Clinical Research Directory

Standing Position Ultrasonography: Imaging Efficacy in Detecting Liver Diaphragmatic Dome Blind Area Lesions

Objective: To compare the detection efficacy of standing, supine, and left lateral decubitus ultrasonographic scanning for space-occupying lesions ≤3cm in the liver dome "blind area" and assess the feasibility of standing position as a routine scanning posture, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing liver ultrasound protocols. Methods: Prospectively enrolled patients (CT/MRI-confirmed liver dome lesions) admitted to our Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Department (Feb 2024-Feb 2025). Three sonographers, blinded to other positions' results, performed scans in standing, supine, and left lateral positions. Fleiss' kappa assessed inter-sonographer agreement. An image quality scoring system (0=not visible; 1=partially visible; 2=fully visible) was used by two blinded radiologists. Baseline data (sex, age, BMI), lesion location, size, type, and liver parenchymal status (normal, fatty liver, liver damage \[diffuse disease/cirrhosis\]) were recorded. Wilcoxon test compared display scores. Subgroup analyses evaluated confounding factors. A Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model controlled repeated-measures bias, reporting ORs.

Comparison of Lateral Decubitus and Upright Sitting Positions in Measuring Intervertebral Space Via Ultrasound in Obese Volunteers

The aim of the study is to compare the lateral decubitus and upright sitting positions in determining the intervertebral space measured by ultrasound in participants whose body mass index was greater than 30 and older than eighteen years old. Additionally, comparison of the sagittal and long-axis paramedian oblique planes in determining the intervertebral space measured by ultrasound in this group of volunteers. Furthermore, assesment of the reliability of measurements performed by practitioners with varying levels of ultrasound experience.