Could semiquantitative analysis of real-time ultrasound elastography distinguish more liver parenchyma alterations of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome?

ABSTRACT Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the commonest diffuse liver disease, of which women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at an increased risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of the semiquantitative strain parameters of real-time ultrasound elastography for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Subjects and methods: Thirty-five polycystic ovary syndrome patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, 70 polycystic ovary syndrome patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and 70 healthy female controls of reproductive age were included. All participants underwent ultrasonic examination and semiquantitative analysis of real-time ultrasound elastography of the liver. Results: Main semi quantitative strain parameters, such as average strain value, differed significantly among groups polycystic ovary syndrome with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and control (87.02 ± 10.16 vs. 96.31 ± 11.44 vs. 104.49 ± 7.28, p < 0.001). Clinical and laboratory parameters differed significantly between the two subgroups with low or high average strain value. For diagnostic value of average strain value for elevated aminotransferase, the area under the curve was 0.808 (range 0.721-0.895). In multiple linear regression analysis, polycystic ovary syndrome, waist circumference, and metabolic syndrome were stand-alone independent factors associated with average strain value among subjects without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusion: Semiquantitative real-time ultrasound elastography analysis could distinguish liver parenchyma alterations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome more sensitively. The diagnostic value of the proposed method for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease need further research.

Intraparenchymal hematoma as a late complication of retrograde intrarenal surgery

ABSTRACT A 34 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left flank pain. A non-contrast enhanced computerized tomography (NCCT) revealed a 1.5x2cm left proximal ureter stone. Patient was scheduled for ureterorenoscopy (URS) and stone removal. She was submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). At the postoperative 1st day, the patient began to suffer from left flank pain. A NCCT was taken, which revealed a subcapsular hematoma and perirenal fluid. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous fluid, antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and was discharged at the postoperative 6th day. Two weeks after the discharge the patient was admitted to emergency department with severe left flank pain, palpitation and malaise. KUB (kidney-ureter-bladder) radiography showed double-J stent (DJS) to be repositioned to the proximal ureter. Patient was evaluated with contrast enhanced CT which revealed an 8cm intraparenchymal hematoma/abscess in the middle part of the kidney. A percutaneous drainage catheter was inserted into the collection. The percutaneous drainage catheter and the DJS were removed at the 10th day of second hospitalization. RIRS surgery is an effective and feasible choice for renal stones with high success and acceptable complication rates. However, clinician should be alert to possible complications.

Medicina nuclear en el tracto nefrourinario / Nuclear medicine in the nephrourinary tract

Nuclear medicine images play an important role in the evaluation of urinary tract pathologies. Radionuclide imaging studies (DMSA scan, DTPA/MAG3 renography, radionuclide cistography) are reviewed, analyzing their indications.

En el diagnóstico por imágenes de las enfermedades del sistema nefrourológico, la Medicina Nuclear juega un rol importante en determinadas patologías. Se revisan los diferentes exámenes empleados en la actualidad: cintigrafía renal DMSA, renograma isotópico DTPA/MAG3, cistografía isotópica y se analizan sus principales indicaciones.