Ultraschall in der Medizin : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin, [der] Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin, [der] Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in Medizin und Biologie
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The great auricular nerve (GAN) is a sensory branch of the superficial cervical plexus. While its blockade is an established procedure, little is known about the ultrasound appearance of pathologic conditions of the GAN itself. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the possibility of the visualization and diagnostic assessment of the GAN along its entire course by means of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS). ⋯ This study confirms the reliable ability to visualize the GAN with HRUS throughout its course, both in anatomical specimens and in vivo. The provided cases show that pathologies of the GAN seem to have a variety of causes and may not be rare. We, therefore, encourage the use of HRUS in patients with unclear pain in the auricular, periauricular and posterior-lateral head.
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To determine whether the fusion of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with transrectal real-time elastography (RTE) improves the visualization of PCa lesions compared to MRI alone. ⋯ MRI/RTE fusion provides improved PCa visualization by combining the strength of both imaging techniques in regard to prostate zonal anatomy and thereby might improve future biopsy-guided PCa detection.
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Learning objectives: Sonographic examination concept in the case of suspicion of bowel obstruction. Recognition of the sonographic criteria of a bowel obstruction. Ability to detect the level of a bowel obstruction. ⋯ Detection of sonographic signs of complicated bowel obstruction. Ability to sonographically define important differential diagnoses. Further diagnostic procedures in unclear situations.
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The long thoracic nerve (LTN) innervates the serratus anterior muscle (SA) which plays an important role in shoulder function. Evaluation of the LTN has so far been restricted to clinical assessment and partly electromyography and neurography. Progress of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) increasingly enables visualization of small peripheral nerves and their pathologies. We therefore aimed at (a) clarifying the possibility of visualization of the LTN from its origin to the most distal point in the supraclavicular region visible and (b) developing an ultrasound protocol for routine use. We further present two cases of patients with LTN pathology. ⋯ We hereby confirm a reliable possibility of visualization of the LTN in anatomical specimens as well as in volunteers. We encourage HRUS of the LTN to be part of the diagnostic work-up in patients presenting with scapular winging, shoulder weakness or pain of unknown origin.