Search

Gallbladder polyps (also known as polypoid lesions of the gallbladder) are a common incidental finding. The vast majority of gallbladder polyps smaller than 10 mm are not true neoplastic polyps but are benign cholesterol polyps with no inherent risk of malignancy. In addition, recent studies have shown that the overall risk of gallbladder cancer is not increased in patients with small gallbladder polyps, calling into question the rationale for frequent and prolonged follow-up of these common lesions. In 2021, a Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, or SRU, consensus conference was convened to provide recommendations for the management of incidentally detected gallbladder polyps at US. See also the editorial by Sidhu and Rafailidis in this issue.

Peripheral arterial and venous examinations are performed regularly in vascular labs and interpreted by physicians of different specialities. Many vascular examinations have nonvascular pathology that is either inadvertently imaged by the sonographer or imaged with intent as it relates to patient's symptoms. It is prudent for every reader of vascular studies to be acquainted with the sonographic appearance of these non-vascular lesions to enable appropriate and optimal interpretation that has a direct bearing on patient's clinical care. Our review includes a discussion of the nonvascular pathologies like lymph nodes, soft tissue edema, soft tissue fluid collections, musculotendinous injuries, soft tissue masses, and joint and bursal pathologies that may be encountered during interpretation of vascular exams. The pictorial essay includes a discussion of their sonographic appearances and pitfalls in interpretation. Multiple illustrative examples and sonographic images of the non-vascular pathologies found during interpretation of vascular studies have been utilized to highlight their appearances.

We evaluated the performance of ACR TI-RADS when points for lobulated margins are applied only when the margins meet a quantified measure of margin microlobulation and not applied when nodules only demonstrate macrolobulation.We retrospectively reviewed ultrasound and pathology records (May 01, 2018 to July 31, 2020) to find all thyroid nodules at one institution characterized as having lobulated margins using the ACR TI-RADS lexicon and subsequently undergoing fine needle aspiration (FNA). Nodule margins were evaluated to note the presence or absence of microlobulation, quantitatively defined as a protrusion with a base2.5 mm in length. The impact to detection of malignant nodules and avoidance of benign FNA when margin points for lobulation were added only when microlobulated was analyzed.58 of 516 thyroid nodules undergoing US-guided FNA were classified as lobulated, comprising the study population. 21 (36.2%) had microlobulated margins, with 12 of the 21 (57.1%) being malignant. Comparatively, of the 37 nodules showing only macrolobulated margins without microlobulation, only 2 (5.4%) were malignant (P .0001). For 53 nodules ≥10 mm, 15 (28.3%) benign nodules would not have met size criteria for FNA had points for margins not been applied when only showing macrolobulation, whereas all 10 malignant nodules would still have been sampled.Adding two points to the ACR TI-RADS score for lobulated thyroid nodules should only apply when microlobulations are present.

This review sets forth an approach to performing and interpreting shoulder ultrasound in patients with prior rotator cuff repair and presents a comprehensive review of normal expected findings, postsurgical complications and common artifacts encountered in clinical practice.

Abdominal radiologists perform a wide variety of image-guided interventions. Procedures performed by abdominal radiologists can be broadly categorized into paracentesis, thoracentesis, superficial and deep soft tissue biopsy, drain placement, and ablation. As these procedures continue to develop as an alternative to more invasive and potentially morbid interventions, and with continued improvements in minimally invasive technologies, it becomes increasingly important for abdominal radiologists to be familiar with options for peri-procedural analgesia and anxiolysis, as well as when to consult anesthesiology. In this review, we discuss analgesic, anxiolytic, and nonpharmacologic options available to the abdominal radiologist. We focus on practical agents that are relatively safe for general use, special populations, and considerations for post-procedural monitoring.

Contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), similar to other radiologic modalities, requires specific technical considerations and is subject to image artifacts. These artifacts may affect examination quality, negatively impact diagnostic accuracy, and decrease user comfort when using this emerging technique. Some artifacts are related to commonly known gray-scale US artifacts that can also appear on the contrast-only image (tissue-subtracted image obtained with the linear responses from background tissues nulled). These may include acoustic shadowing and enhancement; reverberation, refraction, and reflection; and poor penetration. Other artifacts are exclusive to CEUS owing to the techniques used for contrast mode image generation and the unique properties of the microbubbles that constitute ultrasound-specific contrast agents (UCAs). UCA-related artifacts may appear on the contrast-only image, the gray-scale image, or various Doppler mode images. Artifacts related to CEUS may include nonlinear artifacts and unintentional microbubble destruction resulting in pseudowashout. The microbubbles themselves may result in specific artifacts such as pseudoenhancement, signal saturation, and attenuation and shadowing and can confound the use of color and spectral Doppler US. Identifying and understanding these artifacts and knowing how to mitigate them may improve the quality of the imaging study, increase user confidence, and improve patient care. The authors review the principles of UCAs and the sound-microbubble interaction, as well as the technical aspects of image generation. Technical considerations, including patient positioning, depth, acoustic window, and contrast agent dose, also are discussed. Specific artifacts are described, with tips on how to identify and, if necessary, apply corrective measures, with the goal of improving examination quality.

To assess the impact of elevated blood pressure on the rate of major hemorrhagic complication after renal transplant biopsy. Pre-procedural systolic (SBP), diastolic (SBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure for consecutive patients undergoing US-guided renal transplant biopsies from 08/01/2015 to 7/31/2017 were retrospectively recorded. Patients who had a major bleeding complication were identified. The risk of complication as a function of SBP, DBP, and MAP was statistically analyzed, with significance set at p

Adenomyomatosis and cholesterolosis of the gallbladder, collectively termed hyperplastic cholecystosis, are commonly encountered incidental findings on imaging studies performed for a variety of indications including biliary colic or nonspecific abdominal pain. These pathologies are rarely the source of symptoms, generally considered benign and do not require further work-up. However, their imaging characteristics can overlap with more sinister conditions that should not be missed. In this review, the imaging findings of adenomyomatosis and cholesterolosis will be reviewed followed by other gallbladder pathologies that might mimic these conditions radiologically. Important differentiating factors will be discussed that can aid the radiologist in making a more confident imaging diagnosis.

Diagnostic criteria to classify severity of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis vary across vascular laboratories. Consensus-based criteria, proposed by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound in 2003 (SRUCC), have been broadly implemented but have not been adequately validated. We conducted a multicentered, retrospective correlative imaging study of duplex ultrasound versus catheter angiography for evaluation of severity of ICA stenosis. Velocity data were abstracted from bilateral duplex studies performed between 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2015 and studies were interpreted using SRUCC. Percentage ICA stenosis was determined using North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) methodology. Receiver operating characteristic analysis evaluated the performance of SRUCC parameters compared with angiography. Of 448 ICA sides (from 224 patients), 299 ICA sides (from 167 patients) were included. Agreement between duplex ultrasound and angiography was moderate (κ = 0.42), with overestimation of degree of stenosis for both moderate (50–69%) and severe (⩾ 70%) ICA lesions. The primary SRUCC parameter for ⩾ 50% ICA stenosis of peak-systolic velocity (PSV) of ⩾ 125 cm/sec did not meet prespecified thresholds for adequate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (sensitivity 97.8%, specificity 64.2%, accuracy 74.5%). Test performance was improved by raising the PSV threshold to ⩾ 180 cm/sec (sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 81.6%, accuracy 85.2%) or by adding the additional parameter of ICA/common carotid artery (CCA) PSV ratio ⩾ 2.0 (sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 84.3%, accuracy 87.4%). For ⩾ 70% ICA stenosis, analysis was limited by a low number of cases with angiographically severe disease. Interpretation of carotid duplex examinations using SRUCC resulted in significant overestimation of severity of ICA stenosis when compared with angiography; raising the PSV threshold for ⩾ 50% ICA stenosis to ⩾ 180 cm/sec as a single parameter or requiring the ICA/CCA PSV ratio ⩾ 2.0 in addition to PSV of ⩾ 125 cm/sec for laboratories using the SRUCC is recommended to improve the accuracy of carotid duplex examinations.

We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would more accurately diagnose small gaps (6 mm) after flexor tendon repair than static ultrasound (US) and that suture artifact would negatively impair accuracy.A laceration of the flexor digitorum profundus was created in 160 fresh-frozen cadaveric digits and randomized to either an intact repair (0-mm gap) or repairs using a locked 4-strand suture repair with either 4-0 Prolene, Ethibond, or and gaps of 2, 4,or 6 mm; or no suture in which 2-, 4-, or 6-mm gaps were created without a suture crossing the repair site. We performed 1.5T and 3T MRI and static US studies; gap widths were estimated by radiologists blinded to suture presence and true gap widths.The 1.5 and 3.0T MRI had a lower mean error than US for gap sizes 0 and 2 mm. All 3 modalities performed similarly for 4- and 6-mm gaps. Documentation of imaging artifact worsened error, and odds of seeing artifacts were 1.72 higher with MRI than with US. Suture did not worsen artifact nor impair accuracy for any of the 3 modalities. When no suture was used, all 3 modalities significantly overestimated the true gap.MRI is most accurate for small gaps less than 4 mm. Although all modalities overestimated gap sizes in specimens with a 0-mm gap (intact tendon repair), mean overestimation (2 mm) was not clinically relevant. Ultrasound overestimated 2-mm gaps (clinically intact repairs), whereas MRIs did not. We recommend MRI for evaluation of gaps after flexor tendon repair. The 1.5T has slightly better sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing clinically intact (gap3 mm) from clinically impaired (gap3 mm) repairs than the 3T.Accurate diagnosis of intact repairs or small gaps (3 mm) might prevent unnecessary exploration or allow modification of rehabilitation protocols. Diagnosis of clinically relevant gaps (3-6 mm) may allow for earlier revision surgery before significant tendon retraction and adhesions develop, possibly necessitating a staged reconstruction.

Objectives We analyzed growth rates of benign ovarian serous cystadenomas and cystadenofibromas to understand what percentage would show a volume doubling time (DT) of less than 3 years, between 3 and 5 years, or greater than 5 years. Methods We retrospectively reviewed pathology records (January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019) to find all surgically excised ovarian serous cystadenomas and cystadenofibromas. Imaging records were then reviewed to identify those that had been confidently identified with ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography at least twice before surgical removal, with at least a 60-day interval between studies. Three orthogonal measurements were recorded on the first and last imaging studies on which the mass was detected, with volume calculations by the prolate formula (product of 3 measurements multiplied by 0.52). The volume DT was calculated and grouped into 1 of 5 categories: (1) DT of less than 1 year; (2) DT of 1 to 3 years; (3) DT of 3 to 5 years; (4) DT of 5 to 10 years; and (5) no growth (any mass with a DT >10 years or showing a decrease in volume). Results A total of 102 of 536 cystadenomas and 44 of 227 cystadenofibromas met inclusion criteria. Of the 146 tumors, 40 (27.4%) had a DT of less than 1 year; 38 (26.0%) had a DT of 1 to 3 years; 22 (15.1%) had a DT of 3 to 5 years; 10 (6.8%) had a DT of 5 to 10 years; and 36 (24.7%) showed no growth. Conclusions A total of 53.4% of ovarian serous cystadenomas/cystadenofibromas have a DT of less than 3 years; 15.1% have a DT between 3 and 5 years; and 31.5% have a DT of greater than 5 years or show no growth.

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from radiology, orthopedic surgery, and pathology to arrive at a consensus regarding the management of superficial soft-tissue masses imaged with US. The recommendations in this statement are based on analysis of current literature and common practice strategies. This statement reviews and illustrates the US features of common superficial soft-tissue lesions that may manifest as a soft-tissue mass and suggests guidelines for subsequent management.

Gallbladder polyps (GPs) are a common incidental finding on ultrasound; however, important differences in recommended management exist among professional society guidelines.An electronic survey was sent to 189 fellows of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. Main outcomes included preferences and current practice patterns for evaluation, management, and surveillance of GPs as well as personal lifetime experience with gallbladder sonography and GPs.A total of 64 subjects (34%) with experience in gallbladder sonography completed the study. The estimated combined total number of gallbladder scans seen by the responders was 3,071,880. None of fellows had ever seen a pedunculated GP1 cm detected on ultrasound that was proven to be malignant at the time of detection or during subsequent follow-up. All of the fellows used size as a feature to stratify recommendations. The median size threshold currently used by Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound fellows for recommending ultrasound follow-up was 6 mm, and their preferred threshold was 7 mm. The median size threshold for recommending surgical consultation was 10 mm, and the preferred threshold was 10 mm. Wall thickening and shape were considered important factors by 76% and 67% of respondents, respectively.Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound fellows tend to provide recommendations most similar to the American College of Radiology and Canadian Association of Radiology guidelines for management of GPs. Many would prefer guidelines that result in fewer recommendations for follow-up and surgical consultation. Despite a substantial combined experience, this survey did not uncover any case of a small GP that was malignant.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether renal transplant diagnoses substantially change when 2 biopsy sites are chosen and whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has value for targeting the second site. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 40 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided renal transplant biopsy within 2 years of transplant: 20, surveillance; and 20, for cause. A CEUS examination was performed to identify cortical regions with subjectively altered flow. One biopsy was performed at the operator-preferred (primary) site regardless of CEUS findings. Another biopsy was done at a second location, either targeted to an area in which CEUS perfusion findings differed from the primary site (targeted) or at a random location (secondary) if no other area differed. Specimens were randomly labeled A or B; pathologists were blinded to the CEUS result and biopsy location. Location-specific CEUS assessments were recorded. Pathologic results were compared, including acute and chronic Banff scores and any new findings from the targeted or secondary biopsy. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled between January 2016 and December 2018. No location-specific pathologic differences correlated with differences in CEUS assessments. The second biopsy provided additional information that changed management in 4 of 40 patients (10.0% [95% confidence interval, 2.8%-23.7%]). Major bleeding complications occurred in 3 of 40 (7.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Contrast-enhanced ultrasound targeting was not useful. Major bleeding complications were higher than expected, possibly due to the additional biopsy away from the operator-preferred location. Obtaining a second renal transplant biopsy from a substantially different area than the initial operator-preferred location provided additional clinically useful information in 10% of patients.

In 1848, Rudolf Ludwig Karl Virchow described an association of left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy with abdominal malignancy. The left supraclavicular lymph node later became commonly referred to as Virchow's node. Charles-Emile Troisier went on to describe the physical exam finding of an enlarged left supraclavicular lymph node, later termed Troisier's sign. Subsequent studies confirmed a predilection of abdominal and pelvic malignancies to preferentially metastasize to the left supraclavicular node. Identification of a pathologically enlarged left supraclavicular node raises the suspicion for abdominopelvic malignancy, particularly in the absence of right supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and provides a safe and easy target for biopsy. Supraclavicular lymph nodes also represent a great target for diagnosis of metastatic thoracic malignancies, although thoracic malignancies can involve either right or left supraclavicular nodes and do not show a predilection for either. This article presents a review of the history, anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical significance, radiological appearance, and biopsy of Virchow's node. Key points are illustrated with relevant cases.

Endovaginal sonographic imaging has been shown to reliably identify pelvic endometriosis, but most United States imaging practices do not adequately assess locations and features of endometriosis beyond ovarian endometrioma. In this article, we propose a protocol for sonographer-acquired images and maneuvers to be interpreted subsequently by sonologists (radiologists or gynecologists). The purpose is to improve the sensitivity of endovaginal sonography for the detection of endometriosis in imaging practices that involve the non-physician sonographer as part of their workflow.

Identify an algorithm using clinical and ultrasound (US) parameters with high diagnostic performance for acute cholecystitis.Consecutive emergency department (ED) patients from 4/1/2019 to 12/31/2019 were retrospectively reviewed to record non-US parameters and make US observations. Outcomes were categorized as either: (1) acute cholecystitis; or (2) negative acute cholecystitis. Pivot tables identified parameter combinations either not found with acute cholecystitis or with predictive value for acute cholecystitis to establish the algorithm. US Division radiologists finalized an US report prior to ED disposition without use of the algorithm. Radiologist impression and algorithm prediction for acute cholecystitis were categorized as either (1) acute cholecystitis; (2) negative acute cholecystitis; or (3) inconclusive.Three hundred and sixty-six studies on 357 patients (mean age, 51 yrs ± 20 yrs; 215 women) met the inclusion criteria. 10.9% (40/366) of US studies had acute cholecystitis, 12.6% (46/366) had pathologically identified chronic cholecystitis without acute cholecystitis, and 76.5% (280/366) were negative acute cholecystitis. Algorithm compared to radiologist diagnostic performance was as follows: (1) sensitivity: 90.0% vs. 55.0%, p 0.001; (2) augmented sensitivity (defined as when inconclusive categorization is considered consistent with acute cholecystitis): 100% vs. 85.0%, p 0.001; (3) specificity: 93.6% vs. 94.8%, p = 0.50; (4) diagnostic rate (opposite of inconclusive rate): 96.4% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.04; (5) adverse outcome rate: 0.0% vs. 1.6%, p undefined.For acute cholecystitis, an algorithm using non-binary ultrasound and clinical assessments had higher sensitivity, higher diagnostic rate, and fewer adverse outcomes, than subspecialty radiologist impressions.

To assess the impact of elevated blood pressure on the rate of major hemorrhagic complication after renal transplant biopsy.Pre-procedural systolic (SBP), diastolic (SBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure for consecutive patients undergoing US-guided renal transplant biopsies from 08/01/2015 to 7/31/2017 were retrospectively recorded. Patients who had a major bleeding complication were identified. The risk of complication as a function of SBP, DBP, and MAP was statistically analyzed, with significance set at p 0.05.Of 1689 biopsies, there were 10 bleeding complications (10/1689, 0.59%). There was no statistically significant difference between biopsies with complication compared to those without complication based on SBP (p = 0.351), DBP (p = 0.088), or MAP (p = 0.132). Using risk dichotomization criteria, the odds ratio for hemorrhagic complication when the patient had SBP ≥ 180 mmHg and DBP ≥ 95 mmHg was 75.63 (95% CI 6.87-516.8, p = 0.002).The rate of hemorrhagic complication from renal transplant biopsy is low, and there is no statistically significant threshold for increased biopsy risk based on SBP, DBP, or MAP alone. The risk of complication was significantly higher only when both the SBP is ≥ 180 mmHg and DBP is ≥ 95 mmHg.

Ultrasound (US)-guided intervention is a well-established medical procedure and offers advantages such as real-time guidance, portability, reduced cost, shortened procedure time compared with computed tomography, and lack of ionizing radiation. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are a useful adjunct to US-guided procedures. The addition of microbubble UCAs during US-guided interventions can assist with biopsy planning and lesion selection, aid in identification of target lesions, and direct the biopsy toward viable tissue. Ultrasound contrast agents have been in use outside of the United States for many years and have been used off label at select institutions across the United States before the Food and Drug Administration approval of Lumason (Bracco Diagnostics) for liver lesion evaluation in April 2016. After Food and Drug Administration approval, the use of UCAs has expanded rapidly, and UCAs are being used for a variety of clinical applications. Ultrasound contrast agents have been shown to be safe, and there is no renal toxicity. In this article, we will discuss the indications and techniques for using contrast-enhanced ultrasound during US-guided interventions, and we will present case examples where contrast-enhanced ultrasound added value.

Pelvic ultrasound with endovaginal ultrasound is often the imaging test of choice in the initial evaluation of nonpregnant women with pelvic pain. This article considers the sonographic observations and techniques useful in diagnosis of a variety of gynecologic causes of pelvic pain in these women, including ovarian hemorrhage, ovarian torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis (particularly deeply infiltrating endometriosis), endometriomas, adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and malpositioned intrauterine contraceptive devices. Sonographic observations regarding a number of non-gynecologic causes of pelvic pain are also described.

The US Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was released in 2017 and is the newest of the four American College of Radiology (ACR) LI-RADS algorithms. US LI-RADS provides standardized terminology, technical recommendations, and a reporting framework for US examinations performed for screening or surveillance in patients at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The appropriate patient population for screening and surveillance includes individuals who are at risk for developing HCC but do not have known or suspected cancer. This includes patients with cirrhosis from any cause and subsets of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the absence of cirrhosis. In an HCC screening or surveillance study, US LI-RADS recommends assigning two scores that apply to the entire study: the US category, which determines follow-up, and a visualization score, which communicates the expected level of sensitivity of the examination but does not affect management. Three US categories are possible: US-1 negative, a study with no evidence of HCC; US-2 subthreshold, a study in which an observation less than 10 mm is depicted that is not definitely benign; and US-3 positive, a study in which an observation greater than or equal to 10 mm or a new thrombus in vein is identified, for which diagnostic contrast material–enhanced imaging is recommended. Three visualization scores are possible: A (no or minimal limitations), B (moderate limitations), and C (severe limitations). (©)RSNA, 2019

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-vmj-10.1177_1358863X211011253 for Optimization of duplex velocity criteria for diagnosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis: A report of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Vascular Testing Division Carotid Diagnostic Criteria Committee by Heather L Gornik, Tatjana Rundek, Hannah Gardener, James F Benenati, Nirvikar Dahiya, Naomi M Hamburg, Ann Marie Kupinski, Steven A Leers, Michael P Lilly, Joann M Lohr, John S Pellerito, Kenneth S Rholl, Melissa A Vickery, Marge S Hutchisson and Laurence Needleman in Vascular Medicine

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to analyze the timing of major bleeding complications after renal transplant biopsy in the context of a standardized 1-hour postprocedure observation protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound-guided renal transplant biopsies between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, and were observed according to a newly implemented 1-hour postprocedure observation protocol. The development of a major bleeding complication (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events class 3 or higher) was recorded along with all available details regarding the time course of patient symptoms and presentation. Complications were grouped into one of four categories according to onset time after biopsy: 2 hours or less (timing category 1), more than 2 hours but 4 hours or less (timing category 2), more than 4 hours but 8 hours or less (timing category 3), and more than 8 hours (timing category 4). RESULTS. In 1824 patients (769 women, 1055 men) who underwent 4519 consecutive ultrasound-guided renal transplant biopsies during the study period, 11 class 3 complications were found (11/4519 [0.2%]). Four of the 11 patients (36.4%) had symptoms during the 1-hour observation period. Of these four patients, three (3/11 [27.3%]) had substantial symptoms related to major bleeding and were classified as timing category 1, and one (1/11 [9.1%]) had initially minor symptoms that increased in severity more than 2 hours but within 4 hours and was classified as timing category 2. Seven of the 11 patients (63.6%) did not have any symptoms at 1 hour of observation and were discharged; three (27.3%) were classified as timing category 3, and four (36.4%) were classified as category 4. CONCLUSION. Major bleeding complications following ultrasound-guided renal transplant biopsy are rare (0.2% of patients in this study). In our study, more than half were not clinically apparent within 4 hours of biopsy. A 1-hour postprocedure recovery period can be safely used after renal transplant biopsy.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of masses in the neck predominantly include samples from thyroid nodules, parathyroids and lymph nodes. The diagnostic rate of a thyroid nodule FNA improves up to 6 passes and then does not significantly change. Thyroid FNA can be performed on patients who are anticoagulated. Appropriate transducer selection is essential for visualization of the needle. Lymph node biopsies can be additionally sampled for thyroglobulin assay to improve sensitivity for detection of recurrent carcinoma. Parathyroid FNA usually involves additional estimation of parathyroid hormone concentration in needle washouts. Biopsies of the neck are simple procedures with minimal complications.

Current descriptions of ultrasound evaluations, including use of the term "point-of-care ultrasound" (POCUS), are imprecise because they are predicated on distinctions based on the device used to obtain images, the location where the images were obtained, the provider who obtained the images, or the focus of the examination. This is confusing because it does not account for more meaningful distinctions based on the setting, comprehensiveness, and completeness of the evaluation. In this article, the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and the members of the American College of Radiology Ultrasound Commission articulate a map of the ultrasound landscape that divides sonographic evaluations into four distinct categories on the basis of setting, comprehensiveness, and completeness. Details of this classification scheme are elaborated, including important clarifications regarding what ensures comprehensiveness and completeness. Practical implications of this framework for future research and reimbursement paradigms are highlighted.

Objectives The study aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the uterine sliding sign in predicting deeply infiltrating endometriosis in the setting of non-physician sonographers performing but not interpreting the maneuver. The impact of uterine sliding sign has not been previously demonstrated in this practice setting. Methods Physicians' remote interpretations of transvaginal ultrasound examinations in 2016, before uterine sliding sign, were compared to examinations in 2019 after addition of uterine sliding sign to determine the diagnostic rates. Surgical and histopathological results were reviewed to determine sensitivity and specificity of the respective exam techniques. Results Two hundred eighty-five transvaginal ultrasounds were performed in 2016 and 390 sliding sign ultrasounds in 2019. The number of deeply infiltrating endometriosis cases identified increased significantly from 2% to 6% during the study period (chi-square, Fisher's exact test p = .012). The sensitivity and specificity of routine pelvic sonography for detecting deeply infiltrating endometriosis improved from 36%/94% to 68%/98%. Conclusions Uterine sliding sign videos should be included in the standard sonographic protocol for patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis history, or sonographic evidence of endometriosis in the setting of physicians interpreting sonographic images obtained by non-physicians.

Percutaneous needle biopsy continues to be a critical diagnostic tool, and radiologists should be aware of the challenges associated with lesion location and composition, as well as the technical s...

The purpose of this study was to assess interobserver variability in assigning features in the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) lexicon and in making recommendations for thyroid nodule biopsy.The study cohort comprised 100 nodules in 92 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration with definitive cytologic results (Bethesda category II or VI) or diagnostic lobectomy between April 2009 and May 2010. Eight board-certified radiologists evaluated the nodules according to the five feature categories that constitute ACR TI-RADS and gave a biopsy recommendation based on their own practice. Variability in feature assignment and biopsy recommendation was assessed with the Fleiss kappa statistic.Agreement in interpretation was fair to moderate for all features except shape (κ = 0.61) and macrocalcifications (κ = 0.73), which had substantial agreement. The features with the poorest agreement were margin and other types of echogenic foci, which had kappa values ranging from 0.25 to 0.39, indicating fair agreement. Interobserver agreement regarding biopsy recommendation was fair (κ = 0.22) based on radiologists' current practice. Applying ACR TI-RADS resulted in moderate agreement (κ = 0.51).Variability in interpreting thyroid nodule sonographic features was highest for margin and all types of echogenic foci, except for macrocalcifications. Because radiologists' interpretations of these features change the level of suspicion of thyroid malignancy, the results of this study suggest a need for further education. Despite the variability in assigning features, adoption of ACR TI-RADS improves agreement for recommending biopsy.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a significant medical problem with an incidence of 1 in 1,000 adults and greatly reduces quality of life through post-thrombotic syndrome. Treatment choice for DVT can be influenced by the age of the clot. While new endovascular catheter techniques treat venous clots to potentially prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, they require improved imaging techniques to accurately determine clot age. This review investigates experimental and clinical evidence of elastography techniques for aging DVT. Strain elastography and shear wave elastography are the most common techniques to age thrombus. These elastography techniques can distinguish between acute and chronic clots by characterizing tissue stiffness. When clot age cannot be determined with ultrasound duplex analysis, elastography may offer a helpful adjunct. However, further investigation is required to validate accuracy and reproducibility for clinical implementation of this novel technique.

Study Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and learning curve of a sonographic mapping protocol for deep endometriosis (DE). Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting Tertiary referral center in the United States. Patients 117 consecutive patients who presented to our gynecology clinic with complaints of significant noncyclic pelvic pain of at least 6 months' duration, and/or clinical findings concerning for deep endometriosis and who were referred for transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation. Interventions Patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound with bowel-preparation (TVUS-BP) performed by a single radiologist. Findings suspicious for DE were reported and correlated with surgical and histopathological findings. The duration of the examination and number of cases required to achieve proficiency were calculated for positive, equivocal, and negative findings. Measurements and Main Results Among 117 patients (median age, 35 years; range, 19–54 years) referred for TVUS-BP, 113 had complete examinations. Fifty-seven of these 113 patients underwent surgical exploration within 1 year, and DE was identified surgically in 23 of them. DE of the rectosigmoid colon and/or rectovaginal septum was detected with a sensitivity of 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%–100%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 91%–100%). DE of the retrocervical region and/or uterosacral ligaments was detected with a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 65%–97%) and specificity of 94% (95% CI, 81%–99%). Proficiency, defined by a flattening of the learning curve, was achieved after 70 to 75 scans. The mean duration of the examination was 42 ± 4 minutes initially, but declined to 15 ± 4 minutes once proficiency was achieved. Cases of equivocal or minimal disease demonstrated the greatest decline in examination duration. Conclusion A newly applied TVUS-BP protocol for detection of pelvic DE is highly accurate and required only a modest learning curve to achieve procedural proficiency in a US tertiary referral center where physicians interpret but typically do not perform TVUS exams. Overcoming diagnostic uncertainty regarding minimal or equivocal disease appeared to be an important factor in the initial learning curve. With adequate training, TVUS-BP may be adapted as a primary diagnostic tool for detecting pelvic DE.

With approximately 800 lymph nodes in the body, and more than one-third found within the head and neck, lymph nodes are a common site for neck pathology. Differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes is critical in accurate prognosis; similarly, treatment hinges on accurate identification of the etiology of the pathologic process. Key gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound criteria can help accurately distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes.

Hydatid disease (HD) is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of a tapeworm that is endemic to many regions around the world-South America, Africa, and Asia, in particular. Humans are infected as intermediate hosts in the parasite's life cycle; thus, HD can be seen in persons living in areas where animal husbandry is practiced. However, owing to the varied patterns of migration and immigration during the past several decades, HD can be diagnosed in individuals living anywhere. The liver is the most common organ involved, with hepatic HD accounting for the majority of published cases. However, HD can affect multiple organs and tissues other than the liver, including the spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, peritoneum, muscles, and brain. Knowledge of the route of spread, clinical findings at presentation, and possible complications involving each extrahepatic location can be useful for the radiologist when evaluating imaging findings in patients suspected of having HD. The ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of extrahepatic hydatid lesions frequently simulate those of hepatic HD, as long as rupture, bleeding, and/or superimposed bacterial infection has not occurred. Specific features of HD seen at different extrahepatic sites can help tailor the diagnosis. The differential diagnoses that can mimic HD at every nonhepatic location should be considered, as many of these entities are common, especially in nonendemic areas. ©RSNA, 2017.

The kidney is the most commonly transplanted solid organ. Advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppression regimens, surveillance imaging, and histopathologic diagnosis of rejection have allowed prolonged graft survival times. However, the demand for kidneys continues to outgrow the available supply, and there are efforts to increase use of donor kidneys with moderate- or high-risk profiles. This highlights the importance of evaluating the renal transplant patient in the context of both donor and recipient risk factors. Radiologists play an integral role within the multidisciplinary team in care of the transplant patient at every stage of the transplant process. In the immediate postoperative period, duplex US is the modality of choice for evaluating the renal allograft. It is useful for establishing a baseline examination for comparison at future surveillance imaging. In the setting of allograft dysfunction, advanced imaging techniques including MRI or contrast-enhanced US may be useful for providing a more specific diagnosis and excluding nonrejection causes of renal dysfunction. When a pathologic diagnosis is deemed necessary to guide therapy, US-guided biopsy is a relatively low-risk, safe procedure. The range of complications of renal transplantation can be organized temporally in relation to the time since surgery and/or according to disease categories, including immunologic (rejection), surgical or iatrogenic, vascular, urinary, infectious, and neoplastic complications. The unique heterotopic location of the renal allograft in the iliac fossa predisposes it to a specific set of complications. As imaging features of infection or malignancy may be nonspecific, awareness of the patient's risk profile and time since transplantation can be used to assign the probability of a certain diagnosis and thus guide more specific diagnostic workup. It is critical to understand variations in vascular anatomy, surgical technique, and independent donor and recipient risk factors to make an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.©RSNA, 2019.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the ACR’s Ultrasound Liver Reporting and Data System (US LI-RADS™) for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients at high risk for HCC. Methods In this retrospective, multicenter study, 2,050 patients at high risk for HCC (1,078 men and 972 women; mean age, 57.7 years) at five sites in the United States had undergone screening liver ultrasound from January 2017 to February 2018, and US LI-RADS observation categories and visualization scores were assigned on a clinical basis. Ultrasound reports and patient records were retrospectively reviewed and follow-up imaging studies and/or pathologic reports recorded. Descriptive statistics were generated, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship of clinical and reader-based predictors of limited visualization. Diagnostic performance data were calculated in the subset of patients with confirmatory testing. Results The most common indications for HCC screening were cirrhosis (n = 1,054 [51.4%]), noncirrhotic hepatitis B virus infection (n = 555 [27.1%]), and noncirrhotic hepatitis C virus infection (n = 234 [11.4%]). US LI-RADS observation categories assigned were US-1 (negative) in 90.4% (n = 1,854), US-2 (subthreshold) in 4.6% (n = 95), and US-3 (positive) in 4.9% (n = 101). Visualization scores were A (no or minimal limitations) in 76.8% (n = 1,575), B (moderate limitations) in 18.9% (n = 388), and C (severe limitations) in 4.2% (n = 87). Confirmatory tests, including multiphase contrast-enhanced CT or MRI (n = 331) or histopathology (n = 18), were available for 349 patients (17.0%). The sensitivity of US LI-RADS in this subset of patients was 82.4%, specificity was 74.2%, positive predictive value was 35.3%, and negative predictive value was 96.1%. Conclusions Approximately 90% of US LI-RADS screening examinations were negative, 5% subthreshold, and 5% positive. Visualization scores were diagnostically acceptable in the vast majority (>95%) of examinations. US LI-RADS emphasized sensitivity and negative predictive value, which are key characteristics of a screening test.

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is a valuable adjunctive tool that can provide real-time diagnostic information in surgery that has the potential to alter patient management and decrease complications. Lesion localization, characterization and staging can be performed, as well as surveying for additional lesions and metastatic disease. IOUS is commonly used in the liver for hepatic metastatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, in the pancreas for neuroendocrine tumors, and in the kidney for renal cell carcinoma. IOUS allows real-time evaluation of vascular patency and perfusion in organ transplantation and allows for early intervention for anastomotic complications. It can also be used to guide intraoperative procedures such as biopsy, fiducial placement, radiation, or ablation. A variety of adjuncts including microbubble contrast and elastography may provide additional information at IOUS. It is important for the radiologist to be familiar with the available equipment, common clinical indications, technique, relevant anatomy and intraoperative imaging appearance to optimize performance of this valuable imaging modality.

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of high-resolution static and dynamic ultrasound (US) for diagnosing intact repairs and small, clinically relevant gaps (≥4 mm) in repaired flexor digitorum profundus tendons within zone 2 and, secondarily, to evaluate the effect of suture artifact from 3 commonly used suture types.Eighty-eight fresh-frozen cadaveric digits (thumbs excluded) were randomized to either an intact repair (0-mm gap) or repairs using a locked 4-strand suture repair with either 4-0 Prolene, Ethibond, or FiberWire and gaps of 2, 4, or 6 mm and no suture in which 2-, 4-, or 6-mm gaps were created without a suture crossing the repair site. Gap widths were estimated by a blinded musculoskeletal ultrasonographer in static and dynamic modes.Both static and dynamic modalities tended to overestimate actual gap sizes. For the suture gaps, both modalities had poor sensitivity (29% static; 42% dynamic) for accurately diagnosing a clinically intact repair (4 mm), but better specificity (83% static; 75% dynamic) for diagnosing a clinically failed repair (≥4-mm gap). Although suture presence decreased the sensitivity of gap width measurement for both modalities, no differences were seen between suture types.Static and dynamic US have poor sensitivity for diagnosing clinically intact repairs (gaps4 mm) because they typically overestimate gap size. The ability to diagnose failed repairs (gap ≥ 4 mm), based on greater specificity, is much better, but still suboptimal.Based on a receiver operating characteristic analysis cutoff of 5 mm, if a gap of 5 mm or larger is identified with US when evaluating a zone 2 flexor digitorum profundus tendon repair, a failed repair is likely in about 80% of cases. A gap measurement of less than 5 mm may miss a high percentage of repairs that are clinically failed.

Endometriosis is a common condition with significant morbidity, including pain and subfertility, which is often subject to a delay in diagnosis. Ultrasound has been successfully utilized, mostly outside North America, to preoperatively stage deep endometriosis, but in these international settings, imaging is typically performed solely by expert radiologists and gynecologists. We outline a method for detailed sonographic survey of the lower abdomen and pelvis to ensure optimum detection and communication of disease extent that is geared to radiologists practicing ultrasound in the United States, with the use of diagnostic medical sonographers.

Genital and gynecologic infections are common medical problems, affecting millions of women worldwide. The spectrum of these infections extends from the labia, including processes such as necrotizing fasciitis and anogenital warts, to the upper reproductive tracts in conditions including endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Although often a clinical diagnosis, the radiologist plays an important role in determining the etiology of acute abdominal and pelvic pain as well as facilitating the diagnosis for cases which are not clinically straightforward. Imaging also plays an important role in assessing the complications and sequelae of these conditions, including infertility, chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, and pelvic adhesions. Familiarity with the appearances of these infections, their complications, and their potential mimics on sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and hysterosalpingography is important for timely diagnosis and optimal clinical outcomes.

Acute cholecystitis is the most common diagnosable cause for right upper quadrant abdominal (RUQ) pain in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). However, over one-third of patients initially thought to have acute cholecystitis actually have RUQ pain attributable to other causes. Ultrasonography (US) is the primary imaging modality of choice for initial imaging assessment and serves as a fast, cost-effective, and dynamic modality to provide a definitive diagnosis or a considerably narrowed list of differential possibilities. Multiple organ systems are included at standard RUQ US, and a variety of ultrasonographically diagnosable disease processes can be identified, including conditions of hepatic, pancreatic, adrenal, renal, gastrointestinal, vascular, and thoracic origin, all of which may result in RUQ pain. In certain cases, subsequent computed tomography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR cholangiopancreatography, or cholescintigraphy may be considered, depending on the clinical situation and US findings. Familiarity with the spectrum of disease processes outside of the gallbladder and biliary tree that may manifest with RUQ pain and recognition at US of these alternative conditions is pivotal for early diagnosis and appropriate management. Diagnosis at the time of initial US can reduce unnecessary imaging and its consequences, including excess cost, radiation exposure, nephrotoxic contrast medium use, and time to diagnosis, thereby translating into improved patient care and outcome. This article (a) reviews the causes of RUQ pain identifiable at US using an organ-system approach, (b) illustrates the US appearance of select conditions from each organ system with multimodality imaging correlates, and (c) discusses the relevant pathophysiology and treatment of these entities to aid in efficient direction of management. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Purpose To compare the biopsy rate and diagnostic accuracy before and after applying the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) criteria for thyroid nodule evaluation. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, eight radiologists with 3-32 years experience in thyroid ultrasonography (US) reviewed US features of 100 thyroid nodules that were cytologically proven, pathologically proven, or both in December 2016. The radiologists evaluated nodule features in five US categories and provided biopsy recommendations based on their own practice patterns without knowledge of ACR TI-RADS criteria. Another three expert radiologists served as the reference standard readers for the imaging findings. ACR TI-RADS criteria were retrospectively applied to the features assigned by the eight radiologists to produce biopsy recommendations. Comparison was made for biopsy rate, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results Fifteen of the 100 nodules (15%) were malignant. The mean number of nodules recommended for biopsy by the eight radiologists was 80 ± 16 (standard deviation) (range, 38-95 nodules) based on their own practice patterns and 57 ± 11 (range, 37-73 nodules) with retrospective application of ACR TI-RADS criteria. Without ACR TI-RADS criteria, readers had an overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 95% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83%, 99%), 20% (95% CI: 16%, 25%), and 28% (95% CI: 21%, 37%), respectively. After applying ACR TI-RADS criteria, overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92% (95% CI: 68%, 98%), 44% (95% CI: 33%, 56%), and 52% (95% CI: 40%, 63%), respectively. Although fewer malignancies were recommended for biopsy with ACR TI-RADS criteria, the majority met the criteria for follow-up US, with only three of 120 (2.5%) malignancy encounters requiring no follow-up or biopsy. Expert consensus recommended biopsy in 55 of 100 nodules with ACR TI-RADS criteria. Their sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 87% (95% CI: 48%, 98%), 51% (95% CI: 40%, 62%), and 56% (95% CI: 46%, 66%), respectively. Conclusion ACR TI-RADS criteria offer a meaningful reduction in the number of thyroid nodules recommended for biopsy and significantly improve the accuracy of recommendations for nodule management.

Sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy of renal allografts has been performed for decades, providing valuable information in monitoring the status of normally functioning renal transplants as well as investigating the cause of renal transplant dysfunction. This article reviews practical aspects of biopsy technique using the cortical tangential approach, with consideration of factors that may influence biopsy success, including selection of biopsy device. Clinically important complications from renal transplant biopsy are uncommon; the most recent experience for one institution is analyzed in the context of existing evidence regarding the frequency and timing of these major complications, to understand pragmatic implications for peri-procedural care.