Comparative study between ultrasound,computed tomography,intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography,and magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation of tumors of the liver

Forty-one patients with liver tumor have been evaluated with ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to establish the accuracy of each technique. In group A (24 patients), in which all four imaging modalities were performed, our results show that MRI detected all hemangiomas (25/25) compared to 22/25, 21/25, and 20/25 with US, CT, and IA-DSA, respectively. No difference between the various methods was seen in the case of hepatoma. Finally, in the patients with metastases, all four techniques had the same sensitivity (100%) but the specificity of MRI was also 100%, compared to 33% for IA-DSA and 66% for US and CT.     

Computer analysis of upper gastrointestinal endoscope images.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs in up to 40% of adults in the West. Oesophagitis is a major determinant in the treatment of GORD but its current classification systems are subjective. In order to help to provide objective interpretation of upper gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscope examination and reduce inter-observer variability, we developed a computer image analysis system. Digital video recordings were made on patients with clinical evidence of reflux oesophagitis. Cross-sectional profiles of hue and saturation data were analysed on images from seven patients with grade B or C oesophagitis (LA grading). This analysis showed clear changes in hue (p = 0.01) and saturation (p = 0.001). These results suggest that quantification of upper GI endoscopic images is feasible and may help in objective assessment.     

64排螺旋CT心肌灌注显像评价冠状动脉狭窄对心肌缺血的诊断效能

目的 利用99mTc-MIBI心肌灌注显像(MPI)探讨64排螺旋CT冠状动脉造影(CTCA)发现的冠状动脉狭窄对心肌缺血的诊断效能.方法 30例患者接受MPI和CTCA检查.将CTCA三支冠状动脉分为12段,以MPI为诊断标准,分别以CTCA血管狭窄≥50%和≥75%为截断值,统计对应节段MPI是否出现异常,分析CTCA诊断的冠状动脉狭窄对心肌缺血的效能评价.结果 MPI发现灌注异常9例(6例可逆性,3例固定性血流灌注减低).CTCA共分析327个冠状动脉节段,其中狭窄≥50%者占25段(7.65%);狭窄≥75%者12段(3.67%).以MPI异常为标准观察病变血管,以狭窄≥50%为界值时,CTCA的敏感性、特异性、阴性预测值(NPV)、阳性预测值(PPV)和准确性分别是68.42%、96.14%、99.01%、52.00%和95.41%;以狭窄≥75%为界值,则分别为66.67%、99.04%、98.73%、66.67%、97.55%.以MPI异常为标准观察患者,当血管狭窄≥50%为界值时,CTCA 的敏感性、特异性、NPV、PPV和准确性分别是66.67%、57.14%、80.00%、40.00%和60.00%;当≥75%为界值时,上述指标分别是55.56%、85.71%、81.82%、62.50%和76.67%.结论 正常CTCA对心肌缺血患者的排查是可靠的,CTCA异常是否存在心肌缺血需要进一步检查.     

Comparative Study of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography for Incidentally Detecting Diffuse Thyroid Disease

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic values of thyroid ultrasound (US) and neck computed tomography (CT) in incidentally detecting diffuse thyroid disease (DTD). A single radiologist made US and CT diagnoses of incidentally detected DTD in 130 consecutive patients before thyroidectomy for various malignancies. Histopathologic examinations confirmed normal thyroid (n = 80), Hashimoto thyroiditis (n = 20), non-Hashimoto lymphocytic thyroiditis (n = 28) and diffuse hyperplasia (n = 2). Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the best diagnostic indices of both imaging methods were achieved on the basis of two or more abnormal imaging findings. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of US and CT in incidentally detecting DTD by this classification were 72% and 72%, 87.5% and 91.3% and 81.5% and 83.8%, respectively. Thyroid US and neck CT have similar diagnostic values for differentiating incidental DTD from normal thyroid.     

Computer analysis of upper gastrointestinal endoscope images

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs in up to 40% of adults in the West. Oesophagitis is a major determinant in the treatment of GORD but its current classification systems are subjective. In order to help to provide objective interpretation of upper gastro‐intestinal (GI) endoscope examination and reduce inter‐observer variability, we developed a computer image analysis system. Digital video recordings were made on patients with clinical evidence of reflux oesophagitis. Cross‐sectional profiles of hue and saturation data were analysed on images from seven patients with grade B or C oesophagitis (LA grading). This analysis showed clear changes in hue (p?=?0.01) and saturation (p?=?0.001). These results suggest that quantification of upper GI endoscopic images is feasible and may help in objective assessment.     

等容舒张期应变率评价冠心病心肌功能及病变程度

目的 应用应变率成像技术定量评价冠心病患者局部心肌功能及心肌缺血程度.方法 对34例冠状动脉造影阳性患者和35名健康志愿者行应变率成像检查,获取左心室前壁、前间隔各节段等容舒张期应变率(Srivr).结果 左冠状动脉前降支轻度狭窄组(＜50%)Srivr与正常对照组差异无统计学意义,未能获得应变率参数截值;中度狭窄组(50%～74%)的截值Srivr为-0.42 s~(-1)(灵敏度84.85%,特异度80.36%);重度狭窄(＞75%)的截值Srivr为-0.91 s~(-1)(灵敏度91.07%,特异度89.91%).结论 Srivr可定量评价左冠状动脉前降支中度或重度狭窄,应变率成像可反映缺血心肌的病变程度.     

Anterior shoulder instability: correlation between magnetic resonance arthrography, ultrasound arthrography and intraoperative findings

The purpose of the present study was to determine ultrasound (US) arthrography diagnostic accuracy in patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation by comparing US arthrography and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) with intraoperative findings. Fifty-six consecutive patients with diagnosis of chronic anterior instability of the shoulder were evaluated for assessment of bone and soft tissue lesions by three radiologists. Twenty-five cases were confirmed by surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, inter- and intraobserver agreement were calculated. Ultrasound sensitivity ranged from 20% to 100% and specificity from 25% to 90%. MRA sensitivity ranged from 80% to 100% and specificity from 50% to 100%. Interobserver agreement was good for MRA (0.54-0.70) and fair for US arthrography (0.19-0.40). Despite a higher interobserver variability for US arthrography than for MRA, our results indicate that US is capable of demonstrating bone and soft tissue lesions related to chronic instability of the shoulder in the presence of intra-articular fluid.     

CT和超声的联合应用在良性甲状腺环状钙化诊断中的价值

目的：探讨CT和超声的联合应用在良性甲状腺环状钙化诊断中的价值。方法：搜集经病理证实且CT或／和超声表现为环状钙化的75例86枚甲状腺资料,其中超声显示为环状钙化而CT呈非环状纳入CT不理想组,环状钙化的内部及后壁被声影覆盖纳入超声不理想组。以增强后钙化内或周围较平扫清晰或高强化作为CT诊断良性结节（BNS）的典型征象,以长弧形钙化作为超声判断BNS的典型征象,分别评价典型CT征象、超声征象和典型CT与超声征象联合在BNS中的敏感性和特异性。结果：86枚环状钙化中,CT不理想组9枚,典型CT征象在BNS和恶性结节（MNS）中分别为20％（1／5）和0％（0／4）（P〉0．05）,理想组77枚,典型CT征象在BNS和MNS中分别为77.2％（44／57）和35％（7／20）（P〈0．05）,典型CT征象对BNS的敏感性和特异性分别为77．2％和65．0％;超声不理想组17枚,BNS与MNS分别为70．6％（12／17）和29．4％（5／17）（P〉0．05）,理想组69枚,典型超声征象在BNS和MNS中分别为77．6％（38／49）和10％（2／20）（P〈0．05）,典型超声征象对BNS的敏感性和特异性分别为77．6％和90．0％;同时具备典型CT和超声征象在86枚环状钙化中的敏感性和特异性分别为39.3％和100％。结论：CT和超声在环状钙化的诊断中各有利弊,二者联合可以明显提高良性环状钙化诊断的特异性,减少不必要的手术创伤。     

直肠癌的CT分期与病理对照分析

目的 回顾性分析直肠癌的CT表现和手术病理结果,探讨直肠癌CT分期的价值。方法 CT诊断94例直肠癌并进行分期,均经手术和病理检查。结果 CT在Tis-T2、T3和T4的准确率分别为73．3％、80％和92．9％,T分期的准确率为79．8％。本采用大于5mm作为淋巴结转移的诊断标准,其准确率为84．1％、敏感性为80％、特异性为75．6％。结论 直肠癌的术前CT扫描对临床选择最佳治疗方案有重要意义。     

灰阶超声联合超声弹性成像在甲状腺良恶性结节鉴别诊断中的应用价值

目的 评价灰阶超声联合超声弹性成像技术在甲状腺良恶性结节鉴别诊断中的应用价值.方法 经病理证实的81个甲状腺结节术前均行灰阶超声成像及超声弹性成像检查,根据结节的超声特征及弹性成像特征,与病理结果进行比较,分别绘制灰阶超声检查及灰阶超声联合超声弹性成像2种方法的ROC曲线,比较曲线下面积.结果 灰阶超卢组最佳诊断界点为5分,敏感性与特异性分别为60.0%,98.5%;联合诊断组最佳诊断界点为6分,灵敏度与特异度分别为80.0%、89.4%.灰阶超声组、联合诊断组ROC曲线下面积分别为0.860、0.916,两组曲线下面积差异有统计学意义(Z=-7.863,P=0.000).结论 在灰阶超声榆查的基础上联合超卢弹性成像进行综合分析,可以提高诊断的敏感性,降低漏诊率,有助于甲状腺结节的良恶性鉴别.     

Nonpalpable lymph nodes of the neck: Assessment with US and US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Ultrasound (US) and US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) were performed in 91 nonpalpable neck nodes of 70 patients, 93% of which had known malignancy. Various sonographic findings were evaluated for predicting malignancy. The accuracy of US-guided FNA for detecting malignancy was 88%, with 96% sensitivity and 94% specificity. The ratio of minimal to maximal axial diameters of a node was most valid for predicting malignancy with US. A ratio of more than 0.55 yielded the highest accuracy (80%) (92% sensitivity, 63% specificity). Addition of any other factors to this criterion did not improve its accuracy. US and US-guided FNA are accurate for the assessment of nonpalpable neck nodes. Lymph nodes with a round configuration should be biopsied in patients with known malignancy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 25:283–292, 1997     

多层螺旋CT诊断对急性胸腹部创伤患者的作用

目的:观察多层螺旋CT平扫对急性胸腹部创伤患者的诊断效果。方法:选取2017年3月—2018年6月我院收治的急性胸腹部创伤患者60例,在未口服造影剂的情况下进行16层螺旋CT平扫,详细记录患者的个人资料、基础疾病、临床特征及CT扫描结果,观察多层螺旋CT平扫对胸腹部创伤诊断的敏感性和特异性。结果:诊断实质脏器损伤的敏感性为94.4%(51/54),特异性为83.3%(5/6),空腔脏器损伤的敏感性为76%(19/25),特异性为80%(28/35)。结论:多层螺旋CT平扫对急性胸腹部创伤患者具有较高的诊断价值,其中对肾上腺损伤诊断的敏感性和特异性较高,对空腔脏器和系膜血管损伤诊断的敏感性和特异性较低。     

The usefulness of ultrasound colour-Doppler twinkling artefact for detecting urolithiasis compared with low dose nonenhanced computerized tomography

This prospective study evaluates the usefulness of the twinkling artefact (TA) seen on colour-Doppler ultrasound (US) in diagnosing urolithiasis. US and standard computed tomography (CT) were performed blinded on 105 patients. B-mode US and colour-Doppler used separately and in combination showed 55% sensitivity and 99% specificity (positive predictive value [PPV] 67% and negative predictive value [NPV] 98%). Of CT verified stones, 61% were ≤3 mm. TAs were present in 74% of the B-mode stones (43% of all CT verified stones). Patients with CT verified stone disease had significantly more TAs in other foci than the stone(s) found on CT, suggestive of microlithiasis. In conclusion, colour-Doppler TA is a helpful supplement for detecting urolithiasis when CT is contraindicated. In addition, US can be valuable in monitoring stones left to pass without intervention if they have presented a TA. CT, US and US with colour-Doppler TA can be useful as complementary techniques for detecting stones.     

A new technique for evaluating sphincter function in visceral organs: application of the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) for the evaluation of the oesophago-gastric junction

No quantitative method has been implemented routinely in clinical practice to assess the oesophago-gastric junction (OGJ). Using impedance planimetry a functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) was constructed to measure eight cross-sectional areas (CSA) at 4 mm intervals inside a saline-filled bag. To validate the FLIP technique for profiling the OGJ, polymethylmethacrylate (Perspex) cylinders with different CSAs were measured ten times by the FLIP to assess reproducibility and accuracy. A geometric sphincter phantom was constructed and its geometry was measured with a 360 degrees radial ultrasound (US) mini-probe pulled through it at a rate of 1 mm s(-1). The measurements were compared with FLIP measurements. Safety and technique reproducibility were tested on a volunteer. Reproducibility and accuracy between the ten samples were good. The probe performed well with and without a balloon mounted on it except for the smallest CSA (38.5 mm(2)) where there was a difference of 22% from the actual value at one CSA measurement point. The FLIP imaged the phantom geometry as well as the radial scanning US mini-probe. Pilot studies on a volunteer showed that the probe could be placed in the OGJ and the balloon distensions revealed the geometry of the sphincter at various levels of distension. The technique may be useful in accessing the role of the OGJ in diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and achalasia and their treatments with surgical and endoscopic therapies.     

Should bedside sonography be used first to diagnose pneumothorax secondary to blunt trauma?

BACKGROUND.: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of bedside sonography (US) in the detection of pneumothorax secondary to blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS.: In this prospective study, 240 hemithoraces of 120 consecutive patients with multiple trauma were evaluated with chest radiographs (CXR) and bedside thoracic US for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. CT examinations were performed in 68 patients. Fifty-two patients who did not undergo CT examinations were excluded from the study. US examinations were performed independently at bedside by two radiologists who were not informed about CXR and CT findings. CXRs were interpreted by two radiologists who were unaware of the US and CT results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CXR and US were calculated. RESULTS.: One hundred thirty-six hemithoraces were assessed in 68 patients. A total of 35 pneumothoraces were detected in 33 patients. On US, the diagnosis of pneumothorax was correct in 32 hemithoraces. In 98 hemithoraces without pneumothorax, US was normal. With US examination, there were three false-positive and three false-negative results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of US were 91.4%, 97%, 91.4%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CXR were 82.7%, 89.7%, 68.5%, 95%, and 89.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.: Bedside thoracic US is an accurate method that can be used in trauma patients instead of CXR for the detection of pneumothorax.     

Skeletal muscle ultrasonography: Visual versus quantitative evaluation

In this study, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of visual versus quantitative evaluation of skeletal muscle ultrasound in children suspected of having a neuromuscular disorder (NMD). Ultrasonography (US) scans of four muscles (biceps brachii, forearm flexors, quadriceps femoris, anterior tibial muscle) were made in 76 children. All images were visually evaluated using the Heckmatt criteria and quantitatively evaluated with computer-assisted grey-scale analysis of muscle echo intensity. Visual evaluation could achieve a sensitivity up to 71%, with a specificity of 92%. With quantification, a sensitivity of 87% accompanied by a specificity of 67% was found, but other diagnostic values could be achieved, depending on the cut-off point. Quantification resulted in a higher interobserver agreement (kappa 0.86) compared with visual evaluation (kappa 0.53). We conclude that quantification of echo intensity is a more objective and accurate method. Because it can achieve higher sensitivities, it is better-suited for the screening task in the diagnostic phase of children with a NMD.     

实时超声弹性成像诊断慢性肝病肝纤维化

目的探讨实时超声弹性成像(RTE)评价肝纤维化的价值。方法对88例慢性病毒性肝炎患者进行RTE扫查,测量肝组织/肋间肌肉组织的应变比。全部患者均接受经皮肝穿刺术并采集血清生化学指标,将应变比与实验室检测结果与肝纤维化病理分期进行对照。结果应变比与肝纤维化病理分期呈负相关(r=-0.82,P<0.01)。以肝明显纤维化(≥S2期)作为诊断标准,应变比的ROC曲线下面积为0.92,优于天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶/血小板比例指数(0.90)和Forns指数(0.84);以应变比1.10作为诊断肝明显纤维化的最佳诊断界值,其敏感度为86.84%,特异度为82.00%,阳性预测值为78.57%,阴性预测值为89.13%。结论 RTE可作为无创判断肝纤维化程度的新方法。     

床旁超声对外伤性气胸的诊断价值

目的以CT为标准比较床旁超声、仰卧位X线胸片对气胸的诊断价值。方法46例钝性胸外伤患者均作了床旁超声、仰卧位X线胸片检查，并对结果和CT片进行比较。结果31／46例（34侧）患者口检查发现气胸，其中28例（30侧）超声检查也发现，10例在仰卧位X线胸片发现，2侧超声结果假阳性患者CT检查证实为肺大泡。超声检查对气胸的敏感性88.2％（30／34侧），特异性96．6％（56／58侧），阳性预测值93．8％（30／32侧），阴性预测值93．3％（56／60侧）；而仰卧位胸片的敏感性35．3％（12／34侧），特异性100％（58／58侧），阳性预测值100％（12／12侧），阴性预测值72．5％（58／80侧）。结论本研究结果表明，床旁超声检查对外伤性气胸的诊断敏感性、准确度比仰卧位X线胸片好，和CT检查结果相似。     

Discrimination of gangrenous from uncomplicated acute cholecystitis: Accuracy of CT findings

In acute cholecystitis, the presence of gangrene is associated with higher morbidity and mortality and necessitates open surgical intervention rather than laparoscopic cholecystectomy. As Murphy’s sign may be absent, gangrene may not be detected ultrasonographically. This retrospective study evaluated indications of acute gangrenous cholecystitis on computed tomography (CT) in 25 patients, who were proven as having acute cholecysitis surgically and pathologically within 3 days of pre-operative CT. The CT images were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blind to the initial CT report. Acute gangrenous cholecystitis was significantly correlated with the CT signs of perfusion defect (PD) of the gallbladder wall (P = 0.02), pericholecystic stranding (PS) (P = 0.028), and no-gallstone condition (No-ST) (P = 0.026). The presence of PD was associated with acute gangrenous cholecystitis with a relatively high accuracy (80%), a sensitivity of 70.6%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 61.5%. The combination CT signs of PD or No-ST improved the accuracy for acute gangrenous cholecystitis to 92%, with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 88.2%, 100%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. Other CT signs were highly specific for acute gangrenous cholecystitis but of low sensitivity, including mucosal hemorrhage, mucosal sloughing, wall irregularity, pericholecystic abscess, gas formation, and portal venous thrombosis. CT was found to accurately diagnose acute cholecystitis, with the presence of PD, PS, or No-ST significantly correlated with that of gangrenous change. Thus, CT is useful in the preoperative detection of acute gangrenous cholecystitis.     

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Rib Fractures in Patients Presenting to Emergency Department With Blunt Chest Trauma

BackgroundRib fractures are the most common complications of blunt chest trauma (BCT). Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice for BCT, but with several disadvantages. Ultrasonography (US) is an inexpensive, readily available, and relatively harmless imaging alternative. However, a direct comparison of the sonographic evaluation of the rib as a whole with CT as a reference has not been performed to date.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of US with CT for the detection of rib fractures in patients who presented to emergency department (ED) with BCT.MethodsWe included a convenience sample of adult patients who presented to the ED with thoracic pain after BCT in the last 24 h in this prospective, observational, diagnostic accuracy study. The diagnostic utility of US performed by an emergency physician was compared with thorax CT.ResultsThe final study population included 145 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of US was 80% with a sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 72.7% for the detection of any rib fracture (positive likelihood ratio 3.4 and negative likelihood ratio 0.12). If we considered each rib separately, the sensitivity of US decreased to 76.7% and specificity increased to 82.7% (81.3% accuracy).ConclusionsA negative US of the site of the highest tenderness and neighboring ribs in a patient with BCT who presented to the ED with lateralizing pain decreases the possibility of a rib fracture significantly. However, a positive US performs poorly to specify the exact location and number of the fractured ribs.