E. Titianova
Clinic of Functional Diagnostics of Nervous System, Military Medical Academy – Sofia, Medical Faculty of Sofia University St. Kl. Ohridski – Sofia, Bulgaria
Objective: Space-time ultrasound application in adult Neurology is limited and not well investigated. The presentation aims to demonstrate its diagnostic abilities in clinical settings.
Material and Methods: Patients with carotid pathology, neuro-ophthalmic syndromes, neuropathy, myopathy, cervical tumors, calf muscle trauma and chronic spastic paralysis were studied by multimodal 2D/3D/4D sonography. The results were compared to the findings from other diagnostic methods.
Results: Normal structures (carotid vessels, eye and muscles) have typical 2D/3D/4D images. In presence of plaques, aneurysms or stents the 4D imaging gave additional information for their dimension, surface and structure. In contrast to the normal optic disc image (with a smooth and sharp contour without swelling), papilledema was presented as a hyperechoic prominence into the vitreous, retinal detachment – as a hyperechoic undulating membrane, retinal neovascular degeneration – as a hyperechoic membrane behind the retina. A typical calf muscle architectonics was found in relation to the location, type and severity of triceps surae lesions, muscle fibers contractility, degree of muscle atrophy, fat tissue infiltration and fibrosis.
Discussion: Space-time (3D/4D) ultrasound imaging is additional to the routine 2D neurosonology. It improves diagnostic abilities of ultrasound methods by giving more detailed information for dimension, structural changes and functional characteristics of the target areas. Why and when to use it depends on the level of competency of each neurosonology unit.
Key words: neurology, space-time (3D/4D) ultrasound.