Seeing the Unseen: Evaluating Testicular Vascularity in Neonates by Using the Superb Microvascular Imaging Ultrasound Technique. (13th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayaz, Ercan; Ayaz, Muzaffer; Önal, Canver; Yıkılmaz, Ali
• Is Part Of: Journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 38:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1847
• Page End: 1854
• Publication Date: 2018-12-13
• Subjects: Doppler ultrasound -- scrotal ultrasound -- Superb Microvascular Imaging -- testicular vascularity; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonics; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonics in medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1002/jum.14882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4297

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To evaluate testicular vascularity in neonates by using the novel Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) ultrasound (US) technique and to compare this technique to conventional Doppler US techniques. Methods: A total of 140 healthy neonates between 2 and 60 days old who were admitted for routine screening were included in the study. However, in 9 cases, the Doppler study could not be completed. In the remaining 131 cases, color Doppler imaging (CDI), power Doppler imaging (PDI), Advanced Dynamic Flow (ADF; Toshiba Medical Systems), and monochrome SMI (mSMI) techniques were performed on a single representative testicle. Real‐time cine images were captured for 5 to 10 seconds for each technique by using a high‐frequency (7.2–14‐MHz) linear transducer. The images were evaluated by 3 observers using a grading system to quantify the degree of vascularity and artifact interference. Results: A total of 131 testicles (74 right and 57 left) were evaluated, and vascularity was shown in 110 (84%) testicles with CDI, 109 (83%) with PDI, 94 (72%) with ADF, and 128 (98%) with mSMI by the consensus of all observers. The Doppler techniques were ranked from highest to lowest in the following order based on the degree of vascularity detected: mSMI > PDI > CDI > ADF ( P < .001). Based on the presence of artifacts, the Doppler techniques were ranked as follows from high to low: ADF > CDI > PDI > mSMI ( P < .001). Conclusions: Superb Microvascular Imaging is a promising US technique that appears to detect testis vascularity better than conventional Doppler US techniques; however, further research is needed to support the results of this study.