Search Results (4)

Background: Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of the extracranial arteries is essential for the primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke and the diagnosis of other cerebrovascular pathologies. The aim of the Italian Society for Vascular Investigation (SIDV) is to provide a standardised approach for the ultrasound evaluation of extracranial arterial disease. Methods: A multidisciplinary SIDV expert panel conducted a comprehensive literature search and performed a narrative review of the recent medical literature; the updated operative procedures were subsequently developed through a consensus-driven process that included dedicated meetings and national congress sessions for discussion and validation. Results: This document outlines a comprehensive approach to the ultrasound evaluation of extracranial arteries, detailing techniques such as Brightness Mode (B-mode), Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), micro-vascular flow imaging (MVFI), and Three-Dimensional (3D) ultrasound. The text provides an in-depth discussion of clinical indications, technical protocols, plaque characterisation, stenosis quantification, and hemodynamic criteria. Emerging technologies are also examined for their potential to improve cerebrovascular risk stratification. Conclusions: The updated SIDV operative procedures for the ultrasound evaluation of extracranial cerebrovascular disease are intended to serve as a valuable reference for clinicians and vascular laboratories. Full article

Gallbladder diseases are very common, and their diagnosis is based on clinical–laboratory evaluation and imaging techniques. Considering the different imaging diagnostic tools, ultrasound (US) has the advantage of high accuracy combined with easy availability. Therefore, when a gallbladder disease is suspected, US can readily assist the clinician in the medical office or the emergency department. The high performance of US in the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases is mainly related to its anatomic location. The most frequent gallbladder pathological condition is gallstones disease, easily diagnosed via US examination. Acute cholecystitis (AC), a possible complication of gallstone disease, can be readily recognized due to its specific sonographic features. Additionally, a number of benign, borderline or malignant gallbladder lesions may be detected via US evaluation. The combined use of standard B-mode US and additional sonographic techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), may provide a more detailed study of gallbladder lesions. Multiparametric US (combination of multiple sonographic tools) can improve the diagnostic yield during gallbladder examination. Full article

This paper presents a current- and voltage-driven protection scheme for transmission lines based on a hybrid mix of Stockwell transform (ST) and Hilbert transform (HT). Use of both current and voltage waveforms to detect and categorize faults, improves the reliability of this protection scheme and avoids false tripping. Current and voltage waveforms captured during a period of fault are analyzed using ST to compute a median intermediate fault index (MIFI), a maximum value intermediate fault index (MVFI), and a summation intermediate fault index (SIFI). Current and voltage signals are analyzed via applying HT to compute a Hilbert fault index (HFI). The proposed hybrid current and voltage fault index (HCVFI) is obtained from the MIFI, MVFI, SIFI, and HFI. A threshold magnitude for this hybrid current and voltage fault index (HCVFITH) is set to 500 to identify the faulty phase. The HCVFIT is selected after testing the method for various conditions of different fault locations, different fault impedances, different fault occurrence angles, and reverse flows of power. Fault classification is performed using the number of faulty phases and an index for ground detection (IGD). The ground involved in a fault is detected by comparison of peak IGD magnitude with a threshold for ground detection (THGD). THGD is considered equal to 1000 in this study. The study is carried out using a two-terminal transmission line modeled in MATLAB software. The performance of the proposed technique is better compared to a discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based technique, a time–frequency approach, and an alienation method. Our algorithm effectively detected an AG fault, observed on a practical transmission line. Full article

Color flow imaging (CFI), being non-invasive, is commonly used in obstetrics to study the fetal and placental circulations. The conventional CFI modes include color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and power Doppler imaging (PDI). In recent years, there is increasing use of new modes, including high-definition flow imaging (HDFI), radiant flow, microvascular flow imaging (MVFI), and three-/four-dimensional rendering in glass-body mode. Compared to CDFI, HDFI can show a higher resolution and sensitivity and allow the detection of slower flows. MVFI increases the sensitivity to fine or low-flow vessels while producing little or no motion artifacts. Radiant flow shows the blood flow with a sense of depth and reduces blood overflow. Glass-body mode, showing both gray-scale and color-flow information, can demonstrate the heart-cycle-related flow events and the vessel spatial relationship. In this review, the characteristics and applications of the various CFI modes in obstetrics are discussed. In particular, how these new technologies are integrated in detailed diagnostic and early morphology scans is presented. Full article