Andreas Schuler - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Andreas Schuler
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Zusammenfassung Ziel: Untersuchung der Häufigkeit von verschiedenen soliden fokalen Leberläsionen... more Zusammenfassung Ziel: Untersuchung der Häufigkeit von verschiedenen soliden fokalen Leberläsionen (SFLL) in nicht zirrhotischen und zirrhotischen Lebern unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Häufigkeit der Metastasierung in Zirrhoselebern. Material und Methoden: Das Patientenkollektiv der DEGUM-Multicenterstudie (n = 1349) wurde reevaluiert und in ein Subkollektiv A ohne (n = 1067) und B mit Zirrhose (n = 282) unterteilt. Die verschiedenen Tumorentitäten waren zu 74,6 % histologisch gesichert (n = 1006). Ergebnisse: Im Subkollektiv A fanden sich 385 Fälle mit Metastasen (36,4 %) und 65 mit HCC (6,1 %), demgegenüber waren an benignen Läsionen Hämangiome mit 237 Fällen (22,4 %) und FNH mit 170 Fällen (16,1 %) am häufigsten. Im Subkollektiv B fanden sich 216 Fälle von HCC (76,6 %) und 12 Metastasen (4,3 %), sowie 42 benigne Läsionen (14,9 %). CCC waren im Subkollektiv A (3,3 %) und im Subkollektiv B (2,5 %) selten. Eine Tumoranamnese erhöht die Wahrscheinlichkeit für eine maligne SFLL...
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 2018
The recently published guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medic... more The recently published guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on interventional ultrasound (INVUS)-guided procedures summarize the intended interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach. Herewith, we report on recommendations for interventional procedures for diagnosis and treatment of the thyroid gland.
DMW - Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift
Der Pneumologe
Pleuraerguss und pleuraständige Tumoren Die Pleura und der pleurale Raum sind bis auf die dorsal-... more Pleuraerguss und pleuraständige Tumoren Die Pleura und der pleurale Raum sind bis auf die dorsal-zentralen mediastinalen und präparavertebralen Anteile zu 60-70% sonographisch gut darstellbar [11]. Neben dem Pleuraerguss sind die pleuraständigen Raumforderungen (pleuralen oder bronchopulmonalen Ursprungs) die häufigsten sonographisch zu beantwortenden Fragestellungen. Die Stärke der Ultraschalldiagnostik liegt neben der hohen Ortsauflösung (z. B. beim Staging des peripheren Bronchialkarzinoms) in der sonographisch gezielt durchgeführten Biopsie bzw. Punktion zur Histologie/Zytologie und/oder Labordiagnostik. Sehr hilfreich zur Differenzialdiagnostik sind Farbdoppler-/Powerdoppler-und Kontrastmittelverfahren.
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
European Journal of Ultrasound
Computed tomography plays a prominent role in the imaging diagnosis of mediastinal masses. The me... more Computed tomography plays a prominent role in the imaging diagnosis of mediastinal masses. The mediastinum can also be assessed sonographically. Normal findings are shown, and limits and restrictions mentioned on the basis of the examination methods. The general indications and value of the procedure are discussed. Special sonographical findings for selected mediastinal masses such as lymphadenopathy, thymomae, germ cell tumours,
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Evaluierung der diagnostischen Treffsicherheit der Kontrastmittelson... more Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Evaluierung der diagnostischen Treffsicherheit der Kontrastmittelsonografie in der Differenzialdiagnose kleiner Leberläsionen. Material und Methoden: 1349 Patienten mit im B-Bild und Power Doppler unklarem Lebertumor wurden prospektiv mittels KM-Sono multizentrisch mit standardisiertem Protokoll (mechanischer Index < 0,4, Phase/Puls-Inversion-Technik, Sonovue-Bolus-Injektion) untersucht. Die Differenzialdiagnose im KM-Sono basierte auf tumortypischen Vaskularisationsmustern in der arteriellen, portalvenösen Phase und Spätphase (EFSUMB-Leitlinie). 335 Patienten mit fokalen Leberläsionen (FLLs) ≤ 20 mm wurden analysiert. Die Tumorklassifizierung nach KM-Sono wurde mit der Histologie (73,2 %) oder in einigen Fällen mit CT und/oder MRT verglichen. Ergebnisse: Eine definitive Tumordiagnose war in 329 FLLs möglich. Die Enddiagnose der ≤ 20 mm FLLs mit histologischer Sicherung (n = 241) beinhaltete 87 benigne und 154 maligne Tumore. Die diagnostische Treffsi...
Praxis, 2017
Zusammenfassung. Die Sonografie der Schilddrüse mit hochauflösenden Schallsonden ist das erste un... more Zusammenfassung. Die Sonografie der Schilddrüse mit hochauflösenden Schallsonden ist das erste und meist einzige bildgebende Untersuchungsverfahren zur Beurteilung der Schilddrüse. Schilddrüsenerkrankungen können bei Darstellung einer normal volumigen und homogen strukturierten sowie unauffällig vaskularisierten Schilddrüse weitgehend ausgeschlossen werden. Die B-Bild-sonografische Real-time-Beobachtung der Schilddrüse (Pulsatilität, Kompressibilität, Schluckverschieblichkeit) ermöglicht in vielen Fällen nicht nur die Beurteilung der Morphologie, sondern gibt auch, zusammen mit klinischen Befunden, einschliesslich basalem TSH, Hinweise auf die Funktion. Weitere Informationen werden durch die Farbdopplersonografie mit Darstellung der Vaskularisation erhalten. Die Mehrzahl der detektierten Knoten werden als Zufallsbefund entdeckt und sind harmlos. Unter der grossen Zahl von benignen Schilddrüsenknoten müssen die sehr seltenen Malignome herausgefunden werden [1-11–4]. Die sonografisch gesteuerte Feinnadelpunktion trägt zur Sicherung der Diagnose Malignom bei. Interventionell besteht zudem die Möglichkeit der sonografisch gesteuerten Sklerosierung von Zysten und autonomen Schilddrüsenadenomen [5-15].
European Respiratory Journal, Sep 1, 2011
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2015
Dementia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two major phenomena in older people. To compare anti-hyper... more Dementia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two major phenomena in older people. To compare anti-hyperglycemic therapy and diabetes-related comorbidities between elderly T2D patients with or without comorbid dementia. 215,932 type 2 diabetes patients aged ≥40 years (median [Q1;Q3]: 70.4 [61.2;77.7] years) from the standardized, multicenter German/Austrian diabetes patient registry, DPV, were studied. To identify patients with comorbid dementia, the registry was searched by ICD-10 codes, DSM-IV/-5 codes, respective search terms and/or disease-specific medication. For group comparisons, multiple hierarchic regression modeling with adjustments for age, sex, and duration of diabetes was applied. 3.1% (n=6770; 57% females) of the eligible T2D patients had clinically recognized comorbid dementia. After adjustment for demographics, severe hypoglycemia (insulin group: 14.8±0.6 vs. 10.4±0.2 events per 100 patient-years, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), hypoglycemia with coma (insulin group: 7.6±0.4 vs. 3.9±0.1 events per 100 patient-years, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), depression (9.9 vs. 4.7%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), hypertension (74.7 vs. 72.2%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), stroke (25.3 vs. 6.5%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), diabetic foot syndrome (6.0 vs. 5.2%, p=0.004), and microalbuminuria (34.7 vs. 32.2%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) were more common in dementia patients compared to T2D without dementia. Moreover, patients with dementia received insulin therapy more frequently (59.3 vs. 54.7%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), but metabolic control (7.7±0.1 vs. 7.7±0.1%) was comparable to T2D without dementia. In T2D with dementia, higher rates of hypoglycemia and other diabetes-related comorbidities were observed. Hence, the risks of a glucocentric and intense diabetes management with insulin and a focus on tight glycemic control without considering other factors may outweigh the benefits in elderly T2D patients with comorbid dementia.
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, Jan 17, 2015
Distinguishing malignant versus benign lymphadenopathies is a major diagnostic dilemma in clinica... more Distinguishing malignant versus benign lymphadenopathies is a major diagnostic dilemma in clinical medicine. Metastatic deposits in normal-sized lymph nodes (LNs) can be smaller than a millimeter, thus presenting a diagnostic challenge. In most clinical settings, however, enlarged LNs detected on imaging need to be classified as malignant or benign. Ultrasound seems to be a very reliable method for LN characterization because of the high resolution, especially in the subcutaneous areas. However, B-mode and Doppler-ultrasound criteria for characterization of a lymphadenopathy as benign or malignant are lacking specificity. Newer methods such as elastography seem to be valuable for identifying metastatic deposits within LNs and may help discriminate malignant and benign LNs. This review summarizes the different elastographic methods available and provides an overview of the relevant publications. According to the literature, elastography can be used for identifying metastatic deposits...
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder polyps and po... more The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder polyps and possible risk factors in a random population sample of an urban population. A total of 2099 subjects (1072 women, 1027 men; aged 19 - 65 years, mean age 42.1 (SD ± 12.8 years) were prospectively examined using ultrasound, a standardized questionnaire and laboratory studies. Gallbladder polyps were identified in 6.1 % (128 / 2099) of all subjects (women: 6.1 % [63 / 1027]); men: 6.1 % [65 / 1072]). Solitary polyps were found in 52.4 % (65 / 124), two polyps in 16.1 % (20 / 124), three polyps in 6.5 % (8 / 124), several polyps in 22.6 % (28 / 124) and multiple polyps in 2.4 % (3 / 124) of subjects. The mean polyp diameter was 4.7 mm (SD ± 2.2; range 2 - 20 mm). The polyp diameter was ≤ 7 mm in 94.5 % of subjects. The polyps were described as pedunculate in 82.3 % (102 / 124). The polyps were broad-based in 11.3 % of subjects (14 / 124; men: 18 % women: 4.8 %). The polyps were homogeneously echogenic in 100 % of cases and with irregular contours in only one male subject. Multiple logistic regression failed to demonstrate an influence on the increased occurrence of gallbladder polyps for the risk factors of male sex, age, body-mass index (BMI), alcohol, nicotine or caffeine consumption or diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of gallbladder polyps reported in the present study (6.1 %) is higher than figures previously published for populations in Germany or Europe. The majority of polyps were pedunculate and solitary. A typical risk factor profile for gallbladder polyps could not be identified in the present population sample.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The objective of the present study is to compare the utility of extended field-of-view ultrasonog... more The objective of the present study is to compare the utility of extended field-of-view ultrasonography and conventional B-mode ultrasonography for determining liver size. The liver size in the medioclavicular line (MCL) was determined in 104 inpatients (females: n = 47; males: n = 57) using both ultrasound methods (Philips HDI 5000). The liver size measured in computed tomography (CT; MX 8000 IDT, Philips) served as the gold standard. The body mass index (BMI), ultrasound scanning conditions, and hepatomegaly identified by CT were evaluated as possible factors affecting the measurement accuracy of the sonographic methods. The standard deviation of the differences between the measured pairs of values shows less dispersion in B-mode ultrasonography (18.7 mm) than panorama ultrasonography (20.8 mm). The mean value of differences between the measured pairs (bias) in the ultrasonographic methods compared to CT is considerably higher in panorama sonography (15.3 mm; SD = 20.8) than in B-mode ultrasonography (0.27 mm; SD = 18.7). A paired t-test of the mean values shows a significant difference between the ultrasonographic methods (p < 0.0001). In diagnosing or excluding hepatomegaly, B-mode sonography is consistent with CT findings in 84 (80.8 %) of 104 patients and panorama ultrasonography is consistent with CT findings in 77 (74.0 %) of 104 patients. Ultrasonographic methods show moderate agreement with each other (Kappa = 0.4265). Higher BMI and limited scanning conditions lead to an increase in the mean difference of measured pairs of values (bias) as well as to an increase in standard deviation of the differences (dispersion). The determination of liver size in the medioclavicular line using panorama ultrasonography often leads to the false-positive diagnosis of hepatomegaly. Therefore, the method should not be recommended for routine diagnostic scans. In cases of significant hepatomegaly, however, panorama ultrasonography offers superior visualization compared to conventional B-mode ultrasonography.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The aim of the study was to calculate the costs for clinical ultrasound examinations in Germany u... more The aim of the study was to calculate the costs for clinical ultrasound examinations in Germany under defined economical aspects in a multicenter setting. There are fixed and variable costs for all common ultrasound examinations calculated under distinct scenarios for utilization and equipment quality (ultrasound systems classification concerning to DEGUM, German Ultrasound Society). Over 5 years (on average 2007 - 2011) depending on utilization and quality, the basic sonography costs were 131.30 - 171.39 Euros for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and 57.06 - 77.10 Euros for ultrasound guided biopsy per examination. The costs were calculated at 54.84 - 74.88 Euros for endosonography of the lower GI tract, at 79.20 - 109.27 Euros for the upper GI tract without biopsy and at 226.18 - 367.97 Euros with biopsy depending on the needle used. The costs were 34.58 - 47.01 Euros for basic transthoracic echocardiography, 100.04 - 112.20 Euros for CEUS, and 106.15 - 134.29 Euros for the transesophageal approach. Cost calculation under defined economical aspects leads to cost transparency for clinical ultrasound examinations. Echocardiography costs were calculated like this for the first time in Germany. Calculation based on fixed and variable cost aspects as well as using distinct scenarios enables prospective planning of resources and investment. The analysis points out deficits in the reimbursement of ultrasound examinations in Germany.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
Klinikleitfaden Sonographie Gastroenterologie, 2012
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Zusammenfassung Ziel: Untersuchung der Häufigkeit von verschiedenen soliden fokalen Leberläsionen... more Zusammenfassung Ziel: Untersuchung der Häufigkeit von verschiedenen soliden fokalen Leberläsionen (SFLL) in nicht zirrhotischen und zirrhotischen Lebern unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Häufigkeit der Metastasierung in Zirrhoselebern. Material und Methoden: Das Patientenkollektiv der DEGUM-Multicenterstudie (n = 1349) wurde reevaluiert und in ein Subkollektiv A ohne (n = 1067) und B mit Zirrhose (n = 282) unterteilt. Die verschiedenen Tumorentitäten waren zu 74,6 % histologisch gesichert (n = 1006). Ergebnisse: Im Subkollektiv A fanden sich 385 Fälle mit Metastasen (36,4 %) und 65 mit HCC (6,1 %), demgegenüber waren an benignen Läsionen Hämangiome mit 237 Fällen (22,4 %) und FNH mit 170 Fällen (16,1 %) am häufigsten. Im Subkollektiv B fanden sich 216 Fälle von HCC (76,6 %) und 12 Metastasen (4,3 %), sowie 42 benigne Läsionen (14,9 %). CCC waren im Subkollektiv A (3,3 %) und im Subkollektiv B (2,5 %) selten. Eine Tumoranamnese erhöht die Wahrscheinlichkeit für eine maligne SFLL...
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 2018
The recently published guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medic... more The recently published guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on interventional ultrasound (INVUS)-guided procedures summarize the intended interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach. Herewith, we report on recommendations for interventional procedures for diagnosis and treatment of the thyroid gland.
DMW - Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift
Der Pneumologe
Pleuraerguss und pleuraständige Tumoren Die Pleura und der pleurale Raum sind bis auf die dorsal-... more Pleuraerguss und pleuraständige Tumoren Die Pleura und der pleurale Raum sind bis auf die dorsal-zentralen mediastinalen und präparavertebralen Anteile zu 60-70% sonographisch gut darstellbar [11]. Neben dem Pleuraerguss sind die pleuraständigen Raumforderungen (pleuralen oder bronchopulmonalen Ursprungs) die häufigsten sonographisch zu beantwortenden Fragestellungen. Die Stärke der Ultraschalldiagnostik liegt neben der hohen Ortsauflösung (z. B. beim Staging des peripheren Bronchialkarzinoms) in der sonographisch gezielt durchgeführten Biopsie bzw. Punktion zur Histologie/Zytologie und/oder Labordiagnostik. Sehr hilfreich zur Differenzialdiagnostik sind Farbdoppler-/Powerdoppler-und Kontrastmittelverfahren.
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
European Journal of Ultrasound
Computed tomography plays a prominent role in the imaging diagnosis of mediastinal masses. The me... more Computed tomography plays a prominent role in the imaging diagnosis of mediastinal masses. The mediastinum can also be assessed sonographically. Normal findings are shown, and limits and restrictions mentioned on the basis of the examination methods. The general indications and value of the procedure are discussed. Special sonographical findings for selected mediastinal masses such as lymphadenopathy, thymomae, germ cell tumours,
Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Evaluierung der diagnostischen Treffsicherheit der Kontrastmittelson... more Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Evaluierung der diagnostischen Treffsicherheit der Kontrastmittelsonografie in der Differenzialdiagnose kleiner Leberläsionen. Material und Methoden: 1349 Patienten mit im B-Bild und Power Doppler unklarem Lebertumor wurden prospektiv mittels KM-Sono multizentrisch mit standardisiertem Protokoll (mechanischer Index < 0,4, Phase/Puls-Inversion-Technik, Sonovue-Bolus-Injektion) untersucht. Die Differenzialdiagnose im KM-Sono basierte auf tumortypischen Vaskularisationsmustern in der arteriellen, portalvenösen Phase und Spätphase (EFSUMB-Leitlinie). 335 Patienten mit fokalen Leberläsionen (FLLs) ≤ 20 mm wurden analysiert. Die Tumorklassifizierung nach KM-Sono wurde mit der Histologie (73,2 %) oder in einigen Fällen mit CT und/oder MRT verglichen. Ergebnisse: Eine definitive Tumordiagnose war in 329 FLLs möglich. Die Enddiagnose der ≤ 20 mm FLLs mit histologischer Sicherung (n = 241) beinhaltete 87 benigne und 154 maligne Tumore. Die diagnostische Treffsi...
Praxis, 2017
Zusammenfassung. Die Sonografie der Schilddrüse mit hochauflösenden Schallsonden ist das erste un... more Zusammenfassung. Die Sonografie der Schilddrüse mit hochauflösenden Schallsonden ist das erste und meist einzige bildgebende Untersuchungsverfahren zur Beurteilung der Schilddrüse. Schilddrüsenerkrankungen können bei Darstellung einer normal volumigen und homogen strukturierten sowie unauffällig vaskularisierten Schilddrüse weitgehend ausgeschlossen werden. Die B-Bild-sonografische Real-time-Beobachtung der Schilddrüse (Pulsatilität, Kompressibilität, Schluckverschieblichkeit) ermöglicht in vielen Fällen nicht nur die Beurteilung der Morphologie, sondern gibt auch, zusammen mit klinischen Befunden, einschliesslich basalem TSH, Hinweise auf die Funktion. Weitere Informationen werden durch die Farbdopplersonografie mit Darstellung der Vaskularisation erhalten. Die Mehrzahl der detektierten Knoten werden als Zufallsbefund entdeckt und sind harmlos. Unter der grossen Zahl von benignen Schilddrüsenknoten müssen die sehr seltenen Malignome herausgefunden werden [1-11–4]. Die sonografisch gesteuerte Feinnadelpunktion trägt zur Sicherung der Diagnose Malignom bei. Interventionell besteht zudem die Möglichkeit der sonografisch gesteuerten Sklerosierung von Zysten und autonomen Schilddrüsenadenomen [5-15].
European Respiratory Journal, Sep 1, 2011
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2015
Dementia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two major phenomena in older people. To compare anti-hyper... more Dementia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two major phenomena in older people. To compare anti-hyperglycemic therapy and diabetes-related comorbidities between elderly T2D patients with or without comorbid dementia. 215,932 type 2 diabetes patients aged ≥40 years (median [Q1;Q3]: 70.4 [61.2;77.7] years) from the standardized, multicenter German/Austrian diabetes patient registry, DPV, were studied. To identify patients with comorbid dementia, the registry was searched by ICD-10 codes, DSM-IV/-5 codes, respective search terms and/or disease-specific medication. For group comparisons, multiple hierarchic regression modeling with adjustments for age, sex, and duration of diabetes was applied. 3.1% (n=6770; 57% females) of the eligible T2D patients had clinically recognized comorbid dementia. After adjustment for demographics, severe hypoglycemia (insulin group: 14.8±0.6 vs. 10.4±0.2 events per 100 patient-years, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), hypoglycemia with coma (insulin group: 7.6±0.4 vs. 3.9±0.1 events per 100 patient-years, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), depression (9.9 vs. 4.7%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), hypertension (74.7 vs. 72.2%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), stroke (25.3 vs. 6.5%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), diabetic foot syndrome (6.0 vs. 5.2%, p=0.004), and microalbuminuria (34.7 vs. 32.2%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) were more common in dementia patients compared to T2D without dementia. Moreover, patients with dementia received insulin therapy more frequently (59.3 vs. 54.7%, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), but metabolic control (7.7±0.1 vs. 7.7±0.1%) was comparable to T2D without dementia. In T2D with dementia, higher rates of hypoglycemia and other diabetes-related comorbidities were observed. Hence, the risks of a glucocentric and intense diabetes management with insulin and a focus on tight glycemic control without considering other factors may outweigh the benefits in elderly T2D patients with comorbid dementia.
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, Jan 17, 2015
Distinguishing malignant versus benign lymphadenopathies is a major diagnostic dilemma in clinica... more Distinguishing malignant versus benign lymphadenopathies is a major diagnostic dilemma in clinical medicine. Metastatic deposits in normal-sized lymph nodes (LNs) can be smaller than a millimeter, thus presenting a diagnostic challenge. In most clinical settings, however, enlarged LNs detected on imaging need to be classified as malignant or benign. Ultrasound seems to be a very reliable method for LN characterization because of the high resolution, especially in the subcutaneous areas. However, B-mode and Doppler-ultrasound criteria for characterization of a lymphadenopathy as benign or malignant are lacking specificity. Newer methods such as elastography seem to be valuable for identifying metastatic deposits within LNs and may help discriminate malignant and benign LNs. This review summarizes the different elastographic methods available and provides an overview of the relevant publications. According to the literature, elastography can be used for identifying metastatic deposits...
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder polyps and po... more The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder polyps and possible risk factors in a random population sample of an urban population. A total of 2099 subjects (1072 women, 1027 men; aged 19 - 65 years, mean age 42.1 (SD ± 12.8 years) were prospectively examined using ultrasound, a standardized questionnaire and laboratory studies. Gallbladder polyps were identified in 6.1 % (128 / 2099) of all subjects (women: 6.1 % [63 / 1027]); men: 6.1 % [65 / 1072]). Solitary polyps were found in 52.4 % (65 / 124), two polyps in 16.1 % (20 / 124), three polyps in 6.5 % (8 / 124), several polyps in 22.6 % (28 / 124) and multiple polyps in 2.4 % (3 / 124) of subjects. The mean polyp diameter was 4.7 mm (SD ± 2.2; range 2 - 20 mm). The polyp diameter was ≤ 7 mm in 94.5 % of subjects. The polyps were described as pedunculate in 82.3 % (102 / 124). The polyps were broad-based in 11.3 % of subjects (14 / 124; men: 18 % women: 4.8 %). The polyps were homogeneously echogenic in 100 % of cases and with irregular contours in only one male subject. Multiple logistic regression failed to demonstrate an influence on the increased occurrence of gallbladder polyps for the risk factors of male sex, age, body-mass index (BMI), alcohol, nicotine or caffeine consumption or diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of gallbladder polyps reported in the present study (6.1 %) is higher than figures previously published for populations in Germany or Europe. The majority of polyps were pedunculate and solitary. A typical risk factor profile for gallbladder polyps could not be identified in the present population sample.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The objective of the present study is to compare the utility of extended field-of-view ultrasonog... more The objective of the present study is to compare the utility of extended field-of-view ultrasonography and conventional B-mode ultrasonography for determining liver size. The liver size in the medioclavicular line (MCL) was determined in 104 inpatients (females: n = 47; males: n = 57) using both ultrasound methods (Philips HDI 5000). The liver size measured in computed tomography (CT; MX 8000 IDT, Philips) served as the gold standard. The body mass index (BMI), ultrasound scanning conditions, and hepatomegaly identified by CT were evaluated as possible factors affecting the measurement accuracy of the sonographic methods. The standard deviation of the differences between the measured pairs of values shows less dispersion in B-mode ultrasonography (18.7 mm) than panorama ultrasonography (20.8 mm). The mean value of differences between the measured pairs (bias) in the ultrasonographic methods compared to CT is considerably higher in panorama sonography (15.3 mm; SD = 20.8) than in B-mode ultrasonography (0.27 mm; SD = 18.7). A paired t-test of the mean values shows a significant difference between the ultrasonographic methods (p < 0.0001). In diagnosing or excluding hepatomegaly, B-mode sonography is consistent with CT findings in 84 (80.8 %) of 104 patients and panorama ultrasonography is consistent with CT findings in 77 (74.0 %) of 104 patients. Ultrasonographic methods show moderate agreement with each other (Kappa = 0.4265). Higher BMI and limited scanning conditions lead to an increase in the mean difference of measured pairs of values (bias) as well as to an increase in standard deviation of the differences (dispersion). The determination of liver size in the medioclavicular line using panorama ultrasonography often leads to the false-positive diagnosis of hepatomegaly. Therefore, the method should not be recommended for routine diagnostic scans. In cases of significant hepatomegaly, however, panorama ultrasonography offers superior visualization compared to conventional B-mode ultrasonography.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
The aim of the study was to calculate the costs for clinical ultrasound examinations in Germany u... more The aim of the study was to calculate the costs for clinical ultrasound examinations in Germany under defined economical aspects in a multicenter setting. There are fixed and variable costs for all common ultrasound examinations calculated under distinct scenarios for utilization and equipment quality (ultrasound systems classification concerning to DEGUM, German Ultrasound Society). Over 5 years (on average 2007 - 2011) depending on utilization and quality, the basic sonography costs were 131.30 - 171.39 Euros for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and 57.06 - 77.10 Euros for ultrasound guided biopsy per examination. The costs were calculated at 54.84 - 74.88 Euros for endosonography of the lower GI tract, at 79.20 - 109.27 Euros for the upper GI tract without biopsy and at 226.18 - 367.97 Euros with biopsy depending on the needle used. The costs were 34.58 - 47.01 Euros for basic transthoracic echocardiography, 100.04 - 112.20 Euros for CEUS, and 106.15 - 134.29 Euros for the transesophageal approach. Cost calculation under defined economical aspects leads to cost transparency for clinical ultrasound examinations. Echocardiography costs were calculated like this for the first time in Germany. Calculation based on fixed and variable cost aspects as well as using distinct scenarios enables prospective planning of resources and investment. The analysis points out deficits in the reimbursement of ultrasound examinations in Germany.
Ultraschall in der Medizin
Klinikleitfaden Sonographie Gastroenterologie, 2012