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Miura D, Suenaga H, Ichihara K. The Utility of a Novel Stacked Microvascular Imaging for Enhanced Detection of Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Diseases. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:975-984. [PMID: 38584023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasonographic imaging plays a primary role to detect fibrotic changes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). To enhance detectability of fibrosis in its early stage, we developed a novel stacked microvascular imaging (SMVI) that enables continuous visualization of fibrotic changes in intrahepatic vessels. METHODS SMVI was produced by accumulating 3-5 seconds of high-definition color images in tilted-scan mode. An SMVI score was devised by quantitating three hallmark vascular changes in liver fibrosis in 0-2 grades (total 0-6): narrowing, caliber irregularity, and tortuosity. To evaluate the clinical utility of the SMVI score, 469 well-defined CLD patients were enrolled and subgrouped by the stage of liver fibrosis defined based on elastography: F0-1Low, F0-1High, F2, F3, and F4. The diagnostic performance of the SMVI score was compared to conventional B-mode liver morphology score and various laboratory test markers of fibrosis. RESULTS Unlike conventional microvascular imaging that relies on a single image, SMVI enabled an undisrupted view of intrahepatic vessels for easy detection of fibrotic changes. SMVI detected microvascular narrowing in 92% at stage F0-1High. While detection rates for caliber irregularity and tortuosity were low at early stages but increased proportionately in advanced stages. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that SMVI score was most accurate in distinguishing F0-1Low from F0-1High cases compared to B-mode or laboratory test scores. CONCLUSION SMVI provides enhanced vascular images of liver fibrosis in CLD, especially in its early stage. The SMVI score can be used as a primary tool for determining fibrotic stages in CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Miura
- Department of Ultrasound and Clinical Laboratory, Fukuoka Tokushukai Hospital, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Laboratory Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suenaga
- Department of Laboratory Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Ichihara
- Department of Laboratory Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Cannella R, Pilato G, Mazzola M, Bartolotta TV. New microvascular ultrasound techniques: abdominal applications. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023; 128:1023-1034. [PMID: 37495910 PMCID: PMC10473992 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microvascular ultrasound (MVUS) is a new ultrasound technique that allows the detection of slow-velocity flow, providing the visualization of the blood flow in small vessels without the need of intravenous contrast agent administration. This technology has been integrated in the most recent ultrasound equipment and applied for the assessment of vascularization. Compared to conventional color Doppler and power Doppler imaging, MVUS provides higher capability to detect intralesional flow. A growing number of studies explored the potential applications in hepatobiliary, genitourinary, and vascular pathologies. Different flow patterns can be observed in hepatic and renal focal lesions providing information on tumor vascularity and improving the differential diagnosis. This article aims to provide a detailed review on the current evidences and applications of MVUS in abdominal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cannella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giulia Pilato
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariasole Mazzola
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tommaso Vincenzo Bartolotta
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Yamashita Y, Ashida R, Tamura T, Shimokawa T, Yamazaki H, Kawaji Y, Tamura T, Hatamaru K, Itonaga M, Kitano M. Novel Technique of Endoscopic Ultrasonography for the Differential Diagnosis of Gallbladder Lesions and Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: A Single-Center Prospective Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2132. [PMID: 37443527 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI-EUS) is an innovative imaging modality that was developed to detect fine vessels and low-velocity blood flow without contrast agents. We evaluate its utility for the differential diagnosis of gallbladder lesions and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). We enrolled patients who underwent DFI-EUS, e-FLOW EUS, and contrast-enhanced EUS for gallbladder lesions or IPMNs. The detection of vessels using DFI-EUS and e-FLOW EUS was compared with that via contrast-enhanced EUS and pathological findings. The vessel pattern was also categorized as regular or irregular. Of the 33 lesions included, there were final diagnoses of 13 IPMNs and 20 gallbladder lesions. DFI-EUS was significantly superior to e-FLOW EUS for discriminating between mural nodules and mucous clots and between solid gallbladder lesions and sludge using the presence or absence of vessel detection in lesions (p = 0.005). An irregular vessel pattern with DFI-EUS was a significant predictor of malignant gallbladder lesions (p = 0.002). DFI-EUS is more sensitive than e-FLOW-EUS for vessel detection and the differential diagnosis of gallbladder lesions and IPMNs. Vessel evaluation using DFI-EUS may be a useful and simple method for differentiating between mural nodules and mucous clots in IPMN, between solid gallbladder lesions and sludge, and between malignant and benign gallbladder lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Yamashita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Reiko Ashida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Takaaki Tamura
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
- Department of Human Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Toshio Shimokawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University Hospital, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamazaki
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawaji
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamura
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hatamaru
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itonaga
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
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Zhang W, Huang C, Yin T, Miao X, Deng H, Zheng R, Ren J, Chen S. Ultrasensitive US Microvessel Imaging of Hepatic Microcirculation in the Cirrhotic Rat Liver. Radiology 2022; 307:e220739. [PMID: 36413130 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.220739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Liver microcirculation dysfunction plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of liver diseases, and thus, there is a clinical need for in vivo, noninvasive, and quantitative evaluation of liver microcirculation. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasensitive US microvessel imaging (UMI) in the visualization and quantification of hepatic microvessels in healthy and cirrhotic rats. Materials and Methods In vivo studies were performed to image hepatic microvasculature by means of laparotomy in Sprague-Dawley rats (five cirrhotic and five control rats). In vivo conventional power Doppler US and ex vivo micro-CT were performed for comparison. UMI-based quantifications of perfusion, tortuosity, and integrity of microvessels were compared between the control and cirrhotic groups by using the Wilcoxon test. Spearman correlations between quantification parameters and pathologic fibrosis, perfusion function, and hepatic hypoxia were evaluated. Results UMI helped detect minute vessels below the liver capsule, as compared with conventional power Doppler US and micro-CT. With use of UMI, lower perfusion indicated by vessel density (median, 22% [IQR, 20%-28%] vs 41% [IQR, 37%-46%]; P = .008) and fractional moving blood volume (FMBV) (median, 6.4% [IQR, 4.8%-8.6%] vs 13% [IQR, 12%-14%]; P = .008) and higher tortuosity indicated by the sum of angles metric (SOAM) (median, 3.0 [IQR, 2.9-3.0] vs 2.7 [IQR, 2.6-2.9]; P = .008) were demonstrated in the cirrhotic rat group compared with the control group. Vessel density (r = 0.85, P = .003), FMBV (r = 0.86, P = .002), and median SOAM (r = -0.83, P = .003) showed strong correlations with pathologically derived vessel density labeled with dextran. Vessel density (r = -0.81, P = .005) and median SOAM (r = 0.87, P = .001) also showed strong correlations with hepatic tissue hypoxia. Conclusion Contrast-free ultrasensitive US microvessel imaging provided noninvasive in vivo imaging and quantification of hepatic microvessels in cirrhotic rat liver. © RSNA, 2022 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Fetzer in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Chengwu Huang
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Tinghui Yin
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Xiaoyan Miao
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Huan Deng
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Rongqin Zheng
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Jie Ren
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
| | - Shigao Chen
- From the Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou 510630, China (W.Z., T.Y., X.M., H.D., R.Z., J.R.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn (C.H., S.C.)
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Tang S, Huang C, Gong P, Lok UW, Zhou C, Yang L, Knoll KM, Robinson KA, Sheedy SP, Fletcher JG, Bruining DH, Knudsen JM, Chen S. Adaptive and Robust Vessel Quantification in Contrast-Free Ultrafast Ultrasound Microvessel Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:2095-2109. [PMID: 35882573 PMCID: PMC9427726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The morphological features of vasculature in diseased tissue differ significantly from those in normal tissue. Therefore, vasculature quantification is crucial for disease diagnosis and staging. Ultrasound microvessel imaging (UMI) with ultrafast ultrasound acquisitions has been determined to have potential in clinical applications given its superior sensitivity in blood flow detection. However, the presence of spatial-dependent noise caused by a low imaging signal-to-noise ratio and incoherent clutter artifacts caused by moving hyperechoic scatterers degrades the performance of UMI and the reliability of vascular quantification. To tackle these issues, we proposed an improved UMI technique along with an adaptive vessel segmentation workflow for robust vessel identification and vascular feature quantification. A previously proposed sub-aperture cross-correlation technique and a normalized cross-correlation technique were applied to equalize the spatially dependent noise level and suppress the incoherent clutter artifact. A square operator and non-local means filter were then used to better separate the blood flow signal from residual background noise. On the de-noised ultrasound microvessel image, an automatic and adaptive vessel segmentation method was developed based on the different spatial patterns of blood flow signal and background noise. The proposed workflow was applied to a CIRS phantom, to a Doppler flow phantom and to an inflammatory bowel, kidney and liver, to validate its feasibility. Results revealed that automatic adaptive, and robust vessel identification performance can be achieved using the proposed method without the subjectivity caused by radiologists/operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Tang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chengwu Huang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ping Gong
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - U-Wai Lok
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chenyun Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lulu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kate M Knoll
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Joel G Fletcher
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - David H Bruining
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John M Knudsen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shigao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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Tosun M, Uslu H. Comparison of superb microvascular imaging and shear wave elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Ultrasonography 2022; 41:394-402. [PMID: 35026886 PMCID: PMC8942734 DOI: 10.14366/usg.21136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study investigated the effectiveness and applicability of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in determining the degree of liver fibrosis noninvasively in comparison with shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods Ninety-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent ultrasound (US)-guided needle biopsy were examined using US combined with SMI and SWE. The predictive performance of the two US techniques in staging liver fibrosis and inflammation was compared with reference to the histological findings obtained from liver biopsy. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of SMI in vascularity scores were evaluated. Results SWE values and SMI vascular scores were statistically significantly different among fibrosis stages (χ2(3)=76.3, χ2(3)=81.5, P<0.001). The SWE and SMI models significantly predicted fibrosis stages separately, and SMI scores alone predicted fibrosis stages better than SWE values (50.1% for SWE, 63.5% for SMI, P<0.001). A model with both SMI scores and SWE values together explained 73.2% of variance in fibrosis stages. When other clinical and laboratory predictors were added to the model (81.5%, P<0.001), SWE values and SMI scores remained the main predictors of fibrosis stages. SWE and SMI were also applicable in predicting inflammatory grades, explaining 31% and 34% of variance, respectively, and 37.7% when used together (P<0.001). Conclusion Both SWE and SMI had good diagnostic performance in determining the degree of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. The efficacy of SMI was better than that of SWE. SMI can improve diagnostic performance for staging liver fibrosis and shows potential for estimating necroinflammation of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesude Tosun
- Department of Radiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hande Uslu
- Department of Radiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Gao J, King J, Chatterji M, Miller BR, Siddoway RL. Superb Microvascular Imaging-Based Vascular Index to Assess Adult Hepatic Steatosis: A Feasibility Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:480-487. [PMID: 34872787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of using a superb microvascular imaging-based vascular index (SMI-VI) for evaluating adult hepatic steatosis. We prospectively compared liver parenchyma SMI-VI (color pixels/total pixels in the region of interest), portal vein velocity, hepatic artery Doppler parameters (peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistive index) and serum lipid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between 16 normal livers and 34 steatotic livers using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference. On the basis of a two-tailed t-test, differences in SMI-VI, portal vein velocity, MRI-PDFF and ALT between normal (MRI-PDFF <5%) and steatotic (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) livers were statistically significant (p < 0.02), whereas hepatic artery Doppler parameters and triglyceride levels were not (p > 0.05). We observed an inverse correlation of SMI-VI with MRI-PDFF (r = -0.88). With 0.19 as the best cutoff value, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity of SMI-VI for determining ≥mild (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.95, 96% and 94%, respectively. Our results indicate the feasibility of using SMI-VI to assess adult hepatic steatosis. SMI-VI is a potential surrogate marker in the screening for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- Rocky Vista University, Ivins, Utah, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Jacob King
- Rocky Vista University, Ivins, Utah, USA
| | - Manjil Chatterji
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Kratzer W, Güthle M, Dobler F, Seufferlein T, Graeter T, Schmidberger J, Barth TFE, Klaus J. Comparison of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) quantified with ImageJ to quantified contrast-enhanced ultrasound (qCEUS) in liver metastases-a pilot study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:1762-1774. [PMID: 35284256 PMCID: PMC8899953 DOI: 10.21037/qims-21-383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to compare methods for the assessment of vascularisation of liver metastases (LM) between superb microvascular imaging (SMI), contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and microvascular density (MVD). METHODS SMI results were quantified as the vascularisation quotient (VQ), based on a grey-scale analysis with ImageJ image software. Those results were compared to contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) values, calculated with VueBox®. MVD was measured with an anti-CD34 antibody. RESULTS This study included 13 patients with LM. The VQ showed a strong correlation with the quantified parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The parameters of quantified contrast-enhanced ultrasound compared with quantified SMI showed the following statistical correlations: peak enhancement (PE), in arbitrary unit (a.u.) (r=0.72104, P=0.0054), PE in Decibel (dB) (r=0.65918, P=0.00141), Wash-in- Area Under the Curve (WiAUC) in a.u. (r=0.63604, P=0.00194), Wash-in Perfusion-Index (WiPI) in a.u. (r=0.73337, P=0.0043), Wash-in Perfusion-Index (WiPI) in dB (r=0.65642, P=0.0194), Wash-in-Rate (WiR) in a.u. (r=0.7304, P=0.0036) and Wash-in-Rate (WiR) in dB (r=0.82897, P=0.0005). CONCLUSIONS Comparison of the two methods, SMI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), for quantitative assessment of vascularisation of LM showed good correlation. The contrast-independent Doppler technique SMI can qualitatively assess the vascularisation of LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kratzer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Güthle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Felix Dobler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tilmann Graeter
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Thomas FE Barth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Klaus
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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9
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Yi HM, Lowerison MR, Song PF, Zhang W. A Review of Clinical Applications for Super-resolution Ultrasound Localization Microscopy. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35167000 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular structure and hemodynamics are important indicators for the diagnosis and assessment of many diseases and pathologies. The structural and functional imaging of tissue microvasculature in vivo is a clinically significant objective for the development of many imaging modalities. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a popular clinical tool for characterizing tissue microvasculature, due to the moderate cost, wide accessibility, and absence of ionizing radiation of ultrasound. However, in practice, it remains challenging to demonstrate microvasculature using CEUS, due to the resolution limit of conventional ultrasound imaging. In addition, the quantification of tissue perfusion by CEUS remains hindered by high operator-dependency and poor reproducibility. Inspired by super-resolution optical microscopy, super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) was recently developed. ULM uses the same ultrasound contrast agent (i.e. microbubbles) in CEUS. However, different from CEUS, ULM uses the location of the microbubbles to construct images, instead of using the backscattering intensity of microbubbles. Hence, ULM overcomes the classic compromise between imaging resolution and penetration, allowing for the visualization of capillary-scale microvasculature deep within tissues. To date, many in vivo ULM results have been reported, including both animal (kidney, brain, spinal cord, xenografted tumor, and ear) and human studies (prostate, tibialis anterior muscle, and breast cancer tumors). Furthermore, a variety of useful biomarkers have been derived from using ULM for different preclinical and clinical applications. Due to the high spatial resolution and accurate blood flow speed estimation (approximately 1 mm/s to several cm/s), ULM presents as an enticing alternative to CEUS for characterizing tissue microvasculature in vivo. This review summarizes the principles and present applications of CEUS and ULM, and discusses areas where ULM can potentially provide a better alternative to CEUS in clinical practice and areas where ULM may not be a better alternative. The objective of the study is to provide clinicians with an up-to-date review of ULM technology, and a practical guide for implementing ULM in clinical research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ming Yi
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew R Lowerison
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Peng-Fei Song
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.
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An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Early Detection of Kidney Dysfunction: Superb Microvascular Imaging as a Reference Standard. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040925. [PMID: 35207202 PMCID: PMC8878179 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative ultrasound image processing technique that provides greater detail and better visualization of small branching vessels. We assume that SMI will provide sufficient information regarding the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reflecting histological changes. Aims: The aims was to assess the capabilities of SMI imaging regarding the early detection of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis in comparison to the reference standard renal biopsy for the early diagnosis of kidney fibrosis. Methods: SMI was performed in patients (n = 52) with CKD stage 2–5, where some of them underwent biopsy proven CKD and fibrosis as part of the diagnosis. In addition, biochemical tests were performed, including kidney function tests, urine collection for proteinuria, and the estimation of GFR by MDRD or CKD-EPI eGFR in CKD patients and healthy controls (n = 17). All subjects underwent SMI, where vascularity is expressed as the SMI index (a low index reflects low vascularity/fibrosis and vice versa). Results: The SMI vascular index was significantly lower in CKD patients as compared with healthy controls (72.2 ± 12.9 vs. 49.9 ± 16.7%, p < 0.01). Notably, a moderate correlation between the SMI index and eGFR was found among the CKD patients (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Similarly, a strong correlation was found between SCr and the SMI index of the diseased subjects (r = −0.54, p < 0.001). In patients who underwent renal biopsy, the SMI index corresponded with the histological alterations and CKD staging. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that SMI imaging may be utilized in CKD patients of various stages for the evaluation of chronic renal morphological changes and for differentiation between CKD grades.
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Yamashita Y, Yoshikawa T, Yamazaki H, Kawaji Y, Tamura T, Hatamaru K, Itonaga M, Ashida R, Ida Y, Maekita T, Iguchi M, Kitano M. A Novel Endoscopic Ultrasonography Imaging Technique for Depicting Microcirculation in Pancreatobiliary Lesions without the Need for Contrast-Enhancement: A Prospective Exploratory Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112018. [PMID: 34829364 PMCID: PMC8621279 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI-EUS) provides a new method to image and detect fine vessels and low-velocity blood flow without using ultrasound contrast agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of DFI-EUS for pancreatobiliary lesions and lymph nodes. Between January 2019 and January 2020, 53 patients who underwent DFI-EUS, e-FLOW EUS, and contrast-enhanced EUS were enrolled. The ability of DFI-EUS and e-FLOW EUS to detect vessels was compared with that of contrast-enhanced EUS. This article describes the DFI technique along with our first experience of its use for vascular assessment of pancreatobiliary lesions. Vessels were imaged in 34 pancreatic solid lesions, eight intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), seven gall bladder lesions, and four swollen lymph nodes. DFI-EUS (91%) was significantly superior to e-FLOW EUS (53%) with respect to detection of vessels (p < 0.001) and for discrimination of mural nodules from mucous clots in IPMN and gallbladder lesions from sludge (p = 0.046). Thus, DFI-EUS has the potential to become an essential tool for diagnosis and vascular assessment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Yamashita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(81)-73-447-2300; Fax: +(81)-73-445-3616
| | - Takanori Yoshikawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan;
| | - Hirofumi Yamazaki
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Yuki Kawaji
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Takashi Tamura
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Keiichi Hatamaru
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Masahiro Itonaga
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Reiko Ashida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Yoshiyuki Ida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Takao Maekita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Mikitaka Iguchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
| | - Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.Y.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (K.H.); (M.I.); (R.A.); (Y.I.); (T.M.); (M.I.); (M.K.)
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Liver fibrosis regression correlates with downregulation in liver angiogenesis in chronic hepatitis C through viral eradication. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:1209-1217. [PMID: 32658008 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of viral eradication on hepatic angiogenesis is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the correlations of liver angiogenesis with liver fibrosis progression or regression in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) after viral eradication. METHODS From 2003 to 2020, a cohort of 130 eligible participants underwent paired percutaneous liver biopsies (median = 48 months apart; range = 46-62) at the treatment baseline and after sustained virological response to CHC treatment at the tertiary referral center. The collagen proportionate area (CPA) of liver tissue sections was determined using picrosirius red staining through digital image analysis. CD34 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) phenotypically quantitated liver angiogenesis and myofibroblasts, respectively, through immunohistochemistry staining, to correlate the total, portal, and extraportal liver angiogenesis with fibrogenesis. RESULTS Paired histology manifested significant regressions in fibrosis stages, and necroinflammatory grades (both P < 0.001). The median of changes in CPAs (follow-up minus baseline) was -6.12% (interquartile range = -12.35 to -2.05%). The median of CPA changes per year was -1.38%/year (interquartile range = -2.98 to -0.51%/year). The significance of declines in total CD34 [coefficient (95% confidence interval), 5.577 (3.286-7.868); P < 0.001] outweighed α-SMA declines, when explaining (R2 = 0.522; adjusted R2 = 0.502) the CPA declines through multiple regression analysis adjusting for other histological variables. CONCLUSION Through viral eradication in CHC, the downregulated liver angiogenesis significantly explains the CPA regression.
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Yamashita Y, Yoshikawa T, Kawaji Y, Tamura T, Hatamaru K, Itonaga M, Ida Y, Maekita T, Iguchi M, Murata SI, Kitano M. Novel endoscopic ultrasonography imaging technique for visualizing microcirculation without contrast enhancement in subepithelial lesions: Prospective study. Dig Endosc 2021; 33:955-961. [PMID: 33145842 DOI: 10.1111/den.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Detective flow imaging for endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI?EUS) is a new imaging modality developed for detecting fine vessels without using ultrasound contrast agents. This study aimed to evaluate its utility by comparing it with a type of directional power Doppler (eFLOW) for subepithelial lesions (SELs). METHODS Between January 2019 and January 2020, 28 patients with SELs undergoing DFI?EUS and eFLOW?EUS were enrolled. DFI?EUS and eFLOW?EUS assessing the vascularity in SELs were compared in terms of the rates of identification of intratumoral vessels. We also investigated how large vessels were depicted in both modalities based on surgical specimens as well as the detection rates of intratumoral vessels in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and non?GISTs using either DFI?EUS or eFLOW?EUS. RESULTS Among 28 patients, 23 with pathological confirmation by EUS?guided fine?needle aspiration biopsy (EUS?FNAB) specimens were included. Of those 23 patients, the 10 who underwent surgical resection were selected for analysis. The rate of detection of intratumoral vessels in SELs was significantly higher on DFI?EUS (80%) than on eFLOW?EUS (30%) (P\xA0=\xA00.03). Comparison with surgical specimens revealed that detection rate for vessels with maximum size of less 1000\xA0μm was higher in DFI?EUS (66%) than that in eFLOW?EUS (0%). GIST patients had significantly higher positive rates (90%) of intratumoral vessels than non?GIST patients (31%) on DFI in 23 cases including EUS?FNAB specimens (P\xA0=\xA00.045). CONCLUSIONS Detective flow imaging?EUS is more sensitive for depicting intratumoral vessels than eFLOW?EUS. Evaluation of intratumoral vessels on DFI?EUS is useful for identifying GISTs without contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunobu Yamashita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takanori Yoshikawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawaji
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamura
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hatamaru
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itonaga
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takao Maekita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mikitaka Iguchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shin Ichi Murata
- Department of Human Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Balık AÖ, Kılıçoğlu ZG, Görmez A, Özkara S. Radiology-pathology correlation in staging of liver fibrosis using superb microvascular imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25:331-337. [PMID: 31287429 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2019.18231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Progression of liver fibrosis to end-stage disease can potentially be prevented with antiviral treatment. Thus, diagnosis of fibrosis is important in determining treatment protocols. This study aims first, to determine the sensitivity of a novel Doppler method, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), in detecting small vascular structures of the liver compared with other Doppler methods; and second, to choose the best method among these Doppler applications to determine the morphologic changes that occur due to chronic fibrosis. By doing so, the study would be able to provide an ultrasound grading that might differentiate and predict mild and severe liver fibrosis, thus giving rise to a possible alternative to biopsy. METHODS A total of 43 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis and scheduled for liver biopsy were included. Color Doppler, power Doppler, advanced dynamic flow (ADF) Doppler, color SMI (cSMI) and monochrome SMI (mSMI) Doppler were performed in subcapsular areas of right anterior lobe. Depth from the capsule of the most peripherally located detectable vessel was measured for each Doppler subgroup. Appearance of the vascular tree was categorized into four groups and correlated with pathology results. ROC curve analysis was used to determine if this Doppler classification was statistically significant in differentiating mild and severe forms of fibrosis. Finally, multiple regression analysis was used to determine which Doppler parameter can significantly predict severity. RESULTS mSMI and cSMI were found to be superior to other Doppler techniques in detecting the most superficially located vessels of the liver, 4.4 mm and 3.3 mm deep from the capsule, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the changes identified in the vascular tree, small vessel blunting was the most prevalent finding in predicting the presence of severe fibrosis (multiple regression test, t=5.969, P < 0.0001). ROC analysis identified that the presence of at least two pathologic findings in the vascular tree was highly predictive of severe fibrosis (AUC=0.881, sensitivity 86.67%, specificity 89.29%, positive and negative predictive values 8.09 and 0.15, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study proves that SMI is superior to other Doppler techniques in detecting the smallest vessels visible to ultrasound. Using this method, it is possible to determine the vascular changes in terms of blunting and tortuosity and thus predict the severity of fibrosis. This method might be a practical alternative to biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Özlem Balık
- Department of Radiology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Gamze Kılıçoğlu
- Department of Radiology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Görmez
- Department of Radiology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Selvinaz Özkara
- Department of Pathology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Lee S, Kim MJ, Lee MJ, Yoon H, Han K, Han SJ, Koh H, Kim S, Shin HJ. Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flow in biliary atresia: is it useful imaging feature after the Kasai operation? Eur Radiol 2020; 30:3161-3167. [PMID: 32048036 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the implications of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows using ultrasonography (US) in children after Kasai operation. METHODS Children who underwent liver US including color Doppler US and microvascular imaging (MVI) from May 2017 to October 2017 were retrospectively included. Children who underwent the Kasai operation for biliary atresia were included in the Kasai group and children with normal liver were included in the control group. Using US results, the number of intrahepatic biliary cysts and the maximum diameter of the spleen were evaluated in the Kasai group. Liver stiffness values were included when patients in the Kasai group had transient elastography (TE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) results. Hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows on color Doppler US and MVI were compared between the two groups using the following scores: 0, no flow reaching the hepatic capsule; 1, any flow reaching the hepatic capsule; and 2, contiguous hepatic capsular flow. The logistic regression test was used to identify associations between age, intrahepatic biliary cysts, spleen size, SWV, TE results, and flow scores measured on Doppler US and MVI in the Kasai group using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULT A total of 65 children (mean 7.6 ± 5.3 years), 44 in the Kasai group and 21 in the control group, were included. In the control group, one child had score 1 on MVI and others had score 0 on both Doppler US and MVI. Among the Kasai group, 28 children (63.6%) had score 1, while others had score 0 using Doppler US. Using MVI, 24 children (54.5%) had score 2, 18 children had score 1, and one child had score 0. In the Kasai group, increased liver stiffness on TE was the only factor significantly associated with the presence of subcapsular flow on color Doppler US (OR 1.225, 95% CI 1.020-1.470) and increased spleen size was the only factor significantly associated with increased flow scores on MVI (OR 1.397, 95% CI 1.002-2.724). CONCLUSION Detection of hepatic subcapsular, capsular flows on US would be meaningful for children after receiving the Kasai operation. KEY POINTS • Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flows can be useful not only for the diagnosis but also for the postoperative follow-up in patients with biliary atresia. • Increased liver stiffness and splenomegaly after the Kasai operation were associated with presence of subcapsular or capsular flow on ultrasonography. • Evaluation of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows could be needed to assess disease progression after receiving the Kasai operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suji Lee
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Myung-Joon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Mi-Jung Lee
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Haesung Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Han
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Center for Clinical Imaging Data Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Seok Joo Han
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hong Koh
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Seung Kim
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Shin
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
- Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
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Pancar GS, Kaynar T. Nailfold capillaroscopic changes in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Microvasc Res 2019; 129:103970. [PMID: 31891718 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold capillaroscopy is a highly sensitive, inexpensive, simple, safe, and noninvasive technique used in the investigation of the microcirculation. However, the diseases having a vasculitic component can cause changes in the nailfold capillaries like viral hepatitis, the microvascular characteristics of the nailfold area in HBV and HCV infected individuals have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we investigated possible dermoscopic differences in the vascular appearance of the nailfold capillaries and their association with the disease's clinical status. METHOD A hundred and forty-seven patients and 147 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patients' group consisted of chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB: 54 cases), chronic hepatitis C (CHC: 36 cases) and carrier of hepatitis B virus infection (CRHB: 57 cases). Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed using a digital dermoscope (Molemax II, X30). All capillaroscopy images were evaluated for capillary density, capillary loop enlargement, capillary tortuosities, branching vessels, micro hemorrhages, avascular areas and splinter hemorrhages, and routine laboratory examinations of all patients were performed. RESULTS Statistical differences in all of the categories of capillary morphology were prominent between the capillary abnormalities of Hepatitis B and the control group, also the capillary abnormality was significant between hepatitis C and the control group (p < 0.01). None of the 147 healthy control had any nailfold capillary changes. There was a significant difference between the CHB-Control and CRHB-Control groups in all of the capillaroscopic changes (p < 0.01). The avascular area was also the most common finding in Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B infected individuals, and capillary dilatation (CD), capillary tortuosity (CT) and capillary enlargement (CE) were the major nailfold capillary changes in both of two diseases. CONCLUSION Nailfold capillary abnormalities are one of the extrahepatic dermatologic finding which could be a sign of the endothelial tissue damage in chronic viral hepatitis, we do not have any data about the effects of these two usual infections on the nailfold capillary morphology. This is the first study evaluating the microvasculature abnormalities of the nailfold capillaries in hepatitis B and hepatitis C infected individuals by capillaroscopic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Pancar
- Samsun Education and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - T Kaynar
- Samsun Gazi Government Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Samsun, Turkey
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Jiang ZZ, Huang YH, Shen HL, Liu XT. Clinical Applications of Superb Microvascular Imaging in the Liver, Breast, Thyroid, Skeletal Muscle, and Carotid Plaques. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2019; 38:2811-2820. [PMID: 30953387 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the clinical applications of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) in the liver, breast, thyroid, skeletal muscle, and carotid plaques. Diseases that are closely associated with angiogenesis can be diagnosed by SMI in a relatively early phase, and using SMI can prevent adverse reactions associated with the contrast agents used in contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Super Microvascular Imaging also shows particular value in grading disease activities and monitoring therapeutic responses. Although SMI has some limitations, such as a lack of clinical standards, it can add information to conventional ultrasound examinations and may become a noninvasive alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures for many clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yan-Hua Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Hua-Liang Shen
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xia-Tian Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
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Goeral K, Hojreh A, Kasprian G, Klebermass-Schrehof K, Weber M, Mitter C, Berger A, Prayer D, Brugger PC, Vergesslich-Rothschild K, Patsch JM. Microvessel ultrasound of neonatal brain parenchyma: feasibility, reproducibility, and normal imaging features by superb microvascular imaging (SMI). Eur Radiol 2018; 29:2127-2136. [PMID: 30315420 PMCID: PMC6420458 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) of the neonatal brain and to describe normal imaging features. Methods We performed transcranial ultrasound with SMI in 19 healthy term-born neonates. SMI was done according to a structured examination protocol, using two linear 18 MHz and 14 MHz transducers. Superficial and deep scans were acquired in the coronal and sagittal planes, using the left and right superior frontal gyri as anatomical landmarks. All SMI views were imaged by monochrome and colour SMI and evaluated with respect to visibility of extrastriatal (i.e. cortical and medullary) and striatal microvessels. Results We have described normal morphologic features of intraparenchymal brain microvasculature as “short parallel” cortical vessels, “smoothly curved” medullary vessels, and deep striatal vessels. In general, SMI performance was better on coronal views than on sagittal views. On superficial coronal scans, cortical microvessels were identifiable in 90–100%, medullary microvessels in 95–100%. On deep scans, cortical and medullary microvessels were visible in all cases, while striatal microvessels were identifiable in 71% of cases. Conclusions Cerebral SMI ultrasound is feasible and well-reproducible and provides a novel non-invasive imaging tool for the assessment of intraparenchymal brain microvasculature (extrastriatal and striatal microvessels) in neonates without the use of contrast. Key Points • Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) of the neonatal brain is feasible and reproducible. • SMI depicts extrastriatal and striatal microvessels. • SMI detects two types of extrastriatal microvessels: cortical and medullary. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-018-5743-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Goeral
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Pediatric Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Azadeh Hojreh
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Neuroradiology and Muskuloskeletal Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Pediatric Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Weber
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Mitter
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Neuroradiology and Muskuloskeletal Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Pediatric Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Neuroradiology and Muskuloskeletal Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter C Brugger
- Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klara Vergesslich-Rothschild
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janina M Patsch
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Ling W, Quan J, Lin J, Qiu T, Li J, Lu Q, Lu C, Luo Y. Grading fatty liver by ultrasound time-domain radiofrequency signal analysis: an in vivo study of rats. Exp Anim 2018; 67:249-257. [PMID: 29332859 PMCID: PMC5955756 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.17-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the severity of fatty liver (FL) by analyzing ultrasound
radiofrequency (RF) signals in rats. One hundred and twenty rats (72 in the FL group and
48 in the control group) were used for this purpose. Histological results were the golden
standard: 42 cases had normal livers (N), 30 cases had mild FL (L1), 25 cases had moderate
FL (L2), 13 cases presented with severe FL (L3), and 10 cases were excluded from the
study. Four RF parameters (Mean, Mean/SD ratio [MSR], skewness [SK], and kurtosis [KU]
were extracted. Univariate analysis, spearman correlation analysis, and stepwise
regression analysis were used to select the most powerful predictors. Receiver operating
characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of single
indexes with a combined index (Y) expressed by a regression equation. Mean, MSR, SK, and
KU were significantly correlated with FL grades (r=0.71, P<0.001;
r=0.81, P<0.001; r=−0.79, P<0.001; and r=−0.74,
P<0.001). The regression equation was Y=−4.48 + 3.20 ×
10−2X1 + 3.15X2 (P<0.001), where Y=hepatic steatosis
grade, X1 =Mean, and X2 =MSR. ROC analysis showed that the curve areas of the combined
index (Y) were superior to simple indexes (Mean, MSR, SK, and KU) in evaluating hepatic
steatosis grade, and they were 0.95 (L≥L1), 0.98 (L≥L2), and 0.99 (L≥L3). Ultrasound
radiofrequency signal quantitative technology was a new, noninvasive, and promising
sonography-based approach for the assessment of FL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Ling
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jierong Quan
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 32 Yi Huan Lu Xi Er Duan, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jiangli Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Wangjiang Campus, No. 11 Yi Huan Lu Nan San Duan, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jiawu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Changli Lu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Oura K, Kato T, Ohba H, Terayama Y. Evaluation of Intraplaque Neovascularization Using Superb Microvascular Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018; 27:2348-2353. [PMID: 29754774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown a linkage between intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) and plaque instability. Although contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) may help visualize IPN in the carotid artery, its benefits are limited in Japan, where there is no health insurance coverage for contrast agents in medical imaging. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI), however, enables the depiction of low-velocity blood flow. The current study compares the diagnostic accuracy of SMI and CEUS in the evaluation of IPN. METHODS The SMI and CEUS video images were transferred to a workstation and then analyzed to determine whether intraplaque blood flow signals were detected with SMI and whether plaques were contrast-enhanced with carotid artery CEUS. The images generated were independently interpreted by 2 radiologic technologists and 1 neurologist. RESULTS Intraplaque enhancement was observed in 19 patients using CEUS while intraplaque blood flow signals were observed in 12 patients using SMI. A 100% specificity was recorded for SMI (all 12 patients with SMI-detected intraplaque blood flow showed contrast-enhanced plaques), while its sensitivity was 63% (8 of the 15 patients with no SMI-detected intraplaque blood flow showed contrast-enhanced plaques on CEUS). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that patients with SMI-detected blood flow will tend to have plaque enhancement using CEUS. This suggests that SMI, as a simpler, safer, and noninvasive technique, can facilitate the visualization of carotid artery IPN without the use of a contrast agent, as well as in the clinical evaluation of plaque instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Oura
- Division of Neurology and Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.
| | - Tadayoshi Kato
- Division of Neurology and Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohba
- Division of Neurology and Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terayama
- Division of Neurology and Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
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21
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Yazaki T, Sato S, Tobita H, Isoda K, Miyake T, Kinoshita Y. Elderly Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome observed with superb microvascular imaging system. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2018; 45:611-615. [PMID: 29464468 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-018-0865-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is defined as inflammation on the surface of the liver following sexually transmitted chlamydia infection. We successfully observed the microvascular structure of the inflamed portion between the abdominal wall and surface of the liver in an elderly patient with FHCS using a superb microvascular imaging (SMI) system, a new technology developed for observing minute vascular flow. An 80-year-old Japanese female with right dorsal to lateral abdominal pain and fever came to our hospital. Anti-chlamydia antibodies were positive. SMI revealed signals suggesting small vessels passing from the liver surface to the hypoechoic space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Yazaki
- Department of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Sato
- Department of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Tobita
- Department of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Isoda
- Department of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Miyake
- Department of Hepatology, Shimane Prefectural Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kinoshita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
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22
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Yamanaka Y, Ishida H, Naganuma H, Komatsuda T, Miyazawa H, Miyauchi T, Takahashi S, Tozawa T, Enomoto K. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) findings of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm: a report of two cases. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2018; 45:515-523. [PMID: 29383555 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-018-0858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAPA) is a relatively infrequently encountered but clinically important vascular change, because it carries a high risk of rupture that warrants prompt treatment regardless of its size. Thus, sufficient knowledge is indispensable when seeing chronic pancreatitis patients or post-traumatic patients. Here, we report two such cases. The first case was a 52-year-old woman known to have chronic pancreatitis who presented with hematemesis and hemodynamic instability in which X-ray computed tomography (CT) and color Doppler sonography (CDS) had difficulty visualizing slow blood flow in SAPA, but superb microvascular imaging (SMI) clearly demonstrated the slow blood flow in SAPA, prompting our therapeutic decision to perform rapid embolization. The second case was a 51-year-old woman with post-traumatic SAPA in which 3D SMI enabled us to understand more clearly the topographic relationship between multiple SAPAs as compared with conventional US, leading to a decision to provide immediate surgical treatment. SMI was thought to provide a new insight into the US diagnosis of SAPA. When examining patients suspected of having a SAPA, SMI is an indispensable diagnostic tool at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Yamanaka
- Center of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Akita Red Cross Hospital, 222-1 Kamikitade, Saruta, Nawashirosawa, Akita, 010-1495, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Ishida
- Center of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Akita Red Cross Hospital, 222-1 Kamikitade, Saruta, Nawashirosawa, Akita, 010-1495, Japan
| | - Hiroko Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokote Municipal Hospital, Yokote, Japan
| | - Tomoya Komatsuda
- Center of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Akita Red Cross Hospital, 222-1 Kamikitade, Saruta, Nawashirosawa, Akita, 010-1495, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyazawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Akita Red Cross Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tozawa
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Enomoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Akita Red Cross Hospital, Akita, Japan
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23
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The utility of superb microvascular imaging for monitoring low-velocity venous flow following pancreas transplantation: report of a case. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2017; 45:171-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-017-0795-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Visualization of draining vein in focal nodular hyperplasia by superb microvascular imaging: report of two cases. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2017; 44:323-328. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-017-0775-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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