The Butterly iQ: An ultra-simplified color Doppler ultrasound for bedside pre-operative perforator mapping in DIEP flap breast reconstruction

Diagnostic Value of Color Doppler Flow Imaging Combined with Serum CRP, PCT, and IL-6 Levels for Neonatal Pneumonia

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of combined detection of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels for neonatal pneumonia.

Methods

In this prospective study, 30 newborns with pneumonia and 30 healthy newborns in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were recruited. The healthy newborns were assigned to the control group, and the newborns with pneumonia were assigned to the experimental group. All subjects underwent CDFI and measurement of the levels of serum CRP, PCT, and IL-6. The serum indices and imaging results of the two groups were analyzed, and the specificity and sensitivity of different detection methods in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia were calculated and analyzed.

Results

The levels of serum CRP, PCT, and IL-6 in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Combined detection had a larger detection area, higher sensitivity, and a superior overall detection outcome than single detection (P < 0.05). The diagnostic results of combined detection and clinical diagnosis in 30 newborns with pneumonia were similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combined detection of CDFI and serum CRP, PCT, and IL-6 levels in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia shows a promising diagnostic outcome, so it is worthy of clinical application.

Current Applications of Ultrasound Imaging in the Preoperative Planning of DIEP Flaps

Background The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has become the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction at many institutions. Although the deep inferior epigastric artery displays significant anatomic variability in its intramuscular course, branching pattern and location of perforating vessels, the ability to preoperatively visualize and map relevant vascular anatomy has increased the efficiency, safety and reliability of the DIEP flap. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is often cited as the preoperative imaging modality of choice for perforator flaps, more recent advances in ultrasound technology have made it an increasingly attractive alternative.

Methods An extensive literature review was performed to identify the most common applications of ultrasound technology in the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps.

Results This review demonstrated that multiple potential uses for ultrasound technology in DIEP flap reconstruction including preoperative perforator mapping, evaluation of the superficial inferior epigastric system and as a potential adjunct in flap delay procedures. Available studies suggest that ultrasound compares favorably to other widely-used imaging modalities for these indications.

Conclusion This article presents an in-depth review of the current applications of ultrasound in the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps and explores some potential areas for future investigation.