Search Results (1,132)

Background: Vascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a shared contributor to both cognitive impairment and late-life depression (LLD). However, the combined diagnostic value of cerebral hemodynamics, neuroimaging markers, and neuropsychological outcomes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the associations be-tween transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound parameters, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and LLD. Importantly, we evaluated the integrative value of TCD-derived indices alongside MRI-confirmed white matter lesions (WMLs) and standardized neurocognitive and affective assessments. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 96 older adults were enrolled including 78 cognitively unimpaired individuals and 18 with MCI. All participants underwent structured clinical, neuropsychological, and imaging evaluations including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), MRI-based Fazekas scoring of WMLs, and TCD ultrasonography of the middle cerebral artery. Hemodynamic variables included mean blood flow velocity (MBFV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to identify independent predictors of MCI. Results: Participants with MCI showed significantly lower MBFV and EDV, and higher PI and RI (p < 0.05 for all) compared with cognitively unimpaired participants. In multivariate analysis, lower MBFV (OR = 0.64, p = 0.02) and EDV (OR = 0.70, p = 0.03), and higher PI (OR = 3.2, p < 0.01) and RI (OR = 1.9, p < 0.01) remained independently associated with MCI. ROC analysis revealed excellent discriminative performance for RI (AUC = 0.919) and MBFV (AUC = 0.879). Furthermore, PI correlated positively with depressive symptom severity, while RI was inversely related to the GDS-15 scores. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the diagnostic utility of TCD-derived hemodynamic parameters—particularly RI and MBFV—in identifying early vascular contributions to cognitive and affective dysfunction in older adults. The integration of TCD with MRI-confirmed WML assessment and standardized cognitive/mood measures represents a novel and clinically practical multi-modal approach for neurovascular profiling in aging populations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower limb defects often present significant reconstructive challenges due to limited soft tissue availability and exposure of critical structures. Perforator-based flaps offer reliable solutions, with minimal donor site morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infrared thermography (IRT) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of perforator-based flaps, assessing its accuracy in identifying perforators, predicting complications, and optimizing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps between 2022 and 2024. Perforator mapping was performed concurrently with IRT and Doppler ultrasonography (D-US), with intraoperative confirmation. Flap design variables and systemic parameters were recorded. Postoperative monitoring employed thermal imaging on days 1 and 7. Outcomes were correlated with thermal, anatomical, and systemic factors using statistical analyses, including t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: IRT showed high sensitivity (97.4%) and positive predictive value (96.8%) for perforator detection. A total of nine minor complications occurred, predominantly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or elevated glycemia (p = 0.05). Larger flap-to-defect ratios (A/C and B/C) correlated with increased complications in propeller flaps, while smaller ratios posed risks for V-Y and Keystone flaps. Thermal analysis indicated significantly lower flap temperatures and greater temperature gradients in flaps with complications by postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05). CRP levels correlated with glycemia and white blood cell counts, highlighting systemic inflammation’s impact on outcomes. Conclusions: IRT proves to be a reliable, non-invasive method for perforator localization and flap monitoring, enhancing surgical planning and early complication detection. Combined with D-US, it improves perforator selection and perfusion assessment. Thermographic parameters, systemic factors, and flap design metrics collectively predict flap viability. Integration of IRT into surgical workflows offers a cost-effective tool for optimizing reconstructive outcomes in lower limb surgery. Full article

Background and Objectives: The long-term renal and cardiovascular effects of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) in preterm infants remain unclear. This study investigated whether neonatal AKI leads to persistent subclinical kidney injury and blood pressure changes in school-aged children born preterm. Methods: In this prospective cohort, preterm-born children (≤35 weeks’ gestation) with (n = 19) and without (n = 38) neonatal AKI were evaluated at 7–12 years. A term-born control group (n = 44) was included for biomarker comparison. Assessments included perinatal data, anthropometry, office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and renal ultrasonography. Kidney function was evaluated using serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Tubular injury was assessed using urinary kidney injury molecule-1/Cr (KIM-1/Cr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/Cr (NGAL/Cr), and trefoil factor 3/Cr (TFF3/Cr) ratios, as well as serum TFF3. Results: Conventional kidney function markers were similar among groups. However, the AKI group had higher serum cystatin C, lower cystatin C–based eGFR, and elevated urinary KIM-1/Cr and NGAL/Cr compared to no-AKI and term controls. Serum TFF3 was also higher in the AKI group. ABPM revealed higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure and blood pressure load in the AKI group. Kidney size did not differ between preterm subgroups. Conclusions: Neonatal AKI in preterm infants is associated with subtle alterations and potential renal stress or injury at school age, detectable only with sensitive biomarkers and ABPM. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these biomarkers and determine their role in predicting long-term outcomes in preterm infants with neonatal AKI. Full article

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of the first-wave dominant follicle (DF) in the ovary ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (CL) in lactating dairy cows and dairy heifers. A total of 505 estruses were investigated (lactating dairy cows, n = 361; dairy heifers, n = 144). The locations of the preovulatory follicle (PF) and regressed CL were examined at the estrus, and the locations of the first-wave dominant follicle (DF) and newly formed CL were examined seven days after estrus using transrectal ultrasonography. Then, cows were classified into two groups: the first-wave DF in the ovary ipsilateral to the CL (IG) and the first-wave DF in the ovary contralateral to the CL (CG). To evaluate the factors which affect the occurrence of IG and CG, binominal logistic regression analysis was conducted; the location of the PF and regressing CL, season (warm: June–September; cool: October–May), live weight, days in milk at estrus, daily milk production, and body condition score were used as independent variables. The occurrence rate of IG was significantly higher when the PF was located contralateral to the regressing CL (lactating dairy cows, 63.4%; dairy heifers, 58.6%) rather than ipsilateral (lactating dairy cows, 44.9%; dairy heifers, 35.1%). The IG occurrence rate was significantly higher with an increase in daily milk production (<30 kg, 47.3%; 30–40 kg, 55.2%; >40 kg, 60.5%) in lactating dairy cows. In conclusion, the occurrence of IG was associated with relative locations of the PF and regressing CL in lactating dairy cows and dairy heifers and with the level of milk production in lactating dairy cows. Full article

Diagnosing digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) pathologies, particularly manica flexoria (MF) tears, can be challenging with standard imaging modalities. Standing low-field MRI tenography (MRIt) may improve the detection rate of MF tears. This study aimed to compare ultrasonography, contrast radiography, pre-contrast MRI, and MRIt to detect naturally occurring MF lesions in horses undergoing tenoscopy. Ten horses with a positive DFTS block, which underwent contrast radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, MRIt, and tenoscopy were included. Two radiologists evaluated the images and recorded whether an MF lesion was present and determined the lesion side. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each modality using tenoscopy as a reference. MRIt and contrast radiography detected MF lesions with the same frequency, both showing 71% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Pre-contrast MRI and ultrasonography detected MF lesions with a lower sensitivity (57%); however, the MRI (100%) demonstrated a higher specificity than ultrasonography (33%). Adding contrast in MRI changed the sensitivity from (4/7 lesions) 57% to (5/7 lesions) 71%, with a constant high specificity (100%). MRIt diagnoses MF tears with a similar sensitivity to contrast radiography, with the same specificity, but with the added benefit of lesion laterality detection. The combined advantages of the anatomical detail of the T1 sequence and the post-contrast hyperintense appearance of the fluid may help diagnose MF tears and identify intact MFs. However, this needs to be substantiated in a larger number of cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the era of treat-to-target strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), transmural healing (TH) is gaining recognition as a promising therapeutic goal. TH has been associated with significantly better long-term outcomes, including reduced rates of hospitalization, surgery, and the need for therapy escalation. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as intestinal ultrasound (IUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography enterography (CTE), offer a comprehensive, non-invasive means to assess this deeper level of healing. This review explores how TH is currently defined across various imaging modalities and evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of achieving TH with available therapies. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase using keywords, including “transmural healing”, “intestinal ultrasonography”, “magnetic resonance imaging”, “computed tomography enterography”, “Crohn’s disease”, “ulcerative colitis”, and “inflammatory bowel disease”. Only English-language studies were considered. Results: Despite growing interest, there is no standardized definition of TH across imaging platforms. Among the modalities, IUS emerges as the most feasible and cost-effective tool, owing to its accessibility, accuracy (sensitivity 62–95.2%, specificity 61.5–100%), and real-time capabilities, though it does have limitations. Current advanced therapies induce TH in roughly 20–40% of patients, with no consistent differences observed between biologics and small molecules. However, TH has only been evaluated as a formal endpoint in a single randomized controlled trial to date. Conclusions: A unified and validated definition of transmural healing is critically needed to harmonize research and guide clinical decision-making. While TH holds promise as a meaningful treatment target linked to improved outcomes, existing therapies often fall short of achieving complete transmural resolution. Further studies are essential to clarify its role and optimize strategies for deep healing in IBD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Esophageal varices (EVs) are a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Guidelines for cirrhosis/chronic liver diseases (CLDs) do not specify a follow-up period or the need for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). EGD is a useful but uncomfortable procedure for the assessment of varices. Follow-up with abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) is recommended in patients with CLDs. If EVs are assessed by AUS, more patients eligible for endoscopic screening of EVs can be selected. We aimed to investigate whether AUS elastography [shear wave (Vs) and F-index] can predict the diagnosis, severity, and treatment indication of EVs. Methods: Between April 2018 and October 2022, we retrospectively collected data of 194 patients who underwent elastography and EGD for CLDs. The correlations between Vs/F-index values and presence/severity of EVs were evaluated. Each cut-off value for diagnosis and treatment indication of EVs was investigated. Results: 85 patients without exclusion criteria were enrolled. Vs and F-index values were significantly higher in patients with EVs than in patients without EVs (p = 0.0005 and 0.0021, respectively) and positively correlated with severity of EVs. The cut-off Vs and F-index values for the presence of EVs were 1.63 m/s and 1.88, respectively, with 88.1%/83.3% sensitivity, 48.8%/51.2% specificity, and 0.71/0.70 area under the curve (AUC). The cut-off Vs and F-index values for treatment indication were 1.71 m/s and 2.08, respectively, with 100%/88.2% sensitivity, 45.6%/52.9% specificity, and 0.69/0.70 AUC. There were no significant differences between the two modalities. Conclusions: Elastography may provide objective assessment and thus be a non-invasive screening tool for diagnosis and treatment indication of EVs. Full article

Background and Objectives: Meniscal pathologies are common abnormalities of the knee joint and a frequent cause of knee pain. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment. Ultrasonography is increasingly used due to its accessibility, cost- and time-efficiency, and capacity for dynamic assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in identifying specific types of meniscal tears and to assess their frequency of occurrence. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the frequency and sonographic appearance of various meniscal pathologies. The study population included all patients who underwent ultrasonographic examination of the knee in our clinic over one year for various indications (n = 430). Archived ultrasound images were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: Meniscal pathologies were identified in 134 patients. The findings included 95 cases of degenerative lesions (70.9%), 18 meniscal cyst-related pathologies (13.4%), 8 complex tears (6.0%), 5 flap tears (3.7%), 3 vertical pericapsular tears (2.2%), 3 partial thickness tears (2.2%), and 2 bucket-handle-type tears (1.5%). Each lesion type was characterized and illustrated through representative ultrasound images. Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging of meniscal pathology offers a valuable diagnostic option. By characterizing and visually documenting different meniscal lesions, this study highlights the practical potential of ultrasonography in routine clinical settings. These findings may enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide more targeted management strategies. Moreover, the results contribute to the expanding body of research on musculoskeletal ultrasonography and may encourage broader adoption of ultrasound in orthopedic diagnostics. Full article

Introduction/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic systemic disease that affects the entire array of joint structures. It is one of the most common chronic, socially significant diseases, associated with a decline in the quality of life of patients and constantly increasing the cost of treatment. Clinical trial outcomes are largely inconclusive, and OA remains one of the few musculoskeletal diseases without an established disease-modifying therapy. One potential explanation is the use of ineffective tools for OA classification, patient stratification, and the assessment of disease progression. There is growing interest in musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSK US), as it enables the dynamic visualization of the examined structures and gives information about both inflammatory and structural changes that have occurred. Determining the leading ultrasound phenotype, which depends on the most damaged tissue at a given time (bone, cartilage, synovial membrane, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, menisci, etc.), can rationalize therapy use by selecting patients more suitable for specific treatments. This article aims to evaluate and summarize the potential of MSK US in the process of determining the clinical phenotype of OA and to emphasize the importance of this imaging modality in evaluating further therapeutic strategies. Method: A single-center prospective study conducted in the period of September 2023–June 2024 enrolled 259 consecutive patients with proven OA. The statistical program Minitab version 22.2.1 (2025) was used to analyze the data. The predominant and secondary phenotypes were tabulated for each OA localization and were presented numerically and as relative proportions (%). The rate of the most frequently occurring phenotypes was compared against that of the less frequent ones through paired z-tests. The initially acceptable type I error was set at 5%; it was further adjusted for the number of comparisons (Bonferroni). Results: The most frequent and predominant US phenotype for patients with knee OA was intra-articular effusion (n = 47, 37.90%). It was significantly higher compared to the rest of the US phenotypes: synovial proliferation (n = 22, 17.70%; p < 0.001), cartilage destruction (n = 26, 21%; p = 0.001), altered subchondral bone (n = 8, 6.50%; p < 0.001), extra-articular soft tissue changes (n = 12, 9.70%; p < 0.001), crystal deposits (n = 6, 4.8%; p < 0.001), and post-traumatic (n = 3, 2.40%; p < 0.001). The most common US phenotype for hip OA was altered subchondral bone (n = 32, 47.1%), with significant differences from intra-articular effusion (n = 12, 17.60%; p = 0.001), synovial proliferation (n = 5, 7.40; p = 0.001), cartilage destruction (n = 12, 17.60%; p = 0.001), extra-articular soft tissue changes (n = 3, 4.40%; p = 0.001), crystal deposits (n = 3, 4.40%; p = 0.001), and post-traumatic (n = 0). Altered subchondral bone was also the leading US phenotype for hand OA (n = 31, 55.40%), with significant differences compared to intra-articular effusion (n = 1, 1.80%; p < 0.001), synovial proliferation (n = 7, 12.50%; p < 0.001), cartilage destruction (n = 11, 19.60%; p < 0.001), extra-articular soft tissue changes (n = 2, 3.60%; p < 0.001), crystal deposits (n = 3, 5.40%; p < 0.001), and post-traumatic (n = 1, 1.80%, p < 0.001). For shoulder OA, extra-articular soft tissue changes were the most frequent (n = 8, 46.20%), followed by post-traumatic (n = 4, 30.70%), as the rate of both phenotypes was significantly higher compared to that of intra-articular effusion (n = 0), synovial proliferation (n = 0), cartilage destruction (n = 1, 7.70%; p = 0.003), and crystal deposits (n = 0). Conclusions: The therapeutic approach for OA is a dynamic and intricate process, for which the type of affected joint and the underlying pathogenetic mechanism at a specific stage of the disease’s evolution is essential. MSK US is one of the options for the clinical phenotyping of OA. Some of the suggested ultrasound subtypes may serve as the rationale for selecting a particular treatment. Full article

Background: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), a subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1 cm in diameter, has shown a marked increase in incidence in recent decades, largely due to the widespread use of neck ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology. Despite its generally indolent course, optimal management of PTMC remains controversial, with treatment strategies ranging from active surveillance to total thyroidectomy. Methods: This retrospective study analyzes five years of experience at a single tertiary care center, including 130 patients diagnosed with PTMC following thyroid surgery between July 2018 and December 2023. Clinical, cytological, and pathological data were collected and analyzed to identify factors influencing surgical decision-making and postoperative outcomes. Patients underwent either total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy, with central and lateral lymph node dissection performed as indicated. Follow-up included clinical and biochemical surveillance for a mean duration of 3 years. Results: Total thyroidectomy was performed in 89.3% of patients, while hemithyroidectomy was limited to 10.7%. Multifocality was observed in 26.1% of cases, with bilateral involvement in 17.7%. Occult lymph node metastases were found in 14.6% (central compartment) and 3.8% (lateral neck). Postoperative radioactive iodine therapy was administered in 23.8% of patients. At final follow-up, 90.7% were disease-free. No significant predictors of recurrence or adverse outcomes were identified, though multifocality and lymph node involvement influenced surgical planning. Conclusions: Our findings support a risk-adapted surgical approach to PTMC, favoring total thyroidectomy in patients with suspicious or multifocal disease to avoid reoperation. While active surveillance and minimally invasive techniques are emerging, total thyroidectomy remains a safe and effective strategy in selected cases. Prospective, multicenter studies are needed to further refine management guidelines for this increasingly common thyroid malignancy. Full article

Background: The consequences of injuries resulting from accidents are among the most common health disorders in children. A scar forms at the site of the injury. In the treatment of scars, not all methods used in adults can be used in children. The authors attempted to assess the effectiveness of using KT kinesiology taping on scars in children. The aim of the work is to assess the effect of KT on the treatment of keloid, hypertrophic scars, and postoperative adhesions in children. Methods: The study included 30 patients aged 4 to 10 years. The subjects were divided into three groups: group G1-9 patients with keloid scars, group G2-14 with hypertrophic scars, group G3-7 with postoperative adhesions. The patients underwent kinesiology taping for 8 weeks. The analyzed parameters were determined using the VSS scale and ultrasonography. Results: The analysis of the VSS scale results in relation to the type of scars showed a significant (p < 0.001) downward trend in the measured parameters for keloid and hypertrophic scars. Analysis of ultrasound results in relation to the type of scars showed a significant (p < 0.001) downward trend in the measured parameters, comparing parameters I and II for all types of scars. Conclusions: Kinesiology taping significantly changes the following scar parameters: deformability, pigmentation, and perfusion in the case of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Full article

Ketosis and fatty liver syndrome are metabolic disorders apparent in dairy cows during the transition period. The study focused on examining how varying levels of milk production in dairy cows might reflect or influence specific blood biochemical markers and liver health as assessed through ultrasonography. A total of 65 Holstein-Friesian cows from six farms were evaluated at three time points as follows: 7 days before expected calving and at 7 and 21 ± 3 days postpartum. Each evaluation included the body condition score (BCS), blood sampling for biochemical analysis, and liver ultrasonography. Based on average farm milk yield, cows were divided into three production groups as follows: GR1 (38.4 ± 6.45 L/day, n = 23), GR2 (42.9 ± 2.77 L/day, n = 24), and GR3 (45.69 ± 7.49 L/day, n = 18). Parameters assessed included liver lipid content and ultrasonographic measurements such as portal vein diameter and depth, liver depth, and liver angle. Significant time-dependent changes were observed in liver size, fat metabolism, and electrolyte balance, especially postpartum. However, no significant differences emerged among the production groups, indicating that these changes likely represent physiological adaptations to lactation. These findings support the use of blood analysis and ultrasonography as practical, minimally invasive tools for routine metabolic health monitoring in dairy cows during the transition period. Full article

This study described, assessed and correlated ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and histological findings in the sacroiliac joints of adult Warmblood horse cadavers. In total, 25 joints from 15 horses were examined post-mortem using transrectal ultrasonography and helical computed tomography. Findings on computed tomography were graded in the caudal joint third (caudally) and for the entire joint as mild, moderate, or severe. In total, 11 joints from nine horses were evaluated histologically. All joints (100%) showed abnormalities on computed tomography, and 92% (23/25) displayed abnormal ultrasonographic findings. The most common ultrasonographic findings were osteophytes (92%), joint effusion (76%), and sacral/iliac bone modeling (76%). Computed tomography revealed osteophytes (92% caudally, 100% overall), sclerosis (72% caudally, 88% overall), subchondral bone lesions (60% caudally, 88% overall), and enthesophytes (60% caudally, 68% overall). The most severe CT findings occurred caudally (44%), whereas 24% occurred cranially,16% in the mid portion of the SIJ, and 16% were multifocally present in the SIJ Histological analysis showed degenerative changes in the cartilage, subchondral bone, and the joint capsule. Horses with more pronounced imaging abnormalities also showed corresponding histological degeneration. Significant correlations were found between computed tomographic findings caudally and in the entire joint (r_s = 0.915, p < 0.001, n = 25), and between imaging and histological findings (computed tomography: r_s = 0.731, p = 0.011, n = 11; ultrasonography: r_s = 0.67, p = 0.024, n = 11). Non-significant correlations were observed between mean ultrasonographic and computed-tomographic grades (r_s = 0.35, p = 0.087, n = 25). Findings suggest these structural changes may reflect adaptation to joint loading. Transrectal ultrasonography appears suitable as a first-line diagnostic tool. However, future studies are essential to compare the diagnostic imaging findings of SIJs in asymptomatic and symptomatic horses to elucidate their clinical relevance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (FNA/B) is widely used for solid pancreatic lesions; however, the optimal number of needle punctures required to achieve high diagnostic accuracy remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the ideal number of punctures required for solid pancreatic lesions using EUS-FNA/B. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 598 patients who underwent EUS-FNA/B for solid pancreatic lesions. We analyzed the cumulative tissue acquisition rates and diagnostic accuracy rates for cytology and histology, and identified the factors associated with diagnostic accuracy using univariate and multivariate analyses. Rapid on-site cytological evaluation was performed in all cases. Results: Cumulative tissue acquisition rates were 95.6% and 92.5% for cytology and histology, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for cytology increased from 72.6% in the first puncture to 78.8% in the second puncture (p = 0.0233). In contrast, the diagnostic accuracy of histology increased from 72.0% at the first puncture to 83.2% at the third puncture (p = 0.0412). Statistically significant differences were noted between the first and second punctures for cytology, and between the first, second, and third punctures for histology. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with diagnostic accuracy. In cytology, sex was identified as a significant contributing factor, whereas no independent predictors were found in histology. Conclusions: These findings suggest that two-needle punctures are optimal for cytology, and three-needle punctures are optimal for the histological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions using EUS-FNA/B. Full article

Urogenital cannulation is a traditional method used in aquaculture to achieve sexual differentiation, but it is considered invasive. Ultrasonography is a valuable non-invasive tool for determining sex and gonadal development in fish species like mullet (Mugil liza) and Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) that lack sexual dimorphism. The methodology involves emitting high-frequency sound waves (20 MHz to 20,000 MHz) above the human hearing range. These waves interact with the tissues of the body, producing echoes that are detected by a transducer. The echoes are then processed by computer graphics to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the organism. This allows for the determination of the sex of fish based on the sonographic features of the tissues. For instance, in male fish, hypoechogenic structures reflect fewer sound waves, leading to darker images. Conversely, in female fish, hyperechogenic tissues reflect more sound waves, resulting in lighter images. It is possible to classify the gonadal maturation stage based on differences in image texture. This non-invasive method eliminates the need for specimen dissection. It is especially valuable when the goal is to preserve the spawners’ life and integrity. This review emphasizes the application of this technology in aquaculture, specifically targeting fish from the Clupeidae and Mugilidae families. Full article