Evaluation of the acute scrotum by color-coded Doppler ultrasonography.

Torsion of the testis, also referred to as torsion of the spermatic cord, is a subject of debate among physicians and surgeons. Testicular torsion is an acute vascular event causing the rotation of the vascular pedicle of the testis, thereby impeding the blood flow to the testis and the scro

Testicular Torsion: A Review

This paper describes the development and initial testing of an automated ultrasound imaging technique to acquire quantitative volumetric breast data; the clinical application being breast cancer diagnosis and management. A novel mechanical scanner has been designed and constructed to constrain the breast tissue without compromising the image, to acquire images of the majority of the breast using a conventional B-mode scanner and to maintain patient comfort. An algorithm to improve upon simple depth-dependent amplification by compensating for tissue-dependent attenuation is applied to the images, making the grey-scale values represent local scattering properties more closely. Registration techniques have been developed to correct for geometric errors arising in the data set because of tissue movement and variations in speed of sound in the tissues. The data sets are reconstructed into volumes and viewed interactively. A pilot study of seven patients was performed and selected results are presented to illustrate lesion features. The automated scan reduces operator-dependence, provides clear information on the 3-D tissue boundaries and provides a full record for monitoring or surgical planning. (E-mail: Jacqueline.shipley@ruh-bath.swest.nhs.uk)

Automated quantitative volumetric breast ultrasound data-acquisition system.

In 1952 Wild and Reid performed the initial studies that laid the groundwork for the development of breast sonography. The Japanese groups of Wagai and Kobayashi and the Australian groups of Kossoff and Jellins published the first clinically important results in the early 1970s. Their work stimulated a widespread implementation and refinement of breast sonography using real-time instrumentation. Today, computer-controlled systems have given ultrasound an established place in the diagnosis of breast diseases and have made it competitive with other noninvasive modalities.

Basic Technical and Methodologic Aspects of Breast Sonography

Attempts to use ultrasound for diagnosis of diseases of the breast are approximately as old as the development of mammography. Since mammography has been criticized with reference to radiation hygiene, breast sonography has recently shifted to the center of public and scientific interest. In press reports, breast sonography has already been prematurely described as a time-tested and reliable alternative to mammography. Only the newest technological development and the presently beginning worldwide scientific activity in the field of breast sonography can contribute towards defining and consolidating the position of ultrasound in the spectrum of breast diagnostics.

Recent Progress in the Ultrasonic Detection of Breast Cancer

The experience with the sonographic examination of 80 patients with an Octoson body unit is described. It was found that with the present technique immersion of the breast in most cases is less satisfactory than compression of the breast. The compound scan improves the information as compared with a single scan up to a point. Immersion sonography, like all other types of ultrasound examination, is at present not satisfactory as the sole method for examining the breast. As an addition to mammography and palpation, sonography is, however, already an important complementary method.

[Technical aspects of breast sonography. Experience with an immersion scanner (Octoson) (author's transl)].

The testes of about 50 patients were examined by ultrasound, using a water immersion technique. Immersion sonography provides an excellent and anatomically detailed demonstration of the male genitalia. Intrascrotal fluid collections, extra- and intratesticular solid lesions and inflammatory processes can be accurately differentiated. The method is suitable for showing the size, shape and extent of a scrotal lesion. In many cases the echo pattern can provide information concerning the pathological changes of these organs.

Felix R

Papers

[Technical aspects of breast sonography. Experience with an immersion scanner (Octoson) (author's transl)].

[A new immersion ultrasound technique for the investigation of the scrotum (author's transl)].

New ultrasonic method in diagnosis of testicular diseases