Comparison of transvaginal ultrasound utilization between radiology and point of care ultrasound in first trimester pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Transvaginal (TVUS) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) are both utilized in the evaluation of early pregnancy patients. While many practitioners using point of care ultrasound (POCUS) will generally not pursue TVUS in cases where an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) is visualized on TAUS, this may not be true in Radiology performed ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate for differences in transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) utilization between Radiology performed (RP) ultrasound and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) by Emergency Department (ED) physicians in early pregnancy patients. Secondarily, to assess length of stay (LOS) differences and the impact of specialized emergency ultrasound training on TVUS utilization.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study at a single academic ED. Study population was all ED patients who underwent first trimester ultrasound during the one year period of March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Variables evaluated were chief complaint, gestational age, LOS, TAUS and TVUS utilization, ultrasound findings, and ultrasound specialty training of the ED physician.

RESULTS

There were 133 cases of POCUS ultrasound and 254 cases of RP ultrasound. All cases had TAUS imaging performed. Median LOS for patients when POCUS was utilized was 207 min (IQR 151-294) and 258 min (IQR 208-328) for those only using RP ultrasound, p ≤ 0.001. In the POCUS cohort, 38% (95% CI 30%-46%) received TVUS, while 94% received TVUS in the RP cohort (95% CI 90%-96%), p ≤ 0.001. Patients seen by ED faculty with ultrasound specialty training had TVUS 53% of the time (95% CI 41%-65%), while those seen by other ED faculty had TVUS 79% (95% CI 74%-83%) of the time, p = 0.035.

CONCLUSION

POCUS in early pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in TVUS usage. We suspect that POCUS users elect not to pursue TVUS after an IUP is identified on TAUS, while technicians perform protocol-based TVUS irrespective of TAUS findings. Patients seen by ultrasound trained ED physicians are less likely to receive TVUS.

The Utility of Transvaginal Ultrasound After Intrauterine Pregnancy Identification on Transabdominal Ultrasound in Emergency Department Patients

Introduction

Ultrasonography has an important role in the evaluation of Emergency Department (ED) patients presenting with early pregnancy complaints. Both transabdominal (TAUS) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) can be utilized. While TVUS generally allows for greater detail, it is unclear how much added benefit exists in performing TVUS once an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) has been identified on TAUS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study utilizing Radiology Department ultrasound examinations obtained in first trimester pregnancy ED patients during a consecutive four month period in 2019. Studies wherein both TAUS and TVUS were both performed were included. Two ED physicians with specialized training in point of care ultrasound reviewed only the TAUS images from these studies. Their findings were compared to the Radiologist interpretation, which was inclusive of both TAUS and TVUS components of the study.

Results

108 studies met inclusion criteria. Amongst these, 82 had IUP's identified on the radiologist report. 69 studies had an IUP identified by ED physician review of the TAUS images, with 1 false positive. Each case of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) was identified on ED physician review of TAUS. Two ectopic pregnancies were present, neither of which was mistaken for IUP on ED physician TAUS review. There were 15 studies with subchorionic hemorrhage and 3 studies with an ovarian cyst noted on the radiologist report.

Conclusion

Following the identification of an IUP on TAUS, the added diagnostic value of TVUS amongst this cohort of ED patients was low. Given the added time and cost of TVUS, selective instead of routine usage should be encouraged.

Fatal Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Due to Constipation: A Case Report

Introduction

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a rare condition in which increased intra-abdominal pressure causes multiorgan dysfunction through decreased perfusion. Causes of this condition are variable, and early recognition is critical for favorable patient outcomes. Measurement of bladder pressure is recommended for diagnosis.

Case Report

A 64-year-old female on clozapine with a two-year history of chronic constipation presented to the emergency department in extremis with a protuberant abdomen. After resuscitative measures, computed tomography showed a dilated, stool-filled colon with a decompressed inferior vena cava and decreased perfusion. She died despite surgical decompression.

Conclusion

Severe constipation is a rare cause of ACS, and there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines. Options for bedside decompression are limited. To reduce morbidity and mortality in this population, early recognition of ACS is imperative. Initial interventions should support hemodynamics and respiration. Definitive management is surgical decompression.

Ultrasound-Guided Talonavicular Arthrocentesis

BACKGROUND

Joint arthrocentesis is a commonly performed procedure by the emergency physician (EP). Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has demonstrated promise in identifying joint effusions and guiding arthrocentesis procedures. EP-performed talonavicular joint arthrocentesis has not been previously described in the literature. We present a case in which an isolated talonavicular joint effusion was identified and then subsequently aspirated using POCUS.

CASE REPORT

A 65-year-old man presented with atraumatic right ankle pain. On arrival, he was noted to have diffuse warmth and edema around the ankle and midfoot. POCUS was performed to evaluate for an ankle joint effusion, which was not present. The ultrasound was then moved distally, where a talonavicular joint effusion was noted. Inflammatory markers were found to be elevated. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed an isolated talonavicular joint effusion without additional acute findings. POCUS was then used to perform an arthrocentesis, which revealed monosodium urate crystals consistent with an initial episode of gouty arthritis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: POCUS provides the EP with an efficient tool to diagnose joint effusions and guide arthrocentesis procedures. The foot is composed of several small joints where ultrasound can be particularly helpful. Similar to the ankle joint, these joints can be afflicted with pyogenic infections and crystalline arthropathies. To our knowledge, we present the first report of EP-performed talonavicular arthrocentesis guided by POCUS. The approach to this joint and technique for arthrocentesis are presented.

Point-of-care hip ultrasound leads to expedited results in emergency department patients with suspected septic arthritis

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of septic hip arthritis often incorporates the utilization of hip ultrasonography to determine the presence of a hip joint effusion, as well as to guide arthrocentesis. Point-of-care (POC) hip ultrasound has previously been demonstrated to be accurate when performed by the emergency physician. Time to diagnosis and subsequent intervention in septic arthritis (SA) is critical to favorable outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective single-center study of all emergency department (ED) patients who had a POC or radiology hip ultrasound or arthrocentesis as part of their ED evaluation for SA in a 3-year period. We investigated the difference in time to obtain hip ultrasonography results and the time to arthrocentesis between radiology and emergency physician-performed studies in cases of suspected septic hip arthritis.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria. The median time to hip ultrasound completion was 68 (interquartile range [IQR], 38.8-132) minutes in the emergency physician-performed ultrasound group versus 208.5 (IQR, 163.8-301.3) minutes for the radiology group (P < 0.001). A total of 17 patients had a hip arthrocentesis performed. Time to arthrocentesis was 211 (IQR 141.3-321.5) minutes in the emergency physician-performed arthrocentesis group and 602 (IQR 500-692) minutes in the radiology arthrocentesis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically shorter time to ultrasound result and arthrocentesis when POC hip ultrasound was utilized by the emergency physician. Given that unfavorable outcomes in SA are associated with delay in treatment, further study is warranted to determine if emergency physician-performed hip ultrasound and arthrocentesis could lead to improved patient-centered clinical end points.

Can Ultrasound Identify Traumatic Knee Arthrotomy in a Cadaveric Model?

BACKGROUND

Traumatic arthrotomy of the knee (TAK) involves the violation of the knee capsule. TAK differs from simple lacerations because it requires operative management to prevent resultant septic arthritis. The diagnostic test of choice in the emergency department is the saline load test (SLT). SLT sensitivity ranges from 34% to 99%, depending on volume used. Computed tomography (CT) is a possible alternative, using intra-articular air as a diagnostic marker. Ultrasound can identify air in various tissues, given its highly echogenic nature.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting intra-articular air in cadaveric knee joints.

METHODS

Soft embalmed cadavers were utilized. The knees were block randomized to having 1 mL of air injected into the joint or sham skin injection. Two blinded, expert operators scanned the knees with a high-frequency linear transducer. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty knees were included. Knees that had any prior dissection were excluded from analysis. Ten knees were randomized for air injection. The pooled sensitivity was 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.85) with a specificity of 0.75 (95% CI 0.48-0.93). Mean time taken was 143 s.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound may have utility in evaluation of TAK. There were limitations. Some knees had effusions with echogenic material present, which could have led to false-positive results. It is also unknown how much air is typical of TAK. One milliliter was used based on previous work with CT. The use of ultrasound for diagnosis of TAK warrants further study.

Rorschach protocols from children and adolescents with Asperger's disorder

Rorschach protocols from 24 boys with Asperger's Disorder matched by age to 24 boys with other emotional or behavioral disorders (the contrast group) were compared to each other and to Exner' s (1995) normative data. Eight variables based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria and a review of the literature for Asperger's Disorder were predicted to discriminate between groups with the Asperger's group having more extreme scores. Five variables (COP, CDI, H, M, and EA) were significantly different from the contrast group and T and WSumC were significantly different from the normative data in both the Asperger's group and the contrast group.

Computer-guided surgery for tachyarrhythmias in children: current results and expectations

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this report is to summarize our entire surgical experience in the treatment of tachyarrhythmias in children. We emphasize our application of a newer computerized mapping system for use in both the electrophysiology laboratory and the operating room to localize points of activation of the tachyarrhythmias.

BACKGROUND

A retrospective review was undertaken to examine the results of operative procedures in 290 children undergoing surgical treatment for tachyarrhythmias from 1977 to the present.

METHODS

Operative procedures were performed in 290 children and consisted of the following: surgical ablation of accessory pathways of the Kent bundle type (210 children); surgery with cryoablation for atrial ectopic tachycardia (35 children); surgical excision or cryoablation, or both, for ventricular tachycardia (26 children); cryoablation for the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia (15 children) and atrioventricular (AV) node reentrant tachycardia (4 children).

RESULTS

The surgical cure rate for accessory pathway tachycardia in the era before computerized mapping was 80% (41 patients) in the period from 1977 to 1982 and 95% (86 patients) in the period from 1982 to 1988. This rate improved to 100% (83 patients) after the advent of the computerized mapping technique. These improved results are probably due to a combination of factors, including increasing experience in electrophysiologic mapping and surgery, and cannot be attributed to the computerized mapping system alone. Surgical cure or major improvement in symptoms was documented in 33 (94%) of 35 patients with atrial ectopic tachycardia. Surgical cure was accomplished in 25 (96%) of 26 patients with the complex form of ventricular tachycardia. In 19 patients with the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia and the more typical AV node reentrant tachycardia, the surgical cure rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

In all forms of supraventricular reentrant tachycardia that occur in children, preoperative computerized mapping techniques combined with intraoperative computerized mapping and surgical ablation can eliminate tachycardia at a success rate of close to 100%. Computerized mapping techniques are less accurate in patients with atrial ectopic tachycardia because of multiple foci and a broader surface area to be mapped. This experience demonstrates that excellent results can be achieved in the surgical treatment of tachyarrhythmias in children.

Cryoablative techniques in the treatment of cardiac tachyarrhythmias

Of 175 patients treated surgically for potentially lethal or refractory cardiac tachyarrhythmias, 53 underwent mapping and definitive operation using cryoablative techniques as the primary or adjunctive method. Included were 16 patients with supraventricular tachycardia caused by accessory pathways (Kent bundle) in the right anterior or posterior paraseptal location. Cryoablation was successful in abolishing tachycardia in 93.7% (15 of 16). Six patients (100%) with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia were cured by cryoablation. Eighteen of 19 patients with atrial ectopic tachycardia were treated by cryoablation alone or in combination with excision of the atrial appendage, with success in 15 (83.3%). Five of these were left atrial foci cured by cryoablation. Fourteen right atrial foci were treated by excision of the appendage only (1 patient), excision of the appendage and local cryoablation (8 patients), and cryoablation alone (5 patients). Three of these underwent partial (2 patients) or complete (1 patient) atrial disconnection after excisional and cryoablative techniques failed to control the tachycardia. Multiple ectopic atrial foci were common (9 patients), and successful cryoablation was accomplished in 100% of the patients with a single atrial ectopic focus (10 patients) but in only 66% of those with multiple foci. Thirteen of 19 infants with critical ventricular tachycardia were treated by cryoablation at the site of the ectopic focus, either alone or in combination with excision of the area. Elimination of tachycardia was accomplished in 13 patients (100%). Myocardial hamartoma (Purkinje cell tumor) was the histological diagnosis in 11 of the infants with ventricular tachycardia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)