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Novel High-Quality Sonographic Methods to Diagnose Muscle Wasting in Long-Stay Critically Ill Patients: Shear Wave Elastography, Superb Microvascular Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.
Hernández-Socorro, CR, Saavedra, P, López-Fernández, JC, Lübbe-Vazquez, F, Ruiz-Santana, S
Nutrients. 2021;(7)
Abstract
Novel ultrasound (US) methods are required to assess qualitative changes in the quadriceps rectus femoris (QRF) muscle when evaluating mechanically ventilated, long-stay ICU patients with suspected neuromuscular acquired weakness (ICUAW). Our aim was to analyze novel US muscle assessment methods in these patients versus healthy controls by carrying out a prospective observational study. Shear wave elastography (SWE) showed, with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.972 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.916-1.000), that patients increased muscle stiffness associated with muscle fibrosis when diagnosed with ICUAW. We also performed, for the first time, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), which is an innovative US technique designed for imaging microvascularization unseen with color Doppler US, and observed that 53.8% of cases had significantly lower QRF muscle microvascular angiogenic activity than controls (p < 0.001). Finally, we used contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to analyze maximum and minimum QRF muscle perfusion and obtained a ROC curve of 0.8, but when used as markers for SMI, their diagnostic capacity increased to 0.988 (CI = 0.965-1) and 0.932 (CI = 0.858-1), respectively. These findings show, for the first time, that these novel sonographic muscle methods should be used for their diagnostic capacity when assessing sarcopenic processes associated with this group of critically ill patients.
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Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19.
Ji, L, Cao, C, Gao, Y, Zhang, W, Xie, Y, Duan, Y, Kong, S, You, M, Ma, R, Jiang, L, et al
Critical care (London, England). 2020;(1):700
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and non-invasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19. METHOD The LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated. RESULTS The median time from admission to LUS examinations was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3-10). Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10-20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.02 ~ 1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR 10.76, 95% CI 2.75 ~ 42.05; P = 0.001; AIC = 272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC = 286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off > 12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.
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Different Ultrasound Scoring Methods for Assessing Medial Arterial Calcification: Association with Diabetic Complications.
Tian, J, Tang, G, Xu, X, Yan, L, Liang, M, Zhang, W, Liu, X, Luo, B
Ultrasound in medicine & biology. 2020;(6):1365-1372
Abstract
The aims of the study described here were to evaluate medial arterial calcification (MAC) of the lower limbs, identified on ultrasound, in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to analyze the association of MAC with diabetic complications including peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Ultrasound was performed in 359 patients, and the severity of MAC was assessed by the length of MAC (score range: 0-8) and the number of arterial segmentations with MAC (score range: 0-6). Our results revealed that MAC scoring based on the segmentation method was an independent predictor of peripheral arterial disease and nephropathy, but not an independent predictor of peripheral neuropathy or retinopathy. MAC scoring based on the length method was not an independent predictor of any complication. The segmentation method for assessing MAC on ultrasound may be a valuable tool in clinical work.
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Ultrasonography of Quadriceps Femoris Muscle and Subcutaneous Fat Tissue and Body Composition by BIVA in Chronic Dialysis Patients.
Battaglia, Y, Ullo, I, Massarenti, S, Esposito, P, Prencipe, M, Ciancio, G, Provenzano, M, Fiorini, F, Andreucci, M, Storari, A, et al
Nutrients. 2020;(5)
Abstract
Protein Energy Wasting (PEW) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is a multifactorial condition due to specific pathology-related pathogenetic mechanisms, leading to loss of skeletal muscle mass in HD patients. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging still represent the gold standard techniques for body composition assessment. However, their widespread application in clinical practice is difficult and body composition evaluation in HD patients is mainly based on conventional anthropometric nutritional indexes and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Little data is currently available on ultrasound (US)-based measurements of muscle mass and fat tissue in this clinical setting. The purpose of our study is to ascertain: (1) if there are differences between quadriceps rectus femoris muscle (QRFM) thickness and abdominal/thigh subcutaneous fat tissue (SFT) measured by US between HD patients and healthy subjects; (2) if there is any correlation between QRFM and abdominal/thigh SFT thickness by US, and BIVA/conventional nutritional indexes in HD patients. We enrolled 65 consecutive HD patients and 33 healthy subjects. Demographic and laboratory were collected. The malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) was calculated. Using B-mode US system, the QRFM and SFT thicknesses were measured at the level of three landmarks in both thighs (superior anterior iliac spine, upper pole of the patella, the midpoint of the tract included between the previous points). SFT was also measured at the level of the periumbilical point. The mono frequency (50 KHz) BIVA was conducted using bioelectrical measurements (Rz, resistance; Xc, reactance; adjusted for height, Rz/H and Xc/H; PA, phase angle). 58.5% were men and the mean age was 69 (SD 13.7) years. QRFM and thigh SFT thicknesses were reduced in HD patients as compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.01). Similarly, also BIVA parameters, expression of lean body mass, were lower (p < 0.001), except for Rz and Rz/H in HD patients. The average QRFM thickness of both thighs at top, mid, lower landmarks were positively correlated with PA and body cell mass (BCM) by BIVA, while negatively correlated with Rz/H (p < 0.05). Abdominal SFT was positively correlated with PA, BCM and basal metabolic rate (BMR) (p < 0.05). Our study shows that ultrasound QRFM and thigh SFT thicknesses were reduced in HD patients and that muscle ultrasound measurements were significantly correlated with BIVA parameters.
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Significance of nuclear medicine scan in comparison with diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and ultrasound imaging in diagnosing renal disorders: An observational study.
Bafaraj, SM
Medicine. 2020;(36):e22038
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Abstract
The effectiveness of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid scan is regularly monitored for the assessment of any potential modifications in treatment responses or kidney functions in the pediatric population.This study attempts to compare the usefulness of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and ultrasound imaging of renal disorders among paediatric patients.A retrospective observational study was conducted by enrolling 106 children. The demographic details such as: participant's age, gender, and the history of renal disease of each patient were recorded. Patients were administered radiopharmaceuticals in a fixed dose and were later subjected to computed tomography (CT) scan. The obtained data was analysed using descriptive statistics.Findings indicated increased sensitivity for CT (61.20%); whereas, a major decrease in specificity (23.68%) was observed. Comparison of Single-photon emission CT (SPECT) and CT findings revealed the increased sensitivity (90.90%) for ultrasound; whereas, there was a slight decrease in the specificity (40%) for SPECT. However, SPECT findings show 91% sensitivity among patients with 71.42% positive predictive value. Moreover, an increase in sensitivity for CT (61.20%), followed by a major decrease in specificity (23.68%) was observed.Ultrasonography has been proved to be the safest and the most effective method for the diagnosis and the treatment of most renal disorders, due to the higher predictive value of SPECT scans. It is thus suggested that patients with ureteral calculi should be diagnosed with renal scintigraphy and unenhanced helical computerized tomography.
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Evaluation of gastric residual volume in fasting diabetic patients using gastric ultrasound.
Sabry, R, Hasanin, A, Refaat, S, Abdel Raouf, S, Abdallah, AS, Helmy, N
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. 2019;(5):615-619
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic patients are claimed to have high risk of delayed gastric emptying; however, the evidence concerning residual gastric volume in fasting diabetic patients is not consistent. The aim of this work is to evaluate residual gastric volume in fasting diabetic patients for elective surgery. METHODS Fifty patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were included in the study. The study included 25 patients with at least 6-year history of diabetes and 25 healthy controls. Gastric ultrasound was performed to measure antral cross-sectional area in semi-sitting and right lateral positions. Nasogastric tube was inserted after induction of anaesthesia to aspirate and calculate the volume of gastric contents. Both study groups were compared according to antral cross-sectional area, residual gastric volume, risk of aspiration, in addition to demographic data. RESULTS The diabetic group showed higher median (quartiles) antral cross-sectional area (13.8 [9.5-19.5] mm2 versus 8.8 [5.5-10.5] mm2 , P < 0.001), and higher calculated gastric residual volume, (177 [96-275] mL versus 83 [50-109] mL, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The diabetic group also showed higher aspirated volume through the nasogastric tube compared to the control group (150 [85-210] mL versus 75 [35-87] mL, P < 0.001). The correlation was very good between calculated residual gastric volume using ultrasound measures and volume of aspirated gastric contents through nasogastric tube. CONCLUSION Patients with long standing diabetes showed higher residual gastric volume compared to healthy controls after fasting 8 hours for elective surgery.
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"Full Stomach" Despite the Wait: Point-of-care Gastric Ultrasound at the Time of Procedural Sedation in the Pediatric Emergency Department.
Leviter, J, Steele, DW, Constantine, E, Linakis, JG, Amanullah, S
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 2019;(7):752-760
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to use gastric point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to assess gastric contents and volume, summarize the prevalence of "full stomach," and explore the relationship between fasting time and gastric contents at the time of procedural sedation. METHODS This was a prospective study of patients aged 2 to 17 years fasting prior to procedural sedation. A single sonographer scanned each patient's gastric antrum in two positions: supine with the upper body elevated and right lateral decubitus (RLD). Gastric content (empty, liquid, or solid) was noted, and the gastric volume (mL/kg) was estimated from antral cross-sectional area (CSA). "Full stomach" was defined as any solid content or >1.2 mL/kg of liquid gastric content. RESULTS We enrolled 116 subjects, with a median fasting time of 5.8 hours. Of the 107 with evaluable images, 74 patients, 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60%-77%), were categorized as having a full stomach. Each hour of fasting was associated with lower odds (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65-0) of a full stomach. However, the knowledge of fasting time alone provides little ability to discriminate between risk groups (C-index = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS Gastric POCUS classified many patients as having a full stomach at the time of expected procedural sedation, despite prolonged fasting times. These findings may inform risk-benefit considerations when planning the timing and medication choice for procedural sedation.
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Noninvasive evaluation of muscle mass by ultrasonography of quadriceps femoris muscle in End-Stage Renal Disease patients on hemodialysis.
Sabatino, A, Regolisti, G, Delsante, M, Di Motta, T, Cantarelli, C, Pioli, S, Grassi, G, Batini, V, Gregorini, M, Fiaccadori, E
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2019;(3):1232-1239
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW) is a pathological condition of renal patients with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease characterized by a progressive reduction of energy and protein assets. Nutritional status assessment, especially for what concerns muscle mass, is essential for both the identification of patients at risk for the development of PEW, as well as monitoring the effects of nutritional interventions. Ultrasound methods are easily applicable at the bedside for quantitative assessment of skeletal muscle. The present study was aimed at evaluating quadriceps rectus femoris thickness (QRFT) and quadriceps vastus intermedius thickness (QVIT) in patients on chronic hemodialysis. METHODS This was a prospective observational study. Three groups of adult patients were studied: young healthy subjects, well-nourished hospitalized patients with normal renal function, and End-Stage Renal Disease patients on hemodialysis (ESRD-HD). QRFT and QVIT were measured at two sites bilaterally (8 measures/patient) and were compared between groups, and also between subgroups of ESRD-HD patients stratified on the basis of conventional nutritional status parameters. RESULTS We enrolled 35 healthy subjects, 30 hospitalized patients, and 121 ESRD-HD patients on hemodialysis. QRFT and QVIT of ESRD patients on hemodialysis were lower than those of both control groups (P < 0.001). After stratifying ESRD patients into subgroups based on nutritional variable cut-offs commonly used to define PEW in this clinical setting (BMI [≥ 23 vs <23 kg/m2], albumin [≥3.8 vs <3.8 g/dL]) and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) status (<6 vs ≥6), QRFT and QVIT of patients with worse nutritional status were significantly lower than those of well-nourished ESRD-HD patients (P value range: <0.001 to <0.05). CONCLUSION Skeletal muscle ultrasound is a simple and easily applicable bedside technique in the dialysis units, and could represent an adequate tool for the identification of patients with reduced muscle mass.
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Development of a bedside-applicable ultrasound protocol to estimate fat mass index derived from whole body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans.
Paris, MT, Mourtzakis, M
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2019;:225-230
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Precise measures of adiposity are difficult to obtain in clinical settings due to a lack of access to accurate and reliable techniques. The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a bedside-applicable ultrasound protocol to estimate fat mass index. METHODS We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of 94 university and community dwelling adults who attended a single data-collection session. Adipose tissue thickness was quantified in a supine or prone position using the four-site protocol (images two anterior sites on each thigh) and the nine-site protocol (images nine anterior and posterior sites). Adipose tissue thicknesses from the four-site protocol were compared against the fat mass index that was derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Subsequently, we optimized the accuracy of the four-site protocol with the addition of bedside-accessible adipose tissue thicknesses from the nine-site protocol and easily obtained covariates. RESULTS The four-site protocol was strongly associated (R2 = 0.65) with fat mass index but wide limits of agreement (-3.53 kg/m2 and 3.50 kg/m2) were observed using the Bland-Altman analysis. With the addition of the anterior upper arm and abdomen adipose tissue thicknesses as well as the covariates age, sex, and body mass index, the model accuracy improved (R2 = 0.93) and the Bland-Altman analysis displayed narrower limits of agreement (-1.57 kg/m2 and 1.60 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS This optimized protocol developed can be applied bedside and provide accurate assessments of fat mass index.
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Added value of intra-operative ultrasound to determine the resectability of locally advanced pancreatic cancer following FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (IMAGE): a prospective multicenter study.
van Veldhuisen, E, Walma, MS, van Rijssen, LB, Busch, OR, Bruijnen, RCG, van Delden, OM, Mohammad, NH, de Hingh, IH, Yo, LS, van Laarhoven, HW, et al
HPB : the official journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association. 2019;(10):1385-1392
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the resectability of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy is challenging because CT-scans cannot reliably assess vascular involvement. This study evaluates the added value of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) in LAPC following FOLFIRINOX induction chemotherapy. METHODS Prospective multicenter study in patients with LAPC who underwent explorative laparotomy with IOUS after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Resectability was defined according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. IOUS findings were compared with preoperative CT-scans and pathology results. RESULTS CT-staging in 38 patients with LAPC after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy defined 22 patients LAPC, 15 borderline resectable and one resectable. IOUS defined 19 patients LAPC, 13 borderline resectable and six resectable. In 12/38 patients, IOUS changed the resectability status including five patients from borderline resectable to resectable and five patients from LAPC to borderline resectable. Two patients were upstaged from borderline resectable to LAPC. Tumor diameters were significantly smaller upon IOUS (31.7 ± 9.5 mm versus 37.1 ± 10.0 mm, p = 0.001) and resectability varied significantly (p = 0.043). Ultimately, 20 patients underwent resection of whom 14 were evaluated as (borderline) resectable on CT-scan, and 17 on IOUS. DISCUSSION This prospective study demonstrates that IOUS may change the resectability status up to a third of patients with LAPC following FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy.