Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Continuing Education to Equip Sonographers as Interprofessional Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Educators: A Mixed Methods Study.","authors":"Carolynne Cormack, Jessie Childs, Jo McCann, Tina Cullen, Jo Douglas, Emilie Rasheed, Alastair MacLean, Patrick Feeny, Nathan Peters, Cris Zollo, Amaali Lokuge, Lindsay Bridgford, Vijay Manivel, Elissa Kennedy-Smith, Yang Yang, Fiona Kent","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Point-of-care ultrasound has become an essential tool in critical care medicine. The provision of adequate ultrasound training is one of the most significant barriers to point-of-care ultrasound adoption. Sonographers are a valuable resource for ultrasound training but often lack support and formal recognition of their role as educators. This paper describes a short course to equip sonographers for interprofessional ultrasound teaching.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A continuing education course was collaboratively developed by a faculty of sonographers and physicians from Australia and New Zealand. Hybrid delivery included online learning modules and an interactive skills day. The content focused on increasing sonographer knowledge of ultrasound integration and skills teaching in critical care settings. Pre- and post-course evaluation of participant knowledge and confidence was conducted. Faculty feedback was also sought.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three general and cardiac sonographers participated in the course. Self-rated confidence showed significant post-course increase for 93% (14/15) ultrasound teaching competency items (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Qualitative analysis of participant and faculty feedback comments was predominantly positive. Participants reported the course was well-organised, engaging and valuable for their professional development.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The course involved multiple stakeholders with the aim to benefit the wider ultrasound community. It recognised the valuable contribution sonographers can make as ultrasound educators and provided educational support for sonographers transitioning to interprofessional teaching roles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A collaboratively designed course for sonographers has successfully been piloted, demonstrating positive results. This continuing education course is the first of its kind to equip sonographers for interprofessional ultrasound teaching in critical care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 ","pages":"e70041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13147214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sextuple Nuchal Cord Entanglement in a Preterm Neonate: A Case Report.","authors":"Rebecca Hicks, Jesse Cottrell","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nuchal cord, or wrapping of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck, is a common obstetric finding; however, multiple loops are uncommon, and entanglement exceeding four loops is rare. High-order nuchal cords (≥ 5 loops) may predispose to cord compression, abnormal fetal heart rate tracings and intrauterine compromise. Advances in prenatal ultrasonography, particularly colour Doppler imaging, have improved detection, but the optimal management of these cases remains uncertain.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>We present a case of a 42-year-old gravida 6, para 3124 woman (three term deliveries, one preterm delivery, two prior abortions and four living children) whose pregnancy was complicated by a sextuple (six-loop) nuchal cord, identified antenatally at 24 weeks 2 days. Despite initially preserved Doppler flow, the patient later developed decreased fetal movement and recurrent variable and late decelerations on fetal monitoring, consistent with non-reassuring fetal heart tracings. An emergent preterm caesarean delivery was performed, revealing six tight loops of umbilical cord around the fetal neck. A live preterm neonate was delivered and admitted to the NICU for ongoing care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case underscores the potential hemodynamic impact and perinatal risks associated with extreme nuchal cord entanglement. Antenatal detection using colour Doppler ultrasound, combined with vigilant fetal surveillance and timely intervention, is critical for optimising outcomes. Awareness of maternal symptom reporting and early response to non-reassuring fetal heart tracings can facilitate favourable results even in rare, high-order nuchal cord cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 ","pages":"e70042"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13125946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health Economic Evaluation on Point of Care Antenatal Ultrasound in Rural and Remote Communities Globally: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Zoe Hampshire, Lucy Wood, Camille Schubert, Janine Dizon, Katherine Guerrero, Nayana Parange","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There are significant global discrepancies in the provision of maternal healthcare with many women from under-resourced countries and rural communities having inferior access to such services. Within rural and remote communities and low-resource areas, point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has the potential to improve health outcomes through early screening of pregnancies and identification of high risk and complicated pregnancies to enable timely retrievals and/or transfers to hospital settings.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review aims to explore the evidence available regarding the costs and economic assessment of PoCUS within under-resourced settings for the use of antenatal care (ANC).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Scopus, Medline and Embase, alongside grey literature, were comprehensively searched and studies were included if the interventional method was PoCUS for pregnant women undergoing ANC in a developing country or rural setting.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>From a total of 688 identified articles, six articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies were from multinational settings or relating to Asia or Africa. All included articles reported that patient outcomes were improved with PoCUS alongside ANC. Two articles focused on: a hypothetical cost-effectiveness estimate in Nepal, and a multinational cost-analysis over 3 years post implementation across five countries. Three articles highlighted various resource usage and cost considerations. There was a recorded increase in antenatal attendance and a reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality with the introduction of PoCUS for routine ANC examinations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although PoCUS integration within the examined settings showed improved patient outcomes, further investigation is needed into the long-term economic costs/benefits to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 ","pages":"e70040"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13125958/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical Care Ultrasound Practice (CUSP) Survey: An International Survey of Ultrasound Practice Among Critical Care Practitioners","authors":"Sandeep Tripathi,&nbsp;Collins Odhiambo,&nbsp;Vidit Bhargava,&nbsp;Kaushik Bhomick,&nbsp;Padmaraj Duvvuri,&nbsp;Pramod Guru,&nbsp;Salah G. Keyrouz,&nbsp;Sharmili Sinha,&nbsp;Candice White","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70039","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70039","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Objective&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;To describe the practice patterns of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and compare its usage across subgroups (adult vs. paediatric practitioners, physicians vs. nurse practitioners [NPs], high income [HI] vs. low and middle -income [LMI] countries).&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Survey distributed via the Society of Critical Care Medicine in May–June 2024. Respondents reported the percentage of eligible patients in the past year for whom POCUS was used for vascular access and diagnostic purposes. Responses (0%, &lt; 25%, 25%–50%, 50%–75%, &gt; 75%) were converted into binary categories (&gt; 50% use) and compared across subgroups using logistic regression.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;The survey was completed by 503 respondents from 39 countries (6% response rate): 77.7% from HI countries, 20.9% paediatric practitioners and 18.3% Nurse Practitioner (NPs)/Physician assistants (PAs). POCUS was commonly used for vascular access, and similar usage was found among NP/PAs, physicians, and adult and paediatric practitioners. Practitioners from LMI countries were less likely to use POCUS for vascular access. Basic diagnostic applications, such as assessing pleural effusion (72.5%) and left ventricular function (69.2%), were more commonly used than advanced applications like pulmonary artery pressure measurement (22%). Physicians were more likely than NPs (for some indications), and adult practitioners were more likely than paediatric practitioners (for most indications) to use POCUS for diagnostic purposes. Practitioners in LMI countries reported higher use of diagnostic applications than practitioners in HI countries.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;POCUS is widely adopted in critical care but is less accepted for diagnostic use among paediatric practitioners and NP/PAs. Diagnostic utilisation is higher in LMI countries, while procedural use is lower.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Impact Statement&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used in intensive care units to guide diagnosis and procedures. Despite its importance, little is known about how consistently it is used by different types of clinicians around the world. This international survey of critical care practitioners from 39 countries shows that POCUS is widely used, particularly for procedures, but diagnostic use remains uneven. Paediatric clinicians and advanced practice providers report lower diagnostic use, while clinicians in low- and middle-income countries report higher diagnostic adop","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Guidelines for Reprocessing Ultrasound Transducers: 2026","authors":"Nathan Peters,&nbsp;Marija Juraja,&nbsp;Nicola Isles,&nbsp;Ellen Woodcock,&nbsp;Elissa Kennedy-Smith,&nbsp;Cartan Costello,&nbsp;Jo McCann,&nbsp;Karen Mizia","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70038","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Ultrasound equipment is recognised as a potential source of harmful microorganisms which could lead to clinical infection. This highlights the importance of standardised infection prevention and control strategies for ultrasound practice across Australia and New Zealand. This revised guideline supersedes the similarly named 2017 guideline and was collaboratively developed by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC).&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;A multidisciplinary working group was assembled consisting of ultrasound practitioners from varying specialty areas and infection control specialists. The guideline recommendations were informed by a review of relevant literature, national and international standards, and current Australian and New Zealand regulatory requirements. A catalyst for the revision of these guidelines was the release of the Australian Standard AS5369:2023—Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities. Consensus was achieved through structured discussions and iterative drafting including wider stakeholder feedback.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Recommendations for transducer reprocessing were based on the invasiveness of the ultrasound transducer as well as the type of human tissue it contacted during use. Particular attention is also given to the safe use of ultrasound gel, transducer covers, as well as broader considerations of standard and transmission-based precautions, including the use of aseptic technique.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Implementation of this guideline by ultrasound clinicians and their facilities will reduce the risk of transmission of potentially harmful microorganisms and ensure infection prevention and control practices across Australia and New Zealand are aligned with accepted national standards.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Impact Statement&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;This guideline outlines the Australian and New Zealand standard for infection prevention and control as it relates to ultrasound practice. This 2026 revision supersedes the similarly named 2017 guideline and was collaboratively developed by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). The multidisciplinary working group used publishe","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70038","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147288461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adult Ileocolic Intussusception in a Patient With Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound ‘Case Report’","authors":"Ali Al Khalifah,&nbsp;Ali Aldawood","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. One of its manifestations is pancreatic insufficiency. This could lead to constipation and impaired intestinal activity predisposing patients to intestinal obstruction and intussusception.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This report discusses a case of a 25-year-old male with CF who presented with abdominal pain and constipation. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was instrumental in the early diagnosis of intussusception, showing the classical sonographic features of intussusception.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance and the utility of POCUS when managing patients with multi-systemic diseases, as they may present with atypical symptoms and rare diagnoses. Ultrasound is highly sensitive for diagnosing intussusception in the paediatric populations, but further studies may be needed to translate that finding to the adult population. Complementary computed tomography (CT) is of high value in evaluating for possible complications.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in Intrauterine Device Position From Initial Insertion to Check Up","authors":"Grace Swain,&nbsp;Karen Mizia,&nbsp;Elizabeth Luxford","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70035","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70035","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Background&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;There is some evidence of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) migrating after insertion; however, these studies had small sample sizes and have not been performed with an Australian population. Furthermore, current guidelines for IUDs provide ambiguous recommendations for post-procedure check-ups 5–8 weeks after insertion. In some cases, it is unclear if a pelvic ultrasound should be used to ascertain IUD position. The clinical usefulness of ultrasound as the primary post-procedure investigation has not been fully elucidated, nor has the migration and position change in an Australian population.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Aim&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;To evaluate the migration or change in position of IUDs in an Australian population, and the clinical usefulness of a post-procedure check with an ultrasound following insertion.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;A retrospective cohort study over 3 years across eight Sydney sites by multiple practitioners.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;645 cases were referred for insertion or IUD exchange under ultrasound. In 5% of cases the device was sub-optimally positioned at the time of insertion. On post-procedure follow-up, of the IUDs in the optimal position, 98.5% remained unchanged. 1.3% changed to a suboptimal position, but of these 75% had an underlying uterine anomaly. Of the devices that were sub-optimally positioned at time of insertion, 84% migrated to the optimal fundal position; those unchanged from suboptimal (16%) had anomalies or other causes identified.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Once an IUD is inserted into an appropriate position in the fundus, it is extremely unlikely to change position unless the patient has an underlying structural anomaly or a previous hysterotomy. Fundal positioning at the initial insertion was 95%, which on post-procedure check-up improved to 98.7% of cases. Reassuringly, of the IUDs which were sub-optimally positioned, 84% improved their position to an appropriate location 5–8 weeks later. This also suggests migration of devices into an optimal position. With this evidence that most IUDs will migrate to a more appropriate position, we suggest all guidelines remove the 4–8 week check, and that to perform an ultrasound only if symptomatic or if unable to palpate the IUD strings.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Impact Statement&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;This study evaluates the migration or change in position of intrauterine contraceptio","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146114387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound-Generated Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index in the Prediction of Post-Induction Hypotension During General Anaesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Mitchell Kitchin Gordon,&nbsp;Aharon Golod,&nbsp;Renee Rostolis,&nbsp;Tim Outhred,&nbsp; Rebecca Caragata,&nbsp;Raymond Hu","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70033","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Post-induction hypotension (PIH) is a common complication following anaesthetic induction and is associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Ultrasound-generated inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI) is a non-invasive measure of volume status that may predict PIH. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of IVC-CI in predicting PIH in adult, non-obstetric patients undergoing general anaesthesia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (up to June 2024) identified studies reporting IVC-CI as a predictor of PIH. Prospective and retrospective observational studies were included, while studies involving paediatric, obstetric, or hypotensive patients pre-induction were excluded. The QUADAS-2 tool assessed risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was utilised to assess certainty of evidence. Pooled diagnostic performance was measured via area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Meta-regression explored heterogeneity across studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twenty-three studies (<i>n</i> = 1973) were included, with 16 studies (<i>n</i> = 1585) providing AUROC data. The pooled AUROC for IVC-CI in predicting PIH was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.64–0.80), indicating moderate diagnostic accuracy. High heterogeneity was observed (<i>I</i>² = 94.4%). Meta-regression showed no significant associations between AUROC and age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, or induction agents. Publication bias was identified (Egger's test, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). The quality of evidence, as evaluated using the GRADE approach, was ‘very low’.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>IVC-CI shows potential as a predictive tool for PIH; however, significant heterogeneity, inconsistent protocols, and publication bias limit its robustness. Standardised measurement methods and larger studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasound-generated IVC-CI demonstrates moderate accuracy in predicting PIH and may assist in guiding pre-induction management strategies, such as fluid administration or vasopressor use.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lung Ultrasound Training: A Scoping Review of Educational Interventions and Outcomes","authors":"Patrick Lavoie,&nbsp;Maude Crétaz,&nbsp;Élisabeth Quesnel,&nbsp;Jessica Van Tassel,&nbsp;Claudie Roussy,&nbsp;Christina Dagher,&nbsp;André Denault,&nbsp;Tanya Mailhot","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70031","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lung ultrasound (LUS) is increasingly recognised as an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool in acute and critical care. As its use grows, understanding how LUS education is designed, delivered, and evaluated for practicing healthcare professionals has become essential.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To map the evidence on educational interventions for LUS training, focusing on study characteristics, instructional strategies, and learning outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. It identified and charted studies on LUS training for practicing healthcare professionals. Data extraction covered study characteristics, learner profiles, instructional strategies, instructor credentials, training duration and setting, and learning outcomes, categorised using the New World Kirkpatrick Model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirty eight studies involving physicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and nurses met inclusion criteria. Most interventions combined didactic teaching with hands-on practice, including supervised scanning and simulation. Training was typically brief (median duration = 3.5 h). Outcomes focused mainly on learning (Level 2: 86.8%) and less often on behaviour (Level 3: 47.4%). Considerable variation in educational designs and outcome measures limited cross-study comparisons, and few studies assessed long-term retention or clinical impact.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Current LUS training uses multimodal approaches that integrate theory with supervised practice. However, programs and assessments remain heterogeneous and rarely theory-informed. Future research should strengthen pedagogical foundations, align evaluation with competency frameworks, and examine learning sustainability, interprofessional training, and patient-centred outcomes to support effective and scalable LUS education.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12771659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measurement of Supraspinatus Tear Size Using Previously Acquired Ultrasound Images Obtained by Multiple Examiners","authors":"Christopher M. Gibbs,&nbsp;Luke T. Mattar,&nbsp;Satoshi Takeuchi,&nbsp;Robert T. Tisherman,&nbsp;Adam J. Popchak,&nbsp;Andrew C. Cordle,&nbsp;James J. Irrgang,&nbsp;Volker Musahl,&nbsp;Richard E. Debski","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70029","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction/Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>One examiner might not be able to acquire and interpret every image when examining rotator cuff tears in large cohort studies due to logistical issues. The aim of this study was to determine the repeatability of supraspinatus tear size measurements performed by multiple observers using previously acquired ultrasound images by a separate set of examiners.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seventy-two ultrasound examinations of individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears were performed by five ultrasound examiners. Fifteen examinations were randomly chosen to be evaluated by three observers with varying amounts of ultrasound experience using repeated measurements. The maximum anterior–posterior tear size using these previously acquired ultrasound examinations was assessed and the repeatability and minimal detectable change were calculated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The intra-observer repeatability was improved with greater experience to 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.95) but was 0.51 (95% CI 0.20–0.77) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.51–0.90) for observers with low experience. For all observers, the inter-observer repeatability was 0.32 (95% CI 0.00–0.65). For all observers, the minimal detectable change was 4.6 mm and was lower in observers with more experience.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Changes in supraspinatus tear size of 4.6 mm can be detected using previously acquired ultrasound images. This is comparable to ultrasound examinations performed and measured by the same individual as previously reported in the literature. Repeatability is poor among examiners with less experience.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Clinical studies that cannot utilise measurements by a single examiner can be performed within current thresholds for determining changes in tear size of the supraspinatus tendon.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Level of Evidence</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>III.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}