Current use and perceived barriers of emergency point-of-care ultrasound by African health care practitioners

Introduction: The African Federation of Emergency Medicine (AFEM) recommends the use of emergency point-of-care ultrasound (ePOCUS) as a core skill for health care practitioners in Africa. The study explored the use of ePOCUS by health care practitioners among AFEM members who work across Africa. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to individual members of AFEM and affiliated organisa-tions. The questionnaire was tested by the AFEM Scientific Committee for potential content modifications priorto distribution. Summary statistics are presented. Results: Of the 220 participants that were analysed, 148 (67.3%) were using ePOCUS. The mean age was 36 years;146 (66%) were male; and 198 (90%) obtained their primary medical qualification in Africa. In total, 168 (76%) were doctors, and most participants (n = 204, 93%) have worked in Africa during the last 5 years. Reasons for not using ePOCUS mainly related to lack of training and problems with ultrasound machines or consumables. Most ePOCUS users (116/148, 78%) attended courses with hands-on training, but only 65 (44%) participants were credentialed (by 18 different organizations). The median score for self-perceived level of ePOCUS skills was 75 in credentialed users versus 50 in those that were not credentialed. Ultrasound in trauma was the most frequently used module (n = 141, 99%), followed by focused cardiac assessment (n = 128, 90%) and thoracic (including lung) assessment (n = 128, 90.1%). The FASH-module (Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV/TB) was the least used (n = 69, 49%). Conclusion: Access barriers to ePOCUS training, mentorship, equipment and consumables are still relevant in Africa. The low credentialing rate and the potential discordance between local burden of disease and ePOCUStraining requires further investigation.

Perceptions and Willingness to Undertake Transvaginal Sonography by Women at the Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Zimbabwe

ntroduction: The acceptability and willingness to undergo Transvaginal Sonography by the patients havegeneratedmixedreactionsindifferenthealthcare settings. There is little that is known aboutZimbabweanwomen'sperceptionsandwillingness to undergo Transvaginal Sonography and there are no specific guidelines to guide its use. Aim:To evaluate the perception and willingness to undergo Transvaginal Sonography among women attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinic at SallyMugabeCentralHospitalinHarare, Zimbabwe.Methods:Across-sectionalsurveyusingastructured questionnaire was conducted between 1 and 30 June 2022. Atotal of 170 women attending the obstetrics and gynaecology clinic at Sally MugabeCentralHospitalwereselectedbyconsecutive sampling to participate in the study.Results:The majority of women (81.76%) had no previous TVS experience, with an equally large proportion (60.84%) not having seen a TVS probe before. Most of the women would prefer female sonographers (85.37%) to conduct the examination. In addition, about 58% of the participants concurred that a chaperone should be present. Less than half of the females (47.93%) were eager to have a TVS done on them. Equally, just 45% of the females said they would encourage others to have a TVS scan. The difference in willingness to undergo a TVS study stratified by employment status was statistically significant (chi-square 7.26, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Our study findings revealed that a large proportion of females had no previous TVS experience, with an equally large proportion not having seen a TVS probe before. Only a sizeable proportion of women were willing to accept TVS provided it is conducted by female sonographers and or in the presence of a chaperone. The findings underscoretheimportanceofeducationandawareness of the benefits of TVS in terms of diagnosis on maternal health outcomes, in the Zimbabwean population.

The Assessment of Gastric Antral Wall Thickness in Helicobacter pylori Gastritis by Abdominal Ultrasonography, Case-Control Study (2016-2018)

Abdominal ultrasonography is effective in the visualization of gastric wall layers and measuring its thickness. The study aimed to assess gastric antral wall thickness in patients with H. pylori gastritis by abdominal ultrasonography and to study its predictive value in detecting H. pylori gastritis.

Term delivery of a heterotopic pregnancy coexisting with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy: A case report

Pregnancies that occur in two different implantation sites simultaneously is described as Heterotopic pregnancy (HP). In the current study, a case of term delivery of a heterotopic pregnancy coexisting with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy, diagnosed by ultrasound (US) and clinical examination findings, which was managed successfully. A 25 year old Nigerian female, gravida 4, para 2 (2 term gestation, 1 spontaneous abortion) presented at the Emergency room with acute abdominal pain associated with vomiting. She had 8 weeks amenorrhea and a positive pregnancy test three weeks prior to presentation. Transvaginal ultrasound scan revealed a sixweeks viable intrauterine gestation. A diagnosis of possible ectopic pregnancy was made. Further trans-abdominal ultrasonography imaging revealed viable intrauterine pregnancy with evidence of an echogenic mass measuring 6.5 x 7.5cm in the abdominal cavity with significant fluid collection, and both ovaries were visualized and separate from the mass. An emergency exploratory laparotomy with right salpingectomy was performed with minimal handling of the uterus and other pelvic structures. At 37 weeks and 5 days gestation, she had an elective C/S for a transverse lying fetus and delivered a live normal birth weight baby girl with a good Apgar score. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 110-113).

Accuracy of mid-trimester ultrasound scan in foetal gender determination at the University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of prenatal sonographic gender determination during foetal anomaly ultrasound and the overall sensitivity pattern in our institution.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 520 consenting pregnant women who presented for foetal anomaly scans within a one-year period in our institution. The diagnostic accuracy of gender determination during the anomaly and delayed scans were determined by comparing the sonographic gender with the birth gender and calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, Mc-Nemar chi-square test were used at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean maternal age was 31.51 ±5.02years. Of the 520 consenting pregnant women studied, 16(6.0%) women were having twin gestation. Four hundred and ninety-seven (92.7%) genders were determined during foetal anomaly scan. The accuracy of the ultrasonography (US) examination performed by the resident doctors was 98.02% while the accuracy of the scan performed by the consultant radiologists was 100%. Overall, the accuracy of the gender determination on ultrasound was 98.69%. The general specificity and sensitivity of the US were 98.71 % and 98.68% respectively while the positive and negative predictive value were 99.01 % and 98.29% respectively. Conclusion: The accuracy of ultrasound examination in detecting foetal gender during foetal anomaly ultrasound is high with equally high predictive values and therefore it is recommended as a mandatory variable during anomaly scans. There is need for continuous training of resident doctors or operators in lower cadre to improve their competency in foetal gender determination.

Normative references of fetal chest circumference in a Nigerian population

A linear relationship between gestational age and fetal thoracic size has been observed, with growth occurring at a regular rate from 16 to 40 weeks.Objective: To determine the fetal chest circumference in normal late second and third-trimester pregnancies in a Nigerian population.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on gravid women with normal singleton pregnancies at 22 ­ 38 weeks gestational age. We recruited 440 eligible gravid women. The fetal gestational age was estimated from the last menstrual period and an early first trimester ultrasound report (< 10 weeks). The fetal chest circumference was measured on an axial view of the fetal chest after ensuring adequate visualisation of the four cardiac chambers, both fetal lungs and ribs. The other fetal biometric parameters were determined using the previously established guidelines. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were used as appropriate. Statistical tests were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 29.8 ± 4.6 years (range = 18-45 years). The chest circumference of the fetuses ranged from 16.56 ± 0.29 cm to 30.87 ± 6.88 cm. The fetal chest circumferences increased with advancing gestational age (16.56 ± 0.29 cm at 22 weeks to 30.87 ± 6.88 cm at 37 weeks gestational age). There was strong positive correlation between chest circumference and menstrual gestational age (r=0.85, p=<0.0001), biparietal diameter (r=0.88, p<0.0001), abdominal circumference (r=0.90, p<0.0001) and fetal length (r=0.88, p<0.0001).Conclusion: The fetal chest circumference grew as the pregnancy progressed. There was a positive linear correlation between fetal chest circumference and menstrual gestational age as well as the other fetal biometric parameters.

Douleurs abdominales non traumatiques de l'enfant place de l'échographie dans la prise en charge au CHU de Bouake (Côte d'Ivoire)

Contexte et objectif. La douleur abdominalenon traumatique est un motif fréquent de consultation des enfants. Sa prise en charge nécessite des examens complémentaires comme l'échographie qui est demandée très souvent en première intention chez les enfants. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer le profi l épidémiologique et les principales pathologies responsables de douleurs abdominales non traumatiques de l'enfant à l'échographie. Méthodes. II s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive réalisée au CHU de Bouaké du 1erJanvier 2019 au 31 Décembre 2019 soit 12 mois. Elle avait porté sur 300 enfants qui présentaient une douleur abdominale chez qui une échographie abdominale avait été réalisée par un médecin radiologue sénior. L'analyse statistique s'est faite à l'aide des tests de Khi2 et de Fisher au seuil de signifi cation situé à 5% (P<0,05). Résultats. Au total, il y avait 300 enfants. L'âge moyen était de 9 ans avec des extrêmes de 3 mois et 15 ans. Le sexe masculin représentait 60% des cas soit un sex ratio de 1,5. L'exploration échographique avait retrouvé une anomalie dans 75,3%. Il s'agissait de lésions organiques abdominales dans 65,6% et extraabdominales (9,7%). Les affections hépato-biliaires représentaient 54,4%, suivies des lésions spléno-ganglionnaires (40 %) puis des anomalies intestinales et rénales avec respectivement 21% et 15%. L'échographie avait confi rmé 55 % des hypothèses diagnostiques évoquées par les cliniciens et dans 20% des cas, un autre diagnostic avait été retenu à la fi n de l'examen. Conclusion. L'échographie occupe une place de choix dans la prise en charge des douleurs abdominales non traumatiques de l'enfant. C'est un moyen d'imagerie non irradiant, accessible, performant et reproductible permettant une exploration adéquate des lésions abdominales.

Place de l'échographie dans la prise en charge de la scapulalgie en rhumatologie à l'hôpital de Dreux / Place of ultrasound in management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital

Contexte & objectif. Les données sur la prise en charge des épaules en rhumatologie sont très limitées. L'objectif de la présente étude était de décrire la place de l'échographie dans la prise en charge des épaules douloureuses en rhumatologie. Méthodes. C'était une étude transversale sur les scapulalgies, suivies en rhumatologie de l'hôpital de Dreux ; entre janvier et mars 2018. Tous les participants avaient réalisé une échographie. Résultats. Au total 40 patients ont été enrôlés. Leur âge moyen était de 61,7 ans, et le sex ratio M/F de 0,29. A l'examen clinique, un conflit sous acromial (67,6%) et un syndrome acromio-claviculaire (32,4 %) étaient souvent observés. Les manœuvres de Jobe (76,5%), Patte (20,6%), et Gerber (14,7%) étaient parfois positives. A l'échographie, on observait les lésions des tendons de la coiffe (82,5%), du long biceps (25%), une bursite sous acromio-deltoïdienne (BSAD : 55%), une arthropathie gléno-humérale (30%), acromio-claviculaire (30%) ou sterno-claviculaire (2,5%). Une infiltration sous échographie était réalisée dans 85% des cas : BSAD (67,5%), gaine du long biceps (7,5%), articulation acromio-claviculaire (7,5%) et sterno- claviculaire (2,5%). Conclusion. L'échographie est très importante dans la prise en charge des scapulalgies dans le département de rhumatologie de l'hôpital de Dreux. Elle permet un diagnostic précis et la réalisation des gestes échoguidées.

Context and objective. Knowledge on management of shoulder pain is limited. The objective of the study was to describe the place of ultrasound in the management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients attending Rheumatology Department for shoulder pain from January to March 2018. All participants performed an ultrasound. Results. The mean age of the 40 patients included in the study was 61.7 years and the sex ratio was 0.29. On clinical examination, subacromial conflict (67.6%) and acromioclavicular syndrome (32.4%) were often observed. The Jobe (76.5%), Patte (20.6%), and Gerber (14.7%) tests were sometimes positive. Ultrasound lesions involved the rotator cuff (82.5%), subacromio-deltoid bursitis (55%), the long biceps tendon (25%), the glenohumeral joint (30%), the acromioclavicular joint (30%), or the sternoclavicular joint (2.5%). Ultrasound-guided infiltration was performed in 85% of cases. It concerned subacromio-deltoid bursitis (67.5%), long biceps sheath (7.5%), acromioclavicular joint (7.5%), and sterno-clavicular joint (2.5%). Conclusion. Ultrasound is very important in the management of shoulder pain in the Rheumatology Department of Dreux Hospital. It allows a precise diagnosis and the realization of echo-guided injections.

Building focused cardiac ultrasound capacity in a lower middle-income country: a single centre study to assess training impact

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where echocardiography experts are in short supply, training non-cardiologists to perform Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) could minimise diagnostic delays in time-critical emergencies. Despite advocacy for FoCUS training however, opportunities in LMICs are limited, and the impact of existing curricula uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of FoCUS training based on the Focus Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE) curriculum. Our primary objective was to assess knowledge gain. Secondary objectives were to evaluate novice FoCUS image quality, assess inter-rater agree-ment between expert and novice FoCUS and identify barriers to the establishment of a FoCUS training pro-gramme locally. Methods: This was a pre-post quasi-experimental study at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Twelve novices without prior echocardiography training underwent FATE training, and their knowledge and skills were as-sessed. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to establish whether the median of the difference was different than zero. Inter-rater agreement between expert and novice scans was assessed, with a Cohen's kappa > 0.6 indicative of good inter-rater agreement. Results: Knowledge gain was 37.7%, with a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-test scores (z = 2.934, p = 0.001). Specificity of novice FoCUS was higher than sensitivity, with substantial agreement between novice and expert scans for most FoCUS target conditions. Overall, 65.4% of novice images were of poor quality. Post-workshop supervised practice was limited due to scheduling difficulties. Conclusions: Although knowledge gain is high following a brief training in FoCUS, image quality is poor and sensitivity low without adequate supervised practice. Substantial agreement between novice and expert scans occurs even with insufficient practice when the prevalence of pathology is low. Supervised FoCUS practice is challenging to achieve in a real-world setting in LMICs, undermining the effectiveness of training initiatives

Factors affecting utilization of obstetric ultrasound: a study of semi-urban pregnant women in a developing nation

Background: Ultrasound scanning presently forms an integral part of antenatal care around the globe. It is a common investigative tool in most public and private health facilities in developing countries. Routine obstetric ultrasound has been one of the most important advances in antenatal care worldwide. It is also useful in the early detection and monitoring of the conditions that give rise to fetal and maternal compromise and has become an indispensable adjunct to the management efforts of practitioners in this regard. Therefore, utilization of this innovation by pregnant mothers is paramount toward good outcome. Objective: The objective is to determine the factors affecting utilization of ultrasound by pregnant mothers attending antenatal care in Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross­sectional descriptive was used to carry out the study among 200 pregnant mothers selected through multistage sampling technique. This study was conducted over a period of 6 months from November 6, 2017, to May 6, 2018, after approval was given by the ethical committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. A structured interviewer­administered, validated questionnaire was administered to each participant to ascertain the factors affecting utilization of obstetric ultrasound by pregnant women in Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22. Results: The data obtained from the questionnaire were scored for proper evaluation. Furthermore, all collected data were carefully tallied, various frequencies, ranges, and mean (standard deviation) were determined. Most (29.5%) of the respondents aged 20­24 years, majority (95.5%) were homemakers that are not gainfully employed. Majority of the respondents were Hausa (94.5) and Muslims (96.5%). The findings of this study have shown that educational status, husband occupation, and knowledge affect the utilization of ultrasound by respondents. Conclusion: The common factors that affect the utilization of obstetric scan in Zaria were knowledge, education background, and husband occupation. Attitude, age, and the occupation of the respondents do not affect the utilization of obstetrics scan in Zaria

Profil des malformations et anomalies fœtales à l'échographie anténatale à l'Hôpital Régional de Ngaoundéré - Cameroun

Objectifs : Evaluer l'apport de l'échographie obstétricale dans le dépistage anténatal des malformations foetales, il s'agit plus spécifiquement de déterminer la prévalence des malformations anténatales à l'échographie, d'identifier les différents types de malformations dépistées, de rechercher les facteurs de risque associés aux malformations observées, d'établir le pronostic vital sur la base de l'échographie anténatale et de confronter les résultats de l'échographie au diagnostic post natal. Matériel et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive, effectuée de novembre 2017 à janvier 2019 soit 15 mois à l'Hôpital Régional de Ngaoundéré. Elle concernait toutes les femmes ayant présentées une malformation foetale au cours de l'échographie obstétricale réalisée à l'aide d'un échographe de marque GE LOGIQ 7 par voie trans-abdominale ou trans-vaginale, par un médecin radiologue d'au moins dix ans d'expérience. Un interrogatoire et un examen clinique étaient également réalisés chez toutes les femmes retenues. Les variables étudiées étaient : l'âge de la mère, l'âge de la grossesse, les résultats de l'échographie obstétricale et les caractéristiques des malformations dépistées. L'analyse statistique a été faite grâce aux logiciels Sphinx V.5.1.0.7 et Excel 2010. Résultats : Les malformations foetales représentaient 0,62% de toutes les échographies et 1,21% des échographies obstétricales. L'âge moyen des mères était de 26 ans avec des extrêmes de 16 à 45 ans. Les primipares étaient les plus représentées soit 43%, suivies des multipares avec 40% et des pauci pares avec 17%. 70,7% des malformations ont été dépisté au deuxième trimestre, les malformations du système nerveux central occupaient le premier rang (46,34%), suivi des malformations de l'appareil urinaire (19,51%), de la paroi abdominale (14,63%), du squelette (9,76%) et du système digestif (4,88%), l'on a observé une malformation du tissu mou du cou (2,44%) et pulmonaire (2,44%). 94,7% des malformations étaient associées à des affections du liquide amniotique et 5,3% à une tachycardie foetale, 14,63% de grossesses portaient des malformations considérées comme incompatibles avec la vie et 24,39% des foetus malformés étaient décédés in utéro. L'antécédent de malformation dans la fratrie était de 5,7% et la notion de consanguinité était de 28,6%. Le taux de concordance entre le diagnostic anténatal et postnatal était de 95,65%

Lésions traumatiques spléniques et fractures costales de l'enfant à propos de 16 cas au CHU pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle de Ouagadougou

Objectif : Décrire les aspects échographiques des contusions spléniques de l'enfant au CHUP-CDG et rechercher une éventuelle association avec les lésions thoraciques à la radiographie standard.Patients et méthode : Il s'est agi d'une étude descriptive prospective réalisée du 1er Avril 2016 au 30 Novembre 2016. Elle a concerné les enfants âgés de 0 à 14 ans reçus dans le service de radiologie du CHUP-CDG pour contusion abdominale, qui ont présenté des lésions spléniques à l'échographie abdomino-pelvienne et bénéficié de radiographies complémentaires du gril costal gauche. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les circonstances du traumatisme, le délai du diagnostic, les lésions échographiques spléniques, les autres lésions associées et les lésions radiographiques thoraciques. L'analyse des données a été réalisée à l'aide du logiciel de statistique Epi Info version 3.1.Résultats : Seize enfants, 11 garçons et 05 filles ont présenté une contusion splénique. Ils étaient âgés en moyenne de 09 ans, avec des extrêmes de 07 et de 14 ans. Les circonstances de survenue les plus fréquentes étaient constituées par les chutes d'arbre (dans 11 cas) et les accidents de la voie publique (dans 03 cas). L'exploration échographique a montré des contusions spléniques sévères, avec 75% de grade III de l'AAST, associées à un hémopéritoine (chez tous les 16 patients) et à un épanchement pleural (chez un patient). Aucune fracture costale n'a été observée. Conclusion : Les lésions spléniques post traumatiques étaient graves chez la majorité de nos patients mais n'étaient pas associées à des fractures costales. Cette étude préliminaire devrait être poursuivie dans le but d'indiquer ou non une radiographie thoracique complémentaire devant une lésion traumatique grave de la rate à l'échographie

Rapid, remote education for point-of-care ultrasound among non-physician emergency care providers in a resource limited setting

Introduction : Access to high-quality emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is lacking. Many countries utilise a strategy known as "task-shifting" where skills and responsibilities are distributed in novel ways among healthcare personnel. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has the potential to significantly improve emergency care in LMICs.Methods:POCUS was incorporated into a training program for a ten-person cohort of non-physician Emergency Care Providers (ECPs) in rural Uganda. We performed a prospective observational evaluation on the impact of a remote, rapid review of POCUS studies on the primary objective of ECP ultrasound quality and secondary objective of ultrasound utilisation. The study was divided into four phases over 11 months: an initial in-person training month, two middle month blocks where ECPs performed ultrasounds independently without remote electronic feedback, and the final months when ECPs performed ultrasounds independently with remote electronic feedback. Quality was assessed on a previously published eight-point ordinal scale by a U.S.-based expert sonographer and rapid standardised feedback was given to ECPs by local staff. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound exam findings for the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) was calculated.Results:Over the study duration, 1153 ultrasound studies were reviewed. Average imaging frequency per ECP dropped 61% after the initial in-person training month (p = 0.01) when ECPs performed ultrasound independently, but rebounded once electronic feedback was initiated (p = 0.001), with an improvement in quality from 3.82 (95% CI, 3.32­4.32) to 4.68 (95% CI, 4.35­5.01) on an eight-point scale. The sensitivity and specificity of FAST exam during the initial training period was 77.8 (95% CI, 59.2­83.0) and 98.5 (95% CI, 93.3­99.9), respectively. Sensitivity improved 88% compared to independent, non-feedback months whereas specificity was unchanged.Conclusions : Remotely delivered quality assurance feedback is an effective educational tool to enhance provider skill and foster continued and sustainable use of ultrasound in LMICs

The value of ultrasound in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of transabdominal ultrasonography in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites in comparison with laboratory ascitic fluid analysis and other methods used to establish the final diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 61 patients with ascites attending outpatient department (OPD) or admitted to wards of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and referred to radiology department for imaging from June 2017 to November 2017. Data were collected following the internationally recommended scanning technique in consecutive bases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The comparison of ultrasound and laboratory findings with final clinical diagnosis was analyzed using Chi-square test (X2). RESULTS: Of 61 patients with ascites enrolled in this study, females were 35(57.4%) with age range of 16 to 75 and mean age of 43.2±14.11. The cause of ascites was established in 59 cases using a combination of clinical, pathological, imaging evidences and tumor markers. However there were two cases who had ascites with indeterminate cause. US suggested the diagnosis in 54(91.5%) patients. Excluding mixed and indeterminate cases, ultrasound characterized ascites correctly as exudate and transudate in 95% cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has significant accuracy to distinguish transudate and exudate ascites and in suggesting the underlying cause. It can be a valuable method of investigation of ascites in places where CT and MRI are not available, and it is the best complement for laboratory investigations on ascites in suggesting the etiology based on ascitic fluid texture and ancillary findings

Aspects échographiques des bourses douloureuses à l'hôpital régional de Ngaoundéré, Cameroun

Objectifs. Décrire le profil épidémiologique, clinique et échographique des bourses douloureuses à l'Hôpital Régional de Ngaoundere. Méthodologie. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale et descriptive réalisée de Juin à décembre 2018. Nous avons inclus tous les patients adressés au Service de Radiologie et Imagerie Médicale de l'Hôpital Régional de Ngaoundéré pour une échographie des bourses dans un contexte de douleur et consentant à participer à l'étude. Les données d'intérêt étaient sociodémographiques, cliniques et échographiques. Elles ont été traitées avec les logiciels SPSS 16.0 et Microsoft Excel 2010. Résultats. Nous avons recruté 40 patients, représentant 7,2% de l'ensemble des échographies réalisées. Leur âge variait de 3 à 80 ans, avec une moyenne de 26 ans ; la tranche d'âge la plus représentée était celle de 21 à 30 ans (27,5%). L'intensité de la douleur mesurée à base de l'échelle verbale à l'arrivée des patients était faible (40%), modérée (35%), intense (17,5%) et extrêmement intense (7,5%). Vingt-cinq patients (62,5%) avaient une tuméfaction des bourses dont un volume modéré dans 30% des cas et important dans 15 % des cas. L'atteinte était droite et gauche dans respectivement 42,5% chacune. L'échographie des bourses était normale dans 17,5% des cas et pathologique dans 82,5%. Les pathologies les plus fréquentes étaient l'hydrocèle (38%), l'orchiépididymite (32,5 %), les varicocèles (17,5%) et la torsion du cordon spermatique (15%). Nous n'avons pas noté de pathologie tumorale. Conclusion. Les diagnostics échographiques les échographiques les plus fréquents des bourses douloureuses sont l'hydrocèle, la varicocèle, l'orchiépididymite et la torsion du cordon spermatique. L'échographie permet de retrouver une anomalie dans la plupart de cas

Detection of splenic microabscesses with ultrasound as a marker for extrapulmonary tuberculosis in patients with HIV: a systematic review

Background. In 2015, 1.2 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were diagnosed in patients with HIV. Diagnostic limitations and resource shortages in endemic areas can delay diagnosis and treatment, particularly with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). Research suggests that ultrasound can identify splenic microabscesses caused by EPTB, but data are limited on the frequency of this finding in patients with culture-proven EPTB. Objectives. To estimate the frequency of splenic EPTB microabscesses detected with ultrasound in patients with HIV and TB co-infection. Methods. Studies published in six major databases as of November 2017 were systematically reviewed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Cohen's kappa test was used to determine inter-rater agreement. Articles included for data abstraction passed the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) evaluation. Freeman-Tukey transformation was used to calculate weighted proportions. Heterogeneity was evaluated by Forest plot and I2 calculation. Results. After abstract screening, article review and QUADAS-2 evaluation, five studies were selected for data extraction. A total of 774 patients in these studies were infected with HIV. Splenic lesions were seen with ultrasound in 21.0% of patients with HIV (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.6 - 33.8). TB diagnosed by culture, biopsy, smear, or molecular methods was found to be the cause of 88.3% (95% CI 72.3 - 97.9) of splenic microabscesses seen on ultrasound in patients with HIV. Conclusions. Ultrasound evaluation of the spleen in patients with HIV and symptoms suggestive of TB in endemic regions is a viable diagnostic adjunct. Ultrasound detection of splenic microabscesses in HIV patients is probably sufficient indication to initiate TB treatment prior to obtaining culture data. Strong conclusions cannot be drawn owing to the high heterogeneity of this small number of studies

Ultrasonographic enthesis evaluation in patients with recurrent acute anterior uveitis with and without spondyloarthropathy

Background: spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic diseases recognized by arthritis and extraarticular lesions e.g. uveitis, enthesitis, dermatological affection. About 35% of SpA patients may present with recurrent attacks of acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Purpose: it was to detect whether patients with idiopathic recurrent AAU who were positive or negative for Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 (HLA­B27) had a frequency of enthesis lesions compared to that seen in patients with SpA. Patients and Methods: a prospective study of enthesis evident on musculoskeletal ultrasound examination was done on sixty patients and twenty controls, the eighty were categorized into 4 groups; group 1 included 20 patients with known SpA group 2 included 20 with recurrent AAU HLA­B27 positive and didn't have SpA aspects group 3 included 20 with recurrent AAU HLA­B27 negative and didn't have SpA and group 4 included 20 healthy controls. Using Madrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI) twelve enthesis locations were assessed in each participant. Results: a total of 960 entheses sites were examined by ultrasonography in all 80 participants. The MASEI cut-off limit of ≥18 points was 75%, 60%, 45%, and 10% of the participants in the 4 groups; respectively. The MASEI score was significantly higher in groups 1&2 than in groups 3&4. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Conclusion: a high percent of HLA­B27 positive patients with idiopathic recurrent AAU without characteristics of SpA have enthesis lesions with about percent to those seen in patients with known SpA

Profil épidemio-clinique et échographique des moles hydatiformes à Abidjan

Introduction: décrire les aspects épidémio-cliniques et échographiques des môles hydatiformes (MH) à Abidjan. Méthodes: étude transversale de 6 ans (janvier 2011 à décembre 2016) réalisée au CHU de Yopougon au Service de Radiologie. Elle a consisté en la description du profil épidémio-clinique et échographique des patientes porteuses de MH. Les examens échographiques ont été réalisés par voie mixte (endovaginale et sus pubienne) en modes B et Doppler Couleur par des radiologues seniors. Une étude anatomo-pathologique du contenu utérin a été effectuée.Résultats: vingt-cinq cas de MH ont été diagnostiquées sur 12,190 échographies obstétricales réalisées soit 0,2% d'incidence radiologique. L'âge moyen des patientes était de 33,4 ans avec des extrêmes de 22 et 50 ans. Il n'y avait pas de classe d'âge dominante. La notion de masse abdominale 36% et de métrorragies 28% étaient les signes cliniques prédominants qui accompagnaient l'aménorrhée (100%). Sur le plan échographique, l'utérus était hypertrophique dans 100% des cas, homogène dans 96% et myomateux dans 4% des cas. La MH avait une épaisseur moyenne de 42,7mm. Son aspect était décrit comme vésiculaire dans 68%, en nid d'abeille dans 16%, multikystique dans 12% et en tempête de neige dans 4%. Les MH étaient classées partielles dans 4% des cas, complètes dans 92% des cas et invasives dans 4% des cas. Les ovaires étaient hypertrophiques dans 44% des cas avec une notion de macrofollicules dans 32% et des kystes dans 8% des cas. Le diagnostic échographique de MH a été confirmée à l'anatomopathologie dans 100% des cas.Conclusion: les MH demeurent rares à Abidjan et sont dominées par la forme complète. La notion de survenue à des âges extrêmes n'a pas été retrouvée

Malformation artério - veineuse utérine acquise : à propos de trois cas diagnostiqués à l'Hôpital Militaire d'Antsiranana à Madagascar

Les malformations artério-veineuses utérines acquises sont rarement rapportées dans le mécanisme de métrorragie. Ses caractéristiques cliniques sont non spécifiques et trompeuses. Elles sont potentiellement graves et peuvent mettre en jeu le pronostic vital de la patiente en cas d'aspiration-curetage, du fait d'hémorragies. Nous en rapportons trois cas qui ont été diagnostiqués dans le post abortum. Le premier cas était découvert 2 mois après une fausse couche spontanée, le deuxième 3 mois après une interruption volontaire de grossesse par curetage et le dernier 2 mois après prise de misoprostol. Dans tous les cas, le motif de consultation était des saignements à répétition de quantité variable. Le diagnostic était posé devant un test de grossesse négatif associé à des images hétérogènes intramyométriale bordant la cavité utérine et/ou intracavitaires très vascularisées à l'échographie doppler avec d'importants phénomènes d'aliasing

Is there an association between central venous pressure measurement and ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava?

Introduction:Early assessment of volume status is paramount in critically ill patients. Central venous pressure (CVP) measurement and ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are both used for volume assessment in the emergency centre. Recent data is conflicting over whether there is a correlation between CVP and ultrasound assessment of the IVC.Methods:This was a retrospective review of an audit previously performed in the Emergency Unit of Ngwelezane Hospital in Kwazulu-Natal. The audit involved measuring inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI) within 5 min of CVP measurement. In this retrospective study, audit data were analysed to determine if an association exists.Results:Twenty-four patients were included. The median age of participants was 36 (IQR 42) years (95% CI 33­56). The median time to ultrasound was 18.6 (52.5) h (95% CI 7.5­36.2). The mean CVP was 13.7 ±â€¯7.7 cm H2O and mean IVC-CI was 39.4 ±â€¯17.8%. Based on a Pearson correlation test, there was a weak negative correlation between CVP and IVC-CI, which was not statistically significant (r = −0.05, n = 24, p = 0.81, 95% CI −0.5 to 0.4) for all participants. However, among females there was a moderate negative correlation between CVP and IVC-CI, which was not statistically significant (r = −0.43, n = 7, p = 0.34, 95% CI −0.9 to 0.5), while among males there was a weak positive correlation, which was not statistically significant (r = 0.16, n = 17, p = 0.53, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.6).Discussion:There is no significant correlation between CVP and IVC-CI. Further validation research is required to support our preliminary findings of no significant correlation between CVP measurement and ultrasound assessment of the IVC. CVP and IVC ultrasound should be used as clinical adjuncts, and not as stand-alone measures of volume assessment