1.Distribution and malignancy risk of six categories of the pathology reporting system for thyroid core-needle biopsy in 1,216 consecutive thyroid nodules
Hye Min SON ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Soo Chin KIM ; Roh-Eul YOO ; Jeong Mo BAE ; Hyobin SEO ; Dong Gyu NA
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):159-165
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to present the distribution of lesions among the six categories of the pathology reporting system for thyroid core-needle biopsy (CNB), along with the range of malignancy risk of each category based on different diagnostic criteria for benignity in a clinical cohort.
Methods:
For 1,216 consecutive nodules (≥1 cm) of 1,125 patients who underwent CNB at two hospitals, the diagnostic results based on the six categories of thyroid CNB were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to prior fine-needle aspiration (FNA) status: second-line CNB for nodules where prior FNA yielded nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory results (n=57), second-line CNB for nodules with prior FNA results of atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) (n=303), and first-line CNB (n=856).
Results:
The proportion of nodules in each CNB category and the range of the malignancy rate for each category was as follows, in order from category I to VI: 1.8%, 23.1%-75.0%; 57.9%, 0.7%-16.7%; 16.0%, 13.2%-46.7%; 8.8%, 53.8%-56.8%; 2.0%, 100%; and 13.5%, 100%. First-line CNB was associated with a higher rate of conclusive diagnoses (category II, IV, or VI) (725 of 856, 84.7%) than second-line CNB with prior nondiagnostic or AUS/FLUS FNA results (241 of 360, 66.9%; P<0.001).
Conclusion
The overall distribution of nodules across the six categories of thyroid CNB and the ranges of malignancy risk for those categories were presented in a clinical cohort. First-line CNB tended to produce a higher rate of conclusive results than second-line CNB with prior inconclusive FNA results.
2.Estimating the time of onset of testicular torsion using ultrasonography in an experimental rat model
Sang Hoon SONG ; Çağatay E. AFŞARLAR ; Hui Wen XIE ; Andrew J. HUNG ; Chester J. KOH
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):152-158
Purpose:
We aimed to document the time of onset of ultrasonographic and histologic changes in the testes of a rat model following testicular torsion.
Methods:
Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. All animals underwent preoperative Doppler ultrasonography. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent unilateral surgical torsion of the testis lasting for 72, 24, and 6 hours, respectively. Group 4 underwent a sham operation. The animals were followed with Doppler ultrasonography at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Histologic examinations were performed at the designated final time point for each group.
Results:
After torsion, enlargement of the epididymal head and thickening of the spermatic cord over time were noted. Based on the ultrasonographic dimensions, the ratio of the epididymal volume increased with time following torsion (p=0.002). The torsed testes had an average weight gain of 0.27 g at 6 hours compared to the control testes, but an average weight loss of 0.22 g at 72 hours (P=0.006). Changes in testicular echotexture were noted as soon as 6 hours after torsion, but there was no consistent pattern of echotexture change thereafter. Histologically, viable tubules were seen 6 hours after torsion, while extensive hemorrhagic necrosis was found at 72 hours.
Conclusion
In evaluating testicular torsion, the enlargement ratio of the epididymis and thickening of the spermatic cord on Doppler ultrasonography may be useful for determining the urgency of immediate surgery. Changes in testicular echotexture may not be a reliable indicator of the time of onset.
3.Elasticity of torn supraspinatus tendons measured by shear wave elastography: a potential surrogate marker of chronicity?
Seung-Jin YOO ; Seunghun LEE ; Yoonah SONG ; Chun Ki KIM ; Bong Gun LEE ; Jiyoon BAE
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):144-151
Purpose:
This study investigated whether shear wave elastography (SWE) could be used to estimate the chronicity of supraspinatus tendon (SST) tears.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed. From November 2015 to July 2016, 113 patients (52 men, 61 women; age range, 21 to 79 years) with persistent shoulder pain underwent 119 rotator cuff tendon examinations by routine B-mode ultrasonography, while SST elasticity was measured using SWE. Following the exclusion of eight suboptimal examinations, four examinations with missing SST measurements, and 27 examinations of patients with other conditions, 80 examinations were analyzed. A torn SST was found in 54 examinations (27 with a partial-thickness tear and 27 with a full-thickness tear). Elasticity values were compared in multiple ways. The results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results:
No statistically significant difference in elasticity values (in kPa) was found between normal (median, 94.65; interquartile range [IQR], 87.43 to 105.47) and torn SSTs (median, 96.79; IQR, 86.71 to 108.56) or between full-thickness tears (median, 93.80; IQR, 82.50 to 108.33) and partial-thickness tears (median, 96.83; IQR, 90.60 to 112.20). However, there was a statistically significant difference in elasticity according to whether the duration of symptoms was 1 year or less (median, 92.20; IQR, 84.01 to 104.38) or longer than 1 year (median, 105.10; IQR, 100.41 to 116.03; P=0.032).
Conclusion
Elasticity values were significantly higher in torn SSTs in patients with chronic shoulder pain that had persisted for more than 1 year. Further studies with larger samples seem warranted to determine whether elasticity values measured by SWE can be used preoperatively as a surrogate marker of the chronicity of a rotator cuff tendon tear.
4.Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy versus combined magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion and systematic biopsy for prostate cancer detection in routine clinical practice
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):137-143
Purpose:
The goal of this study was to retrospectively compare systematic ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (US-PB) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy (MRI-PB) in men undergoing primary or repeated biopsies.
Methods:
A population of 2,200 patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level >4.0 ng/ dL and/or an abnormal rectal examination was divided into two groups. All patients underwent US-PB (n=1,021) or MRI-PB (n=1,179) between April 2015 and April 2019. Population demographics, including age, PSA level, digital rectal examination results, prostate volume, number of previous negative biopsies, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 (V2) score, and biopsy results, were acquired and compared with respect to these variables. Univariate regression analysis of the risk factors for a higher Gleason score (GS) was performed.
Results:
The cancer detection rate (CDR) was 23.8% (243 of 1,021) in the US-PB group and 31.3% (399 of 1,179) in the MRI-PB group. Of those, 225 patients (22.0%) in the US-PB group and 374 patients (31.7%) in the MRI-PB group had clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). The patients with csPCa in the MRI-PB group included 10 (40%), 50 (62.5%), 184 (94.8%), and 32 (94.1%) patients with PI-RADS V2 scores of 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Of the patients with csPCa, 155 (91.7%) in the US-PB group were diagnosed on the basis of the primary biopsy, compared to 308 (94.4%) in the MRI-PB group. We found the PI-RADS V2 score to be the best predictor of a higher GS.
Conclusion
MRI-PB showed a high CDR for csPCa. MRI-PB could be a reasonable approach in patients with high PI-RADS V2 scores at primary biopsy.
5.CT features of thyroid nodules with isolated macrocalcifications detected by ultrasonography
Wooyul PAIK ; Dong Gyu NA ; Hye Yun GWON ; Jinna KIM
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):130-136
Purpose:
A thyroid nodule with an isolated macrocalcification is visualized as a calcified nodule with complete posterior shadowing on ultrasonography (US). This study aimed to determine the computed tomography (CT) features of isolated macrocalcifications detected using US.
Methods:
This study included 20 patients who had thyroid nodules with isolated macroalcifications and underwent neck CT or chest CT. The patients were enrolled from a sample of 82 patients with isolated macrocalcifications detected by US drawn from 7,142 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid biopsy at two institutions. We evaluated the CT features of nodules with isolated macrocalcifications and categorized them as central or rim calcifications. We assessed the nodule size and the frequency of nondiagnostic fine-needle aspiration (FNA) results and malignant tumors according to the CT features of isolated macrocalcifications.
Results:
CT scans showed central calcifications in 18 (90.0%) and rim calcifications in two (10.0%) of the 20 nodules with isolated macrocalcifications. Among the 18 nodules with central isolated macrocalcifications, complete compact calcification was found in six nodules and partial coarse calcification in 12 nodules. In 18 nodules with central isolated macrocalcifications, the nondiagnostic FNA rate and frequency of malignant tumors were not significantly different between complete and partial central calcifications (P=0.620 and P=0.999, respectively). Malignant tumors were only found in nodules with central isolated macrocalcifications.
Conclusion
The majority of nodules with isolated macrocalcifications showed central calcifications on CT. Thyroid nodules with isolated macrocalcifications detected by US should not be classified as having a type of rim or peripheral calcification.
6.Role of ultrasound in the evaluation of first-trimester pregnancies in the acute setting
Venkatesh A. MURUGAN ; Bryan O’Sullivan MURPHY ; Carolyn DUPUIS ; Alan GOLDSTEIN ; Young H. KIM
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):178-189
In patients presenting for an evaluation of pregnancy in the first trimester, transvaginal ultrasound is the modality of choice for establishing the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy; evaluating pregnancy viability, gestational age, and multiplicity; detecting pregnancy-related complications; and diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. In this pictorial review article, the sonographic appearance of a normal intrauterine gestation and the most common complications of pregnancy in the first trimester in the acute setting are discussed.
7.Modern ultrasound imaging of pancreatic tumors
Christoph F. DIETRICH ; Christian JENSSEN
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):105-113
In patients with solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), the differential diagnosis must be evaluated to determine whether radical surgery, pancreatic parenchyma-saving strategies, or follow-up is indicated. Contrast-enhanced (endoscopic) ultrasonography and elastography facilitate the further characterization of SPLs. The majority of cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma exhibit hypoenhancement with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Elastographically soft SPLs are benign with very few exceptions, whereas stiffer SPLs can be malignant or benign. This article reviews the current use of modern ultrasound imaging techniques, including contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and elastography, for the detection and characterization of SPLs. In particular, the unexcelled diagnostic potential of multiparametric endoscopic ultrasonography to detect and characterize small SPLs is highlighted.
8.Reproducibility of ultrasound attenuation imaging for the noninvasive evaluation of hepatic steatosis
Jeongin YOO ; Jeong Min LEE ; Ijin JOO ; Dong Ho LEE ; Jeong Hee YOON ; Hyo-Jin KANG ; Su Joa AHN
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):121-129
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra-observer reproducibility of ultrasound attenuation imaging (ATI) for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis in patients with suspected hepatic steatosis and the inter-observer reproducibility in asymptomatic volunteers.
Methods:
This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all patients. In group 1, composed of patients with suspected hepatic steatosis (n=143), one abdominal radiologist performed gray-scale ultrasonography and two sessions of ATI. In group 2, composed of healthy volunteers (n=18), three independent sessions of ATI were performed by three abdominal radiologists. The visual degree of hepatic steatosis in all study subjects was graded on a 4-point scale by two independent reviewers using gray-scale ultrasonography. Thereafter, the attenuation coefficient (AC) was correlated with the degree of hepatic steatosis using Spearman rank correlation analysis. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess the intra-observer (group 1) and inter-observer reproducibility (group 2) of ATI measurements.
Results:
For the intra-observer reproducibility of ATI, the ICC was 0.929 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.901 to 0.949), and the coefficient of variation was 7.1%. Inter-observer reproducibility of ATI measurements showed an ICC of 0.792 (95% CI, 0.549 to 0.916). The AC showed a significant correlation with the visual grade of hepatic steatosis for both reviewers (rho, 0.780 and 0.695; P<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion
ATI showed high intra- and inter-observer reproducibility in the assessment of hepatic steatosis.
9.Groin abnormalities: ultrasonographic and clinical findings
Dal Mo YANG ; Hyun Cheol KIM ; Sang Won KIM ; Kyu Yeoun WON
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):166-177
Groin lesions can be classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Neoplastic lesions include lipoma, epidermoid cyst, angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor, liposarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, as well as metastases from lymphoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and carcinomas of the lung, breast, urinary bladder, ovary, vulva, and colon. Non-neoplastic lesions include hernias, round ligament varices, endometriosis, Kimura disease, Castleman disease, hematoma, and inflammation. Because the clinical implications and therapeutic strategies for groin lesions vary depending on the cause, the ability to noninvasively differentiate among etiologies is very important. Although there is substantial overlap in ultrasonographic findings across various groin lesions, some ultrasonographic features, along with clinical characteristics, may suggest a specific diagnosis. Familiarity with the ultrasonographic and clinical features of various groin lesions facilitates accurate diagnosis and treatment.
10.Glenohumeral joint capsular tissue tension loading correlates moderately with shear wave elastography: a cadaveric investigation
Charles W. NICHOLS ; Jean-Michel BRISMÉE ; Troy L. HOOPER ; Antony BERTRAND-GRENIER ; Kerry K. GILBERT ; Marc-Olivier ST-PIERRE ; Jeegisha KAPILA ; Stéphane SOBCZAK
Ultrasonography 2020;39(2):114-120
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the mechanical properties of capsular tissue using shear wave elastography (SWE) and a durometer under various tensile loads, and to explore the reliability and correlation of SWE and durometer measurements to evaluate whether SWE technology could be used to assess tissue changes during capsule tensile loading.
Methods:
The inferior glenohumeral joint capsule was harvested from 10 fresh human cadaveric specimens. Tensile loading was applied to the capsular tissue using 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-kg weights. Blinded investigators measured tissue stiffness and hardness during loading using SWE and a durometer, respectively. Intraobserver reliability was established for SWE and durometer measurements using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The Pearson product-moment correlation was used to assess the associations between SWE and durometer measurements.
Results:
The ICC3,5 for durometer measurements was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 0.96; P<0.001) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88 to 0.98; P<0.001) for SWE measurements. The Pearson correlation coefficient values for 1-, 3-, and 5-kg weights were 0.56 (P=0.095), 0.36 (P=0.313), and -0.56 (P=0.089), respectively. When the 1- and 3-kg weights were combined, the ICC3,5 was 0.72 (P<0.001), and it was 0.62 (P<0.001) when the 1-, 3-, and 5-kg weights were combined. The 8-kg measurements were severely limited due to SWE measurement saturation of the tissue samples.
Conclusion
This study suggests that SWE is reliable for measuring capsular tissue stiffness changes in vitro at lower loads (1 and 3 kg) and provides a baseline for the non-invasive evaluation of effects of joint loading and mobilization on capsular tissues in vivo.