Showing papers in "Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2019"
TL;DR: The latest recommendations for assessment of left ventricular diastolic function are practical and simple to implement in daily practice, and these recommendations are mainly based on six parameters: E wave, E/A ratio, septal or lateral e′, average E/e′, left atrial volume indexed, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity.
Abstract: Diastolic function represents the filling property of the heart during diastole. Diastole comprises four phases: isovolumic relaxation, rapid filling, slow filling (diastasis), and active filling. ...
17 citations
TL;DR: Designers, manufacturers, engineers, and ergonomists are urged to recognize this area of opportunity and come together to apply their knowledge of biomechanics and design in developing useful and usable workplace interventions to reduce sonographers’ WRMSD risk factor exposure.
Abstract: For more than two decades, surveys of imaging technologists have consistently reported high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD). Yet, workplace intervention research invol...
9 citations
TL;DR: Although thyroid size can be easily assessed on physical examination, due to the superficial location of the gland, palpation has low sensitivity and specificity for the management and diagnosis of thyroid disorders, so thyroid volume measured sonographically is more accurate than thyroid size assessed with a physical examination.
Abstract: An accurate evaluation of thyroid volume, in patients of all ages, is important for the correct diagnosis of a goiter and for sonographic monitoring of thyroid diseases. It is especially important ...
8 citations
TL;DR: A new paradigm for understanding and applying sonographic principles is needed because two alternative fundamental principles of operation are now present in the array of commercially available sonographic equipment.
Abstract: A new paradigm for understanding and applying sonographic principles is needed because two alternative fundamental principles of operation are now present in the array of commercially available son...
7 citations
TL;DR: OBEs do not have a significant effect on examination grades, and examination anxiety and stress are reported to be reduced, but the OBE cohort noted a preference of OBEs over CBEs.
Abstract: Sonography programs continuously explore and evaluate methods to improve quality. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate the use of open-book examinations (OBEs) in an accredite...
7 citations
TL;DR: To identify sonographers’ physical activity levels and types and frequency of exercise performed regularly, a minimally adapted long-form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was distributed to Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography members.
Abstract: Stretching and exercise are recommended to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in sonographers, but evidence is lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify sonographers’ p...
6 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that transcranial Doppler sonography is an accurate, easily accessible procedure for detecting patent foramen ovale and should be considered an excellent alternative to transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography.
Abstract: The correlation between cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale is high in young patients. Currently, transesophageal echocardiography is the gold standard for detection. However, it is invasiv...
6 citations
TL;DR: There was no statistically significant correlation between anthropometric variables with BWt, DWT, and BW except age, which had a weak positive correlation with BWT (P = .05).
Abstract: The aim was to establish reference values of bladder wall thickness (BWT), detrusor wall thickness (DWT), and bladder weight (BW) in apparently healthy adults in a Nigerian population. Therefore, a...
5 citations
TL;DR: Multiple examples of the sonographic appearance of flexor digitorum superficialis and lumbrical muscle bellies extending into the carpal tunnel are provided.
Abstract: Musculoskeletal sonography is being widely used for evaluation of structures within the carpal tunnel. While some anatomical variants, such as bifurcated median nerves and persistent median arteries, have been well documented, limited literature describes the sonographic appearance of aberrant muscle bellies within the carpal tunnel. Multiple examples of the sonographic appearance of flexor digitorum superficialis and lumbrical muscle bellies extending into the carpal tunnel are provided. Techniques for static image acquisition and analysis are discussed, and the use of dynamic imaging to confirm which specific muscle belly is involved is described. Knowledge of the potential presence of muscle bellies in these images and ability to identify these structures is vital to avoid misclassification or misdiagnosis as abnormal pathology. The case examples are situated among current published evidence regarding how such anomalies may be related to the development of pathologies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
5 citations
TL;DR: The progression of education for sonography and the continued forward movement of credentialing standards will be reprise in this issue.
Abstract: As the above quote implies, knowledge of history can lead to continued future successful strategies for resolving issues, significant to sonographers and the overall sonography community, which are steadily looming on the horizon. In 2005, Joan Baker, MSR, FSDMS, provided an insightful commentary and historical overview of the evolution of sonography in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Since the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is now approaching its 50th anniversary, it is appropriate to provide an update on how the world of sonography has advanced over the past 15 years. It is important to recognize a new generation has entered this fascinating field. Therefore, acknowledging the early entry conduits to diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) was a reflection of the role of those performing the examinations and relative to the surrounding circumstances at the time of beginning the occupation of sonography. This article will reprise the progression of education for sonography and the continued forward movement of credentialing standards in this issue.
5 citations
TL;DR: A literature review summarizes the findings from 19 research studies on accreditation, credentialing, and quality improvement and includes illustrative quotes from 23 position papers and 42 editorials that uncovered large differences in facility accreditation status based on sonography specialty and geographical area.
Abstract: There are few regulations regarding facility accreditation and individual credentialing in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), although it is known that the quality of examinations in the field ca...
TL;DR: A scoping of the literature on different sonographic measurements and assessments that have been reported to evaluate the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel should provide a guide to scanning protocols for sonographers.
Abstract: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most frequent peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. The diagnosis is determined through a combination of history, physical...
TL;DR: Premature closure of the ductus arteriosus is a rare phenomenon that can cause increased pressure on the right ventricle, resulting in pulmonary hypertension, and if left untreated, it can result in fetal death.
Abstract: Premature closure of the ductus arteriosus is a rare phenomenon. It is thought to be caused by one of three things: abnormal levels of produced and circulating prostaglandin, maternal ingestion of ...
TL;DR: Upgraded, state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities have made new imaging possibilities, including enhanced B-mode tissue characterization, which helps to differentiate areas within a region of interest based on the unique acoustic characteristics of the tissues insonated.
Abstract: Ultrasound imaging continues to break through scientific and engineering ceilings that have formerly restricted the type and quality of information available. Limited by the temporal, data acquisit...
TL;DR: The objective was to enhance the contrast and segment the femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) area from patients’ ultrasonography (US) images, and the interobserver reliability and variability of the FAP measurements from the original, contrast-enhanced, and segmented US were compared.
Abstract: The objective was to enhance the contrast and segment the femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) area from patients’ ultrasonography (US) images. In addition, this study compared the intra- and intero...
TL;DR: A literature review provides a current set of studies that discuss high-level disinfection of ultrasound transducers, GA use, exposure, and alternatives, and additional guidance is provided on how to potentially minimize GA exposure and suggestions for protecting patients during their imaging examination.
Abstract: A review of recent literature has demonstrated that ultrasound transducers may harbor bacteria and viruses that could cause cross-contamination for patients. Reducing the risk of cross-contaminatio...
TL;DR: The heel pad thickness (HPT) in diabetic patients with high biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid profile), and duration of diabetes mellitus with nondiabetic counterparts showed a significant linear relationship with HbA1c among the diabetic subjects.
Abstract: The aim was to compare the heel pad thickness (HPT) in diabetic patients with high biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar [FBS], hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], and lipid profile) with nondiabetic cou...
TL;DR: PDA was the most frequent of all CHDs manifestations and a statistical association was noted between PDA and patient age as well as ASD and female sex.
Abstract: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a serious issue in pediatric health care. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), atrial septum defect (ASD...
TL;DR: Patients with noncontrolled type 2 diabetes exhibited significantly higher alanine aminotransferase, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher triglyceride levels than non–type 2 diabetes patients.
Abstract: The craniocaudal (CC) length of the right lobe of the liver (RLL), liver texture, size of the main portal vein, and hemodynamics of the hepatic artery, were sonographically evaluated in female diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A One-way ANOVA, a Tukey's post-hoc test, and a Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc Dunn's test, were employed. Non-symptomatic differences in liver anatomy were detected among non-controlled type 2 diabetes patients. They exhibited the longest CC length of the RLL (p = 0.04) as well as an enlarged main portal vein (p = 0.04). Hepatic artery resistive index (RI) was higher among controlled type 2 diabetes patients (p = 0.04). These differences were not attributed to fatty infiltration. Non-controlled type 2 diabetes patients exhibited significantly higher alanine aminotransferase, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher triglyceride levels, than in non-type 2 diabetes patients. Longitudinal sonography may provide valuable diagnostic information in the management of type 2 diabetes.
TL;DR: Sonography provides an excellent diagnostic method for subungual exostosis, with findings that are pathognomonic, and the presence of hyperechogenic subungUAL image with acoustic shadowing that continued until the phalanx surface.
Abstract: Subungual exostosis is a rare solitary benign osteocartilaginous tumor that arises from the tuft of the distal phalanx beneath the nail. Because of its multiple clinical presentations, it is common...
TL;DR: This case report is of a patient with a history of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome who presented with heavy bleeding after a cesarean delivery and a hysterectomy was performed.
Abstract: Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon vascular lesion that can be life threatening. A ruptured uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can cause acute massive hemorrhaging, creating a true emergency for the postpartum patient. The etiology is more commonly seen with traumatic procedures such as cesarean delivery or curettage. This case report is of a patient with a history of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome who presented with heavy bleeding after a cesarean delivery. Sonography was primarily used to diagnose the uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. Because of the massive hemorrhaging in this case, a hysterectomy was performed.
TL;DR: Cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common fetal cardiac tumor and can be detected in the second and third trimesters.
Abstract: Cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common fetal cardiac tumor. They can be detected in the second and third trimesters. Rhabdomyomas are most commonly associated with the genetic disorder tuberous s...
TL;DR: A retrospective review of 235 patients was conducted to compare LVEF via ECHO and SPECT done within 72 hours and a moderately positive correlation resulted, but further imaging may be needed for discordant results when medications and/or devices are considered.
Abstract: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is vital to manage heart failure (HF). Studies have reported variable correlations for LVEF between echocardiography (ECHO) and single-photon emission comp...
TL;DR: The diagnostic ability of 3D transvaginal sonography and, at the same time, the potential deficiency of laparoscopy to make the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis are demonstrated.
Abstract: A case is described of a patient who presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy, which failed to identify any features of endometriosis. T...
TL;DR: The baseline values derived for thyroid dimensions may form the basis for thyroid screening in these asymptomatic children, in a select Nigerian population.
Abstract: The objective was to establish normal thyroid volume in healthy infants and children, in a select Nigerian population. Using a portable ultrasound equipment with a 7.5-MHz transducer, 500 apparentl...
TL;DR: Good posture, ergonomics, and suitable workspace design play important roles in reducing the rates of shoulder injury, and increasing the sonographer's awareness of how to prevent shoulder injury and the supervisor's knowledge about the protection from WRMSDs can decrease the rates.
Abstract: Shoulder injury and pain are the most commonly reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers. Shoulder injury can affect the sonographer’s performance, which may lead ...
TL;DR: Simulation in health care education is considered an educational strategy in which a particular set of conditions is created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real life.
Abstract: Simulation in health care education is considered an educational strategy in which a particular set of conditions is created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real...
TL;DR: This case study demonstrates how color and gray-scale sonography are a reliable imaging method for identifying placenta previa and accreta.
Abstract: Placenta previa is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. A partial or complete obstruction of the internal cervical os prevents a normal vaginal delivery. It can be further complicated...
TL;DR: In three cases where PO was identified in the left hemi-scrotum, a mediastinum was also appreciated in two of the cases, which helped to solidify the diagnosis of polyorchidism.
Abstract: The traditional sonographic characteristic used to distinguish polyorchidism (PO) has been its homogeneous echotexture, which is similar or identical to the normal testicle. PO is most commonly fou...
TL;DR: In this case study, a liver sonogram identified no evidence of a portal vein and sonography aided in the incidental diagnosis of Abernethy malformation in a 38-year-old man with Marfan syndrome.
Abstract: Abernethy malformation is a very rare abdominal vascular malformation. It can be defined as portal blood flow bypassing the liver. Without treatment, it can lead to high levels of ammonia, which ca...