Prevalence and significance of ischemic cerebrovascular events in giant cell arteritis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of cerebrovascular events (CVE) in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to alert clinicians to the importance of early detection of CVE in this disease.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study involving a cohort of GCA patients. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 GCA classification criteria and had a positive ultrasound test for GCA in agreement with the EULAR recommendations. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded with special attention paid to ischemic cranial events.

RESULTS

We studied 123 consecutive GCA patients, 74 (60.2%) women with a mean age of 79 years. Twelve patients (9.75%) suffered from neurologic symptoms other than AION, of whom 9 (7.3%) experienced ischemic events related to GCA and 3 (2.44%) likely experienced CVE due to other common causes. Of the 9 patients with CVE caused by GCA, 5 were diagnosed with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), 2 with ischemic stroke, and 2 were cases involving cranial nerve palsies. High rates of mortality were found in patients with a TIA or stroke, while polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) appeared to confer some protection against ischemic pathologies in GCA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke and TIA are common presentation patterns associated with GCA and should be suspected in all CVE-related cases with high acute-phase reactants commonly present in the elderly. This ischemic subgroup exhibited a higher mortality rate.

Consensus document for ultrasound training in the specialty of Nephrology

Ultrasound is an essential tool in the management of the nephrological patient allowing the diagnosis, monitoring and performance of kidney intervention. However, the usefulness of ultrasound in the hands of the nephrologist is not limited exclusively to the ultrasound study of the kidney. By ultrasound, the nephrologist can also optimize the management of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, measure cardiovascular risk (mean intimate thickness), implant central catheters for ultrasound-guided HD, as well as the patient's volemia using basic cardiac ultrasound, ultrasound of the cava inferior vein and lungs. From the Working Group on Interventional Nephrology (GNDI) of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) we have prepared this consensus document that summarizes the main applications of ultrasound to Nephrology, including the necessary basic technical requirements, the framework normative and the level of training of nephrologists in this area. The objective of this work is to promote the inclusion of ultrasound, both diagnostic and interventional, in the usual clinical practice of the nephrologist and in the Nephrology Services portfolio with the final objective of offering diligent, efficient and comprehensive management to the nephrological patient.

Giant pes anserinus bursitis: A rare soft tissue mass of the medial knee

Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, mainly around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel in a number over 150. They contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction. Pes anserinus bursae, despite being clinically frequent, are not visible either by ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance image (MRI). In some cases, we may observe a small fluid collection. The present case-report demonstrates the full clinical picture of a giant pes anserinus bursae beginning from clinical observation to its final pathology exam.

Quality Health Care in Acute Shoulder Pain: What Is the Contribution of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

For the purpose of assessing the impact of ultrasound in patients with acute shoulder pain, we conducted an analysis of quality health care indicators: need for reevaluation of the pain, rate of referral to specialized medicine and length of time in the emergency department. We reviewed the 1,433 records of patients attended to between 2015 and 2016. Thirty days after the first examination, 90 patients (10.1%) had returned to the control group (56 through the emergency department and 34 because of the), whereas, in the ultrasound (US) group, 14 (2.5%) had returned at least once (12 through the emergency department and 2 because of the PCC) (P<.001). The rate of referral to specialized medicine in the control group was 36.5%, whereas in the US group it was 6.21% (P<.0001). The average length of stay was 94.5 (standard deviation [SD] 34.3) minutes in the control group and 105.4 (SD 40.1) minutes in the US group (P<.0001). Our results suggest that the practice of shoulder ultrasound improves health care quality in these patients, at the cost of a slight increase in health care time.

Concordance of the ACR TI-RADS

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonography (US) is the method of choice for evaluating thyroid nodules. In 2017, the American College of Radiology (ACR) created a classification system based on US characteristics. For the system to be adopted, it must be reproducible.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the intraobserver and interobserver variability of the ACR TI-RADS.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study; three radiologists with different levels of experience used the ACR TI-RADS to classify 100 nodules on two occasions one month apart, and we calculated the intraobserver and interobserver variability.

RESULTS

Regarding intraobserver variability, the first radiologist had nearly perfect concordance for composition, echogenicity, shape, and margins and substantial concordance for echogenic foci; the second radiologist had nearly perfect concordance for composition, echogenicity, shape, and margins and substantial concordance for echogenic foci, and the third radiologist had nearly perfect concordance for composition, echogenicity, and shape and substantial concordance for margins and echogenic foci. The interobserver concordance was calculated for the two readings; the concordance was substantial except for shape in the first reading and for echogenicity and margins in the second reading, which had moderate concordance.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACR TI-RADS classification system is reproducible.

Juxtapapillary neovascular membrane associated with optic nerve drusen

CLINICAL CASE

Forteen year old patient presenting progressive decrease in visual acuity of the left eye after 3 months of evolution. On examination he presents bilateral drusen of papilla, associated with juxtapapillary neovascular membrane, which seriously compromises the vision and visual field of the left eye.

RESULT

Treatment with 3 consecutive injections of intravitreal ranibizumab resulted in the inactivation of the neovascular membrane with reabsorption of subretinal fluid and improvement of the best corrected visual acuity of the left eye. After 9 months of follow-up, it was 20/20 and stable.

CONCLUSION

Although optic nerve head drusen are considered benign, neovascular membranes can be a complication. Anti-VEGFs are an effective alternative for treatment.

Methods of estimation of pleural effusion by ecography

Pleural effusion is a frequent pathology in intensive care units. The diagnosis has improved after the introduction of pulmonary ultrasound, an accessible method at the bedside, which allows not only the diagnosis but also the treatment of this entity. The aim of our study is to determine the accuracy of published mathematical equations to calculate the volume of pleural effusion from ultrasound measurements. After doing a systematic review, seven articles were selected that each proposed a mathematical equation. In all of them the results were statistically significant. However, there is no ideal formula among those studied.

SEPAR-AEER Consensus Recommendations on the Usefulness of the Thoracic Ultrasound in the Management of the Patient with Suspected or Confirmed Infection with COVID-19

The great pulmonary affectation produced by the COVID-19 infection, requires a fast diagnostic tool that complements the diagnostic test by PCR and which is also useful in evaluating the progression of lung lesions. Since most of these are peripheral, in this consensus document we propose the use of thoracic ultrasound for early diagnosis and for the daily evaluation of the progression of lung lesions by a single explorer without the need to use the chest CT. In this consensus, it is proposed to carry out a systematic ultrasound examination of the thorax dividing it by quadrants and therefore identifying the ultrasound signs that are related to the type of parenchymal or pleural affectation that the patient has: A lines, B lines, parenchymal condensation, pleural line and pleural effusion. These findings will facilitate the decision making regarding the patient management, both when deciding the place of admission of the patient and the type of treatment to be prescribed.

[Targeted biopsies using magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasonograpgy fusion compared with sistematic biopsies prostate cancer detection. Initial experience.]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the initial experiencein our center on targeted prostate biopsies (TB) using Magnetic Resonance imaging/ultrasonography (MRI/US) fusion and to compare PCa detection with systematic biopsies (SB).

PATIENTS AND ME THODS

A retrospective, descriptive and comparative study was conducted on the first 94 men who underwent TB using MRU/US fusion in our center since February 2017 to March 2018. All patients underwent a protocol of 6-12 cores of systematic biopsies (SB) (except 9) and 2-6 targeted coreson the MRI index lesion. The Hitachi/HiVision Preirus equipment was used with RVS software (Real-time virtual sonography) and a biplane transducer for the fusion imaging procedure. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as: at least one core with a Gleason score of 3+4.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients diagnosed with PCa was higher in TB compared with SB (p=0.035) and the mean of core performed for diagnosis was lower in TB compared with SB (p<0.001). A trend towards an improved detection of csPCa in TB compared to SB was observed (p=0.063).

CONCLUSIONS

The MRI/US fusion targeted biopsies (TB) showed a higher detection rate of PCa, with less cores taken for diagnosis and a tendency to better identification of csCaP compared to SB.

Pediatric groin lesions: imaging findings

OBJECTIVES

The groin is a complex anatomic region that has traditionally been ignored by radiologists because most lesions can be diagnosed from clinical data and physical examination. Nevertheless, ultrasound examinations of the groin are increasingly being requested to confirm injury or to resolve diagnostic uncertainty. On the other hand, some conditions involving the groin are found only in pediatric patients. This article describes the key imaging findings in pediatric groin injuries, placing special emphasis on the ultrasound appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about conditions that can affect the groin in pediatric patients and the key imaging findings associated with them helps improve the diagnostic performance of ultrasound.

[Ultrasound-guided cannulation or by pulse palpation in the intensive care unit]

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound (US) guidance increases the success rate and decreases complications during central venous catheterisation (CVC). The benefits of US guidance in arterial catheterisation are less clear. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of US-guided arterial catheterisation with the traditional landmark (LM) technique in critically ill children.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre study was carried out in 18 Paediatric Intensive Care units in Spain during a 6-months period. Ultrasound guided and landmark techniques were compared in terms of cannulation technical success and immediate mechanical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 161 procedures were performed on 128 patients (78 procedures in the US group and 83 in the LM groups). The median (interquartile range) age and weight of the cohort was 11months (2-52), and 10kg (4-17), respectively. More than half (59.6%) were male. US was used mainly in big (number of beds 11 [8-16] vs 6 [4-10], p < 0,001) and high complexity intensive care units (cardiac surgery program 76.9% vs. 25.6%, P<.001) as well as in smaller children [weight 5.7kg (3.8-13) vs 11.5kg (4.9-22.7), P<.001]. Almost half (49.7%) of the procedures were performed by an inexperienced operator (paediatric resident, or staff with less than 5years of clinical experience in the PICU), and only 24.4% had performed more than 50 US-guided vascular access procedures before the study. There were no significant differences between US and LM techniques in terms of first-attempt success (35.8% vs 33.7%, P=.773), overall success (75.6% vs 71.1%, P=.514), number of puncture attempts [2 (1-4) vs 2 (1-3), P=.667] and complications (16.6% vs 25.6%, P=.243). Adjustment by potential confounders using multivariate regression models did not modify these results. Subgroup analyses showed that US outperformed LM technique in terms of overall success (83.7% vs 62.7%, P=.036) and complications (10,8% vs 32.5%, P=.020) only when procedures where performed by less-experienced operators.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective observational multicentre study, US did not improve arterial cannulation outcomes compared to the traditional LM technique in critically ill children. US-guided arterial cannulation may offer advantages when cannulation is performed by inexperienced operators.

Practical ultrasound workshops to teach medical students basic concepts of ultrasound semiology

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of practical ultrasound workshops for the acquisition and consolidation of conceptual learning about the basic physics and semiology of ultrasonography aimed at third-year medical school students doing the physical examination module of their studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We carried out practical ultrasound workshops with two groups of 177 and 175 students in two consecutive academic years. All students had taken a class in basic radiology in the previous year. Students examined each other with ultrasonography under instructors' supervision in a two-hour session. Before and after the workshop, students did a seven-question multiple-choice test about basic semiology and answered two questions evaluating their degree of confidence in interpreting ultrasonographic images and handling the ultrasound scanner on a scale from 1 to 10.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the scores obtained in the two groups. Overall, the mean score on the multiple-choice test improved from 59.71% on the initial assessment to 88.29% on the post-workshop assessment (p <0.01). Confidence in interpreting images improved from 3.39/10 to 6.28/10 (p <0.01), and confidence in handling the equipment improved from 3.73/10 to 6.51/10 (p <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Practical workshops were useful for learning basic concepts about ultrasound imaging, allowing students to significantly improve their scores on the multiple-choice test. Students had a low level of confidence in their ability to interpret ultrasound images and handle the equipment before starting the workshop, but their confidence improved significantly after completing the workshop.

Distal biceps tendon rupture: diagnostic strength of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this study is to determine the agreement between two radiological tests, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance, in the diagnosis of distal brachial biceps tendon injury.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective study was made of patients over 3 years who underwent distal brachial biceps tendon reattachment open surgery, and whose preoperative diagnosis was complemented either by ultrasonography, by magnetic resonance or both. The agreement was calculated by Cohen's kappa coefficient (k).

RESULTS

Information of 79 patients was analyzed. The concordance was excellent between resonance and surgical findings (k=.950), and a good Cohen's kappa coefficient was also achieved between both ultrasonography and surgery (k=.706) and between information of sonography and magnetic resonance (k=.667).

CONCLUSIONS

Resonance and ultrasonography could be considered reliable diagnostic tests to determine the acute rupture of the distal brachial biceps tendon in patients with consistent aetiology and physical examination.

Predicting factors for the diagnosis of gangrene acute cholecystitis

Background

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) must be promptly treated for its high morbimortality. The object of our study is to identify clinical, laboratory or ultrasound factors that might us diagnose GC.

Method

A Retrospective cohort study is devised including all patients admitted to Hospital de Laredo (Cantabria, Spain) between 2015 and 2017 with the diagnose of acute cholecystitis and having been operated. Patients were classified in two groups according to pathology: GC and non-GC. We compared their demographics characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters and ultrasound findings.

Results

A total of 115 patients were operated, of whom 32 had CG and 83 CNG. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed significantly increased levels in GC group (p = 0.042) and CRP (p < 0.0001). To CRP showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.872 (95% confidence interval: 0.797-0.946). Acalculous cholecystitis was significantly associated to GC (24.1 vs. 7%; p < 0.005). In the multivariate analysis only the CPR showed as a predictive factor. A cutting point of CRP at 15.25 mg/dl, that had high sensibility (90.6%) and high negative predictive value (95%).

Conclusion

CRP helped identify patients with CG to indicate early surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules in Spain. Results of a national survey

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid nodule (TN) is a common reason for consultation in daily practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of TNs in our environment and to assess the current status regarding the existence and structure of high-resolution TN clinics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Members of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition were invited in 2018 to participate in an online survey on the diagnostic and therapeutic processes of TN.

RESULTS

A total of 211 valid surveys were received. Of all respondents, 30.8% stated that there were high-resolution TN clinics in their environment, with the endocrinologist being the main person responsible for performing ultrasonography (87.7%) and fine needle aspiration (FNA) (69.2%). For ultrasound classification of TNs, 32.7% used the ATA criteria, 32.2% the TI-RADS criteria, and 22.7% no classification. In situ verification of sample suitability was performed in 35.5% of the cases, and molecular analysis in 8.1%. With regard to clinical discharge, 65.4% would consider it after 5 years of follow-up and with a benign FNA. In the event of a Bethesda III result, 50.2% of respondents would repeat FNA and 35.5% would opt for surgery; if a Bethesda IV result was found, 95.8% would opt for surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution TN clinics are structures increasingly implemented in our environment where the endocrinologist is the main person responsible for performing ultrasonography and FNA. The standard clinical practice in our specialty is consistent with most recommendations concerning clinical practice guidelines for TNs.

Quadratus lumborum block. New approach for a chronic hip pain. Cases report

Hip arthrosis is a frequent and difficult to manage disease. The generated pain supposes a great impact in the quality life of the patient. The goal of the treatment should be to reduce pain and to improve function. Based on the complex innervation of the hip, the minimally invasive thecniques have been increasing. In this context, we present the results obtained in four patients with a hip chronic pain due to arthrosis, to whom we performed a quadratus lumborum block type 2 (QL2) with levobupivacaine plus dexametasone as therapeutic option. The results have shown a significant decrease of the intensity of pain (NRS) for more than 6 months.

[Ultrasound-guided cryotherapy of small renal masses: Systematic review.]

OBJECTIVE

Renal cryotherapy (RC) is an alternative therapeutic option to partial nephrectomy in elderly patients and/or patients with comorbidities. The technique can be guided by ultrasound, CT and MRI. Although CT is the most used technique, there are no comparative studies. The objective of this study was to review the current status of ultrasound as a guide for the planning and execution of RC.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out in the Pubmed/Medline database following the PRISMA guidelines. We used 42 articles that met the inclusion criteria for the synthesis of the evidence.

RESULTS

Ultrasound allows dynamic and real-time monitoring of the entire procedure to guide the biopsy, placement of the cryoprobes, cryoball formation, and early identification of complications. The success rate and recurrences found in the percutaneous renal cryotherapy (PRC) were 97.04% and 1.81%, respectively, with 9.35% complications. The ultrasound during laparoscopic renal cryotherapy (LRC) has been shown to reduce the time spent in localizing the renal mass and also decreases the need for large dissections. On the other hand, contrast-enhanced ultrasound during follow-up shows a concordance with the CT or MRI of 72-96% and no complications have been described associated with its execution.

CONCLUSION

Renal cryotherapy guided by ultrasound is a feasible technique, its main advantage is based on real-time monitoring during the procedure. The PRC presents an acceptable rate of complications and excellent oncological results. The LRC allows a rapid localization of the renal mass and reduces extensive dissections. During follow-up, the use of contrast ultrasound is a safe alternative that has been shown to have a good degree of agreement with respect to CT and MRI.

[Ultrasound findings in chronic subacromal pain syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Subacromial pain syndrome is a clinical picture characterised by pain located around the acromion triggered or exacerbated by shoulder movements. Ultrasound is a suitable imaging technique to evaluate the soft tissues occupying the subacromial space. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound findings in patients diagnosed with chronic subacromial pain syndrome by age, sex, and time since onset.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with chronic SDS who underwent shoulder ultrasound. The variables studied were age, sex, affected side, time since onset, sonographic findings and ultrasound diagnosis. A descriptive study of the variables and statistical inference was performed with the chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 253 clinical histories of patients who underwent shoulder ultrasound were reviewed. Of these, 100 were selected who met the pre-established criteria. Involvement was bilateral in 5 of them and consequently the total number of ultrasound scans reviewed was 105. Differences were found between ultrasound finding by age, but not by sex or time since onset.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that there is good clinical-radiological correlation between subacromial pain syndrome and ultrasound findings. The structure most frequently involved in the origin of the pain was the supraspinatus tendon. Differences were found by age but not by sex or the time since onset.

Surgical clips vs. iodine-125 (125I) seeds for marking the location of nonpalpable malignant breast lesions: preliminary results

OBJECTIVES

To assess the usefulness of iodine-125 (125I) seeds as an alternative to surgical clips for marking the location of nonpalpable malignant breast lesions for surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included patients with histologically confirmed nonpalpable malignant lesions treated by surgery in 2015 or 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to presurgical marking with metallic clips (Group A) or with 125I seeds (Group B). In both groups, marking was guided by ultrasound and/or mammography depending on the radiologic characteristics of the lesion. During surgery, a gamma probe was used and afterward the presence of seeds in the surgical specimen was checked radiologically. In the histological analysis, the absence of tumor in the stain was considered free margins. We analyzed the following variables: age, lesion characteristics (laterality, mean size on MRI and in the surgical specimen, radiological type), and presence/absence of free margins.

RESULTS

In Group A (n=53), the most common histologic subtypes were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC, 84.9%) and luminal A (LA, 49.1%); the mean size of the lesions was 1.8cm. In Group B (n=45), the most common histologic subtypes were IDC (82.2%) and LA (46.5%); the mean size of the lesions was 1.5cm. In Group A, 13.2% had involved margins and 13.2% underwent a second surgical intervention. In Group, B 11.4% had involved margins and 7.5% underwent a second surgical intervention. The differences between groups were not significant (p=0.7 for involved margins and p=0.5 for reintervention). The volume of the surgical specimens was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (128.68cm3 vs. 189.37cm3; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Using 125I seeds was feasible and enabled significantly smaller surgical specimens than using metallic clips.

Is it useful ultrasonography as the first-line imaging technique in patients with suspected acute diverticulitis?

The growing demand for computed tomography studies clashes with the restrictions on the use of ionizing radiation that are being reflected more and more clearly in good practice guidelines and legislation. One paradigmatic example is the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis, for which a increasing amount of computed tomography studies are being demanded with the justification that they are clinically necessary and more reliable than ultrasound studies. The present paper reviews the scientific evidence about the diagnostic validity of ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis of the colon.

Diagnostic yield of abdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: A global and subgroup analysis

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Abdominal ultrasonography is very useful for diagnosing acute appendicitis and has 59-96% sensitivity and 83-98% specificity. The aim of the present study was to determine the diagnostic yield of abdominal ultrasound imaging for acute appendicitis and identify the patient subgroups with the best results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients at a general hospital that underwent appendectomy due to the clinical suspicion of appendicitis, who also had a diagnostic radiologic study, within the time frame of January 2007 to December 2010, were analyzed. Ultrasound studies were considered positive when there were radiologic signs suggestive of acute appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the diagnostic study were determined through the logistic regression method.

RESULTS

A total of 646 patients were operated on due to clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. A diagnostic abdominal ultrasound study was carried out on 383 (59.3%) of those patients, resulting in 79% sensitivity (74-83, 95% CI), 58% specificity (39-75, 95% CI), 95% positive predictive value (92-97, 95% CI), and 20% negative predictive value (13-30, 95% CI).

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal ultrasound imaging in patients with a high suspicion of appendicitis had a mediocre diagnostic yield, but better results could be achieved in different specific subgroups.

Ultrasound imaging obtained by emergency department physicians to diagnose deep vein thrombosis: accuracy, safety, and efficiency

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of ultrasound images obtained by emergency physician to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT). patients with acute heart failure (AHF) attended in a hospital emergency department (ED).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective multicenter cohort study. We assigned patients suspected of having DVT to an intervention or control group. Emergency physicians took ultrasound images that were later evaluated by a radiologist in the intervention group. In the control group, images were evaluated only by the radiologist. We analyzed patient, physician, and episode variables. Test results, times until imaging, and 30-day adverse events were also analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and agreement between physicians and radiologists (κ statistic) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 304 patients (209 in the intervention group and 95 controls) were included. The groups were comparable. The overall prevalence of DVT was 35.5% (95% CI, 30.3-41.0). The sensitivity of ultrasound images obtained by emergency physicians was superior in relation to experience: 71.4 (95% CI, 50.0-86.0) for those in a training course, 75.0 (95% CI, 80.0-95.4) for those with at least 2 months' practical experience, and 94.7 (95% CI, 82.7-98.5) for routine users. Specificity statistics for the 3 levels of physician experience were 83.3 (95% CI 55.2- 95.2), 100 (95% CI 83.0-100), and 96.6 (95% CI 88.4-99.0), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for ultrasound imaging by physicians were 27.94 and 0.054, respectively. The κ statistic was 0.80. Mean (SD) time until a physician took ultrasound images was 1.81 (1.46) hours versus 4.39 (1.81) hours until a radiologist obtained images (P = .007). Three deaths occurred within 30 days. They were not attributable to recurrence or bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound images taken by emergency physicians to diagnose DVT are accurate and safe and may be efficient. However, routine experience with ultrasound is necessary.

Acute abdominal pain in patients with Crohn's disease: what urgent imaging tests should be done?

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease is diagnosed at a young age and runs a chronic course with acute flare-ups. When patients with Crohn's disease present with flare-ups at the emergency department, they are usually managed in a way similar to patients with acute abdomen; there is no consensus about the most appropriate imaging work-up for patients with flare-ups of Crohn's disease. Thus, we decided to review the literature about the imaging tests indicated (whether related to their diagnostic performance or to lower exposure to ionizing radiation) for acute flare-ups in patients with Crohn's disease.

Cross-sectional area of the median nerve after intraneural vs perineural low volume administration

INTRODUCTION

To recognise the relationship between the needle tip and the median nerve during peripheral nerve block is of interest to avoid neural damage. However, signs of intraneural injection are not clearly established. The aim of this study was to define the changes observed in the peripheral nerve after the intraneural or perineural administration of 1ml of solution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultrasound guided median nerve blocks were performed in the forearm of 10 fresh cadavers on 60 occasions (3 per forearm). They were randomised into the intraneural (n=30) or perineural (n=30) location of the needle tip, after the consensus of location by 7 specialists. After 1ml of solution was injected an evaluation was made of the changes in the cross-sectional area of the nerve, as well as the displacement along the nerve.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was increased in both groups, however, the increase was significantly higher in the intraneural group (perineural 0.007±0.013cm2 vs. intraneural 0.032±0.021cm2, P<.0001). An increase of more than 27% of the area ensures an intraneural injection in the median nerve according to the ROC curve analysis. Both proximal and distal diffusion were observed more frequently in the intraneural group (proximal: 86% vs 14%, P<.0001, Distal: 43% vs 4%, P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this experimental study, it is concluded that the injection of a small volume (1ml) allows to discriminate the disposition of the intraneural vs perineural needle in a high percentage of cases. Therefore, it is suggested that this "dose test" should be considered in the safety algorithms if it is required to reduce the incidence of intraneural injection.

[Testicular Microlithiasis: Update on diagnosis and management.]

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is an uncommonurologic condition incidentally diagnosed byscrotal ultrasound. It has been associated with differentdiseases, such as Klinefelter`s syndrome, testicular atrophy,cryptorchidism, testicular torsion, and infertility.However, it can also present in healthy males that haveno associated risk factors. Currently, TM is most oftendetected thanks to the superior resolution of today's ultrasoundequipment, compared with former models. In the1990s, TM was considered a benign condition with noimportant clinical relevance, but later reports associatedit with the development of testicular neoplasias andinfertility. Thus, many authors recommended periodic surveillance with tumor markers and ultrasound imaging,with some even promoting the use of testicular biopsy.The aim of this article is to clearly and specifically presentcurrent information about testicular microlithiasis, toestablish both diagnostic and follow-up indications.