PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “diagnostic methods”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Ultrasonography as a diagnostic method in suspected meniscal lesion of the knee. A prospective single blind study of 52 patients].

To evaluate the value of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in patients with clinical and anamnestic signs of meniscal lesions of the knee, a prospective, blinded study of 52 patients was carried out. A dynamic ultrasound scan of the menisci was performed before the arthroscopy. At arthroscopy, the surgeon did not know the result of the ultrasonography. One patient was excluded. We found agreement between the results of the ultrasound scan and the arthroscopy in 43 patients. There were four false negative and four false positive results. The sensitivity of ultrasonography was 0.86 and the specificity was 0.83. We conclude that it is possible to diagnose meniscal lesions by ultrasonography. The method is, however, extremely dependent on the examiner, and it takes a long learning period to become experienced in the technique of performing the dynamic investigation of the menisci with a high grade of specificity within five to ten minutes.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed2002

Diagnostic methods for otitis media with effusion in children.

BACKGROUND: Correct diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children is imperative for instituting appropriate treatment. This study aims to establish the diagnostic value of pneumatic otoscopy, tympanometry, acoustic reflectometry and videotelescopy by comparing them with myringotomy findings. METHODS: Between November 1999 and July 2001, we conducted a prospective study on diagnosis of OME in children. The children studied were candidates for ventilation tube insertions or other ENT surgeries. All tests, including acoustic reflectometry, tympanometry, pneumatic otoscopy and videotelescopy, were performed two days before surgery. Myringotomy or tympanocentesis was then performed to confirm the presence or absence of OME. A type B tympanogram was accepted as a predictor of effusion. The curve angle of acoustic reflectometry with cut-point of 69 degrees (< or = 69 degrees) was also used to predict the presence of OME. RESULTS: Eighty-nine children (58 males and 31 females), ranging in age from 1 to 13 years, participated in the study. Of 172 ears assessed in the study, middle ear effusion was detected in 124; the remaining 47 ears were found to be dry at myringotomy or tympanocentesis. Videotelescopy gave the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, followed by pneumatic otoscopy, tympanometry and acoustic reflectometry. CONCLUSIONS: Videotelescopy seems to have the potential to become the standard for diagnosis of OME in children and for validation of pneumatic otoscopy. When videotelescopy is not available, tympanometry could be an instrumental adjunct to pneumatic otoscopy. Although acoustic reflectometry gave the worst results, it is still useful for assessing and screening OME in children because of the ease and speed of its operation irrespective of crying, cerumen, an air seal in the ear, or lack of cooperation from the young children.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗
PubMed1993

[Physiopathologic aspects of non-ulcerous dyspepsia. Considerations of a new diagnostic method].

The above study is an analysis of different dyspeptic syndromes outlining their pathophysiology and clinical features. On this basis, the authors suggest a diagnostic strategy, stressing the importance of certain elements such as age at onset, duration and variability of symptoms. This allows to evaluate the indications for endoscopy or biopsy, or to decide that it is sufficient to continue observation while reassuring the patient that the dyspeptic condition is benign.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules. A diagnostic method that minimizes the need for surgery.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is the most accurate and cost-effective method of evaluating thyroid nodules. When an experienced endocrinologist and cytopathologist are available, aspiration biopsy is the diagnostic procedure of choice. In our experience at Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu, it has more than halved the number of operations for suspected thyroid cancer.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1988

[Surgical diagnostic methods in the thoracic area].

Radiological changes in the lung, in the mediastinum and in the pleura should always be clarified. The thoracic surgery realizes methods, which have a minimal risk and a low rate of complications but have a high degree of efficacy. Those methods are biopsy of lymphatic nodes, mediastinoscopy and open chest pleuro-pulmonary biopsy. The methods are described and their indications and also their value is discussed in the scope of the diagnostic system of the lung clinic.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1995

Nucleic acid probes as a diagnostic method for tick-borne hemoparasites of veterinary importance.

An increased number of articles on the use of nucleic acid-based hybridization techniques for diagnostic purposes have been recently published. This article reviews nucleic acid-based hybridization as an assay to detect hemoparasite infections of economic relevance in veterinary medicine. By using recombinant DNA techniques, selected clones containing inserts of Anaplasma, Babesia, Cowdria or Theileria genomic DNA sequences have been obtained, and they are now available to be utilized as specific, highly sensitive DNA or RNA probes to detect the presence of the hemoparasite DNA in an infected animal. Either in an isotopic or non-isotopic detection system, probes have allowed scientists to test for--originally in samples collected from experimentally infected animals and later in samples collected in the field--the presence of hemoparasites during the prepatent, patent, convalescent, and chronic periods of the infection in the host. Nucleic acid probes have given researchers the opportunity to carry out genomic analysis of parasite DNA to differentiate hemoparasite species and to identify genetically distinct populations among and within isolates, strains and clonal populations. Prevalence of parasite infection in the tick vector can now be accomplished more specifically with the nucleic acid probes. Lately, with the advent of the polymerase chain reaction technique, small numbers of hemoparasites can be positively identified in the vertebrate host and tick vector. These techniques can be used to assess the veterinary epidemiological situation in a particular geographical region for the planning of control measures.

Anaplasma↗
PubMed1985

Local recurrence after sphincter-saving resection for rectal and rectosigmoid carcinoma. Value of various diagnostic methods.

The authors reviewed 51 cases of local recurrence after sphincter-saving resection for rectal and rectosigmoid carcinoma to assess the sensitivity of current diagnostic procedures. A combination of follow-up serum CEA levels and rectoscopy was found to be most efficient during the first two years after surgery in terms of the time, frequency, and location of the recurrence as well as the cost-benefit ratio. On the other hand, almost all recurrent lesions developed extraluminally, infiltrating the suture line secondarily; moreover, one fourth extended outside the bowel wall. Thus in addition to endoscopy, CT is useful as a means of defining the entire mass at the anastomosis as well as detecting pericolic recurrence and is essential if repeat resection is contemplated.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Contemporary diagnostic methods and treatment for occupational bronchial asthma].

Occupational bronchial asthma remains rather prevalent condition developing due to industrial allergens both of organic and inorganic origin. Diagnostic tool is a complex approach including study of occupational and allergologic anamnesis, immune and allergy status, respiratory volumes. Diagnosis leads to first therapeutic step--elimination of contact with occupational allergen. Treatment of occupational asthma includes inhalation steroids, beta 2-agonists, cholinergic antagonists, methylxanthines. Objective of this treatment is maximal control of the disease with minimal therapy facilities--these are contemporary ideas of medical management for such occupational patients.

Asthma↗
PubMed2003

Diagnostic methods. Current best practices and guidelines for identification of difficult-to-culture pathogens in infective endocarditis.

IE is a serious, life-threatening disease. Because treatment must often be adapted to the pathogen involved, rapid identification of the etiologic agent is critical to successful management of each patient. When difficult-to-culture pathogens are involved, routine microbiologic tests, including blood culture, may remain negative. Because such cases may account for up to 31% of all IE cases, alternative diagnostic approaches are necessary. Among the etiologic agents of culture-negative endocarditis, C burnetii and Bartonella spp play a major role; each is responsible for up to 3% of episodes of IE. The authors therefore recommend the systematic use of specific serologies in all cases of clinically suspected endocarditis. The cross-reactivity between C burnetii, Bartonella spp, and Chlamydia spp is of diagnostic importance because all are potential etiologic agents of endocarditis. However, given that the levels of specific antibodies observed in Bartonella endocarditis are extremely high, low-level cross-reactions with other antigens should not lead to misdiagnosis, provided serology for all suspected agents is performed. When serologic test results are negative for both Bartonella spp and C burnetii, special staining by the Gram, Giemsa, Gimenez, PAS, Warthin-Starry, and Grocott methods may guide the use of new diagnostic tools such as PCR and tissue culture for isolation and identification of the causative agent. Such novel approaches may lead to more comprehensive patient evaluations and the discovery of new etiologic agents of IE.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2005

[The "EVA" Trial: Evaluation of the Efficacy of Diagnostic Methods (Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI) in the secondary and tertiary prevention of familial breast cancer. Preliminary results after the first half of the study period].

PURPOSE: To investigate the respective diagnostic accuracies of the different breast imaging modalities, i. e., mammography (Mx), high-frequency breast ultrasound (US), and dynamic contrast-enhanced breast (MRI) regarding the early diagnosis of familial (hereditary) breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, non-randomized controlled clinical multi-center trial is performed at 4 academic tertiary care centers in Germany (Ulm, Munchen/Grosshadern, Munster and Bonn) for a total period of 4 years, sponsored by the German Cancer Aid. The protocol consists of semiannual clinical visits and breast ultrasound, and annual bilateral two-view Mx, US and MRI. Imaging studies were first analyzed independently, then Mx was read in conjunction with US, followed by Mx combined with MRI, and finally, all three imaging modalities were read in synopsis. We present the concept and first results of this trial. RESULTS: So far, 748 screening rounds are available for analysis in 613 women. A total of 12 breast cancers have been identified, with 11/12 cases in the pTis or pT1/N0 stage. The mean size of detected invasive cancers was 7 mm. A total of 19 benign lesions were biopsied due to false-positive imaging diagnoses. The breast cancer detection rates were: Mx: 5/12 (42 %), US 3/12 (25 %), MRI 10/12 (83 %), and the positive predictive values: Mx 5/17 (29 %), US 3/15 (30 %), and MRI 10/23 (43 %). CONCLUSION: The preliminary data suggest that early diagnosis of familial breast cancer is feasible by intensified surveillance, in particular with the addition of MRI.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

AmniSure placental alpha microglobulin-1 rapid immunoassay versus standard diagnostic methods for detection of rupture of membranes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the AmniSure rapid immunoassay with standard methods for diagnosing rupture of fetal membranes. Patients presenting with signs/symptoms of membrane rupture between 15 and 42 weeks of gestation were invited to participate. Standard/control methods were performed to establish a diagnosis and compare it with AmniSure results. AmniSure performance metrics and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A total of 203 patients agreed to participate. Discrepancies between the control method and AmniSure were noted in seven cases. In these cases, true positives and negatives were determined by retesting with the control method and AmniSure and by noting sonographic evidence of low amniotic fluid. In the final analysis, the AmniSure diagnostic test demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.9%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 99.1%. AmniSure is highly accurate in diagnosing fetal membrane rupture.

Alpha-Globulins↗
PubMed2000

Cortisol production rates in subjects with suspected Cushing's syndrome: assessment by stable isotope dilution methodology and comparison to other diagnostic methods.

It can be difficult to establish the diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome (CS) in patients with mild or nonspecific clinical and biochemical findings, because available diagnostic tests have limited predictive values. We hypothesized that measurement of 24-h cortisol production rates (CPRs) might be a more sensitive indicator of CS in such patients. We measured CPRs in 28 patients with suspected CS (but equivocal biochemical findings) and in 22 healthy control subjects, by infusing tracer amounts of deuterated cortisol, with simultaneous measurements of 24-h urine free cortisol (UFC) levels; and we frequently sampled serum cortisol levels. CPRs were calculated from the ratio of isotopic enrichment to isotopic dilution of cortisol measured by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Nine of the patients proved to have CS by surgery (CS-Yes), whereas 19 patients were determined not to have CS by biochemical testing (CS-No). Mean 24-h UFCs, nocturnal serum cortisol levels, and CPRs were higher in CS-Yes, compared with CS-No and normal subjects. However, one CS-Yes patient had a normal 24-h UFC, two had normal nocturnal serum cortisol levels, and two had normal 24-h CPRs. There was extensive overlap in all of the biochemical parameters between the CS-Yes and the CS-No groups. Thus, measurement of CPR does not seem to offer any diagnostic advantage over available tests for the diagnosis of CS. Patients with proven CS can have normal UFC levels, normal CPRs, or normal nocturnal cortisol levels, whereas patients not thought to have CS may have elevated levels of any one or more these parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Role of sonography as primary diagnostic method in acute abdomen--a prospective study].

A prospective study of 584 consecutive patients presenting with acute abdominal pain was conducted to evaluate the role of ultrasonography as a first-line diagnostic tool for differentiating between surgical and nonsurgical diseases. The study reveals a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of diverticulitis, cholecystitis, and bowel obstruction. In acute appendicitis the method is highly specific, but the sensitivity is rather low. Taking into account the high rate of specific results, routine ultrasonography can be recommended as a screening method in patients suffering from acute abdominal pain.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1986

Nucleic acid hybridization: from research tool to routine diagnostic method.

The nucleic acid hybridization reaction is extremely specific and thus a valuable tool for the identification of genes or organism of interest. The increasing use of nucleic acid hybridization in applied fields like diagnostic medicine has led to the development of more convenient hybridization assays than those originally used in basic research. In conventional nucleic acid hybridization methods immobilized nucleic acids are detected on a filter by a radiolabelled probe. Sandwich hybridization is a simple test format for the analysis of unpurified biological material, but has the disadvantage of a slow reaction rate. Solution hybridization methods are fast and easy to perform provided that a method to separate the formed hybrids from the reaction mixture is available. In non-isotopic detection the nucleic acid probe is modified with a chemical group, which is identified with a labelled detector molecule after hybridization. The low sensitivity of detection is the main problem in nucleic acid hybridization methods. Procedures to amplify the detectable signal or the amount of detectable nucleic acid sequences are potential solutions to this problem. The new hybridization methods have successfully been used for some applications, but still need to be combined into well performing tests to be applicable to any desired purpose.

DNA↗