64 research outputs found
Recent Advances in Machine Learning Applied to Ultrasound Imaging
Machine learning (ML) methods are pervading an increasing number of fields of application because of their capacity to effectively solve a wide variety of challenging problems. The employment of ML techniques in ultrasound imaging applications started several years ago but the scientific interest in this issue has increased exponentially in the last few years. The present work reviews the most recent (2019 onwards) implementations of machine learning techniques for two of the most popular ultrasound imaging fields, medical diagnostics and non-destructive evaluation. The former, which covers the major part of the review, was analyzed by classifying studies according to the human organ investigated and the methodology (e.g., detection, segmentation, and/or classification) adopted, while for the latter, some solutions to the detection/classification of material defects or particular patterns are reported. Finally, the main merits of machine learning that emerged from the study analysis are summarized and discussed. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland
Liver Biopsy
Liver biopsy is recommended as the gold standard method to determine diagnosis, fibrosis staging, prognosis and therapeutic indications in patients with chronic liver disease. However, liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with a risk of complications which can be serious. This book provides the management of the complications in liver biopsy. Additionally, this book provides also the references for the new technology of liver biopsy including the non-invasive elastography, imaging methods and blood panels which could be the alternatives to liver biopsy. The non-invasive methods, especially the elastography, which is the new procedure in hot topics, which were frequently reported in these years. In this book, the professionals of elastography show the mechanism, availability and how to use this technology in a clinical field of elastography. The comprehension of elastography could be a great help for better dealing and for understanding of liver biopsy
Ultrasound Imaging
This book provides an overview of ultrafast ultrasound imaging, 3D high-quality ultrasonic imaging, correction of phase aberrations in medical ultrasound images, etc. Several interesting medical and clinical applications areas are also discussed in the book, like the use of three dimensional ultrasound imaging in evaluation of Asherman's syndrome, the role of 3D ultrasound in assessment of endometrial receptivity and follicular vascularity to predict the quality oocyte, ultrasound imaging in vascular diseases and the fetal palate, clinical application of ultrasound molecular imaging, Doppler abdominal ultrasound in small animals and so on
Case series of breast fillers and how things may go wrong: radiology point of view
INTRODUCTION: Breast augmentation is a procedure opted by women to overcome sagging
breast due to breastfeeding or aging as well as small breast size. Recent years have shown the
emergence of a variety of injectable materials on market as breast fillers. These injectable
breast fillers have swiftly gained popularity among women, considering the minimal
invasiveness of the procedure, nullifying the need for terrifying surgery. Little do they know
that the procedure may pose detrimental complications, while visualization of breast
parenchyma infiltrated by these fillers is also deemed substandard; posing diagnostic
challenges. We present a case series of three patients with prior history of hyaluronic acid and
collagen breast injections.
REPORT: The first patient is a 37-year-old lady who presented to casualty with worsening
shortness of breath, non-productive cough, central chest pain; associated with fever and chills
for 2-weeks duration. The second patient is a 34-year-old lady who complained of cough, fever
and haemoptysis; associated with shortness of breath for 1-week duration. CT in these cases
revealed non thrombotic wedge-shaped peripheral air-space densities.
The third patient is a 37‐year‐old female with right breast pain, swelling and redness for 2-
weeks duration. Previous collagen breast injection performed 1 year ago had impeded
sonographic visualization of the breast parenchyma. MRI breasts showed multiple non-
enhancing round and oval shaped lesions exhibiting fat intensity.
CONCLUSION: Radiologists should be familiar with the potential risks and hazards as well
as limitations of imaging posed by breast fillers such that MRI is required as problem-solving
tool
Characterization of alar ligament on 3.0T MRI: a cross-sectional study in IIUM Medical Centre, Kuantan
INTRODUCTION: The main purpose of the study is to compare the normal anatomy of alar
ligament on MRI between male and female. The specific objectives are to assess the prevalence
of alar ligament visualized on MRI, to describe its characteristics in term of its course, shape and
signal homogeneity and to find differences in alar ligament signal intensity between male and
female. This study also aims to determine the association between the heights of respondents
with alar ligament signal intensity and dimensions.
MATERIALS & METHODS: 50 healthy volunteers were studied on 3.0T MR scanner
Siemens Magnetom Spectra using 2-mm proton density, T2 and fat-suppression sequences. Alar
ligament is depicted in 3 planes and the visualization and variability of the ligament courses,
shapes and signal intensity characteristics were determined. The alar ligament dimensions were
also measured.
RESULTS: Alar ligament was best depicted in coronal plane, followed by sagittal and axial
planes. The orientations were laterally ascending in most of the subjects (60%), predominantly
oval in shaped (54%) and 67% showed inhomogenous signal. No significant difference of alar
ligament signal intensity between male and female respondents. No significant association was
found between the heights of the respondents with alar ligament signal intensity and dimensions.
CONCLUSION: Employing a 3.0T MR scanner, the alar ligament is best portrayed on coronal
plane, followed by sagittal and axial planes. However, tremendous variability of alar ligament as
depicted in our data shows that caution needs to be exercised when evaluating alar ligament,
especially during circumstances of injury
Development of a deep vein valve replacement
Background
Chronic venous disease is a common, distressing and significant cause of health care expense. There have been few developments in the treatment of deep venous disease as the understanding of the clinical and pathophysiological significance of deep vein reflux and valve failure remains poor. Previous attempts to develop a prosthetic vein valve implant have been disappointing. Difficulties with early thrombosis led researchers to abandon their efforts many years ago. Attempts to create a valve implant should be revisited.
Aims
The aims of this project are to: evaluate variables around normal deep vein valves, to develop validated computational and laboratory flow models for deep venous function, and to develop and investigate a novel material to engineer a prototype bioprosthetic deep vein valve replacement.
Methods
Functional Anatomy: This is a prospective observational study evaluating subjects with normal deep veins. B and M Mode ultrasound, contrast (microbubble) enhanced ultrasound and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of normal subjects was carried out. This has given the flow, velocity data and anatomical images required for the project.
Modelling: A preliminary computational flow model has been developed using the data obtained from the imaging stage of the project. This is a 2-dimensional model incorprating flexible valve leaflets. A laboratory model of venous function, in the form of a flow rig has been created.
Materials: Presently, polymers and polymer coated metal stents, used in the vascular system have several problems: they are very thrombogenic and they lack haemocompatibilty and biocompatibility, in addition they lack the required mechanical properties. A novel material that is biocompatible, a copolymer of methacrylolyoxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), trimethylsilyl-2-propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) and Hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), has been synthesised. Its properties have been modified by electrospinning and crosslinking to change its solubility and mechanical properties, without altering its biocompatibility.
Impact This project aims to guide the development of a treatment for patients, for whom few options are available. Chronic venous disease and venous ulceration are painful and debilitating, potentially requiring years of treatment. Effective, minimally invasive treatment options could result in accelerated ulcer healing and improvements in symptoms and quality of life as well as reduced costs.Open Acces
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