Objective: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for breast masses through a meta-analysis.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Core Collection databases, as well as the most comprehensive Chinese academic databases in medicine, such as China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database, were systematically searched. All included studies used histopathological results as the reference standard. To assess the diagnostic performance, we calculated the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, a subgroup meta-regression analysis was performed to investigate the heterogeneity.

Results: Fourteen of 1,075 identified articles were included in the current review. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR for SMI were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.89), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.87), 4.3 (95% CI: 2.9-6.2), 0.19 (95% CI 0.14-0.26), and 22 (95% CI: 14-36), respectively. The AUC was 0.90 (0.87 - 0.92). Meta-regression showed that there were heterogeneities for sensitivity, but not for specificity.

Conclusions: SMI had good sensitivity, specificity, and excellent diagnostic value in distinguishing benign breast masses from malignant masses and could potentially help select suspicious breast masses for surgery.

The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has expanded over the past decade to include a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. These include urgent clinical situations that require timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With the introduction of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), CEUS provides increased sensitivity and specificity over conventional ultrasound. Within the trauma setting, CEUS benefits include point of care imaging and an ability to monitor perfusion in real-time. Additionally, UCAs are non-nephrotoxic, and can be used when contrast enhanced CT is contraindicated. In this review, we discuss recent advancements of CEUS within trauma settings.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging plays an important role in the construction of normal anatomy and abnormal structures. The 3D images can be obtained through computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasonography (US) and other technologies with different values and prospects. 3D-US imaging has unique advantages such as being radiation-free, time-saving and cost-effective. The Crystal Vue is a novel 3D-US rending technology that provides valuable information in several obstetrical and gynaecological studies. This review focuses on the application of Crystal Vue technology in the evaluation of foetal skeleton, maxillofacial region, central nervous system, digestive tract and abnormally invasive placenta, cervical pessary, and ureteral stones.