Compression ratio: a novel method to quantify compressibility as a diagnostic measurement in giant cell arteritis.
Authors: Khurshid, M.A., Mynors-Wallis, D., Richards, S., Barclay, C., Fox, C., Budka, M., Hopkinson, N. and Young-Min, S.
Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford)
eISSN: 1462-0332
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae674
Abstract:OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonographic assessment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) relies on the demonstration of a non-compressible halo. Several ultrasonographic methods have been developed to quantify arterial wall thickness, however arterial compressibility has not been quantified. This study presents a possible solution for quantifying compressibility to assist in diagnosing GCA. METHODS: Cross-sectional areas of uncompressed and compressed arteries were measured ultrasonographically, and their ratio was calculated (compression ratio (CR)). The values obtained were tested for a relationship with the diagnosis of GCA and diagnostic performance was compared against halo count (HC). RESULTS: Ultrasound findings from 304 patients (65.8% females) were divided into GCA arm (n = 72) and Not-GCA arm (n = 232). The CR values for patients in the GCA arm were significantly lower than the Not-GCA arm whether compared as the individual patient mean or lowest CR value (Mann-Whitney U test p< 0.001). The CR values observed in this study from a single skilled clinician, suggest a threshold CR value of ≤ 2.3 for predicting a diagnosis of GCA. If confirmed in other studies this would effectively provide a quantitative measure that might help training sonographers confirm a visually identified halo sign and enhance objectivity in ultrasonographic assessment of GCA. CONCLUSION: Compression ratio (CR) is a novel quantifiable measure that contributes to the ultrasound assessment of GCA. It is worthy of further research and in clinical application, it is a measurement that may enhance diagnostic certainty.
Source: PubMed
Compression ratio: a novel method to quantify compressibility as a diagnostic measurement in giant cell arteritis.
Authors: Khurshid, M.A., Mynors-Wallis, D., Richards, S., Barclay, C., Fox, C., Budka, M., Hopkinson, N. and Young-Min, S.
Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
Pages: keae674
eISSN: 1462-0332
ISSN: 1462-0324
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae674
Abstract:Objectives
Ultrasonographic assessment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) relies on the demonstration of a non-compressible halo. Several ultrasonographic methods have been developed to quantify arterial wall thickness, however arterial compressibility has not been quantified. This study presents a possible solution for quantifying compressibility to assist in diagnosing GCA.Methods
Cross-sectional areas of uncompressed and compressed arteries were measured ultrasonographically, and their ratio was calculated (compression ratio (CR)). The values obtained were tested for a relationship with the diagnosis of GCA and diagnostic performance was compared against halo count (HC).Results
Ultrasound findings from 304 patients (65.8% females) were divided into GCA arm (n = 72) and Not-GCA arm (n = 232). The CR values for patients in the GCA arm were significantly lower than the Not-GCA arm whether compared as the individual patient mean or lowest CR value (Mann-Whitney U test p< 0.001). The CR values observed in this study from a single skilled clinician, suggest a threshold CR value of ≤ 2.3 for predicting a diagnosis of GCA. If confirmed in other studies this would effectively provide a quantitative measure that might help training sonographers confirm a visually identified halo sign and enhance objectivity in ultrasonographic assessment of GCA.Conclusion
Compression ratio (CR) is a novel quantifiable measure that contributes to the ultrasound assessment of GCA. It is worthy of further research and in clinical application, it is a measurement that may enhance diagnostic certainty.Source: Europe PubMed Central