Preoperative prediction of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma via multiparameter ultrasound.

Background Accurate diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is important for further management. Ultrasound (US) is the most frequently used imaging modality for PTMC. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional US, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and real-time elastography (RTE) for patients with PTMC. Material and Methods In total, 135 patients with subcentimeter thyroid nodules who underwent conventional US, CEUS, and RTE before surgery were enrolled. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent predictors of PTMC. The diagnostic performances of conventional US, CEUS, and RTE were evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results A taller-than-wide shape was identified as the strongest predictor of PTMC (odds ratio [OR], 25.21), followed by heterogeneous enhancement (OR, 24.03), marked hypoechogenicity (OR, 21.71), poorly defined margin (OR, 5.51), strain ratio (OR, 2.59), and age (OR, 0.92; all P values < 0.05). Heterogeneous enhancement on CEUS showed the highest positive predictive value (PPV; 88.0%) and an accuracy of 83.7%. A logistic regression model was created to predict PTMC using conventional US, CEUS, and RTE. The area under the ROC curve was 0.97, with a sensitivity of 88.6% and a specificity of 94.6%. Conclusion Conventional US combined with CEUS and RTE can improve the diagnostic accuracy of PTMC.

Evaluation of spasticity after stroke by using ultrasound to measure the muscle architecture parameters: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the difference and the change trend of Muscle Architecture Parameters (MAP) between spastic and normal muscle tone patients after stroke, and analysis the application and value of Muscle Architecture Parameters in evaluating spasticity after stroke. METHODS: 41 stroke patients were divided into spastic group (26 cases), normal muscle tone control group (15 cases). Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was applied in both groups for assessing muscle tone of lower limbs (no influence, contralateral). Muscle architectural parameters of ultrasound measurement include muscle thickness, fascicle length and pennation angle. The difference of three muscle architectural parameters between the affected side and the contralateral side in spastic group and the difference of MAS and three muscle architectural parameters between spastic group and normal control group were compared. RESULTS: MAS score, Pennation Angle (PA) and Muscular Thickness (MT) value of MAP in spastic group were significantly higher than the control group, Fascicle length (FL) is significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). In spastic group, MAS score, PA and MT value of MAP of affected side muscle was substantially higher than that of contralateral, FL value significantly lower than that of contralateral (P < 0.05). There was positive correlation between MAS and PA and MT but was negative correlation between MAS and FL, rank correlation coefficient test was statistical significant (p < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that spasticity can lead PA and FL to change (p < 0.05), there is no clear correlation between MT and spasticity occurs (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MAP has a better sensitivity in evaluating muscle tone between spastic patients and non-spastic patients, and degrees of spasticity have a clear corresponding exponential relationship to MAP. Combing MAS and MAP can assess muscle tone more objectively and accurately because subtle changes can be observed by testing values of architecture parameters that compensating for the shortcomings of MAS in reliability and validity. Thus it is helpful for guiding clinical antispastic practice.