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Aim Current major guidelines recommend risk stratification of the thyroid nodules, after each diagnostic evaluation, in order to focus attention on potentially risky nodules. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of combined advanced ultrasound techniques in this process, compared with conventional stratification models, in order to reduce unnecessary fine-needle biopsies, respectively, surgery. Material and methods We evaluated 261 cases (261 nodules) using conventional ultrasound (2B), real-time Doppler evaluation (4D) respectively, real-time elastography, using a linear multifrequency probe and a linear volumetric probe (Hitachi Prerius Machine, Hitachi Inc, Japan). All the nodules were classified using a risk stratification model comprising seven conventional US characteristics, two 4 D characteristics and a color map RTE aspect. The results were compared with the pathology results, considered the golden standard diagnosis. Results The prevalence of malignant nodules was 21.83% (57 cases). Conventional risk classification generated: 106 low-risk cases, 113 intermediate-risk and 42 high-risk cases. Our proposed risk classification changes the conventional risk classification with a risk upgrade in 27 cases and with a risk downgrade in 69 cases. The diagnostic quality of the combined risk stratification model was better, considering a low-risk category predictive for benignancy and a high category predictive for malignancy: Sensitivity: 80.88% versus 49.01%, respectively, Specificity: 91.22% versus 54.38. The diagnostic power differences were observed regardless of the nodule size. Conclusion Advanced ultrasound techniques did add diagnostic value in the presurgical risk assessment of the thyroid nodules.

An interdisciplinary task force of European experts summarizes the value of gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) in the management of acute appendicitis and diverticulitis. Based on an extensive literature review, clinical recommendations for these highly common diseases in visceral medicine are presented.In patients with acute appendicitis, preoperative sonography has been established as a routine procedure in most European countries for medical and legal reasons. Routine sonography in these patients may reduce the rate of unnecessary surgery by half. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound reach values above 90 % and are equivalent to CT and MRI. However, the high operator dependence may be a problem, for example in point-of-care ultrasound in emergency departments. Structured training programs, quality controls and standardized ultrasound reporting should be increasingly implemented.In the case of suspected acute diverticulitis, "ultrasound first" should also be a basic element in the approach to all patients. Sonography can confirm the diagnosis and allows early risk stratification. As treatment strategies have become less aggressive and more tailored to the stage of diverticulitis, accurate staging has become increasingly important. GIUS and CT have proven to have similar sensitivity and specificity. Especially in cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis, GIUS will be the one and only imaging procedure. CT may work as a backup and has particular advantages for diverticulitis located in the distal sigmoid, inflammation deep in the small pelvis and insufficient ultrasound scanning conditions. This step-up approach (ultrasound first and CT only in case of a negative or inconclusive ultrasound result) has proven to yield the best accuracy.Im Rahmen des EFSUMB-Leitlinienprojekts zum gastrointestinalen Ultraschall (GIUS) gibt eine interdisziplinäre Arbeitsgruppe von europäischen Experten einen Überblick zum Nutzen der Sonografie bei akuter Appendizitis und Divertikulitis. Basierend auf einer umfangreichen Literaturrecherche werden klinische Empfehlungen zu diesen häufigen Erkrankungen der Viszeral-Medizin vorgestellt.Bei Patienten mit akuter Appendizitis haben medizinische und juristische Erwägungen die präoperative Sonografie heute als Routineverfahren in den meisten europäischen Ländern fest etabliert. Die Sonografie kann hier die Rate unnötiger Operation halbieren. Sensitivität, Spezifität und Genauigkeit des Ultraschalls erreichen Werte von über 90 % und entsprechen CT oder MRT. Eine hohe Untersucherabhängigkeit kann jedoch problematisch sein, beispielsweise beim bettseitigen Ultraschall in der Notaufnahme oder Praxis. Strukturierte Trainingsprogramme, Qualitätskontrollen und ein standardisierter Befundbericht sollten deshalb Einzug in den klinischen Alltag finden. Auch beim Verdacht auf eine akute Divertikulitis sollte die „ultrasound first“-Strategie Anwendung finden.Die Sonografie kann die Diagnose einer Divertikulitis bestätigen und den Schweregrad abschätzen. Da heutige Therapiestrategien weniger aggressiv und mehr auf das Stadium der Divertikulitis zugeschnitten sind, ist eine genaue Einteilung des Schweregrads immer wichtiger geworden. GIUS und CT haben hier eine ähnliche Sensitivität und Spezifität. Gerade bei unkomplizierter Divertikulitis ist die Sonografie völlig ausreichend. Das CT kann als Backup dienen und hat Vorteile bei der Divertikulitis im distalen Sigma, bei einer Entzündung tief im kleinen Becken oder bei unzureichenden Untersuchungsbedingungen. Eine solche Stufendiagnostik (Ultraschall zuerst und CT nur im Falle eines negativen oder nicht eindeutigen Befundes) hat bei der Divertikulitis die höchste Genauigkeit bewiesen.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is recommended as the final evaluation in diagnosing thyroid nodules. Intermediate cytology is observed in about 15%&ndash, 25% of the FNA results and has divergent recommendations: follow-up or surgery, either hemi- or total thyroidectomy. The present study aimed to assess the benefit of multimodal ultrasound (US) evaluation in clarifying the attitude in cases with intermediate cytology on FNA. Sixty-four successive cases with Bethesda III or IV cytology results were evaluated using two-dimensional B-mode US (2B), qualitative strain elastography, as well as planar and volumetric (3D) color Doppler using both a linear multifrequency probe and a linear volumetric probe (Hitachi Preirus Machine, Hitachi Inc. Japan). The analyzed nodules were all categorized as low, intermediate, or high risk, based on the following US criteria: taller-than-wide shape, marked hypoechogenicity, irregular borders, inhomogeneity, microcalcifications, or the presence of suspicious adenopathy. Elastographic criteria included stiff lesions, while volumetric Doppler criteria included moderate and marked perinodular vascularization, as suspicious for malignancy. The gold standard for the analysis was the result of the pathology report after thyroidectomy. Our results showed that the prevalence of cancer was 25% (16 cases). In five cases, borderline follicular neoplasia was identified, group which requires watchful waiting. These lesions were also considered as malignant in the final analysis, with a total number of 21 neoplasm cases. Sixteen of the 21 malignant nodules presented with high stiffness, while 15/21 had increased perinodular vascularization. Eight of the 21 cases displayed both important stiffness and perinodular vascularization. Cancer prevalence increased both with severity of stiffness (9.0%&ndash, 15.0%&ndash, 66.6%&ndash, 80.0%) and intensity of vascularization in the adjacent perinodular parenchyma (18.2%&ndash, 27.7%&ndash, 35.29%&ndash, 50.0%). Combining the use of grayscale US, elastography, and 3D Doppler in the evaluation of intermediate cytology cases showed a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 88.3%, and an accuracy of 90.3% in detecting thyroid cancer cases. We can conclude that the identification of highly suspicious US characteristics observed in 2B, qualitative elastography, and volumetric Doppler increases the risk of malignancy.

Given the increased prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population (~50%), the real challenge resides in correctly recognizing the suspicious ones. This study proposes to compare four important Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (TI-RADS) and evaluate the contribution of elastography and 4D Color Doppler assessment of vascularity in estimating the risk of malignancy. In the study, 133 nodules with histopathological examination were included. Of these, 35 (26.31%) proved to be malignant. All nodules were classified using the four selected systems and our proposed improved score. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and EU TI-RADS had good sensitivity (94.28%, 97.14%) and NPV (93.33%, 95.83%), but fairly poor specificity (31.81%, 23.46%) and PPV (35.48%, 31.19%), with an accuracy of 42.8% and 45.8%, respectively. Horvath TI-RADS had better accuracy of 66.9% and somewhat improved specificity (62.24%), but poorer sensitivity (80%). Russ’ French TI-RADS includes elastography in the risk assessment strategy. This classification proved superior in all aspects (Se: 91.42%, Sp:82.65%, NPV:96.42%, PPV:65.30%, and Acc of 84.96%). The mean strain ratio (SR) value for malignant lesions was 5.56, while the mean SR value for benign ones was significantly lower, 2.54 (p < 0.05). It also correlated well with the response variable: histopathological result (p < 0.001). Although, adding 4D vascularity to the French score generated a similar calculated accuracy and from a statistical point of view, the parameter itself proved beneficial for predicting the malignancy risk (p < 0.001) and may add important knowledge in uncertain situations. Advanced ultrasound techniques definitely improved the risk estimation and should be used more extensively.

For more than 70 years, liver biopsy was considered the reference method to evaluate the severity of liver injury, but due to its shortcomings (invasive procedure, sampling variability, inhomogeneity, and interobserver variabilities), noninvasive alternatives have been sought. Ultrasound-based elastographic techniques have been used for almost 15 years. The most studied method is transient elastography (TE) that has been accepted by international guidelines as an alternative to liver biopsy for staging fibrosis, especially in chronic hepatitis C, and with promising results for predicting cirrhosis complications. Virtual Touch Quantification and point shear wave elastography (pSWE) have shown performance similar to TE for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. Newer elastographic techniques (two-dimensional [2D]-SWE from Supersonic Imagine and ElastPQ from Philips) have also shown promising results. Other elastographic techniques have been more recently released and are still under evaluation, including pSWE from Esaote and Hitachi as well as 2D-SWE from General Electric, Toshiba, and Philips. Despite the fact that strain elastography has been proven to be very useful for the evaluation of breast and thyroid nodules, its value for liver fibrosis assessment has yet to be demonstrated.

Thyroid nodules are a common pathology found in 50 to 60% of otherwise healthy people. Diagnostic imaging techniques are help discriminating between benign and malignant nodules, while fine needle aspiration is still a gold standard. Shear wave elastography, a recent imaging technique, holds the promise to become reliable diagnostic tools and is currently used in combination with ultrasound. We here report data obtained in a series of 52 thyroid nodules analysed by means of elastography, as well as conventional and Doppler ultrasound. We found no differences in age, nodule and thyroid volume, length, width, thickness and maximum diameter between benign and malignant lesions. Several sonographic patterns are considered to be predictive of malignancy, out of which we only found the intranodular blood flow to be statistically significant. By the means of shear wave elastography we have first assessed tissue elasticities, which are shown in a range of colours, depending on tissue elasticity/stiffness. Then, we have measured and recorded four parameters automatically displayed by the system, namely SWE-mean, SWE-max, SWE-SD and SWE-ratio. Data analysis showed all these quantitative parameters had good sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under the curve, as calculated by the ROC curve. As with these parameters, the cut-off points were lower than in literature, still able to indicate reliable diagnoses, which were confirmed by histopathological exam. Our conclusion is that shear wave elastography has great potential for reliably and accurately diagnosing thyroid malignancies.

Hepatic (biliary) cystic tumor (HBCT) is a rare focal cystic liver lesion, which has been rarely described in the literature. In our current multicenter, retrospective study, we aimed to analyze contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features and its diagnostic performance in histologically proved HBCT.Twenty-three patients with single HBCT were retrospectively analyzed. Histologically, 17 (73.9%) were benign hepatic (biliary) cystadenoma (HBCA), 6 (26.1%) were hepatic (biliary) cystadenocarcinoma (HBCAC). All CEUS examinations were assessed by two independent radiologists in consensus. Criteria of CEUS imaging evaluation included the contrast enhancement pattern of lesion (hypoenhancing, hyperenhancing, isoenhancing in comparison to the surrounding liver parenchyma) during the arterial, portal venous and late phases.After injection of ultrasound contrast agents, most of the HBCTs (78.3%, 18/23) had typical honeycomb enhancement pattern of the cystic wall, septa or mural nodules. Comparing between HBCA and HBCAC, hyperenhancement of the honeycomb septa during the arterial phase was more common in HBCA (p = .047). However, hypoenhancement during the portal venous and late phases was the characteristic of HBCAC (p = .041).The EFSUMB algorithm for CEUS for characterization of solid focal liver lesions is also applicable to HBCT. CEUS evaluation can avoid further diagnostic investigations or invasive biopsy procedure.

(1) Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disorder of the parathyroid glands and the third most frequent endocrinopathy, especially among elderly women. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease, associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, the need to correctly identify the parathyroid glands is mandatory for a better outcome. Elastography can be an effective tool in the diagnosis of parathyroid lesions, by differentiating possible parathyroid lesions from thyroid disease, cervical lymph nodes, and other anatomical structures. There are currently no guidelines or recommendations and no established values on the elasticity of parathyroid lesions. (2) Material and Methods: In our studies, we have evaluated, by Shear Wave elastography (SWE), both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, determining that parathyroid glands have a higher elasticity index than both thyroid tissue and muscle tissue. (3) Results: For primary hyperparathyroidism, we have determined, using 2D-SWE, the parathyroid adenoma tissue (mean elasticity index (EI) measured by SWE 4.74 ± 2.74 kPa) with the thyroid tissue (11.718 ± 4.206 kPa) and with the surrounding muscle tissue (16.362 ± 3.829 kPa). For secondary hyperparathyroidism, by SWE elastographic evaluation, we have found that the mean EI in the parathyroid gland was 7.83 kPa, a median value in the thyroid parenchyma of 13.76 kPa, and a mean muscle EI value at 15.78 kPa. (4) Conclusions: Elastography can be a useful tool in localizing parathyroid disease, whether primary or secondary, by correctly identifying the parathyroid tissue. We have determined that an EI below 7 kPa in SWE elastography correctly identifies parathyroid tissue in primary hyperparathyroidism, and that a cut-off value of 9.98 kPa can be used in 2D-SWE to accurately diagnose parathyroid disease in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) has proven to be efficient for the evaluation of liver fibrosis in small to moderate-sized clinical trials. We aimed at running a larger-scale meta-analysis of individual data. Centers which have worked with Aixplorer ultrasound equipment were contacted to share their data. Retrospective statistical analysis used direct and paired receiver operating characteristic and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses, accounting for random effects. Data on both 2D-SWE and liver biopsy were available for 1,134 patients from 13 sites, as well as on successful transient elastography in 665 patients. Most patients had chronic hepatitis C (n = 379), hepatitis B (n = 400), or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 156). AUROCs of 2D-SWE in patients with hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were 86.3%, 90.6%, and 85.5% for diagnosing significant fibrosis and 92.9%, 95.5%, and 91.7% for diagnosing cirrhosis, respectively. The AUROC of 2D-SWE was 0.022-0.084 (95% confidence interval) larger than the AUROC of transient elastography for diagnosing significant fibrosis (P = 0.001) and 0.003-0.034 for diagnosing cirrhosis (P = 0.022) in all patients. This difference was strongest in hepatitis B patients. Conclusion: 2D-SWE has good to excellent performance for the noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B; further prospective studies are needed for head-to-head comparison between 2D-SWE and other imaging modalities to establish disease-specific appropriate cutoff points for assessment of fibrosis stage. (Hepatology 2018;67:260-272).

Applied Sciences 8(6), 944 - (2018). doi:10.3390/app8060944 special issue: "Special Issue "Ultrasound Elastography" / Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. med. Christoph F. Dietrich, Caritas Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim, Germany", Published by MDPI, Basel

In daily practice, many hepatological conditions, such as chronic viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD and ALD, respectively) need evaluation. This evaluation can be made invasively (by liver biopsy) or non-invasively (by biological tests or by elastographic methods). Elastographic methods can be divided into ultrasound based or magnetic resonance based (MR-Elastography). According to the latest guidelines, (EFSUMB 2017 and WFUMB 2018) ultrasound based elastographic methods can be sub-divided into: Strain Elastography and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). In hepatological field, SWE is mainly used for liver fibrosis assessment. According to the type of tissue stimulation, SWE can be divided into Transient Elastography (TE) and ARFI technologies (point SWE and 2D-SWE). Transient Elastography (TE) is the oldest elastographic method used in hepatology. Many guidelines and meta-analyses presented its value and limitations (mainly the presence of ascites), including the confounding factors. This method has been proven valuable in HCV and HBV chronic hepatitis, in NAFLD, ALD, post-transplant and in other conditions. The accuracy is increasing with the severity of fibrosis. The New FibroScan system includes a software for spleen stiffness assessment and has a supplementary ultrasound probe for the inspection of the liver, before stiffness evaluation. Point SWE (pSWE) is a quite simple method, working in real time. After the ultrasound examination of the liver, a box of 10/5 mm is placed at more than 1 cm bellow the liver capsule and a button is pressed to measure liver stiffness. The values are expressed in m/s or kPa. The first pSWE system was VTQ (Virtual Touch Quantification) from Siemens, and many papers and meta-analysis proved its good value to predict fibrosis severity in HCV, HBV or NAFLD patients. Later, ElastPQ from Philips was developed and showed a good predictive value in chronic liver disease. Other pSWE techniques were developed by Hitachi, Samsung and other companies. 2D-SWE is a real time elastographic technique, in which liver stiffness is expressed as a colour coded elastogram and also in numeric values. Studies demonstrated that some ultrasound experience is needed for quality measurements. The Aixplorer system from Supersonic Imagine, (SSI) was the first system on the market to use 2D-SWE, and good results of this method were published in several studies and meta-analyses. Other 2D-SWE technologies were developed by GE and Canon, showing good values for clinical practice. Comparative studies were performed in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or NAFLD, evaluating TE, pSWE and 2D-SWE, with liver biopsy as the gold standard. These studies demonstrated that comparable accuracies of al these methods. Studies have been made evaluating TE, pSWE and 2D-SWE as predictors of portal hypertension, but the results are still under discussion regarding pSWE and 2D-SWE. TE has been accepted as a tool to stratify patients at risk for clinically significant portal hypertension. The most recent topic in the field on the non-invasive assessment of liver diseases is the quantification of liver fat. CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter) from EchoSens implemented into the FibroScan device, was the first used for liver steatosis quantification. The correlation with histology is quite good (AUROC 0.80-0.85) and CAP is implemented into both the M and XL probes. More recently, other companies such as Hitachi or Canon implemented this type of quantification (attenuation) in their systems (ATT and ATI, respectively), both with interesting results. The same companies included in their latest machines algorithms evaluating the viscosity as a marker of the inflammation in the liver. In this respect, we go now in the direction of a multi-parametric elastographic approach of liver diseases, which quantifies stiffness, steatosis and inflammation. Confounding factors must be known regarding ultrasound based liver elastography to avoid clinical mistakes. In addition, the cut-offs values, which are ultrasound machine specific should be known. Finally, published papers showed the good predictive value of TE, pSWE and 2D-SWE for predicting liver fibrosis severity in daily practice. In conclusion, the body of evidence for ultrasound based elastography is enough strong to recommend this methods for liver diseases assessment. Liver elastography replaced in many cases liver biopsy.

This is the second part of the series on interventional ultrasound guidelines of the Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB). It deals with the diagnostic interventional procedure. General points are discussed which are pertinent to all patients, followed by organ-specific imaging that will allow the correct pathway and planning for the interventional procedure. This will allow for the appropriate imaging workup for each individual interventional procedure (Long version).

The breast section of these Guidelines and Recommendations for Elastography produced under the auspices of the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) assesses the clinically used applications of all forms of elastography used in breast imaging. The literature on various breast elastography techniques is reviewed, and recommendations are made on evidence-based results. Practical advice is given on how to perform and interpret breast elastography for optimal results, with emphasis placed on avoiding pitfalls. Artifacts are reviewed, and the clinical utility of some artifacts is discussed. Both strain and shear wave techniques have been shown to be highly accurate in characterizing breast lesions as benign or malignant. The relationship between the various techniques is discussed, and recommended interpretation based on a BI-RADS-like malignancy probability scale is provided. This document is intended to be used as a reference and to guide clinical users in a practical way.

Our aim was to assess kidney shear wave speed by means of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in patients without kidney pathology ("normal" patients) and to identify the factors that influence it. We analyzed 91 "normal" patients in whom kidney shear wave speed was assessed by means of ARFI elastography. Five valid ARFI elastographic measurements were obtained in all "normal" patients in both kidneys. In univariate analysis, age (r = -0.370, p = 0.003), gender (female vs. male, r = -0.305, p = 0.003) and measurement depth (r = -0.285, p = 0.01) were significantly correlated with kidney shear wave speed values assessed by ARFI elastography, whereas body mass index, kidney length and renal parenchyma thickness were not correlated. In multivariate analysis, only age (p = 0.006) and gender (p = 0.03) were significantly correlated with kidney shear wave speed values. In conclusion, kidney shear wave speed values assessed by ARFI elastography in "normal" patients are influenced mainly by age and gender and less by measurement depth.

Hepatic Epitheloid Hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is considered a rare tumor with vascular origins that has an overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR (Weiss SW, Enzinger FM. Cancer 1982 Sept; 50(5): 970–981). Until now, there has been no standardized treatment for this pathology, the only suitable treatment being surgery, including liver resection, liver transplantation, or considering recent studies, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (Mehrabi A et al. Cancer 2006 Nov; 107: 2108-2121; Cardinal J et al. Arch Surg. 2009; 144: 1035–1039). The evolution of a HEH is unpredictable. Sometimes the tumor has a quiet and stable course but it can also evolve aggressively and become metastatic (Sangro B et al. Rare Tumors 2012 Apr; 4(2): e34). The diagnosis of HEH is established first through imaging methods; it is shown as an hypoechoic tumor on ultrasonography (Lyburn ID et al. American Journal of Roentgenology 2003; 180: 1359-1364), with low density on CT, and on MRI usually exhibits low signal intensity on T1 weighted images and high signal intensity on T2 weighted images (Salech F et al. Ann Hepatol. 2011; 99–102, Ros LH et al. Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal. 1999; 387–389; Kehagias DT et al. Hepato-Gastroenterology. 2000; 1711–1713). The imaging findings of HEH have some typical features but have a size-dependent pattern with contrast enhancement, on both CT and MRI images (Lisha Z, et al. BMC Gastroenterol. 2015; DOI: doi: 10.1186/s12876-015-0299-x). HEH exhibits great heterogeneity regarding the imaging findings (Lyburn ID et al. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2003 May; vol.180: 1359–1364). Studies show that it can appear as a single or multiple avascular masses with calcification, and can involve the entire liver (den Bakker MA et al. Pathol Res Pract 1998; 194; Issue 3: 194–198; EH, Rha SE, Lee YJ et al. Abdom Imaging. 2015 Mar; 40(3): 500–509). Some imaging suggestions have been proposed in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, such as the retraction sign (capsule retraction of the liver, near the lesion) (Miller WJ et al. American Journal of Roentgenology. 1992; 159: 53–57). Another is the halo sign, which is related to the i.v administration of contrast medium (a hyperintense layer between the hypointense center and periphery) ( Linand J, Ji Y. Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International. 2010; 154–8), even though HEH is often misdiagnosed as being a metastatic tumor. In this report we shall present a case of a young woman diagnosed with multiple liver tumors that proved to be HEH. We shall likewise discuss related imaging aspects.

Ultrasound-based liver elastography is being increasingly used in clinical practice to help clinicians assess prognosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment in hepatology patients. In coming years liver elastography will probably be increasingly used as part of "point of care" ultrasonography.

Background and Aims. 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a relatively new elastographic technique. The aim of the present study is to determine the values of the elasticity indexes (EI) measured by 2D-SWE in parathyroid benign lesions (adenomas or hyperplasia) and to establish if this investigation is helpful for the preoperative identification of the parathyroid adenoma. Material and Methods. The study groups were represented by 22 patients with primary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, diagnosed by specific tests, and 43 healthy controls, in whom the thyroid parenchyma was evaluated, in order to compare the EI of the thyroid tissue with those of the parathyroid lesions. Results. The mean EI measured by 2D-SWE in the parathyroid lesions was 10.2 ± 4.9 kPa, significantly lower than that of the normal thyroid parenchyma (19.5 ± 7.6 kPa; p=0.007), indicating soft tissue. For a cutoff value of 12.5 kPa, the EI assessed by 2D-SWE had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 86% (AUC = 0.949; p<0.001) for predicting parathyroid lesions. Conclusion. A value lower than 12.5 kPa for the mean EI measured by 2D-SWE can be used to confirm that the lesion/nodule is a parathyroid adenoma.

Introduction To identify liver stiffness (LS) cut-off values assessed by means of 2D-Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) for predicting different stages of liver fibrosis, considering Transient Elastography (TE) as the reference method. Methods Our prospective study included 383 consecutive subjects, with or without hepatopathies, in which LS was evaluated by means of TE and 2D-SWE. To discriminate between various stages of fibrosis by TE we used the following LS cut-offs (kPa): F1-6, F2-7.2, F3-9.6 and F4-14.5. Results The rate of reliable LS measurements was similar for TE and 2D-SWE: 73.9% vs. 79.9%, p =0.06. Older age and higher BMI were associated for both TE and 2D-SWE with the impossibility to obtain reliable LS measurements. Reliable LS measurements by both elastographic methods were obtained in 65.2% of patients. A significant correlation was found between TE and 2D-SWE measurements ( r =0.68). The best LS cut-off values assessed by 2D-SWE for predicting different stages of liver fibrosis were: F ≥1: >7.1kPa (AUROC=0.825); F ≥2: >7.8kPa (AUROC=0.859); F ≥3: >8kPa (AUROC=0.897) and for F =4: >11.5kPa (AUROC=0.914). Conclusions 2D-SWE is a reliable method for the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis, considering TE as the reference method. The accuracy of 2D-SWE measurements increased with the severity of liver fibrosis.

Aim: To present a large monocentric experience in the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs) using Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS).Method: A retrospective study was performed in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Timisoara, including 1100 patients with 1329 FLLs evaluated between September 2009 and January 2013. A CEUS examination was considered conclusive if the FLL respected the typical enhancement pattern as described in the EFSUMB Guidelines.Results: From the 1329 FLLs, CEUS was conclusive for a specific pathology in 1102 cases (82.9%). For the differentiation of benign/malignant lesions, CEUS reached a conclusive diagnosis in 1196 (90%) cases. The percentage of conclusive CEUS examinations was significantly higher in patients without chronic liver disease as compared with those with chronic hepatopathies: 87.3% vs. 74.4% (p

Abdominal ultrasound is one of the most popular imaging methods due to its feasibility, low cost and accessibility. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) with second generation contrast agents became in the last years a useful tool for the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLL) so that EFSUMB issued guidelines for its use in clinical practice. Several large studies proved that CEUS has similar performance to more expensive imaging methods such as contrast enhanced CT and contrast enhanced MRI for the characterization of FLL. Also, several studies proved that CEUS is cost-effective as a first-line imaging method. Considering all these data, we think that CEUS is ready to be used in daily practice for the evaluation of FLL.

Purpose: To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differentiating malignant from benign focal liver lesions (FLLs) and for diagnosing different FLL types. Material and Methods: CEUS performed in 14 Romanian centers was prospectively collected between February 2011 and June 2012. The inclusion criteria were: age > 18 years; patients diagnosed with 1 – 3 de novo FLLs on B-mode ultrasound; reference method (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or biopsy) available; patient’s informed consent. FLL lesions were characterized during CEUS according to the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. For statistical analysis, indeterminate FLLs at CEUS were rated as false classifications. Results: A total number of 536 cases were included in the final analysis, 344 malignant lesions (64.2 %) and 192 benign lesions (35.8 %). The reference method was: CT/MRI – 379 cases (70.7 %), pathological exam – 150 cases (27.9 %) and aspiration of liver abscesses – 7 cases (1.4 %). CEUS was conclusive in 89.3 % and inconclusive in 10.7 % of cases. To differentiate between malignant and benign FLLs, CEUS had 85.7 % sensitivity, 85.9 % specificity, 91.6 % positive predictive value, 77.1 % negative predictive value and 85.8 % accuracy. The CEUS accuracy for differentiation between malignant and benign liver lesions was similar in tumors with diameter ≤ 2 cm and those with diameter > 2 cm. Conclusion: CEUS represents a useful method in clinical practice for differentiating between malignant and benign FLLs detected on standard ultrasonography, and the results of this study are in concordance with previous multicenter studies: DEGUM (Germany) and STIC (France).

Ultrasound elastography including transient elastography (TE), point shear wave elastography, (pSWE) and two (three)- dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) have been introduced mainly for the evaluation of the liver. All the techniques are also feasible for the examination of spleen, whereas pSWE and 2D-SWE can be used for the assessment of the pancreas, kidney, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Strain elastography also plays a role for non-liver applications. The aim of the current report is to highlight unique features and techniques for the elastographic examinations in children and to report initial results in non-liver applications

Our study compared three elastographic methods—transient elastography (TE), acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging and supersonic shear imaging (SSI)—with respect to the feasibility of their use in liver fibrosis evaluation. We also compared the performance of ARFI imaging and SSI, with TE as the reference method. The study included 332 patients, with or without hepatopathies, in which liver stiffness was evaluated using TE, ARFI and SSI. Reliable measurements were defined as a median value of 10 (TE, ARFI imaging) or 5 (SSI) liver stiffness measurements with a success rate ≥60% and an interquartile range interval

Aim We evaluated the influence of the type of needle and the operator’s experience on the quality of the specimen obtained at liver biopsy (LB).

To retrospectively assess the feasibility of transient elastography (TE) and the factors associated with failed and unreliable liver stiffness measurements (LSMs), in patients with chronic liver diseases.Our retrospective study included 8218 consecutive adult patients with suspected chronic liver diseases. In each patient, LSMs were performed with a FibroScan(®) device (Echosens, France), with the M probe. Failure of TE measurements was defined if no valid measurement was obtained after at least 10 shots and unreliable if fewer than 10 valid shots were obtained, success rate (SR)60% and/or interquartile range interval/median value (IQR/Med) ≥30%.From the 8218 patients, failed and unreliable LSMs were observed in 29.2% of cases. In univariant analysis, the following risk factors were associated with failed and unreliable measurements: age over 50 years (OR 2.04; 95%CI 1.84-2.26), female gender (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.20-1.45), BMI27.7kg/m(2) (OR 2.89, 95%CI 2.62-3.19), weight77kg (OR 2.17; 95%CI 1.97-2.40) and height162cm (OR 1.26; 95%CI 1.14-1.40). In multivariate analysis all the factors mentioned above were independently associated with the risk of failed and unreliable measurements. If all the negative predictive factors were present (woman, older than 50 years, with BMI27.7kg/m(2), heavier than 77kg and shorter than 162cm), the rate of failed and unreliable measurements was 58.5%. In obese patients (BMI≥30kg/m(2)), the rate of failed and unreliable measurements was 49.5%.Failed and unreliable LSMs were observed in 29.1% of patients. Female gender, older age, higher BMI, higher weight and smaller height were significantly associated with failed and unreliable LSMs.

Aims This meta-analysis aims to compare the diagnostic performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and transient elastography (TE) in the assessment of liver fibrosis using liver biopsy (LB) as ‘gold-standard’. Methods PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Ovid, EMBASE, Cochrane and Medscape databases were searched for all studies published until 31 May 2012 that evaluated the liver stiffness by means of ARFI, TE and LB. Information abstracted from each study according to a fixed protocol included study design and methodological characteristics, patient characteristics, interventions, outcomes and missing outcome data. Results Thirteen studies (11 full-length articles and 2 abstracts) including 1163 patients with chronic hepatopathies were included in the analysis. Inability to obtain reliable measurements was more than thrice as high for TE as that of ARFI (6.6% vs. 2.1%, P

The clinical part of these Guidelines and Recommendations produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology EFSUMB assesses the clinically used applications of all forms of elastography, stressing the evidence from meta-analyses and giving practical advice for their uses and interpretation. Diffuse liver disease forms the largest section, reflecting the wide experience with transient and shear wave elastography . Then follow the breast, thyroid, gastro-intestinal tract, endoscopic elastography, the prostate and the musculo-skeletal system using strain and shear wave elastography as appropriate. The document is intended to form a reference and to guide clinical users in a practical way.

Our study tried to identify the factors associated with discordance between liver stiffness values assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and histologic fibrosis in 106 chronic hepatitis C patients. Liver biopsy (LB) and ARFI measurements were performed in the same session. A discordance of at least two stages of fibrosis in the Metavir scoring system between ARFI results and LB was defined as significant. The performance of ARFI elastography was assessed using the following cut-offs: F1-1.19 m/s, F2-1.34 m/s, F3-1.55 m/s and F4-1.80 m/s. Discordance of at least two stages of fibrosis between ARFI results and histologic assessment were observed in 31.7% of the patients. In an univariate analysis, female sex (p = 0.004), interquartile range interval (IQR) ≥30% (p = 0.04), high alanine aminotransferases (p = 0.008) and high aspartate aminotransferases levels (p = 0.003) were associated with discordances. In a multivariate analysis, the female sex (p = 0.006) and IQR ≥30% (p = 0.004) were associated with discordances. Therefore, IQR parameter should be used for ARFI measurements.

Introduction: Liver biopsy is the “gold standard” method for staging liver fibrosis, but it's an invasive procedure and is associated with risk of some complications. There are also noninvasive techniques for assessment of liver fibrosis such as elastography and biological tests, but these techniques can fail or generate false measurements depending on subjects conditions: food intake, ascites, obesity, etc. The aim of this study is to determine whether liver fibrosis can be evaluated using the parametric arrival time imaging (PAT) using contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Material and method: Ultrasonography was performed using the LOGIQ E9 (GE Healthcare, Chalfont St. Giles-UK) system. CEUS using SonoVue as contrast was performed in each subject. Liver scanning during the first 30 s following the injection of contrast agent through the cubital vein were saved as raw data on hard disk. The examination was performed with the patients in left lateral position with the right arm elevated above the head and the patients were instructed to hold their breath for some seconds. Images showing liver parenchyma and the right kidney in a single screen were used for analysis. Following ultrasonography, parametric imaging was performed using the proprietary image analysis software of the ultrasound system. A parametric color scale was used: red-first 5 seconds, yellow 5 – 10 seconds, green 10 – 15 seconds, blue 15 – 20 seconds, purple 20 – 25 seconds, brown 25 – 30 seconds. Results: A ratio of the arrival parametric time was calculated between the kidney and the liver. Previous studies showed that, the faster the contrast arrives in the liver as compared with the kidney, the higher is the severity of fibrosis. This ratio is compared with liver stiffness assessed by Transient Elastography (performed before the CEUS examination). Conclusion: Our preliminary study on 10 patients showed that the method is feasible, but more patients are needed to draw a conclusion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a point shear wave elastography using ARFI technique - ElastPQ, in patients with B and C chronic hepatopathies, using Transient Elastography (TE) as the reference method, since it is a validated method for liver fibrosis assessment. Subjects and methods: the study included 228 consecutive subjects with chronic hepatopathies (26% HBV, 74% HCV) from whom 51% had liver cirrhosis. Liver stiffness (LS) was evaluated in the same session by means of 2 elastographic methods: TE (FibroScan, EchoSens) and ElastPQ (Affinity, Philips) techniques. For TE 10 valid LS measurements were performed for each patient and the median value was calculated. Reliable LS measurements by TE (M or XL probe) were considered the median value of 10 LS measurements with a success rate ≥60% and an interquartile range

AIM: To analyze contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of histologically proven hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) in comparison to other multilocular benign focal liver lesions (FLL). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with histologically proven HEHE and 45 patients with histologically proven multilocular benign FLL were retrospectively reviewed. Four radiologists assessed the CEUS enhancement pattern in consensus. RESULTS: HEHE manifested as a single (n = 3) or multinodular (n = 22) FLL. On CEUS, HEHE showed rim-like (18/25, 72%) or heterogeneous hyperenhancement (7/25, 28%) in the arterial phase and hypoenhancement (25/25, 100%) in the portal venous and late phases (PVLP), a sign of malignancy. Eighteen patients showed central unenhanced areas (18/25, 72%); in seven patients (7/25, 28%), more lesions were detected in the PVLP. In contrast, all patients with hemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia showed hyperenhancement as the most distinctive feature (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CEUS allows for characterization of unequivocal FLL. By analyzing the hypoenhancement in the PVLP, CEUS can determine the malignant nature of HEHE.

Aim. Liver biopsy (LB) is often essential for the diagnosis and staging of chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of our paper was to establish if the size of the biopsy needle influences the number of portal tracts obtained through LB. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 596 echoassisted percutaneous LBs performed in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Timisoara during a 4 years period. We included only those biopsy results that had mentioned both the type of needle and the number of portal tracts. All LBs were echoassisted and performed with Menghini modified needles 1.4 and 1.6 mm in diameter (technique with two passages into the liver). The liver fragments were analyzed by a senior pathologist and Knodell score was used to describe necroinflammatory activity as well as fibrosis. We compared the number of portal tracts obtained with 1.4 vs. 1.6 Menghini needles. Results. Type 1.4 mm Menghini needles were used for 80 LBs, while 1.6 mm type were used in 516 LBs. Liver fragments obtained with 1.6 mm Menghini needles had a significantly higher mean number of portal tracts as compared to those obtained with 1.4 needles (24.5 ± 10.6 vs. 20.8 ± 8.6, p = 0.003). Conclusion. The 1.6 mm Menghini needles provide better liver biopsy specimens, with higher number of portal tracts, as compared to 1.4 mm Menghini needles.

Our study assessed acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) reproducibility and the factors influencing it. The intra- and interoperator reproducibility were studied in 33 and 58 patients, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess ARFI reproducibility. The overall intraoperator agreement was better than the interoperator one: ICC 0.90 vs. ICC 0.81. The correlation of repeated ARFI measurements was higher, but not significantly so, in cases in which intraoperator reproducibility was assessed compared with the ones in which interoperator reproducibility was studied: r = 0.848 vs. r = 0.694 (p = 0.08). For both intra- and interoperator reproducibility, the ICCs were smaller in women vs. men (0.88 vs. 0.91 and 0.67 vs. 0.86, respectively), in patients with high body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² vs.