Correlation analysis of real-time three-dimensional ultrasound in diagnosis of left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and severity of liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective:To analyze the correlation between real-time three-dimensional ultrasound in diagnosis of left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and severity of liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: 90 patients with cirrhosis admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled in the cirrhosis group, and the cirrhosis components were group A, B and C according to the Child-Pauh classification criteria. During the same period, 90 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group;real-time three-dimensional ultrasonography was performed to examine left ventricular function and portal hemodynamic parameters;Pearson correlation was used to analyze left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and liver. Functional severity relationship.Results: The left heart E and E/A levels in the cirrhosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the A level was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The Dpv and Q levels in the cirrhosis group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), and the level of Vpv was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (P<0.05). There were significant differences in E, A and E/A levels between different Child-Paugh patients (P<0.05). There were significant differences in portal hemodynamics Dpv, Vpv and Q between the different Child-Paugh grades, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);left heart function E and E/A and liver function severity There was a significant negative correlation (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between left cardiac function A and liver function severity (P<0.05). Portal vein hemodynamics Dpv, Vpv and QE were significantly associated with liver function severity. Positive correlation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Real-time three-dimensional ultrasound can effectively detect left ventricular function and portal hemodynamics changes in patients with cirrhosis, and left heart function, portal hemodynamics and liver function severity are significantly correlated.

Predictive value of the trans-perineal three-dimensional ultrasound measurement of the pubic arch angle for vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND Numerous variables are linked to the success of vaginal delivery,including the subpubic arch angle(SPAA)during labor,the importance of which has not yet been fully elucidated.AIM To examine the SPAA distributional characteristics and to ascertain SPAA’s ability to predict the type and duration of labor.METHODS We determined the SPAA and analyzed the corresponding data.We also evaluated the relationship between the SPAA and the mode of delivery and the duration of labor by regression.The present study comprised a total of 301 pregnant women who had given birth at Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University between January and December of 2021.RESULTS Our analysis of 301 pregnant women revealed that the SPAA measured using three-dimensional trans-perineal ultrasound had a minimum angle of 81°and a maximum angle of 122.2°.The angle in the normal vaginal delivery group was greater than that in the labor cesarean group(P=0.000).The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery(P=0.000)with an area under the curve of 0.782(P=0.000;95%CI:0.717-0.848).We found the length of the second stage of labor to be positively influenced by the SPAA using linear regression analysis(P=0.045).CONCLUSION The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery.The length of the second stage of labor and normal vaginal birth were predicted by SPAA.

Current trends in three-dimensional visualization and real-time navigation as well as robot-assisted technologies in hepatobiliary surgery

With the continuous development of digital medicine,minimally invasive precision and safety have become the primary development trends in hepatobiliary surgery.Due to the specificity and complexity of hepatobiliary surgery,traditional preoperative imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging cannot meet the need for identification of fine anatomical regions.Imaging-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,virtual simulation of surgery and 3D printing optimize the surgical plan through preoperative assessment,improving the controllability and safety of intraoperative operations,and in difficult-to-reach areas of the posterior and superior liver,assistive robots reproduce the surgeon’s natural movements with stable cameras,reducing natural vibrations.Electromagnetic navigation in abdominal surgery solves the problem of conventional surgery still relying on direct visual observation or preoperative image assessment.We summarize and compare these recent trends in digital medical solutions for the future development and refinement of digital medicine in hepatobiliary surgery.

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Remodeling Index in Patients with Hypertensive Heart Disease and Coronary Artery Disease

Left ventricular remodeling index （LVRI） was assessed in patients with hypertensive heart disease （HHD） and coronary artery disease （CAD） by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT3DE）. RT3DE data of 18 patients with HHD, 20 patients with CAD and 22 normal controis （NC） were acquired. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume （EDV） and left ventricular end-diastolic epicardial volume （EDVepi） were detected by RT3DE and two-dimensional echocardiography Simpson biplane method （2DE）. LVRI （left ventricular mass/EDV） was calculated and compared. The results showed that LVRI measurements detected by RT3DE and 2DE showed significant differences inter-groups （P〈0.01）. There was no significant difference in NC group （P〉0.05）, but significant difference in HHD and CAD intra-group （P〈0.05）. There was good positive correlations between LVRI detected by RT3DE and 2DE in NC and HHD groups （t=0.69, P〈0.01; r=0.68, P〈0.01）, but no significant correlation in CAD group （r=0.30, P〉0.05）. It was concluded that LVRI derived from RT3DE as a new index for evaluating left ventricular remodeling can provide more superiority to LVRI derived from 2DE.

REAL-TIME THREE-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR QUANTIFYING LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS

To test the accuracy of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) imaging system for evaluating left ventricular mass (LVM) in phantom and excised canine heart. Methods Ten left ventricular (LV) wall phantoms made of two rubber-bursas, ten excised canine hearts underwent RT3DE and two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). In RT3DE "full volume" imaging, the myocardial volume was mea-sured using 2,4,8, and 16-plane method with the analysis software of RT3DE. Mass was then calculated by multiplying the resulting myocardial volume by specific density of myocardial tissue. In 2DE the masses were measured by area-length meth-od. The true LV wall phantom mass was measured by water displacement and the canine LVM was weighed by anatomy, which served as a reference standard. We compared RT3DE or 2DE with true mass. Results In LV wall phantoms, RT3DE correlated with true masses strongly (r = 0.813-0.994) and weakly correlated between 2DE and true masses (r = 0.628). In excised canine hearts, there is an excellent correlation between RT3DE and true masses (r = 0.764-0.991), while 2DE value showed a lesser correlation (r = 0.514). There are no difference between RT-3DE and true masses (P > 0.05) but different between 2DE and true masses (P < 0.05). In different planes, there was no difference between 8-plane and 16-plane (P > 0.05) but different between 8-plane and 2, 4-plane (P < 0.05). Conclusion RT3DE can accurately quantify LVM and provide a new tool to evaluate LV function. For LVM by RT3DE, 8-plane measurement method is the best choice for accuracy and convenience.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Volume and Systolic Function by Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography

The optimal plane for measurement of the right ventricular (RV) volumes by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) was determined and the feasibility and accuracy of RT3DE in studying RV systolic function was assessed. RV “Full volume” images were acquired by RT3DE in 22 healthy subjects. RV end-diastolic volumes (RVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (RVESV) were outlined using apical biplane, 4-plane, 8-plane, 16-plane offline separately. RVSV and RVEF were calculated. Meanwhile tricuspid annual systolic excursion (TASE) was measured by M-mode echo. LVSV was outlined by 2-D echo according to the biplane Simpson's rule. The results showed: (1) There was a good correlation between RVSV measured from series planes and LVSV from 2-D echo (r=0.73; r=0.69; r=0.63; r=0.66, P<0.25—0.0025); (2) There were significant differences between RVEDV in biplane and those in 4-, 8-, 16-plane (P<0.001). There was also difference between RV volume in 4-plane and that in 8-plane (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between RV volume in 8-plane and that in 16-plane (P>0.05); (3) Inter-observers and intro-observers variability analysis showed that there were close agreements and relations for RV volumes (r=0.986, P<0.001; r=0.93, P<0.001); (4) There was a significantly positive correlation of TASE to RVSV and RVEF from RT3DE (r=0.83; r=0.90). So RV volume measures with RT3DE are rapid, accurate and reproducible. In view of RV's complex shape, apical 8-plane method is better in clinical use. It may allow early detection of RV systolic function.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography predicts cardiotoxicity induced by postoperative chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND The anthracycline chemotherapeutic drugs are cardiotoxic.Studies have found some indicators related to cardiotoxicity.However,there is currently no accurate indicator that can predict cardiac toxicity early.AIM To explore the diagnostic value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT3DE)in predicting cardiac toxicity in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.METHODS Female breast cancer patients who underwent radical mastectomy and postoperative chemotherapy at the Affiliated Hanzhou First People’s Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine were recruited.All patients were routinely administered with chemotherapy for four cycles(T1-T4)after surgery.Two-dimensional(2D)echocardiography,RT3DE,and serological examinations were performed after each cycle of chemotherapy.Patients were divided into a toxic group and a non-toxic group based on whether patients hadΔleft ventricular ejection fraction>10%after one year of chemotherapy.Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to compare the changes in 2D echocardiographic indicators,serological indicators,and RT3DE indicators before independent predictive indicators for cardiac toxicity in postoperative chemotherapy patients.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis was performed to analyze the diagnostic value of potential indicators in the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity.RESULTS A total of 107 female breast cancer patients were included in the study.T4 maximum peak velocity in early diastole(E peak)/mitral annulus lateral tissue Doppler(e'peak)(E/e'),serological indicators[T4 cardiac troponin I(cTnI)and T4 pro-brain natriuretic peptide(Pro-BNP)],T3 minimum left atrial volume(LAV),T4 LAVmin,T3 LAV before the start of the P wave(LAVprep),and T4 LAVprep in the toxicity group were significantly higher than those in the nontoxic group.Multivariate logistic regression found that T4 cTnI,T4 Pro-BNP,T3 LAVmin,T4 LAVmin,T3 LAVprep,and T4 LAVprep had potential predictive value for cardiac toxicity(P<0.05).ROC results showed that T4 LAVmin had the highest accuracy for diagnosing cardiac toxicity[area under the curve(AUC)=0.947;sensitivity=78.57%;specificity=94.62%],followed by T4 LAVprep(AUC=0.899;sensitivity=100%;specificity=66.67%).The accuracies of LAVprep and LAVprep in predicting cardiac toxicity were higher than those of T3 LAVmin and T3 LAVprep.CONCLUSION RT3DE of left atrial volume can be used to predict the cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy,and it is expected to guide the clinical adjustment of dose and schedule in time.

Real-time Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Flow Imaging： An Improved Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Regurgitation

The recently introduced real-time three-dimensional color Doppler flow imaging （RT-3D CDFI） technique provides a quick and accurate calculation of regurgitant jet volume （RJV） and fraction. In order to evaluate RT-3D CDFI in the noninvasive assessment of aortic RJV and regurgitant jet fraction （RJF） in patients with isolated aortic regurgitation, real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic studies were performed on 23 patients with isolated aortic regurgitation to obtain LV end-diastolic volumes （LVEDV）, end-systolic volumes （LVESV） and RJV, and then RJF could be calculated. The regurgitant volume （RV） and regurgitant fraction （RF） calculated by two-dimensional pulsed Doppler （2D-PD） method served as reference values. The results showed that aortic RJV measured by the RT-3D CDFI method showed a good correlation with the 2D-PD measurements （r= 0.93, Y=0.89X＋ 3.9, SEE= 8.6 mL, P〈0.001 ）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was - 1.5 （9.8） mL. % RJF estimated by the RT-3D CDFI method was also correlated well with the values obtained by the 2D-PD method （r=0.88, Y=0.71X＋ 14.8, SEE= 6.4 %, P〈0. 001）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was -1.2 （7.9） %. It was suggested that the newly developed RT-3D CDFI technique was feasible in the majority of patients. In patients with eccentric aortic regurgitation, this new modality provides additional information to that obtained from the two-dimensional examination, which overcomes the inherent limitations of two-dimensional echocardiography by depicting the full extent of the jet trajectory. In addition, the RT-3D CDFI method is quick and accurate in calculating RJV and RJF.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION DEFECTS WITH REAL-TIME THREE-DIMENSIONAL MYOCARDIAL CONTRAST ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of measurement of myocardial perfusion defects with intravenous contrast-enhanced real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (CE-RT3DE). Methods RT3DE was performed in 21 open-chest mongrel dogs undergoing acute ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD, n=14) or distal branch of the left circumflex artery (LCX, n=7). A perfluorocarbon microbubble contrast agent was injected intravenously to assess the resulting myocardial perfusion defects with Philips Sonos-7500 ultrasound system. Evans blue dye was injected into the occluded coronary artery for subsequent anatomic identification of underperfused myocardium. In vitro anatomic measurement of myocardial mass after removal of the animal’s heart was regarded as the control. Blinded off-line calculation of left ventricular mass and perfusion defect mass from RT3DE images were performed using an interactive aided-manual tracing technique.Results Total left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass ranged from 38.9 to 78.5 (mean±SD: 60.0±10.1) g. The mass of perfusion defect ranged from 0 to 21.4 (mean±SD: 12.0±5.0) g or 0 to 27% of total LV mass (mean±SD: 19%±6%). The RT3DE estimation of total LV mass (mean±SD: 59.8±9.9 g) strongly correlated with the anatomic measurement (r=0.98; y=2.01+0.96x). The CE-RT3DE calculation of the mass of underperfused myocardium (mean±SD: 12.3±5.3 g) also strongly correlated with the anatomic measurement (r=0.96; y=-0.10+1.04x) and when expressed as percentage of total LV mass (r=0.95; y=-0.20+1.04x). Conclusions RT3DE with myocardial contrast opacification could accurately estimate underperfused myocardial mass in dogs of acute coronary occlusion and would play an important role in quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion defects in patients with coronary artery disease.

Evaluation of Atrial Septal Defect Using Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography:Comparison with Surgical Findings

The present study evaluated the application of three dimensional echocardigraphy （3DE） in the diagnosis of atrial septal defect （ASD） and the measurement of its size by 3DE and compared the size with surgical findings. Two-dimensional and real-time three dimensional echocardiography （RT3DE） was performed in 26 patients with atrial septal defect, and the echocardiographic data were compared with the surgical findings. Significant correlation was found between defect diameter by RT3DE and that measured during surgery （r=0.77, P〈0.001）. The defect area changed significantly during cardiac cycle. Percentage change in defect size during cardiac cycle ranged from 6%-70%. Our study showed that the size and morphology of atrial septal defect obtained with RT3DE correlate well with surgical findings. Therefore, RT3DE is a feasible and accurate non-invasive imaging tool for assessment of atrial septal size and dynamic changes.

Dynamic Characteristic Mechanism of Atrial Septal Defect Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Functions

The dynamic characteristics of the area of the atrial septal defect（ASD） were evaluated using the technique of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography（RT 3DE）, the potential factors responsible for the dynamic characteristics of the area of ASD were observed, and the overall and local volume and functions of the patients with ASD were measured. RT 3DE was performed on the 27 normal controls and 28 patients with ASD. Based on the three-dimensional data workstations, the area of ASD was measured at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, and T wave terminal point and in the T-P section. The right atrial volume in the same time phase of the cardiac cycle and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the corresponding period were measured. The measured value of the area of ASD was analyzed. The changes in the right atrial volume and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared. The right ventricular ejection fractions in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared using the RT 3DE long-axis eight-plane（LA 8-plane） method. Real-time three-dimensional volume imaging was performed in the normal control group and ASD group（n=30）. The right ventricular inflow tract, outflow tract, cardiac apex muscular trabecula dilatation, end-systolic volume, overall dilatation, end-systolic volume, and appropriate local and overall ejection fractions in both two groups were measured with the four-dimensional right ventricular quantitative analysis method（4D RVQ） and compared. The overall right ventricular volume and the ejection fraction measured by the LA 8-plane method and 4D RVQ were subjected to a related analysis. Dynamic changes occurred to the area of ASD in the cardiac cycle. The rules for dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the rules for changes in the right atrial volume in the cardiac cycle were consistent. The maximum value of the changes in the right atrial volume occurred in the end-systolic period when the peak of the curve appeared. The minimum value of the changes occurred in the end-systolic period and was located at the lowest point of the volume variation curve. The area variation curve for ASD and the motion variation curve for the tricuspid annulus in the cardiac cycle were the same. The displacement of the tricuspid annulus exhibited directionality. The measured values of the area of ASD at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, T wave terminal point and in the T-P section were properly correlated with the right atrial volume（P〈0.001）. The area of ASD and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus were negatively correlated（P〈0.05）. The right atrial volumes in the ASD group in the cardiac cycle in various time phases increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.0001）. The motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus decreased significantly in the ASD group as compared with that in the normal control group（P=0.043）. The right ventricular ejection fraction in the ASD group was lower than that in the normal control group（P=0.032）. The ejection fraction of the cardiac apex trabecula of the ASD patients was significantly lower than the ejection fractions of the right ventricular outflow tract and inflow tract and overall ejection fraction. The difference was statistically significant（P=0.005）. The right ventricular local and overall dilatation and end-systolic volumes in the ASD group increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.031）. The a RVEF and the overall ejection fraction decreased in the ASD group as compared with those in the normal control group（P=0.0005）. The dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the motion curves for the right atrial volume and tricuspid annulus have the same dynamic characteristics. RT 3DE can be used to accurately evaluate the local and overall volume and functions of the right ventricle. The local and overall volume loads of the right ventricle in the ASD patients increase significantly as compared with those of the normal people. The right ventricular cardiac apex and the overall systolic function decrease.

The Design of a Three-Dimensional Physical Modeling System for Real-Time Groundwater Flows

In the past decades,physical modeling has been widely used in hydrogeology for teaching,studying and exhibition purposes.Most of these models are used to illustrate hydrogeological profiles,but few can depict three-dimensional groundwater flows,making it impossible to validate groundwater flows simulated by numerical methods with physical modeling.

Evaluation of Biventricular Volume and Systolic Function in Children with Ventricular Septal Defect and Moderate to Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Background: Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) could obtain ventricular volume andejection fraction rapidly and non-invasively without relying on ventricular morphology. This study aims to useRT-3DE to evaluate the changes in biventricular volume and systolic function in children with ventricular septaldefect (VSD) and moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) before surgery. Methods: In this study18 children with VSD and moderate to severe PH (VSD + PH Group) and 18 healthy children of the sameage (Control Group) were recruited. Biventricular volume and systolic function were evaluated by RT-3DE.The measurements included: left and right ventricular volume indexed to body surface area (BSA), stroke volume(SV) indexed to BSA, and ejection fraction (EF). Results: The results showed left and right ventricular volumeindexed to BSA and SV indexed to BSA were significantly increased in VSD + PH Group (VSD + PH Groupvs. Control Group), LVEDV/BSA (ml/m2): 48.67 ± 21.46 vs. 25.59 ± 6.96, RVEDV/BSA (ml/m2): 55.98 ±15.35 vs. 27.69 ± 4.37, LVSV/BSA (ml/m2): 24.08 ± 9.30 vs. 15.14 ± 4.29, RVSV/BSA (ml/m2): 26.02 ± 8.87 vs.14.11 ± 2.89, (P < 0.05). While for EF in VSD + PH Group decreased (VSD + PH Group vs. Control Group),LVEF: 50.93 ± 7.50% vs. 59.38 ± 7.24%, RVEF: 45.84 ± 7.71% vs. 51.05 ± 6.90% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Inchildren with VSD and moderate to severe PH, increased biventricular volume and decreased systolic functionwere observed with RT-3DE, but biventricular systolic function remained within acceptable limits. The childrenin this study recovered well after surgery without serious perioperative complications, suggesting that biventricularsystolic function may help facilitate the surgical decision-making process in children with VSD and moderate-toseverePH.

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Congenital Double Orifice Mitral Valve

The application of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT 3DE） in the diagnosis of double orifice mitral valve （DOMV） was explored. Five cases of DOMV were examined by using 2-dimensional echocardiography （2DE） and RT 3DE. The spatial morphology of malformed mitral valve and its change in hemodynamics were observed. DOMV associated with partial atrioventricular septal defect was found in 3 cases （in which 2 cases had cleft mitral valve） and isolated DOMV in 2 cases; and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation was detected in 3 cases, and mild mitral regurgitation in 1, and no regurgitation in 1 case; 1 case had complicated rhumatic heart disease. Three cases were preoperatively discovered by 2DE, while 2 missed （1 case was discovered postoperatively）. Four cases were diagnosed by RT 3DE preoperatively, and 1 case was diagnosed postoperatively （not examined by RT 3DE preoperatively）. It was suggested that RT 3DE is a reliable technique in the diagnosis of DOMV; it permitted comprehensive and noninvasive assessment of mitral valve and may supplement 2D TTE in the assessment of DOMV.

Preliminary Clinical Study of Real-time Three-dimensional Echo-cardiographic Volume-time Curve in Evaluating Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

The volume-time curve change in patients with normal left ventricular （LV） diastolic function and diastolic dysfunction was evaluated by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography （RT3DE）. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined by E＇〈A＇ in pulse-wave tissue Doppler for inter-ventricular septal （IVS） of mitral annulus. In 24 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction, including 12 patients with delayed relaxation （delayed relaxation group） and 12 patients with pseudo-normal function （pseudo-normal group） and 24 normal volunteers （control group）, data of full-volume image were acquired by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and subjected to volume-time curve analysis. EDV （end-diastolic volume）, ESV （end-systolic volume）, LVEF （left ventricular ejection fraction）, PER （peak ejection rate）, PFR （peak filling rate） from RT3DE were examined in the three groups. Compared to the control group, PFR （diastolic filling index of RT3DE） was significantly reduced in the delayed relaxation group and pseudo-normal group （P〈0.05）. There were no significant differences in EDV, ESV, LVEE PER （P〉0.05）. It is concluded that PFR, as a diastolic filling index of RT3DE, can reflect the early diastolic function and serve as a new non-invasive, quick and accurate tool for clinical assessment of LV diastolic function.

Role of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound in assessing the anal sphincter morphology of female patients with chronic proctalgia

AIM To assess the role of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) for morphological assessment of the anal sphincter of female patients with chronic proctalgia (CP). METHODS In this unmatched case control study, 30 consecutive female patients with CP and 25 normal women (control group) were enrolled. 3D-EAUS was performed in all subjects. Thickness and length of internal anal sphincter (IAS), thickness of puborectalis muscle (PR), length of the external anal sphincter (EAS) plus PR, and puborectalis angle were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS Patients with CP had significantly shorter IAS length and greater PR thickness, as compared to those in normal individuals (26.28 +/- 3.59 mm vs 28.87 +/- 4.84 mm, P < 0.05 and 9.67 +/- 1.57 mm vs 8.85 +/- 0.97 mm, P < 0.05, respectively). No significant between-group differences were observed with respect to IAS thickness and the EAS plus PR length (P > 0.05). Puborectalis angle in the CP group was significantly decreased, both in resting (88.23 degrees +/- 1.81 degrees vs 89.94 degrees +/- 2.07 degrees in control group, P < 0.05) and straining (88.47 degrees +/- 3.32 degrees vs 90.72 degrees +/- 1.87 degrees in control group, P < 0.05) phases, which suggest the presence of paradoxical contraction of PR in patients with CP. In the CP group, no significant difference in puborectalis angle was observed between the resting and straining phases (88.23 degrees +/- 1.81 degrees vs 88.47 degrees +/- 3.32 degrees respectively, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The association of greater PR thickness and paradoxical contraction of PR with CP suggest their potential value as markers of CP.

Detection of Congenital Uterine Malformation by Using Transvaginal Three-dimensional Ultrasound

This study assessed the clinical application of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound （3D TVUS） in the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformation. A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with congenital uterine malformation confirmed hysteroscopically and/or laparoscopically. The patients were subjected to transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound （2D TVUS） and 3D TVUS. The accuracy rate was compared between the two methods. The accuracy rate of 3D TVUS was （98.38%, 61/62）, higher than that of 2D TVUS （80.65%, 50/62）. 3D TVUS coronal plane imaging could demon- strate the internal shape of the endometrial cavity and the external contour of the uterine fundus. It al- lowed accurate measurement on the coronary plane, and could three-dimensionally show the image of cervical tube, thereby providing information for the diagnosis of some complex uterine malformation. 3D TVUS imaging can obtain comprehensive information of the uterus malformation, and it is superior to 2D TVUS for the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformations, especially complex uterine anomaly.

Novel approach of ultrasound-guided lateral recess block for a patient with lateral recess stenosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Ultrasound guide technology,which can provide real-time visualization of the needle tip and tissues and avoid many adverse events,is widely used in mini-mally invasive therapy.However,the studies on ultrasound-guided Lateral recess block(LRB)are limited,this is probably because there is no recognized standard method for ultrasound scanning.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided LRB in patients with lateral recess stenosis(LRS).CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old patient complained of low back pain accompanied occasionally by pain and numbness in the left lower limb.Physical examination showed ten-derness on the spinous process and paraspinal muscles from L1 to S1,extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior weakness(muscle strength:4-),and a positive straight leg raising test in the left lower limb(60°).Magnetic resonance imaging showed L4–L5 disc degeneration with left LRS and nerve root entrapment.Subsequently,the patient was diagnosed with LRS.This patient was treated with a novel ultrasound-guided LRB approach.The patient’s symptoms significantly improved without any complications at 1 wk postoperatively and at the 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This is the first report on the LRS treatment with ultrasound-guided LRB from the contralateral spinous process along the inner side of the articular process by out-plane technique.Further studies are expected to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided LRB for patients with LRS.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy,and high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC） treated by sequential therapy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization（TACE）,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy（3-DCRT） and high-intensity focused ultrasound（HIFU）.From October,2005 to September,2010,120 patients with unresectable HCC received the sequential treatments of several courses of TACE followed in 2-4 weeks by 3-DCRT and then a single session of HIFU with a curative intent.The median tumor irradiation dose was 40 Gy.Tumor response,toxicity and overall survival rate were analyzed.Clinicopathologic factors affecting the primary technique effectiveness and overall survival rates were investigated by univariate analysis or multivariate analysis.All 120 HCC patients were followed up by the last follow-up time.Among these patients,hepatic toxicities due to treatment were notable in 9 cases.Gastrointestinal bleeding after the overall treatment occurred in 2 cases,leukopenia of grade III was detected in 1 case,radiation-induced liver disease（RILD） was observed in 2 patients,and first-and second-degree skin burn around the HIFU treatment zone were observed in 2 patients and 1 patient,respectively.Among 120 patients,23,83 and 14 cases achieved partial response,stable disease and progressive disease,respectively.The overall survival rates at 1 year,3 years and 5 years were 70%,35% and 15%,respectively,with a median survival time of 26 months.Both Child-Pugh liver function grading and radiation dose were determined to be independent predictors for overall survival revealed by the multivariate analysis.It is concluded that the sequential therapy of TACE,3-DCRT and HIFU is a promising therapeutic regimen for unresectable HCC.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Sirenomelia by Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Skeletal Imaging Ultrasound

Summary： This study sought to evaluate the contribution of two-dimensional ultrasound （2D-US） and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound （3D-SUIS） in the prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia. Be- tween September 2010 and April 2014, a prospective study was conducted in a single referral center using 3D-SU1S performed after 2D-US in 10 cases of sirenomelia. Diagnostic accuracy and detailed findings were compared with postnatal three-dimensional helical computed tomography （3D-HCT）, radiological findings and autopsy. Pregnancy was terminated in all 10 sirenomelia cases, including 9 singletons and I conjoined twin pregnancy, for a total of 5 males and 5 females. These cases of sirenomelia were deter- mined by autopsy and/or chromosomal examination. Initial 2D-US showed that there were 10 cases of oligohydranmios, bilateral renal agenesis, bladder agenesis, single umbilical artery, fusion of the lower limbs and spinal abnormalities; 8 cases of dipus or monopus; 2 cases of apus; and 8 cases of cardiac abnormalities. Subsequent 3D-SUIS showed that there were 9 cases of scoliosis, l0 cases of sacrococ- cygeal vertebra dysplasia, 3 cases of hemivertebra, 1 case of vertebral fusion, 3 cases of spina bifida, and 5 cases of rib abnormalities. 3D-SUIS identified significantly more skeletal abnormalities than did 2D-US, and its accuracy was 79.5% （70/88） compared with 3D-HCT and radiography. 3D-SUIS seems to be a useful complementary method to 2D-US and may improve the accuracy of identifying prenatal skeletal abnormalities related to sirenomelia.