Abstract
Welcome to the final issue of 2023 and I hope that you find this edition another good mix of papers for you all to enjoy. In this issue, I’m pleased to offer you all an exciting mix of submissions including eight pieces of original research and three case reports. This edition covers a wide range of topics including: transient elastography (TE) versus acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in the liver; an assessment of skin to epiglottis measurements prior to intubation in pregnant patients; use of estimated foetal weight (EFW) measurements in assessing foetal growth; assessment of acute appendicitis using a combination of ultrasound and laboratory tests; communication coaching for obstetrics sonographers delivering unexpected news; transvaginal ultrasound versus hysteroscopy in premenopausal patients; imaging-specific features associated with low-grade endometrioid endometrial carcinoma; assessment of variations of segmental portal venous spectral Doppler in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guidance in treatment of a critical common iliac artery stenosis; use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with accessory splenic tissue; and finally an incidental finding during a lower limb venous ultrasound to exclude a deep vein thrombus.
We begin this edition is with a research paper from Herlihy et al who present their baseline research findings looking at the comparison of TE with ARFI elastography in the assessment of liver health in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
A team from America present their work on using ultrasound to predict potential difficult intubations. Their study focuses on pregnant patients, a group usually excluded from other published studies, whereby they measured the mean distance from skin to epiglottis as a predictor for intubation.
Dudley et al present their study on the systemic and random EFW measurements in the monitoring of foetal growth. Their research aims are to attempt to evaluate these potential errors by analysing serial ultrasound data.
A team from Pakistan present their findings in the assessment of acute appendicitis with ultrasound in combination with total leukocyte count, neutrophil percentage and C-reactive protein tests. They propose that clinical assessment in combination with these laboratory tests can improve the early diagnosis of appendicitis.
Johnson et al present their qualitative study on the feasibility of a communication coaching intervention for qualified obstetric sonographers by assessing stakeholder’s views on the premise.
A study by Litherland and Phillips looks at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline 88 and explore whether outpatient hysteroscopy should be used instead of transvaginal ultrasound to identify endometrial pathology in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding.
A team from Spain present their study looking at whether the microcystic, elongated and fragmented (MELF) pattern of invasion can influence the evaluation of the depth of myometrial invasion in low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer using imaging techniques.
A team in India explore segmental variations in portal venous pulsed wave colour Doppler flow velocity in patients with moderate-to-severe NAFLD in comparison with healthy patients.
A team from Somerset in the United Kingdom present an interesting case study on endovascular treatment of a critical common iliac artery stenosis using IVUS-guidance in a patient with a known severe iodine contrast allergy.
Lehore et al present an unusual case of intramesenteric accessory spleen and the diagnostic help offered using CEUS.
The final offering for this edition is from Ilounoh et al who present a case of an incidental finding of a peripheral nerve sheath tumour mimicking a deep calf vein thrombus.
I hope that you have enjoyed the quality of work that we have been able to present throughout this year’s issues of Ultrasound. I look forward to arranging Volume 32 next year for you all. I also encourage you to consider our journal for your submissions going forward. Think about the unusual cases that you have seen or the audits that you have undertaken and consider the possibility of sharing (these) your experiences and successes with others. I will be available for drop-in sessions at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in York if you want to discuss your work and ask for advice or guidance with getting your work prepared for submission. I hope to see many of you in York in December as we look forward to another great programme put together by this year’s ASM Chair, Dr Barry Ward. Take care and stay safe.