Sudhir Vinayak - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sudhir Vinayak

Research paper thumbnail of The role of mammography as a diagnostic aid in diseases of the breast at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi

A dissertation submitted in part fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Medicine (Diagnostic Radi... more A dissertation submitted in part fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Medicine (Diagnostic Radiology) , University of Nairobi

Research paper thumbnail of Training Midwives to Perform Basic Obstetric PoCUS in Rural Areas Using a Tablet Platform and Mobile Phone Transmission Technology

Research paper thumbnail of Mediterranean and African Society of Ultrasound- Status in Their Region

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Elastography Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Hepatitis B

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2017

challenging in clinical practice. In addition to serum biomarkers, several ultrasound-based metho... more challenging in clinical practice. In addition to serum biomarkers, several ultrasound-based methods have been vigorously developed and validated for assessing the degree of fibrosis and cirrhosis by measuring liver stiffness in the past decade. These ultrasound-based methods shed a new light in the aspect of non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a newly-developed transient elastography (TE) method integrated into a conventional ultrasound machine and can be performed with ultrasound probes during an abdominal ultrasound examination. Previous studies have indicated that it possesses a good performance in predicting liver fibrosis stages in chronic liver disease patients. The performance of ARFI in NAFLD patients will be discussed and reviewed. Further works of clinical validation regarding various methods are needed to improve the accuracy.

Research paper thumbnail of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) Policy Document Development Strategy – Clinical Practice Guidelines, Position Statements and Technological Reviews (on behalf of the WFUMB publication committee and Executive Bureau)

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of A Curriculum Model for Multidisciplinary Training of Midwife Sonographers in a Low Resource Setting

Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare

In many low-resource settings, less than 5% of pregnant women can access ultrasound during pregna... more In many low-resource settings, less than 5% of pregnant women can access ultrasound during pregnancy. Thus, gestational age is often difficult to determine, multiple pregnancies are diagnosed late and foetal and pregnancy-related anomalies can go undetected. A pilot solution was designed beyond the traditional approach of increasing numbers of qualified radiologists, gynaecologists and sonographers. An innovative Human Resource for Health (HRH) task sharing, and maternal child health (MCH) workforce training and capacity building initiative was designed, involving development and testing of a curriculum to train midwife sonographers via a teleradiology innovation platform and a partnership between specialist radiologists, sonographers and midwives. The setting was a tertiary-level private university hospital in Nairobi with implementation in three outreach locations. Direct oversight, support and supervision of specialist radiologists and ultrasonographers effectively addressed issues of quality and safety across the 3-week training period and project implementation. Concepts from sociocultural learning theory informed an initial interactive e-learning module for each midwife at their respective site. Midwives were introduced to ultrasound equipment with a series of didactic and interactive lectures delivered by an expert sonographer at the tertiary hospital teaching site. Lectures were supported by hands-on practical experience, role modelling and mentoring over a four-week period. Assessments included both written examination and practical assessment with an exit examination requiring demonstration of competency in both written and practical format. Final confirmation of scanning accuracy was confirmed with post-delivery verification of results. The pilot was highly successful with an image interpretation accuracy of 99.63% for the midwives. Lessons from this initiative provides guidance in the curriculum development process along with a curriculum outline; pedagogical framework; teaching methods; assessment processes; credentialing; resourcing; and other considerations in scaling up the program. Importantly, the paper details processes for maintaining a high level of quality control and patient safety.

Research paper thumbnail of CardiOvaScular Mechanisms In Covid-19: methodology of a prospective observational multimodality imaging study (COSMIC-19 study)

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

Background 8–28% of patients infected with COVID-19 have evidence of cardiac injury, and this is ... more Background 8–28% of patients infected with COVID-19 have evidence of cardiac injury, and this is associated with an adverse prognosis. The cardiovascular mechanisms of injury are poorly understood and speculative. We aim to use multimodality cardiac imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-d-glucose integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) to identify the cardiac pathophysiological mechanisms related to COVID-19 infections. Methods This is a single-centre exploratory observational study aiming to recruit 50 patients with COVID-19 infection who will undergo cardiac biomarker sampling. Of these, 30 patients will undergo combined CTCA and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, followed by CMR. Prevalence of obstructive and non-obstructive atherosclerotic coronary disease will be assessed using CTCA. CMR will be used to identify and characterise myocardial disease ...

Research paper thumbnail of Collaborative task-sharing to enhance the Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) access among expectant women in Kenya: The role of midwife sonographers

Journal of Interprofessional Care

Research paper thumbnail of Medical Student Ultrasound Education, a WFUMB Position Paper, Part II. A consensus statement of ultrasound societies

Medical Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is becoming a fundamental first-line diagnostic tool for most medical specialties and ... more Ultrasound is becoming a fundamental first-line diagnostic tool for most medical specialties and an innovative tool to teach anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to undergraduate and graduate students. However, availability of structured training programs during medical school is lagging behind and many physicians still acquire all their ultrasound skills during postgraduate training.There is wide variation in medical student ultrasound education worldwide. Sharing successful educational strategies from early adopter medical schools and learning from leading education programs should advance the integration of ultrasound into the university medical school curricula. In this overview, we present current approaches and suggestions by ultrasound societies concerning medical student educa-tion throughout the world. Based on these examples, we formulate a consensus statement with suggestions on how to integrate ultrasound teaching into the preclinical and clinical medical curricula.

Research paper thumbnail of How to excel in running a COE

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnicity and characteristics of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of Difficulties in diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis on aspiration cytology: A case report and brief review of the literature

Research paper thumbnail of Medical Student Ultrasound Education: A WFUMB Position Paper, Part I

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

The introduction of ultrasound into medical student education is well underway in many locations ... more The introduction of ultrasound into medical student education is well underway in many locations around the world, but is still in its infancy or has yet to begin in others. Proper incorporation of ultrasound education into medical training requires planning and resources, both capital and human. In this article, we discuss the state of the art of ultrasound in medical education throughout the world, as well as various methodologies utilized to improve student education and to incorporate ultrasound into every facet of training. Experiences from various educational systems and available evidence regarding the impact of ultrasound education are summarized. Representing multiple societies and specialties throughout the world, we discuss established modern as well as novel education structures and different successful approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of Antenatal Umbilical Coiling Index and Newborn Outcomes: Cohort Study

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science

Objectives: We aimed to test the predictive value of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) amo... more Objectives: We aimed to test the predictive value of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) among a prospectively recruited cohort of antenatal women. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies were recruited at their second-trimester scan. Images of the umbilical cord were used to calculate the aUCI. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were recorded and statistical associations between aUCI and small for gestational age (SGA) using international standard birth weight centiles and preterm birth were investigated (n = 430). Results: aUCI results were consistent with the literature and showed good reproducibility between observers. Abnormal aUCI was not associated with SGA, but there was a statistical association with preterm birth (odds ratio 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.4–7.7, P = 0.003). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for preterm birth were 47.6%, 76.9%, 9.6%, and 96.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The coiling index is unlikely to be useful in ...

Research paper thumbnail of Training Midwives to Perform Basic Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Rural Areas Using a Tablet Platform and Mobile Phone Transmission Technology—A WFUMB COE Project

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a topical subject and can be applied in a variety of ... more Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a topical subject and can be applied in a variety of ways with differing outcomes. The cost of all diagnostic procedures including obstetric ultrasound examinations is a major factor in the developing world and POCUS is only useful if it can be equated to good outcomes at a lower cost than a routine obstetric examination. The aim of this study was to assess a number of processes including accuracy of images and reports generated by midwives, performance of a tablet-sized ultrasound scanner, training of midwives to complete ultrasounds, teleradiology solution transmissions of images via internet, review of images by a radiologist, communication between midwife and radiologist, use of this technique to identify high-risk patients and improvement of the education and teleradiology model components. The midwives had no previous experience in ultrasound. They were stationed in rural locations where POCUS was available for the first time. After scanning the patients, an interim report was generated by the midwives and sent electronically together with all images to the main hospital for validation. Unique software was used to send lossless images by mobile phone using a modem. Transmission times were short and quality of images transmitted was excellent. All reports were validated by two experienced radiologists in our department and returned to the centers using the same transmission software. The transmission times, quality of scans, quality of reports and other parameters were recorded and monitored. Analysis showed excellent correlation between provisional and validated reports. Reporting accuracy of scans performed by the midwives was 99.63%. Overall flow turnaround time (from patient presentation to validated report) was initially 35 min but reduced to 25 min. The unique mobile phone transmission was faultless and there was no degradation of image quality. We found excellent correlation between final outcomes of the pregnancies and diagnoses on the basis of reports generated by the midwives. Only 1 discrepancy was found in the midwives' reports. Scan results versus actual outcomes revealed 2 discrepancies in the 20 patients identified as high risk. In conclusion, we found that it is valuable to train midwives in POCUS to use an ultrasound tablet device and transmit images and reports via the internet to radiologists for review of accuracy. This focus on the identification of highrisk patients can be valuable in a remote healthcare facility.

Research paper thumbnail of Opportunities and Challenges in Realizing Universal Access to Obstetric Ultrasound in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ultrasound international open, 2017

The potential benefits of obstetric ultrasound have yet to be fully realized in sub-Saharan Afric... more The potential benefits of obstetric ultrasound have yet to be fully realized in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite the region bearing the greatest burden of poor perinatal outcomes. We reviewed the literature for challenges and opportunities of universal access to obstetric ultrasound and explored what is needed to make such access an integral component of maternity care in order to address the massive burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality in SSA. Original peer-reviewed literature was searched in various electronic databases using a 'realist' approach. While the available data were inconclusive, they identify many opportunities for potential future research on the subject within the region that can help build a strong case to justify the provision of universal access to ultrasound as an integral component of comprehensive antenatal care.

Research paper thumbnail of Mammographic density and ageing: A collaborative pooled analysis of cross-sectional data from 22 countries worldwide

PLoS medicine, 2017

Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest breast cancer risk factors. Its age-related cha... more Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest breast cancer risk factors. Its age-related characteristics have been studied in women in western countries, but whether these associations apply to women worldwide is not known. We examined cross-sectional differences in MD by age and menopausal status in over 11,000 breast-cancer-free women aged 35-85 years, from 40 ethnicity- and location-specific population groups across 22 countries in the International Consortium on Mammographic Density (ICMD). MD was read centrally using a quantitative method (Cumulus) and its square-root metrics were analysed using meta-analysis of group-level estimates and linear regression models of pooled data, adjusted for body mass index, reproductive factors, mammogram view, image type, and reader. In all, 4,534 women were premenopausal, and 6,481 postmenopausal, at the time of mammography. A large age-adjusted difference in percent MD (PD) between post- and premenopausal women was apparent (-0.46 cm [9...

Research paper thumbnail of Thyroid Ultrasound: State of the Art. Part 2 - Focal Thyroid Lesions

Medical ultrasonography, Jan 22, 2017

Accurate differentiation of focal thyroid nodules (FTL) and thyroid abnormalities is pivotal for ... more Accurate differentiation of focal thyroid nodules (FTL) and thyroid abnormalities is pivotal for proper diagnostic and therapeutic work-up. In these two part articles, the role of ultrasound techniques in the characterization of FTL and evaluation of diffuse thyroid diseases is described to expand on the recently published World Federation in Ultrasound and Medicine (WFUMB) thyroid elastography guidelines and review how this guideline fits into a complete thyroid ultrasound exam.

Research paper thumbnail of Optimizing breast cancer diagnosis in Kenya: Importance of standardization of technical methodologies for comparative breast cancer data

Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2012

139 Background: An analysis of 322 cases referred to Aga Khan University, Nairobi, revealed 56% e... more 139 Background: An analysis of 322 cases referred to Aga Khan University, Nairobi, revealed 56% estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors and 35% prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Findings were retrospective and limited by inability to control pre-analytical variables that could potentially impact results. Methods: As part of an ongoing prospective study assessing prevalence of TNBC in the three major ethnic groups in Kenya, we gathered a multidisciplinary team from 10 collaborating health facilities around Kenya for an educational workshop. The objectives were to assess baseline capabilities and pre-analytic variables at each center, identify gaps and provide hands-on training in order to ensure accuracy and validity of ER/PR/HER2 prevalence data gathered as part of the study. Results: See table. Breast cancer biopsies ranged from one to 20 per month per center. Diagnosis was predominantly by FNA and ER/PR/HER2 was not routinely performed. Buffered formalin fixative ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ultrasound shear wave elastography and liver fibrosis: A Prospective Multicenter Study

World Journal of Hepatology, 2017

AIM To assess the accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) alone and in combination with aminotr... more AIM To assess the accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) alone and in combination with aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) score in the staging of liver fibrosis. METHODS A multicenter prospective study was conducted to assess the accuracy of SWE (medians) and APRI to predict biopsy results. The analysis focused on distinguishing the different stages of liver disease, namely, F0 from F1-4, F0-1 from F2-4, F0-2 from F3-4 and F0-3 from F4; F0-F1 from F2-F4 being of primary interest. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was computed using logistic regression model. The role of age, gender and steatosis was also assessed. RESULTS SWE alone accurately distinguished F0-1 from F2-4 with a high probability. The AUROC using SWE alone was 0.91 compared to 0.78 for using the APRI score alone.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of mammography as a diagnostic aid in diseases of the breast at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi

A dissertation submitted in part fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Medicine (Diagnostic Radi... more A dissertation submitted in part fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Medicine (Diagnostic Radiology) , University of Nairobi

Research paper thumbnail of Training Midwives to Perform Basic Obstetric PoCUS in Rural Areas Using a Tablet Platform and Mobile Phone Transmission Technology

Research paper thumbnail of Mediterranean and African Society of Ultrasound- Status in Their Region

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Elastography Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Hepatitis B

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 2017

challenging in clinical practice. In addition to serum biomarkers, several ultrasound-based metho... more challenging in clinical practice. In addition to serum biomarkers, several ultrasound-based methods have been vigorously developed and validated for assessing the degree of fibrosis and cirrhosis by measuring liver stiffness in the past decade. These ultrasound-based methods shed a new light in the aspect of non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a newly-developed transient elastography (TE) method integrated into a conventional ultrasound machine and can be performed with ultrasound probes during an abdominal ultrasound examination. Previous studies have indicated that it possesses a good performance in predicting liver fibrosis stages in chronic liver disease patients. The performance of ARFI in NAFLD patients will be discussed and reviewed. Further works of clinical validation regarding various methods are needed to improve the accuracy.

Research paper thumbnail of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) Policy Document Development Strategy – Clinical Practice Guidelines, Position Statements and Technological Reviews (on behalf of the WFUMB publication committee and Executive Bureau)

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of A Curriculum Model for Multidisciplinary Training of Midwife Sonographers in a Low Resource Setting

Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare

In many low-resource settings, less than 5% of pregnant women can access ultrasound during pregna... more In many low-resource settings, less than 5% of pregnant women can access ultrasound during pregnancy. Thus, gestational age is often difficult to determine, multiple pregnancies are diagnosed late and foetal and pregnancy-related anomalies can go undetected. A pilot solution was designed beyond the traditional approach of increasing numbers of qualified radiologists, gynaecologists and sonographers. An innovative Human Resource for Health (HRH) task sharing, and maternal child health (MCH) workforce training and capacity building initiative was designed, involving development and testing of a curriculum to train midwife sonographers via a teleradiology innovation platform and a partnership between specialist radiologists, sonographers and midwives. The setting was a tertiary-level private university hospital in Nairobi with implementation in three outreach locations. Direct oversight, support and supervision of specialist radiologists and ultrasonographers effectively addressed issues of quality and safety across the 3-week training period and project implementation. Concepts from sociocultural learning theory informed an initial interactive e-learning module for each midwife at their respective site. Midwives were introduced to ultrasound equipment with a series of didactic and interactive lectures delivered by an expert sonographer at the tertiary hospital teaching site. Lectures were supported by hands-on practical experience, role modelling and mentoring over a four-week period. Assessments included both written examination and practical assessment with an exit examination requiring demonstration of competency in both written and practical format. Final confirmation of scanning accuracy was confirmed with post-delivery verification of results. The pilot was highly successful with an image interpretation accuracy of 99.63% for the midwives. Lessons from this initiative provides guidance in the curriculum development process along with a curriculum outline; pedagogical framework; teaching methods; assessment processes; credentialing; resourcing; and other considerations in scaling up the program. Importantly, the paper details processes for maintaining a high level of quality control and patient safety.

Research paper thumbnail of CardiOvaScular Mechanisms In Covid-19: methodology of a prospective observational multimodality imaging study (COSMIC-19 study)

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

Background 8–28% of patients infected with COVID-19 have evidence of cardiac injury, and this is ... more Background 8–28% of patients infected with COVID-19 have evidence of cardiac injury, and this is associated with an adverse prognosis. The cardiovascular mechanisms of injury are poorly understood and speculative. We aim to use multimodality cardiac imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-d-glucose integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) to identify the cardiac pathophysiological mechanisms related to COVID-19 infections. Methods This is a single-centre exploratory observational study aiming to recruit 50 patients with COVID-19 infection who will undergo cardiac biomarker sampling. Of these, 30 patients will undergo combined CTCA and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, followed by CMR. Prevalence of obstructive and non-obstructive atherosclerotic coronary disease will be assessed using CTCA. CMR will be used to identify and characterise myocardial disease ...

Research paper thumbnail of Collaborative task-sharing to enhance the Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) access among expectant women in Kenya: The role of midwife sonographers

Journal of Interprofessional Care

Research paper thumbnail of Medical Student Ultrasound Education, a WFUMB Position Paper, Part II. A consensus statement of ultrasound societies

Medical Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is becoming a fundamental first-line diagnostic tool for most medical specialties and ... more Ultrasound is becoming a fundamental first-line diagnostic tool for most medical specialties and an innovative tool to teach anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to undergraduate and graduate students. However, availability of structured training programs during medical school is lagging behind and many physicians still acquire all their ultrasound skills during postgraduate training.There is wide variation in medical student ultrasound education worldwide. Sharing successful educational strategies from early adopter medical schools and learning from leading education programs should advance the integration of ultrasound into the university medical school curricula. In this overview, we present current approaches and suggestions by ultrasound societies concerning medical student educa-tion throughout the world. Based on these examples, we formulate a consensus statement with suggestions on how to integrate ultrasound teaching into the preclinical and clinical medical curricula.

Research paper thumbnail of How to excel in running a COE

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnicity and characteristics of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Research paper thumbnail of Difficulties in diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis on aspiration cytology: A case report and brief review of the literature

Research paper thumbnail of Medical Student Ultrasound Education: A WFUMB Position Paper, Part I

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

The introduction of ultrasound into medical student education is well underway in many locations ... more The introduction of ultrasound into medical student education is well underway in many locations around the world, but is still in its infancy or has yet to begin in others. Proper incorporation of ultrasound education into medical training requires planning and resources, both capital and human. In this article, we discuss the state of the art of ultrasound in medical education throughout the world, as well as various methodologies utilized to improve student education and to incorporate ultrasound into every facet of training. Experiences from various educational systems and available evidence regarding the impact of ultrasound education are summarized. Representing multiple societies and specialties throughout the world, we discuss established modern as well as novel education structures and different successful approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of Antenatal Umbilical Coiling Index and Newborn Outcomes: Cohort Study

Journal of Clinical Imaging Science

Objectives: We aimed to test the predictive value of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) amo... more Objectives: We aimed to test the predictive value of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) among a prospectively recruited cohort of antenatal women. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies were recruited at their second-trimester scan. Images of the umbilical cord were used to calculate the aUCI. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were recorded and statistical associations between aUCI and small for gestational age (SGA) using international standard birth weight centiles and preterm birth were investigated (n = 430). Results: aUCI results were consistent with the literature and showed good reproducibility between observers. Abnormal aUCI was not associated with SGA, but there was a statistical association with preterm birth (odds ratio 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.4–7.7, P = 0.003). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for preterm birth were 47.6%, 76.9%, 9.6%, and 96.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The coiling index is unlikely to be useful in ...

Research paper thumbnail of Training Midwives to Perform Basic Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Rural Areas Using a Tablet Platform and Mobile Phone Transmission Technology—A WFUMB COE Project

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a topical subject and can be applied in a variety of ... more Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a topical subject and can be applied in a variety of ways with differing outcomes. The cost of all diagnostic procedures including obstetric ultrasound examinations is a major factor in the developing world and POCUS is only useful if it can be equated to good outcomes at a lower cost than a routine obstetric examination. The aim of this study was to assess a number of processes including accuracy of images and reports generated by midwives, performance of a tablet-sized ultrasound scanner, training of midwives to complete ultrasounds, teleradiology solution transmissions of images via internet, review of images by a radiologist, communication between midwife and radiologist, use of this technique to identify high-risk patients and improvement of the education and teleradiology model components. The midwives had no previous experience in ultrasound. They were stationed in rural locations where POCUS was available for the first time. After scanning the patients, an interim report was generated by the midwives and sent electronically together with all images to the main hospital for validation. Unique software was used to send lossless images by mobile phone using a modem. Transmission times were short and quality of images transmitted was excellent. All reports were validated by two experienced radiologists in our department and returned to the centers using the same transmission software. The transmission times, quality of scans, quality of reports and other parameters were recorded and monitored. Analysis showed excellent correlation between provisional and validated reports. Reporting accuracy of scans performed by the midwives was 99.63%. Overall flow turnaround time (from patient presentation to validated report) was initially 35 min but reduced to 25 min. The unique mobile phone transmission was faultless and there was no degradation of image quality. We found excellent correlation between final outcomes of the pregnancies and diagnoses on the basis of reports generated by the midwives. Only 1 discrepancy was found in the midwives' reports. Scan results versus actual outcomes revealed 2 discrepancies in the 20 patients identified as high risk. In conclusion, we found that it is valuable to train midwives in POCUS to use an ultrasound tablet device and transmit images and reports via the internet to radiologists for review of accuracy. This focus on the identification of highrisk patients can be valuable in a remote healthcare facility.

Research paper thumbnail of Opportunities and Challenges in Realizing Universal Access to Obstetric Ultrasound in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ultrasound international open, 2017

The potential benefits of obstetric ultrasound have yet to be fully realized in sub-Saharan Afric... more The potential benefits of obstetric ultrasound have yet to be fully realized in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite the region bearing the greatest burden of poor perinatal outcomes. We reviewed the literature for challenges and opportunities of universal access to obstetric ultrasound and explored what is needed to make such access an integral component of maternity care in order to address the massive burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality in SSA. Original peer-reviewed literature was searched in various electronic databases using a 'realist' approach. While the available data were inconclusive, they identify many opportunities for potential future research on the subject within the region that can help build a strong case to justify the provision of universal access to ultrasound as an integral component of comprehensive antenatal care.

Research paper thumbnail of Mammographic density and ageing: A collaborative pooled analysis of cross-sectional data from 22 countries worldwide

PLoS medicine, 2017

Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest breast cancer risk factors. Its age-related cha... more Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest breast cancer risk factors. Its age-related characteristics have been studied in women in western countries, but whether these associations apply to women worldwide is not known. We examined cross-sectional differences in MD by age and menopausal status in over 11,000 breast-cancer-free women aged 35-85 years, from 40 ethnicity- and location-specific population groups across 22 countries in the International Consortium on Mammographic Density (ICMD). MD was read centrally using a quantitative method (Cumulus) and its square-root metrics were analysed using meta-analysis of group-level estimates and linear regression models of pooled data, adjusted for body mass index, reproductive factors, mammogram view, image type, and reader. In all, 4,534 women were premenopausal, and 6,481 postmenopausal, at the time of mammography. A large age-adjusted difference in percent MD (PD) between post- and premenopausal women was apparent (-0.46 cm [9...

Research paper thumbnail of Thyroid Ultrasound: State of the Art. Part 2 - Focal Thyroid Lesions

Medical ultrasonography, Jan 22, 2017

Accurate differentiation of focal thyroid nodules (FTL) and thyroid abnormalities is pivotal for ... more Accurate differentiation of focal thyroid nodules (FTL) and thyroid abnormalities is pivotal for proper diagnostic and therapeutic work-up. In these two part articles, the role of ultrasound techniques in the characterization of FTL and evaluation of diffuse thyroid diseases is described to expand on the recently published World Federation in Ultrasound and Medicine (WFUMB) thyroid elastography guidelines and review how this guideline fits into a complete thyroid ultrasound exam.

Research paper thumbnail of Optimizing breast cancer diagnosis in Kenya: Importance of standardization of technical methodologies for comparative breast cancer data

Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2012

139 Background: An analysis of 322 cases referred to Aga Khan University, Nairobi, revealed 56% e... more 139 Background: An analysis of 322 cases referred to Aga Khan University, Nairobi, revealed 56% estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors and 35% prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Findings were retrospective and limited by inability to control pre-analytical variables that could potentially impact results. Methods: As part of an ongoing prospective study assessing prevalence of TNBC in the three major ethnic groups in Kenya, we gathered a multidisciplinary team from 10 collaborating health facilities around Kenya for an educational workshop. The objectives were to assess baseline capabilities and pre-analytic variables at each center, identify gaps and provide hands-on training in order to ensure accuracy and validity of ER/PR/HER2 prevalence data gathered as part of the study. Results: See table. Breast cancer biopsies ranged from one to 20 per month per center. Diagnosis was predominantly by FNA and ER/PR/HER2 was not routinely performed. Buffered formalin fixative ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ultrasound shear wave elastography and liver fibrosis: A Prospective Multicenter Study

World Journal of Hepatology, 2017

AIM To assess the accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) alone and in combination with aminotr... more AIM To assess the accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) alone and in combination with aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) score in the staging of liver fibrosis. METHODS A multicenter prospective study was conducted to assess the accuracy of SWE (medians) and APRI to predict biopsy results. The analysis focused on distinguishing the different stages of liver disease, namely, F0 from F1-4, F0-1 from F2-4, F0-2 from F3-4 and F0-3 from F4; F0-F1 from F2-F4 being of primary interest. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was computed using logistic regression model. The role of age, gender and steatosis was also assessed. RESULTS SWE alone accurately distinguished F0-1 from F2-4 with a high probability. The AUROC using SWE alone was 0.91 compared to 0.78 for using the APRI score alone.