Shear wave elastography of parotid glands in pediatric patients with HIV infection

Evaluation of benign parotid gland tumors with superb microvascular imaging and shear wave elastography

Aim of the study: This study aimed to examine the role of superb microvascular imaging and shear wave elastography for the pre-surgical evaluation of common parotid tumors. Material and methods: This single-center prospective study included 37 patients with parotid gland lesions. After institutional review board approval, grayscale, shear wave elastography and superb microvascular imaging ultrasound examinations were performed prior to biopsy or operation. The diagnosis of the lesions was based on cytological/pathological evaluation after the ultrasound examinations. Pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to obtain a cut-off value. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out. Results: The mean age of the patients (11 female, 26 male) was 48.2 ± 18. The shear wave elastography parameters of the lesions were not significantly different between pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors, while the vascular index obtained by using superb microvascular imaging was significantly different (p = 0.012). The mean vascular index was 2.9 ± 3.1 in pleomorphic adenomas, and 9.5 ± 9.5 in Warthin tumors. A cut-off value of 4.05 for the vascular index discriminated pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumors with 68% sensitivity and 72% specificity (the area under the curve was 0.768). Conclusion: Superb microvascular imaging is a novel ultrasound imaging technique which is useful for the discrimination of pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors.

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) applications in Sjogren syndrome: narrative review and current concepts

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease with predominant involvement of the exocrine glands, particularly the salivary glands (SGs). The role of salivary glands ultrasound (SGUS) in the work-up of patients with primary Sjogren syndrome (SS) is progressively increasing due to its useful support in diagnosis and follow-up as a widely available, repeatable, non-invasive and safe technique. Although SGUS is not yet included in the dominant primary SS classification, several studies supported its inclusion in the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria. In this context, a novel imaging technique, ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS), is being explored. Compared to the frequencies used in conventional ultrasound (US) (up to 22 MHz), UHFUS operates with higher frequencies (30-100 MHz) allowing for outstanding image resolution, up to 30 µm. UHFUS permits the scan of both major and minor SGs, opening new avenues for the integration of tissue and imaging biomarkers. Although further studies are needed to confirm its role, this novel imaging technique might lead to several potential improvements, including earlier diagnosis, reduction of unnecessary and inadequate biopsies and better management and follow-up of patients with primary SS.

Narrative review of multiparametric ultrasound in parotid gland evaluation

Disorders affecting parotid gland represent a heterogeneous group comprising congenital, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases which show a focal or diffuse pattern of appearance. The differentiation of neoplastic from non-neoplastic conditions of parotid glands is pivotal for the diagnostic imaging. Frequently there is evidence of overlapping between the clinical and the imaging appearance of the various pathologies. The parotid gland is also often object of study with the combination of different techniques [ultrasound-computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (US-CT-MRI), ex.]. Compared to other dominant methods of medical imaging, US has several advantages providing images in real-time at lower cost, and without harmful use of ionizing radiation and of contrast enhancement. B-mode US, and the microvascular pattern color Doppler are usually used as first step evaluation of parotid lesions. Elastography and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) has opened further possible perspectives to improve the differentiation between benign and malignant parotid lesions. The characterization of the parotid tumors plays a crucial role for their treatment planning and for the prediction of possible surgical complications. We present, here an updated review of the most recurrent pathologies of parotid gland focusing on the diagnostic power of multiparametric US including CEUS and ultrasound elastography (USE); limitations, advantages and the main key-points will be presented.