Shear Wave Liver Elastography with a Propagation Map: Diagnostic Performance and Inter-Observer Correlation for Hepatic Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis.

The aim of this study was to determine the performance of shear wave elastography (SWE) with a propagation map in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis, and to assess its reliability with transient elastography (TE) as the reference standard. Our prospective study included 115 consecutive patients with suspected or alleged chronic hepatitis. Patients underwent SWE by two different operators and TE by sonographers on the same day. The correlation coefficient of the intra-class correlation test between an experienced radiologist and a third-year radiology resident was 0.878. There was a moderate correlation between SWE and TE (r = 0.511) in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. The best cutoff values predicting significant hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis by SWE were >1.78 m/s (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.777) and >2.24 m/s (AUROC = 0.935), respectively. SWE with a propagation map is a reliable method for predicting hepatic fibrosis regardless of operator experience.

Unenhanced computed tomography for normal appendix detection: comparison of low-dose with statistical iterative reconstruction and regular-dose with filtered back projection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences in visualization of a normal appendix between regular-dose (RD) and low-dose (LD) unenhanced CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 179 patients underwent both RDCT and LDCT for urolithiasis. Two reviewers evaluated the appendiceal visualization on a three-point scale. Sensitivities and interobserver agreement were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between RDCT and LDCT in sensitivity, regardless of the reviewer. Interobserver agreement was excellent in both RDCT and LDCT. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced LDCT is a good tool for detecting a normal appendix and is also useful for less experienced interpreters who are unfamiliar with using LDCT images.

Sonographic evaluation of inguinal lesions.

Abnormalities in the inguinal region are varied. The most common abnormality in the inguinal region is the hernia: direct or indirect inguinal hernia and femoral hernia. There are many hernia-mimicking lesions, such as spermatic cord hydrocele, undescended testis, hematoma, inflammation, abscess, benign or malignant tumors, metastatic or benign lymph node enlargement, round ligament varicosities or mesothelial cyst, and herniated ovary. Ultrasonography is currently the primary imaging modality used in assessing inguinal lesions and helpful for the differential diagnosis of a broad spectrum of these diseases. Familiarity with clinical setting and certain ultrasonography details will facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.