ObjectiveTo evaluate the application value of imaging techniques in the noninvasive diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), with a view to providing a reference basis for early screening and precise diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe literature on research progress of ultrasound, CT, MRI and other imaging techniques in the diagnosis of MAFLD in recent years were reviewed and the advantages, limitations, and clinical application prospects of different methods were analyzed. ResultsThe core of MAFLD diagnosis lies in the early non-invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Current imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI are used in the diagnosis of MAFLD. Ultrasound is convenient and cost-effective, but its accuracy is operator-dependent; CT can quantify liver fat content, but carries radiation risks; MRI-derived proton density fat fraction is currently the reference standard for non-invasive diagnosis, offering high accuracy, yet it is more costly and has limited accessibility. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis can improve diagnostic performance, but their clinical utility still requires further validation. ConclusionsCurrent imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI play significant roles in the non-invasive diagnosis of MAFLD, with each method having its own advantages. Clinical selection should consider accuracy, accessibility, and economic factors. Future research should focus on optimizing existing technologies, exploring multimodal imaging integration, and developing artificial intelligence assisted diagnostics to enhance early detection rates and guide personalized treatment.
Hemodynamics plays a vital role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and is closely associated with changes in morphology and function. Reliable detection of hemodynamic changes is essential to improve treatment strategies and enhance patient prognosis. The combination of computational fluid dynamics with cardiovascular imaging technology has extended the accessibility of hemodynamics. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent developments in the application of computational fluid dynamics for cardiovascular hemodynamic assessment and a succinct discussion for potential future development.
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS)classification and elastography in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules according to size. Methods A total of 222 thyroid nodules (209 cases) with solid or predominantly solid internal contentdiagnosed at pathological findings were enrolled in this study, all the 209 cases underwent surgery in our hospital from Jan.2014 to Jun.2014. The diagnostic performance of TI-RADS classification and elastography in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules according to size nodules were evaluated (for≤1 cm and > 1 cm respectively). Results By using TI-RADS category and elastography, 178 thyroid nodules were diagnosed as malignant nodules, and 44 thyroid nodules were diagnosed as benign nodules. The high predictive factors for malignant thyroid nodules of > 1 cm were irregular shape(OR=6.376), microcalcification(OR=21.525), and capsule invasion(OR=3.852), P < 0.05. The factors for thyroid nodules of≤1 cm were anteroposterior to transverse diameter ratio≥1(OR=3.406), capsule invasion (OR=3.922), and high elastography score(OR=1.606), that suggested the possibility of malignant (P < 0.05). For nodules of > 1 cm, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index of TI-RADS combining with elastography were 98.3%(59/60), 68.6%(24/35), 87.4%(83/95), 84.3%(59/70), 96.0% (24/25), and 66.9% respectively; for nodules of≤1 cm, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index were 98.5%(67/68), 30.5%(18/59), 66.9%(85/127), 62.0%(67/108), 94.7%(18/19), and 29.0% respectively. Conclusion TI-RADS category combined with elastography for diagnosis of thyroid nodules in different size has just a bit differently diagnostic indicators, but that play a high diagnostic performance on the thyroid nodules with maximum diameter > 1 cm.