Abstract
Welcome to the second issue of 2025 and I hope that you find this edition a good mix of papers for you all to enjoy. I am writing this editorial just after a very successful General Medical (Genitourinary) Study Day in Liverpool. The quality of the talks delivered was extremely high and hopefully we will be able to see some of these pieces of work submitted for publication or included at the 2025 annual scientific meeting in Harrogate.
I urge you to look at some of the other great study days on offer with BMUS this year including gynaecology; student and trainee; veterinary; train the trainer; obstetrics; and paediatric study days.
In this issue, I’m pleased to offer you all an exciting mix of a feature commentary, five pieces of original research, a pictorial review and two case reports covering a range of topics including musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound imaging-assisted clinical examination; enhanced fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes; role of shear-wave elastography in assessing erectile dysfunction; communication coaching for sonographers; artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted focussed cardiac ultrasound training for medical students; multimodal ultrasound assessment of skin cancers; part 2 of the sarcoma pictorial essay; ultrasound assessment of capsular enthesitis-related arthritis effecting the sternoclavicular joint and finally a case of Riedel’s thyroiditis.
The first publication in this issue is from a team from a pair of UK-based authors who share their feature article showcasing MSK ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination. Ultrasound imaging plays an important role in enhancing clinical examination and in the education of students by providing real-time visualisation, assisting in clinical examinations, improving knowledge of injuries, and fostering the development of new skills.
Two researchers from the UK present their study looking at the effect of an enhanced fetal growth ultrasound protocol on pregnancy outcomes. Their data is from an 8-year retrospective service evaluation within a single UK National Health Service (NHS) centre.
A team from India demonstrate the role of shear-wave elastography in differentiating corporal rigidity in erective dysfunction (ED) patients. Their study offers evidence that the technology can objectively quantify penile rigidity and therefore distinguish between different subtypes of ED.
A group of researchers from the UK submit their original qualitative research evaluating Communication Coaching for Sonographers for delivering bad news. The research team present that this is well received by sonographers and aids in their delivery of patient-centred care.
A team of researchers look at AI-assisted focussed cardiac ultrasound training. This study was aimed at medical students and how integration of this into training would be beneficial for the undergraduate medical curriculum.
A group of researchers present their small case series demonstrating the potential pre-operative planning of malignant skin cancers. The series looks at multimodal ultrasound including B-mode, Doppler studies and elastography in the assessment of skin cancers.
Following on from part 1 of their pictorial essay, Berry and Charnock present part 2 showcasing the ultrasound imaging dilemma of sarcoma versus haematoma.
A team from Italy present a case of capsular enthesitis-related arthritis effecting the sternoclavicular joint. High-resolution ultrasound offers superior spatial resolution compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the use of contrast agents.
The final offering in this edition is from a team in Eastbourne in the UK presenting a case report looking at an ENT patient presenting with Riedel’s thyroiditis.
I look forward to arranging the August 2025 edition of Ultrasound for you all with Penny. We have more excellent additions for you all to read and learn from.