Using Ultrasonography Findings Research Articles

Advantages of ultrasound imaging for the early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an immune-mediated form of chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis (PsO). It constitutes a significant comorbidity of PsO and is distinguished by the presence of widespread musculoskeletal inflammation. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to precisely detect asymptomatic PsA using ultrasound (US) examinations and to distinguish between various stages of PsO. MethodsAll patients with moderate-to-severe PsO, who consented to undergo musculoskeletal US examinations during their hospitalization between September 2020 and January 2022, were enrolled in the study. We compared patients' demographic characteristics, comorbidities, disease duration, relevant laboratory parameters, and musculoskeletal US findings. ResultsA total of 547 patients with PsO were included in the study, and 114 of them received a diagnosis of PsA. Furthermore, 16.45 % of patients with moderate to severe PsO displayed subclinical PsA. We observed a significantly higher frequency of abnormal US findings in patients with PsA compared to those without PsA, with a sensitivity of 95.61 % and a specificity of 79.22 %. Additionally, the incidence of enthesitis and synovitis varied significantly between PsA and non-PsA patients, and they were identified as independent variables predicting the presence of PsA. Furthermore, the interphalangeal joint, knee joint, and calcaneal tendon were the most frequently affected areas in PsA, as indicated by the observed US changes. ConclusionUltrasound examination proves to be a valuable tool for detecting subclinical PsA, facilitating early screening of the condition. Particular attention should be directed towards changes in the interphalangeal joint, knee joint, and calcaneal tendon when reviewing ultrasound images of asymptomatic patients.

Immediate Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling on Soleus Muscle Spasticity in Stroke Survivors.

Dry needling (DN) is commonly used to treat various neuromuscular syndromes. It is effective in reducing spasticity in stroke and other neurological conditions. The current study explores the immediate effect of ultrasound-guided dry needling on soleus muscle spasticity and thickness in individuals with stroke. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Sub-ethics Committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune.The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India. Thirty stroke survivors having soleus muscle spasticity ranging from grade 1 to 4 on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were selected. Spasticity was also assessed using the Modified Tardeau Scale (MTS) and H-reflex. Soleus muscle architecture was assessed by using ultrasonography (USG). Participants received a single session of DN for the spastic soleus muscle. Pre and immediate post-DN outcome measures were assessed. Based on USG findings, the thickness of the soleus muscle significantly increased by 2.67 mm (p<0.001) after dry needling treatment. The MMAS showed decreased spasticity by 1.47 (p<0.001) for ankle plantar flexors. A significant reduction of H-reflex values by 1.4 mV (p<0.001) was noted. The MTS also showed a significant increase in the range of ankle motion by 2.7 (p<0.001). All these indicate an immediate reduction of spasticity following DN. Based on the findings of the current study, we can conclude that a single session of USG-guided DN has an immediate beneficial effect on reducing soleus muscle spasticity and increased muscle thickness in individuals with stroke.

Assessment of skin and associated soft tissue changes with ultrasonography in chronic venous disease.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is accompanied by a spectrum of skin changes. The aim of this study was to assess skin changes in CVD in different classes of the classifications such as the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification using ultrasound (US). This study was conducted from July 2020 to July 2021 after obtaining approval from Institutional Ethical Committee. Patients with chronic venous insufficiency were enrolled after taking informed consent. Assessment of cutaneous layer (CL), subcutaneous layer (SCL), dermo-hypodermal junction (D-HJ), and other significant US findings were noted. Ninety-eight limbs were evaluated. Most common skin finding was dermal edema in 59 (60.2%) legs. Other findings included infiltrates, CL thickening, hyper echogenicity and thickening of SCL, anechoic lacunae, disappearance of D-HJ, and epidermal loss or change in thickness of epidermis. Notably, US detected dermal edema in 15 and infiltrates in five C2 legs (normal on inspection). US evaluation of skin changes adds insight to clinical assessment and may reveal skin changes in legs affected with CVD that may appear normal on clinical examination.

Associations between ultrasound screening findings and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis in an at-risk population

The rate of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is increasing every year, especially in northeastern Thailand. Screening for CCA using ultrasonography (US) is the fastest technique to identify patients in early stage of CCA development. Currently, few studies have examined patterns of hepatobiliary abnormalities identified using US, which can be indicative of CCA. We aim to evaluate the rate of CCA and its relations to history of US findings. Our study included participants who underwent US and pathological diagnosis of CCA from the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, Northeast Thailand between 2013 and 2020. Data on histological findings were based on the standard protocol of the tertiary hospital at Khon Kaen University. CCA data is categorized into two groups (yes/no) to find the relationship with history of US findings. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship obtained by multiple logistic regression. Of 1880 subjects who underwent US and a pathological diagnosis of CCA, the overall rate of CCA was 35.74%. CCA rate among those with liver mass (LM) was 54.85% and with dilated bile duct (DBD) was 62.01%. The relationship between DBD and CCA was highly significant (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI 2.74–4.36) followed by LM (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.81–2.86) P value < 0.001. Our study reveals that US findings history have a strong association with CCA, especially in people diagnosed with DBD and LM. Therefore, these abnormalities can be indicators for suspected CCA diagnosis through US.

The frequency and characteristics of ultrasonographic ankle joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: A prospective cross-sectional single-center study.

The involvement of ankles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been widely studied. The aim of our prospective study was to determine the characteristics of the ankle joint and tendon involvement in SLE using ultrasound (US) as an imaging modality. Sixty consecutive patients with SLE underwent a detailed clinical evaluation and US examination. Gray-scale and power Doppler US of the bilateral tibiotalar (TT) joints, subtalar (ST) joints, and ankle tendons were performed using a multiplanar scanning technique. Joint effusion, synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, and vascularization were assessed according to the OMERACT recommendations. The Total Ankle Ultrasound Score (TAUSS) was calculated as the sum of the grades of joint effusion and synovial hypertrophy for both TT and ST joints bilaterally (ranging from 0–24) and power Doppler activity was assessed separately. Finally, US findings were correlated with physical evaluation, laboratory parameters, and SLE activity scores. US ankle joint involvement was present in 32/60 (53.3%) patients. TT joints were affected in 26 (43.3%) and ST joints in 16 (26.7%) patients. Thirteen (21.7%) patients had US tendons and/or enthesal involvement. TT joint effusion was the most frequent finding, present in 55/240 (22.9%) examined joints, followed by synovial hypertrophy detected in 18/240 (7.5%) joints. The median (interquartile range; range) TAUSS of the US-affected joints was 1 (0–2; range 1–10). There were no significant correlations between US findings and inflammatory parameters or serological parameters of disease activity, but we found a weak positive correlation between TAUSS and the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (r = 0.281, P = .029). This study revealed a high prevalence of pathological US ankle changes in patients with SLE and a positive correlation between ankle US involvement and disease activity score (European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement).

Portal Vein Gas in Neonates: Predicting Clinical Treatment Outcomes From Ultrasound Findings.

To identify sonographic findings that predict clinical outcomes in neonates with portal vein gas. This retrospective study included neonates with portal vein gas detected using ultrasound (US). The US images were reviewed by a pediatric radiologist. US findings included the extent and amount of portal vein gas, mesenteric vein gas, intramural gas, bowel wall thickening or thinning, focal discontinuity of the bowel wall, ascites, free intra-abdominal gas, pseudocyst, gas in the other solid organs, and bowel distension. The imaging findings and demographic factors between survivors and non-survivors were statistically compared. The mortality rate was 26% (39 survivors, 14 non-survivors) when iatrogenic and idiopathic causes were excluded. The causes of portal vein gas were determined to be necrotizing enterocolitis (n=33), bowel distension or obstruction (n=12), fetal hydrops (n=4), pneumothorax (n=3), immediate postoperative state for bowel perforation (n=1), and umbilical vein catheterization (n=9) based on surgical findings (n=20) and clinical information (n=46). Gas within the mesenteric vein and the other solid organs, gestational age, and birth weight were significantly different between survivors and those who succumbed (P < .05). Gas within the mesenteric vein and other solid organs is a US finding that may predict poor outcomes in neonates with portal vein gas.

Use of an Easily Applicable Thyroid Imaging-Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS): Our Kwak TI-RADS Experience

Background: Early detection of malignant thyroid nodules is possible using ultrasonography (US)-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB), which is a minimally invasive and easily applicable method. There are several guidelines based on the US findings, including the Thyroid Imaging-Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), to identify patients requiring FNAB or patients with nodules suspicious of malignancy. Objectives: To emphasize the importance of the easily applicable Kwak TI-RADS classification system. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the radiological and pathological findings of 641 consecutive patients, who underwent US-FNAB in our center, were retrospectively evaluated. The relationship between the cytological/histopathological results and the US findings was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The results were also compared with the data in the literature. Results: In the univariate analysis, US features, including the presence of a solid component, hypoechogenicity, microlobulation or irregular margins, microcalcifications, and a taller-than-wide shape, were significantly associated with malignancy (P &lt; 0.05). However, in the multivariate analysis, only hypoechogenicity and a taller-than-wide shape significantly contributed to the diagnosis of malignancy (P &lt; 0.05). The malignancy rates of TI-RADS 3, 4a, and 4b lesions were lower in the present study compared to the literature. Conclusions: The US features, including the presence of a solid component, microcalcifications, hypoechogenicity, microlobulation or irregular margins, and a taller-than-wide shape, must be evaluated during US examinations. Besides, the widespread use of Kwak TI-RADS classification system, similar to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), should be encouraged to provide a common tool for clinicians and prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.

POS1271 PREVALENCE OF JOINT EFFUSION, HYPERPERFUSION AND ENTHESITIS IN YOUNG HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Background:The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommends using ultrasound (US) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in diagnosis (1). In addition, US examination is crucial for detecting enthesitis in the above mentioned rheumatic diseases. However, abnormal findings on US may also occur in healthy individuals as indicated by recent studies focusing on small joints like metacarpophalangeal joint, metatarsophalangeal joint or the elbow. (2,3)Ultrasound assessment of large joints in healthy individuals has not been extensively studied so far, causing a lack of information concerning normal values in musculoskeletal US examination.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of joint effusion, hyperperfusion of the synovia and enthesitis in large and medium-sized joints of healthy individuals.Methods:Ultrasound assessment of shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints as well as corresponding entheseal sites including the Achilles tendon and the plantar aponeurosis was performed in healthy individuals below the age of 30 years. Additionally, participants filled out a survey on their physical activity level, underwent a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and conducted a supervised weight training to determine their training volume. Prevalence of US findings was calculated, and a binary logistic regression model was applied to determine the association between the present findings and sex, age, handedness, hours of sports activity per week, BMI, amount of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) or training volume of strength training.Results:We included 51 healthy individuals with a mean age of 23.7 years, 52.9% were female with a mean BMI of 22.5 kg/m2. Ultrasound examination detected joint effusion in one joint in 25.5% (n=13), 29.4% (n=15) showed effusion in two of twelve examined joints. Joint effusion in three, four and five joints was detected in 9.8% (n=5), 3.9% (n=2) and 3.9% (n=2) of the cases, respectively. In 27.5% (n=14) of the individuals no joint effusion was observed. The most frequently affected joint was the elbow joint. Synovial hyperperfusion was not detected in any participant. Enthesitis was observed in one, two and three examined entheseal sites in 19.5% (n=10), 5.9% (n=3) and 2% (n=1), respectively. In 72% (n=37) of the examined individuals no pathology of the entheseal sites was found. Hyperperfusion presented to be the most frequent pathology observed in enthesitis (23%), followed by calcification (6%).Binary logistic regression model demonstrated a significant association between reported hours of sports activity per week and the prevalence of effusion in the knee (p = 0.017). The odds of joint effusion in the knee increased with the hours of sports activity by 34.1% (Exp(B)= 1.341, 95%-CI(1.054, 1.705)). Additionally, the odds of enthesitis in any entheseal site increased with BMI (p= 0.015, Exp(B) = 1.407, 95%-CI(1.068, 1.852).Binary logistic regression model did not show any significant association between sex, age, handedness, amount of SMM or training volume of strength training and the prevalence of joint effusion or enthesis pathology in the examined participants.Conclusion:Joint effusion in large and mid-sized joints as well as enthesitis are not only detected in patients with rheumatic diseases but also in healthy individuals. Hours of sports activity and BMI have a significant association with the findings and should be considered during ultrasound examination.

Ultrasonography to Assess the Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Lumbar Spine Asymmetry.

The effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on the lumbar spine has been studied qualitatively, but quantitative measurement of the effects of OMT has not been thoroughly investigated. To quantitatively measure the palpated improvements of OMT on the lumbar spine using ultrasonography (US) and correlate palpatory diagnosis with US measurements of lumbar asymmetry. From September to November 2018, we recruited 20 adult participants 18 years of age or older. Lumbar somatic dysfunction (SD) was identified via osteopathic palpation. US was then performed on all participants with standard machine settings (frequency, 7 MHz; depth, 7 cm; dynamic range, 60; tissue harmonic imaging; and single-image focus). Longitudinal images of each lumbar transverse process were recorded and saved bilaterally by an experienced radiologist and a medical student. The participant's SD was then managed using OMT, including Still technique, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, high-velocity low-amplitude technique, functional positional release, balanced ligamentous tension, and counterstrain. Following OMT, US was performed again in the same method. Measurements of the saved US images were reviewed using a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer. These measurements were obtained by 3 separate observers (J.W., A.K., S.M.), using the same computer software. Statistical analysis included a 2-tailed paired t-test to analyze rotational asymmetry pre- and posttreatment, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test intra- and interobserver reliability, and a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) to analyze the correlation between US findings and OMT. The difference in soft tissue thickness before and after OMT was significant (P=.014), indicating improvements in rotational asymmetry. Side-bending asymmetry did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement. US findings correlated with the physician's palpatory rotational diagnosis (PCC=0.62, P=.004). ICC was greater than 0.9 for intra- and interobserver reliability tests of both US operation and offline image processing. The results of this study demonstrate that US is a feasible method of evaluating the efficacy of OMT. These results show good intra- and interobserver reliability of US acquisition and landmark measurement. Our study suggests that US assessment correlated closely with palpatory diagnosis. Our results also suggest that OMT can significantly improve lumbar rotational asymmetry, but did not improve side-bending asymmetry.

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for group stratification and treatment monitoring in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate model.

The transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) is a widely used genetically engineered spontaneous prostate cancer model. However, both the degree of malignancy and time of cancer onset vary. While most mice display slowly progressing cancer, a subgroup develops fast-growing poorly differentiated (PD) tumors, making the model challenging to use. We investigated the feasibility of using ultrasound (US) imaging to screen for PD tumors and compared the performances of US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in providing reliable measurements of disease burden. TRAMP mice (n = 74) were screened for PD tumors with US imaging and findings verified with MRI, or in two cases with gross pathology. PD tumor volume was estimated with US and MR imaging and the methods compared (n = 11). For non-PD mice, prostate volume was used as a marker for disease burden and estimated with US imaging, MRI, and histology (n = 11). The agreement between the measurements obtained by the various methods and the intraobserver variability (IOV) was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. US screening showed 81% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 72% positive predictive value, and 91% negative predictive value. The smallest tumor detected by US screening was 14 mm3 and had a maximum diameter of 2.6 mm. MRI had the lowest IOV for both PD tumor and prostate volume estimation. US IOV was almost as low as MRI for PD tumor volumes but was considerably higher for prostate volumes. US imaging was found to be a good screening method for detecting PD tumors and estimating tumor volume in the TRAMP model. MRI had better repeatability than US, especially when estimating prostate volumes.

Integration of Physical Examination, Old and New Biomarkers, and Ultrasonography by Using Neural Networks for Pediatric Appendicitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical examinations, imaging, and laboratory analyses individually and combined using innovative statistical analysis methods for the accurate diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis. Patients admitted to hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain whose pediatric appendicitis scores greater than 3 were included in the study. Clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings and as a new biomarker calprotectin (CPT) concentrations were evaluated individually and combined using artificial neural networks (ANNs), which revealed latent relationships for a definitive diagnosis. Three hundred twenty patients were evaluated (190 appendicitis [43 perforated] vs 130 no appendicitis). The mean ± SD age was 11.3 ± 3.6 years and 63% were male. Pediatric appendicitis scores, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, procalcitonin (PCT) and CPT concentrations were higher in the appendicitis group; however, only WBC and ANC were higher in first 24 hours of pain. White blood cells and CRP were diagnostic markers in patients whose appendix could not be visualized using ultrasonography (US). On classic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the areas under the curve (AUCs) were not strong enough for differential diagnosis (WBC, 0.73; ANC, 0.72; CRP, 0.65; PCT and CPT, 0.61). However, when the physical examination, US, and laboratory findings were analyzed in a multivariate model and the ROC analysis obtained from the variables with ANN, an ROC curve could be obtained with 0.91 AUC, 89.8% sensitivity, and 81.2% specificity. C-reactive protein and PCT were diagnostic for perforated appendicitis with 0.83 and 0.75 AUC on ROC. Although none of the biomarkers were sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of appendicitis individually, a combination of physical examination and laboratory and US was a good diagnostic tool for pediatric appendicitis.

What predicts spontaneous passage of ≤ 1 cm ureteral stones in children?

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine what factors predict spontaneous passage of ≤1 cm ureteral stones in children. MethodsFiles of the patients diagnosed with a single ureteral stone on a given side between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with congenital obstructive uropathy, neurogenic bladder, vesicoureteral reflux and those with a stone diameter of >1 cm were excluded. Detection of ureteral stones was done using ultrasonography (US) primarily, and computed tomography when US findings were inconclusive. Patients were treated either conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment included adequate hydration and pain management whereas surgical treatment included ureteroscopic intervention. Apart from those who required urgent intervention, patients were referred for surgical treatment after 2–4 weeks of follow-up with no spontaneous passage. Factors analyzed for association of spontaneous passage included age, gender, type of hematuria, stone localization, laterality, presence of concomitant kidney stone, degree of hydronephrosis, stone size and stone composition. ResultsA total of 70 patients (38 males, 32 females); median age 4.7 years had a ≤ 1 cm ureteral stone (median diameter 7 mm). US was able to diagnose the ureteric stone in 47 patients while computed tomography was required in 23 patients. Spontaneous passage was observed in 40 patients (57.1%). Median time for stone passage was 8 days (3–34 days). Stone size and presence of hematuria (macroscopic and microscopic combined) were factors associated with spontaneous passage and 6.7 mm was found to be the cut-off (AUC = 0.953; 95% CI 0.905–1.000; sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 82.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, age, degree of hydronephrosis or stone location were not associated with spontaneous passage. ConclusionPatients with a ureteric stone size <6.7 mm can safely be followed conservatively, with a spontaneous passage rate of 82.5%.Type of StudyCase series with no comparison group.Level of EvidenceIV

Evaluating the role of strain ratio elastography in determining malignancy potential and calculating objective BIRADS US scores using ultrasonography and elastography features.

PurposeThe aims of this study were, firstly, to evaluate solid breast masses based on their malignancy potential and to determine whether the strain elastography ratio (SER) can contribute to classical grey-scale ultrasonography findings, and secondly, to define objective BIRADS US scores using ultrasound (US) and SER findings.Material and methodsA total of 280 patients and 297 solid breast masses were evaluated using sonographic and elastographic data. The SER was measured for each lesion.ResultsThe positive predictive values (PPV) for each criterion was calculated to be between 35% and 83.3%. The lowest PPV was obtained from hypoechogenicity (35%) and the highest PPV was obtained for anti-parallel features (83.3%). The difference between the mean SER of benign and malignant lesions was statistically significant. After ROC analysis, the SER cut-off value was calculated to be 3.1 for determining if the mass was benign or malignant. Mass scores were calculated for each solid breast mass based on positive predictive values, and BIRADS US score was defined as the sum of mass scores.ConclusionsSER findings can be used as malignancy criteria in evaluating solid breast masses. BIRADS US score can be objectively determined based on US and elastography features instead of doing subjective scoring. As an additional result, all solid breast masses have the possibility to be malignant, even though US and elastography findings indicate the opposite.

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging changes in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica treated by tocilizumab

BackgroundThis study assessed inflammatory changes using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients taking tocilizumab for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).MethodsEighteen patients were included in the prospective open-label TENOR study and received three tocilizumab infusions, without corticosteroids. B-mode and power Doppler US and MRI (T1 and T2-short time inversion recuperation weighted sequences) of the hips and shoulders were performed at weeks 0, 2, and 12. Subacromial, trochanteric, and iliopsoas bursitis and intraarticular glenohumeral and coxofemoral effusions/synovitis were scored from 0 to 3. Changes over time and US–MRI correlations were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, the proportions of shoulders and hips with bursitis were 93 and 100% by MRI and 61 and 13% by US; and the corresponding proportions for intraarticular effusions/synovitis were 100 and 100% by MRI and 57 and 53% by US. Imaging findings did not improve during the first two treatment weeks. From baseline to week 12, bursitis improved significantly at all four joints by MRI (P = 0.005) and US (P = 0.029) and intraarticular effusions/synovitis by US only (P = 0.001). The proportion of abnormalities that improved by week 12 was 42% by MRI and 37% by US. MRI detected bursitis in a larger proportion of hips (73% versus 13%) and US in a larger proportion of shoulders (57% versus 28%), whereas no difference was found for intraarticular effusions/synovitis. At baseline, agreement between US and MRI findings was poor.ConclusionsUS and MRI showed significant improvements in inflammatory lesions during tocilizumab treatment of PMR.

The Dorsal 4-finger Technique: A Novel Method to Examine Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To describe the dorsal 4-finger technique (DFFT) in examining metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare it to the traditional 2-finger technique (TFT) using ultrasound (US) as a gold standard. Four rheumatologists evaluated 180 MCP joints of 18 patients with RA. All patients underwent US for greyscale (GSUS) and power Doppler US (PDUS). Agreements between rheumatologists, the 2 techniques, and US were evaluated using Cohen κ and the first-order agreement coefficient (AC1) κ methods. The population comprised 17 females (94.4%) with a mean (SD) age and disease duration of 56.8 (14.4) and 21.8 (12.9) years, respectively. Eight patients (44.4%) were taking methotrexate monotherapy, while 10 patients (55.6%) were receiving biologics. US evaluation revealed 69 (38.3%) and 30 (16.7%) joints exhibited synovitis grade 2-3 by GSUS and PDUS, respectively. Effusion was documented in 30 joints (16.7%). The mean intraobserver agreement using the DFFT and TFT were 80.5% and 86%, respectively. The mean interobserver agreements using the DFFT and TFT were 84% and 74%, respectively. κ agreement with US findings was similar for both techniques in tender joints but was higher for the DFFT in nontender joints (0.33 vs 0.07, p = 0.015 for GSUS) and (0.48 vs 0.11, p = 0.002 for PDUS). The DFFT had a higher sensitivity in detecting ballottement by GSUS (0.47 vs 0.2, p < 0.001) and PDUS (0.60 vs 0.27, p < 0.001). The DFFT is a novel, reproducible, and reliable method to examine MCP joints, and it has a better correlation with US than the traditional TFT.

THE USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY TO EVALUATE MUSCLE THICKNESS AND SUBCUTANEOUS FAT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS.

ABSTRACTObjective: To compare muscle thickness and subcutaneous fat in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and healthy controls using ultrasonography (US), and to correlate US findings with nutritional, clinical and functional variables.Methods: Patients aged 6 to 18 years old with a diagnosis of CF and healthy controls were included. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, an ultrasonographic evaluation of muscle thickness and subcutaneous fat in the triceps, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius regions, and skinfold thickness measurements. Body fat percentage was estimated using skinfold measurement. Subjects with CF also underwent a pulmonary function assessment using spirometry.Results: We studied 39 CF patients and 45 controls. Alower body mass index was observed in CF patients (p=0.011). Body composition and muscle thickness were similar between the groups. Only calf (p=0.023) circumference and femur diameter (p<0.001) were lower in CF patients. Although there were no significant between-group differences in the comparison of US measurements of subcutaneous fat, CF patients exhibited decreased skinfold thickness in the triceps (p=0.031) and quadriceps (p=0.019). Moreover, there were weak and moderate correlations of US quadricep thickness with forced vital capacity (FVC) and lean mass, respectively. Moderate correlations of the triceps, quadriceps and gastrocnemius between US subcutaneous fat and skinfold measurements were found.Conclusions: Patients with CF presented a reduction in subcutaneous fat content. Muscle thickness correlated with FVC and nutritional parameters. In addition, US findings correlated positively with skinfold measurements.

Accuracy of injection and short-term pain relief following intra-articular corticosteroid injection in knee osteoarthritis \u2013 an observational study

BackgroundIntra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) are effective treatments for pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) but treatment response varies. There is uncertainty as to whether structural factors such as accurate placement of IACI affect outcome. We examined this question in a pragmatic observational study, using ultrasound (US) to verify accuracy of IACI.Methods105 subjects with KOA (mean age 63.1 years, 59% female) routinely referred for IACI underwent assessment of demographic factors, x-ray and US of the knee before aspiration and IACI (based on clinical landmarks) with 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide with lignocaine plus a small amount of atmospheric air by an independent physician. US demonstration of intra-articular mobile air, i.e. a positive air arthrosonogram, was used to determine accurate placement of injection. Both patients and injecting physicians were blind to the US findings. Pain at baseline, three and nine weeks post injection was assessed using the 500 mm WOMAC pain subscale and response defined as ≥ 40% reduction in pain from baseline. Inter-observer reliability of air-arthrosonogram assessment was good: κ 0.79 (three raters).ResultsSixty-three subjects (60.6%) were responders at three weeks and 43 (45.7%) at nine weeks. Seventy-four subjects (70.5%) had a positive arthrosonogram. A positive air arthrosonogram did not associate with a higher rate of response to treatment (p 0.389 at three weeks, p 0.365 at nine weeks). There was no difference in US effusion depth, power Doppler signal or radiographic grade between responders and non-responders to the injection, but female gender associated with response at 3 weeks and previous injection with non-response at 9 weeks.ConclusionsAccurate intra-articular injection of corticosteroid results did not result in superior outcome in terms of pain compared to inaccurate injection in symptomatic knee OA.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Radial Nerves in Patients with Unilateral Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis.

To evaluate the possible radial nerve entrapment of patients with unilateral refractory lateral epicondylitis (LE) by using ultrasound (US) and electroneuromyography. Cross-sectional study. Three physical medicine and rehabilitation departments. Consecutive 44 patients (15 M, 29 F) with unilateral refractory LE. All patients underwent detailed clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic evaluations. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate thickness and presence of abnormal findings of the common extensor tendon (CET) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the radial nerve (at spiral groove and before bifurcation) bilaterally. Unaffected sides of the patients were taken as controls. When compared with the unaffected sides, CET thickness and radial nerve CSAs (at both levels) were higher, and abnormal US findings regarding LE (47.7% vs. 6.8%) were more common on the affected sides than nonaffected sides (all P < 0.001). Grip strength values were lower on the affected sides ( P < 0.001). Electrophysiological studies were all normal, and similar between the two sides (all P > 0.05). When subgroup analyses were performed after taking into account the hand dominance, affected and dominant sides were found to be the same in 31 and different in 13 patients. In subgroups, CETs and radial nerve CSAs at both levels were higher on the affected sides (all P < 0.01). Radial nerves and the CETs seem to be swollen on the affected sides, independent from the hand dominance of the patients with refractory LE. These results morphologically support the previous literature that attributes some of the chronic complaints of these patients actually to radial nerve entrapment.

Changes in spastic muscles of patients with infantile cerebral palsy according to ultrasound findings

Infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) occupies a leading position in its prevalence among childhood disabling neurological diseases. Objective : to investigate the structure of spastic muscles in patients with ICP using ultrasonography (USG). Patients and methods . A total of 196 patients with ICP (spastic diplegia) who received a cycle of sanatorium-and-spa treatment underwent clinical, neurological, electromyographic examinations and lower limb muscle USG. Results . It was established that USG could reliably estimate the degree of structural changes in lower limb muscles. An average correlation was found between the level of development, by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS), and age at contracture formation (R=0.60; p=0.001). Analysis of USG and electromyographic findings in patients with ICP revealed a strong negative correlation with the amplitude and rates (R=-0.81; p=0.002; R=-0.77; p=0.001, respectively) and weak reciprocity-adequacy correlations (R=0.21; p=0.071; R=0.24; p=0.043, respectively). Conclusion. Based on the findings, the authors formed rehabilitation approaches for motor disorders in children with ICP in relation to the magnitude of structural changes in the muscular system.

P131 Targeted ultrasonography for MRI-detected lesions of preoperative breast cancer patients

Goals: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly performed to preoperatively evaluate the extent of breast cancer. However, proper management of secondary lesions detected by using MRI is sometimes challenging. Although MRI-guided biopsy is recommended to examine such lesions, the procedure is rarely performed. Therefore, these lesions are often investigated by using ultrasonography (US). Furthermore, the treating physicians might not always be familiar with the MRI lexicon by the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) for the management of MRI-detected lesions, possibly because MRI and US findings do not always correspond. The aim of this study was to examine the identification and malignancy rates of MRI-detected lesions by using US in preoperative breast cancer patients based on the BI-RADS lexicon. Methods:Of the 725 primary breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative breast MRI at Chiba University Hospital between November 2011 and June 2014, 102 were detected with secondary lesions and included in this study. We retrospectively analysed the identification rate of these lesions by using US and their malignancy frequency based on the BI-RADS classification. Results: MRI detected a total of 111 lesions, including 24 belonging to category 2, 40 of category 3, 45 of category 4, and 2 of category 5. The identification rates on US for each category were 50%, 60%, 89%, and 100%, respectively. Biopsy was performed to examine all lesions detected on US, and the malignancy rates for each category were 0%, 29%, 55%, and 100%, respectively. One patient who was diagnosed with category 4 lesions on MRI but undetectable on US eventually showed a relapse. Conclusion: The application of US for MRI-detected lesions is useful and convenient. However, approximately 10% of the cases with an MRI category of ≥4 were undetectable on US, especially non-mass enhancement lesions. Therefore, it is critical to improve detection capability, for example, by using real-time virtual sonography or repeating MRI within a short time period. Disclosure of Interest: No significant relationships.