Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine最新文献

{"title":"POCUS to Diagnose a Large Urethral Stone Causing Urinary Retention: A Case Report","authors":"Dinuk Sachintha Liyanage,&nbsp;Darsim Haji,&nbsp;Gabriel Bletcher,&nbsp;Abrar Waliuddin,&nbsp;Jonathan Henry","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasound is routinely used in the diagnosis of renal calculi and resulting hydronephrosis. However, its utility in the diagnosis and management of urethral calculi is less well understood. The ability to rapidly diagnose urethral calculi using point of care ultrasound (POCUS) would be useful in the emergency department (ED) to improve patient outcomes and avoid more invasive investigations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case report presents the occurrence of an obstructed urethral calculus in a 42-year-old male, where POCUS facilitated a prompt and accurate diagnosis. The ability to characterise the size, shape and location of the calculus with the urethra enabled the treating clinicians to avoid further investigations and rapidly treat the obstruction. The stone was removed using artery forceps by the urology team in the ED and POCUS was used afterwards to ensure complete removal and resolution of urinary tract obstruction. Overall, the use of POCUS contributed to the patient's safe management, avoiding radiation exposure and minimising the length of stay in the ED.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>POCUS is a useful tool for evaluating suspected urethral stones to assess for location, size and signs of urinary tract obstruction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144589865","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":"A Second Trimester Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy Visualised Using Standard and Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Case Report","authors":"Nina Cooper,&nbsp;Alex Novak,&nbsp;Georgina Gould,&nbsp;Shaun Haran,&nbsp;Maeve Tuomey,&nbsp;Maya Al-Memar,&nbsp;Catriona Stalder,&nbsp;Tom Bourne,&nbsp;Joseph Yazbek","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70013","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A 27-year-old nulliparous woman with a history of subfertility presented to a routine dating scan at 13 + 1 weeks gestation with a history of left-sided abdominal pain.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Both standard transabdominal ultrasound and handheld point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) identified a probable abdominal ectopic pregnancy (AEP), confirmed by MRI. Intraoperative findings revealed a live pregnancy encapsulated by the omentum with associated haemoperitoneum. Active haemorrhage necessitated conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy, culminating in a left salpingo-oophorectomy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case highlights the potential role of handheld POCUS in diagnosing a rare and life-threatening condition. The device enabled immediate, bedside imaging and facilitated rapid decision-making. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of an abdominal ectopic pregnancy diagnosed using handheld POCUS, emphasising its potential to improve maternal outcomes through early detection and intervention.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70013","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144589864","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":"The PEARLS Program: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Emergency and Acute Care in Resource-Limited Settings","authors":"Bilal Hafeez,&nbsp;Wai Chung Tse,&nbsp;Ivan Chan,&nbsp;Vincent Atua,&nbsp;Ignatius Junior Bolokon,&nbsp;Alu Kali,&nbsp;Sam Orde,&nbsp;Jo McCann,&nbsp;Jonathan Henry,&nbsp;Lewis McLean","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70014","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can be very useful in low-resource settings, where access to radiology is often limited. The PEARLS (POCUS in Emergency and Acute care in Resource-Limited Settings) program is a scalable, innovative approach to POCUS training for clinicians in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to imaging modalities is frequently limited.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A review of the PEARLS program was conducted using participant data that were gathered from participants in Vanuatu, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea (PNG), tracking the number and type of scans uploaded and overall engagement with the training. The PEARLS program begins with a three-day in-person course focused on hands-on practice using portable ultrasound devices. Clinicians are provided with devices and guided on how to store images securely online. After the course, each participant is paired with an experienced coach who offers ongoing remote support through regular image reviews and a series of follow-up lectures. One year later, the program team revisits the site, and selected participants are transitioned into faculty roles to help train others in a train-the-trainer model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Across 40 participants, a total of 576 scans were uploaded following training. The extended FAST exam was the predominant modality, followed by critical care echocardiography and first-trimester pregnancy assessments. Although remote mentoring maintained high levels of engagement, only one participant achieved the full competency benchmark of 25 uploaded scans.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These findings illustrate that a longitudinal training model with remote mentorship can improve POCUS proficiency in LMIC settings. However, challenges such as inconsistent internet access and equipment sharing persist, potentially limiting sustained competency.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The PEARLS program presents a scalable, sustainable framework for POCUS education in resource-limited environments, fostering local expertise and enhancing acute care diagnostics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70014","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144573864","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":"Sonographic Anatomy and Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex and the Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint","authors":"Craig Winnett,&nbsp;Michelle Fenech","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common clinical problem, which can be difficult to diagnose, manage and treat. Ultrasound imaging can be used to identify structural changes which may contribute to the pain. Knowledge of the associated relative anatomy and intertwining structures which form the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ), sonographic techniques to image these structures and their normal and abnormal appearances can be underappreciated and are required.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A literature search was conducted to review the current knowledge related to sonographic assessment of the TFCC and DRUJ.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The intertwining components of the DRUJ and TFCC which can be demonstrated sonographically are unpacked with clear supporting figures and videos.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The components of the TFCC, which include the disc proper, meniscus homologue, extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) sub-sheath, palmar-sided ulno-carpal ligaments and the palmar and dorsal distal radio-ulnar ligaments, can all be individually demonstrated sonographically, in addition to structures which comprise the DRUJ. Normal sonographic images are presented.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Improved understanding of the sonographic anatomy, technique and normal imaging appearances of ulnar-sided wrist structures can enhance the quality of imaging and subsequently the diagnosis of structural causes of pain, which can guide patient management.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519999","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":"Vertebral Bone Density Abnormalities in Fetal Ultrasound: A Distinctive Clinical Sign of Spondylocarpotarsal Synostosis Syndrome MYH3-Related","authors":"Immacolata Blasi,&nbsp;Marzia Pollazzon,&nbsp;Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi,&nbsp;Roberta Zuntini,&nbsp;Giuseppina Comitini,&nbsp;Maria Paola Bonasoni,&nbsp;Jessica Daolio,&nbsp;Sheila Unger,&nbsp;Lorenzo Aguzzoli,&nbsp;Andrea Superti-Furga,&nbsp;Livia Garavelli","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal skeletal conditions remains challenging. <i>MYH3</i> is a gene that encodes the embryonic myosin heavy chain; it is important for skeletal and muscular development and is strongly expressed during fetal development. Variants in <i>MYH3</i> are involved in distal arthrogryposes 2A and 2B3 and in spondyocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome with contractures and pterygia, contractures of proximal and distal joints, variable spine anomalies and vertebral, carpal and tarsal fusions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Key Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We describe a case in which prenatal ultrasonography detected abnormal bone density in the fetal spine. The fetus showed abnormal spinal segmentation, characterised by demineralisation and lacunar morphological tracts. x-rays and histological examination confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. We describe a unique ultrasonographic phenotype of fetal spine that has not yet been described in the literature. This is likely associated with two <i>MYH3</i> variants. Therefore, we believe that abnormal spinal segmentation should be considered a relevant ultrasound finding.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fetal ultrasound, together with radiological investigations, clinical examination of the fetal phenotype and histological investigations are essential in directing molecular genetic testing to identify rare diseases. We review the literature and describe a prenatal case with abnormal bone density in the spine. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis in the fetus was performed to explore variants compatible with ultrasound signs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514844","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":"Maternal Ophthalmic Artery Resistance in Pregnancies With Pre-Eclampsia Compared to Normotensive Participants","authors":"Mahnaz Ranjkesh,&nbsp;Mohammad Khalafi,&nbsp;Vahid Salehi,&nbsp;Shahab Abdi,&nbsp;Mahsa Karbasi,&nbsp;Esmaeil Gharepapagh","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70016","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The condition known as pre-eclampsia (PE) is characterised by hemodynamic changes that can impact the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery. In this study, we aimed to compare the ophthalmic artery resistance in pregnant participants with PE to those with normal blood pressure.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this cross sectional study, the hemodynamic changes of the maternal ophthalmic artery were analysed using spectral Doppler ultrasound. The research included 50 normotensive pregnant participants matched for gestational age with 50 pregnant participants with PE. The study measured peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), S/D ratio, Resistance Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index (PI) to determine any differences between the two groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A comparison of PSV parameters in two groups did not reveal any statistically significant difference (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). However, Doppler findings were significantly lower for pregnant participants with PE than those with normal blood pressure in terms of RI (<i>p</i> = 0.008), PI (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and S/D ratio (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Conversely, EDV was higher for pregnant participants with PE (<i>p</i> = 0.032).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study found significant differences in the ophthalmic artery Doppler indices between pregnant participants with PE and those with normal blood pressure. Specifically, lower RI, PI and S/D ratio, as well as a higher EDV, were observed in the PE group. These findings suggest altered blood flow dynamics in PE. Clinically, spectral Doppler ultrasound of the ophthalmic artery could be a useful, non-invasive tool for detecting and monitoring haemodynamic changes in PE. Given its accessibility and repeatability, it could help identify PE earlier, especially in settings where more advanced diagnostic tools are unavailable.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514845","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":"Impact of mild hypercapnia on left ventricular global longitudinal strain in comatose adults resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A single-centre, pre-planned exploratory, cohort sub-study of the mild hypercapnia versus normocapnia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (TAME) randomised trial","authors":"Vinodh B Nanjayya,&nbsp;Alistair Nichol,&nbsp;Lloyd Roberts,&nbsp;Trent Hartshorne,&nbsp;Matthew Hung,&nbsp;Judit Orosz,&nbsp;Li H Tan,&nbsp;Aidan Burrell,&nbsp;Josh Ihle,&nbsp;David Kaye,&nbsp;Alisa M Higgins,&nbsp;Glenn Eastwood,&nbsp;D Jamie Cooper","doi":"10.1002/ajum.12419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.12419","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The effect of hypercapnia on cardiac function in adults resuscitated after cardiac arrest is not well understood. We investigated the effects of mild hypercapnia (PaCO₂ 50–55 mmHg) compared to normocapnia (PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function using global longitudinal strain (GLS) in resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We performed a pre-planned single-centre, prospective, exploratory sub-study of the Targeted Therapeutic Mild Hypercapnia After Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest (TAME) trial. Two transthoracic echocardiograms were performed in mild hypercapnia and normocapnia groups – first, within 24 h during intervention and second, 24–72 h after return of spontaneous circulation. The GLS was compared between and within the groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We studied 13 TAME patients—six in the mild hypercapnia and seven in the normocapnia group. The GLS was low in both groups during and after the intervention period. During hypercapnia, the mild hypercapnia group had worse median GLS compared to the normocapnia group [−10.2% (Q1–Q3: −11.5 to −8) vs. −14.2% (Q1–Q3: −15.2 to –11.2), P = 0.046]. The median GLS did not improve significantly after restoring normocapnia in the mild hypercapnia group [−10.2% (Q1–Q3: −11.5 to –8) to −11.6% (Q1–Q3: −12.1 to –7.8); P = 0.63]. Repeated measures mixed-effects regression showed no significant worsening of GLS due to hypercapnia [−2.7% (95% CI: −0.7 to 6.03), P = 0.12].</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this exploratory sub-study, adults resuscitated after OHCA had persistent LV dysfunction even after the cessation of mild hypercapnia. Mild hypercapnia did not significantly impair LV systolic function, although mild persistent LV systolic dysfunction cannot be ruled out in this small study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144472815","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":"Impact of a Standardised Fetal Cardiac Screening Programme on Antenatal Detection Rates of Transposition of the Great Arteries","authors":"Alison Lee-Tannock,&nbsp;Kate Jardine,&nbsp;Karen Eagleson,&nbsp;Jessica Suna,&nbsp;Kim Betts,&nbsp;Cameron Ward,&nbsp;Benjamin Auld,&nbsp;Alex Gooi","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) can be difficult to diagnose antenatally. Standardised cardiac screening protocols may improve detection rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The objective of this study was to examine rates of antenatal diagnosis of d-TGA in regional and metropolitan Brisbane over a 10-year period and assess if a targeted antenatal screening education programme had an impact on detection rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data were collected for infants diagnosed with d-TGA in Queensland between January 2008 and December 2017. Infants were divided into two cohorts to assess antenatal detection rates in both regional and metropolitan areas Queensland pre- and post implementation of a targeted sonographer education programme between 2008 and 2011.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 126 infants were identified with a diagnosis of d-TGA. The overall antenatal detection rate was 63.5% across the 10-year study period. Prior to the educational intervention, the detection rate was 51% (2008–2011 <i>n</i> = 23/45), which increased significantly to 70% post educational intervention (2012–2017, <i>n</i> = 57/81) (<i>p</i> = 0.035). Regional Queensland (<i>n</i> = 60) detection rates increased from 44% to 63% (<i>p</i> = 0.192) and metropolitan (<i>n</i> = 66) detection rates increased from 60% to 76% (<i>p</i> = 0.24) post educational intervention.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rates of antenatal diagnosis of d-TGA in Queensland compare favourably with internationally published rates, although difficulty in consistently diagnosing this congenital heart defect remains. A targeted educational programme of sonographers performing antenatal screening, particularly in regional areas, appears to increase rates of prenatal diagnosis and improve outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144273324","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":"An Australasian Survey of Neonatal Clinicians on Clinical Utility of Point-of-Care Bowel Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Necrotising Enterocolitis","authors":"Archana Priyadarshi,&nbsp;Sheryl Rogerson,&nbsp;Nadia Badawi,&nbsp;Stephanie Morakeas,&nbsp;Amy Phu,&nbsp;Mark Tracy","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening intestinal disease of the newborn characterised by ischaemia, inflammation and bowel necrosis. Due to the lack of biochemical markers and nonspecific clinical signs in early NEC, bowel ultrasound has gained popularity as a diagnostic tool. This survey aimed to investigate the opinions of neonatal clinicians on the practice of point-of-care bowel ultrasound for the diagnosis of NEC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This quantitative study utilised a cross-sectional online single-invitation survey sent to neonatal clinicians using point-of-care ultrasound across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. We aimed to explore the barriers to, and facilitators of the clinical practice of bowel ultrasound in NEC using the survey responses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The survey results indicate a clear need for a dedicated training module in Australasia to equip neonatal clinicians with the skills for point-of-care bowel ultrasound assessment. Most (95%) of neonatal clinicians practising point-of-care ultrasound agreed that performing a bowel ultrasound in the suspected diagnosis of NEC is helpful or may be helpful, with 87% expressing interest in undertaking training.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study's findings reveal a strong interest among neonatal clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to learn point-of-care bowel ultrasound for NEC diagnosis. This interest not only sets the stage for a collaborative approach in planning and developing a training programme but also has the potential to significantly improve NEC diagnosis and patient outcomes in clinical practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajum.70007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144273327","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":"Frequency and Predictors of Ultrasound-Detected Extracranial Vertebral Artery Stenosis in a Sample of Non-Western Population","authors":"Ahmed Elhfnawy,&nbsp;Aya Abdel Galeel,&nbsp;Alaa Elkordy,&nbsp;Hazem Abdelkhalek","doi":"10.1002/ajum.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenosis represents an important aetiology of ischaemic vascular events in the posterior circulation. Nevertheless, it remains insufficiently investigated. Ethnic differences might be related to VA stenosis. In this regard, Egyptian studies are scarce. We aimed to investigate the frequency and predictors of extracranial VA stenosis in a sample of Egyptian patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We enrolled consecutive patients who were referred to our neurovascular ultrasonography laboratory for routine clinical indications. Extracranial VA stenosis was diagnosed and graded using ultrasound.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We included 528 patients in our study. Significant extracranial VA stenosis ≥ 50% was found among 10.4% (<i>n</i> = 10/96) of patients with ischaemic vascular events in the posterior circulation and 4.2% (<i>n</i> = 18/432) of patients without (<i>p</i> = 0.01). One patient received stenting for VA origin stenosis. Carotid atherosclerosis was present in 82.1% (<i>n</i> = 23/28) of patients with significant extracranial VA stenosis in comparison with 47.6% (<i>n</i> = 238/500) of those without (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In an age- and sex-adjusted multivariate binary logistic regression, the following factors predicted significant extracranial VA stenosis: age &gt; 60 years (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.08–6.66, <i>p</i> = 0.03), significant common/internal carotid artery (CCA/ICA) stenosis ≥ 50% (OR 4.81, 95% CI 1.89–12.29, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and ischaemic vascular events in the posterior circulation (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.17–6.65, <i>p</i> = 0.02).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The frequency of extracranial VA stenosis seems to be lower among Egyptians in comparison with Western cohorts. Among patients with carotid atherosclerosis or significant CCA/ICA stenosis and/or ischaemic vascular events in the posterior circulation, meticulous ultrasound examination of the VA is warranted to detect possibly underlying extracranial VA stenosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":36517,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine","volume":"28 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144256243","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}