Welcome to the first issue of 2023 and I hope that you find this edition a good mix of papers for you all to enjoy. In this issue, I’m pleased to offer you all an exciting mix of original research, case reports and a technical article covering a range of topics including a framework for developing advanced ultrasound practice roles, COVID pandemic experiences from UK obstetric sonographers, AAA surveillance and growth rates, ultrasound-led paracentesis in point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) practice, a case report of an ovarian fibroma, a case of foetal cirrhosis, a case of cavernous transformation in a portal vein, a case of a rare syndrome which causes renal obstruction, a case of germ-cell testicular tumour and an overview of transducer quality assurance (QA).
The first publication in this issue is from Reeve et al. and offers an interesting framework approach to advanced ultrasound practice. They take a holistic approach to the different factors relating to advanced clinical practice considering the three interconnecting elements including scope of practice, education and competency, and governance.
A team from London have presented the results of a survey from UK-based obstetric sonographers and their experiences during the COVID pandemic. They present their findings after a response from 138 sonographers and how much they met the different thresholds for burnout and work-related stress.
A study from Hornby-Foster has looked at retrospective data of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and their interval growth rates over a 5-year period. The author discusses the rationale for varying local ultrasound surveillance models.
Droste et al. present a retrospective review of an internal audit of ultrasound-guided paracentesis practice in a UK district general hospital. This well-presented 6-year review offers a useful example of how the introduction of ultrasound-led paracentesis has led to improved patient outcomes with lower complication rates.
A team from the United States presents a case report of a midline pelvis mass identified on computed tomography (CT). Initially thought to be a vaginal mass, the ultrasound imaging and histology confirm an ovarian fibroma.
A case study is presented from India of a case of foetal liver failure from cirrhosis secondary to gestational alloimmune liver disease.
A team from Ghana present a case of a 22 year old with cavernous transformation of the portal vein presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleed. The case demonstrates the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of the condition.
An unusual case of obstructive hemi-vagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is presented by a team from the Netherlands. This case helps to provide a reminder for ultrasound practitioners to think about alternative causes for common pathologies.
A team from Plymouth presented an interesting case showing serialised ultrasound of a testicular tumour demonstrating spontaneous regression of malignant features with imaging features initially of a hypervascular lesion subsequently changing to an avascular tumour scar.
The final offering in this edition is from a Danish team looking at the importance of ultrasound transducer QA over a 5-year period.
I look forward to arranging the May edition of Ultrasound for you all. We have additional excellent for the next journal from work that has been submitted to our journal.
Colin P Griffin
Email: editor-in-chief@bmus.org