Four-dimensional ultrasonographic guidance for invasive obstetric procedures.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the use of 4-dimensional (4D) real-time ultrasonographic needle guidance for amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), cordocentesis, and intrauterine transfusions. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive procedures were performed with 4D (real-time) multiplanar ultrasonographic imaging. Amniocentesis was done freehand in 3 orthogonal planes of view. Chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis, and intrauterine transfusions were accomplished with a needle guide and 2 projected orthogonal planes. RESULTS: Needle tip visualization in the A, B, and C orthogonal planes during amniocentesis was noted in 93%, 63%, and 69% of cases, respectively. When a needle guide was used during CVS and cordocentesis, the needle tip was always seen in the 2 projected orthogonal planes, and no lateralization occurred. Four intrauterine transfusions were done with the 4D technique. The only procedural complication in any patient was bradycardia from vessel spasm during an intrauterine transfusion, requiring a cesarean delivery. There were no statistical differences (P > .05) between the numbers of needle insertions required in the 4D group compared with a historical control group in which 2-dimensional ultrasonographic needle guidance was used. CONCLUSIONS: In this feasibility study, a real-time 4D needle guidance technique was successfully used to perform amniocentesis, CVS, cordocentesis, and intrauterine transfusion. This appeared to contribute to the accuracy of needle placement by eliminating the lateralization phenomenon when a fixed needle guide attachment was used (for CVS and cordocentesis). Needle tip visualization was seen in each orthogonal plane in most freehand 4D amniocentesis cases. Future developments in 4D ultrasonographic technology may refine the utility of this technique for invasive obstetric procedures.     

Display of 3-dimensional ultrasonographic images for interventional procedures: volume-rendered versus multiplanar display.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project was to assess the display of 3-dimensional ultrasonographic images as used for interventional procedures, particularly the conspicuity of various targets and interventional devices, comparing volume-rendered (VR) versus multiplanar reformatted (MPR) display approaches. METHODS: A series of ultrasonographic phantoms were made from a petroleum gel with cornstarch used to vary the echo texture. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic target and device conspicuity were judged with a 5-point visual rating scale. The MPR image was considered the reference standard. Volume-rendered image conspicuity was judged for combinations of 7 different postprocessing display parameters and compared with MPR images. RESULTS: Definite visualization of the embedded objects occurred in 92% of MPR and 13% of VR test situations (P < .0001). Volume-rendered display was associated with a mean conspicuity degradation of 2.6 on a scale of 0 through 4 (P < .0001) compared with MPR methods. The proportion of satisfactory VR images was greatest in test situations with a large degree of difference of echogenicity between the background medium and the embedded object. The transparent-type postprocessing rendering modes were superior to the surface-type rendering modes (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Current 3-dimensional ultrasonographic MPR imaging display in a solid organ environment provides better visualization performance of target and needle conspicuity than VR image display when there are not large differences in the signal levels of targeted structures and devices compared with surrounding tissues. The difficulty in viewing both target and device with VR imaging may restrict its ability to guide interventional procedures in some clinical situations.     

Use of bisphosphonates in metastatic breast cancer: single institution review at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre

Purpose

Bone metastases occur in 65–75 % of patients with metastatic breast cancer. These patients are at risk of developing skeletal-related events (SREs). SREs are defined as any pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, and surgery or radiation required for treatment of bone metastases. Bisphosphonates are used to prevent the development of SREs. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence of SREs in metastatic breast cancer patients with bony disease in Newfoundland and Labrador and to determine if there is an association between SREs and the type of bisphosphonate therapy given.

Methods

This retrospective chart review includes all metastatic breast cancer patients with bony disease treated at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre from 2008 to 2010. Patient demographics, treatment received, and treatment changes were collected. Patients at the Centre received bisphosphonate, pamidronate or zolendronic acid to prevent SREs. The prescribing pattern of bisphosphonates was collected. The occurrences of SREs were then compared to the type of treatment received.

Results

Sixty-five patients with breast cancer and bony metastasis were identified using the provincial tumor registry, three patients were excluded from the review as their charts could not be located. Following the initial diagnosis of bone metastasis, 8 patients (12.7 %) were started on zolendronic acid, 50 patients (80.6 %) were started on pamidronate, and 4 (6.4 %) received no treatment. Six patients (75 %) on zolendronic acid experienced one SRE; however, none experienced multiple SREs. Thirty-one patients (62 %) on pamidronate experienced one SRE, and ten (20 %) had multiple SREs. Of the 31 patients on pamidronate with an SRE, 4 (12.9 %) were switched to zolendronic acid. Three of the four (75 %) had multiple SREs despite treatment changes. Of the six patients on zolendronic acid with SREs, none were switched to pamidronate.

Conclusion

Our results show that the majority of patients with breast cancer, who develop bony metastases in Newfoundland and Labrador, are initially treated with the bisphosphonate, pamidronate. Over 60 % of these patients experienced at least one SRE, and 20 % had more than two SREs. A small proportion of the patients were initially started on zolendronic acid, and this group had better outcomes with fewer SREs and none had more than two SREs. It appears that zolendronic acid is superior to pamidronate in preventing SREs; however, zolendronic acid is being used primarily as second-line in Newfoundland and Labrador.     

Percutaneous interventional gallbladder procedures: Personal experience and literature review

Our experience with 58 percutaneous gallbladder procedures in 48 patients are discussed. Diagnostic procedures consisted of needle aspiration of bile (n=5) to evaluate the gallbladder as a source of infections and transcholecystic cholangiography (TCC) (n=32) for bile duct visualization. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) (n=21) was performed for gallbladder or bile duct decompression or stone dissolution. Ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance were used, and the procedures were successful in all but one patient. The overall complication rate was 13.8% (8/58 procedures) but only 5.2% were considered serious (three instances of bile peritonitis). No vasovagal reactions or hemorrhage occurred. We also reviewed the complications in 231 cases of PC that have been reported in the English literature. The overall complication rate was 7.8%, and the most significant problems were death (n=1), peritonitis (n=3), and severe vasovagal reactions (n=4).     

Ultrasound therapy for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound therapy is used frequently to reduce pain and related disability, mainly by physiotherapists. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Published reports of randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of ultrasound therapy on pain, disability or range of motion were identified by a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases, supplemented with citation tracking. The quality of methods of all selected publications was assessed systematically by two independent and 'blinded' reviewers, using ten validity criteria. Data from the original publications were used to calculate the differences between groups for success rate, pain, disability and range of motion. Statistical pooling was performed if studies were homogeneous with respect to study populations, interventions, outcome measures and timing of follow-up. RESULTS: 38 Studies were included in the review, evaluating the effects of ultrasound therapy for lateral epicondylitis (n = 6), shoulder pain (n = 7), degenerative rheumatic disorders (n = 10), ankle distorsions (n = 4), temporomandibular pain or myofacial pain (n = 4) and a variety of other disorders (n = 7). In 11 out of 13 placebo-controlled trials with validity scores of at least five out of ten points, no evidence of clinically important or statistically significant results was found. Statistical pooling was only feasible for placebo-controlled trials on lateral epicondylitis, and produced a pooled estimate for the difference in success rate of 15% (95% confidence interval -8%-38%). CONCLUSIONS: As yet, there seems to be little evidence to support the use of ultrasound therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The large majority of 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials with adequate methods did not support the existence of clinically important or statistically significant differences in favour of ultrasound therapy. Nevertheless, our findings for lateral epicondylitis may warrant further investigation.     

Bee venom acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: a review.

Bee venom (BV) acupuncture (BVA) involves injecting diluted BV into acupoints and is used for arthritis, pain, and rheumatoid diseases. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of BVA in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Seventeen electronic databases were systematically searched up to September 2007 with no language restrictions. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of BVA for patients with musculoskeletal pain were considered for inclusion if they included placebo controls or were controlled against a comparator intervention. Methodology quality was assessed and, where possible, statistical pooling of data was performed. A total of 626 possibly relevant articles were identified, of which 11 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Four RCTs that tested the effects of BVA plus classic acupuncture compared with saline injection plus classic acupuncture were included in the main meta-analysis. Pain was significantly lower with BVA plus classic acupuncture than with saline injection plus classic acupuncture (weighted mean difference: 100-mm visual analog scale, 14.0 mm, 95% CI = 9.5-18.6, P < .001, n = 112; heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0, chi(2) = 1.92, P = .59, I(2) = 0%). Our results provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of BVA in treating musculoskeletal pain. However, the total number of RCTs included in the analysis and the total sample size were too small to draw definitive conclusions. Future RCTs should assess larger patient samples for longer treatment periods and include appropriate controls. PERSPECTIVE: Bee venom acupuncture involves injecting diluted BV into acupoints and is used for arthritis, pain, and rheumatoid diseases. A meta-analysis produced suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of BVA in musculoskeletal pain management. However, primary data were scarce. Future RCTs should assess larger patient samples for longer treatment periods and include appropriate controls.     

Lessons from intravascular ultrasonography: Observations during interventional angioplasty procedures

This article reviews many of the applications of intravascular ultrasonic imaging for coronary and peripheral arterial disease. In vitro studies demonstrate an excellent correlation between ultrasound measurements of lumen and plaque crosssectional area compared with histologic sections. In vivo clinical studies reveal the enhanced diagnostic capabilities of this technology compared with angiography. Ultrasonic imaging also permits visualization of the atherosclerotic plaque itself for the first time in vivo. In addition to accurately describing the plaque morphology, ultrasonography can identify some of the tissue characteristics of the plaque. During interventional procedures, ultrasonic imaging has been shown to be beneficial for enhanced diagnosis as well as improvement of our understanding of the mechanism of newer interventional devices such as directed atherectomy, rotational or TEC atherectomy, or excimer laser. Initial studies suggest that ultrasound guidance of intravascular stent deployment may be critical for optimizing stent placement. Randomized studies are currently in progress to determine whether the guidance provided by intravascular ultrasonic imaging will alter the results of interventional procedures so that the restenosis rate can be improved. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Vascular imaging and interventional procedures in hepatic cirrhosis.

Changes in the vascularization of the cirrhotic liver are related to the progression of the disease. Knowledge of normal hepatic vascular anatomy and anatomic is essential for understanding the altered hepatic circulation seen in cirrhosis. We analyze the changes in liver perfusion with special interest in the anatomic features that are important in interventional procedures. The indications, technical notes, and complications of transjugular liver biopsy, transiugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma, are reviewed.     

Four-dimensional ultrasound guidance of prenatal invasive procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Technological advances in ultrasonography have revolutionized prenatal diagnosis and treatment. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography to guide prenatal invasive procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prenatal invasive procedures using 4D ultrasound were recorded prospectively in 93 cases: 10 amnioinfusions, 50 amniocenteses, 8 chorionic villus samplings (CVS) and 25 cordocenteses. The needle target site was first identified using the two-dimensional (2D) mode, and was then confirmed using the three-dimensional (3D) mode. The needle was inserted under 4D ultrasound guidance. After selecting the needle target site, the true position of the needle was determined in three planes ('real-time 3D targeting'). RESULTS: Using 4D ultrasound guidance, most procedures were performed within 5 min and with a 100% success rate, even in cases involving severe oligohydramnios (amniocentesis), thin placentas (CVS) or narrow umbilical veins (cordocentesis). Moreover, there were no serious complications during or after any procedure. CONCLUSIONS: 4D ultrasonography can be used to guide various prenatal invasive procedures offering clear information in all three planes. It is likely that such imaging will reduce the time taken to complete the procedures and reduce the risks associated with them. Copyright (c) 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Treatment of chikungunya musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Introduction: Chikungunya virus is amongst the fastest expanding vector transmissible diseases in recent years and has been causing massive epidemics in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite human infection by this virus being first described in the 1950s, there is a lack of adequate therapeutic evaluations to guide evidence-based recommendations. The current guidelines rely heavily in specialists’ opinion and experience instead of using higher rated evidence.

Areas covered: A systematic review of the literature was performed- not restricted to clinical trials – reporting the therapeutic response against this infection with the intent to gather the best evidence of the treatment options against musculoskeletal disorders following chikungunya fever. The 15 studies included in the analysis were categorized considering the initiation of treatment during the acute, subacute and chronic phase.

Expert commentary: This review demonstrates the complexity of chikungunya fever and difficulty of therapeutic management. This review found no current evidence-based treatment recommendations for the musculoskeletal disorders following chikungunya fever. To provide an optimal treatment that prevents perpetuation or progression of chikungunya infection to a potentially destructive and permanent condition without causing more harm is an aim that must be pursued by researchers and health professionals working with this disease.     

The role of the interventional radiologist. Transjugular procedures

The transjugular route provides a convenient and safe approach for the interventional radiologist to access the hepatic parenchyma and hepatic vascular structures. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has revolutionized the management of the complications of portal hypertension, allowing the establishment of a side-to-side shunt without recourse to surgery and general anesthesia. On a smaller scale, the transjugular approach to obtaining a liver biopsy has also proven its worth in allowing the histologic diagnosis and staging of liver disease in patients in whom such information is required for appropriate management but major contraindications to percutaneous biopsy exist. This article reviews the current techniques, indications, and complications of these interventional procedures and their role in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease.     

Use of ultrasound guidance to improve the safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a literature review

Patients in ICUs frequently require tracheostomy for long-term ventilator support, and the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) method is preferred over surgical tracheostomy. The use of ultrasound (US) imaging to guide ICU procedures and interventions has recently emerged as a simple and noninvasive tool. The current evidence regarding the applications of US in PDT is encouraging; however, the exact role of US-guided dilatational tracheostomy (US-PDT) remains poorly defined. In this review, we describe the best available evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of US-PDT and briefly delineate the general principles of US image generation for the airway and of US-PDT procedures.     

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with urologic cancer: a prospective study at a single Japanese institution

Objectives We prospectively evaluated the prevalence and predictors of complementary medicine (CAM) use among Japanese patients with urologic cancer 1 year after diagnosis.Patients and methods A total of 349 patients with newly diagnosed urologic cancer answered a self-administered questionnaire on CAM use 1 year after diagnosis. General-health-related quality of life (GHQL) of the patients was also assessed at diagnosis and 1 year after diagnosis using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). The overall prevalence, types of CAM used, and costs of CAM were assessed. The effects of several variables including GHQL at baseline and 1 year after treatment on the prevalence of use of CAM were evaluated.Results A total of 164 respondents (47%) admitted using some type of CAM, of which 73 (45%) had used multiple types. Health food, in particular extract from Agaricus blazei, was the most common type of CAM used. CAM users had significantly lower scores for social function, general health perception, and vitality domains than CAM non-users 1 year after diagnosis. This tendency was more marked in users of multiple types of CAM.Conclusions Health food, including extract from A. blazei, was the most commonly used CAM in Japan. The prevalence of CAM use did not differ between patients with prostate cancer and those with urologic cancer other than prostrate cancer. CAM users, especially those who used multiple types of CAM, had lower GHQL scores than non-users of CAM.     

肌肉骨骼系统介入超声应用与进展

肌肉骨骼(MSK)介入超声历经三个发展阶段，现已成为医学专业领域不可或缺的工具，临床应用越来越广泛。本文围绕MSK介入超声应用现状及研究进展，主要讨论MSK介入超声技术当前面临的挑战和潜在应用领域，以及未来诊断和治疗MSK疾病的重点方向。     

介入性超声在四肢肌肉骨关节疾病诊疗中的应用

目的 探讨介入性超声在四肢肌肉骨关节疾病中的临床价值.方法 对146例四肢肌肉骨关节疾病患者行超声引导下介入性操作,分析其临床价值及并发症.结果 超声引导下对146例四肢肌肉骨关节疾病患者进行了212次介入性操作,其中四肢腱鞘内或肌腱旁注射治疗65次,关节内滑膜活检7次,四肢关节腔内抽吸和/或注药治疗40次,肩胛上神经阻滞治疗10次,软组织或骨肿瘤切割活检77次,其它13次;随访均未见出血、感染、神经损伤等严重并发症.结论 超声有望成为四肢肌肉骨关节疾病介入性操作的一种重要影像引导手段.