[Safety aspects of ultrasound diagnostics]

Liability, risks, and recommendations for ultrasound use in the diagnosis of obstetrics diseases

This literature review will summarize the liability issues, risks, and ultrasound recommendations for diagnosing obstetrics diseases. One liability issue is related to misdiagnosis or failure to detect abnormalities during an ultrasound examination. Ultrasound images can be subjective interpretations, and errors may occur due to factors such as operator skill, equipment limitations, or fetal positioning. Another liability concern is related to the potential adverse effects of ultrasound exposure on both the mother and fetus. While extensive research has shown that diagnostic ultrasound is generally safe when used appropriately, there are still uncertainties regarding long-term effects. Some studies suggest a possible association between prolonged or excessive exposure to ultrasound waves and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, developmental delays, or hearing impairment. Additionally, obtaining informed consent from patients is crucial in mitigating liability risks. Patients should be informed about the purpose of the ultrasound examination, its benefits, limitations, potential risks (even if minimal), and any alternative diagnostic options available. This ensures that patients know the procedure and can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Proper documentation helps establish a clear record of the care provided and can serve as evidence in any legal disputes.

A New Nanoscale Ultrasound Phase-Variant Contrast Agent for Phase Variant Low-Frequency Medical Ultrasound Imaging That Can Scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species

Nanoscale phase-variant ultrasound contrast agents have attracted the interest of many researchers. However, it is a challenge to design nanobubbles that are activated by low-frequency medical ultrasound that do not cause damage to normal tissues. In this study, we designed a new type of nanoparticle consisting of perfluoropentane and iron polyphthalocyanine loaded into liposomes. These nanoparticles can be activated by a low-frequency medical ultrasound imager at a frequency of 5 MHz for ultrasound imaging and clear reactive oxygen species at a rate of more than 50%. This ability to scavenge excess reactive oxygen species can alleviate the damage these species cause and protect macrophages. Moreover, these nanoparticles can effectively enhance ultrasound contrast imaging for real-time visualization in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Viscosupplementation in the upper and lower compartments of the temporomandibular joint checked by ultrasonography in an ex vivo and in vivo study

Viscosupplementation (VS) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) aims to treat temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) by stimulating synovial cells to improve intracapsular lubrication. The purpose of the present study was to assess a VS protocol planned with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and checked by ultrasonography (US). The study was carried out in 3 stages. The first was to check the correspondence between the proposed facial reference points and the osseous components of the joint by means of CBCT. In the second stage, the upper and lower compartments of 20 TMJs of fresh frozen cadavers were injected with coloured liquids, and the accuracy of the technique was confirmed by dissecting the anatomical specimens. The third stage consisted of VS in 10 patients (20 TMJs), with real-time verification of the location of the needle tip by means of ultrasonography. CBCT confirmed the correct locations of the marked points used in the proposed VS protocol. The dissections showed that 13 of the 14 injections effectively reached the upper and lower compartments. The location of the needle tip was effectively verified by ultrasonography, confirming the correct access to both compartments. The proposed protocol was effective for accessing the upper and lower compartments of the TMJ. The evaluated protocol proved to be accurate, safe and clinically reproducible means of VS in the upper and lower compartments of the TMJ.