Abstract
Durante C, Hegedüs L, Gyu Na D, et al. Radiology. Epub ahead of print 31 October 2023. DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231481.
The publication of phase 1 of I-TIRADS (International thyroid imaging and reporting and data system) aims to introduce one reporting system for describing the ultrasound results when scanning the thyroid gland. Good images are used to demonstrate the varying pathologies and how they fit in to the I-TIRADS system.
Fukumura YE, Sommerich CM, Evans KD, et al. J Diagn Med Sonogr. Epub ahead of print 31 October 2023. DOI: 10.1177/87564793231205612journals.sagepub.com/home/jdm.
From a survey of ultrasound practitioners in America and Canada, the results were stratified into four groups for those working in Abdominal, Cardiac, Vascular and Obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound. There was no significant difference found between the groups for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD), or headaches and visual discomfort. Over 50% of all the responders had received ergonomic training, and protective factors were found to be having ergonomic policies in place and taking regular breaks. Interruption of the workflow increased the risk of WRMSD.
Khine R, Harrison G and Flinton D. Radiography 2023; 30: 66–72.
Both students and clinical staff are aware of the pressure of time, as trying to offer a good experience to patients and allowing students to practice can be difficult. Some students felt that the clinical supervisors misunderstood the paperwork from the university and lacked training for the role. Despite teaching being part of the HCPC registration and SOR core values, students witnessed staff being unprofessional and avoiding taking part in the training of students. Students need to feel that they are cared for and of value to the department where they work, which may help with retention.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), Sinkey RG, Ogunsile FJ, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Epub ahead of print 20 October 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.031.
New recommendations for maternity care of those who have sickle cell disease, one for the protocols if you care for this group of patients and a clear explanation of the disease process for student sonographers.
Johnson J, Kaur E, Arezina J, et al. PEC Innov 2023; 3: 100231.
In this research, the ASCKS framework for delivering unexpected news was used by ultrasound practitioners (UP) working in the early pregnancy department. Sound recordings were made by the UP of all the scans performed (with patient consent) and only the recordings where unexpected news was given were used in the coaching sessions. Coaching was delivered in two forms, a one-to-one session when the coach used the sonographers recording and three one-to-one coaching sessions with another coach, where they received feedback based on their communication style and what changes could be made. Fifteen UP took part in the research and of these only 10 completed all aspects. The results showed a significant increase in confidence in delivering unexpected news after the coaching.
Stirnemann JJ, Besson R, Spaggiari E, et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62: 353–360.
A software program called Sonio Expert uses two algorithms and will either suggest a syndrome when one anomaly is found or suggest what else you need to look for next, with an aim to aid the ultrasound practitioner. The research used 549 cases where there was pathological confirmation of the anomaly. There were 14 cases where the software was incorrect; these were in cases where there was a single isolated anomaly, when the software suggested a syndrome. It would be useful in a fetal medicine setting, as an educational tool to help recognise and learn about rare syndromes.
Pozza C, Tenuta M, Sesti F, et al. Cancers 2023; 15(22): 5332.
Multiparametric ultrasound is defined as using B-mode, colour Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and sonoelastography. This review paper gives a catalogue of pathologies showing the appearances of each one when using all four methods, along with the clinical indications. A useful document for all departments performing testicular ultrasound.
Manske RC, Voight M, Page P, et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2023; 18: 88377.
A paper which demonstrates how to scan the supraspinatus tendon only. If you are just starting out in MSK ultrasound, and you prefer to learn in bite size pieces, then this paper is for you. One of a series of papers by the same authors, covering a very focused area of MSK ultrasound.
Wright A, Wright D, Chaveeva P, et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. Epub ahead of print 16 October 2023. DOI: 10.1002/uog.27514.
Data from 6152 dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancies and 1920 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies from four centres, which all resulted in live births, were used to show the distribution of measurements against singleton pregnancy charts. The results showed that twin pregnancies are smaller than singletons, and growth charts in the appendix show expected growth trajectories. Over 24 weeks gestation, the rate of growth in a twin pregnancy decreases in comparison to a singleton.
Sanz Cortes M, Johnson RM, Sangi-Haghpeykar H, et al. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. Epub ahead of print 12 September 2023. DOI: 10.1002/uog.27480.
This research found that a perforated CSP (presumed due to increased pressure) seen before in utero repair of open spina bifida increased the risk of hydrocephalus treatment. Diagnosis of perforated CSP was made on US and MRI, with good correlation between the two. This knowledge could help when counselling parents.