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Use of cine images in standard ultrasound imaging: a survey of sonologists

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore how sonologists utilize cine images in their routine practice.

Methods

A 10-question, multiple choice survey was distributed to members of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. The survey queried respondent’s routine inclusion of cines for ultrasound examinations in normal and abnormal studies in addition to questions related to respondent’s practice type, geographic location, number of radiologists interpreting ultrasound examinations, and ultrasound imaging workflow.

Results

Sixty-five percent of respondents are in academic practice. Geographic location of practice, number of radiologists in the practice who interpret ultrasound, and whether the sonologist was on site where the examinations were performed was variable. Of respondents, 97% of used both static and cine images for abnormal/positive examinations and 82% used both for normal/negative studies.

Conclusion

Nearly all respondents, who are mostly in academic practice, report using both static and cine images for all ultrasound examinations in their practice.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Thad Benefield, Statistician, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Radiology for statistical analysis and Dr. Jason Pietryga, Clinical Associate Professor of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his guidance on study concept

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA

    Kerry Thomas & Lauren Burke

  2. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA

    Melissa McGettigan

  3. Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Radiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Melissa McGettigan

Authors
  1. Kerry Thomas
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  2. Lauren Burke
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  3. Melissa McGettigan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kerry Thomas.

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Appendices

Appendix 1

Survey questions

  1. 1

    In general, for abnormal/positive findings, does your ultrasound practice rely upon static images only, cine images only, or a combination of static and cine images?

    1. o

      Static images

    2. o

      Cine images

    3. o

      Both static and cine images

  2. 2

    In general, for normal/negative findings, does your ultrasound practice rely upon static images only, cine images only, or a combination of static and cine images?

    1. o

      Static images

    2. o

      Cine images

    3. o

      Both static and cine images

  3. 3

    On which of the following organs does your practice always perform cines, even when normal/negative? (Select all that apply)

    1. o

      Liver

    2. o

      Kidney

    3. o

      Gallbladder

    4. o

      Pancreas

    5. o

      Common bile duct

    6. o

      Spleen

    7. o

      Urinary bladder

    8. o

      Testicle

    9. o

      Epididymis

    10. o

      Uterus

    11. o

      Ovary

    12. o

      Adnexa (separate from ovary)

    13. o

      Thyroid

    14. o

      Other (please specify)

    15. o

      None of above

  4. 4

    On which of the following organs does your practice perform cines for positive/abnormal findings? (Select all that apply)

    1. o

      Liver

    2. o

      Kidney

    3. o

      Gallbladder

    4. o

      Pancreas

    5. o

      Common Bile duct

    6. o

      Spleen

    7. o

      Urinary bladder

    8. o

      Testicle

    9. o

      Epididymis

    10. o

      Uterus

    11. o

      Ovary

    12. o

      Adnexa (separate from ovary)

    13. o

      Thyroid

    14. o

      Other (please specify)

    15. o

      None of the above

  5. 5

    When documenting lesions, does your practice utilize the “split screen” where sagittal and transverse images display on a single image?

    1. o

      Yes, we use split screen showing both sagittal and transverse view on a single image

    2. o

      No, we do not utilize the split screen function and keep sagittal and transverse images separate

    3. o

      We use both separate and split screen

    4. o

      Other (please specify)

    5. o

      Radiologist enters patient room and supervises/performs exam with sonographer in real time. Sonographer performs exam and presents/reviews all cases with radiologist at the workstation or via telecommunication prior to patient discharge

    6. o

      Sonographer performs exam, discharges patient, and submits images via PACS for interpretation by radiologist

  6. 6

    Please select which workflow best fits your normal practice

    1. o

      Hybrid format where radiology enters the room for some, but not all patients

    2. o

      Other (please specify)

    3. o

      None of the above

  7. 7

    During normal business hours, is a radiologist usually on site with the sonographers at your practice?

    1. o

      Yes, a radiologist is always present and available to scan in real time

    2. o

      No, radiologists are usually reading in a different location

    3. o

      Variable due to multiple imaging sites

    4. o

      Other (please specify)

  8. 8

    How many radiologists interpret ultrasounds in your practice?

    1. o

      1-10

    2. o

      11-20

    3. o

      21-30

    4. o

      >30

  9. 9

    Where is your practice located?

    1. o

      Northeast

    2. o

      Mid-Atlantic

    3. o

      Southeast

    4. o

      Midwest

    5. o

      Southwest

    6. o

      West

    7. o

      Northwest

    8. o

      Other (please specify)

    9. o

      None of the above

  10. 10

    How would you describe your practice setting?

    1. o

      Academic

    2. o

      Private Practice

    3. o

      Hospital-based employee

    4. o

      Multi-specialty group employee

    5. o

      Governmental

    6. o

      Other (please specify)

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Thomas, K., Burke, L. & McGettigan, M. Use of cine images in standard ultrasound imaging: a survey of sonologists. Abdom Radiol 48, 3530–3536 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-04014-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-04014-9

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