Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.7
3.0
Journals
Diagnostics
Special Issues
Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology
share announcement

Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 10146

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gianluca Raffaello Damiani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, 70124 Bari, Italy
Interests: colposcopy; hysteroscopy; urogynecology; oncology and gynecological ultrasound

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since its discovery, ultrasound technology has been widely used in obsteric and gynecological imaging becoming one of the foundamental tools used in office patient evaluation. Ecography offers to physicians the unique possibility to observe biological processes in vivo and to compare a pathological condition aspect from one moment to another. In obstetric evaluation, this tool gives us informations about fetal wellbeing, being able to detect any amniotic fluid or blood flow anomaly in fetal or maternal vessels. Prenatal morphological assesment, which aims to find fetal malformations, helps the mother in making a wise decision regarding voluntary termination of a pregnancy, but is also useful for physicians in order to plan the birth in cases of newborn pathologies. For the gynecologic patient, we can use ultrasound for the diagnosis of benign or malignant conditions. The first application is the genital bleeding evaluation, where this method plays a key role in determining the cause of chronic or acute bleeding. Uterine leiomyomata, endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer, polyps, adenomyosis, foreign bodies are easy to find at ultrasound examination. In pelvic pain evaluation, endometriosic nodules are often found at ecography. Ovaries can be also easily checked with this tool: ovarian cyst evaluation can help to distinguish between begnin and malignant cysts. Uterine malformations are a wide spectrum of anomalies which are usually discovered in young fertile women who want to become pregnant. In these conditions with 3D ultrasound, we can reconstruct the uterine cavity so we can see inside the organ in a minimally invasive way. Three-dimensional ultrasound is also useful for determining the position of ectopic pregnancy, which helps in the presurgical staging of the condition.

Dr. Gianluca Raffaello Damiani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

13 pages, 7100 KiB  
Article
Digital Examination vs. 4D Transperineal Ultrasound—Do They Compare in Labour Management? A Pilot Study
by Friederike Exner, Rebecca Caspers, Lieven Nils Kennes, Julia Wittenborn, Tomás Kupec, Elmar Stickeler and Laila Najjari
Diagnostics 2024, 14(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14030293 - 30 Jan 2024
Viewed by 702
Abstract
The aim was to compare transperineal ultrasound (TPU) with parameters of the Bishop Score during the first stage of labour and evaluate how TPU can contribute towards improving labour management. Digital examination (DE) and TPU were performed on 42 women presenting at the [...] Read more.
The aim was to compare transperineal ultrasound (TPU) with parameters of the Bishop Score during the first stage of labour and evaluate how TPU can contribute towards improving labour management. Digital examination (DE) and TPU were performed on 42 women presenting at the labour ward with regular contractions. TPU measurements included the head–symphysis distance, angle of progression, diameter of the cervical wall, cervical dilation (CD) and cervical length (CL). To examine if TPU can monitor labour progress, correlations of TPU parameters were calculated. Agreement of DE and TPU was examined for CL and CD measurements and for two groups divided into latent (CD < 5 cm) and active stages of labour (CD ≥ 5 cm). TPU parameters indicated a moderate negative correlation of CD and CL (Pearson: r = −0.667; Spearman = −0.611). The other parameters showed a weak to moderate correlation. DE and TPU measurements for CD showed better agreement during the latent stage than during the active stage. The results of the present study add to the growing evidence that TPU may contribute towards an improved labour management, suggesting a combined approach of TPU and DE to monitor the latent first stage of labour and using only DE during the active stage of labour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 683 KiB  
Article
Sonographic, Demographic, and Clinical Characteristics of Pre- and Postmenopausal Women with Endometrial Cancer; Results from a Post Hoc Analysis of the IETA4 (International Endometrial Tumor Analysis) Multicenter Cohort
by Rasmus W. Green, Daniela Fischerová, Antonia C. Testa, Dorella Franchi, Filip Frühauf, Pelle G. Lindqvist, Alessia di Legge, David Cibula, Robert Fruscio, Lucia A. Haak, Gina Opolskiene, Ailyn M. Vidal Urbinati, Dirk Timmerman, Tom Bourne, Thierry van den Bosch and Elisabeth Epstein
Diagnostics 2024, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14010001 - 19 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1189
Abstract
In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of demographic, histopathological, and sonographic characteristics between pre- and postmenopausal women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, while also examining sonographic and anthropometric features in ‘low’ and ‘intermediate/high-risk’ cases, stratified by menopausal status. Our analysis, based on [...] Read more.
In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of demographic, histopathological, and sonographic characteristics between pre- and postmenopausal women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, while also examining sonographic and anthropometric features in ‘low’ and ‘intermediate/high-risk’ cases, stratified by menopausal status. Our analysis, based on data from the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) 4 cohort comprising 1538 women (161 premenopausal, 1377 postmenopausal) with biopsy-confirmed endometrial cancer, revealed that premenopausal women, compared to their postmenopausal counterparts, exhibited lower parity (median 1, IQR 0–2 vs. 1, IQR 1–2, p = 0.001), a higher family history of colon cancer (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.001), and smaller waist circumferences (median 92 cm, IQR 82–108 cm vs. 98 cm, IQR 87–112 cm, p = 0.002). Premenopausal women more often had a regular endometrial–myometrial border (39% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), a visible endometrial midline (23% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), and undefined tumor (73% vs. 84%, p = 0.001). Notably, despite experiencing a longer duration of abnormal uterine bleeding (median 5 months, IQR 3–12 vs. 3 months, 2–6, p < 0.001), premenopausal women more often had ‘low’ risk disease (78% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). Among sonographic and anthropometric features, only an irregular endometrial–myometrial border was associated with ‘intermediate/high’ risk in premenopausal women. Conversely, in postmenopausal women, multiple features correlated with ‘intermediate/high’ risk disease. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering menopausal status when evaluating sonographic features in women with endometrial cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 256 KiB  
Article
Clinical Course and Outcome of Prenatally Detected 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome—A Retrospective Analysis
by Chiara Paternostro, Stephanie Springer, Gregor Kasprian, Gülen Yerlikaya-Schatten and Theresa Reischer
Diagnostics 2023, 13(13), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13132244 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301
Abstract
The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) is known as the most common microdeletion syndrome. Due to its variable clinical phenotype, prenatal diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical course and pregnancy outcome of cases with [...] Read more.
The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) is known as the most common microdeletion syndrome. Due to its variable clinical phenotype, prenatal diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical course and pregnancy outcome of cases with prenatally diagnosed 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) as well as to evaluate the role of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postmortem examination. In total, 21 cases who underwent prenatal ultrasound examination and pregnancy care at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Vienna between 2012 and 2022 were included. The majority of the cases were genetically diagnosed using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The median gestational age (GA) at genetic diagnosis was 23.0 weeks (IQR 21.4–24.8 weeks). CHDs were detected in all fetuses and the most common extracardiac manifestation was thymus hypo/aplasia followed by genitourinary anomalies. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed additional diagnostic information in three of ten cases. Overall, 14 patients opted for drug-induced TOP, of which 9 cases had a feticide prior to the induction of labor. The majority of craniofacial malformations were only detected by autopsy. In conclusion, the majority of cases prenatally diagnosed with 22q11.2 DS had an absent or hypoplastic thymus noted antenatally in addition to the detected CHD, and almost half of the cases had another extracardiac malformation of predominantly genitourinary origin. Furthermore, prenatal MRIs confirmed previously detected malformations, but only provided additional diagnostic information in three out of ten cases, whereas postmortem examination diagnosed most of the craniofacial anomalies and should always be conducted, serving as an important quality indicator for prenatal imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 1327 KiB  
Review
Advantages and Limitations of Ultrasound as a Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer
by Antonios Koutras, Paraskevas Perros, Ioannis Prokopakis, Thomas Ntounis, Zacharias Fasoulakis, Savia Pittokopitou, Athina A. Samara, Asimina Valsamaki, Athanasios Douligeris, Anastasia Mortaki, Ioakeim Sapantzoglou, Alexandros Katrachouras, Athanasios Pagkalos, Panagiotis Symeonidis, Vasileios-Chrysovalantis Palios, Alexandros Psarris, Marianna Theodora, Panos Antsaklis, George Makrydimas, Athanasios Chionis, Georgios Daskalakis and Emmanuel N. Kontomanolisadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Diagnostics 2023, 13(12), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13122078 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4881
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most common malignancy diagnosed among women, the eighth leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and the most common cause of death among all gynecological cancers. Even though recent advances in technology have allowed for more accurate radiological [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most common malignancy diagnosed among women, the eighth leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and the most common cause of death among all gynecological cancers. Even though recent advances in technology have allowed for more accurate radiological and laboratory diagnostic tests, approximately 60% of OC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Given the high mortality rate of advanced stages of OC, early diagnosis remains the main prognostic factor. Our aim is to focus on the sonographic challenges in ovarian cancer screening and to highlight the importance of sonographic evaluation, the crucial role of the operator΄s experience, possible limitations in visibility, emphasizing the importance and the necessity of quality assurance protocols that health workers have to follow and finally increasing the positive predictive value. We also analyzed how ultrasound can be combined with biomarkers (ex. CA-125) so as to increase the sensitivity of early-stage OC detection or, in addition to the gold standard examination, the CT (Computed tomography) scan in OC follow–up. Improvements in the performance and consistency of ultrasound screening could reduce the need for repeated examinations and, mainly, ensure diagnostic accuracy. Finally, we refer to new very promising techniques such as liquid biopsies. Future attempts in order to improve screening should focus on the identification of features that are unique to OC and that are present in early-stage tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

13 pages, 1727 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Value of Ultrasonic Elastography in Detecting Placental Stiffness for the Diagnosis of Preeclampsia: A Meta-Analysis
by Shanshan Su, Yanyan Huang, Weiwen Luo and Shaohui Li
Diagnostics 2023, 13(18), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13182894 - 9 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic value of ultrasonic elastography in detecting placental stiffness in the diagnosis of preeclampsia (PE). A systematic search was conducted in the EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus database, and PubMed databases to identify studies published before June [...] Read more.
This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic value of ultrasonic elastography in detecting placental stiffness in the diagnosis of preeclampsia (PE). A systematic search was conducted in the EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus database, and PubMed databases to identify studies published before June 2023 using ultrasonic elastography to diagnose PE. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonic elastography for diagnosing PE were calculated, and a summary receiver operating characteristic curve model was constructed. The degree of heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic, and a meta-regression analysis was performed to explore its sources. A protocol was determined previously (PROSPERO: CRD42023443646). We included 1188 participants from 11 studies, including 190 patients with PE and 998 patients without PE as controls. Overall sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonic elastography in detecting placental stiffness for the diagnosis of PE were 89% (95% CI: 85–93) and 74% (95% CI: 51–89), respectively. The I2 values for sensitivity and specificity were 59% (95% CI: 29–89) and 96% (95% CI: 95–98), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.92). The meta-regression analysis showed no significant heterogeneity. Ultrasonic elastography exhibits good diagnostic accuracy for detecting placental stiffness and can serve as a non-invasive tool for differentially diagnosing PE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop