Prenatal 3D sonography of an isolated lateral facial cleft

Lateral facial cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, but all affected infants require surgery under general anesthesia. Conventional 2‐dimensional coronal view of the face, which is typically used for identification of facial clefts, has limitations with regard to detection of this anomaly. We describe a case of prenatal diagnosis of isolated lateral facial cleft made with 3D sonography and highlight the importance of this tool in the diagnosis of this rare facial deformity.     

二维及三维超声心动图诊断单纯性二尖瓣前叶裂

目的 通过二维及三维实时超声心动图探讨单纯性二尖瓣前叶裂的诊断特点,进一步确认二尖瓣前叶裂的超声诊断标准.方法 对26例单纯性二尖瓣前叶裂患者的二维及三维实时超声心动图图像进行分析,观察裂的形态、位置及二尖瓣反流等.结果 26例患者中,23例二尖瓣前叶裂位于近联合处,3例位于二尖瓣前叶中间;8例合并二尖瓣脱垂及腱索断裂;15例二尖瓣前叶裂呈近"I"型,11例呈近"C"型或"S"型;5例二尖瓣口未见反流信号,9例伴二尖瓣中度以上反流.结论 动态图像下二尖瓣短轴切面显示二尖瓣前叶不连续,可探及回声失落处,是二尖瓣前叶裂的特异性诊断特点.二尖瓣裂致二尖瓣关闭不良者彩色多普勒显示二尖瓣反流源于裂口处.连续扫查二尖瓣配合三维超声心动图可以清晰显示二尖瓣裂的位置、形态以及程度.     

Prenatal 3D sonographic diagnosis of an isolated lateral facial cleft

We report a case of lateral facial cleft (Tessier 7) diagnosed by sonography at a gestational age of 24 weeks. Two-dimensional sonography revealed a fetus appropriate for gestational age without obvious anomaly, but a three-dimensional sonogram with surface mode rendering showed asymmetrical macrostomia as a result of a left lateral facial cleft. Our case highlights the advantage of using three-dimensional sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of lateral facial clefts.     

Multislice Display of the Fetal Face Using 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography

Objective. Multislice 3‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) allows ultrasonographic volume data to be presented in parallel slices. Our aim was to develop a technique using a multislice display to specifically differentiate the maxilla (primary palate) from the mandible and to display the orbits in a single image in fetuses with normal anatomy and cleft lip/palate. Methods. Three‐dimensional ultrasonographic volumes of the fetal face were acquired in 142 patients (49 prospective and 93 retrospective). Fifteen patients had a confirmed diagnosis of cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Three readers manipulated volumes in a standardized fashion to show the orbits, maxilla, and mandible. The best interslice distance was determined. Image quality was assessed. Results. The mean gestational age of the fetuses was 23 weeks (range, 11–38 weeks). The mean interval distance used varied from 3 to 3.7 mm (range, 1–5.8 mm). The interval distance correlated with gestational age (Spearman ρ = 0.66; P < .0001). Image quality obtained through multislice evaluation of the orbits, maxilla, and mandible was high and did not vary with gestational age, interval distance, retrospective versus prospective acquisition, or 3DUS versus 4‐dimensional volumes. A higher image quality rating was associated with axial and sagittal planes of acquisition as opposed to coronal and oblique planes (Wilcoxon P < .002). All cases of cleft lip with or without cleft palate were correctly identified retrospectively. Conclusions. Multislice 3DUS evaluation of the fetal face can be performed successfully with high image quality. This technique can be used to consistently and accurately differentiate the fetal primary palate and mandible. Fetuses with cleft lip with or without cleft palate can be identified with confidence.     

A finite element model of the 3D-printed transparent facemask for applying pressure therapy

BackgroundTransparent facemask has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of facial hypertrophic scars all over the world. 3D printing has improved the fabrication accuracy of the traditional transparent facemasks. However, the pressure distribution pattern generated by the 3D-printed transparent facemasks has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study is to develop a biomechanical model to simulate the pressure distribution of the 3D-printed transparent facemask, and to form the biomechanical basis to guide facemask design.MethodsA finite element model comprised of the head bones, the soft tissues of the face and the transparent facemask was established in ABAQUS CAE package. The contact pressure between the facemask and the face was simulated under 7 loading conditions. The calculated results from the model were validated through comparing with the experimental pressure measurements.FindingsThe calculated results from the model well correlated with the experimental pressure measurements (P < 0.05). The biomechanical model is acceptable for the prediction of interface pressure between the facemask and the face.InterpretationThe pressure distribution pattern showed the facial areas with thin soft tissues and bony prominence experienced concentrated pressure while areas with thick soft tissues received less or no pressure. Suggestions for future facemask design based on the biomechanical model is releasing the areas with concentrated pressure and indenting areas with insufficient pressure.     

三维超声汇聚征诊断乳腺癌

目的 探讨乳腺三维超声冠状面成像显示汇聚征诊断乳腺癌的价值。方法 观察128例乳腺肿瘤患者(共132个病灶)的三维超声汇聚征和二维超声毛刺征显示情况,与病理结果对照,比较二者对乳腺癌的诊断价值,分析汇聚征显示率与肿瘤大小之间的关系。结果 132个乳腺肿块中,76个为乳腺癌,56个为乳腺良性病变,汇聚征和毛刺征诊断乳腺癌的敏感度、特异度、准确率、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为63.16%(48/76)、92.86%(52/56)、75.76%(100/132)、92.31%(48/52)、65.00%(52/80)和44.74%(34/76)、91.07%(51/56)、64.39%(85/132)、87.18%(34/39)、54.84%(51/93)。汇聚征对于诊断乳腺癌的敏感度明显高于毛刺征(P<0.05)。汇聚征的显示率随着乳腺肿块直径增加而逐渐降低(P<0.01)。结论 乳腺超声实时三维成像显示汇聚征对于乳腺癌的诊断价值高于二维超声显示毛刺征。汇聚征对于诊断乳腺癌具有较高特异度,对小乳癌有较高敏感度,对于早期乳腺癌的诊断和鉴别诊断具有重要价值。     

实时三维超声心动图诊断二尖瓣叶裂

目的 探讨实时三维超声(RT-3DE)在二尖瓣叶裂(MVC)诊断中的价值。 方法 对17例经二维超声心动图诊断MVC的患者在左心室长轴切面和二尖瓣短轴切面实施RT-3DE全容积显像,在三个方位(冠状位、矢状位、水平位)、六个方向对图像进行剖析观察,对二尖瓣瓣叶裂进行定位诊断,测量裂口宽度及长度,观察裂口与周围结构的空间位置关系。 结果 RT-3DE全容积图像可以清晰显示瓣叶裂的位置、宽度、长度及裂口宽度随心动周期的变化及其与周围腱索、主动脉瓣的空间位置关系。 结论 RT-3DE能为超声医生对MVC的诊断提供更明确的诊断依据,为心脏外科医生的手术方式的选择提供更全面的参考信息。     

三维超声计算机辅助虚拟脏器分析技术评价胎儿胆囊发育

目的 探讨三维超声计算机辅助虚拟脏器分析(VOCAL)技术测量不同孕龄胎儿胆囊体积,建立胆囊体积的正常参考值范围,并评价其与孕周的相关性。方法 选择19~40孕周正常胎儿230胎作为研究对象,采用二维超声和三维超声测量胎儿胆囊体积,并观察其重复性和一致性,分析胆囊体积与孕周的相关性。结果 同一操作者和不同操作者应用三维超声的重复性和一致性均优于二维超声。胎儿胆囊体积随孕周增加而增大,回归方程为Y=-0.027+0.104X-0.005X²(r=0.774,P=0.0001)。结论 三维超声VOCAL技术在胎儿胆囊体积测量方面的重复性和一致性优于二维超声,有助于评价胎儿胆囊发育。     

Severe invasive Listeria monocytogenes rhombencephalitis mimicking facial neuritis in a healthy middle-aged man: a case report and literature review

Neurolisteriosis is a foodborne infection of the central nervous system that is easily misdiagnosed, especially in healthy adults with atypical symptoms. A 50-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of distortion of the oral commissure. Facial neuritis was diagnosed and treated with intravenous dexamethasone. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he presented with a slow pharyngeal reflex, stiff neck, and signs of peripheral facial paralysis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple ring-enhanced foci in the brainstem. Routine and biochemical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses showed increased white blood cells and microproteins. Blood culture and high-throughput genome sequencing revealed Listeria monocytogenes DNA in the CSF. Ampicillin, amikacin, and meropenem were administered, and the patient was transferred from the intensive care unit to a standard medical ward after 2 months. The patient could walk and eat normally; however, he required intermittent mechanical ventilation at 11 months after discharge. Although L. monocytogenes meningitis is rare in healthy immunocompetent adults, it must be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially in adults whose conditions do not improve with cephalosporin antibiotic administration. L. monocytogenes rhombencephalitis mimics facial neuritis and develops quickly. Prompt diagnosis is essential for rapid initiation of antibiotic therapy to achieve the best outcome.     

三维超声TUI技术在胎儿唇腭裂诊断中的应用

目的分析胎儿唇腭裂在三维超声新技术断层超声成像（TUI）中的图像特征,评价TUI诊断胎儿唇腭裂的价值。方法应用TUI对32例唇腭裂胎儿的三维容积数据进行后处理分析,并将检查结果与二维超声检查结果进行比较。结果TUI对单纯唇裂的显示率为100%（8/8）,对唇裂合并腭裂的显示率为75%（18/24）;二维超声对单纯唇裂的显示率为100%（8/8）,对唇裂合并腭裂的显示率为33.3%（8/24）,二者对胎儿唇裂合并腭裂的显示率差别有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论TUI在胎儿唇腭裂的产前诊断上具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Evaluation of the Fetal Secondary Palate by 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography

Objective. Diagnosis of cleft lip and palate remains a challenge with 2‐dimensional ultrasonography, particularly when clefting involves only the secondary palate. The utility of 3‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) has enhanced our ability to detect clefts. We report our experience with a modification of the flipped face technique to aid in the diagnosis of clefting of the secondary palate. Methods. Ninety‐two volumes of 92 fetal faces were evaluated. Thirty‐six volumes were acquired prospectively. Fifty‐six volumes had previously been acquired and included 8 with clefting of the secondary palate. Volumes were obtained on 3DUS systems and reviewed by 4 blinded readers on personal computer workstations. Volumes were manipulated so that an upright profile was visualized. The palate was then rendered using a thin, curved render box. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test for categorical data. Intraclass correlations were computed to assess inter‐rater agreement. Results. The mean gestational age at image acquisition ± SD was 22 ± 5 weeks. Image quality of the secondary palate was obtained and rated as adequate by at least 2 reviewers in 34% (31 of 92) of volumes. The sensitivity of cleft detection ranged from 33% to 63%, and the specificity ranged from 84% to 95%. The low sensitivity was mainly due to artifacts/shadowing. The inter‐rater reliability was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.76). Conclusions. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography can be used to diagnose clefts of the secondary palate. This evaluation is limited by the fetal position and artifacts from shadowing of adjoining structures. Pseudoclefts can be created, and optimal imaging cannot be obtained in all fetuses.     

The importance of prenatal 3‐dimensional sonography in a case of a segmental overgrowth syndrome with unclear chromosomal microarray results

PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum, caused by mosaic mutations in the PIK3CA gene, is associated with regional or generalized asymmetric overgrowth of the body or a body part in addition to other clinical findings. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3‐D US) has the capability to display structural abnormalities in soft tissues or other organs, thereby facilitating identification of segmental overgrowth lesions. We present a case suspected of having a segmental overgrowth disorder based on 3‐D US, whose chromosomal microarray result was abnormal, but apparently was not the cause of the majority of the fetus's clinical features.     

超声诊断儿童鳃裂畸形

目的 探讨儿童鳃裂畸形的超声诊断价值.方法 回顾15例鳃裂畸形患儿的声像图表现,并与手术、病理结果对照分析.结果 6例为鳃裂囊肿,超声表现为囊性团块,内回声均匀;6例为鳃裂囊肿并瘘管形成,超声表现为囊性团块,并有条状低回声与体表或咽内相通;3例为鳃裂窦道形成.全部鳃裂畸形患儿中13例病灶位于颈前,1例位于锁骨下缘前胸壁,1例位于耳前腮腺区.超声诊断与手术病理符合率为86.70%.结论 超声诊断鳃裂畸形较准确、可靠,可明确其位置及毗邻关系,对临床手术有重要意义.     

Corrigendum to “Effects of laser acupuncture in a patient with a 12-year history of facial paralysis: A case report” [Complement. Ther. Med. 43 (April) (2019) 306–310]

BackgroundTraumatic facial palsy, whether accidental or iatrogenic, is a common cause of facial paralysis. Laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) is a non-invasive, pain-free method to stimulate traditional acupuncture points with non-thermal laser irradiation. Low-level laser therapy has proven beneficial in the regeneration of peripheral nerves. This case report describes the feasibility of this innovative treatment in a patient with a 12-year history of traumatic facial palsy and severe sequelae.Case summaryA52-year-old male presented with a severe left-sided facial paralysis that had lasted for 12 years. At initial presentation, the man could not fully close his left eye and had difficulty eating solid foods. The paralysis of his left-sided facial muscles had resulted in dysarthria. He was administered 30 LAT sessions in the Acupuncture Department of China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, over a 4-month period. His recovery was monitored by scores on the Facial Disability Index, the Sunnybrook Facial Nerve Grading System and measurements of the vertical palpebral distance in his left eye. Photographs were taken after every treatment. On the 10^th treatment, a change in closure of the left eye was noticed and facial muscle strength was improved. After 22 treatments, the patient could fully close his left eye.ConclusionLAT significantly improved the sequelae of long-term facial paralysis in this patient. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation.     

Fetal tongue posture associated with micrognathia: An ultrasound marker of cleft secondary palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate (CP) are the most common facial malformations. Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) is the first-line examination in the prenatal diagnosis of CP. Three-dimensional, four-dimensional US and MRI provide a better detection of facial clefts. We present two fetuses with micrognathia and suspected secondary CP on 2D US: fetal tongue appeared in an unusual position (low tip and high dorsum position) and showed uncoordinated movements. MRI did not confirm the US suspicion, but at birth the two fetuses were affected by Pierre Robin sequence.     

经阴道三维超声诊断子宫发育异常的准确性及可重复性

目的 评价经阴道三维超声(TV3DUS)诊断子宫发育异常的价值及测量宫腔的可重复性。方法 随机选择接受TV3DUS检查的30例子宫正常及49例子宫发育异常的患者进行分析,测量其中39例发育异常子宫的宫腔底部宽度、宫底内膜面向宫腔凸起高度或纵隔长度、宫腔长度。由2名医师在双盲情况下分别独立完成图像的分析、测量和诊断,对诊断结果和测量数据进行一致性检验。结果 2名医师诊断子宫发育异常具有高度一致性(Kappa=0.932,P<0.01)。对39例发育异常子宫宫腔径线的测量结果显示,观察者内及观察者间均有高度一致性,组内相关系数均高于0.8。结论 TV3DUS可准确诊断子宫发育异常,其测量宫腔径线的可重复性良好。     

电针周围性面瘫患者穴位的功能磁共振成像研究

目的 探讨功能磁共振成像(fMRI)研究电针周围性面瘫患者不同穴位时脑功能区变化.方法 将18例左侧周围性面瘫患者随机分为3组,分别电针左侧地仓穴(6例)、左侧合谷穴(6例)、左侧后溪穴(6例),同时行全脑fMRI 扫描.以SPM 软件进行图像后处理,t检验(P<0.05)分析得出电针不同穴位的脑功能图像. 结果电针左侧地仓穴、左侧合谷穴信号降低区:双侧额中回,左扣带回;信号升高区:右侧中央前回,双侧中央后回,左侧颞上回,右侧脑岛.电针左侧后溪信号降低区:双侧额下回,左侧豆状核,右侧颞中回,右侧小脑扁桃体;信号升高区:右侧尾状核头,右侧扣带回,脑干,小脑蚓,右侧海马回. 结论 电针周围性面瘫患者合谷穴和地仓穴可引起大脑相应的功能区激活,而电针后溪穴未见和前两者有相似的激活区域,推测穴位与大脑的联系与其所属的经脉有密切联系.     

中晚期妊娠胎儿体表结构的三维超声成像

目的 :探讨胎儿体表结构三维超声成像的方法学及其临床应用前景。方法 :采用表面成像方法对 34例中晚期妊娠胎儿的体表结构进行三维超声成像。结果 :三维超声可直观显示胎儿体表结构的表面特征、立体形态及各结构间的位置关系 ,提供的信息较二维超声更为丰富。对 4例有唇 (腭 )裂家族史的病例及 11例二维超声不能准确判定胎儿面部结构的病例 ,三维超声均准确排除了畸形的存在 ;1例疑有手腕畸形的病例通过三维超声检查也排除了畸形的存在 ,提高了操作者的诊断信心。同时 ,三维超声也发现有 1例假阳性。结论 :胎儿体表结构的三维图像可提供更丰富的诊断信息 ,可望作为二维超声的补充提高对胎儿畸形的产前诊断率     

第11~13周胎儿额上颌角的二维及三维超声测量

目的 比较及评价二维和三维超声在测量胎儿额上颌(FMF)角中的作用.方法 分别应用二维及三维超声方法在颜面正中矢状面测量11～13周正常胎儿的FMF角,比较两种测量方法所得测值的差异及可重复性,分析三维测量的FMF角与胎儿头臀长(CRL)的关系.结果 共37名胎儿测得FMF角.随CRL增大,测量例数增加,而FMF角减小.其中18名(48.65%)得到符合要求的二维测量平面,30名(81.08%)胎儿获得符合要求的三维重建平面.对同一胎儿,二维测量平面两次测值间的平均差异为2.78°±1.95°,明显大于三维重建平面两次测值间的平均差异(1.68°±1.01°,P<0.01).11名胎儿同时应用两种方法进行测量,所得FMF角差异无统计学意义.三维重建平面测得的FMF角随CRL的增加而减小,二者明显相关(r＝-0.540,P<0.01).结论 在 11～13周正常胎儿中,与二维超声相比,应用三维超声可以快速而精确地测量FMF角.     

Application of computer tomography-based 3D reconstruction technique in hernia repair surgery

BACKGROUNDHernia is a common condition requiring abdominal surgery. The current standard treatment for hernia is tension-free repair using meshes. Globally, more than 200 new types of meshes are licensed each year. However, their clinical applications are associated with a series of complications, such as recurrence (10% - 24%) and infection (0.5% - 9.0%). In contrast, 3D-printed meshes have significantly reduced the postoperative complications in patients. They have also shortened operating time and minimized the loss of mesh materials. In this study, we used the myopectineal orifice (MPO) data obtained from preoperative computer tomography (CT)-based 3D reconstruction for the production of 3D-printed biologic meshes.AIMTo investigate the application of multislice spiral CT-based 3D reconstruction technique in 3D-printed biologic mesh for hernia repair surgery.METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic tension-free repair for inguinal hernia in the Department of General Surgery of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from September 2019 to December 2019. This study included 30 males and 30 females, with a mean age of 40 ± 5.6 years. Data on the MPO were obtained from preoperative CT-based 3D reconstruction as well as from real-world intraoperative measurements for all patients. Anatomic points were set for the purpose of measurement based on the definition of MPO: A: The pubic tubercle; B: Intersection of the horizontal line extending from the summit of the inferior edge of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis and the outer edge of the rectus abdominis, C: Intersection of the horizontal line extending from the summit of the inferior edge of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis and the inguinal ligament, D: Intersection of the iliopsoas muscle and the inguinal ligament, and E: Intersection of the iliopsoas muscle and the superior pubic ramus. The distance between the points was measured. All preoperative and intraoperative data were analyzed using the t test. Differences with P < 0.05 were considered significant in comparative analysis.RESULTSThe distance between points AB, AC, BC, DE, and AE based on preoperative and intraoperative data was 7.576 ± 0.212 cm vs 7.573 ± 0.266 cm, 7.627 ± 0.212 cm vs 7.627 ± 0.212 cm, 7.677 ± 0.229 cm vs 7.567 ± 0.786 cm, 7.589 ± 0.204 cm vs 7.512 ± 0.21 cm, and 7.617 ± 0.231 cm vs 7.582 ± 0.189 cm, respectively. All differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe use of multislice spiral CT-based 3D reconstruction technique before hernia repair surgery allows accurate measurement of data and relationships of different anatomic sites in the MPO region. This technique can provide precise data for the production of 3D-printed biologic meshes.