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Abstract Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the formation of nodules, abscesses and fistulas, with the formation of scars and fibrosis, causing significant impairment in patient quality of life. The diagnosis is clinical, using scores to classify the severity of the condition; currently the most recommended classification is the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System (IHS4). Doppler ultrasound has been used to complement the clinical evaluation of patients with HS. It is possible to observe subclinical lesions that change the staging, the severity of the case, and its treatment, either clinical or surgical. Correct treatment is essential to minimize the consequences of this disease for the patient. Objective To establish an outpatient protocol for the use of Doppler ultrasound in the care of patients with HS. Methods A narrative review of the literature was carried out on the use of Doppler ultrasound in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa; a referring protocol and technique orientations for imaging assessment in HS were created. Results Recommendation to perform ultrasound evaluation of symptomatic areas eight weeks after using antibiotics and four, 12, and 24 weeks after starting immunobiologicals; apply SOS-HS ultrasound severity classification. Study limitations The review did not cover all literature on ultrasound and HS; no systematic review was carried out, but rather a narrative one. Conclusions The correct assessment of patients staging must be carried out using dermatological ultrasound to avoid progression to scars and fibrosis, which compromise patients quality of life.
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Superb microvascular imaging(SMI)is a new kind of Doppler technology,being sensitive for displaying low-velocity microvascular blood flow in muscles,tendons,synovium,nerves and reflecting microcirculation changes,able to provide imaging evidences for diagnosing musculoskeletal system diseases,monitoring processes and evaluating therapeutic effect.The research progresses of SMI applicated in musculoskeletal diseases were reviewed in this article.
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Objective:To apply digital analysis to quantify hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra, and explore its clinical value for diagnosis of Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:The cross-sectional study included 652 PD patients (PD group) and 99 healthy controls (healthy control group) from November 2017 to October 2020 in Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All subjects underwent transcranial sonography. The diagnostic accuracy of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity using digital analysis was compared with that in a manual measurement in PD. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to explore its diagnosis value in PD.Results:There were 482 subjects including 400 in the PD group and 82 in the healthy control group, whose quantified results of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity could be used for analysis. The ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of the quantified larger substantia nigra hyperechoic region detection for diagnosing PD was 0.858 (95% CI 0.805-0.910), the sensitivity was 87.8%, and the specificity was 73.2%, consistent with that of doctors (area under the curve: 0.884). Further more, among these PD patients, there was no correlation between larger substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and age, age of onset, course of disease, non-motor symptoms, and motor symptoms (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Digital analysis was used to quantify the changes in substantia nigra hyperechogenicity in this seudy. The results showed that diagnostic accuracy for PD based on digital analysis was consistent with that of experienced clinicians.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with cryptogenic stroke with different right-to-left shunt (RLS) and possible mechanisms.Methods:Acute ischemic stroke patients aged 18-65 years, who admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from April 2012 to July 2022, were etiologically classified according to the TOAST criteria. Cryptogenic stroke patients further underwent contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (cTCD) examination. Patients with RLS (RLS grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ) were divided into large shunt group (RLS grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ, under normal breathing or after Valsalva manoeuvre) and small shunt group (RLS grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, under normal breathing or after Valsalva manoeuvre). The chi-square test,Fisher's exact probability method and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare clinical and neuroimaging data between the 2 groups. And the RLS related factors as well as mechanisms of RLS-related stroke were further discussed through Spearman correlation and multiple Logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 167 cryptogenic stroke patients with RLS were included in this study. The male to female ratio was 88∶79. The onest age was (45.27±9.02) years. In the large shunt group, there were 92 patients (55.1%) with onset age of (45.61±9.32) years. In this group, 35 patients (38.0%) were males, 9 (9.8%) had hypertension, and 18 (19.6%) had smoking history; the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score was 7.08±0.12. In the small shunt group, there were 75 patients (44.9%) with onest age of (44.85±8.68) years. In this group, 53 patients (70.7%) were males, 29 (38.7%) had hypertension, and 31 (41.3%) had smoking history; the RoPE score was 6.20±0.14. Males (χ 2=17.640, P<0.001) as well as hypertension (χ 2=19.611, P<0.001) and smoking history (χ 2=9.443, P<0.01) were significantly less common in the large shunt group than in the small shunt group, while the RoPE score in the large shunt group was higher than that in the small shunt group ( F=21.580, P<0.001). All 6 pulmonary arteriovenous fistula cases (6.5%, 6/92) belonged to the large shunt group. There was no pulmonary arteriovenous fistula patient in the small shunt group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in age of onset, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack, or family history of stroke between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that female ( OR=2.848, 95 %CI 1.223-6.632, P<0.05) and no history of hypertension ( OR=3.937, 95 %CI 1.593-9.727, P<0.01) were significantly associated with large shunt. The neuroimaging features were analyzed through comparing offending vessels as well as spatial distribution of lesions between the 2 groups. Results:showed that infarct location of 54 cases (58.7%) was in the unilateral anterior circulation area, 34 cases (37.0%) in the posterior circulation area, no case in the bilateral anterior circulation area, and both of anterior and posterior circulation areas were involved in 4 cases (4.3%) in the large shunt group. Of all the large shunt group patients, 31 (33.7%) had cortical infarcts, 9 (9.8%) had subcortical infarcts, 36 (39.1%) had deep infarcts, and 16 (17.4%) had mixed multiple infarcts. In the small shunt group, infarct location of 36 cases (48.0%) was in the unilateral anterior circulation area, 29 cases (38.7%) in the posterior circulation area, 4 cases (5.3%) in the bilateral anterior circulation area, and both of anterior and posterior circulation areas were involved in 7 cases (9.3%). Of all the small shunt group patients, 7 (9.3%) had cortical infarcts, 8 (10.7%) had subcortical infarcts, 39 (52.0%) had deep infarcts, and 21 (28.0%) had mixed multiple infarcts. Logistic regression analysis showed that cortical infarction was associated with large shunt ( OR=5.981,95 %CI 1.882-19.007, P<0.01), and there was no statistically significant difference in other types of infarction distribution between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Among cryptogenic stroke patients with RLS, large shunt was more common in females, patients with no history of hypertension, and those with higher RoPE score as well as more cortical infarction, suggesting that there was a strong link between stroke and large RLS, which revealed the underlying mechanism of embolism in patients with stroke and large RLS. In the small shunt group, there were more males and hypertensive patients, suggesting atherosclerosis was more likely involved in pathogenic mechanism of stroke patients with small RLS.
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Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of sequential therapy with butylphthalein on acute cerebral infarction and mild-to-moderate increases in middle cerebral artery blood flow in patients.Methods:The clinical data of 92 patients with acute cerebral infarction and mild-to-moderate increases in middle cerebral artery blood flow who received treatment at the Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology from January 2018 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into a study group and a control group using a random number table method. The control group was given an intravenous infusion of butylphthalein sodium chloride injection, while the study group took oral butylphthalein soft capsules after intravenous infusion of butylphthalein sodium chloride injection. The baseline data, hemodynamics, neurological function, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. At 90 days after treatment, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL), and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) examination was performed to evaluate hemodynamic changes.Results:A total of 92 patients completed all the observation indices as required, including 48 patients in the study group and 44 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in demographics, vascular risk factors, laboratory results, NIHSS score, ADL score, or arterial hemodynamics of the diseased brain between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 90 days after treatment, the NIHSS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(4.00 ± 1.95) points vs. (4.91 ± 2.08) points; t =-2.16, P = 0.033]. The ADL score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(82.71 ± 9.56) points vs. (76.25 ± 11.47) points; t = 2.94, P = 0.004]. The good rate of outcomes in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group [70.83% (34/48) vs. 50.00% (22/44); χ2 = 4.18, P = 0.041]. There were significant differences in the peak systolic velocity [(152.33 ± 9.58) cm/s vs. (157.41 ± 11.77) cm/s; t = 2.27, P = 0.025] and the mean velocity [(90.00 ± 8.30) cm/s vs. (94.45 ± 9.07) cm/s; t = -2.46, P = 0.016] of the middle cerebral artery between the study and control groups. The difference in pulsitility index between the two groups was not statistically significant [(0.97 ± 1.06) vs. (1.01 ± 1.21); t = 1.69, P = 0.093]. Compared with the poor outcome group, patients in the good outcome group had lower NIHSS and ADL scores after discharge (both P < 0.001), and the proportion of patients who received sequential therapy with butylphthalein in the good outcome group was higher [(60.70% (34/56) vs. 38.90% (14/36); χ2 = 4.18, P = 0.041]. Conclusion:Sequential therapy with butylphthalein can reduce neurological deficits, promote neurological function recovery, improve the hemodynamics of diseased blood vessels, and greatly improve daily living activities in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated by mild to moderate increases in middle cerebral artery blood flow.
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Objective:To correlate serum Nesfatin-1, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and cystatin C (CysC) levels with myocardial enzymes and cardiac function in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:This is a case-control study. A total of 100 patients with acute STEMI who received treatment at Lishui People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were included in the STEMI group. An additional 80 healthy controls who concurrently received physical examinations in the same hospital were included in the control group. Serum levels of Nesfatin-1, NT-proBNP, CysC, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were determined in each group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVDS) were measured using color Doppler ultrasound. Correlation analysis was performed.Results:Serum Nesfatin-1 level in the STEMI group was (89.96 ± 15.25) ng/L, which was significantly lower than (226.36 ± 37.47) ng/L in the control group ( t = 33.15, P < 0.05). Serum levels of NT-proBNP and CysC in the STEMI group were (1 325.12 ± 378.48) ng/L and (1.37 ± 0.24) mg/L, which were significantly higher than (78.95 ± 13.42) ng/L and (0.79 ± 0.16) mg/L in the control group ( t = -29.42, -18.56, both P < 0.05). Serum CK-MB and cTnI levels in the STEMI group were (46.51 ± 12.14) U/L and (1.13 ± 0.25) U/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (12.23 ± 4.01) U/L and (0.09 ± 0.02) U/L in the control group ( t = -24.06, -37.09, both P < 0.05). The LVEF in the STEMI group was (37.84 ± 5.45)%, which was significantly lower than (72.41 ± 4.26)% in the control group ( t = 46.49, P < 0.05). The LVDD and LVDS in the STEMI group were (40.92 ± 5.25) mm and (58.98 ± 6.25) mm, which were significantly higher than (19.86 ± 3.36) mm and (34.21 ± 4.38) mm in the control group ( t = -31.13, -30.03, both P < 0.05). Serum Nesfatin-1 level was positively correlated with LVEF ( r = 0.572), but it was negatively correlated with serum CK-MB and cTnI levels, LVDD, and LVDS ( r = -0.498, -0.617, -0.506, -0.534, all P < 0.05). Serum NT-proBNP and CysC levels were negatively correlated with LVEF ( r = -0.653, -0.607), but they were positively correlated with serum CK-MB and cTnI levels, LVDD, and LVDS ( r = 0.582, 0.526, 0.712, 0.565, 0.631, 0.578, 0.659, 0.635, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Serum Nesfatin-1 levels decrease, while serum NT-proBNP and CysC levels increase in patients with acute STEMI. Serum Nesfatin-1, NT-proBNP, and CysC levels are closely related to myocardial enzymes and cardiac function.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical value of tissue Doppler echocardiography in the evaluation of left ventricular function in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.Methods:This is a case-control study, including 100 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension who received treatment at the Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May 2019 to May 2022, and an additional 100 healthy pregnant women who underwent physical examination during the same period. All participants underwent two-dimensional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler echocardiography, and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Ultrasound parameters related to left ventricular morphology and function were collected from all participants. The ultrasound parameters related to left ventricular morphology and function between patients with different types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and healthy controls were compared. The correlation between left ventricular function ultrasound parameters and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels was investigated.Results:Patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, patients with mild preeclampsia, patients with severe preeclampsia, and healthy controls demonstrated differences in interventricular septum thickness during diastole [(10.24 ± 1.18) mm, (11.39 ± 1.24) mm, (11.57 ± 1.29) mm, (8.81 ± 0.95) mm], left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [(47.31 ± 2.81) mm, (49.82 ± 2.89) mm, (52.03 ± 2.94) mm, (46.82 ± 2.76) mm], left ventricular posterior wall thickness [(9.73 ± 1.06) mm, (10.62 ± 1.13) mm, (11.75 ± 1.21) mm, (8.96 ± 0.97) mm], left ventricular inner diameter [(32.82 ± 2.34) mm, (35.48 ± 2.39) mm, (36.04 ± 2.45) mm, (30.41 ± 2.27) mm], and left ventricular mass index [(98.41 ± 7.83) g/m 2, (105.73 ± 8.26) g/m 2, (108.63 ± 8.57) g/m 2, (96.59 ± 7.69) g/m 2]. All of these parameters showed significant differences between patients with different types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and healthy controls ( F = 13.47, 12.61, 16.59, 13.26, 19.73, all P < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in echocardiographic indices of left ventricular function such as peak velocity ratio of E and A waves, systolic motor amplitude, early peak diastolic velocity to late peak diastolic velocity, and Tei index between patients with different types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and healthy controls ( F = 12.84, 11.27, 14.64, 21.43, all P < 0.001). In patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, peak velocity ratio of E and A waves, systolic motor amplitude, and early peak diastolic velocity to late peak diastolic velocity were moderately negatively correlated with serum NT-proBNP level ( r = -0.56, -0.43, -0.54, P = 0.029, 0.042, 0.031), while Tei index showed a positive correlation with serum NT-proBNP level ( r = 0.77; P = 0.003). Conclusion:Two-dimensional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler echocardiography combined with tissue Doppler echocardiography can be used to effectively evaluate the changes in left ventricular structure and function in patients with different types of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Monitoring the Tei index using tissue Doppler echocardiography can accurately reflect myocardial injury and functional changes, which has a great clinical application value.
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Objective:To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative diagnostic value of transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for benign and malignant adnexal masses.Methods:Forty-nine patients with adnexal masses detected by routine ultrasound examination at Wenzhou People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were included in this study. Initially, transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound, two-dimensional ultrasound integrated with color Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were used to accurately classify the masses as benign or malignant. Using postoperative pathology as the gold standard, the qualitative diagnostic accuracy of various detection methods was compared. Subsequently, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the quantitative diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography-related parameters in distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses.Results:Among the 49 patients, 10 were diagnosed with malignant tumors. The diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was 93.88% (46/49), with a sensitivity of 90.00% (9/10), a specificity of 94.87% (37/39), a positive predictive value of 81.82% (9/11), and a negative predictive value of 97.37% (37/38). The results of the diagnostic difference assessment (McNemar test) revealed that there was no significant difference between two-dimensional ultrasound ( χ2 = 0.37, P = 0.546), two-dimensional ultrasound combined with color Doppler ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.683), and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography ( χ2 = 0.00, P = 1.000), and the gold standard test results. The consistency assessment (Kappa test) revealed that the diagnostic results of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography exhibited the highest concordance with the gold standard, with a Kappa value of 0.82 ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the initial increase time, peak intensity, and mean transit time in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography demonstrated high quantitative diagnostic accuracy. The areas under the curve were 0.83, 0.82, and 0.84, respectively, and the diagnostic cutoff values were 17.30 s, 21.65 dB, and 92.60 seconds, respectively. Conclusion:Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography exhibits diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant adnexal masses, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This method can provide valuable insights for further treatment.
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Abstract Background Arteritis is a complication of neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is not well known and could trigger strokes. The transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is a noninvasive method for detecting, staging, and monitoring cerebrovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the utility of TCD to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes, suggesting vasculitis associated with NCC remains uncertain. Objective To evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes using TCD in patients with subarachnoid and parenchymal NCC. Methods There were 53 patients with NCC evaluated at a reference hospital for neurological diseases included (29 with subarachnoid and 24 with parenchymal). Participants underwent a clinical interview and serology for cysticercosis and underwent TCD performed within 2 weeks of enrollment. Mean flow velocity, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and pulsatility index were recorded. Results Among the participants, there were 23 (43.4%) women, with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 29-48). Cerebral hemodynamic changes suggesting vasculitis were detected in 12 patients (22.64%); the most compromised vessel was the middle cerebral artery in 11 (91.67%) patients. There were more females in the group with sonographic signs of vasculitis (10/12, 83.33% vs. 13/41, 31.71%; p = 0.002), and this was more frequent in the subarachnoid NCC group (9/29, 31.03% vs. 3/24, 12.5%; p = 0.187), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Cerebral hemodynamic changes suggestive of vasculitis are frequent in patients with NCC and can be evaluated using TCD.
Resumen Antecedentes La arteritis es una complicación de la neurocisticercosis (NCC), que no siempre se conoce y podría desencadenar enfermedad cerebrovascular. La ultrasonografía Doppler transcraneal (DTC) es un método no invasivo que sirve para detectar y monitorizar enfermedades cerebrovasculares. No obstante, la utilidad de la DTC para evaluar los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales que sugieren vasculitis asociada a NCC sigue siendo incierta. Objetivo Evaluar los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales utilizando DTC en pacientes con NCC subaracnoidea y parenquimal. Métodos Se incluyeron 53 pacientes con NCC (29 con subaracnoidea y 24 con parenquimal) evaluados en un hospital de referencia para enfermedades neurológicas. Los participantes se sometieron a una entrevista clínica y serología para cisticercosis y a una DTC realizada dentro de las 2 semanas posteriores a la inscripción. Se registraron la velocidad media del flujo, la velocidad sistólica máxima, la velocidad diastólica final y el índice de pulsatilidad. Resultados Los participantes incluyeron 23 (43,4%) mujeres con una mediana de edad de 37 años (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 29-48). Se detectaron cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales sugestivos de vasculitis en 12 pacientes (22,64%); el vaso más comprometido fue la arteria cerebral media, en 11 (91,67%) pacientes. Hubo más mujeres en el grupo con signos ecográficos de vasculitis (10/12, 83,33% versus 13/41, 31,71%; p = 0,002), y esto fue más frecuente en el grupo de NCC subaracnoidea (9/29, 31,03% versus 3/24, 12,5%; p = 0,187), aunque esta diferencia no alcanzó significancia estadística. Conclusión Los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales sugestivos de vasculitis son frecuentes en pacientes con NCC y pueden evaluarse mediante DTC.
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Abstract Background There is limited data available regarding the prevalence of intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in Brazil and Latin America. Objective The present study sought to investigate the frequency and predictors of ICAS among patients with AIS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in a Brazilian center, with transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCS) technique. Methods Consecutive AIS and TIA patients, admitted to an academic public comprehensive stroke center in Brazil from February to December 2014, evaluated by TCCS were prospectively selected. Vascular narrowings > 50% were considered as ICAS, based on ultrasound criteria previously defined in the literature. Results We assessed 170 consecutive patients with AIS or TIA, of whom 27 (15.9%) were excluded due to an inadequate transtemporal acoustic bone window. We confirmed ICAS in 55 patients (38.5%). The most common location was the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery (28.2%), followed by the vertebral (15.4%), posterior cerebral (13.6%), terminal internal carotid (9.1%) and basilar (8.2%) arteries. On multivariate models adjusting for potential confounders, systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04; p = 0.008) was independently associated with ICAS. Conclusion We found significant ICAS in approximately ⅓ of patients admitted with symptoms of AIS or TIA in a public tertiary academic stroke center in Brazil. The TCCS is an accessible and noninvasive technique that can be used to investigate the presence of moderate and severe ICAS, especially in patients who cannot be exposed to more invasive exams, such as the use of intravenous contrast agents.
Resumo Antecedentes Dados acerca da prevalência da estenose arterial intracraniana (EAIC) entre os pacientes com acidente vascular isquêmico (AVCi) agudo no Brasil e América Latina são limitados. Objetivo O presente estudo pretendeu investigar a frequência e os preditores da EAIC nos pacientes AVCi ou ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) em um centro brasileiro utilizando o Doppler transcraniano colorido (duplex transcraniano). Métodos Pacientes consecutivos com AVCi ou AIT, admitidos entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2014 em um centro acadêmico brasileiro especializado em doenças cerebrovasculares, foram avaliados prospectivamente com duplex transcraniano. Os estreitamentos vasculares > 50% foram considerados como EAIC, baseado em critérios ultrassonográficos definidos previamente na literatura. Resultados Foram avaliados 170 pacientes com AVCi ou AIT, dos quais 27 (15,9%) foram excluídos em decorrência da janela óssea transtemporal acústica inadequada. Confirmamos EAIC em 55 pacientes (38,5%). A localização mais comum foi o segmento proximal da artéria cerebral média (28,2%), seguida pelas artérias vertebral (15,4%), cerebral posterior (13,6%), carótida interna terminal (9,1%) e basilar (8,2%). No modelo multivariado, ajustado para os potenciais confundidores, a pressão arterial sistólica aumentada (OR: 1,03; IC 95%: 1,01-1,04; p = 0,008) foi independentemente associada a EAIC. Conclusão Foi identificada EAIC significativa em quase ⅓ dos pacientes admitidos com sintomas de AVCi ou AIT em um serviço acadêmico público de atendimento especializado em doenças cerebrovasculares. O Doppler transcraniano colorido é uma ferramenta acessível e não invasiva que pode ser utilizada com segurança para a investigação da presença de EAIC moderada ou grave, especialmente nos pacientes que não podem ser expostos a exames complementares mais invasivos com uso de contraste intravenoso.
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ABSTRACT Introduction: Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis causes about 15% of ischemic strokes. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) is the first line of investigation of ICA stenosis, but its accuracy varies in the literature and it is usual to complement the study with another more accurate exam when faced with significant stenosis. There is a lack of studies that compare DUS with angiotomography (CTA) in the present literature. Methods: we performed an accuracy study, which compared DUS to CTA of patients in a tertiary hospital with a maximum interval of three months between tests. Patients were selected retrospectively, and two independent and certified vascular surgeons evaluated each image in a masked manner. When there was discordance, a third evaluator was summoned. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ICA stenosis of 50-94% and 70-94%. Results: we included 45 patients and 84 arteries after inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. For the 50-94% stenosis range, DUS accuracy was 69%, sensitivity 89%, and specificity 63%. For the 70-94% stenosis range, DUS accuracy was 84%, sensitivity 61%, and specificity 93%. There was discordance between CTA evaluators with a change from clinical to surgical management in at least 37.5% of the conflicting reports. Conclusion: DUS had an accuracy of 69% for stenoses of 50-94% and 84% for stenoses of 70-94% of the ICA. The CTA analysis depended directly on the evaluator with a change in clinical conduct in more than 37% of cases.
RESUMO Introdução: a estenose da artéria carótida interna (ACI) causa cerca de 15% dos acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos. A ultrassonografia duplex (USD) é a primeira linha de investigação da estenose de ACI, mas sua acurácia varia na literatura e é comum complementar o estudo com outro exame de maior acurácia diante de estenose significativa. Há uma escassez de estudos que comparem a USD com a angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) na literatura atual. Métodos: realizamos um estudo de acurácia, que comparou a USD à ATC de pacientes de um hospital terciário com um intervalo máximo de três meses entre os exames. Os pacientes foram selecionados retrospectivamente e dois cirurgiões vasculares independentes e certificados avaliaram cada imagem de maneira mascarada. Quando houve discordância, um terceiro avaliador foi convocado. Avaliou-se a precisão diagnóstica da estenose da ACI de 50-94% e 70-94%. Resultados: foram incluídos 45 pacientes e 84 artérias após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Para a faixa de estenose de 50-94%, a acurácia da USD foi 69%, sensibilidade 89% e especificidade 63%. Para a faixa de estenose de 70-94%, a acurácia da USD foi 84%, sensibilidade 61% e especificidade 93%. Ocorreu discordância entre avaliadores da ATC com mudança de conduta clínica para cirúrgica em pelo menos 37,5% dos laudos conflitantes. Conclusão: a USD teve uma acurácia de 69% para estenoses de 50-94% e de 84% para estenoses de 70-94% da ACI. A análise das ATC dependeu diretamente do avaliador com mudança de conduta clínica em mais de 37% dos casos.
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Objective:To investigate the differences in transcranial Doppler (TCD) hemodynamic parameters and their correlation with cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly populations with different cognitive states in rural communities.Methods:From January to February 2022, participants were recruited from rural communities in Yandu District, Yancheng for cognitive assessment and TCD examination. TCD parameters were recorded, including mean flow velocity (MFV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatile index, and resistance index of bilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), vertebral artery and basilar artery. According to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, the participants were divided into a normal cognitive function group, a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group, and a dementia group. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between hemodynamic parameters and blood pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors of MCI and dementia, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the correlation between hemodynamic parameters and cognitive assessment scale scores. Results:A total of 270 participants were enrolled, including 82 in the normal cognitive function group, 100 in the MCI group, and 88 in the dementia group. The comparison between groups showed that advanced age, female and low education years might be the risk factors for dementia in rural areas. The proportion of smoking and drinking in the dementia group was lower than that in the normal cognitive function group and the MCI group. The right ACA MFV and PSV in the dementia group were significantly lower than those in the normal cognitive function group and the MCI group, while the left PCA PSV was significantly lower than that in the MCI group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the normal cognitive function group, the right ACA PSV (odds ratio [ OR] 0.964, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 0.935-0.993; P=0.016) was an independent related factor associated with dementia; compared with the MCI group, right ACA PSV ( OR 0.967, 95% CI 0.936-0.999; P=0.043) and left PCA PSV ( OR 0.953, 95% CI 0.911-0.998; P=0.039) were the independent related factors for dementia. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the right ACA PSV ( β=0.431, P=0.036) and left PCA PSV ( β=0.133, P=0.021) were the independent related factors for MMSE score. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between blood pressure and several hemodynamic parameters (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The right ACA and left PCA PSV are significantly associated with dementia in rural middle-aged and elderly people, and are expected to serve as non-invasive early screening biomarkers for cognitive impairment in rural population.
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Purpose To preliminarily establish a predictive model for assessing preterm birth in the first trimester via clinical history and multiple ultrasound parameters.Materials and Methods This study included 200 women in the first trimester of pregnancy from 6 to 8 weeks in the Affiliated Renhe Hospital of Three Gorges University from September 2020 to September 2021,and their clinical history,two-dimensional imaging data and cervical elastography data were collected.Logistic regression analysis,screening and assignment were performed to initially establish a clinical prediction model for evaluating preterm birth during the first trimester.Results Finally,41 pregnant women developed preterm birth(preterm birth group),and 159 pregnant women did not develop preterm birth(term group).History of miscarriage,history of preterm birth,uterocervical angle(UCA),A,and A1 were the independent risk factors for preterm birth via univariate analysis,and multivariate analysis was carried out to obtain the formula:Logit(P)=1.495×abortion history+1.060×A1+0.795×UCA+1.354×A-14.951,which had a good fit via Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and the diagnostic efficiency was 96.9%.Conclusion The early pregnancy prediction model can effectively predict the occurrence of preterm birth in pregnant women with singleton pregnancy.
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Objective:To assess the combination of conventional ultrasound with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma(UC)of the renal pelvis in elderly patients.Methods:Sixty-seven elderly patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of UC of the renal pelvis and surgically treated at our hospital between April 2015 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Characteristics of regular preoperative 2D ultrasound, color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI)and CEUS were examined.Results:Of 67 patients, 49(73.13%)were found to have localized lesions in the renal pelvis and renal calyces.Lesions in 53 patients(79.10%)could be clearly identified by conventional ultrasound, with 46(86.79%)being isoechoic or hypoechoic, and 7(13.21%)being hyperechoic.Analysis of tumor blood flow by CDFI found 22 cases(41.51%)with avascular lesions, 21(39.62%)with hypovascular lesions and 10(18.87%)with hypervascular lesions.The average value of the resistance index(RI)was 0.64.Enhancement was seen in 62 lesions(92.54%)by CEUS after injection of SonoVue.Compared with the cortex of the ipsilateral kidney, a slow enhancement pattern was observed in 46(74.19%), 14(22.58%)showed simultaneous enhancement, and 2(3.23%)showed fast enhancement.At peak enhancement, 43 lesions(69.35%)had hypo-enhancement, 10(16.13%)had iso-enhancement, and 9(14.52%)had hyper-enhancement, compared with the cortex.Concerning the homogeneity of enhancement, 16(25.81%)displayed heterogeneous enhancement, with tumor necrosis or hemorrhage, and 46(74.19%)had homogeneous enhancement.When the contrast agent washout rate was assessed, a fast washout pattern was observed in 53(85.48%), synchronous washout in 6(9.68%), and slow washout in 3(4.84%).Conclusions:UC of the renal pelvis mostly shows isoechoic and hypoechoic lesions on conventional ultrasound, avascular or hypo-vascular lesions on CDFI, and slow-in, fast-out and hypo-enhancement on CEUS, compared with the cortex.Conventional ultrasound combined with CEUS can help improve the diagnostic accuracy of UC of the renal pelvis.
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Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and management strategy of carotid web (CW)-related stroke and improve the understanding of CW.Methods:The clinical data of 6 patients with CW-related stroke treated at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant data included clinical manifestations, bronchial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT angiography (CTA)/digital subtraction angiography (DSA), carotid ultrasonography, and transcranial color-coded Doppler sonography (TCCD). Treatments and follow-ups were also reported.Results:All 6 patients were middle-aged or young, without traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The male-to-female ratio was 2∶4. All patients had recurrent strokes, with a score of 2-4 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at the time of onset. Head MRI showed 5 patients with cerebral infarction in the middle cerebral artery supply area; 1 patient had no intracranial infarction. No significant stenosis of the vessels at the site of the CW was observed in any of the 6 patients. Four patients had ipsilateral stenosis or occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, 1 patient had microembolic signals in the middle cerebral artery, and 1 patient had no significant abnormalities in the intracranial artery. All 6 patients were initially diagnosed by ultrasound. Diagnoses were confirmed by CTA/DSA in 5 cases; the other patient did not show any significant abnormalities. All 6 patients underwent a carotid endarterectomy after a pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. Postoperatively, regular antiplatelet aggregation and statin lipid-lowering therapies were administered. A follow-up of 0.5 to 5.2 years showed no stroke recurrence in any patient.Conclusions:CW-related stroke is a rare cause of cryptogenic stroke and has a high recurrence rate. For stroke patients who do not have traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease while repeatedly experiencing embolic events of the internal carotid artery system, attention should be paid to the combination of the carotid and cerebral arteries, and comprehensive hemodynamic characteristics should be checked for the presence of a CW. Carotid artery ultrasound and TCCD combined with other imaging methods can improve the detection rate of a CW. Simple antiplatelet aggregation therapy cannot effectively prevent stroke recurrence. For patients with confirmed CW-related cerebral infarction, surgical resection can be performed, and the treatment effect can be evaluated using ultrasonography.
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Objective:To explore the value of transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in evaluating collateral circulation in ischemic stroke (IS) and its correlation with prognosis.Methods:The 350 IS patients admitted to Shaoxing People′s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects. According to the results of DSA, they were divided into collateral circulation group and non-collateral circulation group. According to the prognosis, they were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. The consistency between the evaluation results of collateral circulation on IS of TCD and DSA was analyzed, and its correlation with prognosis was analyzed.Results:The DSA results showed that among 350 patients, 118 had no collateral circulation and 232 had collateral circulation, including 130 cases of grade 1 collateral circulation and 102 cases of grade 2 collateral circulation. TCD results showed that there were 117 cases without collateral circulation and 233 cases with collateral circulation, including 131 cases with grade 1 collateral circulation and 102 cases with grade 2 collateral circulation. The consistency test showed that the evaluation results of TCD on collateral circulation was highly consistent with the gold standard DSA ( Kappa>0.9, P<0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that time-point effects, inter-group effects, time-point and inter-group interaction effects can significantly affect the changes in modified Rankin scale(mRS) scores ( P<0.05); and the mRS scores in the collateral circulation group were less than those in the non-collateral circulation group at admission the hospital, discharge of the hospital and 3 months after discharge the hospital: (1.89 ± 0.82) scores vs. (2.98 ± 0.98) scores, (1.13 ± 0.53) scores vs. (2.45 ± 0.80) scores, (0.50 ± 0.45) scores vs. (1.86 ± 0.80) scores, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The collateral circulation rate in the good prognosis group was higher than that in the poor prognosis group: 78.95%(150/190) vs. 47.50%(76/160), there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The evaluation value of TCD for IS collateral circulation is high, and collateral circulation is closely related to prognosis.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of color Doppler ultrasonography combined with detection of thyroid autoantibodies in the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 108 patients with thyroid cancer who treated in Shaoxing Central Hospital Medical Community General Hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected as the research group, and 108 patients with benign thyroid lesions during the same period were selected as the control group. The ultrasound examination results and the levels of serum thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) were compared between the two groups. The relationship between the thyroid autoantibodies index and the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis; the value of early diagnosis by color Doppler ultrasonography combined with detection of thyroid autoantibodies were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The main features of ultrasonic images in the research group were unclear edge, low echo, irregular shape, chaotic blood flow distribution, internal micro calcification, no envelope and blood flow resistance index ≥0.7. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 86.11% (93/108), the specificity was 87.18% (102/117) and the accuracy was 90.28% (195/216). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in the research group were higher than those in control group: (32.28 ± 2.85) kU/L vs. (21.96 ± 2.54) kU/L, (81.28 ± 7.32) kU/L vs. (51.53 ± 5.86) kU/L, (4.48 ± 1.25) U/L vs. (2.35 ± 0.63 ) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those in the patients without lymph node metastasis: (36.28 ± 3.12) kU/L vs. (30.60 ± 2.54) kU/L, (93.51 ± 8.57) kU/L vs. (76.13 ± 6.62) kU/L, (5.73 ± 1.54) U/L vs. (3.95 ± 1.12) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ were higher than those in the patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ: (35.84 ± 3.28) kU/L vs. (29.74 ± 2.29) kU/L, (89.35 ± 8.16) kU/L vs. (75.52 ± 6.23) kU/L, (5.28 ± 1.49) U/L vs. (3.91 ± 1.25) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the levels of serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis ( r = 0.758, 0.824, 0.695, P<0.05) and clinical stage of thyroid cancer ( r = 0.735, 0.796, 0.673, P<0.05). The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC) of ultrasound examination combined with TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb for early diagnosis of thyroid cancer was 0.930, the sensitivity was 85.19%, and the specificity was 91.67%. The combined diagnostic value was better than single diagnosis. Conclusions:Ultrasound examination combined with serum TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb has high diagnostic value for early stage thyroid cancer, which is helpful to clinically clarify the condition, and provides a reliable basis for preoperative diagnosis and targeted individualized treatment plan.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in the assessment of limb muscle tension after stroke in patients.Methods:A total of 31 patients with stroke who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to May 2022 and 41 healthy controls who concurrently underwent physical examination in the same hospital were included in this study. Before rehabilitation treatment, the shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups of the limbs was measured using virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in all participants. The shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups was compared between the affected and healthy sides of patients between two sides of patients. The patient's muscle tension was evaluated using the modified Ashworth Scale. The shear wave velocity of the affected muscle groups in patients was correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score.Results:There were no significant differences in the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper (biceps, flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus) and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle] limbs between the left [(2.46 ± 0.26) m/s, (2.81 ± 0.50) m/s, (2.96 ± 0.31) m/s, (2.49 ± 0.44) m/s, (2.21 ± 0.20) m/s] and right [(2.42 ± 0.29) m/s, (2.80 ± 0.47) m/s, (3.02 ± 0.36) m/s, (2.54 ± 0.37) m/s, (2.18 ± 0.17) m/s] sides in healthy controls ( t = 0.78, 0.04, 0.83, 0.58, 1.15, P = 0.435, 0.967, 0.405, 0.558, 0.216). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper [flexor digitorum sublimis (3.74 ± 0.67) m/s, flexor digitorum profundus (3.64 ± 0.60) m/s), biceps (3.63 ± 0.64) m/s] and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (3.28 ± 0.61) m/s, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle (2.90 ± 0.37) m/s] limbs on the affected side in patients with stroke were significantly higher than (2.56 ± 0.40) m/s, (2.67 ± 0.38) m/s, (2.78 ± 0.41) m/s, (2.30 ± 0.21) m/s, (2.25 ± 0.23) m/s on the healthy side ( t = 11.81, 8.21, 8.75, 8.91, 10.43, all P < 0.001). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper (flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus, and biceps) and lower (medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle) limbs were positively correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score ( r = 0.77, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.78, P = 0.007, 0.029, 0.021, 0.016, 0.001). Conclusion:Monitoring the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs using high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification can effectively reflect the change in limb muscle tension of patients with stroke, which is highly valuable for evaluating rehabilitation efficacy and prognosis in patients with stroke.
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Objective:To investigate the value of ultrasound findings in the diagnosis of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and correlate it with clinical factors.Methods:A total of 535 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received treatment in Taiyuan Second People's Hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 underwent color Doppler ultrasound examination (T2DM group). Vascular inner diameter, intima-media thickness, atherosclerotic plaque formation, lumen stenosis or occlusion, and hemodynamic characteristics were determined in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus compared with those in 107 patients with non-type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-T2DM group). These parameters were correlated with the course of the disease, blood glucose level, concomitant hypertension or not, and clinical Wagner grade.Results:The incidences of intima-media thickening, atherosclerotic plaque, stenosis, and occlusion of lower extremity arteries were 69.9%, 89.0%, 77.0% and 11.6% respectively, in the T2DM group, which were significantly higher than 41.1%, 78.5%, 72.0%, and 1.9% respectively in the non-T2DM group ( χ2 = 32.52, P < 0.001; χ2 = 8.76, P = 0.003; χ2 = 27.77, P < 0.001). With the prolongation of the course of T2DM, the incidence of arterial lesions in the lower extremities increased ( P < 0.001). The incidences of intima-media thickening, atherosclerotic plaque, stenosis, and occlusion of lower extremity arteries were significantly greater in the poor blood glucose control group and non-hypertension group compared with the good blood glucose control group and hypertension group (all P < 0.05). The degree of lower extremity arterial stenosis in T2DM patients was related to Wagner's grade. As the degree of stenosis increased, Wagner's grade increased correspondingly and significantly ( P < 0.001). Conclusion:Color Doppler ultrasound examination has an important value in evaluating lower extremity arterial lesions in patients with T2DM. The degree of arterial lesions in the lower extremities of T2DM patients is correlated with the course of the disease, blood glucose levels, concomitant hypertension, and clinical Wagner grade. Color Doppler ultrasound examination has an important clinical significance in evaluating the degree of vascular lesions and guiding early interventions in the clinic.
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Objective:To explore the application value of uterine artery blood flow ultrasound parameters in evaluating the prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy.Methods:In this non-randomized controlled prospective clinical study, 108 women with threatened abortion during early pregnancy (6-12 weeks of pregnancy) who received treatment in the Health Community Group of Yuhuan Second People's Hospital from July 2021 to December 2022 were included in the observation group. An additional 108 healthy women who were at the early stage of pregnancy were selected for the control group. Color Doppler ultrasound was performed in both groups to measure the ultrasonic parameters of uterine artery blood flow (peak systolic/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, pulsatility index) and compare their differences. The pregnant women in the observation group were followed up until 28 weeks of gestation, and their prognosis was analyzed. The pregnant women who had successfully insured their babies were included in the good prognosis group, and the pregnant women who had aborted their babies were included in the poor prognosis group. The ultrasonic parameters of uterine artery blood flow in the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between ultrasound parameters of uterine artery blood flow and poor prognosis.Results:In the observation group, the systolic peak/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, and pulsatility index on the left side were (6.46 ± 1.71), (0.97 ± 0.30), (2.72 ± 0.89), respectively, and they were (6.49 ± 1.70), (0.96 ± 0.32), (2.70 ± 0.91) respectively on the right side, which were significantly greater than (3.90 ± 1.02), (0.64 ± 0.17), (1.36 ± 0.54), (3.91 ± 1.04), (0.62 ± 0.18), (1.35 ± 0.52) in the control group ( t = 13.36, 9.95, 13.58, 13.45, 9.62, 13.39, all P < 0.001). Twenty-eight-week follow-up results showed that 72 women (66.67%) in the observation group had successfully insured their babies and 36 women (33.33%) had aborted their babies. In the good prognosis group, the systolic peak/end diastolic flow velocity, resistance index, and pulsatile index were (7.95 ± 1.89), (1.22 ± 0.36), (3.06 ± 0.95) on the left side, and they were (7.45 ± 1.94), (1.24 ± 0.37), and (3.03 ± 0.96) on the right side, which were significantly greater than (4.72 ± 1.27), (0.77 ± 0.24), (1.74 ± 0.69), (4.74 ± 1.32), (0.75 ± 0.25), (1.77 ± 0.70) in the poor prognosis group ( t = 10.53, 7.73, 8.23, 8.55, 8.14, 7.76, all P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that peak systolic/end diastolic flow velocity and resistance index were risk factors for poor prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy, while the pulsatility index had no significant correlation with poor prognosis of threatened abortion during early pregnancy. Conclusion:Uterine artery blood flow ultrasound parameters have a certain predictive value for the prognosis evaluation of threatened abortion during early pregnancy, which can provide an important reference for clinical fetal protection treatment and benefit the prognosis of pregnant women.