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Aim. Evaluation of ultrasound diagnostics of paraurethral glands considering their types of location in women of fertile age. Materials and methods. A gynaecological, sexological and ultrasound study of 94 women in the age from 24 to 42 (average age 31.01 ± 6.60) was carried out. Determination of paraurethral glands during ultrasound study was conducted in the format of grey scale (B-mode) using the Doppler colour flow mapping and evaluation of Doppler indices of paraurethral glands both before and after sexual stimu­lation. To optimize the paraurethral glands visual view at the beginning of examination urinary bladder was catheterized and a balloon, filled with gel, was inserted into vagina. Results. The front type of paraurethral glands location was found in the accumulation of glandular tissues in regard to the distal part of urethra in 67 (71.2 %) of the examined, back type – in the area of back urethra in 19 (20.2 %), diffuse type – along urethra in 7 (7.5 %) and absence – in 1 (1.1 %). Paraurethral glands were visualized in the form of clear isoechogenic oval formation with the following dimensions: length – 2.20 ± 0.60 cm, width – 1.52 ± 0.40 cm, thickness – 1.30 ± 0.30 cm, and volume – 4.75 ± 0.50 cm3. The diameter of vessels in the paraurethral glands area was between 0.17 cm and 0.21 cm in calm state and 0.39–0.41 cm – during stimulation. Maximum systolic speed of blood flow (Vps) in calm was 8.9–11.1 cm/sec, while in sexual stimulation it was 13.9–14.1 cm/sec, resistance index (IR) – 0.60–0.62 and 0.63–0.68, respectively, pulsation index (IP) – 1.22–1.44 and 1.61–1.72, respectively. Conclusions. The ultrasound study of vessels of paraurethral glands, when Doppler method is used according to the suggested methodology, gives the opportunity not only to identify its anatomical structure, but also to determine its types. In CDC the increase of diameter of vessels and the optimization of vessels image in the area of paraurethral glands in case of sexual stimulation were marked.

Most neural networks recognize objects based on their contours, which means that their accuracy is effectively independent of the colour temperature of the light that illuminates the test object. Determining factors in the recognition of wood species are not its contours but rather the surface structure and texture. Hence, the accuracy of standard neural networks in the recognition of wood species depends on the colour temperature of the light. The aim of this study is to develop a neural network for the recognition of selected wood species regardless of the colour temperature of light. A total of 52 neural networks were created using MATLAB 2019a software, including three layers: an input, hidden (with 10, 20, 50 and 100 neurons) and output layer. Neural networks were trained, validated and tested using photographs of beech, larch, spruce and pine taken at colour temperatures of 2700, 4000 and 6500 K and additionally tested using photographs taken at colour temperatures of 3500 and 5500 K. The neural networks were trained using coloured and grey scale images (adjusted with averaging and/or by emboss or sharpen kernels). During the additional test, the highest accuracy (97.9%) was observed in the neural network trained with grey scale images adjusted with averaging and emboss kernels. The algorithm that recognized the wood species based on the identical classification of at least 3 out of 5 photographs from different areas of the same sample was even more accurate (99.99%).

Background The aim of this study was to verify the findings of color-coded sonoelastography in Achilles tendon disorders against ultrasonographic and MR imaging findings, describing the elastographic patterns and correlating their diagnostic ability to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a gold standard. Results Our study showed that sonoelastography appeared to be highly sensitive to ultrasonographically detected changes, with 100% sensitivity, 16.6% specificity, 73% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value, making it a good negative test to exclude suspected tendinopathy in equivocal cases. MRI examination was used as a gold standard. Elastographic grades showed moderate agreement to those of MRI (κ = 0.44, p < 0.001), while elastography had overall sensitivity of 87.5%, 100% specificity, and 90% accuracy in differentiating normal and pathological tendons. Conclusion We concluded that sonoelastography is a sensitive method in the diagnosis of Achilles tendon pathologies detected by ultrasound examination and it can be well correlated to MRI with high specificity for pathological tendons.

Here, a new set of fractional‐order moments, named fractional‐order generalized Laguerre moments (FGLM), is introduced. These proposed moments are defined on the Cartesian coordinate system and their basis functions are represented by the fractional‐order generalized Laguerre polynomials. Contrary to the classical Chebyshev, Legendre and Gegenbauer moments, which provide only global feature, our proposed FGLM have the ability to extract both global and local features. Moreover, a new set of rotation, scale and translation invariants of the FGLM, is derived and introduced for image classification and invariant pattern recognition. Just as important, we have presented a systematic parameter selection method for finding the optimal fractional parameter values with respect to pattern recognition applications. Finally, several recursive methods for reducing the computation time of our proposed invariants are also provided in this study. Therefore, to demonstrate the performance of the introduced fractional‐order moments and moment invariants, a number of experimental analysis are performed in terms of global and local features extraction, robustness to noise, invariance to geometric deformations, object recognition and computational speed. The presented theoretical and experimental results clearly show that the proposed fractional‐order moments and their corresponding invariants could be extremely useful in the field of image analysis.

Objective: To assess effect of different bite recording materials on accurate mounting of working casts. Materials and Methods: A 40 maxillary and mandibular stone casts were obtained from dentoform teeth using polyether impression material. Derived stone casts were divided according to bite registration material in to four groups (10 samples each); 1. wax group, 2. polyvinyl siloxane group, 3. polyether group and 4. Bis-crylic resin group. Ten bite records were obtained with poly vinyl siloxane recording material from hand articulated dentoform to serve as control group. The 40 produced mandibular stone casts were mounted on semi adjustable articulators using four bite registrations tested materials. Unilateral Polyvinyl siloxane bite registration were made for 40 mounted stone casts to evaluate bite registration accuracy. Then bite records were placed on a light box and a camera set at a fixed distance 8 inches was used to capture the light transmission that was projected through the bite material. The camera transferred the information to an image analysis program (ImageJ) which measure accuracy of registration materials. Results: Grey scale data showed parametric distribution while measurement error showed non-parametric distribution. The difference between tested groups and control group was compared using ANOVA test. The results revealed that, the different between test groups and control was insignificant (P-value = 0.104). Conclusions: All tested bite registration materials had comparable results, although Luxabite and polyether showed higher errors than polyvinyl siloxane and wax.

Background: Ovarian torsion diagnosis is a great challenge as delay in diagnosis can cause severe morbidity. Early accurate diagnosis is crucial to preserve ovarian function. Ultrasonography being the primary imaging modality plays a vital role in the evaluation of suspected ovarian torsion by helping surgeons reach the correct diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary intervention. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of isolated and combined sonographic features of ovarian torsion on grey scale and Doppler transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients and methods: From radiology database, from January 2016 till December 2019, sonographic signs of ovarian torsion in 113 women with suspected ovarian torsion on ultrasonography and subsequent surgical diagnosis were evaluated. Ultrasound findings were compared with surgical findings to determine the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of individual and combined ultrasound signs. Results: Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for ovarian torsion was 85.8%. Abnormal ovarian Doppler flow was the most accurate individual sonographic sign with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 85.8%, 83.5%, 100% and 100% respectively followed by ovarian enlargement and ovarian edema. Combined ultrasound signs resulted in higher sensitivity and positive predictive values, and lower specificity and negative predictive values for ovarian torsion. Increasing the number of sonographic parameters increased the specificity but decreased sensitivity. High accuracy, sensitivity, positive predictive value, specificity and negative predictive value was seen when combination of three or two sonographic parameters was used as diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: Transvaginal sonography is a convenient, reliable and extremely useful imaging modality for preoperative diagnosis of ovarian torsion with high specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and diagnostic accuracy helping treating physicians to take prompt decisions regarding timely surgical intervention. However, due to low negative predictive values, absence of sonographic signs does not rule out ovarian torsion and high index of clinical suspicion remains of utmost importance.

Background: Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE) is a non-Doppler echocardiographic modality that allow quantification of myocardial deformity and its timing in 2D grey scale images, and was proved to be beneficial in assessment of dyssynchrony (STAR trial). Objective: To investigate the capability of 2D-STE for localizing Accessory Pathways (APs) in patients with Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. Patients and Methods: The prospective study included 15 patients with manifest AP indicated for invasive endocardial mapping and ablation. All patients were assessed by twelve-lead ECG, 2D-STE for the earliest activated site and invasive Electrophysiology study (EPs). Results: Out of the 15 patients with left-sided APs, 2D-STE was able to accurately localize the site of AP in 10 patents (66.6%), while electrocardiogram (ECG) was able to localize the site of AP in 12 patients (80%). Conclusion: 2D-STE has the ability to approximate the location of AP without the pitfalls of Doppler methods. However, ECG still more accurate and reproducible tool.

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian masses with conventional grey scale ultrasonography and colour Doppler flow imaging and to assess the diagnostic reliability of these methods in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian masses. We assessed 56 patients with an ovarian mass. Morphological characterisation of the mass was performed utilising the Sassone score. Colour Doppler parameters were recorded for each patient, and the Caruso vascular score was also applied. The results were compared with surgical/pathological and/or follow-up scans. Using the Sassone score, overall reliability in differentiating ovarian masses had a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 78.4%. Using the Caruso score alone, we found a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 86.5%. Using the Sassone and Caruso scores together, we found a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 89.1%. Combining both morphological and colour Doppler scores in the evaluation of ovarian masses obtained higher specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy than was obtained using a single score only.

Background: Enthesitis is a major feature of psoriatic arthritis. However, clinical assessment of enthesitis is known to lack accuracy and have poor interobserver reliability. Objective: This study aimed to determine the added value of the US assessment of enthesitis according to LEI over the clinical assessment in determination of PsA activity. Methods: A total of 75 consecutive PsA patients diagnosed according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR criteria) participated in the study. The LEI score was used to assess the enthesitis. All PsA patients underwent US assessment by the same sonographer who was blinded to the findings of the clinical examination. Grey scale US imaging was used to assess the longitudinal and transverse planes of the 6 entheseal points of the LEI.

Swimming is a fundamental trait of many protists and optimizes growth and survival. We present an easy to use set-up for filming algal cells using Apocalathium aciculiferum and Borghiella dodgei as case studies; both dinoflagellates are model organisms of psychrophilic dinoflagellates. We filmed at low temperature (4.5°C) using a digital camera directly connected to a microscope and used open-source software to track their movement. We encountered several technical issues that were solved by using specific software settings (scaling, grey scale of images, restrictive particle recognition), and thus we obtained unbiased speed estimates. Borghiella dodgei showed a faster (minimum = 80, maximum = 255, median = 141 µm s−1) swimming speed than A. aciculiferum (minimum = 29, maximum = 134, median = 85 µm s−1). We linked differences in swimming speed to the dinoflagellates’ environmental niche, and suggested that B. dodgei is more adapted to turbulent spring conditions than A. aciculiferum, occurring under ice. The use of a generic digital camera and open-source software makes filming and tracking of plankton movement very affordable. We provided code and detailed instructions to disseminate this type of movement analysis of plankton.

OBJECTIVE To follow-up the radiographic changes in peri-implant bone of short (6 mm, test group) and long (10 mm, control group) single-unit implants five years after loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-three implants of the test and 44 implants of the control group could be reassessed from 96 originally included implants. Standardized areas of interest (AOI) were defined in the peri-implant bone at pre-defined locations at mid-length on both sides of the implants, and at the apex. An arbitrary mean grey scale value (GSV) was calculated for the AOI after brightness calibration of the radiographs. Changes for GSV were calculated and tested for possible inter- and intra-group differences using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS The calculated intra-group differences between baseline and 5 years in the test group accounted for 2.4 ± 19.6 (i.e. slight brightening) and -6.2 ± 20.2 for the control group (i.e. slight shading), which resulted in a statistically significant difference in GSV change (p

In this work, the authors construct a new algorithm to encrypt images of grey-scale type. After the decomposition of the image into 8 bit-planes, the key-image for the encryption and decryp...

Retrospective study was done at KAUH to determine the sonographic characteristics in predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules. The sample was 120 patients consisting of 70 benign nodules and 50 malignant nodules. Out of 120 patients, 106 (88.3%) female and 14 (11.7%) male patients. Out of 106 female patients, 64 (91.45) had benign and 42 had malignant thyroid nodules. Out of 14 (11.7) male patients, 6 had benign and 8 had malignant thyroid nodules. The youngest patient in our study was 31 years and the oldest patient was 76 years. The common range of patients age was ≥ 60 years and consisting of twenty (28.6%) benign thyroid nodules and fourteen (28%) malignant thyroid nodules. The majority of patients’ age group with malignant thyroid nodules were between 50 - 60 years and consisting of twenty (40%) malignant nodules. In our study, according to the result of gray scale and color Doppler ultrasonography, hypo-echogenicity, solid echo structure, micro-calcification and intra-nodular vascularity were the significant characteristics of malignancy in nodules with sensitivity (72%, 74%, 48% and 88% respectively), specificity (66%, 63%, 94% and 69% respectively), PPV (60%, 59%, 86% and 67% respectively) and NPV (77%, 77%, 72% and 89% respectively).

The present study quantifies concrete deterioration due to chemical attack using a simple visible-spectrum based digital image processing technique. Concrete cubes of M30 grade were cast for durability based studies. Concrete specimens were exposed to deterioration due to acid (HCl, H2SO4) chloride (NaCl) and sulphate (MgSO4) at 5% concentration for a period of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. After the requisite period of exposure each face of the individual cube is photographed and the corresponding statistics of grey scale intensity are obtained. Digital image analysis enables development of correlation with greyscale intensities of various established deterioration measures such as mass loss, dimension loss and strength loss. Both the intensity of grey scale as well as mean grey scale are found to be good predictors of the extent of deterioration in concrete exposed to HCl and MgSO4 and moderate predictors in case H2SO4 and NaCl, The mean grey scale intensities enable identification of exposure and deterioration due to different chemicals.

AimTo describe salivary gland involvement in patients suspected of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) using the OMERACT Ultrasound Scoring System for SS. Next, using different ultrasound cut-offs, to assess the performance of the scoring system for diagnosis and fulfilment of 2016 ACR/EULAR SS classification criteria.MethodsAll patients referred to our department with a suspicion of SS in a 12-month period were included. All underwent grey-scale ultrasound of the parotid and submandibular glands prior to clinical examination, Schirmer’s test, unstimulated salivary flow, blood samples including autoantibody analysis. Labial biopsy was performed according to clinicians’ judgement. Images of the four glands were scored 0–3 according to the scoring system and a consensus score was obtained using a developed ultrasound atlas.ResultsOf the 134 patients included in the analysis, 43 were diagnosed with primary SS (pSS) and all fulfilled the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR classification criteria. More patients with pSS compared with non-pSS had score ≥2 in at least one gland (72% vs 13%; pConclusionThe OMERACT Ultrasound Scoring System showed good sensitivity (0.72) and excellent specificity (0.91) for fulfilling 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria using cut-off score >2 in at least one gland. Our data supports the use of ultrasound for diagnosing pSS and supports incorporation of ultrasound in the classification criteria.

Breast cancer is the utmost female tumor and the primary cause of deaths among female. Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) systems are widely used as a tool to detect and classify the abnormalities found in the mammographic images. A detection of breast tumor in a mammogram has been a challenge due to the different intensity distribution which leads to the misdiagnosis of breast cancer. This research proposes a dectection system that is capable to detect the presence of mass tumor from a mammogram image. A total of 160 mammogram images are acquired from Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) databse, which are 80 normal and 80 abnormal images. The mammogram images are rescaled to 300 x 300 resolution. The noise in the mammogram is suppressed by using a Wiener filter. The images are enhanced by using Power Law (Gamma) Transformation, ɣ = 2 for a better image quality. The greyscale information that contain tumor mass is extracted and used to model the proposed detection system by using 80% or 128 and of the total 160 mammogram images. The rest 20% or 32 mammogram images are used to test the performance of the proposed detection system. The experimental results show that performance of the proposed detection system has 90.93% accuracy.

Objective.The Tight Control of inflammation in Psoriatic arthritis (TICOPA; isrctn.com: ISRCTN30147736) trial compared standard care (StdC) and tight control (TC) in early psoriatic arthritis (PsA), demonstrating better outcomes for TC. This substudy evaluated the performance metrics of modern imaging outcomes and compared them to the clinical data.Methods.Non-contrast 0.2T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; single hand) was assessed using the Outcomes in Rheumatology (OMERACT) PsA MRI Scoring System (PsAMRIS) with an additional global inflammation score. Ultrasound (US; same hand) was scored for greyscale, power Doppler, and erosions at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and scores summated.Results.Seventy-eight patients had paired (baseline and 48 weeks) US data and 61 paired MRI data; 50 had matched clinical, MR, and US data. Significant within-group changes were seen for the inflammatory PsAMRIS components at MCP level: MRI global inflammation [median difference (range), standardized response mean (SRM)]: 3.25 (−5.0 to 12.0), 0.68; 1.0 (−4.5 to 17.5), 0.45 for TC and StdC, respectively. Similar within-group differences were obtained for US: 1.0 (−13.0 to 23.0), 0.45; 3.0 (−6.0 to 21.0), 0.77 for TC and StdC, respectively. No differences were seen between treatment groups. Significant correlations were found between baseline and change MRI and US scores. A significant correlation was found between baseline PsA disease activity scores and MRI global inflammation scores (Spearman ρ for MCP, PIP: 0.46, 0.63, respectively). No differences in erosion progression were observed.Conclusion.The PsAMRIS and US inflammation scores demonstrated good responsiveness. No between-group differences were demonstrated, but this substudy was likely underpowered to determine differences between the 2 treatment strategies.

Objective To evaluate low disease activity (LDA) cut-offs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using ultrasound. Methods Eighty-three PsA patients underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations at two visits. LDA was assessed using the Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA ⩽ 14), the Psoriatic ArthritiS Disease Activity Score (PASDAS ⩽ 3.2), the Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index ⩽ 4, the DAS28-CRP ⩽ 2.8 and the minimal disease activity criteria. Ultrasound was performed at 68 joints and 14 entheses. Minimal ultrasound disease activity (MUDA-j/e) was defined as a Power Doppler score ⩽ 1, respectively at joints, paratendinous tissue, tendons and entheses. A global ultrasound score was calculated by summing Grey Scale and Power Doppler information (GUIS-j/e). Results LDA was present in 33.7–65.0% at baseline and in 44.3–80.6% at follow-up, depending on the criteria used. MUDA-j/e was observed in 16.9% at baseline and in 30% at follow-up. GUIS-j/e was significantly higher in patients with moderate/high disease activity vs LDA according to DAPSA and PASDAS at baseline and DAPSA, PASDAS, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index and minimal disease activity at follow-up. Patients in moderate/high disease activity had MUDA-j/e in 8.1–21.4% at baseline and in 8.3–20.0% at follow-up, depending on the applied clinical composite. MUDA-j/e patients with moderate/high disease activity had higher levels of pain and pain-related items than those with LDA. Conclusion The LDA cut-offs of DAPSA, PASDAS, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index, minimal disease activity, but not DAS28-CRP are capable of distinguishing between high and low ultrasound activity. Pain and pain-related items are the main reason why PsA patients without signs of ultrasound inflammation are classified with higher disease activity.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology which combines the real world and virtual world, where users can feel the interaction between the two worlds. Marker Augmented reality or known as marker-based tracking technique uses a marker as media to display this technology. The marker is used as an object that contains images with unique patterns to identify each different object. Because it has a unique pattern, not any objects can be used as a marker. In Vuforia SDK, image recognition is done using a grayscale technique to search for angular features of the pixel image. If the image was taken directly using the camera in the old times in the form of Black and White (BNW), it has bad quality and most likely cannot be used as a marker because it has a few features. In BNW images taken directly from the camera, the Vuforia SDK detects only a few features in the image. This journal explains how the technique of making a BNW image into a marker can be detected by Augmented Reality Technology.

This research aimed to exploit the jackfruit wood waste as textile coloration on silk. Moreover to know influence of dip solution pH variation application and mordan process to dyeing result quality. The dying process obtained by differences pH variation and fixator substance, namely alum and ferrous sulfate. According to the research was known that jackfruit wood could be used to color silk into yellow and brown. The final color depending on the fixator whereas the color density and trend color depending on pH solution used in dyeing process. The dyeing process proved the good result, since it got smooth and permanent color. The color density showed the dyeing process using alum mordant got yellow included the highest color density on acid (pH : 5) whereas the ferrous sulfate got brown included the highest color density on acid (pH : 5). The color endurance on washing process got good color change value on 4 -5 of Grey Scale standart and of Staining Scale standard. Whereas color endurance on dry rubbing got very good: 5 on wet rubbing of Grey Scale standard. The results of this study can be applied to the process of dyeing natural dyes with optimal results and a short time.

PurposeTo evaluate diagnostic performance of greyscale and inverted greyscale Chest X-ray (CXR) using Computed Tomography (CT) scan as a gold standard.MethodsIn this retrospective study, electronic medical records of 120 patients who had valid CXR and High-resolution CT (HRCT) within less than 24 hours after having a positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test during the period from May 19 th to May 23 rd 2020 in a single tertiary care center were reviewed.PA chest radiographs were presented on 2 occasions to 5 radiologists to evaluate the role and appropriateness of greyscale and inverted greyscale chest radiographs (CXR). The images were viewed on high-specification viewing systems using a primary display monitors and compared it to computed tomography (CT) findings for screening and management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.ResultsNinety-six (80%) patients had positive CT findings, 81 (67.5%) had positive grey scale CXR lesions, and 25 (20.8%) had better detection in the inverted grey scale CXR. The CXR sensitivity for COVID-19 pneumonia was 93.8% (95% CI (86.2% - 98.0%) and the specificity was 48.7% (95% CI (32.4% - 65.2%). The CXR sensitivity of detection of lung lesions was slightly higher in male (95.1% (95% CI (86.3% - 99.0%)) than female (90.0% (95% CI (68.3% - 98.8%)), while the specificity was 48.0% (95% CI (27.8% - 68.7%) and 50.0% (95% CI (23.0% - 77.0%) in males and females, respectively. However, no significant difference was detected in ROC area between men and women.ConclusionsThe sensitivity of detection of lung lesions of CXR was relatively high, particularly in men. The results of the study support the idea of considering conventional radiographs as an important diagnostic tool in suspected COVID-19 patients especially in healthcare facilities where there is no access to HRCT scans.HighlightsCXR shows high sensitivity for detecting lung lesions in HRCT confirmed COVID-19 patients.Better detection of lesions was noted in the inverted grey scale CXR in (20.8%) of cases with positive findings in standard greyscale CXR.Conventional radiographs can be used as diagnostic tools in suspected COVID-19 patients especially in healthcare facilities where there is no access to HRCT scans.

The aim of the study was to examine the usefulness of targeted musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) in assessing the disease activity of patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA). Twenty-eight patients with EIA were enrolled. The MSUS examination of joints with arthritic signs (tenderness or swelling), measurement of 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), and its components were performed at four-week interval visits until power doppler (PD) US remission was achieved. Various MSUS parameters of grey scale (GS) and PD synovitis were measured. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were determined for the purpose of the study. Data were gathered from a total of 85 visits. The Sum of GS grade correlated better with physical examination findings, while the Sum of PD grade correlated better with serum inflammatory markers and patient global health. However, Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS), which reflected both PD and GS grades, correlated evenly well with each clinical parameter. In addition, GLOESS correlated best with DAS28 in the overall study population (p &lt, 0.01). Conclusively, our targeted MSUS parameters of arthritic joints, especially sums of semi-quantitative grades of synovitis, could be useful in monitoring patients with EIA.

To be a successful ultrasound practitioner, it is imperative to have a sound knowledge of the principles of ultrasound and the equipment (machine and probes) being used. The patient being examined and most importantly their body habitus needs to be considered. In addition, an awareness of general ultrasound scanning principles is necessary. In this chapter, we will go through this briefly. This book’s purpose is to provide a very practical and hands on guide to the use of musculo-skeletal ultrasound in rheumatology, so the descriptions of the physics are not completely exhaustive.