Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine最新文献

{"title":"It's Time to Recognise Pelvic Venous Incompetence as a Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain","authors":"Kristelle Sos, Christian A. Lobos, Kyle Wilcox, Shea Wilcox","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70066","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a multifaceted, debilitating condition that impacts approximately one quarter of the population during their lifetime and represents a substantial burden on healthcare systems [<span>1</span>]. Although pelvic venous disorders occur in both sexes, this opinion article focuses on patients assigned female at birth because it discusses pelvic venous assessment within routine gynaecological ultrasound. It aims to highlight pelvic venous disorder (PeVD) and explore how integrating a simplified pelvic venous assessment into standard clinical workflows may improve diagnostic recognition. PeVD, also known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, is an overlooked contributor to CPP due to limited awareness, non-specific clinical presentation and an absence of clearly defined diagnostic pathways. In this context, ultrasound is uniquely positioned to bridge the diagnostic gap between PeVD and CPP. However, pelvic venous assessment is rarely incorporated into routine pelvic ultrasound examinations.</p><p>In everyday practice, pelvic ultrasound primarily focuses on the uterus, ovaries and adnexa, with minimal consideration of the pelvic venous system. This represents a missed opportunity to identify sonographic features of PeVD, particularly in patients undergoing investigation for persistent CPP. Although comprehensive venous mapping is available in specialised centres, a practical gap exists between routine pelvic scanning and advanced venous evaluation.</p><p>Many women undergoing investigation for CPP receive a gynaecological ultrasound to exclude masses or structural abnormalities. However, these examinations frequently fail to assess pelvic venous function despite its relevance in CPP. PeVD often falls outside the traditional scope of gynaecological imaging and is often only mentioned when adnexal veins are significantly enlarged. Current Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) <i>Guidelines for the Performance of a Gynaecological Ultrasound Examination</i> [<span>2</span>] omit any suggestion for venous assessment. In contrast, the ASUM Guidelines for the Performance of Scrotal Ultrasound include the assessment of the pampiniform plexus for varicocele [<span>3</span>], demonstrating an established role for venous assessment within an analogous ultrasound examination. Research from the Whiteley Clinic, a UK-based specialist venous centre, suggests that pelvic venous reflux in women is both identifiable and clinically meaningful and further proposes transvaginal Doppler ultrasound as the gold standard for diagnosis [<span>4</span>].</p><p>In our practice, these diagnostic gaps are most apparent when patients with persistent CPP undergo repeated pelvic ultrasound examinations that focus appropriately on the uterus and ovaries, but do not assess pelvic venous function. When pelvic organs appear structurally normal, prominent adnexal or para-uterine veins may be noted incidentally but are not routinely interrogated with ","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70066","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149205889","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":"Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma With Multimodal Imaging Features: A Case Report","authors":"Jiale Hu,&nbsp;Feifei Song,&nbsp;Shufang Xiang,&nbsp;Can Liu","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70063","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is a rare renal cell carcinoma subtype with nonspecific imaging features, making preoperative diagnosis challenging. We present a pathologically confirmed case highlighting its multimodal imaging characteristics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A 51-year-old woman with an incidentally detected left renal mass underwent contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), ultrasound-guided biopsy and subsequent surgical resection with histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>CT and MRI demonstrated a solid left renal mass with enhancement persistently lower than that of the renal cortex. CEUS showed delayed iso-enhancement followed by rapid washout, consistent with a slow wash-in and fast wash-out pattern. Biopsy and postoperative histopathology with immunohistochemistry confirmed chRCC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The concordant hypovascular findings across CEUS, CT and MRI supported suspicion of a non-clear cell RCC subtype. CEUS provided complementary real-time information on tumour perfusion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Combining CEUS with CT and MRI may improve the preoperative characterisation of renal masses and diagnostic confidence in suspected chRCC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978302","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":"Incremental Value of Doppler Vascularity Beyond ACR TI-RADS in Thyroid Nodule Biopsy Decision-Making: A 13-Year Retrospective Cohort Study","authors":"Ilona Lavender,&nbsp;Dee Nandurkar","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70062","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70062","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) does not include Doppler vascularity. We evaluated whether increased vascularity identifies clinically significant cytology among nodules that do not meet ACR TI-RADS fine needle aspiration (FNA) size thresholds.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary referral imaging service included 3383 thyroid nodules in 2932 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided FNA (January 2012–December 2025). Nodules were stratified into (1) ACR-indicated (met ACR TI-RADS size criteria); (2) vascularity-only (marked vascularity, ACR not indicated, excluding PET-avid and nuclear medicine cold nodules); and (3) other non-ACR indications. Outcomes were Bethesda category. Outcomes were categorised according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Bethesda IV–VI and Bethesda V–VI outcomes were analysed separately. Exact binomial 95% confidence intervals were calculated; exploratory between-group comparisons were performed descriptively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among ACR-indicated FNAs (<i>n</i> = 1036), Bethesda IV–VI occurred in 87 (8.4%, 95% CI 6.8–10.3) and Bethesda V–VI in 33 (3.2%, 95% CI 2.2–4.4). In the vascularity-only cohort (<i>n</i> = 82), Bethesda IV–VI occurred in 8 (9.8%, 95% CI 4.3–18.3) with 0 Bethesda V–VI (0%, 95% CI 0–4.4). Other non-ACR indications (<i>n</i> = 974) yielded Bethesda IV–VI in 50 (5.1%, 95% CI 3.8–6.7) and Bethesda V–VI in 11 (1.1%, 95% CI 0.6–2.0).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In nodules that did not meet ACR TI-RADS FNA thresholds, increased vascularity led to additional FNAs with no malignant cytology (Bethesda V–VI) and a modest proportion of Bethesda IV results. These findings support adherence to ACR TI-RADS FNA thresholds without routine incorporation of vascularity alone.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978338","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":"Australian General Sonographers' Perceptions on Their Continuing Professional Development Learning Needs: A Descriptive Study","authors":"Lida Baynes,&nbsp;Sandra Carr,&nbsp;Kiah Evans","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for maintaining and enhancing the clinical competencies of sonographers. Despite its mandatory nature, factors influencing CPD participation among general sonographers in Australia remain underexplored.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to explore general sonographers' perceptions of their CPD learning needs and to identify the barriers and facilitators influencing their CPD participation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A two-phase descriptive study was conducted. Phase one involved a scoping literature review on CPD barriers and facilitators among health professionals, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Population (or Participants), Concept, and Context (JBI PCC) framework. Phase two involved a cross sectional online survey of Australian general sonographers, utilising mixed methods to capture quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed thematically.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 233 general sonographers commenced the survey, of whom 126 completed it. Sonographers strongly recognised the importance of CPD, with technical CPD rated as more beneficial and relevant than non-technical CPD. Specialised webinars, workshops, conferences and case reviews were highly valued. Preferred delivery methods included small group in-person workshops and on-the-job training. Major barriers included financial costs, time constraints, workload and personal commitments. Facilitators included flexible access, employer support and relevance of CPD content.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sonographers prioritised skill-based, flexible and practical CPD formats but faced persistent financial and time-related barriers. Organisational support and targeted CPD delivery methods could significantly improve participation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sonographers value CPD but face participation barriers; greater employer support and flexible delivery can improve engagement and professional development.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70061","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148862176","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":"Correction to ‘Transvaginal Ultrasonography for Detection of PID-Related Adhesions: A Case Report’","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70060","url":null,"abstract":"<p>\u0000 <span>A. Dubey</span>, <span>I. Mick</span>, <span>M. Marien</span>, and <span>M. Leonardi</span>, “ <span>Transvaginal Ultrasonography for Detection of PID-Related Adhesions: A Case Report</span>,” <i>Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine</i> <span>29</span>, no. <span>3</span> (<span>2026</span>): e70050, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70050.\u0000 </p><p>A video file that was omitted from the original publication of this article has now been embedded below. A citation to the video has also been added at the end of the Conclusion section. The Video 1 provides a synopsis of the case and includes ultrasound clips highlighting the dynamic nature of the adhesions observed in the posterior cul-de-sac.</p><p>4 Conclusion</p><p>Overall, we propose that thin adhesions noted within the rectouterine pouch on initial transvaginal ultrasound can be used as a novel sonographic marker of PID, enhancing detection and diagnosis for patients suffering from pelvic pain. We have included a video synopsis of this article below. This includes the ultrasound cine clips and surgical footage corresponding to the adhesions seen within the posterior cul-de-sac.</p>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70060","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148862175","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":"A Novel Simulation-Based Communication Training Program for Sonographers Performing First-Trimester Ultrasound a Pilot Educational Initiative","authors":"Ilona Lavender,&nbsp;Shehani Fernando,&nbsp;Joyce Chen,&nbsp;Jessica Gill,&nbsp;Jonathan Devine","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sonographers frequently deliver first-trimester ultrasound findings, including early pregnancy loss, yet there is limited structured communication training within traditional sonography education. Most learning occurs informally, leaving sonographers underprepared for one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of their role. This study describes the development of a simulation-based communication training program for sonographers performing first-trimester ultrasound within an Australian tertiary health network.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A simulation session was designed in collaboration with a hospital-based simulation faculty. Six trainee sonographers participated in a one-day simulation workshop facilitated by senior sonographers and simulation faculty. Prior to the session, the participants completed pre-readings, attended a preparatory tutorial and watched a recorded demonstration video. The simulation session incorporated three simulated first-trimester clinical scenarios and live interactions with a simulated parent (actor). Participants completed pre- and post-simulation surveys assessing confidence across six communication domains, including explaining findings, managing uncertainty, using clear language, and responding empathetically to parent emotions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Confidence improved across all domains following participation. The largest gains were observed in communicating uncertain results and responding empathetically to emotional responses. Participants described the simulation as realistic, emotionally impactful, and valuable in preparing for clinical practice. Debriefing was identified as a key learning component, supporting reflection on language, communication strategies, and parent-centred communication, including interactions with both the pregnant parent and their support person when present.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This program addresses a gap in sonographer education by providing structured, experiential training for first-trimester ultrasound communication. Early findings demonstrate strong feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact on preparedness for clinical conversations. These results support further development and broader implementation of simulation-based communication training in diagnostic imaging.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70059","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148753454","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":"Laryngeal Ultrasound for Vocal Cord Palsy in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Studies","authors":"Uday S. Rao,&nbsp;Shripada C. Rao","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70054","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The standard test to diagnose vocal cord palsy in adults is laryngoscopy, which is invasive, whereas laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) is an alternative, non-invasive method. We conducted a systematic review to determine the accuracy of LUS in diagnosing VCP in adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were searched in September 2025. We used a bivariate mixed-effects regression model to conduct a meta-analysis using Stata 18.0 software. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the risk of bias and GRADE guidelines to assess the certainty of evidence.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We included 41 studies (7818 patients) in the meta-analysis. A total of 27 studies were performed in patients undergoing thyroid surgeries. The remaining 14 studies involved patients undergoing oesophageal surgery or routine laryngeal assessment or mediastinal surgeries. In 28 studies, blinding of at least one investigator was achieved. The pooled sensitivity of LUS for diagnosing VCP was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85–0.93), with a specificity of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99). The positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 47.8 (95% CI 26.8–85.3) and the negative likelihood ratio (LR-) was 0.10 (95% CI 0.07–0.16). The AUC for LUS was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99). Certainty of evidence was graded as moderate in view of heterogeneity and the possibility of publication bias and lack of blinding in nearly 35% of the studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Laryngeal ultrasound may be a useful tool to diagnose VCP in adults. Additional high-quality studies meeting the stringent QUADAS-2 guidelines are needed to confirm these findings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13463241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148725879","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":"Autonomous Ultrasound Systems: Are We Approaching the Era of Self-Directed Imaging?","authors":"Amita Digambar Dabholkar","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70058","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70058","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasound remains one of the most widely used imaging modalities in clinical practice; however, its effectiveness is highly dependent on operator expertise. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, computer vision and machine learning have accelerated the development of autonomous ultrasound systems capable of performing imaging tasks with minimal human intervention.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This commentary examines recent developments in autonomous ultrasound technology and evaluates its potential to transform diagnostic imaging through self-directed image acquisition, adaptive robotic control and AI-assisted decision-making.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Emerging research demonstrates significant progress in autonomous ultrasound applications across thyroid imaging, cardiac imaging, vascular assessment and intraoperative guidance. Robotic systems integrated with deep learning algorithms have shown the ability to autonomously identify anatomical structures, optimize scanning trajectories, adjust probe positioning in real time and acquire diagnostically relevant images. These advances may improve imaging standardisation, reduce operator variability and expand access to ultrasound services in underserved regions. Furthermore, intelligent robotic sonographers utilising reinforcement learning represent a new generation of adaptive imaging systems capable of continuous performance improvement. Despite these promising developments, important challenges remain, including anatomical variability, clinical validation, reliability across diverse patient populations, regulatory approval, ethical considerations and accountability in AI-assisted health care.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Autonomous ultrasound systems are rapidly evolving from experimental prototypes to clinically relevant technologies. Although further validation and regulatory oversight are required before widespread implementation, current evidence suggests that AI-powered robotic ultrasound has the potential to enhance imaging consistency, improve accessibility and redefine the future role of imaging professionals within increasingly intelligent diagnostic ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148723762","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":"Parasternal Pericardiocentesis in a Regional Emergency Department: Value of POCUS in Diagnosis and Management of Cardiac Tamponade","authors":"Saad Bilal Ahmad,&nbsp;Darsim Haji,&nbsp;Marwan Al-Aamri,&nbsp;Lewis McLean,&nbsp;Jonathan Henry","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70055","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajum.70055","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, with pericardiocentesis being the mainstay of management. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is useful in the diagnosis and management of cardiac tamponade, particularly in rural and regional settings without specialist or critical care support services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Case Presentation</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We present an 88-year-old male who presented with cardiac tamponade. He was diagnosed and treated promptly with the aid of POCUS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A parasternal approach to pericardiocentesis was used, which has recognised advantages compared to other techniques, primarily ease of in-line needle guidance. This case demonstrates the role of POCUS in integrating rapid bedside diagnosis with procedural planning in regional emergency settings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>POCUS can facilitate timely diagnosis and safe, definitive management of cardiac tamponade where critical care or specialist support may not be available.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148680287","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":"Infective Endocarditis Diagnosed by Emergency Physicians Using Cardiac POCUS: A Case Series","authors":"Jonathan Henry,&nbsp;Mark Rugless,&nbsp;Claudiu Radeanu,&nbsp;Abrar Waliuddin,&nbsp;Kevin Phang,&nbsp;Allan Whitehead,&nbsp;Shanu Khader,&nbsp;David Henry,&nbsp;Darsim Haji","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70051","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Emergency physicians (EPs) are acquiring ever-increasing expertise in cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). We compiled this case series to demonstrate current practice by EPs diagnosing infective endocarditis (IE) using POCUS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case series outlines 19 cases of IE diagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED) by Australasian EPs. It is a retrospective review of cases occurring between 2013 and 2022.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our cohort's characteristics: 84% male, with a mean age of 42, and 79% were people who inject drugs (PWID) intravenously. Left heart valves were affected in 68% of patients, with <i>Streptococcus viridans</i> species (37%) and methicillin-sensitive <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MSSA) (53%) being the commonest pathogens identified on blood culture. Mean duration of acute hospitalisation was 30 days, and the mortality rate was 21%.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Echocardiographic diagnosis of IE by EPs is occurring with increasing frequency, and we expect this trend to accelerate further as skillsets and machine image quality improve. Early diagnosis of IE in the ED has high potential to reduce morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable patient group.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Further research is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of EP-performed cardiac POCUS for identification of vegetations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"29 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70051","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148647738","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}