Reliability and reproducibility of the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, a multi-site prospective study: validating a novel ultrasound technique for comprehensive assessment of venous congestion.

Though the novel venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score is increasingly used as a noninvasive means of venous congestion measurement, the inter-rater reliability (IRR), inter-user reproducibility (IUR), and utility of concurrent ECG have not been evaluated. We conducted a multicenter study of the IRR, IUR, and utility of ECG for VExUS interpretation between four attending physicians of diverse specialties, reporting the Kappa statistic (KS) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for IRR and IUR for scans with and without ECG. Eighty-four paired VExUS exams from 42 patients, 60 of which had a concurrent ECG tracing, were interpreted.

Prospective Evaluation of Venous Excess Ultrasound for Estimation of Venous Congestion.

Background: Venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) is a novel ultrasound technique previously reported as a noninvasive measure of venous congestion and predictor of cardiorenal acute kidney injury.

Research Question: Are there associations between VExUS grade and cardiac pressures measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) and cardiac biomarkers and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing RHC?

Study Design And Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at the Denver Health Medical Center from December 20, 2022, to March 25, 2023. All patients undergoing RHC underwent a blinded VExUS assessment prior to their procedure.

Correlation between the VExUS score and right atrial pressure: a pilot prospective observational study.

Venous congestion is an under-recognized contributor to mortality in critically ill patients. Unfortunately, venous congestion is difficult to measure, and right heart catheterization (RHC) has been considered the most readily available means for measuring venous filling pressure. Recently, a novel "Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS)" score was developed to noninvasively quantify venous congestion using inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and Doppler flow through the hepatic, portal, and renal veins.

Pediatric Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures: Cause, Classification, and Management.

Background: Currently, there is a paucity of information on the presentation and proper management of pediatric nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence, cause, associated injuries, and management of these fractures. Furthermore, the authors sought to assess outcomes after transnasal wiring or suture canthopexy for type III nasoorbitoethmoid fractures.

Utilizing novel telepathology system in preclinical studies and peer review.

The demand for board certified toxicologic pathologists and expansion of IT capabilities has resulted in an increase of "virtual" and "distance" pathology (telepathology), and a need for greater flexibility in real time consultations. Newly developed microscope-integrated telepathology systems enable geographically remote stakeholders to view the live histopathology slide as seen by the microscope user. Simultaneous online viewing, annotation, and dialog between pathologists and study experts facilitates good science and economic benefits by enabling more timely and informed clinical decisions.

The Accuracy of Conflict-of-Interest Disclosures Reported by Plastic Surgeons and Industry.

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency and nature of self-reported conflict-of-interest disclosures in the plastic surgery literature and to compare these findings to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act database.

Methods: All articles published from August of 2013 through December of 2013 in four major plastic surgery journals were analyzed. For every publication, the conflict-of-interest disclosure statement for each investigator was reviewed.

New Technologies: Real-time Telepathology Systems-Novel Cost-effective Tools for Real-time Consultation and Data Sharing.

Real-time telepathology for use in investigative and regulated preclinical toxicology studies is now feasible. Newly developed microscope-integrated telepathology systems enable geographically remote stakeholders to view the live histopathology slide as seen by the study pathologist within the microscope. Simultaneous online viewing and dialog between study pathologist and remote colleagues is an efficient and cost-effective means for consultation, pathology working groups, and peer review, facilitating good science and economic benefits by enabling more timely and informed clinical decisions.