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The “Black Pattern”, a Simplified Ultrasound Approach to Non-Traumatic Abdominal Emergencies. Tomography 2022; 8:798-814. [PMID: 35314643 PMCID: PMC8938823 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A key issue in abdominal US is the assessment of fluid, which is usually anechoic, thus appearing “black”. Our approach focuses on searching for fluid in non-traumatic patients, providing a new, simplified method for point-of-care US (POCUS). Objective: Fluid assessment is based on a three-step analysis that we can thus summarize. 1. Look for black where it should not be. This means searching for effusions or collections. 2. Check if black is too much. This means evaluating anatomical landmarks where fluid should normally be present but may be abnormally abundant. 3. Look for black that is not clearly black. This means evaluating fluid aspects, whether wholly anechoic or not (suggesting heterogeneous or corpusculated fluid). Discussion: Using this simple method focused on US fluid presence and appearance should help clinicians to make a timely diagnosis. Although our simplified, systematic algorithm of POCUS may identify abnormalities; this usually entails a second-level imaging. An accurate knowledge of the physio–pathological and anatomical ultrasound bases remains essential in applying this algorithm. Conclusion: The black pattern approach in non -traumatic emergencies may be applied to a broad spectrum of abnormalities. It may represent a valuable aid for emergency physicians, especially if inexperienced, involved in a variety of non-traumatic scenarios. It may also be a simple and effective teaching aid for US beginners.
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Basta Nikolic M, Spasic A, Hadnadjev Simonji D, Stojanović S, Nikolic O, Nikolic D. Imaging of acute pelvic pain. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20210281. [PMID: 34491817 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute pelvic pain (APP) requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Differential diagnosis of APP is broad, including a variety of gynecologic and non-gynecologic/ urinary, gastrointestinal, vascular and other entities. Close anatomical and physiological relations of pelvic structures, together with similar clinical presentation of different disorders and overlapping of symptoms, especially in the emergency background, make the proper diagnosis of APP challenging. Imaging plays a crucial role in the fast and precise diagnosis of APP. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging modality, often accompanied by CT, while MRI is utilized in specific cases, using short, tailored protocols. Recognizing the cause of APP in females is a challenging task, due to the wide spectrum of possible origin and overlap of their imaging features. Therefore, the radiologist has to be familiar with the possible causes of APP, and, relying on clinical presentation, together with laboratory findings, choose the best imaging strategy in order to establish a fast and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Basta Nikolic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Spasic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Darka Hadnadjev Simonji
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Sanja Stojanović
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Olivera Nikolic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Dragan Nikolic
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
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Alahmadi AE, Aljuhani FM, Alshoabi SA, Aloufi KM, Alsharif WM, Alamri AM. The gap between ultrasonography and computed tomography in measuring the size of urinary calculi. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:4925-4928. [PMID: 33209823 PMCID: PMC7652115 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_742_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Due to a lack of studies regarding the need for computed tomography (CT) in measuring the size of each urinary calculus before surgery, this study was conducted to elucidate the difference between ultrasonography (US) and CT in measuring the size of urinary stones. Methods A retrospective review of 100 stones from 83 patients. Each urinary stone was measured using both US and CT; both measurements were then compared. Results Of 83 patients, the mean age was 39.29 ± 23.76 years; 47 (56.62%) were male and 36 (43.37%) were female. Most of the urinary stones were <10 mm (50.0%) followed by 11-20 mm (42.0%), (P < 0.001). A cross-tabulation test revealed strong compatibility between US and CT in measuring the size of urinary stones (73.7% in stones <10 mm, 66.7% in stones 11-20 mm and 50% in stones >21 mm), (P < 0.001). Spearman's rho correlation test revealed strong compatibility between stone diameters measured by US and CT (r = 0.755), (P = 0 < 0.001). T-test for equality of means revealed no significant difference in the measured size using US and CT (mean = 11.80 ± 5.83 vs. 11.65 ± 6.59, respectively), mean difference = 0.15, and P = 0.865, 95% confidence interval: -1.584-1.884. Conclusion No significant difference in measuring the size of urinary stones using US and CT. However, US may slightly overestimate small stones in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eid Alahmadi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Mobasher Aljuhani
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Abdulwadoud Alshoabi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M Aloufi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa M Alsharif
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman M Alamri
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Gopireddy DR, Mahmoud H, Baig S, Le R, Bhosale P, Lall C. "Renal emergencies: a comprehensive pictorial review with MR imaging". Emerg Radiol 2020; 28:373-388. [PMID: 32974867 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-020-01852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Superior soft-tissue contrast and high sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting and characterizing disease may provide an expanded role in acute abdominal and pelvic imaging. Although MRI has traditionally not been exploited in acute care settings, commonly used in biliary obstruction and during pregnancy, there are several conditions in which MRI can go above and beyond other modalities in diagnosis, characterization, and providing functional and prognostic information. In this manuscript, we highlight how MRI can help in further assessment and characterization of acute renal emergencies. Currently, renal emergencies are predominantly evaluated with ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) scanning. US may be limited by various patient factors and technologist experience while CT imaging with intravenous contrast administration can further compromise renal function. With the advent of rapid, robust non-contrast MRI, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging studies with short scan times, free-breathing techniques, and lack of ionization radiation, the utility of MRI for renal evaluation might be superior to CT not only in diagnosing an emergent renal process but also by providing functional and prognostic information. This review outlines the clinical manifestations and the key imaging findings for acute renal processes including acute renal infarction, hemorrhage, and renal obstruction, among other entities, to highlight the added value of MRI in evaluating the finer nuances in acute renal emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Reddy Gopireddy
- Department of Radiology, UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville, 2nd Floor, Clinical Center, 655 West 8th Street, C90, Jacksonville, FL, 33209, USA.
| | - Hagar Mahmoud
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Saif Baig
- Imaging Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, University of Florida, College Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca Le
- Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Priya Bhosale
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chandana Lall
- Department of Radiology, UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville, 2nd Floor, Clinical Center, 655 West 8th Street, C90, Jacksonville, FL, 33209, USA
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Thungkatikajonkit P, Wongwaisayawan S, Wibulpolprasert A, Viseshsindh W, Kaewlai R. Is Combined Ultrasound with Radiography Sufficient for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Ureteric Stone in Patients with Acute Flank Pain? J Med Ultrasound 2020; 28:86-91. [PMID: 32874866 PMCID: PMC7446686 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_49_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Ultrasound (US) is excellent for detection of hydronephrosis but has poor sensitivity for stone detection. In contrast, radiography of the kidney-ureter-bladder has better sensitivity for detection of stone but limited sensitivity for hydronephrosis detection. A combination of these two modalities may improve both sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of obstructive ureteric stone. Aims This study aims to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of combined US with radiography for the diagnosis of obstructive ureteric stone in adult patients. Settings and Design Retrospective study with retrospective data collection performed in a 1500-bed university hospital. Materials and Methods A total of 90 patients were included. The electronic medical record, radiological reports, laboratory results, and patient management were extracted and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used The diagnostic performance of US, radiography, and combined US with radiography were calculated and compared. The computed tomography was used as diagnostic reference. Results US alone had a sensitivity of 73.5%, specificity of 92.7%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 74.5% for hydronephrosis. When US showed both ureteric stone and hydronephrosis, sensitivity dropped to 14.3% but specificity increased to 100%. Radiography alone had a sensitivity of 34.7%, specificity of 100%, and NPV of 56.2% for the detection of ureteric stone. Combining radiography with US raised the sensitivity for diagnosis of obstructive ureteric stone to 88% with a specificity of 93% and accuracy of 90%. Conclusions Combined US with radiography was accurate for the diagnosis of obstructive ureteric stone in patients presenting with acute flank pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornprom Thungkatikajonkit
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirote Wongwaisayawan
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arrug Wibulpolprasert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wit Viseshsindh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rathachai Kaewlai
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wormser C, Reetz JA, Drobatz KJ, Aronson LR. Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography for detection of the cause and location of ureteral obstruction in cats: 71 cases (2010-2016). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 254:710-715. [PMID: 30835178 DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.6.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of ultrasonography to detect the cause and location of ureteral obstruction in cats and to identify factors associated with agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 71 cats. PROCEDURES Medical records were searched to identify cats that had ureteral obstruction diagnosed ultrasonographically and that subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy. Patient signalment, ultrasonographic findings, interventions performed, and surgical findings were recorded. Cause and location of ureteral obstruction as assessed by ultrasonography were compared with surgical findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of ultrasonography for detection of ureteroliths and strictures were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings. RESULTS There was significant, moderate agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings for the cause and location of ureteral obstruction. Signalment variables, ureter affected (left vs right), and presence of retroperitoneal effusion were not associated with this agreement. Sensitivity was 98% and 44%, specificity was 96% and 98%, and positive predictive value was 98% and 88% for detection of ureteroliths and strictures, respectively, by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasonography was highly sensitive for detection of ureteroliths that caused ureteral obstruction but was considerably less sensitive for detection of ureteral strictures in the study population. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the role of advanced imaging in assessing cats with ureteral abnormalities. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019;254:710-715).
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Schoenfeld EM, Shieh MS, Pekow PS, Scales CD, Munger JM, Lindenauer PK. Association of Patient and Visit Characteristics With Rate and Timing of Urologic Procedures for Patients Discharged From the Emergency Department With Renal Colic. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1916454. [PMID: 31790565 PMCID: PMC6902745 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.16454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Little is known about the timing of urologic interventions in patients with renal colic discharged from the emergency department. Understanding patients' likelihood of a subsequent urologic intervention could inform decision-making in this population. OBJECTIVES To examine the rate and timing of urologic procedures performed after an emergency department visit for renal colic and the factors associated with receipt of an intervention. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study used the Massachusetts All Payers Claims Database to identify patients 18 to 64 years of age who were seen in a Massachusetts emergency department for renal colic from January 1, 2011, to October 31, 2014, Patients were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, and all medical care was linked, enabling identification of subsequent health care use. Data analysis was performed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was receipt of urologic procedure within 60 days. Secondary outcomes included rates of return emergency department visit and urologic and primary care follow-up. RESULTS A total of 66 218 unique index visits by 55 314 patients (mean [SD] age, 42.6 [12.4] years; 33 590 [50.7%] female; 25 411 [38.4%] Medicaid insured) were included in the study. A total of 5851 patients (8.8%) had visits resulting in admission at the index encounter, and 1774 (2.7%) had visits resulting in a urologic procedure during that admission. Of the 60 367 patient visits resulting in discharge from the emergency department, 3018 (5.0%) led to a urologic procedure within 7 days, 4407 (7.3%) within 14 days, 5916 (9.8%) within 28 days, and 7667 (12.7%) within 60 days. A total of 3226 visits (5.3%) led to a subsequent emergency department visit within 7 days and 6792 (11.3%) within 60 days. For the entire cohort (admitted and discharged patients), 39 189 (59.2%) had contact with a urologist or primary care practitioner within 60 days. Having Medicaid-only insurance was associated with lower rates of urologic procedures (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66-0.74) and urologic follow-up (5.6% vs 8.8%; P < .001) and higher rates of primary care follow-up (59.2% vs 47.2%; P < .001) compared with patients with all other insurance types. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, most adult patients younger than 65 years who were discharged from the emergency department with a diagnosis of renal colic did not undergo a procedure or see a urologist within 60 days. This finding has implications for both the emergency department and outpatient treatment of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
| | - Meng-Shiou Shieh
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
| | - Penelope S. Pekow
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
| | - Charles D. Scales
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Division of Urologic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - James M. Munger
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
| | - Peter K. Lindenauer
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Elias
- Associate Professor in the Division of Imaging Sciences and Medical Physics, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School of University of Sao Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mail: .. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1158-1045
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Keoghane S, Austin T, Coode-Bate J, Deverill S, Drake T, Sanpera-Iglesias J, Johnston T. The diagnostic yield of computed tomography in the management of acute flank pain and the emergency intervention rate for a proven acute ureteric stone. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2018; 100:1-8. [PMID: 30286646 PMCID: PMC6204509 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2018.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnostic and management pathways for patients presenting with acute flank pain are complex. Although computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB) is the gold standard investigation for urolithiasis, the multitude of differential diagnoses must also be considered in the context of long-term risk from ionising radiation. This study investigated the integrated role and diagnostic yield of non-contrast CT in cases of acute flank pain. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 1,442 consecutive patients investigated with CT KUB between March 2013 and February 2015. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield of CT with secondary outcomes being predictors of need for urological intervention. RESULTS A cause for acute flank pain was identified in 717 patients (50%), there was an incidental finding in 389 patients (27%) and normal imaging was reported in 336 patients (23%). A diagnosis was more commonly made in male than in female patients (70% vs 40%) and with increasing age (46% in patients aged <30 years, 56% in those aged 30-49 years and 63% in those aged ≥50 years). The overall rate for an ipsilateral urinary tract stone was 41%. Factors strongly associated with emergency intervention included stone size >10mm (odds ratio [OR]: 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3-42.7), stones located at the pelviureteric junction (OR: 7.8, 95% CI: 2.6-22.9), C-reactive protein >50mg/l and ≤100mg/l (OR: 15.2, 95% CI: 5.1-45.3), and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤30ml/min (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.5-21.8). CONCLUSIONS This contemporary study identifies age and sex as independent variables affecting the diagnostic yield of CT KUB in cases of acute flank pain, and highlights factors associated with a need for emergency intervention in proven ureteric stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Keoghane
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - T Austin
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | | | | | - T Drake
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
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