The use of ultrasound as an aid in the diagnosis of XXXX : a pilot study comparing histological features with ultrasound findings.

@entity1 @entity226 @entity4288
AIMS: We present our preliminary experience with the use of ultrasound in aiding the diagnosis of @entity226 ( @entity226 ). Schmidt et al have previously described a hypoechoic or "halo" effect surrounding the walls of affected arteries on examination with ultrasound. We illustrate these features and explore the attributes and limitations of this technique. METHOD: Two groups of @entity1 were recruited: (1) @entity1 with suspected @entity226 awaiting temporal artery biopsy and (2) @entity1 with no history or symptoms of @entity226 of a similar age group. All the recruited @entity1 underwent ultrasound examination of both temporal arteries. The findings on ultrasound were compared with the results of the histological specimens in group 1. For this study, the histological findings alone were used to define if a @entity1 was suffering from @entity226 . No biopsies were taken in the @entity1 in group 2. RESULTS: Out of 26 @entity1 with suspected @entity226 , seven @entity1 were found to be positive on biopsy, of which six had been identified on ultrasound. Six @entity1 were found to be false positive on ultrasound, but all had moderate-to-severe features of @entity4288 on histology. A total of 13 @entity1 were found to be negative on ultrasound and negative on biopsy for @entity226 , two of these @entity1 had histological features of @entity4288 . In the group with no symptoms of @entity226 (12 @entity1 ), in two @entity1 hypoechoic areas were detected. The results presented give a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 68%, and positive predictive value of 50% for the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of @entity226 . CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that this test may be helpful in those @entity1 with symptoms suggestive of @entity226 , but currently we cannot recommend any change of present practice.
