Uterine Myoma Position-based Radiofrequency Ablation (UMP-b RFA): 36 months follow-up clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Uterine Myoma Position-based Radiofrequency Ablation (UMP-b RFA) at 36 months. An analysis of a new uterine fibroid ablation technique that allows personalized access of delivering radiofrequency energy (transvaginal, hysteroscopic or laparoscopic) based on myoma localization. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study in a community-based secondary care medical center enrolled 61 premenopausal women with 112 symptomatic uterine myomas. 112 fibroids were ablated in 5 ways with single or combined accesses: 82 Vaginal Ultrasound (VU)-guided RFA, 19 Laparoscopic (L)-RFA, 5 Hysteroscopic (H)-RFA, 5 VU+H-RFA, and 1 VU+L-RFA. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the 3-year clinical outcome of UMP-b RFA. The secondary endpoint was the possible identification of predictors of its success. The outcomes evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 months after UMP-b RFA were myoma size, type of symptomatology suffered, quality of life based on the "Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life" questionnaire, and interviews on the degree of satisfaction with this surgery. The reintervention and complication rates were also recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Fibroids volume and diameter were significantly reduced by -90.2 % / -55.7 % at 36 months post-intervention (p < 0.001) and the reduction of Symptom Severity scores was -71.8 % three years after UMP-b RA (p < 0.001). The overall improvement in the quality of life was demonstrated by an increase in the Quality-of-Life score of + 26.0 % at the third follow-up (p < 0.001). 88.5 % of the patients interviewed would have the surgery done again if they went back in time. The reintervention rate was 10/61 (16.4 %): 3 hysterectomies, 3 myomectomies, 3 operative hysteroscopies and 1 VU-RFA reoperation. In this group of unsuccessful surgeries, the mean diameter of the dominant myomas was found to be greater than that of the successes (5.3 vs 4.4 cm.). Out of the 61 cases, no major complications occurred, and the 2 minor complications observed were self-limiting. CONCLUSION: Uterine Myoma Position-based Radiofrequency Ablation is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. Indeed, these clinical outcome data at 36 months shows how UMP-b RFA can treat the symptomatology of uterine fibromatosis. Hysterectomies or myomectomies were successfully avoided in more than 80 % of women bearing myomas with an average diameter of less than 5 cm.

Shear wave elastography combined with electromyography to assess the effect of botulinum toxin on spastic dystonia following stroke: A pilot study.

Background: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a method for carrying out a quantitative assessment of the mechanical properties of soft tissues in terms of stiffness. In stroke survivors, the paretic muscles may develop hypertonia due to both neural-mediated mechanisms and structural alterations with consequent muscular fibrous-fatty remodeling. Methods: Fourteen adult patients with spastic dystonia following stroke were recruited. Muscle hypertonia was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Muscle activation was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) with the selected muscle in shortened (spastic dystonia) and stretched (dynamic stretch reflex) positions. SWE was performed on a selected paretic muscle and on the contralateral non-paretic one to calculate shear wave velocities (SWV) along and across muscular fibers. The modified Heckmatt scale (MHS) pattern was also determined. All evaluations were performed shortly before BoNT-A injections (T0) and one month later (T1). Results: All SWV on paretic muscles were higher than contralateral non-paretic ones (p < 0.01). After BoNT-A injection, a significant reduction in MAS (p = 0.0018), spastic dystonia (p = 0.0043), and longitudinal SWE measurements, both in shortened (p = 0.001) and in stretched muscular conditions (p = 0.0029), was observed. No significant changes in SWV on non-paretic muscles were observed. Higher SWV resulted along the direction of muscular fibers vs. across them (p = 0.001). No changes resulted from the MHS evaluations after BoNT-A. There was a positive correlation between MHS scores and SWV values while the muscle was in the shortened position, but not with spastic dystonia recorded by sEMG. Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating the effect of BoNT-A on muscle hypertonia following stroke, assessed by both SWE and sEMG. These findings support SWE as a useful method to disclose intrinsic muscular remodeling, independently of the effect of spastic dystonia, in particular, while muscles were assessed in a neutral position. SWE measurements of muscle stiffness cannot tell apart neural-mediated and intrinsic muscle hypertonia. Interestingly, when sEMG activity is very limited, as in spastic muscles kept in a shortened position, SWE can provide a measurement of stiffness due almost completely to intrinsic muscle changes. Alongside sEMG, SWE could aid clinicians in the assessment of responses to treatments.

US-CT fusion-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules.

The aim of the present study was to assess feasibility, safety and outcome of ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules assisted by US-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging and real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. Thirty patients (18 females, mean age 56 y, range 32-76 y) with 35 benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules (mean volume ± SD 26.8 ± 7.6 mL; range 20-38mL) were selected for CT-US fusion guided RF ablation. Nodules' volume was evaluated before treatment and during 12-months follow-up. Complications' rate was also evaluated. US-CT fusion imaging with VT system was feasible in all cases (feasibility 100%) and it was always possible to complete the procedure as planned (technical success 100%). Minor complications occurred in 2/30 cases (6.6%). No major complications occurred. 50% volume reduction (technique efficacy) was achieved in 93% cases, with a significant mean volume reduction at 12 months follow-up (68.7 ± 10.8%), (p < .001). The VT system could be useful in thyroid nodules ablation procedures assistance being able to track the RF electrode tip even when this is obscured by the bubbles produced by the ablative process. The combination of fusion imaging with VT assisted RF ablation represents a safe, non-surgical treatment option for patients with large substernal benign thyroid nodules.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Phenotypes, Lung Ultrasound, Chest Computed Tomography and Clinical Features in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Chest computed tomography (CT) may provide insights into the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although it is not suitable for a timely bedside dynamic assessment of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU); therefore, lung ultrasound (LUS) has been proposed as a complementary diagnostic tool. The aims of this study were to investigate different lungs phenotypes in patients with COVID-19 and to assess the differences in CT and LUS scores between ICU survivors and non-survivors. We also explored the association between CT and LUS, and oxygenation (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2]/fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2]) and clinical parameters. The study included 39 patients with COVID-19. CT scans revealed types 1, 2 and 3 phenotypes in 62%, 28% and 10% of patients, respectively. Among survivors, pattern 1 was prevalent (p < 0.005). Chest CT and LUS scores differed between survivors and non-survivors both at ICU admission and 10 days after and were associated with ICU mortality. Chest CT score was positively correlated with LUS findings at ICU admission (r = 0.953, p < 0.0001) and was inversely correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.375, p = 0.019) and C-reactive protein (r = 0.329, p = 0.041). LUS score was inversely correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.345, p = 0.031). COVID-19 presents distinct phenotypes with differences between survivors and non-survivors. LUS is a valuable monitoring tool in an ICU setting because it may correlate with CT findings and mortality, although it cannot predict oxygenation changes.

A Prospective Intervention Trial on Tailored Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Myomas.

Background and Objective: Investigating the use of radiofrequency myolysis (RFM) for the treatment of fibroids through less invasive access by combining transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four premenopausal women with 106 symptomatic uterine myomas. Patients underwent RFM in three ways: Vaginal Ultrasound-guided RFM (VU-RFM), Laparoscopic RFM (L-RFM) and Hysteroscopic-RFM (H-RFM). The mean patient age was 43 years; 52 symptomatic uterine myomas were subserosal, 44 intramural and 10 submucosal. The outcomes evaluated at 1 and 12 months after RFM were myoma size (volume-diameter), "Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL)" questionnaire and a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The therapy was completed with a single ablation in all patients, no complication was registered. The average number of fibroids treated per intervention was two with the use of different accesses: 64/106 VU-RFMs (60.4%), 32/106 L-RFMs (30.2%) and 10/106 H-RFMs (9.4%). Results: Volume and diameter of fibroids were significantly reduced by, respectively, 51.3% and 20.1% in the first 30 days post-intervention (p < 0.001) up to a maximum of 73.5% and 37.1% after the second follow-up visit at 12 months (p < 0.001). A similar trend was shown in terms of disability with a progressive and significant reduction of symptoms (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and pollakiuria) demonstrated by percentage variation of UFS-QOL Symptom Severity and VAS scores to -74.3% and -45.3% as well as -84.9% and -74.3%, respectively, at 1 and 12 months after RFM (p < 0.001). An overall improvement in the quality of life was also demonstrated by a significant increase in the UFS-QOL total score of +38.2% in the first 30 days post-intervention up to +44.9% after the second follow-up visit at 12 months (p < 0.001). The overall average surgery time of the RFM for each patient was 48 minutes, and the time to treat each fibroid by Vaginal Ultrasound-guided RFM (23 min) was found to be significantly less than those of laparoscopy or hysteroscopy (respectively 35 and 34 min) (p < 0.05). An electromagnetic virtual needle tracking system (VNTS) was successfully tested during the RFM procedures, and real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has proven to be effective in determining the duration of myolysis through the identification of eventual residual areas of enhancement within the fibroids. Conclusion: Radiofrequency can be considered a minimally invasive and safe procedure for the treatment of uterine myomas through the customization and possible combination of transvaginal, laparoscopic or hysteroscopic accesses. The standardization of the ablation technique with pre-intervention biopsy and new technologies such as VNTS and CEUS spares healthy uterine tissue and may change the future management of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by virtual needle tracking system: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcome of transvaginal ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by a real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. METHODS: Between January 2017 and February 2018, 19 patients (age 45 ± 8 y, range 36-53 y) with 25 symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at a single center. Mean number of fibroids for patient was 1.7 (min, max: 1-3). Patients with more than one fibroid were 10 (52.6%). Uterine fibroids (mean volume: 13.6 mL; range: 5.3-41.9 mL) were treated with a dedicated internally cooled 17 G 35 cm RF needle with 1 cm or variable active tip and the moving shot technique. An electromagnetic system was used for showing a virtual needle during the procedure. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation was performed before and immediately at the end of procedure. Feasibility of the procedure, technical success rate, volume percentage reduction at 1, 3 and 6 months, clinical outcome (QOL score) and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Procedure was feasible in 19/19 patients (100%). Technical success was achieved in 100% of 25 treated fibroids. Mean fibroids volume decreased from 13.6 ml at baseline to 5.9 ml at 6 month (reduction rate 62.7%, range 48.5-76.9; p < .05). No major immediate or late complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in two patients. QOL score significantly improved from 68 ± 36 at baseline to 97 ± 16 at six-months follow-up (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal US-guided RFA assisted by a real-time VT system is a feasible, safe and effective technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Role of Strain Elastography and Shear-Wave Elastography in a Multiparametric Clinical Approach to Indeterminate Cytology Thyroid Nodules.

BACKGROUND In thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology, further clinical assessment aimed at ruling out malignancy is often mandatory. Ancillary imaging techniques and genetic mutation analysis can improve the risk stratification of such lesions, thereby facilitating the clinician's decision to undertaken surgery or simple follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of shear-wave elastography (SW), strain elastography (ELX 2/1), conventional ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and BRAF V600E mutation analysis in the aforementioned lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 81 patients, each with 1 indeterminate-cytology thyroid nodule. Thyroid function, thyroperoxidase antibodies and calcitonin were known in each case. SW, ELX 2/1, US, CEUS, and BRAF mutation analysis were subsequently performed, followed by a second FNAB. If the lesion was not downgraded to benign, surgery was recommended and histological reports collected. RESULTS There were 28 nodules (34%) that proved benign on the second FNAB; 38 nodules (47%) underwent surgery (17 benign, 21 malignant), and 15 nodules (19%) refused surgery. The only techniques related to histological outcome were US (AUC=0,766), ELX 2/1 (AUC=0.701), and BRAF analysis (AUC=0.762). ELX 2/1 and SW reports were not correlated with each other (P=0.45). A scoring system taking into account all the variables considered performed better than the single variables alone (AUC=0.831). CONCLUSIONS In indeterminate-cytology thyroid lesions, repeating FNAB can avoid unnecessary surgery. ELX 2/1 seems to perform better than SW in distinguishing malignancy; these techniques could, however, be complementary in describing such lesions. A multiparametric approach appears the most accurate in predicting nodule histology.

Percutaneous treatment with radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins recurring after vein stripping surgery A preliminary study.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new treatment of recurrent varicose vein after stripping of the great saphenous vein with rigid radiofrequency needles. MATERIAL OF STUDY: 37 patients enrolled (11 males and 26 females). 10 patients had recurrent varicose veins for the presence of residual reflux in the Saphenous-Femoral Junction (SFJ) stump, whilst 21 patients for the presence of a single or multiple re-chanalized and refluxing perforator veins, and 6 had mixed rechanalization due to perforator veins and refluxing saphenous stump. All patients have been treated by percutaneous ultrasound-guided obliteration with radiofrequency needles. Treatment efficacy have been assessed by US evaluation, and/or the appearance of recurrent varicose veins and classified as REVAS questionnaire. Follow up has been carried out at 30, 60, 180 days and 1 year after treatment. RESULTS: A complete obliteration of the perforator(s) stump(s) was observed in 12 procedures immediately after the treatment, and confirmed at 30 and 60 days. In 1 case (7.69 %) obliteration was not complete at 60 days. After 1 year of follow-up 3 perforators (23.07%) showed an incomplete or failed obliteration. A complete obliteration of the treated SFJ was observed in 27 cases at the end of the procedure and confirmed after 60 days of follow-up patients (Fig. 4). In 2 cases (6.89%), obliteration was non complete at 60 days. After 1 year of follow up 5 treated SFJ (17.24%) stumps showed an incomplete or a failed obliteration. DISCUSSION: Results show a reduction of the number of limbs affected by ulcer, skin pigmentation and stasis eczema, demonstrating correction of haemodynamic overload to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: This treatment is a new and effective solution to the problem of post-stripping recurrent varicose veins. KEY WORDS: Perforator veins, Radiofrequency, Recurrent post-stripping varicose veins, Saphenofemoral stump.

Retrospective cytological evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules according to the British Thyroid Association 2014 classification and comparison of clinical evaluation and outcomes.

The cytology of 130 indeterminate nodules (Thy 3) was retrospectively reviewed according to the British Thyroid Association 2014 classification. Nodules were divided into Thy 3a (atypical features) and Thy 3f (follicular lesion) categories. Histology was available as a reference for 97 nodules. Pre-surgical evaluations comprised biochemical tests, color-Doppler ultrasonography (US), semi-quantitative elastography-US (USE), contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), and mutation analysis from cytological slides. Thyroid malignancy was the final diagnosis for 19% of surgically-treated nodules. No statistically significant difference in the risk of malignancy was found between Thy 3a (26%) and Thy 3f (14%) nodules. Histology of the Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules showed a higher incidence of Hurtle cell adenomas in Thy 3f (29%) than in Thy 3a (3%) nodules (P=0.01). The only pre-surgical difference concerned the BRAF V600E mutation, which was positive in some Thy 3a but not in any Thy 3f nodules (P=0.04). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to obtain cut-off values from US (score), USE (ELX 2/1 strain index), and CEUS (time-to-peak index and peak index) data. The cut-off values were similar for Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules. Data showed that malignancy can be suspected if the US score is >2, ELX 1/2 strain index >1, time-to-peak index >1, and peak index <1. In a sub-group of 24 revised nodules (12 Thy 3a and 12 Thy 3f) with histology as a reference, the diagnostic power of cumulative pre-surgical analysis by means of US, USE, and CEUS showed high positive and negative predictive values (83% and 100%, respectively) for the presence of malignancy in Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules. In conclusion, in our series of revised Thy 3 nodules, malignancy was low and displayed no significant differences between Thy 3a and Thy 3f categories. The use of cut-offs based on histology as a reference could reduce surgery. Our data support the conviction that, in mutation-negative Thy 3a and Thy 3f nodules, observation should be the first choice when not all instrumental results are suspect.

In vivo feasibility of real-time MR-US fusion imaging lumbar facet joint injections.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, facet joint injections (FJI) are performed under fluoroscopic or computed tomography (CT) guidance, mainly due to the deep anatomical location and the presence of bony landmarks. Fusion imaging technology, which couples the ultrasound scan with the corresponding CT or magnetic resonance (MR) image obtained from the diagnostic examination and reformatted in real time according to the ultrasound scanning plane, allows to combine the panoramic view and the elevated anatomical detail of MR or CT with the ease of use of ultrasound without patient exposure to ionizing radiation. METHODS: Thirty eight patients (24 females; mean age ± SD: 64 ± 9 years) received MR fusion-assisted ultrasound-guided FJI of 1 ml of a mixture of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid using a ultrasound machine (Logiq E9, GE Healthcare) equipped with a GPS-enhanced fusion imaging technology which couples real-time B-mode images with those of the previous recent diagnostic MR examination. Low-dose CT needle positioning confirmation was performed in the first 28 patients. Patients' pain was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS), at baseline and at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: All fusion imaging-guided injections were performed successfully. Out of 112, 96 FJI had optimal intra-articular needle positioning (accuracy: 85.7%). Patients VAS significantly decreases after the procedure with no differences among who received CT needle positioning control and who did not receive it. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound needle guidance with MR fusion assistance allows for safe and effective injection of degenerative facet joint disease.

The use of semi-quantitative ultrasound elastosonography in combination with conventional ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the assessment of malignancy risk of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.

BACKGROUND: The pre-surgical selection of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology (Thy 3 according to British Thyroid Association) after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is currently required in order to reduce unnecessary total thyroidectomy. The objective of our study was to use a surgical series of Thy 3 nodules to evaluate the predictive role of ultrasound elastosonography (USE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in pre-surgical diagnoses of malignancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 63 patients with Thy 3 nodules in which cytological-histological correlation was available. The ELX 2/1 strain index was obtained by means of semi-quantitative USE, which was performed before surgery in addition to conventional ultrasonography (US) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) on the Thy 3 nodules. The ELX 2/1 strain index, a five-item US score and both peak (P) index and time to peak (TTP) index from CEUS were correlated with the histological results. After surgical diagnosis, the data were analysed by using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Histology was benign in 50 and malignant in 13 Thy 3 nodules. No difference in maximal diameter was noted between benign (22.8 ± 1.6 mm) and malignant (18.9 ± 2.9 mm) nodules. Significant correlations were found between histology and cumulative US findings (p=0.005), ELX 2/1 index (p=0.002), P index (p=0.01) and TTP index (p=0.02). On analysing data from US, USE and CEUS, significant ROC areas under the curve were observed (p<0.0001). A cut-off value was set for US (>2), ELX 2/1 (>0.95), P index (<0.99) and TTP index (>0.98) scores. The diagnostic power of the cumulative pre-surgical analysis of Thy 3 nodules with US, USE and CEUS, considering the experimental cut-off points obtained from the ROC curves was: sensitivity 64%, specificity 92%, PPV 75% and accuracy 84%. CONCLUSION: The ELX 2/1 index in conjunction with the US score can be useful in orienting surgical strategies in Thy 3 nodules. The information added by CEUS is less sensitive than that provided by US and USE. The use of a cut-off based on histology can reduce thyroidectomy. Observation should be the first choice when not all instrumental results are suspect.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules assisted by a virtual needle tracking system.

Our aim was to assess the feasibility and outcome of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of benign thyroid nodules assisted by a real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. Forty-five patients (34 females, mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 44 ± 16 y, range: 29-68 y) with 45 benign non-functioning thyroid nodules (mean volume ± SD: 13.5 ± 6.7 mL, range: 12-22 mL) underwent VT-assisted US-guided RF ablation. Nodule volume was evaluated before treatment and during 6-mo of follow-up. Complication rates and patient satisfaction after treatment were also evaluated. By use of the VT system, the tip of the RF electrode was identified during all ablation procedures. The overall mean volume reduction and complication rate were 72.6 ± 11.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Overall satisfaction at the 6-mo follow-up was rated by patients as positive in 42 cases (93%). The VT system could be useful in thyroid nodule ablation procedures because it is able to track the RF electrode tip even when the tip is obscured by the bubbles produced by the ablative process. VT-assisted RF ablation can be a tolerable, non-surgical treatment for patients with benign non-functioning thyroid nodules.