title: Factors Predictive of Improved Abdominal Ultrasound Visualization after Oral Administration of Simethicone.
abstract: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, accurate and low-cost technique used to study the upper abdomen, but it has reduced reliability in the study of the pancreas and retroperitoneum. Simethicone is a well-known emulsifying agent that has been used to improve ultrasonographic visualization. The aim of this study was to identify anthropometric parameters that are able to predict a good response to simethicone in improving ultrasonographic visualization of abdominal structures. One hundred twenty-seven patients were recruited. After basal examination, their anthropometric parameters were collected. Patients with an incomplete upper abdominal examination because of gastrointestinal gas have greater body mass index, waist circumference and abdominal wall thickness. In our study, the best anthropometric parameter for identifying patients with poor visualization at abdominal ultrasound examination is waist circumference. Using a cutoff of 84 cm, we can identify patients with poor visibility at abdominal ultrasound examination (group B) with a sensitivity of 90%.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marsico
authors.affiliation: Oncology Department, Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. Electronic address: tom.gabbani@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gabbani
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiology, AOU Senese, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Casseri
authors.affiliation: Oncology Department, Division of Gastroenterology, AOU Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rosa
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Biagini
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012841:Simethicone / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D004643:Emollients; D012841:Simethicone
keywords: Abdominal ultrasound; Pre-medication; Simethicone; Ultrasound diagnostic accuracy