Cohorte descriptiva de pacientes adultos con hipertensión portal en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia / Descriptive cohort of adult patients with portal hypertension at a tertiary care institution in Colombia

Introducción. La hipertensión portal (HTP) se define como una elevación anormal de la presión venosa en el sistema portal que lleva al desarrollo de vías colaterales para desviar el flujo sanguíneo de la zona. Dentro de su etiología están las relacionadas con la cirrosis hepática y otras causas denominadas no cirróticas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los principales hallazgos demográficos, clínicos y paraclínicos en un grupo de pacientes con HTP, y determinar el uso de ayudas invasivas y no invasivas, y su disponibilidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes en los centros que no cuentan con laboratorio de hemodinamia hepática, reflejando la dinámica de múltiples escenarios en Colombia. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, retrospectivo, en pacientes atendidos en una institución de tercer nivel del sur de Colombia, entre enero del año 2015 y diciembre del año 2020. Resultados. Se obtuvo una muestra de 61 pacientes en donde la mayoría de casos correspondían a hombres en la séptima década de la vida, procedentes del área urbana. La principal causa de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo (39,3 %), asociado a la presencia de telangiectasias (arañas vasculares) en el 37,2 %, seguido de circulación colateral (31,3 %) e ictericia (19,7 %). En la ecografía abdominal (realizada en el 57,4 % de los pacientes) predominaron la cirrosis (68 %) y la presencia de esplenomegalia (14,2 %), y en lospacientes con Doppler portal (realizado en el 16,4 %) se encontró hígado cirrótico (80 %) y dilatación portal (40 %). Con respecto a los hallazgos en la esofagogastroduodenoscopia predominó la presencia de várices esofágicas y gastritis crónica. Conclusión. El principal motivo de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo, en tanto que la cirrosis fue el antecedente y el hallazgo imagenológico más frecuente, seguido de las várices esofágicas. Se encontró que el uso de paraclínicos, ecografía abdominal, ecografía con Doppler portal y esofagogastroduodenoscopia fueron los más utilizados en el contexto clínico de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de HTP.

Introduction. Portal hypertension (PHT) is defined as an abnormal elevation of venous pressure in the portal system that leads to the development of collateral pathways to divert blood flow from the area. Within its etiology are those related to liver cirrhosis and other so-called non cirrhotic causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main demographic, clinical and paraclinical findings in a group of patients with PHT, and to determine the use of invasive and non-invasive aids, and their availability for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients in centers that do not have a hepatic hemodynamics laboratory, reflecting the dynamics of multiple scenarios in Colombia. Methodology. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in patients attended in a third level institution in Southern Colombia, between January 2015 and December 2020. Results. A sample of 61 patients was obtained where the majority of cases corresponded to men in the seventh decade of life, from the urban area. The main cause of consultation was digestive bleeding (39.3%), associated with the presence of telangiectasias (spider veins) in 37.2%, followed by collateral circulation (31.3%) and jaundice (19.7%). In abdominal ultrasound (performed in 57.4% of the patients), cirrhosis (68%) and the presence of splenomegaly (14.2%) predominated, and in patients with portal Doppler (performed in 16.4%), cirrhotic liver (80%) and portal dilatation (40%) were found. With respect to the findings in the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal varices and chronic gastritis were predominant. Conclusion. The main reason for consultation was gastrointestinal bleeding, while cirrhosis was the most frequent history and imaging finding, followed by esophageal varices. It was found that the use of paraclinics, abdominal ultrasound, ultrasound with portal Doppler and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were the most used in the clinical context of patients diagnosed with PHT.

Sonographic evaluation of the commonest sites of placental localization in pregnant women in Umuahia, Abia State

Background:The Placenta is an organ of pregnancy that provides nutrition, excretory functions and oxygen to the fetus.Aim:The purpose of the study is to determine and provide information on the commonest sites of placental localization in pregnant women in their second and third trimesters in Umuahia, Abia state because there are few documented reports on the sonographic assessment of placental localization in Umuahia.Methodology:Prospective study of pregnant women in their second and third trimesters was carried out trans- abdominally using an ultrasound scan machine with a 3.5 MHz transducer. Placental localization was classified into anterior, posterior, fundal and low-lying, Ultrasonography was used because it is non-ionizing, cheap and readily available. Exclusion criteria; pregnant women with a history of Caesarian section, uterine fibroids and multiple gestation.Results:One hundred women between the ages of 20yrs and 42yrs with a mean age of 28.60±4.95 on their routine antenatal visit were used for the study. The women were in their second and third trimesters, and fetal gender distribution was 55 males and 45 females. Placental localization was classified into Anterior 44%, fundal 20%, posterior 30% and previa 3%.Conclusion:Anterior placentation was the commonest, followed by posterior, then fundal with placenta previa being the least site of placental localization. There was no statistical significance between placental localization and maternal age, gestational age, fetal weight, gender, fetal presentation and heart rate. Evaluation for placental localization in the second and third trimesters is important to rule out placenta previa.

Apport de l'échographie dans le diagnostic des hépatopathies chez les patients souffrant de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde à Cotonou / Hospital frequency and contribution of ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatopathy in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in Cotonou

Introduction L'échographie, modalité plus accessible dans notre pays constitue une alternative incontournable au diagnostic des hépatopathies sur polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR). L'objectif de ce travail était de déterminer les caractéristiques de ces hépatopathies ainsi que l'apport de l'échographie dans leur diagnostic au CNHU-HKM. Méthode Etude transversale descriptive et analytique portant sur les patients suivis pour une PR, vus en consultation dans le service de rhumatologie du CNHU-HKM, ayant bénéficié d'une échographie abdominale, pendant la période d'étude allant du 15 Juillet 2020 au 15 Octobre 2020. La prévalence, les caractéristiques clinico-biologiques et échographiques des hépatopathies ont été étudiées. Résultats Ont été colligés 42 sujets. la fréquence hospitalière des hépatopathies était de 40,5%. La sex-ratio était de 0,8 et l'âge moyen de 50,9 ans. Sur le plan clinique, des douleurs de l'hypocondre droit (9,5%) , une hépatomégalie (14,3%) et un syndrome métabolique (38%) avaient été trouvées. Une cytolyse hépatique était notée chez 01 patient ; l'Ag HBs positif chez 02 patients. A l'échographie une hépatomégalie (26,1%), une stéatose hépatique (16,7%) et un kyste hépatique (2,4%) étaient retrouvés. Les étiologies principales évoquées étaient : hépatomégalie isolée (41,2%), métabolique (35,5%) et virale ( 11,4%). Conclusion Les hépatopathies sur PR sont fréquentes. Le profil clinique n'est pas spécifique. L'échographie dans notre contexte constitue un moyen fondamental d'aide au diagnostic chez ces patients.

Ultrasound, a more accessible modality in our country, is an essential alternative to the diagnosis of liver disease on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of these liver diseases as well as the contribution of ultrasound in their diagnosis in CNHU-HKM. Method Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients followed for RA, seen in consultation in the rheumatology department of the CNHU-HKM, who underwent an abdominal ultrasound, during the study period from July 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. The prevalence, clinico-biological and ultrasound characteristics of liver disease were studied. Results A total of 42 subjects were collected. The hospital frequency of liver disease was 40.5%. The sex ratio was 0.8 and the mean age was 50.9 years. Clinically, right hypochondria pain (9.5%), hepatomegaly (14.3%) and metabolic syndrome (38%) were found. Hepatic cytolysis was noted in 01 patient; HBsAg positive in 02 patients. On ultrasound, hepatomegaly (26.1%), fatty liver disease (16.7%) and a liver cyst (2.4%) were found. The main etiologies were isolated hepatomegaly (41.2%), metabolic (35.5%) and viral (11.4%). Conclusion: Liver disease in RA patients is common. Ultrasound in our context is a fundamental means of aiding in the diagnosis of these patients

Particularités en imagerie du cancer du sein de la femme jeune de moins de 35 ans / Particularities of breast cancer imaging in young women under 35 years of age

Objectif: Le cancer du sein chez la femme jeune est rare etprésente des caractéristiques épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et pronostiques propres. L'objectif de notre étude est d'évaluerles caractéristiques radiologiques (mammographiques, échographiqueset par résonnancemagnétique IRM du cancer du sein chez la femme jeune Algérienne, de moins de 35 ans. Matériels etméthodes: Etude prospective, descriptiveau sein du service d'imagerie médicale du Centre Pierre et Marie Curie,d'Algerincluant 204patientes âgées de moins 35ans, étalée sur 3 ans allantentre janvier 2015et janvier 2017,chez lesquelles undiagnostic de cancer du sein a été porté,Elles ont toutes bénéficiésd'une mammographie numérique, d'une échographie et d'une IRM mammaireet d'unprélèvement percutané.Résultats:La fréquence du cancer du sein chez la femme jeune de moins de 35 ans était de 10,6%. L'âge moyen était de 30.9 ans. L'autopalpation d'un nodule était prédominante (87.2%). La densité mammaire était de type c et d dans 67.7%. Contrairement à l'idée établie, la mammographie avait permis souvent le diagnostic de ces tumeurs. A la mammographie, la répartition des cas selon le stade BI-RADS révèle que plus de la moitié (53.9%) était classée BI-RADS 5 ; 35.5 % des cas classés en BIRADS 4, 7.2% classés en BI-RADS 3 et un faible pourcentage (3.6 %) en BI-RADS 0. Pour l'échographie, la répartition des cas selon les stades BI-RADS révèle que plus de la moitié était classée ACR5, ce qui représente 64 %, 32.7 % classée en ACR4 et 3.3% en ACR3.A l'IRM, 71.1 % des cas ont été classés en ACR 5, 28.4% en ACR4 et 0.5 des cas en ACR 3. Le type histologique était de type carcinome canalaire infiltrant de grade III et II selon Scarff-Bloom et Richardson (SBR) dans 96.11% descas.Conclusion: L'expression radiologique est souvent non spécifique et évocatrice d'une lésion suspecte néanmoins nous avons constaté une plus grande fréquence de tumeurs d'allure bénigne en mammographie par rapport à l'échographie mammaire et à l'IRM mammaire. L'IRM mammaire reste donc utile dans la caractérisation lésionnelle et le bilan d'extension

Objective: Breast cancer in young women is rare and has its own epidemiological, diagnostic and prognostic features. The aim of our study was to evaluate the radiological (mammographic, ultrasonographic and MRI) characteristics of breast cancer iMaterials and methods: Prospective, descriptive study in the medical imaging department of the CPMC in Algiers, including 204 patients under 35 years of age, over a 3-year period from January 2017 to January 2020, diagnosed with breast cancer. They all underwent digital mammography, ultrasound and MRI of the breast and percutaneous sampling.Results: The incidence of breast cancer in young women under 35 was 10.6%. The mean age was 30.9 years. Autopalpation of a nodule was predominant (87.2%). Breast density was type c and d in 67.7%. Contrary to popular belief, these tumorswere often diagnosed by mammography. On mammography, the distribution of cases according to BIRADS stage revealed that over half (53.9%) were classified as BIRADS 5; 35.5% of cases classified as BIRADS 4, 7.2% classified as BIRADS 3 and a small percentage (3.6%) as BIRADS 0.On ultrasonography, the distribution of cases according to BIRADS staging revealed that over half were classified as ACR5, representing 64%, 32.7% as ACR4 and 3.3% as ACR3. On MRI, 71.1% of cases were classified as ACR 5, 28.4% as ACR4 and 0.5 of cases as ACR 3. Histological type was infiltrating ductal carcinoma grade III and II according to Scarff-Bloom and Richardson (SBR) in 96.11% of cases.Conclusion: Radiological expression is often non-specific and suggestive of a suspicious lesion. Nevertheless, we found a greater frequency of benign tumorsin mammography than in breast ultrasound and breast MRI. Breast MRI therefore remains useful for lesion characterization and extension assessmenn young Algerian women under 35 years of age.

Scanner cardiaque pédiatrique dans le diagnostic des cardiopathies congénitales: expérience abidjanaise / Pediatric cardiac computed tomography in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease: Abidjan experience

Objectif.Depuis 2008, la Haute Autorité Sanitaire recommande la réalisation du scanner cardiaque dans le diagnostic des cardiopathies congénitales. Celui-ci aide à confirmer et préciser les anomalies mal définies à l'échocardiographie. Dans les pays développés, le scanner cardiaque est un examende routine pour le diagnostic des cardiopathies congénitales. En Côte-d'Ivoire, sa pratique est récente.L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire les techniques et résultats des scanners cardiaques pédiatriques réalisés dans une structure privée à Abidjan.Matériels et méthodes.Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive rétrospective sur une période de 2 mois qui a inclus tous les enfants reçus à la clinique la rosette pour la réalisation d'un scanner cardiaque indiqué pour l'évaluation d'une cardiopathie congénitale. Les examens ont été réalisés sous sédation légère pour les enfants de moins de 7 ans.Résultats.Vingt scanners cardiaques pédiatriques ont été réalisés. Les indications des scanners cardiaques pédiatriques étaient la tétralogie de Fallot (15 cas), l'atrésie pulmonaire à septum ouvert (APSO) (2 cas), la communication inter auriculaire (CIA) (1 cas), la CIA associée à une communication interventriculaire (CIV) (1 cas) et la sténose pulmonaire supra valvulaire (1 cas). Dans les cas de Tétralogie deFallot et d'APSO, les branches pulmonaires et les collatérales aorto-pulmonaires ont été visualisées et mesurées. Pour le bilan de , un retour veineux pulmonaire non visualisé à l'échocardiographie a été retrouvé au scanner cardiaque. Dans tous les cas, un bilan tomodensitométrique malformatif était réalisé : recherche d'anomalies coronaires et d'arcs aortiques.Après réalisation du scanner cardiaque, 5 enfants ont bénéficié d'une cure chirurgicale. On notait une concordance entre les diagnostics peropératoires et tomodensitométriques

Objective. Since 2008, the French National Authority for Health recommends the use of a cardiac scanner for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. It helps to confirm and clarify abnormalities that are poorly defined on echocardiography. In developed countries,cardiac CT is a routine examination for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. In Côte d'Ivoire, its practice is recent. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective descriptive study over a period of 2 months which included all children received at the Rosette clinic for a cardiac scan indicated for the evaluation of congenital heart disease. The examinations were performed under light sedation for children under 7 years of age. Results. Twenty paediatric cardiac scans were performed. The indications for the paediatric cardiac scans were tetralogy of Fallot (15 cases), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD) (2 cases), atrial septal defect (ASD) (1 case), ASD associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD) (1 case) and supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (1 case). In cases of Tetralogy of Fallot and APSO, pulmonary arteries and aorto-pulmonary collaterals were visualised and measured. For the assessment of ASD, an anomalous pulmonary venous return not visualised on echocardiography was found on cardiac computed tomography (CT). In all cases, a malformative CT scan was performed: search for coronary, aortic arch. After the cardiac, 5 children underwent surgical treatment. There was concordance between the intraoperative and CT diagnoses. Conclusion. In our experience, cardiac CT now represents, minimally invasive, complementary diagnostic tool for the evaluation of congenital heart disease.

Research progress in micro/nanobubbles for ultrasound diagnosis or treatment / 药学学报

In the past few decades, microbubbles were widely used as ultrasound contrast agents in the field of tumor imaging. With the development of research, ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction technology combined with drug-loaded microbubbles can achieve precise drug release and play a therapeutic role. As a micron-scale carrier, microbubbles are difficult to penetrate the endothelial cell space of tumors, and nano-scale drug delivery system—nanobubbles came into being. The structure of the two is similar, but the difference in size highlights the unique advantages of nanobubbles in drug delivery. Based on the classification principle of shell materials, this review summarized micro/nanobubbles used for ultrasound diagnosis or treatment and discussed the possible development directions, providing references for the subsequent development.

Application and development of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver disease is one of the most important health problems around the world， and early diagnosis and timely intervention and treatment are the key to preventing liver-related morbidity and mortality rates. The development of endoscopic techniques has provided new diagnostic and intervention methods for liver diseases. This article reviews the application and development of endoscopic techniques in liver diseases from the following aspects： the technical advances and advantages of endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy； the application and development of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of portal hypertension caused by liver abscess/hepatic cyst and liver diseases， as well as interventional techniques in the treatment of liver tumors； the efficacy and prospects of the endoscopic techniques for weight loss， which are relatively new in China， in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Endoscopic techniques may hold promise for wide clinical application and exploration in in liver-related diseases in China， so as to provide more options for patients and doctors.

Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided coil placement combined with tissue adhesive injection in treatment of gastric varices with spontaneous shunt / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy， safety， and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound （EUS）-guided coil placement combined with tissue adhesive injection in the treatment of gastric varices with spontaneous shunt. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the patients with acute gastric variceal bleeding and spontaneous portosystemic shunt who were hospitalized and received balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （BRTO） combined with endoscopic tissue adhesive injection or EUS-guided coil placement combined with tissue adhesive injection in Xiangyang Central Hospital from March 2019 to September 2022. The two surgical procedures were compared in terms of efficacy （technical success rate， 5-day rebleeding rate， 1-year rebleeding rate， and time to rebleeding）， safety （the incidence rate of ectopic embolism， the amount of tissue adhesive used， and the amount of lauromacrogol used）， and cost-effectiveness （hospital costs and length of hospital stay）. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the rebleeding. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsA total of 25 patients received successful EUS-guided coil placement and tissue adhesive injection， with a technical success rate of 100%， a median amount of 2.5 mL tissue adhesive used， a median amount of 11.0 mL lauromacrogol used， a mean length of hospital stay of 14.88±3.21 days， a mean hospital cost of 32 660.00±4 602.07 yuan， and a 5-day rebleeding rate of 0%； among these patients， 2 were lost to follow-up， and 23 patients with complete follow-up data had an incidence rate of ectopic embolism of 0% and a median time to rebleeding of 689 days. A total of 14 patients underwent modified BRTO combined with endoscopic tissue adhesive injection， with a technical success rate of 100%； a median amount of 5.0 mL tissue adhesive used during surgery， which was significantly higher than that used in EUS （U=39.000， P<0.001）； a median amount of 10.5 mL lauromacrogol used during surgery； a mean length of hospital stay of 15.38±4.94 days； a mean hospital cost of 57 583.47±18 955.40 yuan， which was significantly higher than that used in EUS （t=-6.310， P<0.001）； a 5-day rebleeding rate of 0%. No patient was lost to follow-up， and all 14 patients had an incidence rate of ectopic embolism of 0% and a median time to rebleeding of 244.50 days， with no significant difference between the two groups （χ2=1.448， P=0.229）. ConclusionEUS-guided coil placement combined with tissue adhesive injection is a relatively safe and effective technique for the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding and has a high technical success rate， a low incidence rate of serious adverse events， and similar efficacy to BRTO， with higher safety and cost-effectiveness.

Efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound cycloplasty in glaucoma and its influencing factor / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound cyclo plasty(UCP)in the treatment of glaucoma and to investigate related influencing factors.METHODS: The study involved a total of 110 patients(134 eyes)who received UCP treatment between January 2019 and January 2022 at three medical centers: Tianjin Eye Aier Eye Hospital, Chongqing Aier Eye Hospital, and Chongqing Nanping Aier Eye Hospital. Patients were classified into three categories: primary angle-closure glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the usage of anti-glaucoma medications, etc., were recorded at 6 and 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS: After 6 months of the UCP procedure, statistically significant differences in intraocular pressure were observed across all groups(all P&#x003C;0.05). At 12 mo postoperatively, intraocular pressure of the primary angle-closure and primary open-angle glaucoma groups showed differences(all P&#x003C;0.05). Notably, there were no significant changes in visual acuity at either the 6 or 12 mo compared to preoperative values across all patient groups(all P&#x003E;0.05). Furthermore, the study identified a statistically significant correlation between the changes in intraocular pressure at 6 mo and factors such as age, history of previous glaucoma surgery, baseline white-to-white(corneal diameter), and the extent of UCP treatment(all P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The UCP procedure has been demonstrated to effectively lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The efficacy appears to be influenced by variables including patient age, previous glaucoma surgery history, baseline white-to-white(corneal diameter), and the scope of UCP treatment. Importantly, UCP treatment did not adversely affect visual acuity, underscoring its favorable safety profile.

Determination of liver function tests and liver ultrasonographic findings in patients with leptospirosis in a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction@#ILeptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease commonly found in tropical or sub-tropical countries. The most severe form is Weil's syndrome which presents with jaundice, renal failure, and bleeding diatheses. Although jaundice occurs in 38% of patients with leptospirosis, no studies in Asia have focused on the liver biochemical profile of these patients. Characterization of liver biochemical profile and ultrasonographic findings may shed more light on the disease process. Identification of liver biochemical parameters that portend a poor prognosis may also allow for early aggressive intervention. @*Objective@#To describe the liver biochemical profile and liver ultrasonographic findings in adult patients with laboratoryconfirmed leptospirosis, admitted at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. The association of clinical and laboratory features with clinical outcomes (i.e., severe liver injury, Weil’s syndrome, and mortality) was also investigated. @*Methods@#This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed all available cases of adult patients with laboratoryconfirmed leptospirosis admitted in the Philippine General Hospital from January 2009 to August 2018. The clinical features, liver biochemical profiles, and ultrasound findings were recorded and analyzed. Comparison between the means of each group based on clinical outcome (i.e., mortality, Weil’s syndrome) was done via Students’ t-test for continuous variables, and calculation of the Odds Ratio for categorical variables.@*Results@#Total and direct bilirubin levels were elevated in patients with leptospirosis compared to serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase levels which were only mildly elevated. Abdominal ultrasound showed typically un-enlarged livers with normal parenchymal echogenicity, normal spleens, and non-dilated biliary trees. Dyspnea was associated with an increased odds for mortality. Although jaundice was present in 39.5% of patients and significantly associated with severe liver injury, this was not associated with mortality. Liver biochemical test values did not differ among patients who expired and those who survived to discharge. The presence of myalgia and abdominal pain increased the odds for Weil's syndrome.@*Conclusion@#To date, no local studies have fully described the liver biochemical profile of patients with leptospirosis. Our findings are compatible with previous studies showing that leptospirosis typically presents with predominantly elevated direct bilirubin from cholestasis and systemic infection. Contrary to previous literature, however, our study found no association between jaundice and mortality.

Gastric adenocarcinoma presenting as a submucosal tumor: A case report

@#Gastric adenocarcinoma presenting as a submucosal tumor (SMT) accounts to only 0.1% to 0.63%. A 56-year-old Filipino male presenting with new onset melena underwent magnifying endoscopy, narrow-band imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and computed tomography revealing a 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm polypoid SMT-like lesion at the fundus. Total gastrectomy with lymph node dissection and esophagojejunostomy was performed with histopathology showing adenocarcinoma. This suggests the need for different modalities to ensure the accuracy of diagnosis and the need for subsequent invasive treatments.

Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

Echo intensity and shear wave elastography in athletes with previous hamstring injury: A systematic review protocol

Background@#Hamstring strain injury remains persistently high in sports, highlighting the need for additional investigation of its predisposing variables. Despite hamstring injury being well investigated, there’s a lack of studies on changes in echo intensity and shear wave elastography of hamstrings among athletes with a history of injury, which could be considered modifiable risk variables.@*Objectives@#To examine echo intensity and shear wave elastography characteristics of previously injured hamstrings among athletes, assessing the differences between the injured leg and controls.@*Methods@#This systematic review will focus on studies reporting echo intensity and shear wave elastography characteristics of athletes with a history of hamstring strain injury compared to a control group. The search strategy will locate studies written in English from 1990 to 2023 using four electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO (CINAHL and Medline), Science Direct, and Web of Science. Studies reporting measures using imaging other than ultrasound and where no diagnosis of hamstring strain has been made will be excluded. Two independent reviewers will screen and critically appraise the studies using the McMasters Critical Review Form. Two reviewers will independently extract relevant data and present a descriptive synthesis. A meta-analysis will be conducted when two or more studies provide data for the same outcome measure.@*Expected Results@#This review can better understand hamstring maladaptation to injury. Utilizing echo-intensity and shear wave elastography as objective outcome measures can inform clinical practice toward developing an effective rehabilitation program for injury prevention.

Evaluation of Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB) for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic masses to negate the need for rapid on-site evaluation: A randomized control trial

Background and Objectives@#The benefits of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of solid masses have not been convincingly shown in large, randomized trials. New equipment using EUS-guided fine needle biopsy (FNB) allows for more material to be acquired that may obviate the need for ROSE. This study aimed to evaluate if EUS-FNB without ROSE was non-inferior to EUS-FNA with ROSE in solid pancreatic masses (SPMs). @*Methods@#Patients with SPMs requiring tissue sampling were randomly assigned to undergo either EUS-FNA with ROSE or EUS-FNB without ROSE. The touch-imprint cytology technique was used to perform ROSE. The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy and secondary endpoints were specimen quality, complication rates, and procedure time. @*Results@#Seventy-eight patients were randomized and analyzed (39 EUS-FNA with ROSE and 39 EUS-FNB without ROSE). Non-significantly different diagnostic accuracies were noted in both groups (97% with ROSE and 100% without ROSE, P < 0.371). The bloodiness of histologic samples and complication rates were not significantly different between groups. A significantly shorter mean sampling procedural time was noted for EUS-FNB over EUS-FNA with ROSE (30.4 ± 10.4 vs 35.8 ± 9.8 minutes, P < .02). @*Conclusions@#EUS-FNB demonstrated equal diagnostic accuracy with shorter procedure times in evaluating SPMs compared to EUS-FNA with ROSE. These new-generation FNB needles may obviate the need for ROSE.

Clinical observation of Van Herick method for evaluating anterior chamber angle width / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore a more convenient and accurate method for evaluating the anterior chamber angle width based on the Van Herick method.METHODS:A total of 58 patients(69 eyes)with age-related cataract who visited our hospital between January and December 2021 were included. They were divided into the chamber angle width ≥1/2 corneal thickness(CT)group(44 eyes of 37 cases)and &#x0026;#x003C;1/2CT group(25 eyes of 21 cases)according to the Van Herick method. The central anterior chamber depths and the peripheral anterior chamber angle degrees were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in central anterior chamber depth between the two groups(2.64±0.27 mm vs. 2.23±0.29 mm, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01), and the differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior, temporal, inferior and nasal compared between two groups were all statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). The difference of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and inferior in chamber angle width ≥1/2CT group was not statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05), while the differences of chamber angle degrees of other quadrants were all statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and nasal, temporal and the chamber angle degrees of quadrants of inferior and temporal were all statistically significant in chamber angle width &#x0026;#x003C;1/2CT group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: In the overall evaluation of the anterior chamber angle, it would be more simple, fast and accurate when evaluating the temporal chamber angle width and inferior quadrant of chamber angle width by using the Van Herick method under silt lamp.

Characteristics of anterior segment structure in first-degree relatives of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the characteristics of anterior segment structure in first-degree relatives of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).METHODS: A total of 48 first-degree relatives of PACG patients aged 40-60 who were treated in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2020 to October 2022 were selected as the observation group. Additionally, 40 cases(40 eyes)of healthy individuals without glaucoma and family history of glaucoma at the same age group were collected as the control group. They were divided into younger group(40-49 years old)and elder group(50-60 years old). All subjects were examined with ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)and were measured using camera measure software. The parameters mainly included anterior chamber depth(ACD), anterior chamber area(ACA), anterior chamber width(ACW), anterior segment depth(ASD), angle open distance(AOD500), trabecular iris angle(TIA), trabecular iris area(TISA500), lens vault(LV), iris curve(IC), iris thickness(IT500), scleral ciliary process angle(SCPA), and iris ciliary process distance(ICPD).RESULTS: ACD, ACA, AOD500, TISA500 and TIA in the observation group were lower than those of the control group, and LV and IC were higher than those of the control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). ACD, ACA, AOD500, TISA500, and TIA of the elder group were lower than those in the age-matched control group, while LV and IC were larger than those of the age-matched control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). ACD, AOD500, TISA500, and TIA of the younger observation group were smaller than those of the age-matched control group, but LV and IC were significantly larger than those of the age-matched control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). ACD, ACA, AOD500, TISA500 and TIA of the elder observation group were significantly lower than those of the younger observation group, and LV and IC were significantly larger than those of the younger observation group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). There was a difference in the distribution of ACD between the observation group and the control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and the proportion of moderate to severe shallow anterior chambers was 10 times that of the control group. Correlation analysis showed that TISA500 was positively correlated with ACD and ACA, and negatively correlated with LV and IC, and TISA500 was mainly influenced by LV. IC had a positive correlation with LV and a negative correlation with ACD and ACA.CONCLUSION: First-degree relatives of PACG with normal axial length have a high risk of angle closure. The anterior segment structures of first-degree relatives of PACG are more crowded than normal individuals, and the lens forward shift may be the initial influencing factor for narrow angle.

Management of lung diseases under ultrasound monitoring: potential to make bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants as an avoidable disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease in preterm infants. Despite significant progress in the understanding of its etiology, mechanisms, prevention, and treatment, the prognosis remains poor. BPD not only has a high mortality rate but also causes persistent respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular impairments in survivors. The author's team has successfully prevented the occurrence of BPD by managing neonatal lung diseases under lung ultrasound monitoring for nearly 7 years, opening up a new approach in BPD prevention. This article provides a brief overview of the approach, aiming to facilitate further research and provide more scientifically sound management strategies to prevent or minimize the occurrence of BPD.

A prospective study of super-thin anterolateral thigh flap harvesting assisted by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound in detecting perforators in deep adipose layers / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical application of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) in detecting perforators in the deep adipose layers for harvesting super-thin anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF).@*METHODS@#Between August 2019 and January 2023, 45 patients (46 sides) with skin and soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle were treated, including 29 males and 16 females, aged from 22 to 62 years, with an average of 46.7 years. The body mass index ranged from 19.6 to 36.2 kg/m 2, with an average of 23.62 kg/m 2. The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object crush injury in 20 cases, mechanical injury in 8 cases, heat crush injury in 1 case, and chronic infection in 1 case. There were 20 cases on the left side, 24 cases on the right side, and 1 case on both sides. After thorough debridement, the wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 17 cm×11 cm. All patients underwent free super-thin ALTF transplantation repair. HFCDU was used to detect the location of the perforators piercing the deep and superficial fascia, as well as the direction and branches of the perforators within the deep adipose layers before operation. According to the preoperative HFCDU findings, the dimensions of the super-thin ALTF ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The donor sites of the flaps were directly sutured.@*RESULTS@#A total of 55 perforators were detected by HFCDU before operation, but 1 was not found during operation. During operation, a total of 56 perforators were found, and 2 perforators were not detected by HFCDU. The positive predictive value of HFCDU for identifying perforator vessels was 98.2%, and the sensitivity was 96.4%. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, the orientation of the perforators in the deep adipose layers was confirmed during operation. There were 21 perforators (38.9%) traveled laterally and inferiorly, 12 (22.2%) traveled medially and inferiorly, 14 (25.9%) traveled laterally and superiorly, 5 (9.3%) traveled medially and superiorly, and 2 (3.7%) ran almost vertically to the body surface. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, 35 were identified as type 1 perforators and 12 as type 2 perforators (HFCDU misidentified 7 type 2 perforators as type 1 perforators). The sensitivity of HFCDU in identifying type 1 perforators was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 83.3%. For type 2 perforators, the sensitivity was 63.2%, and the positive predictive value was 100%. The surgeries were successfully completed. The super-thin ALTF had a thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm, with an average of 3.56 mm. All super-thin ALTF survived, however, 1 flap experienced a venous crisis at 1 day after operation, but it survived after emergency exploration and re-anastomosis of the veins; 1 flap developed venous crisis at 3 days after operation but survived after bleeding with several small incisions; 3 flaps had necrosis at the distal edge of the epidermis, which healed after undergoing dressing changes. All 45 patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.6 months). Three flaps required secondary defatting procedures, while the rest had the appropriate thickness, and the overall appearance was satisfactory.@*CONCLUSION@#Preoperative application of HFCDU to detect the perforator in the deep adipose layers can improve the success and safety of the procedure by facilitating the harvest of super-thin ALTF.

Diagnostic value of a computer-assisted diagnosis system for the ultrasound features in thyroid nodules

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of the TUIAS (SW_TH01/II) computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software system for the ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) features in thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients with thyroid nodules in Shanghai East Hospital between January 2017 and October 2021. The novel CAD software (SW_TH01/II) and three sonographers performed a qualitative analysis of the ultrasound TI-RADS features in aspect ratio, margin irregularity, margin smoothness, calcification, and echogenicity of the thyroid nodules. Results: A total of 225 patients were enrolled. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the CAD software in "aspect ratio" were 95.6%, 96.2%, and 95.4%, in "margin irregularity" were 90.7%, 90.5%, and 90.9%, in "margin smoothness" were 85.8%, 88.5%, and 83.0%, in "calcification" were 83.6%, 81.7%, and 82.0%, in "homogeneity" were 88.9%, 90.6%, and 82.2%, in "major echo" were 85.3%, 88.0%, and 85.4%, and in "contains very hypoechoic echo" were 92.0%, 90.0%, and 92.4%. The analysis time of the CAD software was significantly shorter than for the sonographers (2.7 ± 1.6 vs. 29.7 ± 12.7 s, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The CAD system achieved high accuracy in describing thyroid nodule features. It might assist in clinical thyroid nodule analysis.

Artéria ulnar superficial diagnosticada por ultrassom vascular: relato de caso / Superficial ulnar artery diagnosed by vascular ultrasound: case report

Resumo O maior ramo da divisão terminal da artéria braquial é a artéria ulnar, que se origina após a fossa cubital. Essa artéria usualmente tem trajeto profundo aos músculos do antebraço anterior e é responsável pela vascularização da musculatura superficial e profunda da região ulnar do antebraço e hipotênar da mão, sendo a principal responsável pela formação do arco palmar superficial após o retináculo dos flexores. Reportamos uma variação anatômica após diagnóstico com ultrassom vascular na qual a artéria ulnar situava-se em posição superficial no antebraço. A ocorrência da artéria ulnar superficial é rara, porém de grande importância para clínicos, cirurgiões e profissionais de enfermagem.

Abstract The largest branch of the terminal division of the brachial artery is the ulnar artery, which arises after the cubital fossa. This artery usually has a deep path in the muscles of the anterior forearm and is responsible for vascularization of the superficial and deep musculature on the ulnar side of the forearm and hypothenar area of the hand. We report an anatomical variant diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound in which the ulnar artery had a superficial position in the forearm. Occurrence of a superficial ulnar artery is rare, but it is an important fact for clinicians, surgeons, and nursing professionals.