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NCT07485530
This three-year research project aims to test the hypothesis that strain and displacement characteristics of human soft tissues are influenced by (1) habitual physical activity, (2) functional impairment, and (3) training interventions. Over the three years, the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, the ankle tendon, and the hamstring muscles will be investigated sequentially. Ultrasound speckle-tracking techniques will be employed to verify these hypotheses and to provide a basis for clinical risk assessment of injury, development of therapeutic strategies, and evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes. In the first year, strain and displacement of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) in both longitudinal and transverse directions during passive isokinetic elbow valgus loading will be analyzed in baseball pitchers at high and low injury risk and in healthy controls. The results will be compared with ultrasonic shear-wave elastography. Participants will then undergo an 8-week low- to moderate-intensity blood-flow restriction resistance training program. This phase is expected to characterize ligament mechanical adaptations to long-term sports training, elucidate the relationship between such adaptations and injury risk, and evaluate the effects of resistance training on enhancing medial elbow joint stability. In the second year, individuals with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and healthy controls will be examined. Longitudinal strain and displacement, as well as transverse rotation and displacement of the tibialis posterior tendon during active ankle movements will be quantified and compared with shear-wave elastography measurements. These results are expected to clarify the relationship between tendon strain-displacement behavior and tendon dysfunction, provide mechanistic insights into tendon pathology, and inform optimal therapeutic strategies. In the third year, patients following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction will be investigated. Longitudinal strain and displacement of the hamstring graft donor site, specifically the semitendinosus muscle-tendon unit, following eccentric training will be assessed and compared with shear-wave elastography and electromyography. This phase is expected to characterize post-harvest semitendinosus muscle activity patterns and their associations with postoperative muscle strength deficits. By integrating findings across the three phases, the anticipated clinical implications of this project include determining whether: 1. adaptive responses of ligaments to repetitive tensile loading during long-term sports participation (including strain behavior and mechanical properties) can serve as screening indicators for injury risk, and evaluating the effects of blood-flow restriction resistance training in these populations; 2. three-dimensional strain, displacement, and rotation of tendons in response to muscle contraction and joint motion are associated with tendon dysfunction; and 3. strain and displacement characteristics of the semitendinosus muscle (in relation to muscle recruitment) can be improved through postoperative functional training following its use as a graft source.
NCT07310667
Assessment of muscle mass in critically ill patients is critical for both improving clinical outcomes and monitoring the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. Loss of muscle mass is associated with mortality and morbidity in the elderly, including organ transplantation, trauma, and sepsis. Previous studies have assessed muscle mass using computed tomography. The use of computed tomography is costly, carries radiation risks, and requires the patient to be transported to a CT scanner. In contrast, ultrasonography is a noninvasive, rapid, and bedside method without radiation exposure. In particular, anterior thigh muscle thickness (ATMT) stands out as a reliable biomarker in the assessment of muscle mass. ATMT measurement includes the assessment of the combined depth of the vastus intermedius and rectus femoris muscles in the anterior thigh. There is no study in the literature examining the effects of anterior thigh muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography on malnutrition and frailty in intensive care patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anterior thigh muscle thickness on frailty, malnutrition and length of stay in intensive care patients.
NCT07286591
The second-trimester morphology ultrasound is a key examination in obstetric monitoring that aims to assess fetal growth, identify any structural abnormalities, and inspect anexes such as placenta, umbilical cord, cervix,... Several studies suggest that a significant proportion of fetal malformations can be detected during this time frame if a complete morphological analysis is performed. However, the reliability of the screening depends on the quality of the equipment, the operator's level of expertise, and adherence to protocols that define the necessary scans. In France, since the first reports of the National Technical Committee on Prenatal Screening Ultrasound (2005), particular attention has been paid to standardizing practices. More recently, the French National Conference on Obstetric and Fetal Ultrasound (CNEOF) published new recommendations (2022, revised in 2023) including the development of reference silhouettes for the second-trimester examination, proposing 26 views (22 required and 4 additional). However, the CNEOF does not formalize quality criteria for evaluating the conformity of these images; this task has been taken over by the French College of Fetal Ultrasound (CFEF), which has established a scoring and validation grid for each fetal slice (see CFEF 2022 document). In parallel, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually becoming established as a decision support and automation tool in medical imaging, particularly in ultrasound. Deep learning algorithms are capable of identifying anatomical structures, positioning measurement markers, and selecting the most optimal slice, reducing inter-operator variability and streamlining workflow. In the field of obstetric ultrasound, some companies have launched systems capable of detecting or annotating fetal structures in real time, potentially improving diagnostic reliability and reproducibility. Samsung has developed a system called Live View Assist, available on its latest generation ultrasound scanners, which uses AI to automatically recognize and freeze the required fetal slices in real time. The tool also offers automated validation: if the detected slice conforms to the expected standards, it is directly checked off on a checklist. This innovation promises time savings, a reduced risk of missing certain complex slices, and improved standardization. However, there is little data, particularly in France, regarding to the actual performance of this tool in a routine screening context. Before considering the integration of Live View Assist and AI into daily practice, it is therefore essential to evaluate the quality of the images it acquires, the feasibility of a complete examination assisted by AI, as well as the potential impact on examination time and improvement of the workload for sonographers. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the quality of the 20 mandatory images automatically validated by Live View Assist is not inferior to that of the 20 mandatory images acquired and validated manually by an ultrasound technician, according to the CFEF quality criteria based on the silhouettes recommended by the CNEOF.
NCT07474610
Core stability is the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk for optimal production, transfer, and control of forces in the upper and lower extremities during functional activities. Studies have shown that TrA activation is delayed in individuals with low back pain. The relationship between core stability and the lower extremity has been frequently studied in the literature, and according to Kibler's 'Kinetic Chain' theory, loss of proximal stability is known to lead to dysfunction in distal segments; however, the relationship between the upper extremity and core stability is still unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the upper extremity reach capacity and scapular stability of individuals with low back pain in relation to TrA involvement and to compare them with healthy individuals without low back pain.
NCT07465523
In cases with breast masses, Doppler resistive index values will be calculated for the mass and surrounding healthy tissue and the opposite healthy breast tissue, and their effect on distinguishing between benign and malignant masses will be evaluated.
NCT06243848
The aim of this study is to compare ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the median nerve with classic minimal incision surgical technique for median nerve decompression in patients diagnosed with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
NCT07031921
The study titled "Ultrasound Image Bank: Advancing Medical Research and Diagnostics", sponsored by the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, aims to create a large-scale database of gynecological ultrasound images. These images will be collected during routine clinical care from both healthy patients and those with benign or malignant gynecological conditions. The goal is to support medical training, clinical research, and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models for diagnostic purposes. This is a prospective, observational, single-center study, with an expected enrollment of approximately 25,000 patients over five years. The ultrasound images will be linked to histological outcomes (for those undergoing surgery within 3 months) or to follow-up scans at 1 year, to enhance early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.
NCT05742776
The aim of our study is to determine the relationship between disease severity and sleep quality in CTS patients and to compare the findings with healthy controls.
NCT05413174
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of hypnosis on the level of pain felt by the patient during ultrasound-guided hepatic biopsy, by comparing an intervention group (hypnosis) to a control group (routine and benevolent care). Single-center randomized controlled trial.
NCT07178470
Fluid overload, which is when your body has too much fluid, is one of the reasons why people on home dialysis need to go to the hospital. Fluid overload (when body has too much fluid) commonly presents as trouble breathing and leg swelling. Traditionally, doctors check for this by asking patients if they have any symptoms like leg swelling or shortness of breath and by doing a physical exam which includes listening to the lungs or looking for swelling in legs. However, a newer, safe, and non-invasive method called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become very popular. However, we don't have a lot of research yet on how POCUS and LUS (lung ultrasound) specifically help home dialysis patients, including those on peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is a way to clean your blood by putting a special fluid into your belly through a small tube. The fluid uses the natural lining of your belly as a filter to remove waste and extra water. Home hemodialysis is a treatment where a machine acts like an artificial kidney to clean your blood. You get trained to do this yourself at home by connecting to the machine with a couple of needles, which cleans your blood of waste and extra fluid. POCUS, especially a (LUS), has been shown to be useful for dialysis patients in outpatient units. This study will compare different 3 different methods of detecting fluid overload: answering various survey questions, completing a physical exam, and a LUS. The study seeks to determine which of these methods is the best method to determine fluid overload. You were selected as a possible participant because you are over 18 years old, diagnosed with End-stage kidney disease, and have been receiving home dialysis for at least three months.
NCT07426679
Neuraxial blockade is commonly performed using a manual palpation technique, but the procedure can be challenging, particularly in patients with high body mass index, pregnancy, or spinal deformities. Preprocedural ultrasound may improve identification of the optimal injection site, yet its use in clinical practice remains limited, partly due to a lack of structured training. This multicentre randomised controlled trial investigates whether anaesthesiologists performing ultrasound-assisted spinal anaesthesia achieve better clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction compared with the traditional manual palpation technique. Both novice anaesthesia residents and more experienced anaesthesiologists are included. Participants receive structured simulation-based training using either ultrasound-assisted or manual palpation techniques, following a mastery learning approach with predefined performance standards. After certification, participants perform spinal anaesthesia during elective lower limb surgery, with clinical performance assessed by senior anaesthesiologists. The primary outcome is first-attempt success of spinal block. Secondary outcomes include number of attempts, needle redirections, time spent, need for assistance, and overall block success. Patient satisfaction and complications are assessed as tertiary outcomes. This study aims to provide evidence on the clinical effects of structured training in ultrasound-assisted neuraxial access and to explore the role of prior clinical experience.
NCT06901063
The research aims at analyzing the sonographic anatomy characteristics of the interscalene brachial plexus.
NCT07085442
Axillary ultrasound scan (AUS) is routinely employed in the UK for preoperative axillary staging and can diagnose approximately 50 - 80% of node positive patients when combined with percutaneous needle biopsy techniques (either core-biopsy or fine-needle aspiration cytology). It is recognised that nodal burden is generally higher in clinically node negative patients with abnormal nodes on AUS and confirmed on needle-biopsy to be histologically positive than patients diagnosed as node positive on sentinel node biopsy (SNB). However, up to 40% of biopsy-proven node positive patients are found to have fewer than 3 involved nodes on subsequent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and are potential candidates for less extensive axillary surgery with axillary radiotherapy (ART) rather than ALND. The total number of abnormal nodes on ultrasound is a key predictor of overall nodal tumour burden. The AMAROS and OTOASOR trials randomised patients with up to 2 positive sentinel nodes to either ALND or ART. These trials were conducted around the turn of the millennium and before routine use of AUS and therefore would have included a significant number of patients who were radiologically node positive (cN1). Likewise, the ACOSOG Z0011 trial that randomised a similar group of patients to either ALND or observation only, did not incorporate routine AUS and would have included some (radiological) cN1 patients. These trials revealed no adverse impact on disease-free or overall survival from omission of completion ALND. Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) was introduced a few years ago to reduce the false negative rate of SNB following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and has been standardised as part of the ongoing ATNEC trial \[ClinicalTrials.govNCT04109079\]. This technique for axillary staging after NACT is increasingly being adopted in the UK and elsewhere. TAD is technically more straightforward and less challenging in patients undergoing primary surgery with no concerns about clip migration consequent to nodal shrinkage as part of treatment response to NACT. Furthermore, the risk of under-treating the axilla is offset by the protocol: if no disease is identified in the targeted nodes (false-negative case), then patients proceed to ALND, thereby ensuring adequate treatment. Unlike TAD following NACT, the presence of viable tumour within the sampled nodes is mandatory and finding fibrosis is irrelevant except as a response to nodal biopsy per se. Current ASCO guidelines support both SNB and TAD as staging options for patients with ultrasound-detected, biopsy-confirmed nodal disease. The Edinburgh randomised trials comparing four-node sampling with ALND demonstrated significantly lower arm morbidity with node sampling, supporting TAD as a clinically appropriate alternative in this patient population. The UK-ANZ POSNOC trial randomised 1,900 patients with \<3 macrometastases to either no further axillary treatment or additional axillary treatment. The study included cN1 patients with biopsy-confirmed nodal metastases who underwent sentinel node biopsy or TAD. Patients with \<3 macrometastases on final histology were randomised to receive no further axillary treatment or proceed with additional axillary treatment (ALND or ART). POSNOC trial will answer whether further axillary treatment provides any benefit in patients with low volume nodal disease on SNB or TAD. Notably, patients with biopsy-confirmed metastases and \<3 macrometastases on SNB/TAD are biologically and clinically similar to patients with normal AUS who are later found to have low-volume disease on SNB. Clinical decision-making and patient outcomes are driven by tumour biology and overall disease burden rather than the method of nodal disease detection. Furthermore, AUS sensitivity is operator dependent and whether FNA or core biopsy was used to sample the node. A patient considered node negative on AUS by one radiologist may be diagnosed with core biopsy confirmed nodal metastases with another radiologist. Pending the results of POSNOC trial, patients with less than 3 macrometastases are generally advised further axillary treatment, and ART is preferred over ALND to reduce the risk of lymphoedema. NodeSMART is a prospective audit collecting data on patients undergoing TAD in the primary surgery setting. Its goal is to audit surgical outcomes and benchmark them against - a) Comparing technical outcomes with those from sentinel node biopsy in the primary surgery setting and TAD performed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. b) Assessing rates of arm lymphoedema and disease progression relative to findings from the AMAROS and Z11 trials, and the POSNOC trial once results are available. The term "Targeted Axillary Dissection" is somewhat misleading in this context, as the marked (biopsied) node is removed alongside sentinel nodes - not in isolation. NodeSMART therefore refers to the procedure more accurately as Targeted Sentinel Node Biopsy (TSNB).
NCT05582785
The objective of the study is to perform imaging assessments of an early stage magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system on patients using low field magnetic strength.
NCT07357571
Similarly, the burden of central lymph node metastasis affects the individualized management of patients with T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC): lymph node metastasis is a contraindication to thermal ablation; low-burden lymph node metastasis is suitable for lobectomy; and high-burden lymph node metastasis recommends total thyroidectomy. However, conventional preoperative imaging examinations have low efficacy in diagnosing central lymph node metastasis. This multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 600 patients with T1N0M0 PTC who were admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2025 and confirmed by postoperative pathology. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images of the thyroid and lymph nodes before surgery were collected for all patients. Two senior ultrasound physicians unaware of the pathological results independently analyzed the images and extracted qualitative and quantitative CEUS features of lesions and suspicious lymph nodes. Taking postoperative pathological results as the gold standard, patients were divided into the high-burden metastasis group, low-burden metastasis group, and non-metastasis group. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent predictors, construct a combined predictive model, and draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curves to evaluate its diagnostic efficacy and clinical practicality. The primary outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC), and the secondary outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and net benefit. This project is expected to achieve accurate preoperative prediction of the burden of central lymph node metastasis and realize precise and individualized treatment for patients with T1N0M0 PTC.
NCT07332403
The diaphragm is the most important muscle involved in the respiratory system and is solely responsible for approximately 65-80% of vital capacity. When it contracts, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, leading to a decrease in intrathoracic pressure and allowing airflow from the atmosphere into the alveoli. Diaphragmatic atrophy begins as early as the first hours of mechanical ventilation (MV). Animal studies have demonstrated that prolonged mechanical ventilation results in diaphragmatic dysfunction, a condition defined as ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). Ultrasonographic evaluation of the diaphragm has shown a 32% reduction in diaphragmatic strength within the first 72 hours. Assessment of diaphragmatic function is crucial for predicting weaning success. Ultrasonography (USG) is a practical, safe, non-invasive, bedside method that provides real-time results and allows both morphological and functional evaluation of the diaphragm. The ability to assess diaphragmatic contraction simultaneously enables measurement and follow-up of diaphragmatic thickness. This is also clinically useful for diagnosing diaphragmatic dysfunction and diaphragmatic paralysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diaphragmatic function assessed by ultrasonography and weaning success in intubated patients followed in the intensive care unit. In patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who received invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours, were included in the study, were considered ready for the weaning process by the attending clinician independently of the study protocol, and had adequate cognitive function, the following parameters were measured by the investigator prior to separation from mechanical ventilation while the patient was in spontaneous breathing mode (pressure support ventilation, PSV): respiratory rate, minute ventilation, tidal volume, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), airway occlusion pressure at 100 ms (P0.1), PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, PaCO₂, integrated weaning index (IWI), and static and dynamic lung compliance. After a 30-minute stabilization period, the planned procedures were explained to the patient, and the head of the bed was elevated to 30 degrees. Using the ultrasound device routinely employed in our clinic, diaphragmatic ultrasonography was performed by an experienced clinician and the investigator. A linear probe was placed on the chest wall along the right anterior and mid-axillary lines at the 8th-9th intercostal spaces over the zone of apposition, and B-mode imaging was used to visualize the right hemidiaphragm as a three-layered structure consisting of two parallel echogenic lines (the diaphragmatic pleura and the peritoneal membrane) with a hypoechoic structure in between (the muscle itself). Diaphragmatic thickness at end-inspiration (TEI) and end-expiration (TEE) was measured during the patient's spontaneous breathing. Three measurements were obtained, and the mean value was calculated. Using these mean values, the diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) was calculated according to the formula: DTF = \[(TEI - TEE) / TEE\] × 100. Subsequently, a convex probe was placed at the right subcostal midclavicular line along the costal margin, and diaphragmatic motion was visualized using M-mode ultrasonography. Diaphragmatic excursion amplitude was measured, with three measurements obtained and the mean value recorded. Patients who successfully completed a 30-minute spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in PSV mode were extubated. Weaning was considered successful in patients who were able to maintain spontaneous breathing for 48 hours without mechanical ventilatory support. Patients who maintained effective spontaneous breathing without mechanical support for more than 48 hours were classified as the successful weaning group, whereas those who required reintubation and a return to mechanical ventilation at any point during the weaning process were classified as the unsuccessful weaning group.
NCT06867224
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial ultrasound stimulation in reducing cravings and preventing relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorders. Utilizing a double-blind design, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active accelerated transcranial ultrasound stimulation or a sham treatment.
NCT07331363
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if robotic ultrasound screening works as well as or better than traditional sonographer-led screening for detecting breast cancer. It will also explore how well participants follow recommended post-screening care. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does robotic ultrasound screening detect more cases of breast cancer compared to traditional sonographer-led screening? How well do participants follow up on recommended care after robotic ultrasound screening? Researchers will compare robotic ultrasound screening to traditional sonographer-led screening to see if robotic ultrasound works effectively for breast cancer screening. Participants will: Receive a breast ultrasound performed either by a robotic system or a human sonographer. Undergo follow-up management based on their BI-RADS classification.
NCT07324863
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided external oblique and rectus abdominis plane block on the neuroendocrine stress response and postoperative analgesia in adults undergoing umbilical hernia repair.
NCT07322315
This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) for evaluating neonatal craniocerebral injuries.