To evaluate the diagnostic value of the L33-8s linear array ultrasound probe in detecting ciliary body detachment (CBD).

A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) diagnosed with CBD by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) at the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital from June 2024 to August 2025 were included in the case group, while the 30 contralateral healthy eyes were used as controls. All enrolled eyes were examined with both the L33-8s and L20-5s linear array probes. Taking UBM findings as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of both probes were calculated. The McNemar's test was used to compare the differences in sensitivity and accuracy, and a 2×2 chi-square test was used to compare the difference in negative predictive value. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate diagnostic capability. The case group was classified into grades 1–4 based on the extent of CBD detected by UBM, and the detection rates of the two probes across different grades were compared.

The L33-8s probe demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.7% (26/30), negative predictive value of 88.2%, and accuracy of 93.3%, while the L20-5s probe yielded corresponding values of 63.3% (19/30), 73.2%, and 81.7%. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two probes in both sensitivity (χ²=5.143, P=0.023) and accuracy (χ²=5.143, P=0.023). The negative predictive value of the L33-8s probe was higher than that of the L20-5s probe, but the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). Both probes demonstrated a specificity and positive predictive value of 100%. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the L33-8s probe was 0.933, which was higher than that of the L20-5s probe (AUC=0.817). The L33-8s probe had significantly higher detection rates for grade 1 and grade 2 CBD than the L20-5s probe (75.0% vs 33.3%; 90.0% vs 70.0%).

The L33-8s probe demonstrates superior diagnostic performance for CBD compared with the L20-5s probe, especially for cases with a small extent of detachment.

To develop a nomogram model based on a Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) vascular index for the preoperative diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis in patients with acral melanoma (AM).

Seventy-seven patients with pathologically confirmed AM at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from September 2022 to September 2025 were enrolled and divided into either a metastasis group or a non-metastasis group based on lymph node pathology. Baseline characteristics, conventional ultrasound features, and SMI vascular indices were compared between the two groups by the t-test or χ² test. Independent diagnostic indicators for metastatic lymph nodes were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Two diagnostic models were constructed: one incorporating the SMI vascular index and one without it. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for both models, and the DeLong test was used to compare their area under the curve (AUC) values. The model with superior performance was selected to build a nomogram model, and the model's efficacy was evaluated using calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in the lymph node long-to-short axis ratio (2.33±0.85 vs 3.30±0.99; t=-4.09, P＜0.001), cortical thickness [(3.71±2.03) mm vs (2.26±0.80) mm; t=4.17, P＜0.001], vascular pattern (10/27 vs 34/6; χ²=-25.46, P＜0.001), resistive index (0.75±0.05 vs 0.61±0.10; t=7.48, P＜0.001), and SMI vascular index (24.11±9.03 vs 13.70±5.22; t=6.25, P＜0.001). Further construction of diagnostic models revealed that the model incorporating the SMI vascular index had significantly superior diagnostic performance compared to the model without it (AUC: 0.906 vs 0.809, DeLong test P=0.012). The calibration curve demonstrated good consistency between predicted and actual outcomes. The DCA curve further confirmed that this model provided a significant positive net benefit for clinical application.

The nomogram model constructed based on the SMI vascular index can effectively diagnose regional lymph node status in AM patients, providing a valuable quantitative tool for the preoperative non-invasive diagnosis and clinical decision-making regarding regional lymph nodes in AM.

To investigate the distribution patterns and ultrasonographic features of cervical lymph node metastasis in postoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, as well as the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, in order to provide evidence for postoperative surveillance and clinical decision-making.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 97 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent postoperative follow-up at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2023 to April 2025 and were found to have suspicious cervical lymph node metastasis on ultrasound and subsequently confirmed by pathology. Based on the pathology, the ultrasound-identified suspiciously malignant lymph nodes were divided into the malignant group and the benign group. The regional distribution of recurrent lymph nodes, ultrasonographic features, and clinical data were recorded. For intergroup comparisons, the t-test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for continuous variables, and the χ² test or Fisher's exact test (when applicable) was used for categorical variables. The diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound for each cervical compartment, the impact of initial surgical dissection extent on subsequent recurrence sites, the ultrasonographic features of benign versus malignant lymph nodes, and the differences in ultrasonographic features of malignant lymph nodes between different compartments were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed, and the area under the curve (AUC) values were compared using the DeLong test.

Among the 97 patients included, lymph node metastases were most commonly observed in levelⅣ (60.82%) and levelⅢ (57.73%). Vascular patterns were effective indicators for differentiating benign from malignant lymph nodes: the malignant group exhibited a higher proportion of mixed/peripheral vascular pattern (Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001) and Adler grade 2-3 blood flow (χ²=14.36, P＜0.001). Metastatic lymph nodes in the central compartment had smaller diameters [(12.36±5.22) mm vs (16.96±6.93)mm, t=4.64, P＜0.001] and lower proportions of typical malignant ultrasonographic features, including hyperechoic foci (10.00% vs 33.71%; χ²=8.15, P=0.004), mixed/peripheral vascular pattern (7.50%/35.00% vs 26.97%/48.88%; χ²=21.69, P＜0.001), and Adler grade 2-3 blood flow (35.00% vs 66.29%; χ²=12.63, P＜0.001). Ultrasound demonstrated a high diagnostic sensitivity for levelⅢ (87.50%) and levelⅣ (89.83%), but a low sensitivity for levelⅡ (55.00%) and levelⅤ (52.17%). ROC curve analysis showed that the diagnostic performance for levelⅢ (AUC=0.901), levelⅣ (AUC=0.897), and levelⅥ (AUC=0.866) was superior to that for levelⅡ (AUC=0.731) (Z=3.172, 3.033, and 2.306; P=0.002, 0.002, and 0.021, respectively), and the performance for levelⅢand levelⅣ was also superior to that for levelⅤ (AUC=0.741) (Z=2.570 and 2.466; P=0.010 and 0.014, respectively). Patients who initially underwent central compartment dissection alone had a significantly higher recurrence rate in levelⅡ compared to those who received combined lateral neck dissection (55.00% vs 31.58%, P=0.021).

Postoperative recurrent lymph nodes in PTC are predominantly located in levels ⅢandⅣ, where ultrasound exhibits excellent diagnostic performance. Mixed vascular pattern and high Adler grade are important indicators for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes. However, the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for levelsⅡandⅤ is relatively limited, necessitating comprehensive evaluation incorporating multi-level signs during follow-up to avoid missed diagnosis.

To explore the utility of a nomogram model incorporating ultrasound features and the clinicopathological parameter Ki-67 in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in patients with breast cancer.

A total of 230 patients with surgically confirmed breast cancer from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University were included. The patients were categorized based on the presence or presence of ALNM into either a metastasis group (n=149) or a non-metastasis group (n=81). Using a 7:3 random allocation ratio, the cohort was divided into a training set (n=161) and a validation set (n=69). In the training set, ultrasound characteristics and clinicopathological parameters were compared between patients with and without ALNM. Assessed variables included maximum tumor diameter, lesion location, boundary, morphology, margin, aspect ratio, blood flow, presence of microcalcifications, age, body mass index (BMI), serum tumor markers (CA125, CA153, and carcinoembryonic antigen), pathological type, histological grade, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and the Ki-67 proliferation index. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for ALNM. A nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these factors. The model's performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (with area under the curve [AUC]), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess its diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability.

Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four independent predictors of ALNM: Ki-67 expression level (odds ratio [OR]=2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–4.81), maximum tumor diameter (OR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.12–4.89), tumor margin status (OR=3.26, 95%CI: 1.57–6.79), and presence of microcalcifications (OR=2.31, 95%CI: 1.11–4.81) (all P＜0.05). A nomogram was developed using these variables. The model had an AUC of 0.75 (95%CI: 0.67–0.83) in the training set and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.65–0.89) in the validation set. The calibration curve indicated good agreement between predicted probabilities and actual outcomes. Decision curve analysis supported the model's clinical utility across a range of threshold probabilities.

The nomogram model constructed based on ultrasound features (maximum tumor diameter, tumor margin, and microcalcifications) and the pathological parameter Ki-67 contributes valuable predictive information for ALNM in breast cancer.

To investigate the clinical utility of quantitative measurement of aortic stiffness based on ultrasonography for early detection of cardiovascular (CV) disease risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Patients with AS (AS group) who were diagnosed and treated at Hanzhong Central Hospital from June 1 to December 31, 2024 were included, and healthy volunteers (healthy control group) matched in age and blood pressure were recruited at the same time. The Framingham risk score (FRS) and the corresponding risk of CV disease in the next 10 years based on traditional CV risk factors were calculated, with differences compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by ultrasonography via a novel automatic measurement of arterial stiffness and independent sample t-tests were used to compare differences between groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations between cfPWV and FRS as well as the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the next 10 years. The independent correlations between confounding factors and cfPWV were analyzed using a multivariate linear regression model.

A total of 40 AS patients and 48 healthy controls were included. The FRS of the healthy control group was 5.00 (2.00, 7.00), and the corresponding risk of CV disease in the next 10 years was 3.60% (2.01%, 5.60%); the corresponding values in the AS group were 7.50 (2.25, 10.75) and 4.60% (2.01%, 9.85%). There was no statistically significant difference in the FRS or risk of CV disease between the two groups (P＞0.05). The cfPWV of the patients was significantly higher than that of the control group (7.56±1.45 m/s vs 6.80±0.72 m/s, t=3.200, P=0.002). Among AS patients, cfPWV was significantly correlated with the FRS and the risk of CV disease in the next 10 years (r_s=0.614 and 0.574, respectively, P＜0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and AS were independent influencing factors of cfPWV (all P＜0.05). After adjusting for age, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate, AS were also independent influencing factors of cfPWV (P=0.037).

Quantitative detection of aortic stiffness based on ultrasound technology is expected to provide a new method for CV risk assessment in AS patients. The aortic stiffness of AS patients is significantly higher than that of healthy subjects, suggesting that the risk of CV disease in these patients may increase.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the heat balance (HB) technique in percutaneous microwave ablation (PMWA) for uterine fibroids by comparing with the conventional single-needle, multi-point, multi-plane ablation method.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent PMWA at Zhejiang Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025. The patients were divided into a study group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). Comparison metrics included the number of needle insertions, ablation time, operation time, ablation coverage, volume reduction rate (VRR) at 6 months postoperatively, incidence of complications, and improvement in clinical symptoms [uterine fibroid volume, hemoglobin concentration, uterine fibroid symptoms, and health-related quality of life (UFS-QoL) score], all evaluated using a single-factor analysis method (independent sample t-test or U-test).

The study group required significantly fewer needle insertions [1.00 (1.00, 2.00) vs 5.00 (4.00, 6.25), Z=-5.526, P＜0.001], shorter ablation time [7.00 (6.00, 9.25) min vs 30.00 (22.00, 35.00) min, Z=-5.430, P＜0.001], and shorter total procedural time [(37.65±2.37) min vs (60.80±7.76) min, t=-12.765, P＜0.001] than the control group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in ablation ratio (93.25%±2.63% vs 93.40%±4.66%, P＞0.05) or six-month VRR [72.13% (67.96%, 75.76%) vs 74.72% (66.63%, 78.12%), P＞0.05]. No major complications occurred in either group. Both groups showed significant improvements in hemoglobin concentration and UFS-QoL scores post-treatment (P＜0.05).

The HB technique achieves comparable short-term therapeutic efficacy to the conventional method while substantially reducing the number of needle insertions and procedural time, representing a faster, safer, and more efficient approach for PMWA of uterine fibroids.

Informed by case reports and systematic analysis of the literature, this study aims to offer diagnostic and treatment insights for the early identification of nodule rupture.

This study reports on three cases of nodule rupture following thermal ablation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, along with a systematic review of 64 cases from the literature published from January 2019 to May 2025, encompassing an analysis of predisposing factors, time of occurrence, clinical manifestations, imaging features, and treatment strategies associated with nodule rupture.

Among the three cases of nodule rupture following thermal ablation reported at our center, two-dimensional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed thyroid capsular discontinuity and an extrathyroidal mass with central non-enhancement and peripheral isoenhancement. Case 1 was complicated by abscess formation, with symptom relief achieved through aspiration and drainage; Case 2 experienced nodule rupture secondary to skin burns following ablation performed at an external institution; and Case 3 experienced rupture due to the premature timing of repeat ablation. Both Case 2 and Case 3 achieved complete symptom resolution with conservative management. A systematic review of 64 cases of nodule rupture following thermal ablation revealed that the median time to onset was 28 days postoperatively, 71.9% (46/64) of patients presented with neck pain and 28.1% (18/64) with neck swelling. Ultrasound imaging showed thyroid capsular discontinuity in 95.3% (61/64) of cases. Among the 40 cases with reported rupture type 90.0% (36/40) presented with anterior-type rupture. Additionally, among 58 cases reporting the correlation between initial nodule size and rupture, 86.2% (50/58) had an initial maximum diameter＞2.75 cm. Finally, 89.7% (52/58) of patients initially received conservative management, achieving a complete resolution rate of 50.0% (26/52), while 10.3% (6/58) underwent invasive treatment as the primary intervention.

Nodule rupture following thyroid thermal ablation most frequently occurs in larger nodules and is predominantly characterized by anterior type rupture, with a median time to onset of 28 days postoperatively. Neck pain is the most common clinical manifestation. Two-dimensional ultrasound, in combination with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, plays a critical role in the diagnosis. Conservative treatment is effective in some cases, while invasive treatments can improve overall treatment success.