Elastography

To elucidate the relationship between changes in the mechanical properties of the tibialis anterior tendon and deformity in patients with hallux valgus, a case-control study is planned to quantitatively measure tendon stiffness using shear-wave elastography (SWE). Two groups will be compared: adults with radiographically confirmed hallux valgus (HVA (Hallux valgus angle) ≥15°) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The primary outcome is the elasticity modulus of the tibialis anterior tendon measured by SWE (kPa). Measurements will be performed using a high-frequency linear probe, with the probe positioned parallel to the tendon fibers and the foot in the standard ankle position, with three repetitions performed on each subject; the mean of stable frames will be used in the analysis. Secondary variables will be the relationships between tendon thickness/cross-sectional area, clinical angle parameters (HVA, IMA (intermetatarsal angle)), and functional scores. In the reliability sub-study, intra- and inter-observer ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient), SEM (Standard Error of Measurement), and MDC (Minimal Detectable Change) will be calculated. The sample size was calculated for a two-sample, two-tailed t-test with α=0.05 and 80% power assumptions, targeting a clinically meaningful medium-to-high effect size (Cohen d=0.60); at least 45 patients (45 with hallux valgus + 45 healthy) were planned. Parametric/non-parametric tests appropriate for the distribution and ANCOVA for potential confounders (age, gender, BMI, foot dominance) will be used in the analyses. The study is expected to objectively demonstrate whether tibialis anterior tendon stiffness changes in hallux valgus, thereby clarifying the muscle-tendon contributions to pathomechanics and laying the groundwork for targeted strategies in both conservative and surgical treatment planning.

Chronic kidney disease is a common global public health issue and its prevalence increased year by year. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further complications and comorbidities of long-term dialysis, cardiovascular events and mortality as well as improve the patients' life quality. To differentiate acute from chronic kidney disease was crucial especially in the setting of crowded and high-risk emergency department. To diagnose acute or chronic kidney disease, physicians usually use blood sample test combined with image studies such as conventional sonography, CT and MRI. However, there was lots of limited factors. The patients may have no previous visit records, poor renal function to receive contrast medium, or critical clinical condition to undergo time-wasting exam. Although the conventional renal sonography is accessible and inexpensive, the judgement is subjective and provide little clinical information. Recent researches of shear wave elastography in evaluating renal parenchymal stiffness showed some correlation with nephropathy. In our study, aiming to facilitating clinical implication, the investigators will use swear-wave elastography combined with conventional renal sonography to benefit patients in diagnosis of acute or chronic kidney disease.

Little is known about the correlation between ultrasound characteristics (conventional, elastography and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) )and pathological prognostic factors in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between ultrasound characteristics and pathological prognostic factors using radiomics.