Ole Graumann

Ultrasonography for clinical decision-making and intervention in airway management: from the mouth to the lungs and pleurae

ObjectivesTo create a state-of-the-art overview of the new and expanding role of ultrasonography in clinical decision-making, intervention and management of the upper and lower airways, that is clinically relevant, up-to-date and practically useful for clinicians.MethodsThis is a narrative review combined with a structured Medline literature search.ResultsUltrasonography can be utilised to predict airway difficulty during induction of anaesthesia, evaluate if the stomach is empty or possesses gastric content that poses an aspiration risk, localise the essential cricothyroid membrane prior to difficult airway management, perform nerve blocks for awake intubation, confirm tracheal or oesophageal intubation and facilitate localisation of tracheal rings for tracheostomy. Ultrasonography is an excellent diagnostic tool in intraoperative and emergency diagnosis of pneumothorax. It also enables diagnosis and treatment of interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, atelectasis, pleural effusion and differentiates causes of acute breathlessness during pregnancy. Patient safety can be enhanced by performing procedures under ultrasound guidance, e.g. thoracocentesis, vascular line access and help guide timing of removal of chest tubes by quantification of residual pneumothorax size.ConclusionsUltrasonography used in conjunction with hands-on management of the upper and lower airways has multiple advantages. There is a rapidly growing body of evidence showing its benefits.Teaching Points• Ultrasonography is becoming essential in management of the upper and lower airways.• The tracheal structures can be identified by ultrasonography, even when unidentifiable by palpation.• Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic approach in suspicion of intraoperative pneumothorax.• Point-of-care ultrasonography of the airways has a steep learning curve.• Lung ultrasonography allows treatment of interstitial syndrome, consolidation, atelectasis and effusion.

Characterization of complex renal cysts: A critical evaluation of the Bosniak classification

Abstract Objective. Complex renal cysts represent a major clinical problem, since it is often difficult to exclude malignancy. The Bosniak classification system, based on computed tomography (CT), is widely used to categorize cystic renal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate critically available data on the Bosniak classification. Material and methods. All publications from an Entrez Pubmed search were reviewed, focusing on clinical applicability and the use of imaging modalities other than CT to categorize complex renal cysts. Results. Fifteen retrospective studies were found. Most series were small, with only six studies comprising more than 30 patients. When the results of these six studies were pooled the percentage of malignancy was: category I, 0%; category II, 15.6%; category IIF, 0%; category III, 65.3%; and category IV, 91.7%. Category IIF was included in only three studies. Both magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US) seemed to have reasonable agreement with CT, although both modalities had a tendency to upgrade lesions. Conclusions. The main problem with the Bosniak classification is in separating category II and III lesions, which is of major importance, since decisions on intervention are based on this separation. The use of category IIF seems promising to detect those category II lesions that eventually will develop into malignancy and reduce overtreatment of lesions originally classified as category III. The scientific basis of this “new” classification strategy is, however, still missing. Data on other imaging modalities are too limited for conclusions to be drawn.

Bosniak classification system: a prospective comparison of CT, contrast-enhanced US, and MR for categorizing complex renal cystic masses

Background The Bosniak classification was originally based on computed tomographic (CT) findings. Magnetic resonance (MR) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) imaging may demonstrate findings that are not depicted at CT, and there may not always be a clear correlation between the findings at MR and CEUS imaging and those at CT. Purpose To compare diagnostic accuracy of MR, CEUS, and CT when categorizing complex renal cystic masses according to the Bosniak classification. Material and Methods From February 2011 to June 2012, 46 complex renal cysts were prospectively evaluated by three readers. Each mass was categorized according to the Bosniak classification and CT was chosen as gold standard. Kappa was calculated for diagnostic accuracy and data was compared with pathological results. Results CT images found 27 BII, six BIIF, seven BIII, and six BIV. Forty-three cysts could be characterized by CEUS, 79% were in agreement with CT (κ = 0.86). Five BII lesions were upgraded to BIIF and four lesions were categorized lower with CEUS. Forty-one lesions were examined with MR; 78% were in agreement with CT (κ = 0.91). Three BII lesions were upgraded to BIIF and six lesions were categorized one category lower. Pathologic correlation in six lesions revealed four malignant and two benign lesions. Conclusion CEUS and MR both up- and downgraded renal cysts compared to CT, and until these non-radiation modalities have been refined and adjusted, CT should remain the gold standard of the Bosniak classification.

Bosniak classification system: inter-observer and intra-observer agreement among experienced uroradiologists

Background The Bosniak classification is a diagnostic tool for the differentiation of cystic changes in the kidney. The process of categorizing renal cysts may be challenging, involving a series of decisions that may affect the final diagnosis and clinical outcome such as surgical management. Purpose To investigate the inter- and intra-observer agreement among experienced uroradiologists when categorizing complex renal cysts according to the Bosniak classification. Material and Methods The original categories of 100 cystic renal masses were chosen as “Gold Standard” (GS), established in consensus by two experienced uroradiologists. Three experienced uroradiological readers were blinded from the previous CT reports. Weighted κ was calculated to assess agreement, defined as: fair, 0.21–0.40; moderate, 0.41–0.60; good, 0.61–0.80; and very good, 0.81–1.00. Results For readers the distribution of correctly classified lesions were as follows: BI, 95–100%; BII, 59–93%; BIIF, 54–92%; BIII, 58–95%; and B IV, 77–100% for the first review. Weighted κ for inter-observer/intra-observer variation was for Reader A: 0.85/0.99, Reader B: 0.97/0.99, and Reader C: 0.98/0.99, (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion According to the calculated weighted κ all readers performed “very good” for both inter-observer and intra-observer variation. Most variation was seen in cysts catagorized as Bosniak II, IIF, and III. These results show that radiologists who evaluate complex renal cysts routinely may apply the Bosniak classification reproducibly.

Computed Tomography Contrast Enhancement Following Renal Cryoablation—Does it Represent Treatment Failure?

OBJECTIVE For minimal invasive treatment of small renal masses, cryoablation has gained popularity. Treatment success is defined as the absence of contrast enhancement on postoperative imaging of the cryoablated lesion, but contrast enhancement does not necessarily equal treatment failure. This present study investigates the proportion of spontaneous resolutions after initial contrast enhancement in relation to cryoablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from a prospectively maintained clinical database containing all patients treated with primary laparoscopic and percutaneous cryoablation between August 2005 and December 2013. All images were evaluated with regard to preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification (PADUA) score, cryolesion size, contrast enhancement pattern, and tissue density. RESULTS A total of 107 patients with a biopsy-verified malignant tumor were included in the study. On postoperative imaging, 33 (31%) patients presented with contrast enhancement. Spontaneous resolution was observed in 15 (45%) patients after a mean follow-up time of 14 months. Patients with cryolesions that resolved spontaneously were found to have a less anatomical complex tumor compared to patients with treatment failure (PADUA 7.8 vs 9.5, p < 0.01). A total of seven patients with a PADUA score ≥10 and contrast-enhancing cryolesions were found to have treatment failure. No association was found among body mass index, histology, treatment modality, enhancement pattern, number of applied cryoprobes, and resolution. CONCLUSION Postoperative contrast enhancement is commonly observed after cryoablation and a large portion of these lesions often resolves spontaneously, thus not representing treatment failure. In patients with a high preoperative PADUA score and postoperative contrast enhancement of the cryolesion, treatment failure or recurrent disease should be suspected.

Developing an emergency ultrasound app - a collaborative project between clinicians from different universities

Focused emergency ultrasound is rapidly evolving as a clinical skill for bedside examination by physicians at all levels of education. Ultrasound is highly operator-dependent and relevant training is essential to ensure appropriate use. When supplementing hands-on focused ultrasound courses, e-learning can increase the learning effect. We developed an emergency ultrasound app to enable onsite e-learning for trainees. In this paper, we share our experiences in the development of this app and present the final product.

Inter- and intraobserver agreement in detection of testicular microlithiasis with ultrasonography

Background Ultrasonography of the testis is a well-established diagnostic tool in detection of testicular microlithiasis (TML). Operator-dependent diagnostic variation related to skill, knowledge, and operator consistency are factors that influence detection of TML. Purpose To determine inter- and intraobserver agreement for detection of TML using ultrasonography for a group of physicians with no or limited experience compared to a group of experience senior radiologists. Material and Methods Between May and September 2014 a total of six observers evaluated 34 patients scrotal ultrasonography recorded from September to December 2013. The observers were blinded to patient history and previous ultrasonography. Three of the observers had no or limited experience with detection of TML, and three of the observers had more than 15 years of experience. Each observer reviewed all the scrotal ultrasonography recordings twice with a time interval of 3 months. Results The inter-observer agreement showed substantial agreement and up to almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.86). Both the experienced and less experienced observers had a higher agreement in detecting and grading TML in their second reading. Conclusion The ultrasonography grading system of TML in this study showed to be reproducible, with an inter- and intraobserver agreement ranging between substantial agreement and up to almost perfect agreement with many years of experience not necessarily being essential.

Computed Tomography Perfusion, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Histopathological Findings After Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation: An In Vivo Pig Model

The present study investigates how computed tomography perfusion scans and magnetic resonance imaging correlates with the histopathological alterations in renal tissue after cryoablation. A total of 15 pigs were subjected to laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation on both kidneys. After intervention, each animal was randomized to a postoperative follow-up period of 1, 2, or 4 weeks, after which computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed. Immediately after imaging, open bilateral nephrectomy was performed allowing for histopathological examination of the cryolesions. On computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging examinations, rim enhancement was observed in the transition zone of the cryolesion 1week after laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation. This rim enhancement was found to subside after 2 and 4 weeks of follow-up, which was consistent with the microscopic examinations revealing of fibrotic scar tissue formation in the peripheral zone of the cryolesion. On T2 magnetic resonance imaging sequences, a thin hypointense rim surrounded the cryolesion, separating it from the adjacent renal parenchyma. Microscopic examinations revealed hemorrhage and later hemosiderin located in the peripheral zone. No nodular or diffuse contrast enhancement was found in the central zone of the cryolesions at any follow-up stage on neither computed tomography perfusion nor magnetic resonance imaging. On microscopic examinations, the central zone was found to consist of coagulative necrosis 1 week after laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation, which was partially replaced by fibrotic scar tissue 4 weeks following laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation. Both computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging found the renal collecting system to be involved at all 3 stages of follow-up, but on microscopic examination, the urothelium was found to be intact in all cases. In conclusion, cryoablation effectively destroyed renal parenchyma, leaving the urothelium intact. Both computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging reflect the microscopic findings but with some differences, especially regarding the peripheral zone. Magnetic resonance imaging seems an attractive modality for early postoperative follow-up.

Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for Anatomical Score Predicts Treatment Failures in Laparoscopic Cryoablation of Small Renal Masses.

OBJECTIVES To determine the potential of the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomical (PADUA) classification score as a predictive tool in relation to residual unablated tumor and disease-free survival (DFS) following laparoscopy-assisted cryoablation (LCA) of small renal masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS A multi-institutional cohort of 212 patients with biopsy-verified T1N0M0 renal malignancies treated with LCA between August 2005 and September 2014 were retrospectively investigated with respect to oncologic outcomes. RESULTS The preoperative PADUA score was found to be low (6-7 points) in 70 patients (33%), moderate (8-9 points) in 86 patients (40.6%), and high (10-14 points) in 56 patients (26.4%). The mean PADUA score was significantly higher in cases (n = 11) with residual unablated tumor (10.4 vs 8.1, p < 0.001) and in cases (n = 8) with local tumor recurrence (9.8 vs 8.1, p < 0.001) at a mean follow-up of 37 (95% confidence interval: 34-40) months. The estimated 2-, 3-, and 5-year DFS for patients with a moderate PADUA score was 96%, 94%, and 94% compared with 95%, 87%, and 81%, respectively, for patients with a high PADUA score (log-rank, p = 0.003). The PADUA score did not predict overall survival. CONCLUSION The PADUA score significantly predicts residual unablated tumor and DFS following LCA. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy of the PADUA score in relation to oncologic outcomes following ablative procedures.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm due to acute pancreatitis in a 6-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with l-aspariginase

Acute pancreatitis is a rare phenomenon in children but its incidence seems to be increasing. In children, it is generally caused due to systemic illness, biliary disease, trauma, idiopathy and side effects of medicines like l-aspariginase. Acute pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose in children since the clinical presentation is highly variable. Complications such as pseudocysts have been reported at rates as high as 25%. Severe cases of pseudocysts may be further complicated by a possible lethal splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. In this case report, we present a rare case of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm due to acute pancreatitis in a 6-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with l-aspariginase. He presented with fever, irritability and pain in his left groin region.