Articles tagged with Ultrasound
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for excisional biopsies in many cases. The study found that 15 out of 21 lumps were benign and did not require biopsy, highlighting the potential benefit of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers at Duke University developed a laboratory robot that can detect tiny pieces of metal within flesh using 3D ultrasound technology. The robot successfully guided a needle to its location without human assistance, paving the way for potential treatments of shrapnel injuries and medical procedures like prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are developing revolutionary ultrasonic nanotechnology that can image individual cells. This technique could help diagnose serious illnesses such as some cancers by providing detailed insights into cell structure and function.
A literature review published in Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography concludes that ultrasound provides accurate diagnoses at a lower cost than MRI and CT scans. The study's findings highlight the widespread adoption of ultrasound in various clinical settings, including obstetrics, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.
A new imaging technique called breast elastography enables accurate diagnoses of breast cancer by analyzing tissue stiffness. This study found that breast elastography outperformed conventional ultrasound in diagnosing breast cancers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety.
A study by Dr. Federica Pediconi found that second look ultrasound enhances breast cancer detection in cases where MRI and mammography miss lesions. In some cases, it even helps determine a lesion's malignancy or benignity.
Researchers have successfully coupled USB-based ultrasound probe technology with smartphones, enabling compact, mobile medical imaging devices. This innovation has far-reaching implications for global healthcare, particularly in developing countries where access to medical imaging is limited.
A multicenter study found EUS elastography to be highly sensitive and specific in distinguishing benign from malignant tissue, with a sensitivity of 92.3% for pancreatic lesions and 91.8% for lymph nodes. The technique may help characterize pancreatic masses after negative EUS-FNA and increase the yield of EUS-FNA for lymph nodes.
Lawrence Platt and Ernest Feleppa receive top awards for their contributions to medical ultrasound, with Platt recognized for clinical science and Feleppa for basic science research, both funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Jean Spitz, MPH, RDMS, receives the 2009 Distinguished Sonographer Award for her significant contributions to diagnostic ultrasound growth and development. She is recognized for her extensive work as an educator, researcher, and practitioner in obstetric and gynecologic sonography.
Alfred Kurtz, MD, receives the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award for his significant contributions to diagnostic medical ultrasound. Dr. Kurtz has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and written several books on ultrasound.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has recognized Fred Winsberg, Martin Resnick, and Horace Thompson as pioneers in the field of ultrasound in medicine. Drs. Winsberg and Resnick were renowned experts in radiology and urology, respectively, while Dr. Thompson is considered the
Researchers found that collagen injections can improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in some patients, even after surgical treatment fails. The procedure involves injecting collagen into the tissue surrounding the urethra to tighten the sphincter and prevent leakage.
A new study shows sonohysterography as an effective diagnostic tool for women with adenomyosis, improving detection rates and reducing errors in interpretation. The technique helps identify specific signs of the condition, such as 'myometrial cracks,' which were previously difficult to characterize on standard ultrasound.
A new experimental therapy combining ultrasound and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown to be more effective than tPA alone in treating ischemic stroke, according to a recent study. The treatment, which involves tiny gas-filled microspheres activated by ultrasound waves, helped restore blood flow and improve patient outcomes.
The new ultrasound technology, SCAN, uses non-invasive imaging to assess bone quality and predict fracture risk. It also assists in healing fractures by stimulating bone regeneration, making it a cost-effective and accessible tool for healthcare providers.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel ultrasound display that allows doctors to view images within the object being scanned, reducing the need for visualization. This innovation improves accuracy in surgeries guided by ultrasound technology, which relies on combining direct perception and visualization.
A new, portable ultrasound device created by Cornell graduate student George K. Lewis can treat prostate tumors and kidney stones by breaking them up, while also relieving arthritis pressure. The device is smaller, more powerful, and less expensive than traditional models, paving the way for its use in hospitals and medical research labs.
A new study finds that pediatric obesity can alter thyroid function and structure, with a potential link between fat excess and thyroid tissue modification. Thyroid function returns to normal after weight loss, but the persistence of abnormalities in obese children may progress into chronic disease in early adulthood.
A study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine found that portable ultrasound was clinically beneficial in urban and rural settings in Ghana. The technology offered a range of applications, including musculoskeletal, obstetrical, and abdominal examinations, with 81% of performed ultrasounds being abnormal.
A computer model developed by Koos Huijssen predicts sound transmission of improved ultrasound instrument designs, processing large data sets on PC and parallel supercomputers. The model is being used to design a new sonographic transducer at Erasmus University Medical Centre.
Neuroscientists at Arizona State University developed pulsed ultrasound techniques to remotely stimulate brain circuit activity, offering insights into noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits. The findings provide a new tool for modulating neural circuit activity, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic b...
Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which may misdiagnose individuals with the milder form of the disease. The new criteria improve detection in individuals with mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes.
A new study published in Radiology found that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses. The technique detects higher flow velocities in malignant tumor-feeding vessels, making it a potentially useful tool for breast cancer diagnosis.
A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new, simpler diagnostic method for detecting blood clots in the leg has been shown to be as effective as a more complex method. The study found that compression ultrasonography was highly accurate, with rates of detection equivalent to whole-leg ultrasonography.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-IOUS) outperforms intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in characterizing liver tumors by enhancing nodule vascularity and tissue microcirculation. This improves the accuracy of surgeons during hepatic surgeries for cirrhotic livers.
A new technique using flexible gastrointestinal endoscope with miniature ultrasound transducer can directly inject cancer fighting agents into tumors, avoiding normal tissue damage. This approach, combined with systemic chemotherapy, shows promise in treating certain cancers.
The carotid artery's intima-media thickness (IMT) is a valuable research tool that can predict cardiovascular events. Measuring IMT using non-invasive ultrasound allows for monitoring over time and assessing the impact of risk factor interventions.
A novel 3D ultrasound probe guides catheter procedures with clearer real-time images, eliminating x-ray radiation and contrast agent risks. The device is portable and provides continuous imaging, enabling wider range of interventional procedures.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to measure carotid artery plaque density and predict cardiovascular events. Patients with reduced plaque density had a significantly increased risk of near-future adverse events, highlighting the potential for this non-invasive technique to improve cardiovascular disease management.
Researchers at OHSU have devised an ultrasound imaging technique that picks up subtle early evidence of PAD, which current conventional tests miss. The test could lead to early treatments that head off serious complications like gangrene and death.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
Scientists are exploring the use of sound waves to assess atherosclerotic plaques, monitor chronic liver disease, and deliver drugs to specific locations in the body. Researchers have also developed new techniques for treating cancer, including minimally invasive thermal ablation methods and microbubbles-based therapies.
A new study suggests that an ultrasound exam of the heel may be able to predict if a woman is at heightened risk for fractures due to osteoporosis. The research found that women who were considered higher risk had a significantly lower bone strength, increasing their fracture risk.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis led to a significant increase in breast imaging and biopsies among low-risk women, particularly those aged 25-34. Despite the surge in screening activity, the rates of breast cancer detection did not change significantly.
The AIUM Consensus Report on Potential Bioeffects of Diagnostic Ultrasound provides in-depth analysis and recommendations for assessing the risks and benefits of diagnostic ultrasound. The report covers five bioeffect categories and builds upon a previous consensus conference held in 1998.
A study found that adding ultrasound to mammography for high-risk women increased cancer detection by 4.2 cancers per 1,000 women, while also increasing false-positive results by 10.4%. The diagnostic accuracy of combined screening was higher than mammography alone
A clinical trial found that adding ultrasound screening to mammography increases the detection of breast cancer, but also raises the risk of false positive findings and unnecessary biopsies. The study suggests that women at high risk of breast cancer may benefit from supplemental ultrasound screening.
A multicenter trial found that breast ultrasound combined with mammography detected more cancers than mammography alone in high-risk women. The study used over 2,800 participants, including 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, and showed that breast ultrasound is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening option.
A new study suggests that color Doppler ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing suspected acute appendicitis in adults, with a 97% specificity rate and 74% sensitivity rate. The test's advantages include lack of radiation exposure and lower cost compared to CT scans.
Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.
Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D ultrasound technology that can see in real-time the arteries within the brain, improving stroke diagnosis and care. The technology uses advanced imaging techniques to compensate for the thickness and unevenness of the skull, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College found that 3T MR-guided focused ultrasound effectively reduces symptoms of uterine fibroids in 20 patients, with minimal side effects. The non-invasive procedure allows for quick recovery times and eliminates risks associated with surgery.
A study by SLU cardiologist Melda Dolan found that ultrasound contrast agents are safe and beneficial for diagnosing life-threatening heart disease. The researchers examined nearly 24,000 patients who received contrast agents during echocardiograms and compared their results to those of approximately 6,000 patients without the agents.
Researchers at Duke University developed a high-energy form of ultrasound imaging that produces clearer images of liver tumors. The Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) method uses sound waves to push on tissues, capturing their elasticity and stiffness, which can help distinguish between hard and soft tumors.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology scientists found that exposure to air pollution significantly reduces foetus size during pregnancy. Mothers with higher exposure to air pollution had foetuses that were smaller in terms of abdominal circumference, head circumference and femur length.
A new study found that experienced ultrasound examiners can accurately classify ovarian tumors using pattern recognition, outperforming blood test CA-125 levels. The method could improve diagnosis and treatment for women with ovarian cancer.
The study found that transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) is not a substitute for 24-hour pH monitoring or manometry in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor disorders. TCEUS can aid in estimating GER and motility disorders, but it cannot replace these established diagnostic methods.
A new acoustic absorber developed by National Physical Laboratory has improved the calibration accuracy of physiotherapy ultrasound machines, reducing the risk of patient injury. The upgrade enables equipment to accommodate spreading beams and provides greater calibration accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new emergency treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound to seal punctured lungs. The technique, inspired by Star Trek technology, shows promise in replacing painful and invasive procedures for lung injuries.
The article challenges the routine use of ultrasound as a screening procedure for chromosome abnormalities, suggesting that foetal 'nuchal thickness' measurements are not supported by scientific data. This could lead to the 'loss' of normal babies in attempts to prevent Down's syndrome and trisomy 18.
A Mayo Clinic-led collaborative study finds that focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids offers sustained symptom relief and durable outcomes. The more complete destruction of tumors by focused ultrasound results in improved quality of life and lower incidence of severe side effects.
Mayo Clinic physicians have developed a new technique using real-time 3-D ultrasound to block nerve function in selected areas of the body prior to surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and with less need for pain medication. The technique has been successfully used in over 150 surgeries, showing improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that following ultrasound diagnosis of probably benign breast masses is a safe alternative to biopsy for stable masses. The study showed an overall negative predictive value of 99.8%, indicating only 0.2% risk of cancer development.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University researchers enables better brain tumor detection and minimally invasive surgery guidance. The device, inserted through a small hole in the skull, produces high-quality images of brain structures, overcoming limitations of traditional MRI and CT scans.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center re-evaluated carotid artery narrowing standards, finding that existing methods may be too aggressive. The new standards, developed using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, indicate a lower threshold for determining significant narrowing.
The June 2007 issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) highlights the growing significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the US. CEUS is used effectively globally but has limited approval for clinical use, hindering optimal imaging and patient care.