Three-dimensional color Doppler sonography and uterine artery arteriography of fibroids: assessment of changes in vascularity before and after embolization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of three-dimensional color Doppler sonography and uterine artery arteriography in depicting changes in fibroid vascularity before and after embolization. METHODS: Preembolization and postembolization three-dimensional color Doppler sonography and selective uterine artery arteriography were retrospectively compared in 15 patients who underwent uterine artery embolization for treatment of symptomatic fibroids. Three-dimensional color Doppler sonography was performed by using a scanner with color power angiographic imaging capability. Vascularity was quantified by using an estimation of power-weighted pixel density as described by our group in previously published studies. Uterine artery arteriography was performed by using a standard selective microcatheter embolization technique. For purposes of comparison, fibroids were classified as either hypervascular or hypovascular relative to myometrial vascularity before and minutes to several hours after uterine artery embolization. Changes in fibroid vascularity (i.e., from hypervascular to hypovascular) as depicted by three-dimensional color Doppler sonography were compared with those shown on uterine artery arteriography and classified as being in agreement or disagreement. RESULTS: In 13 (87%) of 15 patients there was agreement; in 2 (13%) of 15 there was disagreement. In both cases of disagreement, three-dimensional color Doppler sonography showed collateral flow not depicted by uterine artery arteriography The mean reduction in quantitated vascularity after uterine artery embolization was 44% (range, 19%-78%). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional color Doppler sonography accurately depicts fibroid vascularity and in some cases can reveal collateral flow not depicted by uterine artery arteriography.     

Acquisition of endovascular skills for uterine artery embolization using a simulator

This study addresses endovascular training using simulators for uterine artery embolization. A review of endovascular skill training for surgeons using simulators was performed. Surgeons possess varying levels of proficiency in endovascular techniques. A simulator will improve endovascular skills in the following areas: C-arm image intensifier use, catheter selection and manipulation, understanding of the pelvic anatomy, and technique of embolization. Surgeons may gain realistic experience on the simulator prior to entry into the cath lab or procedure room. Using a simulator, surgeons can learn valuable endovascular skills necessary for successful performance of uterine artery embolization.     

Doppler sonography of the penile cavernosal artery: comparison of intraurethral instillation and intracorporeal injection of prostaglandin E1

PURPOSE: We compared the Doppler sonographic findings in the penile cavernosal artery (arteria profunda penis) after intraurethral instillation and intracorporeal injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to evaluate the hemodynamic changes during drug-induced erection. METHODS: Twenty healthy male volunteers were enrolled in the study. Ten subjects (intraurethral group) were examined with Doppler sonography of the penile cavernosal artery after intraurethral administration of 1 mg of PGE1. The remaining 10 subjects (intracorporeal group) underwent Doppler sonography of the cavernosal artery after intracorporeal injection of 5 microg of PGE1. The peak systolic velocity, minimal diastolic velocity, and resistance index were determined at 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes following administration of PGE1 in both groups. The results were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The peak systolic velocity in the intraurethral group increased progressively from a mean of 31.1 cm/second at 5 minutes to 65.6 cm/second at 30 minutes after intraurethral administration of PGE1. In the intracorporeal group, the mean peak systolic velocity ranged from 44.1 to 83.2 cm/second, reached a maximum at 10 minutes, and then decreased continuously through 30 minutes after intracorporeal injection of PGE1. The mean peak systolic velocities were significantly higher in the intracorporeal group at 10 and 15 minutes (p < or = 0.05); the mean minimal diastolic velocities were significantly lower in the intracorporeal group at 15, 20, and 25 minutes (p < or = 0.05); and the mean resistance indices were significantly higher in the intracorporeal group at all time points except 5 minutes (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The intracorporeal injection of PGE1 produced a greater vasoactive response in the cavernosal artery than did intraurethral instillation.     

High Fetal Splenic Artery Peak Velocity in Fetuses With Hemoglobin Bart Disease

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the splenic artery (SPA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) in identifying fetuses with hemoglobin (Hb) Bart disease among pregnancies at risk for the disease. Methods. Pregnancies at risk for fetal Hb Bart disease scheduled for cordocentesis at 18 to 25 weeks' gestation at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital were recruited into the study. The SPA PSV was measured before cordocentesis, and the final fetal diagnosis of Hb Bart disease was based on fetal Hb typing using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results. Seventy‐six singleton pregnancies at risk for fetal Hb Bart disease were sonographically evaluated for the SPA PSV and underwent cordocentesis for fetal blood analysis. Among the 76 recruited pregnancies, 17 fetuses with Hb Bart disease were finally diagnosed by fetal blood analysis with high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the remainder had no abnormalities or had the α‐thalassemia 1 trait and were defined as unaffected fetuses. The mean SPA PSVs ± SD for the unaffected and affected fetuses were significantly different: 21.17 ± 3.7 cm/s (range, 13.8–29.9 cm/s) and 26.12 ± 3.6 cm/s (range, 20.4–31.5 cm/s) respectively. The SPA PSV of the affected fetuses was higher than that of the unaffected ones (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < .001). Conclusions. Splenic artery PSV assessment at mid pregnancy may have a potential role in identifying fetuses with Hb Bart disease. Further studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPA PSV in differentiating affected from unaffected fetuses among pregnancies at risk are desirable.     

选择性子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫肌瘤的探讨

目的评价选择性子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫肌瘤的临床疗效及应用价值。方法19例子宫肌瘤患者均采用经右侧股动脉穿刺双侧子宫动脉超选择性插管,使用聚乙醇＋明胶海绵颗粒栓塞双侧子宫动脉,阻塞肌瘤血供。结果全部病例随访3～24个月,8例肌瘤体积缩小大于50％,9例肌瘤体积缩小20％-50％,月经量和月经周期恢复正常,1例缩小〈20％,临床症状明显改善,1例无明显变化。治疗后3个月18例患者血红蛋白升至105g/L以上。无1例严重并发症发生。结论选择性子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫肌瘤是一种安全、简便、创伤小、疗效高的治疗方法,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Efficacy of patient-controlled hydromorphone analgesia in those undergoing uterine fibroid artery embolization via the right radial artery

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with hydromorphone as perioperative analgesia during uterine artery embolization (UAE) via the right radial artery.Patients and methodsA total of 33 patients with uterine fibroids, who underwent UAE at the authors’ hospital between June 2021 and March 2022, were selected. Hydromorphone (10 ​mg) was dispensed into a 100 ​ml PCA pump with normal saline. Pump administration was initiated 15 ​min before the start of the procedure, and the intraoperative dose was adjusted according to patient pain level. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain immediately after embolization, 5 ​min after embolization, at the end of the procedure, and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 ​h after the procedure. Side effects were also observed.ResultsThirty-three patients underwent uterine artery embolization via the right radial artery. Patient pain was well controlled at all time points surveyed, and patients reported satisfaction with analgesia. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There were 7 cases of adverse reactions, but no serious side effects were observed.ConclusionPatients reported positive experiences with arterial embolization of uterine fibroids via the right radial artery. Hydromorphone PCA effectively controlled pain. The PCA pump is easy to operate, has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and offers economic benefits at the patient and institutional levels.     

不同大小聚乙烯醇颗粒在子宫腺肌症介入治疗中的临床疗效

目的评价不同大小聚乙烯醇(PVA)颗粒在子宫腺肌症介入治疗中的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析152例经子宫动脉栓塞术治疗的子宫腺肌症患者,根据PVA颗粒的大小随机分为A(350⁵00μm)、B(500500μm)、B(500⁷10μm)两组,每组病例76例,比较两组病例经子宫动脉栓塞术治疗后临床症状缓解程度及术后不良反应的差异。结果在痛经减轻、子宫体积变化方面两组比较,术后3个月差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),术后6个月两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),术后1年两组痛经减轻程度有统计学差异(P<0.05),而子宫体积方面两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),1年后两组病例完全缓解率均达到80%以上,无统计学差异,术后不良反应两组比较有统计学差异(P<0.05),A组不良反应更为显著,而两组在月经期及月经量改变、总有效率比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论虽然两组临床效果半年后即达到相似,但A组术后不良反应疼痛更为严重,故从中长期效果及安全性来看,B组似乎更占优势。     

Ectopic pregnancy versus corpus luteum cyst revisited: best Doppler predictors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best Doppler values for differentiating ectopic pregnancy from a corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 80 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. All ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed on the basis of the presence of an extra-ovarian adnexal mass on sonography and were confirmed surgically. The last menstrual period ranged from 4 to 11 weeks (mean, 6.3 weeks), and the maximal ectopic pregnancy diameter ranged from 0.7 to 5.5 cm (mean, 2.5 cm). Seventy-six ectopic pregnancies showed color vascularity, and 40 showed corpus luteum cysts with vascular walls. The highest peak systolic velocity and the lowest resistive index of the vascular ectopic pregnancies were compared with the corresponding values in the vascular corpus luteum cysts. RESULTS: The mean peak systolic velocity of the ectopic pregnancies was 35.4 cm/s compared with 28.4 cm/s in corpus luteum cysts, with no significant statistical difference (P = .1). The resistive index of the ectopic pregnancies ranged from 0.15 to 1.6 (mean +/- SD, 0.61 +/- 0.24) compared with 0.39 to 0.7 (mean, 0.52 +/- 0.10) in corpus luteum cysts, with a significant statistical difference (P = .003). In this cohort, a resistive index of less than 0.39 had a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100% for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy but was present in only 15% (confidence interval, 7%-23%) of ectopic pregnancies. A resistive index of greater than 0.7 had a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100% for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy and was present in 31% (confidence interval, 21%-41%) of ectopic pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Both low and high resistive indices discriminate ectopic pregnancy from a corpus luteum cyst.     

子宫动脉栓塞期间卵巢动脉返流的分析

目的:探讨子宫动脉与卵巢动脉之间的交通特点,防止栓塞剂逆流造成误栓形成永久性闭经。材料与方法:75例子宫肌瘤病人在栓塞治疗前血管造影有22例出现造影剂逆流入卵巢动脉,占29.33%。结果:22例造影卵巢动脉逆流的病人中,子宫肌瘤的平均缩小率为34%,小于患子宫肌瘤而造影中无卵巢动脉返流的平均缩小率47%。4例(18.18%)卵巢动脉部分性栓塞而闭经。其中3例为暂时性(13.64%),1例(4.55%)为永久性。结论:子宫动脉栓塞存在卵巢动脉逆流造成永久性闭经的可能。     

Color Doppler evaluation of changes in uterine perfusion induced by the use of an absorbable cervical tourniquet during open myomectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hemodynamic changes in uterine perfusion following the vascular occlusion of the uterine arteries with an absorbable cervical tourniquet applied during open myomectomy. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with symptomatic fibroids and a clinical uterine size equivalent to 14 or more weeks' gestation underwent open myomectomy. Patients were randomized to either the tourniquet or the control group. In the tourniquet group, a number 1 polyglactin suture was tied around the cervix to occlude the uterine arteries and left in situ. Doppler flow measurements were obtained at 5 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and compared with preoperative values. RESULTS: Fourteen women were randomized to each group. Data were obtained from 12 patients in the tourniquet group and 11 in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for uterine artery at 5 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months postoperatively. However, the peak systolic velocity was significantly reduced in the tourniquet group compared with the control group at 5 days (p < 0.05); thereafter, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A polyglactin cervical tourniquet causes only a temporary effect on uterine perfusion, which is consistent with its absorption profile.     

Blood flow velocities in the anterior cerebral artery and basilar artery in asphyxiated infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this series was to determine whether cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFVs) in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and basilar artery (BA) correlate with the severity of asphyxia in infants and whether these velocity measures can be useful for predicting early developmental prognosis. METHODS: We measured CBFVs in the ACA and BA by using pulsed Doppler sonography in 29 healthy and 17 asphyxiated infants (11 with mild asphyxia [median gestational age, 38 weeks; median birth weight, 2856 g] and 6 with severe asphyxia [38.5 weeks; 2910 g]). RESULTS: In the mildly asphyxiated infants, the median diastolic and systolic velocities in the ACA were 10.4 and 32.5 cm/s, respectively, and those in the BA were 10.5 and 33.1 cm/sec. In the severely asphyxiated infants, the median diastolic and systolic velocities in the ACA were 19.8 and 40.5 cm/s, and those in the BA were 30.2 and 60.5 cm/s. The BA:ACA ratios (CBFV in the BA/CBFV in the ACA) in both the diastolic and systolic periods were higher in the severely asphyxiated infants than in the mildly asphyxiated infants (0.94 versus 1.35; P< .01; 1.01 versus 1.38; P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that CBFVs in the BA correlate with the degree of neonatal asphyxia and may be useful to predict the neurodevelopmental outcome. We submit that the increased CBFV in the BA may represent the preferential blood flow to the brain stem region.     

采用不同栓塞剂行支气管动脉栓塞治疗大咯血的疗效

目的 探讨明胶海绵（GS）颗粒和聚乙烯醇（PVA）颗粒支气管动脉内栓塞治疗急性大咯血的临床疗效.方法 48例急性大咯血患者,先行选择性支气管动脉插管造影,然后用导管插管至出血支气管动脉分支,A组（21例）用GS颗粒栓塞,B组（31例）用PVA颗粒栓塞.结果 A组21例患者,栓塞后即止血18例（85.7%）,72小时止血2例（9.5%）,止血有效率95.2%,B组31例患者栓塞后即止血26例（83.9%）,72小时止血5例（16.1%）,止血有效率100%,A、B两组有效率差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;随访1年,A组复发5例（23.8%）,B组复发1例（3.2%）,1年复发率差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）.结论 支气管动脉栓塞术是治疗大咯血的有效方法,应用PVA颗粒为栓塞剂,安全有效,不易复发,临床疗效显著.     

Avoidable morbidity in a patient with pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery after cesarean section

We report the case of a 25-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with vaginal bleeding after a cesarean section. A diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery was established radiologically; however, failure to consider this potentially life-threatening complication of cesarean section resulted in unnecessary morbidity. Doppler sonography and CT have been shown to be excellent tools for accurate diagnosis of uterine artery pseudoaneurysms, and selective arterial embolization remains the intervention of choice.     

Middle cerebral artery peak systolic and ductus venosus velocity waveforms in the hydropic fetus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether Doppler assessment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) and ductus venosus (DV) velocity waveforms during sonography of hydropic fetuses may specify the cause of fetal hydrops. METHODS: A level II sonographic examination was performed in 16 hydropic fetuses, and the MCA PSV and DV velocity waveforms were assessed. The MCA PSV values divided hydropic fetuses into anemic (group 1) and nonanemic (group 2) fetuses. In group 2 fetuses, the DV was defined as normal or abnormal. Sonographic examination and Doppler assessment of these vessels specified the cause of hydrops and indicated the use of specific investigations for diagnosing the etiology of fetal hydrops. RESULTS: Seven of 16 fetuses had MCA PSV values greater than 1.50 multiples of the median (group 1). Nine of 16 fetuses had normal MCA PSV values (group 2); among them, 7 of 9 had either absent or reversed flow in the DV, and 2 had a normal DV. In group 1, the cause of fetal anemia was investigated by maternal serum tests, and 5 cordocentesis procedures were performed. In group 2, 7 of 9 fetuses had reversed flow in the DV, which suggested a cardiac abnormality confirmed by echocardiography. Five cordocentesis procedures were performed for fetal karyotype, and in 2 fetuses, the cause of hydrops was idiopathic. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that assessment of the MCA PSV and DV velocity waveforms in the hydropic fetus may further our knowledge of the etiology of hydrops and may indicate which investigations among the many available should be used for diagnosing the cause of fetal hydrops.     

子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病的疗效分析

目的探讨子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病的临床疗效。方法2008年1月至2010年1月采用子宫动脉栓塞术治疗的子宫腺肌病患者69例,采用子宫动脉栓塞术治疗并观察临床疗效。结果69例患者138条子宫动脉全部插管顺利,顺利完成手术,成功率100％。临床疗效：69例子宫腺肌病患者中45例术后痛经完全缓解,21例明显缓解,3例复发。结论经导管子宫动脉栓塞术治疗子宫腺肌病,临床效果确切、具有创伤小,恢复快,无需切除子宫,近期疗效可靠,并发症少,住院时间短,保留生殖潜能等优点,为治疗子宫腺肌病提供了一种新的微创治疗方法。     

Role of Spectral Doppler Sonography in the Evaluation of Partial Testicular Torsion

Objective. The purpose of this series was to evaluate the role of spectral Doppler and color flow Doppler sonography in the evaluation of partial testicular torsion. Methods. Eight cases of partial testicular torsion, diagnosed on the basis of abnormal spectral Doppler waveforms or abnormal color flow Doppler findings, were retrospectively pooled from 2 teaching hospitals. Results. The age group ranged from 4 to 85 years. Testicles with partial testicular torsion showed variable spectral Doppler patterns, including increased, similar, or decreased amplitude of the arterial waveform relative to the contralateral testicle. Two cases showed reversal of arterial diastolic flow, and 1 case showed diastolic flow variability within the same testicle. Decreased blood flow was observed on color flow Doppler sonography in 7 of the 8 patients. Conclusions. Variability of the Doppler waveform when compared with the contralateral testicle and reversal of diastolic blood flow are indirect clues that aid in the diagnosis of partial testicular torsion.     

彩色多普勒能量显像检测子宫肌瘤内血流的应用价值

目的：根据对46例患者54个瘤体经腹及经阴道途径的扫查结果,本文探讨了彩色多普勒能量显像检测子宫肌瘤内血流的应用价值。方法：对46例患者54个瘤体经腹壁及经阴道途径联合扫查。结果 经腹壁扫查时,40.7%的CDEI显示内部或周边有血流信号,74.1%的CDE显示瘤体内部或周边有血流信号。经阴道扫描时,81.5%的CDFI显示有血流信号,90.7%的CDE有血流信号。结论：经阴道途径较经腹壁途径灵敏度更高。但由于阴道探头频率较高,对较大的瘤体,二维图象显示较困难,工作中,应联合应用经腹和经阴道二种途径。