Herramientas para el tamizaje de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Tools for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

Introducción. El aneurisma de la aorta abdominal (AAA) es la dilatación de la aorta abdominal mayor de 1,5 veces el diámetro esperado. Su prevalencia es variable, con tasas reportadas de hasta el 12,5 %. Se considera como causa de muerte de más de 10.000 personas al año en los Estados Unidos. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura fue describir los factores de riesgo y las herramientas de tamizaje de AAA. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura utilizando dos ecuaciones en bases de datos electrónicas, empleando términos seleccionados de "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) y "Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud" (DeCS). Se evaluó la calidad de los estudios con la herramienta STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Resultados. Se recolectaron 40 artículos y a partir de ellos se construyó el texto de revisión, identificando en estos, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de AAA, tales como sexo masculino, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, antecedente familiar y obesidad, entre otros. La diabetes mellitus parece actuar como factor protector. Dentro de los instrumentos de tamizaje, el ultrasonido abdominal es uno de los más usados. Conclusión. El AAA es una patología multifactorial. En la actualidad la ultrasonografía de aorta es el método de elección para el tamizaje, permitiendo la detección precoz. El tamizaje de AAA con métodos no invasivos, como el ultrasonido, es útil sobre todo en zonas con prevalencia alta de la patología y en pacientes con determinados factores de riesgo.

Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 1.5 times the expected diameter. Its prevalence is variable, with reported rates of up to 12.5%. It is considered the cause of death of more than 10,000 people a year in the United States. The objective of this literature review was to describe risk factors and screening tools for AAA. Methods. A literature search was conducted using two equations in electronic databases, using terms selected from "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) and "Descriptors in Health Sciences" (DeCS). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) tool. Results. Forty articles were collected and from them the review text was constructed, identifying the risk factors associated with the development of AAA, such as male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and obesity, among others. Diabetes mellitus seems to act as a protective factor. Among the screening instruments, abdominal ultrasound is one of the most used. Conclusion. AAA is a multifactorial pathology. Currently, aortic ultrasonography is the method of choice for screening, allowing early detection. Screening for AAA with non-invasive methods, such as ultrasound, is useful especially in areas with a high prevalence of this pathology and in patients with certain risk factors.

Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Evaluación de la agudeza diagnóstica de la Ecografía Translaríngea Transcutánea (ETLTC) en la valoración de la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides / Evaluation of the diagnostic acuity of the Transcutaneous Translaryngeal Ultrasound (TCTLUS) in the assessment of the vocal cords mobility in thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Introducción. La evaluación de la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides hace parte de la adecuada valoración integral. Aunque la laringoscopia directa es prueba de referencia, su uso real no es rutinario por lo que se propone la ecografía translaríngea como alternativa de evaluación. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de evaluación de una prueba diagnóstica de la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales pre y posoperatoria, comparando la ecografía translaríngea con la video laringoscopia, en pacientes con cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides, de febrero 1° a noviembre 30 de 2022. Se describieron las variables usando frecuencias absolutas y relativas. En el análisis univariado se calcularon Chi cuadrado y T de Student y en el bivariado, regresión logística binaria. La agudeza diagnóstica se determinó con sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos; se consideró la significancia estadística con p < 0,05. Resultados. Se incluyeron 267 pacientes, 219 mujeres y 48 hombres; 196 pacientes (73,4%) tenían malignidad. Se encontró en el preoperatorio, sensibilidad 100 %, especificidad 99,6 %, VPP 83,3 %, VPN 100 %, odds de probabilidad positiva 83 % y Odds de probabilidad negativa 0,004 %. En el posoperatorio, sensibilidad 82,8 %, especificidad 99,2 %, VPP 92,3 % VPN 97,9 %, odds de probabilidad positiva 92 % y odds de probabilidad negativa 0,2 %. Conclusiones. La ecografía translaríngea en nuestro medio tiene alta agudeza diagnóstica. Podría ser usada en el abordaje inicial de la evaluación de la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales y reemplazar la laringoscopia directa, dejando ésta para cuando la visualización ecográfica no sea adecuada, o en casos de afectación o sospecha de invasión, para su confirmación.

Introduction. The evaluation of the mobility of the vocal cords in thyroid and parathyroid surgery is part of the adequate comprehensive assessment. Altough, direct laryngoscopy is the gold standard, its real use is not routine, so translaryngeal ultrasound approach is proposed as an alternative. Methods. A prospective diagnostic test study was carried out to evaluate the translaryngeal ultrasound compared with video laryngoscopy in visualizing vocal mobility in patients with thyroid and parathyroid surgery from February 1 to November 30, 2022. Patients were described using absolute and relative frequencies. Univariate statistical analysis with Chi-square and Student's t tests. T. Bivariate analysis using binary logistic regression. Diagnostic acuity was calculated with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV. Statistical significance with p< 0.05, 95% confidence interval. Results. 267 patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgery were included, 219 women and 48 men. Malignant: thyroid neoplasm 196 patients (73.4%). The findings were for the preoperative period, 100% sensitivity, 99.6% specificity, PPV 83.33%, NPV 100%, 83% positive probability odds, and 0.004% negative probability odds. For the postoperative period, 82.8% sensitivity, 99.2% specificity, 92.3% PPV, 97.9% NPV, 92% positive probability odds, and 0.2% negative probability odds were found.Conclusions. Translaryngeal ultrasound in our series has high diagnostic acuity. It could be used as the initial approach to evaluate vocal mobility and might replace direct laryngoscopy, leaving it when its visualization is not adequate or in cases of involvement or suspected invasion for confirmation.

Desenvolvimento da Intervenção de Enfermagem "Ultrassonografia: bexiga" segundo a Nursing Interventions Classification / Desarrollo de la intervención de enfermería "ecografía de vejiga" de acuerdo con la Nursing Interventions Classification / Development of the "Ultrasound: bladder" nursing intervention according to the Nursing Interventions Classification

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver uma intervenção de enfermagem com o uso de ultrassonografia de bexiga segundo a Nursing Interventions Classification. Métodos Estudo metodológico em duas etapas: revisão integrativa de literatura e desenvolvimento da intervenção. Para etapa da revisão integrativa de literatura foram investigadas quatro bases de dados (PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS e SCOPUS), incluindo estudos de acesso gratuito e disponíveis na íntegra, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, sem delimitação temporal. Na etapa de desenvolvimento da intervenção, foram seguidas as Diretrizes para Submissão de uma Intervenção à Nursing Interventions Classification Nova ou Revisada. Resultados Na revisão integrativa de literatura foram encontrados 328 estudos primários nas bases de dados, sendo incluídos 17 na análise final. Destacaram-se estudos com delineamento descritivo, sendo prevalente o nível de evidência VI. Os achados possibilitaram desenvolver cada um dos componentes da intervenção de enfermagem (Título, Definição, 17 atividades, Nível de Formação e o Tempo Estimado para realização). Conclusão A Intervenção de Enfermagem intitulada "Ultrassonografia: bexiga" foi desenvolvida, submetida ao Comitê Editorial da Nursing Interventions Classification e aceita para publicação na oitava edição da Classificação.

Resumen Objetivo Desarrollar una intervención de enfermería con el uso de ecografía de vejiga de acuerdo con la Nursing Interventions Classification. Métodos Estudio metodológico en dos etapas: revisión integradora de la literatura y desarrollo de la intervención. Para la etapa de revisión integradora de la literatura se investigó en cuatro bases de datos (PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS y SCOPUS), con la inclusión de estudios de acceso gratuito y disponibles con texto completo, en idioma inglés, portugués y español, sin límite temporal. En la etapa de desarrollo de la intervención, se siguieron las directrices para el envío de una intervención a Nursing Interventions Classification Nueva o Revisada. Resultados En la revisión integradora de la literatura, se encontraron 328 estudios primarios en las bases de datos, de los cuales se incluyeron 17 en el análisis final. Se destacaron los estudios con diseño descriptivo, con prevalencia de nivel de evidencia VI. Los resultados permitieron desarrollar cada uno de los componentes de la intervención de enfermería (título, definición, 17 actividades, nivel de formación y tiempo estimado para la realización). Conclusión La intervención de enfermería titulada "Ecografía: vejiga" fue desarrollada, enviada al Comité Editorial de la Nursing Interventions Classification y aprobada para publicar en la octava edición de la Clasificación.

Abstract Objective To develop a nursing intervention using bladder ultrasound according to the Nursing Interventions Classification. Methods This is a methodological study in two steps: integrative literature review and intervention development. For the integrative literature review step, four databases were investigated (PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and Scopus), including free access studies available in full, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, without time limits. In the intervention development step, the Guidelines for Submission of a New or Revised Nursing Interventions Classification Intervention were followed. Results In the integrative literature review, 328 primary studies were found in the databases, 17 of which were included in the final analysis. Studies with a descriptive design stood out, with level of evidence VI being prevalent. The findings made it possible to develop each component of the nursing intervention (title, definition, 17 activities, level of training and estimated time for completion). Conclusion The nursing intervention entitled "Ultrasound: bladder" was developed, submitted the Nursing Interventions Classification Editorial Committee and accepted for publication in the 8th edition of the Classification.

Diaphragmatic and excursion thickness in newborns using diaphragmatic kinesiology ultrasound: an observational study / Espessura e excursão diafragmática em recém-nascidos usando ultrassonografia cinesiológica do diafragma: um estudo observacional

Abstract Introduction The study of the diaphragm muscle has aroused the interest of physiotherapists who work with kinesiological ultrasonography, but still little explored; however, its findings can contribute to the clinical practice of hospitalized patients in neonatal intensive care units. Objective To measure the excursion and thickening of the diaphragm and describe measurements among neonates, preterm, and full-term. Methods Diaphragmatic kinesiological ultrasonography was performed on hospitalized newborns, in Neonatal Unit Care Unit, placed in supine position in their own bed, on the sixth day of life. Three repeated measurements of the same respiratory cycle were made, both for excursion and for diaphragmatic thickening. Results 37 newborns participated in the study and 25 were premature. The mean weight at the time of collection was 2,307.0 ± 672.76 grams and the gestational age was 35.7 ± 3.3 weeks. Diaphragmatic excursion increased with increasing gestational age (p = 0.01, df = 0.21) in term infants (p = 0.17, df = 0.35). Conclusion There was a positive correlation between diaphragmatic excursion and gestational age. There was no statistically significant difference in the measurements of excursion and inspiratory diaphragm thickening between preterm and term newborns, although pointing to higher measurements in the latter group.

Resumo Introdução O estudo do músculo diafragma tem des-pertado o interesse dos fisioterapeutas que trabalham com ultrassonografia cinesiológica. Ainda pouco explo-rado, contudo, seus achados podem contribuir para a prática clínica dos pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal (UTIN). Objetivo Mensurar a excursão e o espessamento diafragmático e descrever as medidas entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo. Métodos Realizou-se ultrassonografia cinesiológica diafragmática em recém-nascidos internados em UTIN, posicionados em supino em seu próprio leito, no sexto dia de vida. Foram realizadas três medidas repetidas do mesmo ciclo respiratório, tanto da excursão quanto do espessamento diafragmático. Resultados Participaram do estudo 37 recém-nascidos, dos quais 25 eram pre-maturos. O peso no momento da coleta foi de 2.307,0 ± 672,76 gramas e a idade gestacional foi de 35,7 ± 3,3 semanas. A excursão diafragmática aumentou de acordo com o aumento da idade gestacional (p = 0,01; df = 0,21). A espessura variou entre 0,10 e 0,16 cm durante a inspiração nos prematuros e entre 0,11 e 0,19 cm nos nascidos a termo (p = 0,17; df = 0,35). Conclusão Houve correlação positiva entre a excursão diafragmá-tica e a idade gestacional. Não observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa das medidas de excursão e de espessamento diafragmático inspiratório entre recém-nascidos prematuros e recém-nascidos a termo, embora apontando para maiores medidas neste último grupo.

Relação entre o índice de resistência vascular e o sucesso hemodinâmico de revascularizações distais dos membros inferiores / Vascular resistance index and the immediate hemodynamic success of lower limb distal artery revascularization

Resumo Contexto A cirurgia de revascularização é proposta para restaurar o fluxo sanguíneo para o pé nos casos de isquemia crítica (IC) devido a doença arterial obstrutiva periférica dos membros inferiores (MMII). O uso de ultrassonografia com Doppler (USD) vem despontando nos últimos anos como um método de grande valor para o planejamento cirúrgico dessa intervenção. Objetivos Avaliar a relação entre o índice de resistência (IR), mensurado por meio de USD, e o sucesso hemodinâmico imediato da cirurgia de revascularização dos MMII em pacientes com IC. Métodos O tipo de estudo empregado foi a coorte prospectiva, na qual foram avaliados 46 pacientes portadores de IC dos MMII submetidos à operação de revascularização infrainguinal por angioplastia ou em ponte de agosto de 2019 a fevereiro de 2022. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica vascular, à USD com medida do IR das artérias distais dos MMII, à arteriografia dos MMII e à aferição do índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB) no período pré-operatório. No pós-operatório imediato, todos os pacientes foram submetidos à nova aferição do ITB. Resultados Entre os 46 pacientes avaliados, 25 (54,3%) eram do sexo masculino. A idade variou de 32 a 89 anos (média de 67,83). Quanto ao sucesso hemodinâmico, avaliado pela comparação do ITB pré e pós-operatório, constatou-se que 31 (67,4%) pacientes apresentaram sucesso hemodinâmico após cirurgia de revascularização (aumento do ITB em 0,15 ou mais). Foi observada correlação positiva (p ≤ 0,05) entre o IR da artéria distal revascularizada do MMII e o sucesso hemodinâmico imediato avaliado pela aferição do ITB (IR menor e sucesso hemodinâmico). Conclusões Na presente pesquisa foi observada uma correlação positiva entre o índice de resistência arterial distal e o sucesso hemodinâmico nas revascularizações dos membros inferiores, avaliada através do índice tornozelobraquial, de forma que, quanto menor foi o IR, maior o sucesso hemodinâmico obtido.

Abstract Background Revascularization surgery is used to attempt to restore blood flow to the foot in patients with critical ischemia (CI) caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower limbs (LL). Ultrasonography with Doppler (USD) SAH emerged in recent years as a highly valuable method for planning this surgical intervention. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between the resistance index (RI), measured with USD, and immediate hemodynamic success of LL revascularization surgery in patients with CI. Methods The study design was a prospective cohort assessing 46 patients with LL CLI who underwent operations to perform infrainguinal revascularization by angioplasty or bypass from August 2019 to February 2022. All patients underwent preoperative clinical vascular assessment with USD including measurement of the RI of distal LL arteries, LL arteriography, and measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). All patients had their ABI measured again in the immediate postoperative period. Results Forty-six patients were assessed, 25 (54.3%) of whom were male. Age varied from 32 to 89 years (mean: 67.83). Hemodynamic success was assessed by comparison of preoperative and postoperative ABI, showing that hemodynamic success was achieved in 31 (67.4%) patients after revascularization surgery (ABI increased by 0.15 or more). A positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between the RI of the distal revascularized LL artery and immediate hemodynamic success assessed by ABI (lower RI and hemodynamic success). Conclusions This study observed a positive correlation between the resistance index of the distal artery and immediate hemodynamic success of lower limb revascularizations, as assessed by the ankle-brachial index, so that the lower the RI the greater the hemodynamic success achieved.

Effects of permanent placental injury due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy on the feto-placental circulation: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of permanent placental injury due to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy on feto-placental circulation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 83 pregnant women with planned deliveries were divided into two groups according to their severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection statuses during pregnancy. Their demographic parameters, obstetric histories, and prenatal risks were evaluated. A prenatal fetal Doppler ultrasound examination was performed for all participants, and umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Doppler parameters were obtained. Postpartum placentas were examined for pathological findings under appropriate conditions. All placentas were evaluated according to the Amsterdam consensus criteria. Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and chi-square test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Demographic parameters were statistically similar, except that they were borderline significant for gestational weeks at delivery (p=0.044). In the pathological examination of the placenta, regardless of the trimester of exposure to viral infection, perivillous fibrin deposition and villus dystrophic calcification were more common in group 2 (p=0.016 and p=0.048, respectively) than in group 1. In the prenatal Doppler examination between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found for all of the umbilical artery pulsatile index, middle cerebral artery pulsatile index, and cerebro-placental ratio values. CONCLUSION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy causes an increase in perivillous fibrin deposition and villus dystrophic calcification in the placenta. Placental injury caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus does not affect fetal Doppler parameters.

Sobreuso de ecografía transvaginal en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina: estudio de corte transversal / Transvaginal ultrasound overuse in a private university hospital in Argentina: a cross-sectional study

Introducción. Si bien contamos con recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia en contra de realizar tamizaje de cáncer ovárico con ecografía transvaginal debido a que aumenta el riesgo de resultados falsamente positivos y de cascadas diagnósticas, sin disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad, su solicitud en mujeres sanas es frecuente. Sin embargo, no conocemos la magnitud de la implementación de esta práctica, que constituye un cuidado de bajo valor. Objetivo. Documentar el sobreuso de ecografías transvaginales realizadas en forma ambulatoria en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal de una muestra aleatoria de ecografías realizadas en forma ambulatoria durante 2017 y 2018. Mediante revisión manual de las historias clínicas, la solicitud de cada ecografía fue clasificada como apropiada cuando algún problema clínico justificaba su realización, o inapropiada cuando había sido realizada con fines de control de salud o por una condición clínica sin indicación de seguimiento ecográfico. Resultados. De un total de 1.997 ecografías analizadas, realizadas a 1.954 mujeres adultas (edad promedio 50 años),1.345 (67,4 %; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 % 65,2 a 69,4) habían sido solicitadas en el contexto de un control de saludo sin un problema asociado en la historia clínica y otras 54 (8,3 %; IC 95 % 6,3 a 10,7), por condiciones de salud para las que no hay recomendaciones de realizar seguimiento ecográfico. Conclusiones. Esta investigación documentó una alta proporción de sobre utilización de la ecografías transvaginales en nuestra institución. Futuras investigaciones permitirán comprender los motivos que impulsan esta práctica y ayudarán a diseñar intervenciones para disminuir estos cuidados de bajo valor. (AU)

Background. Although we have evidence-based recommendations against screening for ovarian cancer with transvaginalultrasound because it increases the risk of false positive results and diagnostic cascades without reducing mortality from this disease, its request in healthy women is frequent. However, we do not know the magnitude of the implementation of this practice, which constitutes low-value care. Objective. To document the overuse of transvaginal ultrasounds performed on an outpatient basis in a private university hospital in Argentina. Methods. Cross-sectional study of a random sample of outpatient ultrasounds performed during 2017 and 2018. Through a manual review of the medical records, the request for each ultrasound was classified as appropriate when a clinical problem justified its performance or inappropriate when it was carried out for health control purposes or for a clinical condition that had no indication for ultrasound follow-up. Results. Of a total of 1997 ultrasounds analyzed, performed on 1954 adult women (average age 50 years), 1,345 (67.4 %;95 % confidence interval [CI] 65.2 to 69.4) had been requested in the context of a health check-up or without a documented problem in the medical history that would support its performance, and another 54 (8.3 %; 95 % CI 6.3 to 10.7), for health conditions for which there are no treatment recommendations to perform ultrasound follow-up. Conclusions. This research documented a high proportion of overuse of transvaginal ultrasound in our institution. Future research will allow us to understand the reasons that drive this practice and will help design interventions to reduce thislow-value care. (AU)

Duplex ultrasound and pedal acceleration time as tools to evaluate foot perfusion: a literature review / Ultrassonografia dúplex e tempo de aceleração plantar como ferramentas para avaliar a perfusão do pé: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Currently, the standard non-invasive test for diagnosing Peripheral Arterial Disease is the Ankle-Brachial Index. However, this test becomes unfeasible in a certain population. New evidence proposes the pedal acceleration time, an ultrasound index, as an alternative test. An integrative bibliographic review was carried out between June 3, 2022 and January 8, 2023, to investigate this new index as a tool to assess foot perfusion. Papers published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between 2012 and 2022 were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scielo, using the keywords "Peripheral Arterial Disease" AND "Acceleration Time" AND (Pedal OR Plantar). Research that didn't assess foot perfusion using the methods of interest or did not present human data and also case series or reports were excluded. Seven out of the sixty-six articles identified in the searches were selected for the review, all of which had notable methodological limitations. Pedal acceleration time seems to be able to diagnose and stratify and may reflect prognosis.

Resumo Atualmente, o teste não invasivo padrão para diagnosticar a doença arterial periférica é o índice tornozelo-braquial, porém, em uma determinada população, este torna-se inviável. Novas evidências propõem o tempo de aceleração plantar, que é um índice ultrassonográfico, como alternativa. Para investigá-lo no contexto do estudo da perfusão do pé, uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa foi realizada entre 03/06/2022 e 08/01/2023. Artigos em inglês, português ou espanhol, publicados entre 2012 e 2022 foram pesquisados através das ferramentas PubMed, Google Scholar e SciELO, com as palavras-chave "Peripheral Arterial Disease" AND "Acceleration Time" AND (Pedal OR Plantar). Pesquisas que não avaliaram a perfusão do pé pelos métodos de interesse, sem dados em humanos e relatos ou séries de casos, foram excluídos. Dos 66 artigos, 7 foram selecionados; todos com notáveis limitações metodológicas. O tempo de aceleração plantar aparenta ser capaz de diagnosticar, estratificar e prognosticar os doentes.

Guidelines for the operation of imaging equipment in orbital diseases(2024) / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Orbital disorders include conditions originating from the orbital bones, surrounding tissues, and post-orbital septum. They also include systemic ailments affecting the orbit. Different clinical symptoms make up the complex range of orbital disorders. Because these disorders mostly impact the orbital area instead of the intraocular compartment, there is little diagnostic usefulness for typical ophthalmic visual tests. As such, the primary instruments for diagnosing and evaluating orbital illnesses have become ophthalmic imaging modalities, including ocular ultrasonography(B-scan), computed tomography(CT), and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). One way to improve the precision and promptness of diagnosing orbital diseases is to standardize the functioning of widely used imaging equipment and define the radiological features of orbital abnormalities. Such programs are crucial for the care of patients with orbital disorders since they considerably reduce the number of misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses in these individuals. The underlying concepts, operational techniques, and normal and pathological imaging findings associated with common diagnostic tools for orbital illnesses are all thoroughly reviewed in this guideline. The objective is to improve primary healthcare settings' diagnostic competence in the field of orbital pathology and to standardize procedures for diagnosing orbital disorders.

Estenosis hipertrófica del píloro en la Orinoquía colombiana (2010-2020)

Introducción: La hipertrofia del esfínter pilórico (EHP) es una condición que se caracteriza por la obstrucción del vaciamiento gástrico fisiológico y se considera una patología de resolución quirúrgica. Objetivo: Realizar la caracterización de los pacientes con hipertrofia congenita del píloro atendidos en el Hospital Regional de la Orinoquía entre 2010 y 2020. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo en el cual se incluyeron los pacientes que consultaron al Hospital Regional de la Orinoquía entre el 01 de enero del 2010 y el 31 de diciembre del 2020 y que presentaron diagnóstico de hipertrofia congenita del píloro, identificados mediante los códigos CIE 10. Resultados: En total, se incluyeron 18 pacientes que cumplían con los criterios de selección. El promedio de edad de los participantes fue de 24,3 días de edad. La mayoría eran varones, asimismo, dos pacientes presentaban sobrepeso al nacer. El síntoma predominante fue la emesis posprandial en un 100 %. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante las medidas del píloro con ecografía abdominal y a la totalidad de los pacientes se les realizó piloromiotomía, de los cuales uno solo requirió una reintervención, sin embargo, ningún paciente falleció. Conclusiones: La hipertrofia congenita del píloro es una entidad patológica poco común, su síntoma clínico cardinal es la emesis postprandial. El método diagnóstico por excelencia es el estudio ecográfico. A pesar de su complejidad, esta entidad patológica tiene un buen pronóstico a corto y largo plazo.

Introduction: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a condition that is characterized by the obstruction of physiological gastric emptying and is considered a surgically-resolved pathology. Objective: To characterize patients with congenital hypertrophy of the pylorus treated at the Regional Hospital of Orinoquía between 2010 and 2020. Methods: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study of patients who were admitted at the Orinoquía Regional Hospital between January of 2010 and December of 2020. The patients that were included had a diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis identified by the ICD-10 codes. Results: A total of patients were included by selection criteria. The average age of participants was 24.3 days old. Most of them were males and 2 patients were overweight at birth. The most common symptom was postprandial emesis in 100%. The diagnosis was made through measurements of pylorus measured with abdominal ultrasound. All the patients performed pyloromyotomy, and only one required a surgical reintervention, however, the mortality was 0. Conclusions: Congenital hypertrophy of pylorus is an uncommon pathology, whose cardinal symptom is postprandial emesis. The ideal diagnostic method is an ultrasound study. Despite its complexity, this pathology has a good short and long-term prognosis.

Usefulness of lung ultrasound in the evaluation of children with lower respiratory tract infection in the emergency room / Utilidad de ecografía pulmonar en la valoración de niños con infección respiratoria baja en urgencias

Abstract Background: Lung ultrasound is a bedside tool that allows the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in pediatric patients through the lung ultrasound score (LUS). We aimed to evaluate a group of patients under 3 years of age with lower respiratory tract infections using LUS at the Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. Methods: We included patients younger than 3 years admitted to the emergency department with lower respiratory tract infections. A lung ultrasound was performed within the first 24 h of admission to the emergency department and evaluated using LUS. We analyzed age, sex, etiology of infection, days of stay, use of mechanical ventilation, Downes scale, failure of mechanical ventilation on admission, and mortality. Descriptive analysis was performed with frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables and medians and interquartile intervals for quantitative variables. Differences in the distribution of LUS variables were evaluated with the Fishers´ exact test and Student´s t-test. Results: We included a total of 19 patients with lower respiratory tract infections, 73.7% with bronchiolitis. Fifty percent of the cases scored 7 on the LUS, 91.7% were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, and 53.8% required invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: The use of LUS in lower respiratory tract infections can predict the need for PICU admission, the use of invasive ventilatory support, and prolonged hospital stay.

Resumen Introducción: El ultrasonido pulmonar es una herramienta a pie de cama que permite evaluar la afectación del parénquima pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos por medio de la escala de LUS (lung ultrasound score, por sus siglas en inglés). El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar a niños menores de 3 años con infección respiratoria baja mediante la escala de LUS, en el Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 3 años que ingresaron al Servicio de Urgencias con infección respiratoria baja. Se realizó ecografía pulmonar en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a urgencias y se evaluó mediante la escala de LUS. Se analizó, edad, sexo, etiología de la infección, días de estancia, uso de terapia ventilatoria, escala de Downes, fracaso a la terapia ventilatoria de ingreso y mortalidad. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo por medio de frecuencia y porcentaje para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas con mediana e intervalo intercuartil. Las diferencias en la distribución de las variables por la escala de LUS con la prueba exacta de Fisher y la t de Student. Resultados: Se identificaron 19 pacientes con infección pulmonar aguda, de los cuales el 73.7% presentó bronquiolitis. El 50% de los casos obtuvo 7 puntos de la escala de LUS, el 91.7% ingresó a UCIP y el 53.8% requirió ventilación mecánica asistida. Conclusiones: El uso de la escala LUS en infección respiratoria baja puede predecir la necesidad de ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, así como la utilización de soporte ventilatorio invasivo y una estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

Impact of vertical positioning on lung aeration among mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial / Impacto do posicionamento vertical na aeração pulmonar em pacientes de unidades de terapia intensiva ventilados mecanicamente: um estudo clínico transversal randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the impact of different vertical positions on lung aeration in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: An open-label randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted between January and July 2020. Adults receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for > 24 hours and < 7 days with hemodynamic, respiratory and neurological stability were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to the sitting position followed by passive orthostasis condition or the passive orthostasis followed by the sitting position condition. The primary outcome was lung aeration assessed using the lung ultrasound score (score ranges from 0 [better] to 36 [worse]). Results: A total of 186 subjects were screened; of these subjects, 19 were enrolled (57.8% male; mean age, 73.2 years). All participants were assigned to receive at least one verticalization protocol. Passive orthostasis resulted in mean lung ultrasound scores that did not differ significantly from the sitting position (11.0 versus 13.7; mean difference, -2.7; [95%CI -6.1 to 0.71; p = 0.11). Adverse events occurred in three subjects in the passive orthostasis group and in one in the sitting position group (p = 0.99). Conclusion: This analysis did not find significant differences in lung aeration between the sitting and passive orthostasis groups. A randomized crossover clinical trial assessing the impact of vertical positioning on lung aeration in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation is feasible. Unfortunately, the study was interrupted due to the need to treat COVID-19 patients. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT04176445

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de diferentes posicionamentos verticais na aeração pulmonar em pacientes em ventilação mecânica invasiva. Métodos: Trata-se de ensaio clínico aberto, randomizado e transversal, realizado entre janeiro e julho de 2020. Adultos em ventilação mecânica invasiva por mais de 24 horas e menos de 7 dias com estabilidade hemodinâmica, respiratória e neurológica foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em uma proporção de 1:1 à postura sentada seguida da condição de ortostatismo passivo ou o ortostatismo passivo seguido de postura sentada. O desfecho primário foi a aeração pulmonar avaliada pelo lung ultrasound score. O escore varia de zero (melhor) a 36 (pior). Resultados: Foram selecionados 186 indivíduos; destes, 19 foram incluídos (57,8% do sexo masculino; média idade de 73,2 anos). Todos os participantes foram selecionados para receber pelo menos um protocolo de verticalização. O ortostatismo passivo resultou em escores médios de aeração pulmonar por ultrassonografia que não diferiram significativamente da postura sentada (11,0 versus 13,7; diferença média, -2,7; IC95% -6,1 a 0,71; p = 0,11). Ocorreram eventos adversos em três indivíduos no grupo ortostatismo passivo e em um no grupo postura sentada (p = 0,99). Conclusão: Esta análise não encontrou diferenças significativas na aeração pulmonar entre os grupos ortostatismo passivo e postura sentada. É factível conduzir um estudo clínico transversal randomizado para avaliar o impacto do posicionamento vertical na aeração pulmonar em pacientes em ventilação mecânica invasiva. Infelizmente, o estudo foi interrompido devido à necessidade de tratar pacientes com COVID-19. Registro ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04176445

Uso de la ultrasonografía en la evaluación de la retención urinaria en pacientes críticos / Use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of urinary retention in critically ill patients / Utilização da ultrassonografia na avaliação de retenção urinária em pacientes críticos

Objetivo: medir el volumen urinario por medio de la ecografía vesical, realizado por una enfermera en pacientes críticos, después de la retirada de la sonda urinaria permanente y verificar los factores relacionados en la retención urinaria. Método: estudio cuantitativo, observacional y transversal, realizado con 37 pacientes críticos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, con retiro de catéter vesical permanente en las últimas 48 horas. Se utilizó un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas y el examen ecográfico. Se utilizó un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas y el examen ecográfico. Los datos fueron presentados a través de distribución de frecuencias, medidas de centralidad y variabilidad, asociación mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher y, para el análisis, regresión logística binomial múltiple. Resultados: de los 37 pacientes, en su mayoría fue de sexo masculino, con una edad média de 54,9 años. La medición del volumen urinario por ecografía osciló entre 332,3 y 950 ml, y el 40,54% de los pacientes presentó retención urinaria. La retención urinaria se asoció significativamente a la aparición de infección urinaria, estreñimiento intestinal y diuresis por rebosamiento espontáneo. Los pacientes con infección del tracto urinario tenían 7,4 veces más probabilidades de tener retención urinaria. Conclusión: la ecografía vesical fue eficaz para medir el volumen urinario después de retirar el catéter urinario permanente y puede contribuir a la detección de retención urinaria.

Objective: to measure urinary volume through bladder ultrasound, performed by a nurse in critically ill patients, after removal of the indwelling urinary catheter and to verify the related factors on urinary retention. Method: quantitative, observational and cross-sectional study, carried out with 37 critically ill patients of both sexes, over 18 years of age, with removal of indwelling urinary catheter in the last 48 hours. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical variables and an ultrasound examination were used. Data were presented through frequency distribution, centrality and variability measures, association using Fisher`s exact test and, for analysis multiple binomial logistic regression analysis. Results: the 37 patients were mostly male, with a mean age of 54.9 years. The measurement of urinary volume by ultrasound ranged from 332.3 to 950 ml, and 40.54% of patients had urinary retention. Urinary retention was significantly associated with the occurrence of urinary tract infection, intestinal constipation and spontaneous overflow diuresis. Patients with urinary tract infection were 7.4 times more likely to have urinary retention. Conclusion: bladder ultrasonography was effective in measuring urinary volume after removal of the indwelling urinary catheter and and may contribute to the detection of urinary retention.

Objetivo: mensurar o volume urinário por meio da ultrassonografia de bexiga, realizada por enfermeiro em pacientes críticos, após a remoção do cateter vesical de demora, e verificar os fatores relacionados na retenção urinária. Método: estudo quantitativo, observacional e transversal, realizado com 37 pacientes críticos de ambos os sexos, idade superior a 18 anos, com retirada de cateter vesical de demora nas últimas 48 horas. Foram utilizados um questionário contendo as variáveis sociodemográficas e clinicas e o exame de ultrassonografia. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da distribuição de frequência, medidas de centralidade e de variabilidade, associação pelo teste exato de Fisher e, para análise a regressão logística binomial múltipla. Resultados: dos 37 pacientes, a maioria era do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 54,9 anos. A mensuração do volume urinário pela ultrassonografia variou de 332,3 a 950 ml, sendo que 40,54% dos pacientes apresentaram retenção urinária. A retenção urinaria apresentou associação significativa para a ocorrência de infecção do trato urinário, constipação intestinal e diurese espontânea por transbordamento. Pacientes com infecção urinária tiveram 7,4 vezes mais chance de apresentar retenção urinária. Conclusão: ultrassonografia de bexiga foi eficaz para mensurar o volume urinário após a remoção do cateter vesical de demora e poderá contribuir na detecção da retenção urinária.

The effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application on optic nerve sheath diameter in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized trial

Abstract Background: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can overcome respiratory changes that occur during pneumoperitoneum application in laparoscopic procedures, but it can also increase intracranial pressure. We investigated PEEP vs. no PEEP application on ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (indirect measure of increased intracranial pressure) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Eighty ASA I-II patients aged between 18 and 60 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. The study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials (ACTRN12618000771257). Patients were randomly divided into either Group C (control, PEEP not applied), or Group P (PEEP applied at 10 cmH20). Optic nerve sheath diameter, hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were recorded at six different time points. Ocular ultrasonography was used to measure optic nerve sheath diameter. Results: Peak pressure (PPeak) values were significantly higher in Group P after application of PEEP (p = 0.012). Mean respiratory rate was higher in Group C at all time points after application of pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.05). The mean values of optic nerve sheath diameters measured at all time points were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The pulmonary dynamic compliance value was significantly higher in group P as long as PEEP was applied (p = 0.001). Conclusions: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, application of 10 cmH2O PEEP did not induce a significant change in optic nerve sheath diameter (indirect indicator of intracranial pressure) compared to no PEEP application. It would appear that PEEP can be used safely to correct

Rider sitting position widens lumbar intervertebral distance: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background: Reduced lumbar lordosis may make the process of identifying the intervertebral distance easier. The primary aim of this study was to measure the L3-L4 intervertebral space in the same patients undergoing spinal anesthesia in three different sitting positions, including the classic sitting position (CSP), hamstring stretch position (HSP) and rider sitting position (RSP). The secondary aim was to compare ultrasonographic measurements of the depth of the ligamentum flavum and intrathecal space in these three defined positions. Methods: This study is a single-blinded, prospective, randomized study. Ninety patients were included in final analysis. the patients were positioned on the operating table in three different positions to perform ultrasonographic measurements of the spinal canal. The intervertebral distance (IVD), the distance between the skin and the ligamentum flavum (DBSLF) and the intrathecal space (IS) were measured in the L3 -L4 intervertebral space in three different positions. Results: The RSP produced the largest mean distance between the spinous processes. The RSP yielded a significantly larger IVD than did the CSP (p < 0.001) and HSP (p < 0.001). The DBSP was larger in the CSP than in the HSP (p = 0.001). The DBSLF was significantly larger in the RSP than in the HSP (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Positioning the patient in the RSP significantly increased the intervertebral distance between L3 -L4 vertebrae compared to the CSP and HSP, suggesting easier performance of lumbar neuraxial block.

Dexmedetomidine versus sufentanil as adjuvants to bupivacaine for brachial plexus block during upper extremity surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background: Brachial plexus block (BPB) has been accepted as a reliable alternative for general anesthesia in upper limb surgeries. Adding adjuvant drugs like dexmedetomidine and sufentanil has been shown to have clinical and pharmacologic advantages. In this randomized parallel clinical trial, we aim to compare the effects of these two adjuvants for bupivacaine in BPB. Methods: In this double-blinded study, by using computer-assisted block randomization, 40 patients ranged from 20 to 65 years old and scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries were assigned to two equal study groups (n = 20), receiving 1 mL of 5 μg.mL-1 sufentanil (group S) or 1 mL of 100 μg.mL-1 dexmedetomidine (group D) in adjunction to 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine for supraclavicular BPB under the guidance of ultrasonography. Characteristics of local anesthesia and postoperative analgesia were evaluated (n = 40). Results: The duration of blocks significantly improved in group S (sensory: estimated median difference (EMD) [95%CI] = 100.0 [70.0~130.0], p < 0.001; motor: EMD [95%CI] = 120.0 [100.0~130.0], p < 0.001). Group S also had significantly longer postoperative analgesia and lower opioid consumption within 24 hours after the surgery (EMD [95%CI] = 4.0 [3.0~7.0], p < 0.001; EMD [95%CI] = -5.0 [-5.0~-5.0], p < 0.001; respectively). None of the patients showed adverse effects concerning vital signs, nausea, or vomiting. Conclusion: Our study showed that during ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BPB, sufentanil is a fairly better choice than dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for bupivacaine and can provide preferable sensory and motor blocks. No significant side effects were seen in either of the study groups.

Association between rectal diameter and response to treatment with parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and behavioral changes in children and adolescents with bladder and bowel dysfunction

ABSTRACT Purpose: Parasacral Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) is one of the treatments for children with Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (BBD). Some studies showed that children with increased Rectal Diameter (RD) have more Functional Constipation (FC). However, RD prediction in maintenance of BBD after treatment was never evaluated. Our aim is to evaluate the association between RD and response to treatment in children and adolescents with BBD. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated patients from 5-17 years old with BBD. Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS), Rome IV criteria, and the Constipation Score were used. RD was measured using abdominal ultrasound before treatment according to the technique established by Klijn et al. and was considered enlarged when >3cm. No laxatives were used during treatment. Descriptive analysis and binary regression were performed and the area under the ROC curve was calculated. Results: Forty children were included (mean age 8.4±2.8 years, 52.5% male). Before treatment, RD was enlarged in 15 children (37.5%) (mean diameter 3.84±0.6cm), with FC persisting post-treatment in 11/15(73.3%). Those patients also required more laxatives following treatment and had more severe FC. Binary regression showed pretreatment RD to be an independent predictor of the persistence of FC post-treatment (OR=9.56; 95%CI:2.05-44.60). In ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity was 100% (95%CI: 0.49-1.0) and specificity 77.14% (95%CI:0.60-0.90) for rectal diameter >3 cm. The likelihood ratio was 4.38 (95%CI:2.40-8.0) for the persistence of BBD following treatment. Conclusion: RD appears to be relevant in the evaluation of children with BBD, not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a predictor of treatment outcome.

Comprehensive analysis of clinicopathologic and sonographic features in thyroid cancer with skip lymph node metastasis: establish and assessment of a prediction nomogram

Abstract Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis (LLNM) is common in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) and is associated with a poor prognosis. LLNM without central lymph node metastasis as skip metastasis is not common. We aimed to investigate clinicopathologic and sonographic risk factors for skip metastasis in PTC patients, and to establish a nomogram for predicting the possibility of skip metastasis in order to determine the therapeutic strategy. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 1037 PTC patients who underwent surgery from 2016 to 2020 at a single institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the clinicopathologic and preoperative sonographic risk factors of skip metastasis. A nomogram including the risk factors for predicting skip metastasis was further developed and validated. The incidence of skip metastasis was 10.7%. The univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that gender (p = 0.001), tumor location (p = 0.000), extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.000), and calcification (p = 0.000) were independent risk factors. For papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, tumor location (p = 0.000) and calcification (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors. A nomogram according to the clinicopathologic and sonographic predictors was developed. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that AUC was 0.824 and had an excellent consistency. The calibration plot analysis showed a good performance and clinical utility of the model. Decision curve analysis revealed it was clinically useful. A nomogram for predicting the probability of skip metastasis was developed, which exhibited a favorable predictive value and consistency. For the female PTC patient, tumor located at the upper pole is more likely to have skip metastasis. Surgeons and sonographers should pay close attention to the patients who have the risk factors. Evidence level: This article's evidence level is 3. Level 3 evidence is derived from nonrandomized, controlled clinical trials. In this study, patients who receive an intervention are compared to a control group. Authors may detect a statistically significant and clinically relevant outcome.