Comparison of Single Versus Multiple Echogenic Foci in the Fetal Heart Regarding Risk of Aneuploidy

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether multiple echogenic cardiac foci (ECF) are associated with an increased risk of fetal trisomy 21 in our patient population. Methods. During a span of 38 months, all women found to have an ECF on obstetric sonography were identified as study patients and grouped into single‐ and multiple‐ECF groups. Age‐ and race‐matched patients were identified as a control group. Fetal anatomic sonographic examinations were assessed for other markers of aneuploidy and major abnormalities. The baseline risk for trisomy 21 was assessed by maternal serum screening or age alone if no serum screening had been performed. Trisomy 21 was assessed by amniocentesis or clinically at birth. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess for associations with trisomy 21. Results. Six of 71 patients (8.5%) with multiple ECF and 1 of 171 patients (0.6%) with a single ECF had trisomy 21. One of 242 control patients (0.4%) had trisomy 21. Logistic regression found multiple ECF (P < .008), the presence of a major finding or multiple minor findings (P = .0012), and a baseline risk for trisomy 21 of greater than 1 in 100 (P = .003) as independent associations with trisomy 21. Conclusions. Our results suggest that finding multiple ECF is a stronger predictor of trisomy 21 than what is described for a single ECF.     

Hp感染与上消化道疾病关系的初步探讨

目的：探讨幽门螺杆菌（Hp）感染与各种常见上消化道疾病的关系。方法：回顾性地分析了2008年于我院采用快速尿素酶试验（RUT）检测Hp的6636例门诊及住院患者Hp感染情况,及与性别、年龄、病种的关系。结果：6636例患者中,Hp阳性3 248例,检出率为48.9%;其中男性4 391例,检出率为49.97%,女性2245例,检出率为46.9%,男性略高于女性,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;20～29岁和30～39岁这两个年龄段Hp检出率最高,分别为58.4%和54.6%,〈20岁Hp检出率最低（38.8%）,各组间差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;各种常见的上消化道疾病,复合性溃疡和上消化道恶性肿瘤Hp检出率最高,分别为86.2%和84.1%,其次是幽门管溃疡和十二指肠溃疡,检出率分别为54.2%和51.9%,慢性胃炎、残胃炎、胃溃疡和食管静脉曲张Hp检出率分别为46.9%、40.0%、36.6%和34.2%,各组间的差异有显著的统计学意义（P〈0.005）。结论：本组资料Hp总检出率为48.9%,男性略高于女性,慢性胃炎、消化性溃疡和上消化道恶性肿瘤与Hp感染密切相关,尤以复合性溃疡和上消化道恶性肿瘤更为显著。     

Fetal Flow Redistribution to the Brain in Response to Malaria Infection

OBJECTIVE: Malaria during pregnancy induces deterioration of placental function, resulting in transient fetal hypoxia. Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of fetal Doppler indices for prediction of abnormal fetal heart rate at delivery and to compare the amplitude of the fetal vascular response to malaria in 2 groups of fetuses (1994 and 1996) separated by an interval of 2 years. METHODS: Every day during the crisis, the umbilical and cerebral resistance indices, the cerebral-umbilical resistance ratio, and the hypoxic index (mean percent cerebral-umbilical resistance ratio change x crisis duration) were calculated. RESULTS: In group 2 (1996), the duration of the flow redistribution period was about 7 days (mean cerebral-umbilical resistance ratio change +/- SD, 7%+/-4%; hypoxic index, 49+/-26; premature, 35%; and abnormal fetal heart rate, 17.5%). A hypoxic index greater than 150 predicted abnormal fetal heart rate with high sensitivity and specificity (group 1, 80% and 85%; and group 2, 100% and 91 %). Moreover, in group 2 (1996), the amplitude of the fetal vascular response and the rate of long-duration crisis were significantly lower than in group 1 (1994; P < .01). Nevertheless, the hypoxic index was much more predictive of fetal heart rate at delivery than the amplitude or duration (i.e., crisis duration) of the flow redistribution. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoxic index value during the crisis allowed prediction of abnormal fetal heart rate at delivery. In group 2, the absence of a long-term flow redistribution period and the smaller hemodynamic changes (lower hypoxic index) associated with a lower occurrence of abnormal fetal heart rate could be related to improvement of pregnancy management, acquired protection during the interval between the 2 studies, or both.     

Value of a complete sonographic survey in detecting fetal abnormalities: correlation with perinatal autopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity of using a complete anatomic sonographic survey in detecting fetal abnormalities via correlation with perinatal autopsy results. METHODS: All perinatal autopsies (1994-2001) with positive findings for at least 1 fetal abnormality and performed by a single perinatal pathologist at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. From these cases, singleton fetuses who received prenatal sonography solely in our unit were identified. The sensitivity of sonography in detecting anomalous fetuses as well as fetal abnormalities and abnormalities by organ system was determined. Abnormalities were classified as major or minor In addition, findings from sonography and autopsy were compared, and their correlation was assigned to 1 of 3 categories. RESULTS: Of 88 fetuses identified, 85 had 1 or more abnormal structural sonographic findings (sensitivity for fetuses with anomalies, 97%). A total of 372 separate abnormalities were found on autopsy; of the 299 major and 73 minor abnormalities, prenatal sonography showed 224 (75%) and 13 (18%), respectively. There was either complete agreement or only minor differences between sonographic and autopsy findings in 57 (65%) of 88. The sensitivity of sonography in identifying abnormalities was greater than 70% in these systems: central nervous system, cardiac system, urinary system, extremities, genitalia, ribs, and hydrops. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, sonography has 97% sensitivity in detecting anomalous fetuses when compared with perinatal autopsy results. Although the sensitivity of sonography in detecting major fetal abnormalities is 75%, the sensitivity for minor abnormalities is poor, even when using a complete anatomic sonographic survey. Although it has limitations, this type of survey is invaluable for both patients and physicians in diagnosing fetal abnormalities.     

Intermittent sonographic guidance in air enemas for reduction of childhood intussusception.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the value of intermittent sonographic guidance in nonsurgical air reduction of childhood intussusception. METHODS: The study group included 86 consecutive childhood intussusceptions confirmed on sonography for which we designed an air enema. With intermittent sonographic guidance of our own method, air was gradually injected to the initial intracolonic pressure of 60 mm Hg, which we attempted for 30 seconds on the initial attempt. If the air enema reduction attempts were not successful at a given pressure setting, we repeated the technique at each pressure setting upgraded by increments of 20 mm Hg up to 120 mm Hg. Surgery was performed when even repeated reduction attempts at the maximum intracolonic pressure of 120 mm Hg were unsuccessful. We calculated the successful reduction rate for the intussusceptions at each pressure setting. RESULTS: The overall success rate of sonographically guided air enema reductions was 95% (82/86). The success rates of air enema reductions at 60, 80, 100, and 120 mm Hg showed progressive increases of 53% (42/86), 67% (58/86), 78% (67/86), and 95% (82/86), respectively, with no immediate recurrence and no gross perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intermittent sonographic guidance in air enemas is thought to help safely increase successful reductions of childhood intussusception even with sufficient air enema attempts.     

Sonography of the gastrointestinal tract.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of sonographic manifestations of various gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS: Patients were scanned with an HDI 3000 or HDI 5000 system (Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, WA) with both a 2- to 5-MHz curvilinear transducer and a 5- to 12-MHz linear transducer. The patients were asked to fast from the previous night. For accurate visualization of the stomach, a cup of water was given to patients thought to have stomach or upper gastrointestinal disease. RESULTS: A satisfactory sonographic examination could be performed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: With recent technical advances, the increasing use of sonography in initial evaluation of patients with abdominal pain may allow earlier detection of bowel disease.     

The Grand Unifying Theory of Bright Echoes in the Fetal and Neonatal Brain

The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate that the high‐amplitude reflecting structures in the fetal and neonatal brain can be explained by the echogenicity of their leptomeningeal coverings or leptomeningeal origins. The leptomeninges, especially the pia mater, constitute the “grand unifying theory of bright reflectors” in the fetal and neonatal brain. Images from fetal and neonatal sonograms were selected to illustrate the objectives above.     

Echogenic focus in the gastrointestinal wall as a sign of ulceration

An ultrasound study carried out on 22 patients with ulcerated gastrointestinal lesions (20 adenocarcinomas and 2 peptic ulcers) showed, in all cases, an echogenic focus (EF) that was situated in the gastrointestinal wall. In order to find out the histopathologic significance of this focus and its location, an examination was made in vitro of 8 surgical specimens obtained from gastrectomies-6 from peptic and 2 from malignant ulcers. The specimens were immersed in a water bath using a 5-MHz transducer. A common finding in all the specimens was an EF similar to that seen in the clinical study and situated behind the crater of the ulcer. In this location the histopathologic findings demonstrated necrotic and inflammatory material in both the benign and malignant lesions.     

Endoluminal sonography of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts.

OBJECTIVE: Endoluminal sonography with high-frequency catheter-based transducers is a technique well suited to imaging structures beyond the lumen of the hollow viscus. The purpose of this article was to review some aspects of endoluminal sonography, including instrumentation, clinical applications in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, and its three-dimensional reconstruction. METHODS: The development of 6F to 10F catheter-based ultrasonic probes has made this technique available for use within a variety of lumina. Endoluminal sonography with frequencies of 9 to 20 MHz has been used for evaluation of a wide range of abnormalities in both the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. RESULTS: Uses in the gastrointestinal tract include quantification of esophageal varices, distinguishing between various submucosal lesions, and measuring the degree of fibrosis in scleroderma. In the genitourinary system, endoluminal sonography has been used to guide collagen injection, to diagnose urethral diverticula and upper tract neoplasms, to locate crossing vessels and septa for guiding endopyelotomy, and to identify submucosal calculi. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution endoluminal sonography is a new sonographic approach for evaluation of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. This should lead to the expansion of the diagnostic capabilities of sonography, providing important information for decision making relative to patient care and minimally invasive interventional procedures. Reconstructed three-dimensional endoluminal sonography has the potential to become a valuable tool in both the research and clinical areas.     

The clinical significance of an empty renal fossa on prenatal sonography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the significance of an empty renal fossa on prenatal sonography. METHODS: A hospital database was reviewed retrospectively to find all fetuses with an empty renal fossa diagnosed on prenatal sonography between 1989 and 2003. For each case, prenatal and postnatal data were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-three fetuses had an empty renal fossa: 49 on the left, 41 on the right, and 3 unspecified. Forty-four fetuses were male and 29 were female. For 20, the sex was not recorded. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 29.5 weeks. Final diagnoses were made on the basis of prenatal and postnatal imaging. The missing kidney was ectopic in 39 cases (42%): 34 in the pelvis, 4 fused to the contralateral kidney, and 1 in the thorax due to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The absent kidney was never located in 44 cases (47%) and presumed to be congenitally absent. Ten kidneys (11%) originally thought absent were normally located, 7 of which were dysplastic, 2 normal, and 1 infiltrated by a tumor. In 39 patients (42%), other anomalies were identified, sometimes involving multiple systems, most commonly genitourinary (29) and cardiovascular (13). Of the 77 cases with the number of umbilical cord vessels recorded, 68 (88%) were normal and 9 (12%) had only 2 vessels. CONCLUSIONS: If a kidney is not found in the renal fossa, most are either ectopic (42%) or congenitally absent (47%). An empty renal fossa is often (42%) associated with other congenital anomalies.     

双对比造影诊断上胃肠道肿瘤的价值再认识

目的：探讨双对比造影在当前医疗过程中是否对上胃肠道肿瘤仍为基本的诊断手段。材料和方法：回顾性分析1991－1997年来我院临床初诊为上消化道疾病并作双对比造影检查的11840病例，其中胃镜及活检阴性的肿瘤59例，评价双对比造影对上消化道肿瘤的诊断价值。结果：检出肿瘤总数为3443人次，检出率29．1％，其中恶性肿瘤3435例，占肿瘤的99．7％，包括食管癌2708例（78．9％），胃癌701例（20％），十二指肠空肠近段肿瘤34例（1％）。早癌55例，检出率1．6％，多重癌17例，为0．5％。临床内镜及活检阴性的59例肿瘤中，食管癌17例，贲门癌20例，浸润型胃癌11例，溃疡性胃癌5例，空肠癌6例，其中被钡剂双对比检查诊断57例，准确率97．8％。结论：双对比造影仍然是上胃肠道肿瘤敏感的诊断技术，尤其对粘膜下浸润，以管腔狭窄为主的病变以及胃贲门、空肠近侧段的肿瘤诊断具有优势。     

Improved sonographic visualization of the appendix with a saline enema in children with suspected appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether abdominal sonography after a saline enema can identify the appendix that is not visualized at graded compression sonography in children with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: High-frequency compression sonography was prospectively performed in 120 consecutive children with suspected appendicitis; the appendix was not identified in 27 of these patients. Among the 27 patients with a nonvisualized appendix, abdominal sonography after a saline enema was performed in 12 to identify the appendix. RESULTS: Abdominal sonography after the saline enema revealed the appendix in all 12 children in whom the appendix was not visualized at graded compression sonography. A normal appendix was found in 11 children, and acute appendicitis confined to the appendiceal tip was found in 1. The appendix was located in the pelvis (n = 5), posterior to the cecum (n = 4), posterior to the ileum (n = 2), and anterior to the ileum (n = 1). The appendix could be identified by using a window of the saline-filled sigmoid colon (n = 5), saline-filled cecum (n = 4), and saline-filled terminal ileum (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal sonography after a saline enema is a helpful technique for depiction of the appendix that is not visible at graded compression sonography in children with suspected appendicitis. Key words: appendix, sonography; appendicitis; children, gastrointestinal tract.     

Correlation between the diameter of the main renal artery and the presence of an accessory renal artery: sonographic and angiographic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the diameter of the main renal artery is an indicator of the presence of an accessory renal artery in sonographic examination. METHODS: Of cases undergoing renal intraarterial digital subtraction angiography for any reason, those with no renal arterial disease detected on digital subtraction angiography were included in the investigation. Accessory renal arteries were disclosed by digital subtraction angiographic examinations. The dimensions of the kidney were measured sonographically. The lowest, highest, and mean values of diameters of main renal arteries were determined by sonography and angiography in both the group with accessory renal arteries and the group without accessory renal arteries. RESULT: Of kidneys with sonographically normal dimensions, angiographic evaluation was made in 107, and sonographic evaluation was made in 97, the renal arteries of which could be visualized optimally. Both radiologic methods showed that diameters of main renal arteries were significantly smaller in the presence of the accessory renal artery (P < .001, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic curve). CONCLUSIONS: In sonographic examination, the presence of the main renal artery with a diameter smaller than usual in a kidney with normal dimensions is indicative of the presence of an accessory renal artery. Taking this into account, we can obtain higher rates of detection of accessory renal arteries in sonographic examinations.     

Sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis

Acute colonic diverticulitis is a common cause of acute abdominal symptoms, especially in elderly patients. Sonography is frequently used as the initial imaging modality because of its ready availability. This pictorial essay aims to provide an overview of the sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis and of the more common differential diagnosis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009