Ultrasound Quarterly 

About: Ultrasound Quarterly is an academic journal published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Ultrasound. It has an ISSN identifier of 0894-8771. Over the lifetime, 1108 publications have been published receiving 14526 citations.

Management of thyroid nodules detected at US: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference statement

Abstract: The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from a variety of medical disciplines to come to a consensus on the management of thyroid nodules identified with thyroid ultrasonography (US), with particular focus on which nodules should be subjected to US-guided fine needle aspiration and which thyroid nodules need not be subjected to fine-needle aspiration. The panel met in Washington, DC, October 26-27, 2004, and created this consensus statement. The recommendations in this consensus statement, which are based on analysis of the current literature and common practice strategies, are thought to represent a reasonable approach to thyroid nodular disease.

Carotid artery stenosis: grayscale and Doppler ultrasound diagnosis--Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference.

Abstract: The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts in the field of vascular ultrasonography (US) to come to a consensus regarding Doppler US for assistance in the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis. The panel's consensus statement is believed to represent a reasonable position on the basis of analysis of available literature and panelists' experience. Key elements of the statement include the following: First, all internal carotid artery (ICA) examinations should be performed with grayscale, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler US. Second, the degree of stenosis determined at grayscale and Doppler US should be stratified into the categories of normal (no stenosis), less than 50% stenosis, 50 to 69% stenosis, > or =70% stenosis to near occlusion, near occlusion, and total occlusion. Third, ICA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the presence of plaque on grayscale and/or color Doppler images are primarily used in the diagnosis and grading of ICA stenosis. Two additional parameters (the ICA-to-common carotid artery PSV ratio and ICA end diastolic velocity) may also be used when clinical or technical factors raise concern that ICA PSV may not be representative of the extent of disease. Fourth, ICA should be diagnosed as normal when ICA PSV is less than 125 cm/second and no plaque or intimal thickening is visible, less than 50% stenosis when ICA PSV is less than 125 cm/second and plaque or intimal thickening is visible, 50 to 69% stenosis when ICA PSV is 125 to 230 cm/second and plaque is visible, > or =70% stenosis to near occlusion when ICA PSV is more than 230 cm/second and visible plaque and lumen narrowing are seen, near occlusion when there is a markedly narrowed lumen on color Doppler US, and total occlusion when there is no detectable patent lumen on grayscale US and no flow on spectral, power, and color Doppler US. Fifth, the final report should discuss velocity measurements and grayscale and color Doppler findings. Study limitations should be noted when they exist. The conclusion should state an estimated degree of ICA stenosis as reflected in these categories. The panel also considered various technical aspects of carotid US and methods for quality assessment, and identified several important unanswered questions meriting future research.

Imaging and estimation of tissue elasticity by ultrasound.

Abstract: Ultrasound (US) elasticity imaging is an extension of the ancient art of palpation and of earlier US methods for viewing tissue stiffness such as echopalpation. Elasticity images consist of either an image of strain in response to force or an image of estimated elastic modulus. There are 3 m

Elastography Assessment of Liver Fibrosis: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference Statement.

Abstract: Chronic liver disease is a substantial worldwide problem. Its major consequence is increasing deposition of fibrous tissue within the liver, leading to the development of cirrhosis with its consequences, portal hypertension, hepatic insufficiency, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Different histol

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Lower Quadrant Pain--Suspected Appendicitis.

Abstract: The most common cause of acute right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain requiring surgery is acute appendicitis (AA). This narrative's focus is on imaging procedures in the diagnosis of AA, with consideration of other diseases causing RLQ pain. In general, Computed Tomography (CT) is the most accurate imaging study for evaluating suspected AA and alternative etiologies of RLQ pain. Data favor intravenous contrast use for CT, but the need for enteric contrast when intravenous contrast is used is not strongly favored. Radiation exposure concerns from CT have led to increased investigation in minimizing CT radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and in using algorithms with ultrasound as a first imaging examination followed by CT in inconclusive cases. In children, ultrasound is the preferred initial examination, as it is nearly as accurate as CT for the diagnosis of AA in this population and without ionizing radiation exposure. In pregnant women, ultrasound is preferred initially with MRI as a second imaging examination in inconclusive cases, which is the majority.The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every three years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.