Sonography for an Imperforate Anus: Approach,Timing of the Examination,and Evaluation of the Type of Imperforate Anus and Associated Anomalies

This systematic review outlines the role of sonography in an imperforate anus. The diagnostic performance for type of imperforate anus is superior on the day after birth than that on the day of birth by using the pouch‐perineum distance. Three approaches can be used (suprapubic, infracoccygeal, and perineal). The pouch‐perineum distance, fistula location, and relationship between the puborectalis muscle and distal rectal pouch are useful for classifying the type of imperforate anus. However, the pouch‐perineum distance measured has an overlap between the low and high/intermediate types of imperforate anus. Sonography can be useful for some of the associated anomalies and helpful for surgeons in some cases.     

Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Guidance for Interventional Procedures

Since its introduction, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained an important role in the diagnosis and management of abdominal and pelvic diseases. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound can improve lesion detection rates as well as success rates of interventional procedures when compared to conventional ultrasound alone. Additionally, CEUS enables the interventionalist to assess the dynamic enhancement of different tissues and lesions, without the adverse effects of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, such as exposure to ionizing radiation and nephrotoxicity from iodinated contrast material. This review article describes the various applications and advantages of the use of CEUS to enhance performance of ultrasound‐guided interventions in the abdomen and pelvis.     

How to Develop a Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Program

With the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride lipid‐type A microsphere, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Monroe Township, NJ) for contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to characterize focal liver lesions in both adult and pediatric patients, widespread use of CEUS is expected in the United States. This paper provides guidance in setting up a CEUS program, and reviews the practical details that will need to be instituted in a standard ultrasound department to provide both safe and efficient use of CEUS. A review of the indications, contraindications, adverse events, instructions for performing the exam, and image interpretation are discussed.     

Social Issues Among Children With High or Intermediate Imperforate Anus: A Proxy Perspective

PROBLEM:  Children with imperforate anus (IA) may be psychosocially affected.
METHODS:  Parents of children with IA and parents in two comparison groups rated their children using a study-specific questionnaire and the Competence Scales in the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Teachers rated Academic and Adaptive Functioning Scales in the Teacher's Report Form (TRF).
FINDINGS:  School items were rated favorably by the fathers of children with IA, and mothers reported less expression of their children's will. Children with IA were socially competent according to CBCL, although they received lower ratings on the TRF.
CONCLUSIONS:  Psychosocial issues seem to be challenging for children with IA, and this needs attention in care management.     

Behavior of Hepatocellular Adenoma on Real‐time Low‐Mechanical Index Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography With a Second‐Generation Contrast Agent

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior of histologically proven hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) on low‐mechanical index (MI) contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Methods. A review of the databases from 4 academic hospitals revealed 18 patients (15 female and 3 male; mean age, 40 years; range, 25–71 years) with 25 histologically proven HCA lesions who were studied with CEUS at a low MI (0.04–0.1). Results. Twenty‐four of 25 lesions (96%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.5%–99.3%) showed high‐intensity enhancement, scored as 3 on a scale of 0 to 3, whereas only 1 lesion (4%; 95% CI, 0.7%–19.5%) was scored as 2. The time of peak enhancement ranged between 10 and 19 seconds (average, 13 seconds). All but 1 of the 25 lesions (96%; 95% CI, 80.5%–99.3%) showed early homogeneous and centripetal enhancement during the hepatic arterial phase. No portal venous phase enhancement was observed in any lesion because all showed rapid wash‐out (100%; 95% CI, 86.7%–100%). Twenty lesions (80%; 95% CI, 60.9%–91.1%) were found to be isoechoic to slightly hypoechoic during the portal phase, and 19 (76%; 95% CI, 56.6%–88.5%) were isoechoic to mildly hypoechoic, whereas 7 (24%; 95% CI, 11.5%–43.4%) were hypoechoic during the late phase. Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is an effective technique for identifying the microvascular and macrovascular characteristics of HCA. Typically, HCA shows early (10–19 seconds) and centripetal enhancement during the arterial phase and isoechogenicity or mild hypoechogenicity during the portal phase, remaining slightly hypoechoic or isoechoic during the late phase in most cases.     

新生儿先天性肛门闭锁的围手术期护理

目的:总结32例新生儿先天性肛门闭锁的围手术期护理。方法:回顾性分析2003年1月至2006年4月32例新生儿先天性肛门闭锁的围手术期护理资料。结果:54例新生儿先天性肛门闭锁,男性45例,女性9例,其中32例接受了手术治疗。除1例因入院时病情尤其严重术后死亡,其他新生儿手术效果满意,痊愈出院。结论:做好新生儿体温管理,提供新生儿喂养技术指导,防止肺部并发症,加强肛门及造瘘口护理,对家属进行健康教育是保证新生儿安全渡过围手术期的关键。     

Contrast‐Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound for Follow‐up After Focal HIFU Ablation for Prostate Cancer

The optimal strategy for imaging after focal therapy for prostate cancer is evolving. This series is an initial report on the use of contrast‐enhanced transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in follow‐up of patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) hemiablation for prostate cancer. In 7 patients who underwent HIFU hemiablation, contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings were as follows: (1) contrast‐enhanced TRUS clearly showed the HIFU ablation defect as a sharply marginated nonenhancing zone in all patients; (2) contrast‐enhanced TRUS identified suspicious foci of recurrent enhancement within the ablation zone in 2 patients, facilitating image‐guided prostate biopsy, which showed prostate cancer; and (3) contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings correlated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy histologic findings.