Ultrasound reference values for peripheral nerve cross-sectional areas and indices in a sample of healthy individuals in Brazil / Valores de referência ultrassonográficos para áreas e índices de secção transversa de nervos periféricos em uma amostra de indivíduos brasileiros saudáveis

Abstract Objective: To establish peripheral nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) reference values (absolute values, measures of asymmetry, and measures of focality) for healthy individuals in Brazil. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six healthy volunteers underwent high-resolution ultrasound of the peripheral nerves. We obtained CSA measurements for three peripheral nerves, at specific locations: the median nerve, in the carpal tunnel (MT); the ulnar nerve, at the cubital tunnel site (UT) and at the pre-tunnel site (UPT); and the common fibular nerve, near the fibular head (FH). We calculated the CSA indices between the same sites on different sides (∆CSAs) and between the ulnar nerve tunnel and pre-tunnel sites on the same side (∆TPT). Results: A total of 132 neural sites were analyzed, and the following CSA values (mean ± SD, median) were obtained: MT (6.3 ± 1.9 mm2, 6.0 mm2); UT (6.2 ± 1.6 mm2, 6.1 mm2); UPT (5.6 ± 1.7 mm2, 5.4 mm2); and FH (10.0 ± 3.7 mm2, 9.9 mm2). The ∆CSA values (mean ± SD, median) were as follows: MT (0.85 ± 0.7 mm2, 0.95); UT (0.81 ± 0.62 mm2, 0.95); UPT (0.61 ± 0.51 mm2, 0.5); and FH (1.0 ± 0.77 mm2, 1.0). The ∆TPT (mean ± SD, median) was (1.0 ± 0.8 mm2, 1.0). Conclusion: Among individuals in Brazil, peripheral nerve CSA values tend to be higher among males and to increase with aging. However, the same does not appear to hold true for the ∆CSA or the ∆TPT, the exception being the difference between the right and left UT. Differences in CSA values greater than 2.5 mm2 between sides or between sites along the same nerve can indicate asymmetry or focal thickening in neuropathy, respectively.

Resumo Objetivo: Estabelecer valores de referência da área de secção transversa (AST) dos nervos periféricos (valores absolutos e medidas de assimetria e de espessamento focal) para amostra de indivíduos brasileiros saudáveis. Materiais e Métodos: Sessenta e seis voluntários brasileiros saudáveis foram submetidos a ultrassonografia de alta resolução de nervos periféricos. As medidas da AST dos seguintes nervos periféricos foram obtidas em: mediano no túnel do carpo (MT), ulnar no túnel cubital (UT), pré-túnel ulnar (UPT) e fibular comum na cabeça da fíbula (FH). Os índices CSA foram obtidos entre os mesmos sítios em lados diferentes (∆CSA) e entre os sítios distal e proximal do nervo ulnar (∆TPT). Resultados: As seguintes médias ± desvio-padrão e mediana da AST foram obtidas para os 132 sítios dos nervos periféricos analisados: MT (6,3 ± 1,9 mm2; 6,0 mm2), UT (6,2 ± 1,6 mm2; 6,1 mm2), UPT (5,6 ± 1,7 mm2; 5,4 mm2) e FH (10,0 ± 3,7 mm2; 9,9 mm2). A média ± desvio-padrão e as respectivas medianas do ∆CSA em mm2 foram: 0,85 ± 0,7 [0,95] para MT, 0,81 ± 0,62 [0,95] para UT, 0,61 ± 0,51 [0,5] para UPT, 1,0 ± 0,77 [1] para FH, e 1,0 ± 0,8 [1,0] para ∆TPT. Conclusão: Os valores de AST tendem a ser maiores no sexo masculino, aumentando os valores absolutos das medianas das ASTs com o envelhecimento, mas não nos seus índices, ∆CSA e ∆TPT, exceto a diferença entre a AST dos nervos ulnares nos lados direito e esquerdo. Diferenças de valores de AST entre lados ou pontos no mesmo nervo maior que 2,5 mm2 podem significar neuropatia com assimetria e espessamento focal.

Avaliação da Disfunção Endotelial em Casos de COVID-19 com Dilatação Fluxo-Mediada / Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 With Flow-Mediated Dilatation

Resumo Fundamento: Sabe-se que a inflamação desempenha um papel crucial em muitas doenças, incluindo a COVID-19. Objetivo: Utilizando a dilatação fluxo-mediada (DFM), objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inflamação na função endotelial de pacientes com COVID-19. Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado com um total de 161 indivíduos, dos quais 80 foram diagnosticados com COVID-19 nos últimos seis meses (48 mulheres e 32 homens com idade média de 32,10±5,87 anos) e 81 eram controles saudáveis (45 mulheres e 36 homens com idade média de 30,51±7,33 anos). Os achados do ecocardiograma transtorácico e da DFM foram analisados em todos os indivíduos. Resultados com p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados: O ecocardiograma e a DFM do grupo COVID-19 foram realizados 35 dias (intervalo: 25-178) após o diagnóstico. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos. Em contraste, a DFM (%) foi significativamente maior no grupo controle (9,52±5,98 versus 12,01±6,18; p=0,01). Na análise multivariada com o modelo stepwise progressivo, a DFM foi significativamente diferente no grupo controle em relação ao grupo COVID-19 (1,086 (1,026-1,149), p=0,04). O teste de correlação de Spearman indicou que a DFM (r=0,27; p=0,006) apresentou correlação positiva fraca com a presença de COVID-19. Conclusão: Os achados deste estudo apontam para disfunção endotelial induzida por COVID-19, avaliada por DFM, na fase inicial de recuperação.

Abstract Background: Inflammation is known to play a crucial role in many diseases, including COVID-19. Objective: Using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), we aimed to assess the effects of inflammation on endothelial function in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study was conducted with a total of 161 subjects, of whom 80 were diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last six months (comprising 48 women and 32 men with a mean age of 32.10 ± 5.87 years) and 81 were healthy controls (comprising 45 women and 36 men with a mean age of 30.51 ± 7.33 years). We analyzed the findings of transthoracic echocardiography and FMD in all subjects. All results were considered statistically significant at the level of p < 0.05. Results: The echocardiography and FMD of the COVID-19 group were performed 35 days (range: 25-178) after diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference in echocardiographic parameters. Differently, FMD (%) was significantly higher in the control group (9.52 ± 5.98 vs. 12.01 ± 6.18, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis with the forward stepwise model, FMD was significantly different in the control group compared to the COVID-19 group (1.086 (1.026 - 1.149), p=0.04). A Spearman's correlation test indicated that FMD (r=0.27, p=0.006) had a weak positive correlation with the presence of COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings point to COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by FMD, in the early recovery phase.

Viabilidad y seguridad de la biopsia prostática transperineal en la era de fusión de imágenes por resonancia magnética cognitiva/ultrasonido en la detección del cáncer de próstata / Feasibility and safety of transperineal prostate biopsy in the era of cognitive magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion in prostate cancer detection

RESUMEN Objetivo : Describir los resultados de la biopsia prostática transperineal por fusión de la resonancia magnética cognitiva y ultrasonido en la detección del cáncer. Materiales y métodos : Estudio de serie de casos, retrospectivo, realizado en Clínica Delgado entre julio del 2019 y octubre del 2021. Se incluyó pacientes con examen digital de próstata y/o Antígeno Prostático Específico anormal e imágenes de Resonancia Magnética de próstata con lesiones categoría PI-RADS 4 o 5. Excluyendo a pacientes con trastorno de coagulación, lesiones rectales, imposibilidad para abducción, comorbilidades para anestesia. Registramos las características clínicas, demográficas, datos de antígeno prostático específico, volumen de la próstata, lesiones PI-RADS, tasas de cáncer, complicaciones. Resultados : Se evaluaron 18 pacientes, con edad media de 69,33 ± 7,67 años. La media del antígeno prostático específico de 14,94 ± 12,42 ng/mL. La media del volumen de próstata de 57,72 ± 28,68 cc. Al examen digital de la próstata 16/18 (88.88 %) pacientes tenían sospecha de cáncer. Se hicieron biopsias con 19 núcleos en pacientes cuya RMNmP tenían lesiones con categoría de PI-RADS 4 en 6/18 (33,33 %) de los cuales 3 resultaron positivas a Adenocarcinoma y otras 3 negativas a cáncer. Biopsia con 16 núcleos en PIRADS 5 en 12/18 (66,67 %) pacientes, resultando todas positivas a cáncer. Adenocarcinoma Acinar en 15/18 (83,33 %) con Gleason 6 en 2/18 (11,11 %) y Gleason ≥ 7 en 13/18 (72,22 %) pacientes. Complicaciones leves como hematuria 1/18 (5,6 %), disuria terminal 8/18 (44,4 %) y molestia perineal 7/18 (38,8 %) y ninguna infecciosa. Conclusiones : la biopsia prostática transperineal por fusión de imágenes de resonancia magnética cognitiva y ultrasonido es factible, segura, con tasas importantes de positividad y sin infecciones.

ABSTRACT Objective : To describe the results of transperineal prostate biopsy by fusion of cognitive magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in the detection of cancer. Materials and methods : A retrospective case series study conducted at the Delgado Clinic between July 2019 and October 2021. Patients with digital prostate examination and/or abnormal Prostatic Specific Antigen and prostate MRI images with category lesions were included PI-RADS 4 or 5. Excluding patients with coagulation disorders, rectal injuries, impossibility for abduction, comorbidities for anesthesia. We recorded clinical and demographic characteristics, prostate-specific antigen data, prostate volume, PI-RADS lesions, cancer rates, and complications. Results: 18 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 69.33 ± 7.67 years. The mean prostate specific antigen was 14.94 ± 12.42 ng/mL. The mean prostate volume was 57.72 ± 28.68 cc. At the digital examination of the prostate, 16/18 (88.88%) patients had suspected cancer. Biopsies with 19 cores were performed in patients whose NMRmP had lesions with PI-RADS category 4 in 6/18 (33.33%), of which 3 were positive for Adenocarcinoma and another 3 were negative for cancer. Biopsy with 16 PIRADS 5 cores in 12/18 (66.67%) patients, all of which were positive for cancer. Acinar adenocarcinoma in 15/18 (83.33%) with Gleason 6 in 2/18 (11.11%) and Gleason ≥ 7 in 13/18 (72.22%) patients. Mild complications such as hematuria 1/18 (5.6%), terminal dysuria 8/18 (44.4%) and perineal discomfort 7/18 (38.8%) and none infectious. Conclusions : transperineal prostate biopsy by fusion of cognitive magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound is feasible, safe, with significant positivity rates and without infections.

Anatomy of the nerves, vessels, and muscular compartments of the forearm, as revealed by high-resolution ultrasound. Part 1: overall structure and forearm compartments

Abstract In recent decades, high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) has revolutionized the morphological and structural evaluation of peripheral nerves and muscles, revealing details of the internal structure of the neural fascicles and muscle architecture. Applications range from diagnostics to interventional procedures. The anatomy of the forearm region is complex, with several muscles and an extensive network of vessels and nerves. To guarantee the success of the evaluation by HRUS, knowledge of the normal anatomy of the region is essential. The aim of these two companion articles is to present the normal anatomy of the nerves and compartments of the forearm, as revealed by HRUS, as well as the relationships between the main vessels and nerves of the region. Part 1 aims to review the overall structure of nerves, muscles and tendons, as seen on HRUS, and that of the forearm compartments. We present a practical approach, with general guidelines and tips on how best to perform the study. Part 2 is a pictorial essay about compartment vascularization and cutaneous innervation. Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the forearm improves the technical quality of the examinations, contributing to better diagnoses, as well as improving the performance and safety of interventional procedures.

Anatomy of the nerves, vessels, and muscular compartments of the forearm, as revealed by high-resolution ultrasound. Part 2: vascularization of compartments and cutaneous innervation

Abstract In recent decades, high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) has revolutionized the morphological and structural evaluation of peripheral nerves and muscles, revealing details of the internal structure of the neural fascicles and muscle architecture. Applications range from diagnostics to interventional procedures. The anatomy of the forearm region is complex, with several muscles and an extensive network of vessels and nerves. To guarantee the success of the evaluation by HRUS, knowledge of the normal anatomy of the region is essential. The aim of these two companion articles is to present the normal anatomy of the nerves and compartments of the forearm, as revealed by HRUS, as well as the relationships between the main vessels and nerves of the region. Part 1 aims to review the overall structure of nerves, muscles and tendons, as seen on HRUS, and that of the forearm compartments. We present a practical approach, with general guidelines and tips on how best to perform the study. Part 2 is a pictorial essay about compartment vascularization and cutaneous innervation. The relationships between arteries, satellite veins and nerves, as well as the relationship between cutaneous nerves and superficial veins, are demonstrated. Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the forearm improves the technical quality of the examinations, contributing to better diagnoses, as well as improving the performance and safety of interventional procedures.

Proposal for computer-aided diagnosis based on ultrasound images of the kidney: is it possible to compare shades of gray among such images? / Proposição de um diagnóstico auxiliado por computador de imagem renal ultrassonográfica: é possível comparar tons de cinza das imagens ultrassonográficas renais?

Abstract Objective: To compare ultrasound images of the kidney obtained, randomly or in a controlled manner (standardizing the physical aspects of the ultrasound system), by various professionals and with different devices. Materials and Methods: We evaluated a total of 919 images of kidneys, obtained by five professionals using two types of ultrasound systems, in 24 patients. The images were categorized into four types, by how they were acquired and processed. We compared the gray-scale median and different gray-scale ranges representative of virtual histological tissues. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the five professionals, regardless of the type of ultrasound system employed, in terms of the gray-scale medians for the images obtained (p < 2.2e-16). Analyzing the four categories of images-a totally random image (without any standardization); a standardized image (with fixed values for gain, time gain control, and dynamic range); a normalized version of the random image; and a normalized version of the standardized image-we determined that the random image, even after normalization, differed quite significantly among the professionals (p = 0.006098). The analysis of the normalized version of the standardized image did not differ significantly among the professionals (p = 0.7319). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a gray-scale analysis of ultrasound images of the kidney performs better when the image acquisition process is standardized and the images undergo a process of normalization.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar imagens renais ultrassonográficas obtidas de maneira aleatória e controlada (padronizando fatores físicos do aparelho de ultrassom) por diferentes profissionais e aparelhos. Materiais e Métodos: Foram obtidos quatro tipos de imagens, de acordo com sua aquisição e processamento por cinco profissionais e dois tipos de aparelhos de ultrassonografia, em 24 pacientes, totalizando 919 imagens. Comparamos a mediana de escala de cinza e diferentes intervalos de tons de cinza representantes de tecidos histológicos virtuais. Resultados: As medianas de escala de cinza de imagens renais obtidas por dois tipos de aparelhos foram estatisticamente diferentes (p < 2.2e-16). Analisando os quatro tipos de imagens, partindo de uma totalmente aleatória (sem qualquer padronização), uma padronizada (fixado o ganho, time gain control e dynamic range), e essas duas passando por um processo de normatização, obteve-se que a imagem aleatória é totalmente diversa entre os profissionais (p = 0,006098), mesmo passando pelo processo de normatização. A imagem padronizada, após passar pelo processo de normatização, apresentou resultados equivalentes, não possuindo diferença estatística (p = 0,7319). Conclusão: Constatou-se que na análise de tons de cinza deve-se usar um mesmo tipo de máquina e uma imagem em que sejam padronizados aspectos físicos, passando por um processo de normatização/padronização.

Lung Ultrasound as a Triage Tool in an Emergency Setting during the Covid-19 Outbreak: comparison with CT Findings

Abstract Background Lung ultrasound (LUS) can detect interstitial alveolar changes confined to the subpleural region, like those described in Covid-19. Objetive To evaluate how LUS findings correlate with chest computed tomography (CT) in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suspicion of Covid-19. Methods Cross-sectional study of 20 patients (median age 43 years; interquartile range, 37-63 years; 50% male). All patients underwent LUS and chest CT on the day of ED admission. Each hemithorax was divided into 6 segments with similar landmarks, and equivalent scores (sc) of lesion severity were defined for both methods. The number of affected segments on LUS (LUSseg) was divided into tertiles (0-1, 2-5, and ≥6), and compared with number of affected segments on CT (CTseg), LUSsc, CTsc, and percentage of affected lung parenchyma through visual analysis (CTvis). ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables, chi-square test for categorical variables, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to define optimal cutoff points were performed. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Median LUSsc, CTsc, CTseg, and CTvis were significantly different between groups. A clear separation between groups was demonstrated; patients with <2 affected segments on LUS were defined as low risk. The ROC curve showed good discriminative power to predict ≥6 affected segments on CT, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 and 0.98 for >7 LUSsc and >3 LUSseg, respectively. Conclusion LUS findings correlate with chest CT, and can help identify patients with normal lung or minor pulmonary involvement secondary to Covid-19. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Ultrasound elastography in patients with fatty liver disease / Análise da elastografia por ultrassonografia em pacientes com esteatose hepática

Abstract Hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, occurs due to the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes. When it becomes chronic, lobular inflammation develops and the disease can evolve to hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis is desirable because patients diagnosed in the early stage of the disease respond better to treatment. In the early stages of fatty liver disease, the physical examination is often unremarkable. Fatty liver disease and hepatic fibrosis can be diagnosed and monitored through laboratory tests, imaging, and biopsy. Among the imaging methods, ultrasound stands out as an effective means of diagnosing and following patients with liver disease. Ultrasound used in conjunction with elastography (ultrasound elastography) has recently shown great utility in the follow-up of such patients. Ultrasound elastography studies the degree of deformation (stiffness) of an organ or lesion, so that when there is hardening, fibrosis, or cirrhosis of the liver, those alterations are well demonstrated. In this review article, we discuss the application of the different types of ultrasound elastography for liver studies: transient elastography, point shear wave elastography, and two-dimensional shear wave elastography. Although magnetic resonance elastography may also be used in the analysis of liver fibrosis, it will not be addressed in this article.

Resumo Esteatose hepática ocorre pelo acúmulo de lipídios nos hepatócitos, sua cronificação cursa com inflamação lobular e evolui com fibrose hepática, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. O diagnóstico precoce do acometimento hepático é desejável em razão da melhor resposta terapêutica dos pacientes na fase inicial da doença. O exame físico nas fases iniciais da doença não apresenta alterações. O diagnóstico e o controle evolutivo da esteatose e fibrose hepática podem ser realizados por exames laboratoriais, exames de imagens e biópsia. Entre os exames de imagem, destaca-se a ultrassonografia (US) no diagnóstico e acompanhamento dos pacientes com doença hepática. Atualmente, a US associada à elastografia vem se destacando para acompanhamento desses pacientes. A elastografia por US estuda o grau de deformação (ou dureza) do órgão ou lesão, de modo que quando há endurecimento do fígado, por fibrose ou cirrose, essa alteração é bem demonstrada na elastografia por US. Neste artigo de revisão nos propusemos a discutir a aplicação dos diversos tipos de elastografia por US para estudo do fígado: elastografia transitória, point-shear wave elastography e 2D-shear wave elastography. A elastografia por ressonância magnética também pode ser utilizada na análise de fibrose hepática, mas não será abordada neste artigo.

Fetal posterior fossa malformations: review of the current knowledge / Malformações da fossa posterior fetal: revisão do conhecimento atual

Abstract Ultrasound diagnosis of posterior fossa malformations in the prenatal period is a challenge, having major implications for the counseling and follow-up of pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to review aspects of the ultrasound evaluation of the fetal posterior fossa, as well as to describe the most relevant ultrasound findings of the main posterior fossa malformations that can affect the fetus in the prenatal period.

Resumo O diagnóstico ultrassonográfico das malformações da fossa posterior no período pré-natal é um desafio, com importantes implicações no aconselhamento e acompanhamento dessas gestações. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar aspectos da avaliação ultrassonográfica da fossa posterior do feto e descrever os principais achados ultrassonográficos das principais malformações da fossa posterior que podem acometer o feto no período pré-natal.

Transvaginal ultrasound in deep endometriosis: pictorial essay / Ultrassonografia transvaginal na endometriose profunda: ensaio iconográfico

Abstract Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. When endometrial implants penetrate more than 5 mm into the peritoneum, the condition is referred to as deep pelvic endometriosis. Although laparoscopy is the gold standard test to establish a diagnosis of deep endometriosis, transvaginal ultrasound represents an alternative that can contribute to detection of the disease, because it is an accessible, low-cost, noninvasive examination that allows preoperative planning in cases requiring surgical treatment. However, in clinical practice, transvaginal ultrasound is still not widely used as the first-line examination in suspected cases of endometriosis. This essay describes the findings of deep endometriosis on transvaginal ultrasound, in order to disseminate knowledge of the utility of the technique for the diagnosis of this disease.

Resumo A endometriose é caracterizada pela presença de tecido endometrial fora do útero. Quando os implantes endometriais penetram mais de 5 mm no peritônio, são definidos como endometriose pélvica profunda. O exame padrão ouro para estabelecer seu diagnóstico é a laparoscopia, mas a ultrassonografia transvaginal pode contribuir na detecção da doença, por ser um exame acessível, de menor custo, não invasivo e por possibilitar o planejamento pré-operatório nos casos em que é necessário o tratamento cirúrgico. Entretanto, este método como primeiro exame a ser solicitado na suspeita de endometriose precisa ser mais considerado na prática clínica. Este ensaio descreve os achados da endometriose profunda na ultrassonografia transvaginal, com o intuito de difundir a importância da técnica para o diagnóstico dessa doença.

Localización con semilla radioactiva (LSR) de lesiones no palpables de la mama: Desarrollo e implementación del programa en la República Argentina / Radioactive Seed Localization for Nonpalpable Breast Lesions: Program Development & Implementation in Argentina

El intervencionismo en mama se inició con la localización preoperatoria de lesiones no palpables. En una segunda etapa, el desarrollo de técnicas de biopsias en las tres modalidades (mamografía, ultrasonido y resonancia magnética), reforzaron las indicaciones de localización de lesiones con histología ya confirmada. La técnica de localización en Argentina se basó casi exclusivamente en la inserción de alambres con arpones e inyección de carbón. A partir del año 2001, se ofreció como alternativa a las localizaciones con arpones la inserción de semilla de Iodo-125, considerando las ventajas para la paciente, el cirujano y el sistema hospitalario al desacoplar los turnos de quirófano y servicios de imágenes, otorgando acceso a cualquier cuadrante con incisiones cosméticas. La provisión del isótopo es la clave para instalar y atender la demanda de los usuarios, una vez que han conocido los méritos del procedimiento. En todos los ámbitos y distintos países, se verificó una lenta incorporación a la rutina de localización de lesiones con material radioactivo, primariamente por las regulaciones fundamentales y justificadas para la adquisición del isótopo. En nuestro medio y en una labor conjunta con la Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN), logramos finalmente, en el año 2017, el reconocimiento de la práctica. Revisamos la bibliografía, describimos la técnica y la logística para lograr autorización de aquellos centros interesados en aplicar un procedimiento universalmente adoptado por sus ventajas respecto a los métodos tradicionales.

Diagnostic intervention in breast disease started with preoperative localization of non- palpable lesions. Later, with the histological diagnosis obtained through biopsy techniques in mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the localization of lesions has become a must. Traditionally, in Argentina, the localization technique was exclusively based on the insertion of harpoon-shaped guided wires and carbon suspension. Since 2001, the iodine-125 radioactive seed localization has emerged as a reliable and advantageous alternative for the patient, the surgeon and the hospital system, reducing scheduling conflicts between the breast imaging department and the surgical department, and allowing access to any quadrant with cosmetic incisions. The isotope provision is the key to satisfying the users demand, once they have known the merits of the procedure. The implementation of radioactive material for the localization of lesions has been tardy in all fields and in different countries, mainly due to justified regulations related to the acquisition of the isotope. As a result of joint efforts with the Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (Nuclear Regulatory Authority), the practice finally gained its deserved recognition in 2017. We conducted a review of the existing literature and described the technique and the logistics to obtain the approval of the sites that were interested in the deployment of a widely used procedure that has proved to be more advantageous than traditional methods.

Ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of thyroid nodules: evolution of a promising diagnostic tool for predicting the risk of malignancy / Sonoelastografia na avaliação de nódulos tireoidianos: evolução do método como uma ferramenta diagnóstica promissora na predição de risco de malignidade

Abstract The elastic properties of tissue have always been of interest in clinical practice. In the past, the identification of structures that were stiffer on physical palpation would raise the suspicion that "there was something wrong". With the development and advancement of medicine, there proved to be a true correlation in the prediction of malignancy of a lesion: malignant disease tends to stiffen the affected tissue, either by increased cell proliferation or fibrosis. Palpation is the oldest method for the detection of thyroid nodules, which is informed by the knowledge that malignant thyroid lesions tend to be much harder than benign ones. Unfortunately, palpation is a highly subjective method that is dependent on the size and location of the lesion, as well as on the skill of the physician. In cases where these nodules are very small or are located in deep regions, their detection by palpation is difficult or even impossible. In addition, although a malignant lesion differs in terms of elasticity, it may not have echogenic properties, preventing its detection by conventional ultrasound. Imaging that indicates the stiffness or deformation of tissues, through the use of ultrasound elastography techniques, adds new information related to their structural formation. In this article, we review the basic physical principles of elastography and the evolution of the method for the evaluation of thyroid nodules, as well as the limitations of and future perspectives for its use.

Resumo A propriedade elástica dos tecidos sempre foi motivo de interesse na prática clínica. A palpação física de estruturas mais rígidas levantava a suspeita de que "havia algo estranho" e isso se mostrou, com o desenvolvimento e avanços da medicina, uma correlação verdadeira na predição de malignidade de uma lesão: a doença maligna tende a enrijecer o tecido acometido, quer por proliferação celular aumentada ou por fibrose. A palpação é o método mais antigo para a detecção de nódulos tireoidianos. Lesões tireoidianas malignas tendem a ser muito mais duras do que as benignas. Infelizmente, a palpação é um método altamente subjetivo e depende do tamanho e localização da lesão e da habilidade do médico. Nos casos em que esses nódulos são muito pequenos ou estão localizados em regiões profundas, a sua detecção por palpação é dificultada ou até mesmo impossível. Além disso, mesmo sendo elasticamente diferente, a lesão pode não apresentar propriedades ecogênicas, impedindo a sua detecção por ultrassonografia convencional. A imagem da rigidez ou deformação desses tecidos acrescenta novas informações relacionadas à sua formação estrutural por meio das técnicas de elastografia. Revisamos, neste artigo, os princípios físicos básicos e a evolução da elastografia para avaliação de nódulos tireoidianos, bem como as limitações e perspectivas futuras do uso dessa técnica.

Biópsia percutâneas de lesões hepática guiada por ultrassonografia: análise de 171 casos de um único centro oncológico / Us-guided percutaneous core liver biopsy: analysis of 171 cases from a single oncology service

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Though strongly suggestive of metastasis, focal lesions on liver scans of oncological patients require histological confirmation for the prescription of adequate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of US-guided percutaneous core liver biopsy. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on secondary data from 171 patients submitted to US-guided percutaneous core liver biopsy at the diagnostic radiology service of the Ceará Cancer Institute (ICC, Brazil) between February 2010 and March 2015. Quantitative data were expressed in absolute numbers or percentages, with emphasis on the rate of complications observed within six hours after the procedure. RESULTS: The overall accuracy was 96.4%. The overall rate of complications was 2.3%, three quarters of which was due to hemorrhage. Age over 50 years was positively associated with accuracy. No deaths occurred within the period of observation. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the claim that the use of thick biopsy needles improves diagnostic accuracy. The few complications observed were non-lethal and predominantly hemorrhagic.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Lesões focais nos exames de imagem do fígado em pacientes oncológicos, embora sejam achados fortemente sugestivos de envolvimento metastático, permanece a necessidade de confirmação histológica, a fim de que se institua uma terapia apropriada. OBJETIVO: Verificar a segurança e a eficácia do procedimento de biópsia hepática percutânea guiada por ultrassom, realizado pelo serviço de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem do Instituto do Câncer do Ceará (ICC). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, baseado em dados secundários de 171 pacientes, submetidos a biópsias hepáticas percutâneas, guiadas por ultrassonografia, realizadas no ICC, de fevereiro de 2010 a março de 2015. Os dados quantitativos obtidos foram apresentados em forma de números absolutos ou percentuais, com ênfase nas taxas de complicações, ocorridas nas primeiras seis horas de observação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: A acurácia geral foi de 96,4%. Encontramos uma taxa global de complicações de 2,3%, sendo que 75% delas foram de natureza hemorrágica. Não verificamos a ocorrência de óbitos dentro do período de observação pós-biópsia. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de agulhas calibrosas, parece, de fato, estar relacionada à melhoria na acurácia diagnóstica, com baixas taxas de complicações, sobretudo as hemorrágicas, contudo não letais. No presente trabalho, a idade mostrou-se um fator modificador da acurácia.

Common and uncommon features of focal splenic lesions on contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a pictorial review / Aspectos comuns e incomuns das lesões focais esplênicas no estudo com contraste por microbolhas: uma revisão iconográfica

Abstract The characterization of focal splenic lesions by ultrasound can be quite challenging. The recent introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has come to play a valuable role in the field of imaging splenic pathologies, offering the possibility of an ionizing radiation-free investigation. Because CEUS has been incorporated into everyday clinical practice, malignant diseases such as focal lymphomatous infiltration, metastatic deposits, benign cysts, traumatic fractures, and hemangiomas can now be accurately depicted and characterized without the need for further imaging. More specifically, splenic traumatic fractures do not require additional imaging by computed tomography (with ionizing radiation exposure) for follow-up, because splenic fractures and their complications are safely imaged with CEUS. In the new era of CEUS, more patients benefit from radiation-free investigation of splenic pathologies with high diagnostic accuracy.

Resumo A caracterização de lesões focais esplênicas pela ultrassonografia pode ser bastante desafiadora. A introdução da ultrassonografia com contraste por microbolhas vem ganhando papel importante no campo da avaliação por imagem das doenças esplênicas, oferecendo um método livre de radiação ionizante. Após a implementação da ultrassonografia contrastada na prática médica, doenças malignas como linfomas e metástases, bem como benignas, como cistos, lesões traumáticas e hemangiomas, podem ser observadas e caracterizadas de maneira acurada, sem a necessidade de prosseguir a investigação com outros métodos de imagem. Mais especificamente, lesões traumáticas esplênicas podem ser acompanhadas por meio da ultrassonografia contrastada, evitando a radiação ionizante da tomografia computadorizada, uma vez que as fraturas esplênicas e suas potenciais complicações são seguramente demonstradas por esse método ultrassonográfico. Na nova era do uso dos contrastes para ultrassonografia, mais pacientes serão beneficiados por investigações livres de radiação para avaliação de afecções do baço, com alta acurácia diagnóstica.

The comparison of immersion B-scan guided with respective sonic velocity and Lenstar LS900 onmeasurement of axial length in silicone oil-filled eyes / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of the biometry using immersion B scan and partial coherence interferometry (Lenstar LS900) for the axial length (AL) of silicone oil-filled eyes respectively.Methods Thirty-five silicone oil-filled eyes (38 patients) were included in the study.All of these eyes underwent silicone oil removal,cataract extraction and intraocular lenses implantation.The AL of all the silicone oil-filled eyes was measured with A/B-scan ultrasound and Lenstar LS900 before operation and with Lenstar LS900 after operation.The measured distance was compared respectively.The method of immersion B-scan guided with respective sonic velocity.AL was the sum of corneal thickness,anterior chamber depth,lens thickness,the apparent length of oil bubble (velocity values 996 m/s),the depth of the water layer beneath the oil bubble.Results Thirty-one eyes were measured with Lenstar LS900 before silicone oil removal,and the mean AL was (24.12± 1.70) mm,7 eyes failed to get the results before the operation;36 eyes were measured with Lenstar LS900 after silicone oil removal,and the mean AL was (24.45±1.89) mm.All eyes were measured with B-scan before silicone oil removal,and the mean AL was (24.87±2.52) mm.The difference (31 eyes) of AL measurement before silicone oil removal by two methods was (-0.00±0.09) mm;the difference (31 eyes) between pre-and post-surgical AL measurement with Lenstar LS900 was (0.02±0.07) mm;the difference (36 eyes) between pre-surgical AL measured with B-scan and post-surgical AL measured with Lenstar LS900 was (-0.02±0.11) mm.All the differences were not statistically significant (t=-0.205,1.752,-1.280;P＞ 0.05).The consistency of the results measured by two methods was well in Bland-Ahamn analysis.Conclusions Measurement results of AL between immersion B-scan guided with respective sonic velocity and Lenstar LS900 are high repeatability on silicone oil-filled eyes.The AL of silicone oil-filled eyes can be measured reliably by immersion B-scan guided with respective sonic velocity.

Application of contrast ultrasound in diagnosis of orbital neoplasms / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Orbital tumor has complex histological types and it is difficult for clinical differential diagnosis.Therefore, it is badly in need of a new diagnostic technology to distinguish its benign and malignancy.Objective This study aimed to analyze and compare the characteristics of contrast ultrasound image between benign and malignant orbital neoplasms and evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast ultrasound to orbital tumor.Methods The clinical data of 24 patients with malignant orbital neoplasms and 51 patients with benign orbital neoplasms were retrospectively analyzed in Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine from September 2010 to September 2013.Contrast ultrasound examination was carried out on all the patients using MyLab Twice color ultrasonic device under the informed consent.SonoVue solution of 2.0 ml was intravenously injected and then the state and dynamic graphs of orbital tumors were collected.According to the classification of enhanced levels and patterns,the imaging features of orbital neoplasms were evaluated, and time-intensity curve (TIC) and dynamic vascular pattern (DVP) curve were obtained with SonoLiver software.The general ultrasonic signs and contrast ultrasonic characteristics between benign and malignant neoplasms were compared.Results Hyper-enhanced lesions were found in 62.5％ (15/24) and 27.5％ (14/51) ,and iso-intensity lesions were found in 20.8％ (5/24) and 49.0％(25/51) in the malignant orbital neoplasm patients and benign ones, respectively, with a significant difference in enhanced types between them (x2 =26.40,P＜0.01).Based on the enhanced mode, heterogeneity enhancement lesions were found in 75.0％ (18/24) and 25.5％ (13/51), and hemogeneity enhancement lesions were seen in 25.0％(6/24) and 47.1％ (24/51) in the malignant orbital neoplasm patients and benign ones, respectively, showing a significant differnee between them (x2 =30.40, P ＜ 0.01).The 58.3％ patients showed rapid rising and sharp descending TIC curves,and 75.0％ patients showed the biphasic wave DVP curves in the malignant lesions;while in the benign lesions,the TIC curves of 78.7％ patients were quick lift and slow dessend, and the DVP curves of 74.5 ％patients appeared to be positive phasic wave.These curve features were significantly different between the malignant lesions and benign ones (TIC:Z=-3.130,P=0.002;DVP:Z =-4.730,P =0.000).Conclusions Contrastultrasound examination shows that different tissue-derived orbital neoplasms have varied enhanced modes and types.Contrast-ultrasound examination is helpful for the differential diagnosis of orbital neoplasms.