Dear Ultrasound Insider,
Ultrasound has once again proved its utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Radiologists used breast ultrasound to demonstrate signs of lymph node enlargement in four cases of patients who received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The patients presented to the breast imaging department for different reasons, but they all had axillary adenopathy on the side of the body where they received a shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. You can see some of the researchers' ultrasound images and their follow-up recommendations in this edition's Insider Exclusive.
In other coronavirus news, a combination of ultrasound and MR neurography could help clinicians identify nerve damage in some patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The study authors say the two modalities may help clinicians diagnose the cause of chronic pain, numbness, or weakness.
Also new in the Ultrasound Community, French researchers discovered a thyroid cancer screening method that can detect abnormally stiff tissues on ultrasound when patients sing the "eeee" sound. The noninvasive technique has the potential to identify more thyroid tumors, according to the creators.
Finally, clinicians used echocardiography to diagnose a man from Texas with a rare case of infective endocarditis caused by vigorous dental flossing. The authors believe it is the first known instance of infective endocarditis stemming from robust dental hygiene -- certainly nothing to smile about.
2021 has just begun, and the Ultrasound Community news is already filled with hopeful (and occasionally quirky) case studies and research articles. I can't wait to continue sharing all of the new and interesting ways researchers will use ultrasound in the coming year.
