Three‐Dimensional Sonographic Characteristics of Deep Endometriosis

Objective. The purpose of this presentation is to investigate the potential role of 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography in the assessment of deep endometriosis. Methods. Cases of deep endometriosis are presented to illustrate the spectrum of appearances obtained with 3D sonography. In addition, we evaluate the possible role of other functions included in 3D equipment, such as the niche mode and tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI). Results. Three‐dimensional image rendering could allow a good analysis of the endometriotic nodule; in fact, in all presented cases, this reconstruction seems to clearly show the irregular shapes and borders of the lesions. This technique allows unrestricted access to an infinite number of viewing planes, which can be very useful for correctly locating lesions within the pelvis and evaluating the relationship with other organs. The stored 3D volumes can be reassessed and compared by the same or different examiners over time. This characteristic may be relevant for monitoring the effect of medical therapies over time. In the niche mode, sonographic imaging is represented as a “cut‐open” view of the internal aspect of the nodule and its surrounding tissue. This additional function, which is associated with TUI, could be particularly useful for evaluation of the extension of a nodule in the rectovaginal septum, the depth of infiltration, and the relationship with the rectosigmoid junction or ureter. Conclusions. In the near future, 3D sonography in deep infiltrating endometriosis could be an interesting mode of research with positive effects in everyday clinical practice.     

Fine‐tuning the Diagnosis of Fetal Scalp Cysts

Objective. The purpose of this series is to emphasize the importance of an exhaustive and appropriately conducted sonographic examination in the correct diagnosis of fetal cystic scalp lesions and the place of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic sequence. Methods. Transabdominal and transvaginal 2‐ and 3‐dimensional sonography with color and power Doppler imaging as well as 3‐dimensional rendering techniques such as inversion and Doppler angiography were used. In 1 case, an MRI study was performed. Results. In 1 case, the MRI missed and the different sonographic techniques correctly made the diagnosis of a meningocele. In the second case, sonography was sufficient to establish the diagnosis of an epidermal cyst. Conclusions. These 2 cases show the value of going the distance with the newly available high‐frequency sonography. Ultimately, the correct diagnoses were made with the tools offered by sonography without the need for any other imaging modality.     

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.     

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.     

Three‐Dimensional Color‐Coded Duplex Sonography for Assessment of the Vertebral Artery Origin and Vertebral Artery Stenoses

Objective . The aim of the study was to assess the potential of 3‐dimensional (3D) color‐coded duplex sonography (CDS) for evaluation of the vertebral artery origin and stenoses in this location. Methods. To compare 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3D CDS, both techniques were performed in 25 healthy volunteers and in 18 patients with 21 stenoses of the vertebral artery origin. Stenoses were graded in line with hemodynamic criteria on 2D CDS and according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria on 3D CDS. In 6 patients, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed additionally. Stenoses were graded according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria and compared with 2D and 3D sonographic data. Results. Overall correlation of both sonographic techniques concerning the grading of the stenoses was good (r = 0.69; P < .01). The interobserver correlation for assessment of stenoses by means of 3D CDS was high (r = 0.94; P < .01). Three‐dimensional CDS correlated excellently with DSA in 3 of 6 patients but showed only intermediate or no correlation in the remaining 3 patients. In contrast, spatial information on the stenotic morphologic characteristics was always very comparable with the results obtained by DSA. Conclusions. Three‐dimensional CDS represents a valuable tool for assessment of the origin of the vertebral artery, allowing important morphologic information on stenoses in this location. For grading of stenoses of the vertebral artery origin, 3D information should be combined with hemodynamic criteria obtained by spectral Doppler imaging in 2D CDS. Three‐dimensional CDS could be a valuable tool before interventional procedures of the proximal vertebral artery, saving time and avoiding iodinated contrast agents.     

Three‐Dimensional Sonography of Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia and Its Differential Diagnosis

Objective. Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is an uncommon vascular anomaly of the placenta characterized by mesenchymal stem villous hyperplasia. Its main sonographic feature is a thickened placenta with hypoechoic areas, and an accurate sonographic diagnosis is challenging. The aim of this study was to report 2 cases of PMD and discuss the differential diagnosis of its sonographic features. Methods. Cases of placental masses were studied by 2‐dimensional (2D), 3‐dimensional (3D), and color Doppler imaging. Results. In case 1, a thick placenta with multiple hypoechoic areas was noted at 13 weeks' gestation. At 19 weeks, the multicystic area, clearly demarcated from a normal‐looking placenta, measured 6.5 × 8.5 cm and enlarged gradually. The patient gave birth to a 625‐g female neonate after spontaneous labor at almost 26 weeks' gestation. In case 2, a first sonographic examination at 25 weeks' gestation revealed a thickened placenta with hypoechoic areas and a fetus with a single umbilical artery and a ventricular septal defect. At 27 weeks, the abnormal area of the placenta measured 14.5 × 7.5 cm. At 32 weeks' gestation, a caesarean delivery was performed because of a nonreassuring fetal heart tracing, and a 1415‐g female neonate was delivered. Both cases were evaluated by 2D, 3D, and color Doppler imaging, and the pathologic features of both placentas were consistent with PMD. Conclusions. Placental mesenchymal dysplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every placental mass, especially in cases of multicystic placental lesion with lack of high‐velocity signals inside the lesion, and a normal karyotype.     

Two- and three-dimensional sonographic diagnosis of fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix: A case report

Fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix is a rare condition characterized by focal dilatation of the umbilical vein of the fetus. We report a case of fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix associated with additional sonographic abnormalities and detected at 31 weeks' gestation. Several follow‐up sonographic examinations were performed, and the prenatal findings were confirmed on postnatal ultrasound. The diagnosis was facilitated by the use of three‐dimensional power Doppler sonography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012;     

Sonographic differential diagnosis of acute scrotum: real-time whirlpool sign, a key sign of torsion.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the role of high‐resolution and color Doppler sonography in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum and testicular torsion in particular. Methods. Patients who underwent sonography for acute scrotum between April 2000 and September 2005 were included in the study. Gray scale and color Doppler sonography of the scrotum was performed. The spermatic cord was studied on longitudinal and transverse scans from the inguinal region up to the testis, and the whirlpool sign was looked for. Results. During this period, 221 patients underwent sonography for acute scrotum. Sixty‐five had epididymo‐orchitis with a straight spermatic cord, a swollen epididymis, testis, or both, an absent focal lesion in the testis, and increased flow on color Doppler studies along with the clinical features of infection. Three had testicular abscesses. Sonography revealed features of torsion of testicular appendages in 23 patients and acute idiopathic scrotal edema in 19. Complete torsion was seen in 61 patients who had the whirlpool sign on gray scale imaging and absent flow distal to the whirlpool. There was incomplete torsion in 4 patients in whom the whirlpool sign was seen on both gray scale and color Doppler imaging. Nine patients had segmental testicular infarction, and 1 had a torsion‐detorsion sequence revealing testicular hyperemia. In 14 patients, the findings were equivocal. There was a complicated hydrocele, mumps orchitis, and vasculitis of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura in 1 patient each. Five patients had normal findings. Fourteen were lost for follow‐up. Conclusions. Sonography of acute scrotum should include study of the spermatic cord. The sonographic real‐time whirlpool sign is the most specific and sensitive sign of torsion, both complete and incomplete. Intermittent testicular torsion is a challenging clinical condition with a spectrum of clinical and sonographic features.     

Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of a true knot of the umbilical cord: value and limitations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the value of 3-dimensional power Doppler sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of a true knot of the umbilical cord. METHODS: Cases in which the diagnosis of a true knot of the umbilical cord was suspected by prenatal 2-dimensional sonography were reviewed. The presumably affected segment of the cord was examined with 3-dimensional power Doppler sonography for further characterization. Confirmation of the prenatal diagnosis was sought by reviewing the delivery records and contacting the referring obstetrician and the patients themselves. RESULTS: Eight consecutive cases were studied. Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography displayed a vascular spatial configuration pattern consistent with a true knot of the umbilical cord in all of them. However, the prenatal diagnosis was confirmed at delivery in only 5 cases (62.5%). Although there were no cases of a false knot mimicking a true knot of the umbilical cord, all incorrect diagnoses in this series were associated with multiple loops of the umbilical cord in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography seems to be helpful in determining the presence of a true knot of the umbilical cord in utero, especially in the second trimester. However, this should not be considered a definitive method for the diagnosis because multiple loops of the umbilical cord lying close to each other can generate a sonographic image that can be undistinguishable from a true knot of the umbilical cord prenatally, especially when located in a small pocket of amniotic fluid. Therefore, the presumable diagnosis of a true knot of the umbilical cord in utero should be taken with caution.     

Role of Sonographic Automatic Volume Calculation in Measuring Fetal Cardiac Ventricular Volumes Using 4‐Dimensional Sonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the agreement and reliability of virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) and sonographic automatic volume calculation (sonoAVC) for measurements of ventricular volume from fetal heart data sets acquired by 4‐dimensional sonography with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC). Methods. We studied 45 volumes from fetuses with normal (n = 30) and abnormal (n = 15) hearts. Spatiotemporal image correlation data sets were frozen in end systole and end diastole, and ventricular volumes were measured with VOCAL and sonoAVC. The stroke volume was calculated from these measurements. Reliability and agreement of the two techniques were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and proportionate Bland‐Altman plots were constructed. The time necessary to complete the measurements with either technique was compared. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of measurements was calculated. Results. All data sets could be measured with both techniques. A high degree of reliability was observed between VOCAL and sonoAVC (left ventricular stroke volume ICC, 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.957–0.989; right ventricular stroke volume ICC, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.972–0.992). The time necessary to measure the stroke volume was significantly shorter with sonoAVC (2.8 versus 11.7 minutes; P < .0001) than with VOCAL. Bland‐Altman tests showed no clinically significant mean percent differences between stroke volume measurements obtained from each ventricle by the same observer or by 2 independent observers using either VOCAL or sonoAVC. Conclusions. There was good agreement between cardiac volumes measured with VOCAL and sonoAVC. Sonographic automatic volume calculation represents a rapid technique for estimating fetal stroke volume and promises to become the method of choice.     

Use of 3‐Dimensional Sonography for Prenatal Evaluation and Follow‐up of Fetal Goitrous Hypothyroidism

Objective. Fetal goitrous hypothyroidism is a rare and potentially lethal condition. Consequently, its early diagnosis and treatment improve prognosis. Thyroid hormone measurement in either fetal serum or amniotic fluid implies important risks. Here we present a fetal goiter and the follow‐up procedure, both done by the traditional method and by using 3‐dimensional power Doppler (3DPD) imaging and virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL). Methods. A single well‐documented case of fetal goiter was followed weekly from 22 weeks until delivery. Amniocentesis for thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (T₄) measurement as well as levothyroxine injections were performed at every control. In addition to amniocentesis, every control involved a sonographic evaluation, which included standard measurements of the gland and the capture of volume image sets in gray scale and 3DPD. Volume calculation of the gland was done using VOCAL software. Vascularization of the gland was evaluated by the vascularization index (VI) included in the software. Results. With treatment, TSH levels decreased progressively until normalization. Free T₄ levels increased toward the end of gestation. Sonographic measurements of the gland volume to estimated fetal weight ratio decreased across treatment as levels of TSH did. The VI clearly depicted the vascular regression of the goiter, decreasing throughout treatment in a consistent way until 24 hours before delivery. Conclusions. Gray scale and 3DPD evaluations of the thyroid gland have been validated under similar circumstances and might be reliable complements to the invasive methods used in the management of this fetal condition.     

Interobserver Reproducibility of Transabdominal 3‐Dimensional Sonography of the Fetal Brain

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the interobserver reproducibility of transabdominal 3‐dimensional (3D) fetal neurosonography. Methods. This was a prospective observational study. We studied 23 consecutive singleton pregnancies between 18 and 23 weeks' gestation. All cases had normal fetal neurosonographic examination findings, which were confirmed after birth. A 3D sonographic volume of the fetal head was acquired transabdominally by a single operator using an axial approach. Fetal brain anatomy was later analyzed offline by 2 different operators. Axial, sagittal, and coronal views of the fetal brain were obtained to perform a detailed evaluation of the fetal brain. Each operator defined the scanning planes obtained as adequate or inadequate. Results were evaluated with 2 × 2 tables and the Cohen κ coefficient to assess interobserver agreement. Results. Good‐quality multiplanar images were obtained in 23 of 23 cases. The rate of adequate visualization was 100% for all of the axial planes, with κ values of 1.00. For sagittal and coronal planes, the rate of visualization ranged between 78% and 91%, with κ values ranging between 0.61 and 0.83. Conclusions. Transabdominal 3D sonography of the fetal brain at 18 to 23 weeks' gestation has an acceptable degree of interobserver reproducibility.     

Sonographic Findings of Inguinal Endometriosis

Objective. The purpose of this series was to describe the sonographic findings of inguinal endometriosis. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of 3 cases of inguinal endometriosis. The following gray scale and color Doppler sonographic features were analyzed: size, shape, echogenicity, and blood flow within inguinal endometriosis. Results. The size of inguinal endometriosis ranged from 3.1 to 4.2 cm (mean, 3.7 cm). All 3 cases were cystic lesions. Two of 3 cases were lesions with internal septa. On color Doppler sonography, 1 of the 3 cases showed a few flow signals within the lesion, whereas in 2 of the 3 lesions, no blood flow could be identified within the lesions. Conclusions. Although the sonographic features of inguinal endometriosis may be variable, endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when unilocular and multilocular cystic masses are seen on sonography.     

Umbilical cord morphologic characteristics and umbilical artery Doppler parameters in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare prenatal morphometric changes of umbilical cord components in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses with and without abnormal umbilical artery Doppler parameters. METHODS: Consecutive singleton intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses at a gestational age of older than 20 weeks were compared with matched appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Intrauterine growth restriction was defined in the presence of a sonographic abdominal circumference below the 5th percentile for gestational age at the time of sonography and a birth weight below the 10th percentile. The sonographic examination included pulsed Doppler measurements of the umbilical artery resistance index and measurements of the umbilical cord cross-sectional area and the umbilical cord vessel area. RESULTS: A total of 84 intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses and 168 appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses were included in the study. All umbilical cord components (umbilical cord cross-sectional area, vein area, artery area, and Wharton jelly area) were smaller in the intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses. The prevalence of lean umbilical cords (cross-sectional area < 10th percentile for gestational age) was significantly higher in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses (73.8% versus 11.3%; P < .0001). A significant and progressive reduction of the umbilical vein area corresponding to the degree of umbilical artery Doppler parameter abnormality was found. The umbilical artery area was not related to the hemodynamic changes of the blood flow in the umbilical arteries. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of lean umbilical cords was higher in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses than in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Umbilical vein caliber decreases significantly with worsening of umbilical artery Doppler parameters.     

Three‐Dimensional Vascular Indices Calculated Using Conventional Power Doppler and High‐Definition Flow Imaging

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in 3‐dimensional (3D) vascular indices when calculated using high‐definition flow imaging (HDF) and power Doppler imaging (PD). Methods. Twenty‐five consecutive asymptomatic premenopausal women (mean age, 31 years; range, 28–33 years) without a history of gynecologic disease who attended routine gynecologic checkups were included in the study. All women had regular menstrual cycles, and none had uterine or myometrial disease detected on basal transvaginal sonography. All women underwent 3D transvaginal sonography. In each patient, a first volume using conventional PD was obtained, immediately followed by a second volume using HDF. Volumes were stored and subsequently analyzed for calculating 3D vascular indices (vascularization index [VI], flow index [FI], and vascularization‐flow index [VFI]) from the endometrium. Results. The median VI, FI, and VFI were significantly higher when calculated using HDF compared with conventional PD (P < .05). Conclusions. Three‐dimensional vascular indices calculated using HDF are higher than those calculated using conventional PD.     

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.     

Measurement of Volumetric Flow

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 3‐dimensional (3D) sonographic method for the measurement of volumetric flow under conditions of known flow rates and Doppler angles. Methods. A GE/Kretz Voluson 730 system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) and RAB2‐5 probe were used to acquire 3D Doppler measurements in a custom flow phantom. Blood‐mimicking fluid circulated by a computer‐controlled pump provided a range of flow velocities (2–15 mL/s). A 6‐axis positioning system maneuvered the ultrasound probe through a range of angles (40°–70° and 110°–140°) with respect to the tube (orthogonal to the tube being 90°). Volume data sets were obtained spanning 29° lateral and 20° elevational angles encompassing the flow tube in a scanning time of less than 10 seconds. Power Doppler data were used to correct for partial volume effects. Results. Using a single angle (110°) with respect to the flow tube, measured and actual volume flow rates were within the 95% confidence interval over the full range of flow rates. At flow rates of 5 and 10 mL/s, the measured volume flow rates were all within ±15% of actual values for the range of angles tested and also stayed within the 95% confidence interval. Conclusions. Direct comparisons of volume flow rates estimated with 3D sonography and known flow rates showed that the method has good accuracy. Subsequent comparisons under pulsatile and in vivo conditions will be needed to verify this performance for clinical applications.     

Diagnostic Accuracy of Sonographic and Clinical Parameters in the Prediction of Retained Products of Conception

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of different parameters (clinical and sonographic) in the prediction and management of retained products of conception (RPOC) in the late postpartum period. Methods. This was a prospective cohort 3‐year audit. Predefined data were collected and compared with histopathologic (HP) reports after uterine evacuation. The primary outcome measure was the diagnostic accuracy of different clinical and sonographic parameters, including color Doppler imaging in diagnosis of RPOC confirmed on HP reports. Secondary outcome measures were complication rates influencing maternal morbidity. Results. In total, 93 patients (0.92% of all deliveries) were selected. The presence of gestational tissue was confirmed on HP reports in 58% of cases. The likelihood ratio of sonography alone was 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.25–1.84), whereas that of sonography combined with color Doppler imaging was 2.16 (1.3–3.59), providing statistically significant accuracy regarding the prediction of RPOC. Conclusions. Sonography alone or combined with color Doppler imaging has better diagnostic accuracy than the usual clinical parameters used for the prediction of RPOC.     

High‐Frequency Sonography in the Evaluation of Psoriasis

Objective. The purpose of this study was to show the potential of the latest sonographic equipment using high‐frequency probes and a very sensitive power Doppler (PD) technique in depicting both skin and nail changes in patients affected by psoriasis. Methods. The study was conducted in 30 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis clinically performed by an experienced dermatologist and 15 healthy participants, using a currently available sonography system equipped with a variable‐frequency transducer ranging from 6 to 18 MHz and a Doppler frequency ranging from 7 to 14 MHz. Results. The images illustrated in this presentation are representative examples of the ability of sonography to show and characterize even minimal morphostructural and blood flow changes in patients with both psoriatic plaques and onychopathy. Conclusions. This report provides pictorial evidence that high‐resolution gray scale sonography with a PD technique is a real‐time and noninvasive imaging technique that can be used as an adjunct to the clinical evaluation in assessing psoriatic disease.     

Evaluation of Vaginal Cysts and Masses by 3‐Dimensional Endovaginal and Endoanal Sonography

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the utility of 3‐dimensional endovaginal and endoanal sonography in the assessment of vulvovaginal cysts and masses. It is accepted that compared with transabdominal pelvic sonography, transvaginal end‐fire sonography provides improved resolution for visualization of female reproductive organs with fewer artifacts. To visualize the structures that are located in or lateral to the vaginal canal, side‐fire 3‐dimensional endovaginal or endoanal sonography can be used. This special technique has the advantage of maintaining the spatial anatomic relationship of any abnormality in the vagina.