Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Ultrasound continues to show its utility in a variety of clinical areas around the world where radiologic resources are few.
Researchers in a recent study described the success of an intensive training program for Zambian midwives to improve their ultrasound acquisition skills when imaging pregnant women. This included improvements in competence and image quality. Read what else the researchers found in this edition’s featured story.
In breast imaging news, a team from Brown University highlighted results from a study that found ultrasound-guided cryoablation to be a safe and effective treatment method for breast cancer -- patients in the study experienced no moderate or major adverse events.
Sticking with breast imaging, Chinese researchers reported the success of their ultrasound-based nomogram, which along with immune-inflammatory markers, could help predict axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. In another study, a team from the University of Southern California found that combining full-field digital mammography with ultrasound tomography can improve breast cancer detection. This could be helpful in imaging dense breasts, the group noted.
Other studies have demonstrated ultrasound’s utility in other parts of the body and in various patient populations. These include tracking patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, improving echocardiography interpretation of heart tumors through machine learning, and monitoring respiratory conditions in preterm infants.
In leadership news, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) had a series of inductions for its board of directors. Among these was the naming of Ted Abraham, MD, as the society’s president as the ASE heads into its milestone 50th anniversary.
Are there any ultrasound stories we've missed? Drop us an email if you have interesting and exciting work that you feel we should be aware of!
