Sonographic anatomy of the larynx, with particular reference to the vocal cords

Sonographic images of the vocal cords were obtained in 41 healthy human subjects using a phased array realtime ultrasound scanner. The thyroid cartilage provides the acoustic window for sonographic visualization of the vocal cords. The false vocal cords appear as hyperechoic structures, while the true vocal cords are seen as hypoechoic structures. The symmetry of movement of the vocal cords during respiration becomes apparent on examination in real time. Sonography may prove to be a potentially useful technique for the examination of the vocal cords.     

Comparison Between Exclusively Long‐Axis and Multiple‐Axis Sonographic Protocols for Screening of Rotator Cuff Lesions in Symptomatic Shoulders

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exclusively long‐axis sonography differs from a multiple‐axis scanning protocol as a screening tool for rotator cuff lesions in symptomatic shoulders when compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods. A total of 509 consecutive patients (mean age, 52.8 years) referred for MRI were also routinely evaluated by sonography. We initially performed exclusively long‐axis sonography and graded the rotator cuff as normal or abnormal. Patients subsequently underwent a full sonographic protocol using multiple‐axis views. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with sonographic findings for both techniques. Results. The overall accuracy of sonography was greater than 90%. We found divergent results from different sonographic techniques in 34 patients. Of these, 8 were multiple‐axis false‐negative; 14 were exclusively long‐axis false‐negative; 6 were exclusively long‐axis false‐positive; and 6 were multiple‐axis false‐positive. All cases with divergent false‐negative findings on multiple‐axis sonography showed tendinosis on MRI. Causes for false‐negative findings on exclusively long‐axis sonography included tendinosis and partial‐thickness tears of the supraspinatus. No statistically significant difference was seen between both sonographic techniques compared with MRI in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (P > .05). Conclusions. Sonography is reliable for detecting rotator cuff abnormalities. Exclusively long‐axis sonography seems appropriate as a screening tool for rotator cuff lesions in symptomatic shoulders.     

Disturbances in airflow dynamics and tracheal sounds during forced and quiet breathing in subjects with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Variable extra thoracic obstruction has been found in spirometric studies in subjects with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The aim of the study was to further evaluate airflow dynamics in these subjects with body plethysmography and tracheal sound analysis. Ten patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis without a history of chronic pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy control subjects were studied. Flow‐volume spirometry, body plethysmography and tracheal sound analysis were performed within 1 day. The study shows that peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and specific airway conductance (SG_aw) expressed as percentage of Finnish reference values were significantly lower and airway resistance (R_aw) was higher among the patients than among the controls (P=0·004, P=0·026 and P=0·004, respectively). The patients had higher sound amplitude of both inspiratory and expiratory tracheal sounds than the controls [root mean square (RMS) values of the power spectra were 31·5 and 25 dB, P=0·006 in inspiration and 31·5 and 26 dB, P=0·013 in expiration, respectively]. Quartile frequencies (F25 and F50) and RMS of expiratory tracheal sounds had significant negative correlation with PIF (P=0·02, P<0·001, P=0·02, respectively) and forced inspiratory volume in 1 s (FIV₁) (P=0·01, P<0·001, P=0·01, respectively). There was also an association between F50 and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P=0·02). According to the present study, both quiet breathing and forced inspiration are disturbed in subjects with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. A close relationship between tracheal sounds and respiratory function tests exists.     

Usefulness of Renal Volume Measurements Obtained by a 3‐Dimensional Sonographic Transducer With Matrix Electronic Arrays

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography using a matrix array transducer to measure renal volume. Methods. One hundred consecutive patients with a normal serum creatinine level and kidney appearance on computed tomography (CT) performed within 2 months before sonography were enrolled in this study. Two hundred individual renal volumes were blindly obtained by the ellipsoid formula, the stacked ellipse method, the voxel count method using routine 2‐dimensional (2D) sonographic data, 3D sonographic data using a matrix array transducer, and CT data, respectively. The voxel count method was validated as the reference standard by the water displacement method in 10 cadaveric pig kidneys (r = 0.99; P < .001). Renal volumes determined by 2D and 3D sonography were compared with volumes determined by CT. Results. Volumes determined by 2D sonography were significantly lower than those determined by CT (P < .001) but similar to those determined by 3D sonography (P = .78). The percent volume error of 3D sonography (mean ± SD, ?2.2% ± 3.7%) was significantly lower than that of 2D sonography (?15.7% ± 11.8%) with CT as the standard (P < .001). The correlation coefficient between 3D sonography and CT (r = 0.98; P < .0001) was better than that between 2D sonography and CT (r = 0.83; P < .0001). In addition, Bland‐Altman analysis revealed that the limits of agreement between 3D sonography and CT (?9.7% to 5.1%) were narrower than those between 2D sonography and CT (?45.6% to 9.8%). Conclusions. Three‐dimensional sonography with a matrix array transducer can significantly reduce renal volume measurement errors and offers a reliable means of determining renal volumes.     

Three‐Dimensional Power Doppler Vascular Sonographic Sampling for Predicting Ovarian Cancer in Cystic‐Solid and Solid Vascularized Masses

Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of 3‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler (PD) sonography to discriminate between benign and malignant cystic‐solid and solid vascularized adnexal masses and to define cutoff values for 3D PD indices to be used in a clinical setting. Methods. A total of 143 consecutive women (mean age, 50.4 years; range, 17–82 years) with diagnoses of cystic‐solid or solid vascularized adnexal masses on B‐mode and 2‐dimensional PD sonography were evaluated by 3D PD sonography before surgery. Three‐dimensional PD sonography was used to assess vascularization within papillary projections and solid areas with a virtual organ computer‐aided analysis program. Three‐dimensional PD vascular indices (vascularization index [VI], flow index [FI], and vascularization‐flow index [VFI]) were automatically calculated. A definitive histologic diagnosis was obtained in each case. Results. A total of 113 masses (74%) were malignant, and 39 (26%) were benign. Morphologic evaluation revealed 30 unilocular solid masses (19.7%), 43 multilocular solid masses (28.3%), and 79 mostly solid masses (52%). The mean VI (9.365% versus 3.3%; P < .001), FI (34.318 versus 28.794; P < .001), and VFI (3.233 versus 1.15; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in malignant tumors. No differences were found in the resistive index, pulsatility index, and peak systolic velocity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.85), 0.71 (0.60–0.81), and 0.75 (0.66–0.83) for the VI, FI and VFI, respectively. For reducing the false‐positive rate by almost one‐third, sensitivity values for the VI (cutoff, 1.556%), FI (25.212), and VFI (0.323) were 92%, 95%, and 93%, respectively. Conclusions. Three‐dimensional PD vascular indices could be helpful for reducing the false‐positive rate in cystic‐solid and solid vascularized adnexal masses.     

Sonographic Findings for the Common Extensor Tendon of the Elbow in the General Population

Objective. To describe structural characteristics and sonographic alterations of the common extensor tendon (CET). Methods. In 240 patients, we determined the body mass index; sonographic CET thickness, morphologic characteristics, and alterations; and color Doppler measurements of the epicondylar artery width and peak systolic velocity. Age, sex, epicondylalgia history, activities (work, sports, and hobbies), and dominant and nondominant elbows were noted. Results. The CET was thicker in the dominant elbow (4.77 versus 4.61 mm [P = .023]), male patients (dominant, 5.09 versus 4.46 mm [P < .001]; nondominant, 5.00 versus 4.21 mm [P < .001]), patients involved in risk activities (dominant, 5.21 versus 4.70 mm [P < .001]; nondominant, 5.12 versus 4.53 mm [P < .001]), and those with a history of epicondylalgia (right, 5.27 versus 4.70 mm [P < .001]; left, 4.86 versus 4.60 mm [P = .316]). Thickness correlated weakly with age (dominant, r = 0.284; nondominant, r = 0.215) and moderately with weight (dominant, r = 0.492; nondominant, r = 0.502). The mean epicondylar artery diameter was 1.35 mm (SD, 0.96 mm); mean peak velocity, 13.01 cm/s (SD, 4.90 cm/s). Morphologic abnormalities were found in 79.5% of patients with a history of epicondylalgia; 7.7% with no history had abnormalities; and 55.9% with abnormalities but no history were older than 55 years. Bone spurs (49.2% versus 16.4% [P < .001]), tendon calcifications (21.5% versus 3.9% [P < .001]), and bone cortex abnormalities (12.3% versus 1.7% [P < .001]) were found more often in non‐normal elbows; 79.4% of bone spurs in normal elbows occurred in patients older than 55 years. Conclusions. Mild sonographic alterations in the CET and bone spurs should be considered with caution when assessing epicondylar pain, especially in patients older than 55 years and those with a history of epicondylalgia.     

Benign Tumors and Pseudotumors of the Nail

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the scope of high‐resolution sonography in the detection of benign tumors and pseudotumors of the nail unit. Methods. We performed a retrospective study of the sonographic findings in 103 consecutive patients with benign tumors and pseudotumors of the nail that were medically derived and confirmed histologically. Statistical analysis (Student t test) was performed comparing clinical and sonographic diagnoses. Results. Common benign tumors and pseudotumors of the nail can be detected on sonography, and they present different sonographic morphologic characteristics. According to origin, the lesions were considered ungual in 73% (n = 75) and periungual in 27% (n = 28) of the cases. Sonography showed their nature (solid or cystic), location, and extension as well as regional blood flow. In 35% of the cases, the use of sonography modified the clinical diagnosis, although the detailed anatomic information provided by sonography was useful in the planning of surgery in all cases. The addition of sonography was significant (P < .001) for the diagnosis of subungual exostosis and granulomas in comparison to clinical diagnosis. Conclusions. Sonography is a noninvasive imaging method that can reliably detect common benign tumors and pseudotumors of the nail and provide precise data about their characteristics. This imaging modality can support diagnosis and surgery and can allow a better definition and improvement of the cosmetic outcome of the treatment.     

Outcome Prediction for Treatment of Tubal Pregnancy Using an Intramuscular Methotrexate Protocol

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome predictors of intramuscular methotrexate therapy for tubal pregnancy. Methods. This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Fifty‐five consecutive women (mean age, 31 years; range, 18–45 years) who were treated with intramuscular methotrexate therapy for tubal pregnancy were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data (maternal age, gestational age, and serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin [β‐hCG] level) and transvaginal sonographic findings (size, gross appearance, presence of a gestational product or heartbeat, and amount of the fluid collection) were assessed as potential predictors of the treatment outcome. The Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables, and the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for continuous variables. Treatment failure was defined as the need for surgical intervention. Results. Women with successful treatment differed from women with unsuccessful treatment with respect to the serum β‐hCG level, the gross appearance of tubal pregnancy, and the presence of a gestational product such as a yolk sac or embryo (P <.001; P = .01; and P =.008, respectively). All of the tubal pregnancies with a gestational product appeared as a tubal ring on transvaginal sonography. A high serum β‐hCG level of greater than 2390 mIU/mL and a transvaginal sonographic appearance of a tubal ring were the important predictors associated with failure of intramuscular methotrexate therapy for tubal pregnancy. Conclusions. Measurement of the serum β‐hCG level and evaluation of the transvaginal sonographic appearance of tubal pregnancy are helpful for predicting treatment outcomes in women who receive intramuscular methotrexate therapy for tubal pregnancy.     

Sonographic Features of Follicular Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas in Comparison With Conventional Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the sonographic features as well as the results of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTCs) and conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTCs). Methods. Forty patients with 44 FVPTCs and 59 patients with 74 conventional PTCs were enrolled in this study. The sonographic features, sonographic gradings, and FNAB results were compared between the two groups. Results. The mean nodule size of FVPTCs was larger than that of conventional PTCs (17.70 versus 10.53 mm; P < .001). Sonographic features of an ovoid-to-round shape (95% versus 73%), isoechogenicity (52% versus 8%), and a hypoechoic halo (25% versus 3%) were more frequent in FVPTCs than conventional PTCs (P < .001). Sonographic features of a taller-than-wide shape (5% versus 22%), a spiculated margin (7% versus 32%), marked hypoechogenicity (5% versus 38%), and microcalcification (7% versus 24%) were rarer in FVPTCs than conventional PTCs (P < .05). The incidence of a sonographically malignant grade was also lower in FVPTCs (48%) than conventional PTCs (81%; P < .001). A diagnosis of PTC on FNAB of FVPTCs was less common than that of conventional PTCs (28% versus 56%; P = .0393); however, a diagnosis of an indeterminate cytologic type such as atypical cells or follicular lesions in FVPTCs was higher than that in conventional PTCs (46% versus 19%; P = .0418). Conclusions. Follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinomas show a relatively larger size, more benign sonographic features, a lower incidence of a sonographically malignant grade, and a lower diagnostic rate of PTC on FNAB compared with conventional PTCs.     

喉上神经阻滞用于经口清醒气管插管的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨喉上神经阻滞用于经口清醒气管插管的临床效果。方法:选取拟于全麻下行择期颈椎手术的患者60例,按随机数字表法分为2组,喉上神经阻滞组(S组,30例)和对照组(C组,30例)。记录2组入室后10 min(T1)、纤支镜通过咽部即刻(T2)、纤支镜通过声门即刻(T3)、气管导管通过声门即刻(T4)4个时间点的脉搏血氧饱和度(SpO_2)、心率(heart rate,HR)、平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure, MAP)以及一次插管成功率、声带活动度、呛咳程度、患者满意度及相关并发症。结果:所有患者均一次性完成气管插管,未出现低氧血症,无相关严重并发症发生。喉上神经阻滞操作时间为(1.29±0.29)min。S组声带活动度、呛咳程度及患者满意度评分均显著优于C组(P0.05)。S组T3、T4时间点MAP和HR均显著低于C组(P0.05)。结论:采用喉上神经阻滞不影响一次插管成功率,能提供更好的清醒气管插管条件,插管过程中声带活动度低,呛咳程度轻,血流动力学更稳定,患者满意度高,且无相关严重并发症发生。     

Straight Vessel Pattern and Rapid Filling Time

Six patients with 7 lesions that were histologically confirmed as primary testicular lymphoma were preoperatively investigated with a standardized sonographic protocol including contrast‐enhanced sonography. Duplex and contrast‐enhanced sonography showed marked hypervascularization in all 7 lesions. On contrast‐enhanced sonography, the filling time of lymphomatous lesions was significantly shorter than the filling time of a size‐matched sample of 10 patients with seminomas (P < .0001). The sonographic hallmarks of testicular lymphoma in our case series were as follows: (1) sharply demarcated homogeneous hypoechoic testicular lesions with marked hypervascularization; (2) a rapid (<7 seconds) filling time of contrast bubbles; and (3) a straight and parallel course of intralesional vessels on contrast‐enhanced sonography.     

Sonographic Elastography Combined With Conventional Sonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of conventional sonography combined with sonographic elastography for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions and to assess the diagnostic performance with two types of interpretation criteria for sonographic elastography. Methods. For this study, we included 281 lesions from 267 patients that were diagnosed as benign or malignant by sonographically guided biopsy and prospectively analyzed by conventional sonography and sonographic elastography from October to December 2007. The histopathologic results from sonographically guided biopsy were used as a reference standard. The final assessments were made prospectively on the basis of conventional sonography alone and then by sonographic elastography combined with conventional sonography. The diagnostic performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (A_z) was compared on the basis of conventional sonography alone and on elastography combined with conventional sonography. We also calculated the area ratio of lesions detected by elastography and the elasticity score reported by Itoh et al (Radiology 2006; 239:341–350). Results. The areas under the ROC curve for conventional sonography and the combination of conventional sonography and sonographic elastography were 0.927 and 0.876, respectively. The area ratio of the lesion had better diagnostic performance (A_z, 0.757) than the elasticity score (A_z, 0.54; P < .05). Conclusions. The diagnostic performance of radiologists with respect to the characterization of breast masses as benign or malignant was not significantly improved with sonographic elastography. The area ratio of the lesion had a better diagnostic value in elastography than the elasticity score.     

Sonographic Findings of High‐Grade and Non–High‐Grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast

Objective. The purpose of this study was to differentiate between high‐grade and non–high‐grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast on sonography. Methods. From October 2003 to August 2009, 76 DCIS lesions in 73 women who underwent sonography and mammography were included in this study. Lesions were confirmed by mastectomy, breast‐conserving surgery, or surgical biopsy. Images were analyzed by 2 radiologists with consensus and were correlated with histologic grades. Results. Of the 76 lesions, 44 were classified as high‐‐grade and 32 as non–high‐grade DCIS. Fifty‐seven lesions (75.0%) were identified on sonography, which revealed a mass in 30 cases, microcalcifications in 20, ductal changes in 4, and architectural distortion in 3. All cases with false‐negative findings on sonography (n = 19) showed microcalcifications on mammography. On sonography, masses were more frequently found in non–high‐grade (62.5%) than high‐grade DCIS (22.7%; P < .01). No significant difference was seen in the sonographic features of masses between high‐grade and non–high‐grade DCIS. Microcalcifications were more common in high‐grade (43.2%) than non–high‐grade (3.1%) DCIS (P = .02). Most sonographically visible microcalcifications had associated findings such as ductal changes (n = 11), a mass (n = 7), or a hypoechoic area (n = 5). The detection rate of microcalcifications on sonography was higher in high‐grade (62.9%) than non–high‐grade DCIS (25.0%; P = .023). Conclusions. Microcalcifications with associated ductal changes (11 of 31 [35.5%]) were the most common sonographic findings in high‐grade DCIS. An irregular hypoechoic mass with an indistinct and microlobulated margin (13 of 26 [50.0%]) was the most frequent finding in non–high‐grade DCIS.     

支撑喉镜联合鼻内镜下内侧微瓣法切除声带息肉对嗓音声学指标的影响

目的探讨支撑喉镜联合鼻内镜下内侧微瓣法切除声带息肉对患者嗓音声学指标的影响。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2017年8月于该院就诊的80例声带息肉患者的临床资料,其中33例在直视支撑喉镜下行声带息肉切除术治疗的患者为对照组,47例在支撑喉镜联合鼻内镜下行内侧微瓣法治疗的患者为研究组。比较两组患者术前、术后的嗓音声学指标[基频微扰(Jitter)、振幅微扰(Shimmer)、标准化噪声能量(NNE)和谐噪比(H/N)],临床疗效及并发症的发生率。结果两组患者术前嗓音声学指标Jitter、Shimmer、NNE及H/N比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组患者术后2、4周的Jitter、Shimmer、NNE水平均较术前降低(P<0.05),H/N水平较术前升高(P<0.05),且研究组患者术后2、4周嗓音声学指标均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组患者治愈率高于对照组(P<0.05);研究组患者并发症发生率明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论支撑喉镜联合鼻内镜下内侧微瓣法切除声带息肉术后患者嗓音功能恢复良好,疗效显著,并发症少,值得在临床推广应用。     

Role of Ulnar Nerve Sonography in Leprosy Neuropathy With Electrophysiologic Correlation

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of ulnar nerve sonography in leprosy neuropathy with electrophysiologic correlation. Methods. Twenty‐one consecutive patients with leprosy (12 men and 9 women; mean age ± SD, 47.7 ± 17.2 years) and 20 control participants (14 men and 6 women; mean age, 46.5 ± 16.2 years) were evaluated with sonography. Leprosy diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical, bacteriologic, and histopathologic criteria. The reference standard for ulnar neuropathy in this study was clinical symptoms in patients with proven leprosy. The sonographic cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of the ulnar nerve in 3 different regions were obtained. Statistical analyses included Student t tests and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results. The CSAs of the ulnar nerve were significantly larger in the leprosy group than the control group for all regions (P < .01). Sonographic abnormalities in leprosy nerves included focal thickening (90.5%), hypoechoic areas (81%), loss of the fascicular pattern (33.3%), and focal hyperechoic areas (4.7%). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a maximum CSA cutoff value of 9.8 mm² was the best discriminator (sensitivity, 0.91; specificity, 0.90). Three patients with normal electrophysiologic findings had abnormal sonographic findings. Two patients had normal sonographic findings, of which 1 had abnormal electrophysiologic findings, and the other refused electrophysiologic testing. Conclusions. Sonography and electrophysiology were complementary for identifying ulnar nerve neuropathy in patients with leprosy, with clinical symptoms as the reference standard. This reinforces the role of sonography in the investigation of leprosy ulnar neuropathy.     

Does the Use of Automated Fetal Biometry Improve Clinical Work Flow Efficiency?

This study was designed to compare the work flow efficiency of manual measurements of 5 fetal parameters with a novel technique that automatically measures these parameters from 2‐dimensional sonograms. This prospective study included 200 singleton pregnancies between 15 and 40 weeks' gestation. Patients were randomly allocated to either manual (n = 100) or automatic (n = 100) fetal biometry. The automatic measurement was performed using a commercially available software application. A digital video recorder captured all on‐screen activity associated with the sonographic examination. The examination time and number of steps required to obtain fetal measurements were compared between manual and automatic methods. The mean time required to obtain the biometric measurements was significantly shorter using the automated technique than the manual approach (P < .001 for all comparisons). Similarly, the mean number of steps required to perform these measurements was significantly fewer with automatic measurements compared to the manual technique (P < .001). In summary, automated biometry reduced the examination time required for standard fetal measurements. This approach may improve work flow efficiency in busy obstetric sonography practices.     

Correlation of Quantified Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography With In Vivo Tumor Response

Objective.. The purpose of our study was to establish in vivo criteria for monitoring tumor treatment response using 3‐dimensional (3D) volumetric gray scale, power Doppler, and contrast‐enhanced sonography. Methods.. Twelve mice were implanted with Lewis lung carcinoma cells on their hind limbs and categorized to 4 groups: control, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemoradiation. A high‐frequency ultrasound system with a 40‐MHz probe was used to image the tumors. Follow‐up contrast‐enhanced sonography was performed on days 7 and 14 of treatment with two 50‐μL boluses of a perflutren microbubble contrast agent injected into the tail vein. The following contrast‐enhanced sonographic criteria were quantified: time to peak, peak intensity, α (microvessel cross‐sectional area), and β (microbubble velocity). Three‐dimensional power Doppler images were also obtained after the acquisition of contrast data. On day 15, the tumors were excised for immunohistochemical analysis with CD31 fluorescent staining. Results.. The tumor size and 3D power Doppler vascular index showed no statistically significant correlation with microvascular density in all examined groups. Among all of the analyzed contrast‐enhanced sonographic parameters, relative α showed the strongest correlation with the histologic microvessel density (Pearson r = 0.93; P < .01) and an independent association with the histologic data in a multiple regression model (beta = .93; R² = 0.86; P < .01). Conclusions.. Of the various examined sonographic parameters, α has the strongest correlation with histologic microvessel density and may be the parameter of choice for the noninvasive monitoring of tumor angiogenic response in vivo.     

Use of Sonography for Airway Assessment

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sonography in identifying the anatomic structures of the upper airway and to describe their appearance on sonography. Methods. We enrolled 24 healthy volunteers, placed them supine with their head extended and neck flexed (the “sniffing” position), and performed a systematic sonographic examination of their upper airway from the floor of the mouth to the suprasternal notch. Results. We were able to visualize all relevant anatomic structures in all of the participants using either a linear or curved transducer oriented in 1 of 3 planes: sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse. Bony structures (eg, the mandible and hyoid) were brightly hyperechoic with an underlying hypoechoic acoustic shadow. Cartilaginous structures (eg, the epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and tracheal rings) were hypoechoic, and their intraluminal surface was outlined by a bright air‐mucosa interface. The vocal cords were readily visualized through the thyroid cartilage. However, the posterior pharynx, posterior commissure, and posterior wall of the trachea could not be visualized because of artifacts created by an intraluminal air column. Conclusions. Sonography of the upper airway is capable of providing detailed anatomic information and has numerous potential clinical applications.     

First-Trimester Placental Volume and Vascularization Measured by 3-Dimensional Power Doppler Sonography in Pregnancies With Low Serum Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A Levels

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the first-trimester placental volume and 3-dimensional (3D) power Doppler vascularization of pregnancies with low serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels and to relate these findings to pregnancy outcomes. Methods. Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography of the placenta was performed at gestational ages of 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days in 84 pregnancies with PAPP-A concentrations of less than 0.4 multiple of the median (MoM). With a standardized setting, the placental volume and vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were calculated and related to pregnancy outcomes. Results. Pregnancy outcomes were as follows: 57 pregnancies with birth weights at or above the 10th percentile (group A), 16 pregnancies with birth weights below the 10th percentile and normal Doppler findings in the umbilical artery throughout gestation (group B), and 11 pregnancies with birth weights below the 10th percentile and abnormal umbilical Doppler findings later in gestation (group C). No differences were found in PAPP-A levels among groups. Placental volume values were significantly lower than reference limits, but no differences were found between groups. In groups A and B, there were no significant differences in 3D Doppler indices. However, these indices were significantly lower in group C (VI mean difference, −1.904; P < .001; FI mean difference, −1.939; P < .001; VFI mean difference, −1.944; P < .001). Placental vascular indices were significantly related to the severity of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR; VI, r = 0.438; P < .001; FI, r = 0.482; P < .001; VFI, r = 0.497; P < .001) but not to the PAPP-A MoM and placental volume values. Conclusions. Low serum maternal PAPP-A levels are associated with altered 3D placental Doppler indices, and these changes are related to subsequent development of IUGR and adverse pregnancy outcomes.