3/1/2024

Are you having difficulty becoming pregnant?

While difficulty becoming pregnant can occur for a variety of reasons, it could be due to a blockage of the fallopian tubes. Hysterosalpingo-Foam-Sonography (HyFoSy) is a safe1  and accurate2 way to determine whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked. ExEm® Foam is an innovative FDA-approved contrast agent that has been successfully used in over 1 million procedures worldwide and has clinically been proven to offer patients a gentler, less painful3,4  and more convenient diagnostic option in their fertility journey. With proper imaging technique, HyFoSy has the ability to achieve accuracy greater to that of traditional HSG5, making it a better alternative for tubal patency assessment and diagnosis in women with known or suspected infertility.  According to the American College of Radiology, "Hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) in combination with 2-D or 3-D imaging has demonstrated improved accuracy of 93.7% and better concordance with laparoscopy compared with 2-D or 3-D air or saline HyCoSy for assessment of tubal patency." The ACR also states, "Although HSG has been historically regarded as the imaging study of choice in assessing tubal patency, it is only 65% sensitive and 85% speciﬁc for diagnosing tubal patency when compared with laparoscopy with chromopertubation, which is widely accepted as the reference standard for evaluating tubal patency." Advanced Sonograms of Alaska is the first and only diagnostic imaging facility to bring HyFoSy to Alaska. Our sonographers and radiologists have the experience and proven track record of success to ensure accurate results.

2/28/2024

Advanced Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Scan

What is endometriosis vs. deep infiltrating endometriosis? Endometriosis is a common medical condition that affects about 10% of women. Endometrial tissue is what makes up the lining of the uterus and is what is shed every month during menstruation. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. During your menstrual period this tissue breaks down, causing periods to be extremely painful. It can also lead to cysts called endometriomas, chronic pain and possibly infertility. The majority of cases involve endometrial tissue implanting on the surface of the pelvic tissues or in the ovaries. These are called Superficial Lesions. However, Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue infiltrates the bowel, bladder, ureters, cervix or vaginal wall, causing adhesions and obstruction in the pelvis and may or may not cause symptoms. Identification of deep infiltrative lesions is critical for proper surgical planning and management of care. What is an Advanced Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Scan? While a standard pelvic ultrasound is effective for detecting ovarian endometriomas, deep infiltrating endometriosis requires the precision of an Advanced Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Scan, which targets structures that lie deep in the pelvis that are not evaluated during a standard pelvic ultrasound. This includes the uterine ligaments, adjacent connective tissue, rectum, vaginal wall, cervix, ureters and bladder wall. A graded assessment of organ mobility is also performed to evaluate for possible adhesion. Advanced Sonograms of Alaska stands as the pioneer and only diagnostic imaging facility in Alaska with sonographers and radiologists who specialize in identifying deep infiltrating endometriosis and have a demonstrated track record of exceptional accuracy.  Who may benefit from an Advanced Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Scan? Women who have painful periods and/or pain during intercourse worsening over timeAbnormal bowel or urinary symptoms related to the periodWomen who have persistent symptoms despite standard treatmentsWomen who have previously been diagnosed with endometriosis to assess the severity and extent of the diseaseWomen who are experiencing infertility and have suspected or confirmed endometriosis to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on the reproductive organs.For women who are scheduled to undergo surgery for suspected or confirmed endometriosis, a preoperative scan may be recommended to help guide surgical planning and optimize outcomes. Common sites for DIE lesions (A) Endometrioma on ovary, (B) DIE nodule infiltrating colon wall, (C) DIE nodule on uterosacral ligament, (D) DIE nodule parametrium adjacent to ovary and bowel

2/23/2024

Why Have Your Ultrasound Done at an AIUM Accredited Practice?

Ultrasound scans are being performed everywhere. Not only in the standard radiology department in your local hospital, but also in the emergency room, urgent care clinics, your doctor’s office, and in some places, even at the local mall. But are you getting the same value for your money at each of these different sites? We have witnessed a very wide variety of skill levels within each of these departments. What can help you identify a reputable ultrasound facility? Look for an ultrasound practice that is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the only accrediting organization that focuses solely on ultrasound imaging. Applying for and obtaining your AIUM ultrasound accreditation is a vigorous process. It requires that all physician and sonographer staff have earned the appropriate credentials for the scans being performed and that they are up to date on their CME (continued medical education). Studies must be submitted for review to the accrediting team to ensure that the appropriate anatomy is being captured, image quality is optimal, and images are labeled. The ultrasound report is reviewed to confirm that the patient information and required imaging components for the study have been assessed and documented correctly. AIUM accreditation can help reassure the patient and the referring physician that their selected ultrasound department is aware of and following the current accepted standard guidelines for their exam. This can lead to reduced patient anxiety regarding the quality of the ultrasound scan. The goal is to help ultrasound departments achieve the best imaging possible to improve overall patient care and safety. Why is AIUM accreditation important?  Ultrasound technology has improved tremendously but its value is greatly dependent on who is doing the exam. The accreditation process helps a practice discover where its deficiencies are and can provide guidance on how to meet the minimum standards. Further training and education of the Sonographers and Sonologists will lead to improved patient safety and outcomes. Why pursue an ultrasound at an AIUM accredited practice?  Maybe the better question would be, why not make AIUM accreditation mandatory?

11/24/2023

Ultrasound Exposure Unlikely to Cause Autism.

Originally Published by Boston University School of Public Health, March 6, 2018. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has progressively increased over the past few decades, with estimates now at 1 in 68 individuals affected. Research continues to work on identifying both the genetic and environmental factors that could lead to autism spectrum disorder. One factor that has been scrutinized is prenatal ultrasounds. As the technology has advanced, the number of ultrasounds that women have during pregnancy has increased substantially during the past several decades, and some argue that the previously established guidelines are no longer applicable. Now, a 2018 study co-authored by BU School of Public Health researchers has found that the number or duration of abdominal fetal ultrasounds are not associated with future development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Ultrasounds are a vital tool used by providers to evaluate the developing fetus at different points in pregnancy. An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, which are recorded and transformed into images of the fetus, the placenta, and the surrounding organs. These images are evaluated by providers to determine if normal development is taking place as well as to detect abnormalities, such as fetal brain and heart issues or problems with the placenta that could pose a risk to the mother or the fetus. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends one or two ultrasounds for low-risk pregnancies; however, the number of medically necessary ultrasounds for all pregnancies, including high-risk, are determined by providers’ assessment of each woman’s risk factors and are done in order to help prevent and/or treat any complications that only an ultrasound can detect. “To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to examine current ultrasonography data and quantify the data as it may relate to different developmental outcomes in children,” say lead author N. Paul Rosman, professor of neurology at the School of Medicine. “It is critical to note that this data should not be misinterpreted because an association does not prove a cause and effect.” Researchers have found that the number and duration of abdominal fetal ultrasounds are not associated with future development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The study included 420 participants (328 boys, 92 girls) born to mothers who received prenatal care and delivered their baby at the same hospital. Among the participants, 107 had been diagnosed with ASD, 104 with other developmental delays, and 209 were controls with typical development. The researchers examined fetal ultrasound screenshots from the participants. They looked at number and timing of scans, duration of exposure, mean (average) strength (depth, frame rate, mechanical index, and thermal index), and time of Doppler and three- and four-dimensional imaging. Overall, children with ASD had fewer ultrasound examinations during the first trimester compared to the control group; an average of 5.9 and 6.1 scans, respectively. Moreover, while the there was a statistically significant association between ASD and greater mean depth of ultrasound penetration compared to the control group, the researchers found no association between the number or the duration of the ultrasounds and future development of ASD. “The association we found between the depth of ultrasound and ASD does not mean that ultrasounds cause autism; rather, it highlights the need for more research on how this type of exposure may impact fetal development,” says Rosman. SPH co-authors included Gheorghe Doros, professor of biostatistics, and students James DoRosa and Allison Forman. Authors from MED included pediatrician Sherry Santiago and students Audrey Di Mauro and Rachel Vassar. ————— Sources: The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics. https://jamanetwork.com/journa... Ultrasound Exposure Unlikely to Cause Autism. https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/ar... Continued Reading: Critics jump on ultrasound and autism connection. https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/12... Expert Reaction to Prenatal Ultrasonography Association with Autism https://www.sciencemediacentre...

7/29/2023

What is a sonohysterogram (SIS)?

A Saline Infusion Sonohysterogram (SIS) is a special kind of ultrasound that lets your healthcare provider look inside your uterus and uterine lining for problems that may be causing unwanted symptoms like bleeding and infertility.  SIS is less invasive than surgical procedures such as hysteroscopy and does a better job providing detailed views of structures inside your uterus than standard imaging. Why would someone need a sonohysterogram (SIS)? Your provider may ask you to get a SIS if these symptoms exist: Your periods are heavier or longer-lasting than is typical.You have vaginal bleeding in between periods.You’ve had a polyp suspected on prior sonogram.You’ve been unable to get pregnant.You’ve had two or more miscarriages. A sonohysterogram can reveal these types of structures and conditions: Polyps.Fibroids.Atypical uterus shape.Signs of endometrial cancer. How do I prepare for a sonohysterogram? There are time frames and general restrictions on when the imaging can be scheduled and performed.  Your care provider will help to be sure the time is right for the procedure.

7/15/2023

What does a kidney ultrasound show?

The kidneys primary function is to remove a type of waste called urea from the blood. Ureas is produced when foods containing protien — meat, poultry, and certain vegetables — are broken down in the body. Urea, together with water and other waste substances, form urine. A kidney ultrasound may be used to assess the size, location, and shape of the kidneys and related structures ureters and bladder. The Ultrasound can detect cysts, tumors, abscesses, obstruction, fluid collection, and infections. Kidney stones — calculi of the kidneys and ureters — can also be detected. An ultrasound of the kidneys may also be performed to assist in obtaining tissue samples, to place draining tubes, and even to determine blood flood through the renal arteries and veins. In general, an ultrasound is an easy, non-invasive, painless proceedure. The kidney ultrasound doesn't require any specific preparation such as fasting or sedation. Drinking clear fluids at least one hour before the appointment and restrict emptying the bladder are sufficient preparation.