Non-invasive evaluation of liver steatosis with imaging modalities:New techniques and applications

In the world,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)accounts for majority of diffuse hepatic diseases.Notably,substantial liver fat accumulation can trigger and accelerate hepatic fibrosis,thus contributing to disease progression.Moreover,the presence of NAFLD not only puts adverse influences for liver but is also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.Therefore,early detection and quantified measurement of hepatic fat content are of great importance.Liver biopsy is currently the most accurate method for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis.However,liver biopsy has several limitations,namely,its invasiveness,sampling error,high cost and moderate intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility.Recently,various quantitative imaging techniques have been developed for the diagnosis and quantified measurement of hepatic fat content,including ultrasound-or magnetic resonancebased methods.These quantitative imaging techniques can provide objective continuous metrics associated with liver fat content and be recorded for comparison when patients receive check-ups to evaluate changes in liver fat content,which is useful for longitudinal follow-up.In this review,we introduce several imaging techniques and describe their diagnostic performance for the diagnosis and quantified measurement of hepatic fat content.

New endoscopic ultrasound techniques for digestive tract diseases: A comprehensive review

Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) is one of the most important modalities for the diagnosis of digestive tract diseases.EUS has been evolving ever since it was introduced.New techniques such as elastography and contrast enhancement have emerged, increasing the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of EUS for the diagnosis of digestive tract diseases including pancreatic masses and lymphadenopathy.EUS-elastography evaluates tissue elasticity and therefore, can be used to differentiate various lesions.Contrast-enhanced EUS can distinguish benign from malignant pancreatic lesions and lymphadenopathy using the intravenous injection of contrast agents.This review discusses the principles and types of these new techniques, as well as their clinical applications and limitations.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration:Technique and applications in clinical practice

Since its initial report in 1992,endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) has now been incorporated into the diagnostic and staging algorithm for the evaluation of benign and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and of adjacent organs.Its introduction constitutes a major breakthrough in the endoscopic field and has gradually transformed EUS from a pure imaging modality into a more interventional procedure.In addition,the possibility of collecting samples,providing a definitive cytological and/or histological evidence of the presence of malignancy,has strongly contributed to changing EUS from a subjective,highly operator dependant procedure into a more objective one.This article will review the instrumentation,technique and the most important clinical applications of EUS-FNA.

Ultrasound for Detection of Ascites and for Guidance of the Paracentesis Procedure: Technique and Review of the Literature

Objective: To review the use of ultrasound (US) for the detection of free intraperitoneal fluid (ascites) and for the procedural guidance of the paracentesis procedure. Methods: Two clinical vignettes are presented to review the pertinent diagnostic, management and safety considerations associated with paracentesis. First, US techniques used for the identification of ascites and in the quantification of fluid pockets amenable to aspiration will be discussed. Next, the actual steps required for the performance of US-guided paracentesis will be covered. A review and analysis of the most current literature regarding US and paracentesis then follows. Conclusion: Current literature favors US-guided paracentesis over the traditional blind technique with a significant reduction in both the rate of unsuccessful aspiration of fluid and in the bleeding complications related to this procedure. Use of US for both the diagnostic and therapeutic management of ascites should be advocated as an essential skill for physicians and other health care providers caring for these patients.

Preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with palpation technique in epidural labor analgesia

BACKGROUND For parturients with paroxysmal uterine contraction pain,rapid analgesia is needed.We used preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with the palpation technique in epidural analgesia for labor,and evaluated the usefulness of this technique in epidural labor analgesia.AIM To evaluate the usefulness of preprocedure ultrasound imaging in epidural analgesia for labor.METHODS In this prospective randomized observational study,72 parturients were assigned to two groups(combined or palpation group).The target interspace of all parturients was first identified by the palpation technique.Then in the combined group,preprocedure ultrasound imaging was used before epidural puncture.In the palpation group,only the traditional anatomical landmarks technique(palpation technique)was performed.The primary outcome was total duration of the epidural procedure(for the ultrasound group,the duration of the preprocedure ultrasound imaging was included).The secondary outcomes were the number of skin punctures,the success rate at first needle pass,the number of needle passes,the depth from the skin to epidural space,and the complications of the procedure.RESULTS Total duration of the epidural procedure was similar between the two groups(406.5±92.15 s in the combined group and 380.03±128.2 s in the palpation group;P=0.318).A significant improvement was demonstrated for epidural puncture and catheterization in the combined group.The number of needle passes was 1.14 in the combined group and 1.72 in the palpation group(P=0.001).The number of skin puncture sites was 1.20 in the combined group and 1.25 in the palpation group(P=0.398).The success rate at first needle pass was 88.89%in the combined group and 66.67%in the palpation group(P=0.045).CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the total duration of epidural procedures with preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with the palpation technique was not longer than the traditional anatomical landmarks technique,which were performed by six experienced anesthesiologists in parturients with normal weights undergoing labor analgesia.

Two-point Dixon and six-point Dixon magnetic resonance techniques in the detection,quantification and grading of hepatic steatosis

BACKGROUND Hepatic steatosis is a very common problem worldwide.AIM To assess the performance of two-and six-point Dixon magnetic resonance(MR)techniques in the detection,quantification and grading of hepatic steatosis.METHODS A single-center retrospective study was performed in 62 patients with suspected parenchymal liver disease.MR sequences included two-point Dixon,six-point Dixon,MR spectroscopy(MRS)and MR elastography.Fat fraction(FF)estimates on the Dixon techniques were compared to the MRS-proton density FF(PDFF).Statistical tests used included Pearson’s correlation and receiver operating characteristic.RESULTS FF estimates on the Dixon techniques showed excellent correlation(≥0.95)with MRS-PDFF,and excellent accuracy[area under the receiver operating characteristic(AUROC)≥0.95]in:(1)Detecting steatosis;and(2)Grading severe steatosis,(P<0.001).In iron overload,two-point Dixon was not evaluable due to confounding T2*effects.FF estimates on six-point Dixon vs MRS-PDFF showed a moderate correlation(0.82)in iron overload vs an excellent correlation(0.97)without iron overload,(P<0.03).The accuracy of six-point Dixon in grading mild steatosis improved(AUROC:0.59 to 0.99)when iron overload cases were excluded.The excellent correlation(>0.9)between the Dixon techniques vs MRSPDFF did not change in the presence of liver fibrosis(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Dixon techniques performed satisfactorily for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis but with exceptions.

经阴道超声E-cervix技术对中孕期妇女自发性早产的预测价值

目的探讨应用经阴道超声宫颈弹性成像(E-Cervix)技术预测中孕期妇女自发性早产的价值。方法选取2022年1月至2023年3月在江西省妇幼保健院进行产检的225例孕产妇为研究对象。根据是否孕足月将其划分为早产组(n=105)和足月产组(n=120),回顾性分析2组临床资料和超声检查参数[宫颈长度(CL)、宫颈弹性成像]。运用多元逻辑回归分析影响自发性早产发生的相关因素,应用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)评估妊娠中期CL及宫颈弹性值预测自发性早产的效能。结果双胎(Z=9.909,P=0.002)和宫颈机能不全(Z=14.189,P<0.001)是早产的危险因素。妊娠中期CL越短(t=2.312,P=0.022),硬度比值(t=6.189,P<0.001)越小,弹性对比指数(t=-3.002,P=0.003)、宫颈内口(t=-4.890,P<0.001)应变值、宫颈外口应变值(t=-5.787,P<0.001)越大,早产发生的风险越高。ROC分析结果显示,宫颈内口应变值(AUC=0.689)、宫颈外口应变值(AUC=0.612)、弹性对比指数(AUC=0.718),各指标联合诊断较单一指标具有更高的预测早产的价值(AUC=0.764)。结论应用E-Cervix技术能够有效地预测中孕期孕妇自发性早产的可能性。

Slow-pull and different conventional suction techniques in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pancreatic solid lesions using 22-gauge needles

AIM To evaluate the cytological diagnostic capacity and sample quality of the slow-pull technique and compare them with different suction techniques.METHODS From July 2010 to December 2015, 102 patients with pancreatic solid lesions who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) with 22-gauge needles were retrospectively evaluated. EUS-FNA diagnosis was based on a cytological examination, and final diagnosis was based on a comprehensive standard of cytological diagnosis, surgical pathology and clinical or imaging follow-up. Cytological specimens were characterized for cellularity and blood contamination. The cytological diagnostic capacity and sample quality of the slow-pull technique and suction techniques with 5-m L/10-m L/20-m L syringes were analyzed.RESULTS Of all of the EUS-FNA procedures, the slow-pull technique and suction techniques with 5-m L/10-m L/20-m L syringes were used in 31, 19, 34 and 18 procedures, respectively. There were significant differences between these four suction techniques in terms of cytological diagnostic accuracy(90.3% vs 63.2% vs 58.8% vs 55.6%, P = 0.019), sensitivity(88.2% vs 41.7% vs 40.0% vs 36.4%, P = 0.009) and blood contamination(score ≥ 2 for 29.0% vs 52.6% vs 70.6% vs 72.2%, P = 0.003). The accuracy and sensitivity of the slow-pull technique were significantly higher than those of the suction techniques using 5-m L(P = 0.03, P = 0.014), 10-m L(P = 0.005; P = 0.006) and 20-mL syringes(P = 0.01, P = 0.01). Blood contamination was significantly lower in the slow-pull technique than in the suction techniques with 10-m L(P = 0.001) and 20-mL syringes(P = 0.007).CONCLUSION The slow-pull technique may increase the cytological diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity with slight blood contamination during EUS-FNA when using 22-gauge needles for solid pancreatic masses.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided “extended” reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking technique using a cutting balloon for recanalizing chronic coronary total occlusion with a side branch

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents the most technically challenging procedure in contemporary interventional cardiology.[1] Blunt lesions and presence of proximal side branch are considered to be strong predictors of reduced technical success.[ 2,3] For such lesions, the antegrade approach may not be feasible or desirable, and the retrograde approach can be used as the initial crossing strategy. However, when treating the blunt CTO with a large side branch proximal to the occlusion, the side branch might be occluded after stent implantation if the retrograde guidewire passed the occluded segment through the subintimal space and re-entered into the true lumen at the opposite side of the side branch.[4] We reported a useful method to solve the above issue which utilizes intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to guide “extended” reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (CART) technique with a cutting balloon.

Can the wet suction technique change the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis type 1? A prospective single-arm study

BACKGROUND Other than surgery,endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUSFNA)is the only procedure for histologically diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP).However,adequate specimens are difficult to obtain.Recently,more adequate specimens were reported to be obtained with EUS-FNA with a wet suction technique(WEST)than with conventional EUS-FNA.AIM To histologically diagnose AIP by EUS-FNA with a WEST.METHODS Eleven patients with possible type 1 AIP between February 2016 and August 2018 underwent EUS-FNA with a WEST(WEST group),with four punctures by 19 or 22 G needles.As a historical control,23 type 1 AIP patients who underwent no fewer than four punctures with 19 or 22 G needles were enrolled(DRY group).Patient characteristics and histological findings were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Three histopathological factors according to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria were significantly greater in the WEST group than the DRY group[lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate without granulocytic infiltration:9(81.8%)vs 6(26.1%),P=0.003,storiform fibrosis:5(45.5%)vs 1(4.3%),P=0.008,abundant(>10 cells/HPF)IgG4-positive cells:7(63.6%)vs 5(21.7%),P=0.026].Level 1 or level 2 histopathological findings were observed more often in the WEST group than in the DRY group[8(72.7%)vs 3(13.0%),P=0.001].CONCLUSION EUS-FNA with a WEST was more successful than standard EUS-FNA in histologically diagnosing AIP.

Practice patterns in FNA technique: A survey analysis

AIM: To ascertain fine needle aspiration(FNA) tech-niques by endosonographers with varying levels of ex-perience and environments.METHODS: A survey study was performed on United States based endosonographers. The subjects complet-ed an anonymous online electronic survey. The main outcome measurements were differences in needle choice, FNA technique, and clinical decision making among endosonographers and how this relates to years in practice, volume of EUS-FNA procedures, and prac-tice environment.RESULTS: A total of 210(30.8%) endosonographers completed the survey. Just over half(51.4%) identified themselves as academic/university-based practitioners. The vast majority of respondents(77.1%) identified themselves as high-volume endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)(> 150 EUS/year) and high-volume FNA(> 75 FNA/year) performers(73.3). If final cytology is non-diagnostic, high-volume EUS physicians were more likely than low volume physicians to repeat FNA with a core needle(60.5% vs 31.2%; P = 0.0004), and low volume physicians were more likely to refer patients for either surgical or percutaneous biopsy,(33.4% vs 4.9%, P < 0.0001). Academic physicians were more likely to repeat FNA with a core needle(66.7%) compared to community physicians(40.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is significant variation in EUS-FNA practices among United States endosonographers. Differences appear to be related to EUS volume and practice environment.

Efficacy and Safety in Intramuscular Injection Techniques Using Ultrasonographic Data

Delivered by intramuscular (IM) injections, Long Acting Injections (LAI), offering comparatively long term medicinal effects from several weeks to several months, are gaining much attention. The aim of this article was to indicate a safe and effective IM injection technique based on evidenced data derived from ultrasonographic data. Accurate anatomical knowledge is necessary in order to administer IM injections. It is possible to gain an adequate understanding of injection site anatomical structures by using ultrasound diagnostic devices. In particular, ultrasonography offers real-time diagnostic data allowing for observation of injection site, subcutaneous tissues, fat layers, muscle membrane, muscles and bones. To deliver the drug accurately into the muscle is essential, to achieve maximum drug efficacy and prevent injection site reactions. Therefore, when administering IM injections to the buttocks area, a suitable injection needle between 23G 25 mm to 21G or 22G 38 mm must be chosen depending on physique and drug characteristics. Needles determined as safe and effective through ultrasonographic evidence are needed such as in the case of a deltoid injection site, in which a 23G 25 mm injection needle is used in the absence of notable obesity. Not only the needle type is essential, but also the IM procedure itself. It is important to stretch the skin, inserting the needle at 90 degree angle to ensure depth of needle insertion to the muscle. Until new con-firmed evidence becomes available, it is necessary to increase the understanding of injection site selection methods, needle insertion depth, needle angle, and established IM injection techniques. The application of ultrasound devices in the development of next-generation techniques for IM injection is promising. Importantly, these techniques provide critical information from a risk management perspective.

Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Scapular Nerve Blockade in the Diagnosis and Management of Neck Pain

Neck pain is common and has multiple sources, but correct diagnosis and matched treatment provide the best outcomes. The first description of ultrasound-guided dorsal scapular nerve blockade using a single-shot local anesthetic technique for the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain is reported. A 38-year-old female patient presented with neck pain, and the history and clinical examination strongly suggested myofascial pain affecting the middle scalene muscle. The pain had been unresponsive to pharmacological therapy or physiotherapy. After identifying the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) in the body of the middle scalene muscle, an ultrasound-guided nerve block was performed using a single injection of local anesthetic to alleviate the patient’s pain. It has been demonstrated that the dorsal scapular nerve can be identified in the neck and effectively blocked using ultrasound guidance. This technique has the potential to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain originating from the middle scalene muscle.

超声引导技术在小切口微创心脏手术建立外周体外循环中的应用价值

目的探讨超声引导技术在小切口微创心脏手术经右颈内静脉穿刺置管及股动静脉解剖置管建立外周体外循环中的应用价值。方法分析2021年8月至2022年12月西安交通大学第一附属医院收治的436例进行小切口微创心脏手术患者的临床资料,根据置管过程中是否使用超声引导技术将研究对象分为对照组(给予传统方式置管,102例)和观察组(给予超声引导技术辅助下置管,334例)。比较分析两组患者经右颈内静脉穿刺置管的情况以及相关并发症发生率。比较分析两组患者股动静脉解剖置管的情况以及相关并发症发生率。结果观察组患者经右颈内静脉穿刺置管的穿刺置管成功率高于对照组,置管时间、穿刺困难发生率、误入颈内动脉发生率均短于或低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组患者股动静脉解剖置管的置管时间、解剖困难发生率、导管位置异常发生率均短于或低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论超声引导技术应用于小切口微创心脏手术经右颈内静脉穿刺置管及股动静脉解剖置管建立外周体外循环中,能提高穿刺置管成功率,缩短置管时间,减少导管位置异常、误入颈内动脉等并发症的发生。

多种超声影像技术在乳腺癌诊断中的研究进展

乳腺癌是我国女性发病率最高的恶性肿瘤,常规超声是乳腺癌筛查常用的影像检查方法。弹性成像、超声造影、自动乳腺超声成像系统、S-detect技术及超声引导下穿刺活检等新技术正在飞速发展并逐渐应用于临床,为乳腺癌的诊断提供了更有价值的信息。本文就多种超声影像技术诊断乳腺癌的临床应用进展进行综述。

多模态超声诊断甲状腺肿瘤

超声是诊断甲状腺疾病首选的影像学工具。基于常规超声的甲状腺影像报告和数据系统的建立在甲状腺肿瘤诊断中发挥着举足轻重的作用。近年来,弹性成像、超微血流成像、超声造影及人工智能等新技术广泛应用于甲状腺疾病超声诊断。多模态超声技术的应用大幅度提升了甲状腺恶性肿瘤的诊断准确度,为甲状腺癌患者个体化诊疗方案的制订提供了理论依据。

多模态超声联合细针抽吸活组织检查对直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小癌诊断分析

目的 分析多模态超声联合细针抽吸活组织检查(fine needle aspiration, FNA)对直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小癌(thyroid microcarcinoma, TMC)的诊断准确性。方法 回顾性分析2019年9月-2021年3月行多模态超声(二维超声、超声造影、超声弹性成像)联合FNA检查,且经手术病理证实为直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小结节120例(结节132个)的临床资料,分析多模态超声和FNA及联合检测与病理诊断结果的一致性,并采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析单项和联合检测的诊断价值。结果 132个直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小结节经术后病理结果分析,良性结节36个,TMC 96个。与病理结果比较,二维超声诊断符合率为85.60%(113/132),Kappa值0.646;超声造影诊断符合率为90.15%(119/132),Kappa值0.758;超声弹性成像诊断符合率为90.15%(119/132),Kappa值0.754;多模态超声诊断符合率为90.91%(120/132),Kappa值0.771;FNA诊断符合率为92.42%(122/132),Kappa值0.806;多模态超声联合FNA诊断符合率为94.70%(125/132),Kappa值0.860。ROC曲线分析结果显示,多模态超声与FNA单项诊断曲线下面积比较无差异(P>0.05);多模态超声与FNA联合诊断TMC的曲线下面积大于单项诊断(P<0.05)。结论 多模态超声和FNA对直径≤5 mm TMC均具有较好的临床诊断价值,二者联合更能提高临床诊断准确率。

超声图像融合及导航技术在临床的应用与进展

超声图像融合及导航技术是结合超声图像与其他影像图像的信息优势,用超声检查显示实时的病灶融合影像,从而在超声实时引导下对病灶进行治疗。该技术现已在临床上广泛应用,使病变的检出率与治疗率得到进一步提高,同时能更准确地评估疗效。本文对超声图像融合的相关技术及其在临床中的应用进展进行综述。

超声引导下改良塞丁格技术与传统PICC置管术的对比研究

目的对传统经外周静脉穿刺置入中心静脉导管(PICC)置管术和超声引导下改良塞丁格技术的效果进行对比研究。方法选取2019年2月至2021年1月期间住院治疗的120例患者,随机分为两组,每组各60例。对照组采用传统PICC置管术,观察组采用超声引导下改良塞丁格技术,观察两组的效果。结果对照组的一次置管成功率和导管异位率分别低于和高于观察组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。置管次日两组的并发症无明显差异(P>0.05)。两组置管第5天并发症发生率比较,对照组高于观察组(P<0.05)。对照组置管第6天到拔管期间并发症发生率高于观察组,肢体舒适度低于观察组(P<0.05)。结论对比PICC传统置管技术和超声引导下改良塞丁格技术,后者的一次置管成功率更高,且不容易出现导管异位的情况,在置管后的并发症发生率相对更低,因此可以延长导管的使用时间,具有比较理想的置管效果,适合在临床置管患者中进行推广。

B超引导下塞丁格技术置入中长管在神经外科患者中的应用效果

目的探讨B超引导下塞丁格技术置入中长管在神经外科患者中的应用效果。方法选取2022年2月~2023年2月于张家港市第一人民医院收治的104例神经外科静脉治疗患者为研究对象,采用随机数表法将其分为对照组和观察组,每组各52例,对照组行传统盲穿下塞丁格技术PICC置管,观察组行B超引导下塞丁格技术置入中长导管,比较两组置管成功率、置管情况(置管安全性及非计划拔管率)、患者置管疼痛程度(VAS)和置管部位舒适度(GCQ)、置管期间相关并发症发生率(穿刺点渗血、导管移位脱出、静脉炎和导管堵塞)及满意度。结果观察组一次置管成功率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组置管安全性高于对照组(P<0.05),差异有统计学意义,观察组非计划拔管率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组疼痛程度评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),观察组舒适度高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);置管期间,观察组穿刺点渗血、导管移位或脱出、静脉炎、导管堵塞的总并发症发生率(3.84%vs 15.37%)低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组的满意度(94.23%vs 75.00%)高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论B超引导下塞丁格技术导入中长导管应用于神经外科患者静脉治疗,可有效提高一次性置管成功率,保障置管的安全度,提高患者的舒适度,降低患者置管的疼痛程度,减少相关并发生症发生风险,具有较好应用价值。