Review of X-ray and computed tomography scan findings with a promising role of point of care ultrasound in COVID-19 pandemic

As healthcare professionals continue to combat the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection worldwide,there is an increasing interest in the role of imaging and the relevance of various modalities.Since imaging not only helps assess the disease at the time of diagnosis but also aids evaluation of response to management,it is critical to examine the role of different modalities currently in use,such as baseline X-rays and computed tomography scans carefully.In this article,we will draw attention to the critical findings for the radiologist.Further,we will look at point of care ultrasound,an increasingly a popular tool in diagnostic medicine,as a component of COVID-19 management.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency Combining Ultrasound and Computer Tomography

Four cases of proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) in an otherwise healthy infant are described. Antenatal diagnosis was made at 27, 23, 23 and 18 weeks of gestation by routine ultrasound (US) examination. Computer Tomography (CT) was performed after 30 weeks of gestation and confirmed the images obtained by US. The diagnosis was confirmed after delivery. These cases illustrate the importance of combining US and CT to improve accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of skeletal disorders.

Ultrasound Contribution to the Diagnosis of Emphysematous Cystitis

Emphysematous cystitis is a severe urinary tract infection which threatens patients’ life. Thus, it requires early diagnosis and computed tomography (CT) is the reference medical exam used to address it. However, ultrasound, which is a non-ionizing and very accessible technique, may also contribute to diagnosis. The aim of this study was to illustrate the contribution of ultrasound to the diagnosis of emphysematous cystitis. We report three cases of emphysematous cystitis diagnosed by ultrasound. In all the cases, ultrasound identified basic signs showing presence of gas, including a hyperechoic cystic parietal thickening, repeat echoes and dirty shadow cones of intraluminal focus. Diagnostic confirmation was made in two cases through X-ray and in one case by means of computed tomography. Through simple basic signs, ultrasound directs most usefully towards an emphysematous urinary tract infection. CT enables a more accurate diagnostic work-up of lesions and differential diagnosis with vesico-digestive fistula.

Value of CT scan in the diagnosis of primary large bowel lymphoma

Objective: To study the CT imaging of primary large bowel lymphoma and evaluate the value of CT scan. Methods: CT reports of 8 patients with proven primary large bowel lymphoma were retrospectively reviewed. Plain CT scans were done on all patients, enhanced CT scans simultaneously with 5-10 mm section thickness, and 5-10 mm table increments in 6 cases. Results: Primary involved sites were on the cecum (n=3), the ascending colon (n=2), and the rectum (n=1). The tumor was found in multiple areas of the large bowel in 2 cases. CT appearance fell into 3 typical patterns in our study. The first was focal mass type in 2 cases, with one combined with intussusception and retroperitoneal adenopathy; the second was segmental annular involvement type in 3 cases, with one of them combined with mesenteric adenopathy; the last was diffuse involvement type in 2 cases. Multiple nodules were seen in the rectum in 1 case. Conclusion: CT was found to be accurate in detecting the primary sites and complications of lymphoma, and evaluating invasion of adjacent structures; Focal mass type, segmental annular involvement type and diffuse involvement type are the main patterns of CT features in the primary large bowel lymphoma; The features revealed by CT scan are suggestive of primary large bowel lymphoma in some cases.

Noninvasive imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma: From diagnosis to prognosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major public health problem worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multistep process at molecular, cellular, and histologic levels with key alterations that can be revealed by noninvasive imaging modalities. Therefore, imaging techniques play pivotal roles in the detection, characterization, staging, surveillance, and prognosis evaluation of HCC. Currently, ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for screening and surveillance purposes. While based on conclusive enhancement patterns comprising arterial phase hyperenhancement and portal venous and/or delayed phase wash-out, contrast enhanced dynamic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) are the diagnostic tools for HCC without requirements for histopathologic confirmation. Functional MRI techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents, perfusion imaging, and magnetic resonance elastography, show promise in providing further important information regarding tumor biological behaviors. In addition, evaluation of tumor imaging characteristics, including nodule size, margin, number, vascular invasion, and growth patterns, allows preoperative prediction of tumor microvascular invasion and patient prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the current state-of-the-art and recent advances in the comprehensive noninvasive imaging evaluation of HCC. We also provide the basic key concepts of HCC development and an overview of the current practice guidelines.

A controlled study of positron-emission-tomography and positron-emission-tomography/computed tomography in differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules—report of 60 cases

The differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs） remains a challenge. It is acknowledged that combining positron-emission tomography （PET） and computed tomography （CT） offers the most reliable noninvasive method for the diagnosis of SPNs. Since Townsend et al1 developed integrated PET/CT in 1999, this technique has increasingly been introduced into clinical practice. To date, nuclear medicine physicians have usually undertaken PET/CT diagnosis, but the question is surfacing as how to make full use of the information of CT image to improve the accuracy of SPN diagnosis. To answer this question, we performed a retrospective study on 60 patients with SPNs.

Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 from community-acquired-pneumonia by computed tomography scan and follow-up

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is currently the most serious infectious disease in the world.An accurate diagnosis of this disease in the clinic is very important.This study aims to improve the differential ability of computed tomography(CT)to diagnose COVID-19 and other community-acquired pneumonias(CAPs)and evaluate the short-term prognosis of these patients.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 165 COVID-19 and 118 CAP patients diagnosed in seven hospitals in Anhui Province,China from January 21 to February 28,2020 were retrospectively analysed.The CT manifestations of the two groups were recorded and compared.A correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and age,size of lung lesions,number of involved lobes,and CT findings of patients.The factors that were helpful in diagnosing the two groups of patients were identified based on specificity and sensitivity.Results The typical CT findings of COVID-19 are simple ground-glass opacities(GGO),GGO with consolidation or grid-like changes.The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of age,white blood cell count,and ground-glass opacity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 were 92.7 and 66.1%,respectively.Pulmonary consolidation,fibrous cords,and bronchial wall thickening were used as indicators to exclude COVID-19.The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of these findings were 78.0 and 63.6%,respectively.The follow-up results showed that 67.8%(112/165)of COVID-19 patients had abnormal changes in their lung parameters,and the severity of the pulmonary sequelae of patients over 60 years of age worsened with age.Conclusions Age,white blood cell count and ground-glass opacity have high accuracy in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and the differential diagnosis from CAP.Patients aged over 60 years with COVID-19 have a poor prognosis.This result provides certain significant guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia.

Comparative study of helical CT with contrast-enhanced ultrasound of renal carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the efficiency of helical CT comparing with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and to im- prove the diagnosis efficiency of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: Thirty RCCs confirmed pathologically were studied retrospectively. The un-enhanced CT scan and the triphasic enhanced helical CT scan were performed in all cases, the gray-scale US and angiosonography with SonoVue were performed in all cases meantime. Results: 22 cases (73.3%) were diagnosed correctly by helical CT alone before operation. 7 cases (23.3%) were suspected as RCC with helical CT. One case (3.3%) was misdiagnosed with helical CT. 25 cases (83.3%) were diagnosed correctly with contrast-enhanced ultrasound alone pre-operation. One case (3.3%) was suspected as RCC with angiosonography. Four cases (13.3%) were misdiagnosed with angiosonography alone. 29 cases (96.7%) were diagnosed correctly by helical CT combining with angiosonography before operation, one case (3.3%) was diagnosed as renal mass with both helical CT and angiosonography. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is sensitive in detecting blood flow, it can detect the enhancement of the tumor which cannot be detected by helical CT. CT and angiosonography have strong complement each other in the diagnosis of RCC.

超声与CT技术在高原地区藏族人群肺结核疾病诊断价值的比较研究

目的:比较研究高原地区藏族人群肺结核患者超声与CT影像特点及诊断价值。方法:选择2022年5月至2023年11月青海省中医院收治的100例高原地区藏族人群肺结核患者,所有患者均行超声与CT检查,动态观察高原地区肺结核患者肺部病变的超声影像学特点,比较超声与CT检查对高原地区藏族人群肺结核的诊断效果。结果:超声与CT检查高原地区藏族人群肺结核的阳性检出率比较,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.053,P>0.05)。超声诊断的灵敏度为97.80%、特异度为44.44%、约登指数42.24%,CT诊断的灵敏度为96.77%、特异度为42.86%、约登指数39.63%,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.184,0.004,0.272,P>0.05)。超声与CT检查高原地区藏族人群肺结核病变肺叶分布检出率比较,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=2.011,P>0.05)。超声与CT检查对高原地区藏族人群肺结核患者肺不张、空洞、钙化、伴随胸水的检出率比较,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.190,0.197,0.190,0.046,P>0.05)。结论:超声检查的阳性检出率、病变肺叶分布检出率和肺不张、空洞、钙化、伴随胸水等肺结核并发或伴随征象检出率均与CT检查无差异,而高原地区医疗资源匮乏,缺少大型检查设备,应用超声检查进行肺结核普查及初步诊断,对缺少CT设备或受电力影响的高原地区更适合。

颈动脉血管超声与CTA在颈动脉狭窄诊断中结果不一致的原因分析

目的探讨分析颈动脉血管超声与CT血管成像(CTA)在颈动脉狭窄诊断中结果不一致的原因。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2022年10月在广州医科大学附属第三医院收治的53例同时行颈动脉血管超声和CTA的患者,其中男性39例,女性14例,年龄(74.70±9.31)岁。记录颈动脉血管超声和CTA检查中颈内动脉(ICA)、颈总动脉(CCA)的血管情况,共计212条血管。比较分析颈动脉血管超声和CTA诊断结果是否一致,两者狭窄检出率以及检测狭窄程度是否存在差异性。统计学方法采用χ^(2)检验、Kappa一致性检验。结果颈动脉血管超声与CTA在颈动脉狭窄检出率上对比,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=33.71,P<0.05)。其中,两种检测方法在检测CCA是否狭窄上对比,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=2.80,P>0.05);在检测ICA是否狭窄上,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=11.98,P<0.05)。超声和CTA在CCA重度狭窄及闭塞检测上对比,差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.70,P>0.05)。超声和CTA在ICA重度狭窄及闭塞检测上对比,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=43.19,P<0.05)。以CTA检查结果为金标准,颈动脉血管超声检测颈动脉中重度狭窄的灵敏度为78.79%,特异度为90.50%,误诊率为9.50%,漏诊率为21.21%。颈动脉血管超声诊断颈动脉轻度狭窄、中度狭窄、重度狭窄、完全闭塞以及未见狭窄的准确率分别为1.5%、46.9%、78.6%、80.0%、87.5%。在诊断颈动脉狭窄的狭窄程度上,颈动脉血管超声和CTA具有一致性(Kappa=0.335,P<0.05)。结论颈动脉血管超声在临床上作为筛查颈动脉狭窄首选的检查方法,其诊断狭窄程度上和CTA具有一致性。在检测CCA重度狭窄及闭塞上,超声和CTA具有一致性。在检测颈动脉轻度狭窄上,超声和CTA存在差异,主要体现在超声对轻度狭窄病变的检出率较低。超声医生应加强对血管超声指南的学习,熟练对使用仪器进行相关参数的调节,进一步提高临床诊断准确率,为颈动脉狭窄患者诊疗提供更有力的依据。

超声、CT、MRI单独与联合诊断眼眶海绵状血管瘤的价值分析

目的探讨超声、电子计算机断层扫描(computed tomography,CT)以及核磁共振(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)对眼眶海绵状血管瘤(orbital cavernous hemangioma,OCH)的诊断效能。方法选取2019年1月至2021年1月眼科收治经手术病理证实OCH患者53例,以病理学诊断为标准,归纳总结OCH患者的超声、MRI影像学表现异同,探讨最适合鉴别区分OCH的影像学检查方法。结果超声扫描:53例OCH患者中未检查到2例,明确位于肌锥内51例,B超表现为肿物呈圆形或类圆形,边界不清晰,内回声多且分布不均匀,声衰减少,肿物内未见血流信号;肌锥内组的RT、mTT与非肌锥内组相比更慢(P<0.05)。MRI扫描:53例OCH患者中经眶上裂蔓延至颅内1例,与脑组织分界清晰;位于眼眶锥内51例,MRI显示肿瘤呈圆形或类圆形,动态增强扫描呈渐进性明显均匀强化。CT扫描:53例OCH患者不均匀渐进性强化,肿瘤直径>1.5 cm 49例,肿瘤直径<1.5 cm,均匀强化4例。以病理诊断为金标准,超声、CT联合MRI诊断OCH的灵敏度、特异度、准确度(95.67%、88.91%、92.37%)高于单独超声、CT、MRI诊断。结论渐进性强化[不均匀或(和)持续性]是OCH特点,超声、CT及MRI对OCH诊断作用重要优势各异,超声在OCH定位诊断方面优势明显,MRI除能直接形成冠状位、矢状位及横轴位三种位置图像外,其他方面与CT相比优势不显著,超声、CT、MRI联合诊断对提升OCH诊断符合率有益。

超声、CT和MRI在眶内海绵状血管瘤诊断中的准确率比较

目的 比较超声、CT和MRI在眶内海绵状血管瘤诊断中的准确率。方法 选择2019年3月至2022年3月接诊的疑似眶内海绵状血管瘤患者80例,分别给予超声、CT、MRI检查,将病理活检穿刺诊断结果作为本研究的金标准,对比超声、CT、MRI定性、定位诊断准确率、灵敏度、特异度,Kappa检验超声、CT、MRI定性、定位诊断与金标准的一致性。结果 MRI、超声定性诊断准确率(87.50%、86.25%)、灵敏度(87.50%、87.50%)、特异度(87.50%、75.00%)均高于CT(72.50%、77.78%、25.00%)差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。MRI定性诊断准确率、灵敏度、特异度与超声比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Kappa检验MRI、超声定性诊断与金标准的一致性均较好(Kappa值=0.728、0.752),CT定性诊断与金标准的一致性一般(Kappa值=0.596)。MRI、CT定位诊断准确率(85.00%、82.50%)、灵敏度(85.71%、84.29%)、特异度(80.00%、70.00%)均高于超声(67.50%、72.86%、30.00%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),MRI定位诊断准确率、灵敏度、特异度与CT比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Kappa检验MRI、CT定位诊断与金标准的一致性均较好(Kappa值=0.734、0.771),超声定位诊断与金标准的一致性一般(Kappa值=0.586)。结论 眶内海绵状血管瘤诊断中,超声定性诊断准确率较高,CT定位诊断准确率较高,MRI定性与定位诊断准确率均较高,可辅助临床制定治疗方案,但价格昂贵,故医生应根据患者实际情况选择最佳的诊断技术。

人、犬和猫慢性胰腺炎影像诊断研究进展

慢性胰腺炎(CP)是一种迁延不愈的难治性疾病,其特征为胰腺慢性炎症、纤维化、胰腺实质的不可逆性损伤,并最终导致胰腺外分泌或内分泌功能障碍。早期诊断对于有效治疗CP至关重要,影像技术可以无创地评估胰腺形态学和功能改变,在CP早期诊断中独具优势。犬、猫CP发病率高,且是胰腺炎发病机制及诊疗方法研究中的常用动物模型,而影像技术在犬、猫慢性胰腺炎诊断中的应用远不如预期,其诊断与评估仍面临挑战。目前尚缺乏对不同物种胰腺炎影像学诊断方法的系统性描述。因此,本文重点探讨了人、犬和猫慢性胰腺炎的影像学诊断方法的研究进展。

彩超及CTA对胡桃夹综合征的诊断价值

目的探讨彩超及CTA对胡桃夹综合征(NCS)的诊断价值。方法分析50例NCS患者及50例健康人的资料。结果主诉肉眼及镜下血尿31例;疲乏伴纳差4例;左精索静脉曲张10例;蛋白尿伴左腰不适5例。13例女性有盆底淤血征,男性均有不同程度左精索静脉曲张。彩超肠系膜上动脉(SMA)和腹主动脉(AO)夹角(a)(25.08±11.83)°vs.(48.73±25.82)°;左肾静脉(LRV)受压管径(D1)(2.45±1.28)vs.(3.48±1.02)cm,血流速度(V1)(0.38±0.16)vs.(0.48±0.13)m/s;LRV远端管径(D2)(8.55±2.63)vs.(7.43±2.03)cm,血流速度(V2)(0.28±0.21)vs.(0.94±0.43)m/s。21例CTA示SMA与AO夹角减小,1例示胰头部压迫,3例SMA分支及下方纤维结构压迫;1例后胡桃夹征(腹主动脉和脊柱之间压迫),15例膀胱镜左输尿管口喷血。结论彩超初步筛选胡桃夹征,CTA更清晰显示LRV周围结构。

EBUS-TBNA与PET/CT在不明原因纵隔淋巴结肿大诊断中的价值

目的比较支气管超声引导针吸活检术(endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration,EBUS-TBNA)和电子发射断层显像/X线计算机体层成像(positron-emission tomography and computed tomography,PET/CT)用于不明原因纵隔淋巴结肿大诊断的价值,并探讨EBUS-TBNA和PET/CT联合应用的意义。方法回顾性分析解放军总医院呼吸科自2010年12月至2011年8月采用EBUS-TBNA诊断前已采用PET/CT检查的45例不明原因纵隔淋巴结肿大患者的临床资料。所有患者在进行EBUS-TBNA检查前接受普通白光支气管镜检查,均未发现支气管内病变。对于EBUS-TBNA未能明确诊断的患者,可行外科手术切除,并经至少6个月以上的临床和影像学随访。结果 EBUS-TBNA诊断恶性纵隔淋巴结的敏感性为81.48%(22/27)、特异性100%(18/18)、阳性预测值100%(22/22)、阴性预测值78.26%(18/23)、准确性88.89%(40/45);PET/CT诊断恶性纵隔淋巴结的敏感性为92.59%(25/27)、特异性55.56%(10/18)、阳性预测值75.76%(25/33)、阴性预测值83.33%(10/12)、准确性77.78%(34/45),EBUS-TBNA在诊断的特异性(P=0.003)和阳性预测值(P=0.016)方面优于PET/CT。结论 EBUS-TBNA在不明原因纵隔淋巴结肿大的诊断方面有较高的价值;与PET/CT联合应用,可使EBUS-TBNA诊断恶性纵隔淋巴结出现假阴性结果的状况得到改善。

腹腔内纱布团的影像表现

目的：探讨腹腔内纱布团的各种影像表现特征及其病理基础。材料和方法：２例患者经Ｂ超、ＣＴ及ＭＲＩ检查并经手术证实；进行了纱布团的水槽试验及１例动物试验。结果：纱布团在超声检查时表现为呈弧形强回声带后伴宽阔干净声影的肿块，在ＣＴ与ＭＲＩ平扫时表现为软组织密度与信号的肿块；位于腹腔内的纱布团当其周围有纤维结缔组织包膜形成后，超声检查尤其是高频探头探查于纱布团弧形强回声带外侧还可见薄层低回声带与其外侧的强回声带。ＣＴ及ＭＲＩ增强扫描可见包膜增强而纱布团内部无增强。结论：腹腔内遗留的纱布团在超声、ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ检查中都有一定的特征性表现，超声结合ＣＴ或ＭＲＩ的平扫及增强扫描可做出明确的诊断。

超声联合CT在甲状腺癌术前诊断中的应用观察

目的观察超声联合电子计算机断层扫描(CT)在甲状腺癌术前诊断中的应用价值。方法研究对象为2016年1月至2019年1月在我院接受手术治疗的200例甲状腺癌患者,回顾性分析其超声及CT影像学资料,记录淋巴结转移情况,并以手术病理作为对照,明确超声、CT及超声联合CT对甲状腺癌淋巴结转移的临床价值。结果与病理对照,超声诊断甲状腺癌淋巴结转移的敏感度为84.95%、特异度为90.80%、准确率为87.50%、阳性预测值为92.30%、阴性预测值为82.29%,Kappa值为0.748;CT诊断甲状腺癌淋巴结转移的敏感度为90.26%、特异度为90.80%、准确率为90.50%、阳性预测值为92.72%、阴性预测值为87.77%、Kappa值为0.807;超声联合CT诊断甲状腺癌淋巴结转移的灵敏度为93.80%、特异度为93.10%、准确率为93.50%、阳性预测值为94.64%、阴性预测值为92.04%、Kappa值为0.867;单一超声或CT诊断时,CT敏感度、准确率、阳性预测值、阴性预测值均略高于单一超声诊断,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);超声联合CT诊断时敏感度、特异度、准确率、阳性预测值、阴性预测值均高于单一超声或CT诊断,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论无论是超声或是CT用于甲状腺癌术前淋巴结转移诊断均能发挥一定诊断价值,联合应用或能进一步提升诊断效能。

CT与US对卵巢实质性肿瘤诊断价值的对比研究

目的探讨卵巢实质性肿瘤的超声(ultrasound,US)、计算机断层扫描(computed tomography,CT)表现,评估临床US、CT及其联合对卵巢实质性肿瘤的诊断价值。方法选择作者医院2005/2010年经手术病理证实的120例卵巢实质性肿瘤病例,其中恶性组88例,良性组32例,对它们的影像学资料进行回顾性分析。结果 US诊断卵巢实质性肿瘤灵敏度为79.5%,特异度为87.5%;CT灵敏度为65.9%,特异度为84.4%;US、CT联合诊断的灵敏度为97.8%,高于US、CT单独检查,特异度为78.1%。结论US+CT联合诊断卵巢实质性肿瘤优于US、CT单独检查。

超声和CT在诊断新生儿颅内出血中的价值

目的探讨新生儿颅内出血中超声和CT的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析从2014年11月～2017年8月在我院出生并收治儿科ICU室临床怀疑颅内出血患儿568例,超声于生后1～7天内检查,CT于14天内检查,观察比较二者诊断价值。以MRI结果为标准或根据新生儿颅内出血的诊断标准,分别计算超声和CT的敏感性、特异性和准确性。结果 568例患儿经临床证实为颅内出血的有556例,其中,室管膜下出血340例,蛛网膜下腔出血86例,硬膜下出血51例,脑实质合并脑室内出血79例。超声诊断颅内出血506例,其中室管膜下出血340例,蛛网膜下腔出血54例,硬膜下出血40例,脑实质合并脑室内出血72例。误诊1例,漏诊51例。诊断的敏感性为90. 8%,特异性为91. 7%,准确性为90. 8%; CT诊断颅内出血534例,其中室管膜下出血318例,蛛网膜下腔出血86例,硬膜下出血51例,脑实质合并脑室内出血79例。误诊0例,漏诊22例。诊断的敏感性为96. 0%,特异性为100%,准确性为96. 1%。结论早期颅内出血超声可作为筛查手段;超声对室管膜下出血敏感性高于CT,可作为首选检查方法;对于蛛网膜下腔出血、少量脑实质出血及硬膜下出血,CT优势于超声。