevant ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Further studies are being performed to see whether the test can stand against the gold standard, (99m)technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renography.

The validity of in vivo ultrasonographic grading of osteoarthritic femoral condylar cartilage: a comparison with in vitro ultrasonographic and histologic gradings

To establish an ultrasonographic (US) grading for semiquantitative evaluation of the femoral condylar cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (OA), in vivo, and compare the in vivo US grading with the in vitro US and histologic gradings. Ninety-five patients going to receive total knee arthroplasty because of OA of the knee were recruited. US examination was performed in vivo in the day before operation using a grading system including parameters of margin sharpness, clarity and thickness. Specimens of the medial and lateral distal femoral condyles taken during the operation were graded with in vitro US and histologic evaluation. The correlation between the in vivo US and in vitro US as well as between the in vivo US and histologic gradings was analyzed. In 172 femoral condyles (including medial and lateral ones), the distribution of grading ranged from Grade 1 to 6 in in vivo US and from Grade 1 to 4 in histologic examination. The in vivo US grading was significantly correlated to in vitro US grading over anterior and middle areas (p<0.001, Rho=0.35 and 0.45, respectively) and histologic grading over these two areas (p<0.001, Rho=0.40 and 0.36, respectively). When the cases with maximal angle of knee flexion less than 120 degree were excluded, the correlation was better. The significant correlation between in vivo US and histologic gradings might permit semi-quantitative in vivo US assessment of osteoarthritic femoral condylar cartilage.

Knee joint ultrasonography of the ACLT rabbit experimental model of osteoarthritis: relevance and effectiveness in detecting meniscal lesions

To develop a protocol for rabbit knee joint ultrasonography (US); to grade ultrasonographically the meniscal injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rabbit model of osteoarthritis (OA); to assess with US the effectiveness of the ACLT; to compare final US with macroscopy for the evaluation of medial and lateral meniscal injuries depending on the age and weight when ACLT is performed. Twenty-two skeletally mature and adolescent New Zealand white rabbits were housed during the same period at the Institut Claude-Bourgelat, Lyon, France. Surgical ACLT was performed in the left knee of nine adolescent and five adult rabbits. Final US and macroscopic semi-quantitative grading of the meniscal injuries were compared 5 months after ACLT. A standardised protocol was developed to evaluate the rabbit knee joint. US was performed in both control and ACLT knees. Normal and abnormal meniscal US appearances were described. A semi-quantitative scale to grade US meniscal injuries was created. Macroscopic and US total meniscal scores were significantly positively correlated (P<0.001, r=0.70). US detection of meniscal injuries was 92% sensitive and 87.5% specific compared to macroscopy. Positive and negative predictive values of US were, respectively, 92% and 87.5%. US detection of the ACLT effectiveness was 100% specific and 78.5% sensitive. A significant relationship was found between ultrasonographic and macroscopic grading of meniscal injuries. US was both specific and sensitive in detecting meniscal lesions. We propose US as a non-invasive, non-expensive, in vivo imaging technique for preclinical studies in the ACLT rabbit OA model.

Nomogram of Fetal Renal Growth Expressed in Length and Parenchymal Area Derived From Ultrasound Images

We constructed nomograms of fetal renal length and parenchymal area derived from ultrasound images to develop a standard for normal fetal renal growth. Longitudinal and transverse ultrasound renal images from 216 normal fetuses (16 to 41 weeks of gestation) were evaluated to construct growth charts. We measured the parenchymal area as well as the longitudinal and transverse lengths of each kidney using computer software for image analysis. Data were separately plotted as a mean +/- 2 SD determined by polynomial regression analysis. Nomograms for a renal growth chart were constructed independently for the right and left fetal kidneys. No statistically significant difference was noted between the right and left renal measurements. The polynomial regression equations for the left renal longitudinal length and parenchymal area, respectively, were y = -0.0002x(3) + 0.0139x(2) - 0.2162 x 2.3929 (r(2) = 0.9842), and y = -0.0009x(3) + 0.0724x(2) - 1.5643 x 11.68 (r(2) = 0.9779). The longitudinal and transverse fetal renal growth curves displayed significant growth associated with gestational age (p <0.001). Our data on left longitudinal renal length exhibited an intermediate level compared to 2 published Western growth charts. However, statistical comparisons revealed the differences were partially, but not universally, significant. We present our nomogram of fetal renal growth expressed in length and parenchymal area. To our knowledge this is the first report of a fetal renal growth chart in Asia that includes the parenchymal area. This nomogram may serve as a valuable tool for evaluation of fetal renal growth.

MP-02.02: Reliability and validity assessment of society for fetal urology ultrasound grading system for hydronephrosis

MP-02.02: Reliability and validity assessment of society for fetal urology ultrasound grading system for hydronephrosis

SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMAL METACARPAL AND METATARSAL REGIONS OF HORSES WITH PROXIMAL SUSPENSORY DESMITIS

The aim of the study was to characterize radiopharmaceutical uptake patterns in horses with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of proximal suspensory desmitis. It was hypothesized that radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal palmar (plantar) aspect of the third metacarpal (metatarsal) bone would be greater in lame limbs of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis than in sound limbs and that there would be a positive correlation between the severity of ultrasonographic abnormalities and the degree of radiopharmaceutical uptake. Nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the proximal metacarpal or metatarsal regions of 126 horses with ultrasonographic evidence of proximal suspensory desmitis was performed. In all horses lameness was substantially improved by perineural analgesia of the palmar metacarpal (subcarpal) or plantar metatarsal (subtarsal) nerves. Scintigraphic images were assessed subjectively, by profile analysis and using region of interest analysis. Associations between the degree of ultrasonographic abnormality and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios and the presence of radiographic abnormalities and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios were analyzed. Subjectively, the majority of horses had normal radiopharmaceutical uptake. Profile analysis provided little additional information. However with region of interest analysis there was greater radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios in plantar images in the proximal metatarsal regions of lame limbs compared with nonlame limbs. There was no association between radiological abnormalities and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios. In forelimbs there was no association between ultrasonographic lesion grade and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios, however in hindlimbs there was a significant relationship between ultrasonographic grade and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios.

A Proposed Anatomic Typing of the Right Internal Spermatic Vein: Importance for Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Varicocele

When, in 1975, I successfully performed my first left spermatic vein sclerotherapy [1], I was a young doctor and I didn’t know that scrotal varicocele could produce infertility. Moreover, I had never imagined that this simple and personal technique could, in such a short time, become a very interesting but controversial subject for so many medical specialists, such as andrologists, urologists, androurologists, gynaecologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, and interventional radiologists, therefore causing many endless discussions. I am replying to you because I believe that young interventional radiologists must not be so excited by an excessive therapeutic enthusiasm; I think they should be free to establish the most appropriate therapy and rational indications. Scrotal varicocele represents an important social and sanitary problem, affecting approximately 15%–20% of young males; reversible infertility (subfertility) and, sometimes, irreversible testicular damage are observed in 20%–40% of them. The remaining 60%–80% with clinically manifested varicocele do not have fertility problems. Since we are dealing with high numbers (about 150,000 males per million) and since the varicocele is bilateral in 70% of cases, then we should treat approximately 60,000 (40% of 150,000) varicoceles on the left and 42,000 (70% of 60,000) on the right side, amounting to 102,000 per million males. Such a huge number is obviously not conceivable even in rich countries! Nevertheless, we should always keep in mind that infertility is primarily attributed to female causes (58% of cases), whereas male causes amount only to 25% of cases, while in 17% of couples it is unexplained. My clinical maneuver, performed always with ultrasound (US) color Doppler examination, deliberately ignores the question of the so-called ‘‘subclinic varicocele’’! We recommend the use, for US assessment, of the five degrees of Sarteschi’s classification [2], in which the first degree concerns subclinical varicocele, characterized only by upper inguinal reflux without scrotal pampiniform plexus dilations. Moreover, in my opinion and in many others’, subclinic varicocele is not considered one of the causes of male infertility. In fact, when I was invited to the III World Congress of Andrology in Tel Aviv (Israel), to give a lecture at the ‘‘Varicocele Symposium’’ [3], I found an unanimous consensus among the most important andrologists of the world to avoid treating not only subclinic but also small varicoceles. This consensus has been recently confirmed by Nagler [4]. On the other hand, it is obvious that a high US grade (5th) left scrotal varicocele is very often the cause of the so-called ‘‘false bilateral varicocele,’’ characterized by dilation of the right pampiniform plexus due to anasthomotic trans-septal vessels [5]. In these cases the right dilation spontaneously disappears after treatment of the left side. In fact, in the case of the left and low-degree varicocele, we never see a bilateral dilation, except in the true bilaterality. This condition can explain why 60%–80% of clinically manifested left varicoceles are curiously fertile, probably because of the lack of scrotal trans-septal collateral veins to the other side, because only the left testis is functionally V. Iaccarino Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples ‘‘Federico II,’’ Naples, Italy

Does increased body mass index with hepatic steatosis contribute to seroclearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen in chronic HBV infection?

Overweight and hepatic steatosis have been increasingly recognized recently. This study aimed to test whether substantial amount of fatty infiltration in liver, which may interfere with cytoplasmic distribution of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), can contribute to HBsAg seroclearance in HBsAg carriers. Clinical and laboratory data including ultrasound grading of hepatic steatosis were studied in 54 HBsAg carriers with HBsAg seroclearance, and the results were compared with 108 age- and sex-matched carriers with HBsAg persistence. Body mass index and ultrasound grading of hepatic steatosis were significantly higher in HBsAg carriers with HBsAg seroclearance than in those with HBsAg persistence. The degrees of hepatic steatosis correlated significantly with body mass index (P<0.001). The prevalence of mild hepatic steatosis showed no significant difference (33% (18/54) vs 31% (33/108), P=0.72), but moderate-severe hepatic steatosis was significantly more prevalent in patients with HBsAg seroclearance (33% (18/54) vs 13% (17/108), P=0.01). HBsAg carriers with moderate and severe hepatic steatosis were associated with a 3.2-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.2-8.4, P=0.02) and 3.9-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.1-14.2, P=0.04), respectively, increased odds of HBsAg seroclearance compared to those without hepatic steatosis. Moderate-severe hepatic steatosis may contribute to HBsAg seroclearance in HBsAg carriers.

The validity of in vitro ultrasonographic grading of osteoarthritic femoral condylar cartilage – a comparison with histologic grading

To establish an ultrasonographic grading for semi-quantitative evaluation of the femoral condylar cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (OA), in vitro, and compare the ultrasonographic grading with the histologic grading. Thirty-four patients going to receive total knee arthroplasty because of OA of the knee were recruited. Specimens of the distal medial and lateral femoral condyles were taken during the operation. The anterior and middle areas of the articular cartilage in each specimen were graded by in vitro ultrasonography (US) examination and histologic evaluation. The correlation between the US and histologic findings was analyzed. Sixty-seven specimens were collected. Both US and histologic changes were graded from I to IV. The correlation between the grading of US and histology was good in both anterior and middle areas (Rho=0.78, 0.89, P<0.001). The correlation between US grading over anterior area and histology grading over middle area was moderate (Rho=0.70, P<0.001). The moderate correlation between in vitro US and histology might permit quantitative in vivo assessment of cartilage.

Does Surgical Release of Secondary Spinal Cord Tethering Improve the Prognosis of Neurogenic Bladder in Children With Myelomeningocele?

The diagnostic criteria for secondary tethering of the spinal cord in children with prior closure of an open spinal defect are not well defined. Urological, neurological or orthopedic deterioration during followup remains the only strong indicator for the diagnosis of this condition. However, the outcome of untethering surgery cannot always be predicted. The aim of this study was to determine neurourological outcome after secondary untethering surgery in children with myelomeningocele. Of 401 children with myelomeningocele followed at our multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic between 1996 and 2005, 56 (14%) were diagnosed with secondary tethering of the spinal cord (median age at diagnosis 4.1 years). The diagnosis was based on urological and neuro-orthopedic deterioration in 58% and 42% of children, respectively. Preoperative urological findings were compared with 6-month postoperative findings. Febrile urinary tract infection, upper tract dilatation and vesicoureteral reflux were preoperatively documented in 48.2%, 19% and 30% of the 56 children, respectively. At 6 months postoperatively urine cultures were sterile in 34% of patients and upper tract dilatation completely resolved in 45%. For all grades of vesicoureteral reflux complete resolution occurred in 47% of patients. Urodynamic parameters in terms of cystometric bladder capacity and detrusor leak point pressure substantially improved 6 months after untethering surgery (125 vs 170 ml and 69.1 vs 47.5 cm H2O, respectively, p < 0.05). Assessment of urodynamic findings in 19 children at 1 year failed to demonstrate a significant change in these parameters. A subgroup analysis according to patient age at untethering surgery revealed urodynamic improvement was more significant in children who were diagnosed and treated before age 7 years. Secondary tethering of the spinal cord is a major risk factor for urological and neurological deterioration in children with myelomeningocele. Close urological surveillance remains the most valuable tool in the early diagnosis. Our study shows that secondary untethering surgery may significantly improve urological outcome.

OP10.11: Correlation of ultrasound placental grading and a stereological estimate of placental function

OP10.11: Correlation of ultrasound placental grading and a stereological estimate of placental function

Magnetic Resonance Urographic Parameters for Predicting the Need for Pyeloplasty in Infants With Prenatally Diagnosed Severe Hydronephrosis

Treatment in infants with prenatally diagnosed, severe hydronephrosis remains controversial. We measured anatomical parameters using magnetic resonance urography to create a pelvic index ratio, which we correlated with outcome to assess its value. We reviewed 35 cases of prenatally diagnosed severe hydronephrosis, including grade III in 19 and grade IV in 16. By 6 weeks after birth all patients had undergone repeat ultrasonography, diuretic renography and magnetic resonance urography. Magnetic resonance urography was used to measure the distance (D) from the bottom of the lowest renal calyx to the ureteropelvic junction and the total longitudinal length (L) of the caliceal system. The pelvic index ratio, defined as D/L, assesses the level at which the ureter inserts into the renal pelvis. All cases were initially managed conservatively. Pyeloplasty was required in 16 kidneys (mean patient age +/- SD 7.5 +/- 3.9 months) because of deterioration in renal function. All patients were well at a mean followup of 3.8 years. The remaining 19 cases continued to be managed conservatively. By a mean of 5.4 years spontaneous resolution of prenatally diagnosed severe hydronephrosis had occurred in 7 of 19 cases, while 12 were downgraded to grades I-II. The mean pelvic index ratio in surgical cases was 0.26 +/- 0.13 and in nonsurgical cases it was 0.12 +/- 0.11, indicating that ureters inserted significantly higher in surgical cases (p = 0.0012). Of 9 kidneys with a pelvic index ratio of greater than 0.3 pyeloplasty was required in 8, while 10 of 12 with a pelvic index ratio of less than 0.1 were managed conservatively. Pyeloplasty is likely to be required if the pelvic index ratio is greater than 0.3 and conservative management is likely to succeed if the ratio is less than 0.1. The pelvic index ratio can be calculated easily even in the neonatal period. It appears to be prognostic for pyeloplasty in cases of prenatally diagnosed, severe hydronephrosis.

Endoscopic ultrasonograph evaluation of vascular structures in the gastric cardia predicts esophageal variceal recurrence following endoscopic treatment

In patients with portal hypertension, early recurrence of esophageal varices often occurs following endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection-sclerotherapy combined treatment. To assess the recurrence risk following endoscopic treatment, this study investigated the association between recurrence-free time and severity of esophagogastric vascular structures before treatment as determined by endoscopic ultrasonography. Sixty-three patients with esophageal varices at high bleeding risk were treated by endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection-sclerotherapy combined treatment. Before the treatment, conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography with a 20-MHz catheter probe were performed. Submucosal, perforating and adventitial veins in the esophagus and gastric cardia were examined. According to the endoscopic ultrasonography findings, the vascular structures were classified into two grades: mild and severe. The relationships between the endoscopic ultrasonography grades and variceal recurrence-free time were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meyer method. Patients with severe as opposed to mild grade perforating veins in the gastric cardia had a significantly shorter recurrence-free time (P < 0.05). Those with severe paracardial veins also had a significantly shorter recurrence-free time (P < 0.01). Endoscopic ultrasonography analysis for gastric cardial vascular structures before endoscopic treatment can be useful to predict the recurrence of esophageal varices.

The accuracy of measuring backfat and loin muscle thicknesses on pork carcasses by the Hennessy HGP2, Destron PG-100, CGM and ultrasound CVT grading probes

Research was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of different grading probes measuring backfat (F) and loin muscle thicknesses (M). Thus, 270 pig carcasses were selected according to a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Gender (barrows and gilts), fat thickness at the Canadian grading site (&lt; 15.75, 15.75 to 19.75 and &gt; 19.75 mm), and hot carcass weight (75.5 to 81.8, 81.9 to 86.2 and 86.3 to 92.7 kg) were the main factors. The Hennessy (HGP2), Destron (PG-100) and CGM optic probes and the CVT ultrasound probe with two transducers [PCA-5049, 172 mm (CVT-1) and PCB-5011, 125 mm (CVT-2)] were evaluated. Grading measures were compared to the equivalent measures taken in a digitized image. The F and M precision was evaluated in terms of random bias (ED). Hennessy F and CVT-1 M had the lower ED. For F measurements, CGM, Destron, CVT-2 and CVT-1 ED was respectively, 1.65, 1.72, 1.78 and 2.14 times greater than Hennessy ED. For M measurements, ED of CVT-2, CGM, DPG and Hennessy was 1.02, 1.84, 2.03 and 2.20 times greater than CVT-1 ED. Measures of the intercostal muscles were not reliable in any of the probes able to take that measure. Key words: Pork, carcass grading, grading probes, HGP2, PG-100, CGM, CVT

Korrelation von duplexsonographischer Stenosegraduierung mittels Querschnittsflächenbestimmung und MR-tomographischer Blutvolumenflussquantifizierung bei unilateraler Stenose der Arteria carotis interna

Correlation of duplex ultrasonographic grading of unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and ICA blood volume flow (BVF) quantification. Using a 2D cine phase-contrast MR technique, 62 patients with unilateral ICA stenosis at the level of the bifurcation between 50 % and 98 % and 20 age-matched normal controls were examined. BVF was measured in the stenosed ICA. Ultrasonographic grading of stenoses was based on cross-sectional duplex sonography (color Doppler flow imaging [CDFI], real-time compound imaging) and compared to the changes in BVF in the stenosed ICA. There was no statistically significant difference in BVF in stenoses of the ICA up to 70 % and in normal controls. ICA stenoses greater 70 % began to be hemodynamically relevant. With increasing stenosis, a decrease in BVF in the ipsilateral ICA was determined with a high and linear correlation of r = - 0.83. Normal controls showed a BVF in an ICA of 247.0 +/- 32.0 ml/min, patients with 70 % stenosis a mean BVF of 225.3 +/- 32.2 ml/min (P = 0.4) without significant reduction, patients with 80 % stenosis a significant reduction of BVF to a mean flow of 184.0 +/- 53.8 ml/min (P < 0.005), patients with 90 % stenosis a reduction of the mean BVF in the stenosed ICA to 84.6 +/- 41.9 ml/min (P < 0.0005) and patients with stenoses > 95 % a mean BVF of only 26.0 +/- 4.0 ml/min (P < 0.0005). In patients with unilateral ICA stenosis greater than 81 %, a significant decrease of BVF in the stenosed ICA was documented. Comparison of ultrasonographic grading of unilateral ICA stenosis and BVF determination in patients with ICA stenoses demonstrate a high correlation between increase in the stenosis and decrease in the ipsilateral blood flow beginning at 70 % stenosis. ICA stenoses greater than 80 % are significantly hemodynamically relevant.

Posterior compartment prolapse on two-dimensional and three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound: the distinction between true rectocele, perineal hypermobility and enterocele

Posterior compartment descent may encompass perineal hypermobility, isolated enterocele or a 'true' rectocele due to a rectovaginal septal defect. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of these conditions in a urogynecological population. One hundred and ninety-eight women were clinically evaluated for prolapse and examined by translabial ultrasound, supine and after voiding, using three-dimensional capable equipment with a 7-4-MHz volume transducer. Downwards displacement of rectocele or rectal ampulla was used to quantify posterior compartment prolapse. A rectovaginal septal defect was seen as a sharp discontinuity in the ventral anorectal muscularis. Clinically, a rectocele was diagnosed in 112 (56%) cases. Rectovaginal septal defects were observed sonographically in 78 (39%) women. There was a highly significant relationship between ultrasound and clinical grading (P < 0.001). Of 112 clinical rectoceles, 63 (56%) cases showed a fascial defect, eight (7%) showed perineal hypermobility without fascial defect, and in three (3%) cases there was an isolated enterocele. In 38 (34%) cases, no sonographic abnormality was detected. Neither position of the ampulla nor presence, width or depth of defects correlated with vaginal parity. In contrast, age showed a weak association with rectal descent (r = -0.212, P = 0.003), the presence of fascial defects (P = 0.002) and their depth (P = 0.02). Rectovaginal septal defects are readily identified on translabial ultrasound as a herniation of rectal wall and contents into the vagina. Approximately one-third of clinical rectoceles do not show a sonographic defect, and the presence of a defect is associated with age, not parity.

The Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of Carotid Stenosis Compared to MRA and DSA

Carotid ultrasound (US) is a screening test for patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke who then undergo Digital Subtraction Angiogram (DSA) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). Gold standard DSA is invasive with inherent risks and costs. MRA is an evolving technology. This study compares reliability of MRA and US modes with DSA in determining degree of internal carotid artery stenosis. A five year retrospective analysis of 140 carotid arteries from patients who had carotid US and DSA, and possibly Magnetic Resonance Angiography was undertaken. Recorded US parameters were peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and ICA/CCA peak systolic velocity ratio. The MRA and DSA parameters used NASCET technique for measuring stenosis. Statistical analysis included ROC curves and Kappa computation. US grading of carotid stenosis can be made more reliable by choosing appropriate parameters. The best combination of sensitivity and specificity for stenosis > 70% in our hospital was seen at PSV > 173 cm/s (sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.8, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 0.70, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 0.93, kappa 0.64 and weighted kappa 0.71). MRA kappa was 0.78, (sensitivity 0.75, specificity 1.0, PPV 1.0, NPV 0.85). US parameters should be validated in each centre. At best, US can only approximate the accuracy of DSA, probably due to inherent limitations of this modality. Magnetic Resonance Angiography has a perfect specificity and PPV but this technique needs to be standardized. Simultaneous use of MRA and US for screening increases sensitivity to over 0.9 without compromising specificity in > 70% stenosis.

Accuracy of two noninvasive methods of diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction using ultrasonography: Intravesical prostatic protrusion and velocity-flow video urodynamics

Objectives We assessed the accuracy of two noninvasive, ultrasound methods of diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The potential for the combined methods to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis was also assessed. Methods We evaluated 30 male outpatients using two recently developed diagnostic methods, transabdominal ultrasound grading of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and Doppler ultrasound urodynamics (Doppler UDS), as well as conventional pressure flow studies according to the research protocol. IPP has been reported to be a useful anatomic parameter for the assessment of BOO. Doppler UDS uses transperineal ultrasonography to measure the velocity flow of urine at the prostatic and sphincteric urethras. We recruited 168 outpatients; however, of the 57 patients who fulfilled all the research criteria, only 30 were able to undergo conventional pressure flow study analysis. The results of all three diagnostic methods were analyzed statistically for reliability and relationship in the 30 patients with a BOO index from the conventional pressure flow study. Results IPP grading correlated well with the BOO index (Spearman’s rho 0.624), as did the Doppler UDS parameter (Spearman’s rho 0.736). The combination of IPP grading and Doppler UDS showed good sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions We confirmed the accuracy of the two novel methods. The combination of the two methods may be a novel standard in the diagnosis of BOO in male patients.

Ultrasound Assessment of Invasive Breast Cancer: Correlation with Histologic Grade

Purpose: To correlate the final assessment of ultrasound and histologic grade in patients with invasive breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of one hundred eighty-six women with breast masses that were evaluated by ultrasound and subsequently found to have invasive ductal carcinoma not previously diagnosed. Two radiologists prospectively analyzed the results of the ultrasounds and issued an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) assessment category which indicates the probability of malignancy. The histologic grade of the 186 invasive ductal carcinomas were separated as follows, low grade in 22 lesions (9%), intermediate grade in 91 lesions (50%), and high grade in 73 lesions (41%). Results: In the 186 invasive ductal carcinomas not previously diagnosed, a circumscribed margin was seen in 4% (three of 73) of high-grade tumors compared to none in intermediate-grade and low-grade tumors. A spiculated margin was seen in 59% (13 of 22) of low-grade tumors compared, to 20% (18 of 91) in intermediate-grade and 7% (five of 73) in high-grade tumors. Posterior acoustic enhancement was seen in 33% (24 of 73) of high-grade tumors compared, to 20% (18 of 91) in intermediate-grade and none in low-grade tumors. Posterior acoustic shadowing was seen in 59% (13 of 22) of low-grade tumors compared, to 34% (31 of 91) in intermediate-grade and 15% (11 of 73) in high-grade tumors. The final BI-RADS assessment of the 186 cases separated as follows, three lesions (2%) were category 3 probably benign, 115 lesions (62%) were category 4 suspicious, and 68 lesions (37%) were category 5 highly suggestive of malignancy. The three cases misclassified as probably benign were high-grade tumors. Conclusion: Breast cancer showing a spiculated margin and posterior acoustic shadowing on ultrasound were mainly low-grade tumors whereas breast cancer showing benign features were high-grade tumors.