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Observation and Analysis of Blinking Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering
Published on: January 11, 2018
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Unusual application of twinkling artifact
Francesco M Drudi1, Roberto Maroncelli2, Flavia Angelini2
1Department of Radiology, University La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy. francescomdrudi@gmail.com.
Journal of Ultrasound
|June 19, 2024
Summary
Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) and twinkling artifact (TA) improve the detection of small, difficult-to-see foreign bodies (FBs) in soft tissues. This technique enhances diagnostic accuracy for superficial FBs requiring surgical removal.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Foreign Body Detection
Background:
- Small foreign bodies (FBs) in soft tissues can be challenging to detect with conventional ultrasound (US) grayscale imaging.
- Discomfort and diagnostic uncertainty arise from FBs not clearly visible on standard US examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the improvement in diagnostic accuracy for small soft tissue FBs using Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) and twinkling artifact (TA).
- To evaluate the utility of CDUS and TA in identifying FBs not readily apparent on grayscale US.
Main Methods:
- Seven adult patients with small (2-4 mm) superficial FBs, poorly visualized on grayscale US, were enrolled.
- All patients underwent both grayscale US and CDUS examinations to assess FB detectability.
Main Results:
- Twinkling artifact (TA) successfully identified superficial FBs in all seven patients.
- Surgical excision confirmed the presence of foreign bodies in all cases identified by TA.
Conclusions:
- Twinkling artifact (TA) is a valuable tool for evaluating subcutaneous and muscular foreign bodies (FBs).
- CDUS provides crucial information on the location, depth, and shape of FBs, aiding in surgical planning and excision.
