The ultrasound protocol proved reliable and was used to evaluate the length, thickness, and cross-sectional areas of selected ankle structures. The length of the ATFL and the thickness of the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament were longer and thicker in injured groups compared to healthy.

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To date there is a limited number of studies that specifically address the reliability of ultrasound point shear wave elastography (pSWE). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the reproducibility of ultrasound pSWE within and between operators using two ultrasound scanners.Methods: iU22 and EPIQ7 ultrasound scanners were used to assess the reliability of pSWE measurements of lesions at a depth of 3.5 cm in an elasticity phantom using curvilinear 5-1MHz transducer. Intra and inter-operator, inter-scanner reproducibility of pSWE was assessed using Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman plot was used to establish bias and limit of agreement between measurements. The accuracy of pSWE from manufacturer values was determined using one-sample t-test Results: Intra-operator agreement was excellent with Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.90. Bias in measurements for operator A was -0.36±3.13 kPa (limit of agreement (LoA): -6.47 -5.75), and for operator B was -1.97 kPa (LoA: -10.25 -14.21). Inter-operator agreement was excellent with ICC values of 0.95. Bias in measurements between operators was -0.42±5 kPa (LoA: -10.24 -9.38). Interscanner agreement between EPIQ7 and iU22 was excellent with ICC values of 0.96. Bias in measurements between scanners was 1.74±4.44 kPa (LoA: -6.95 -10.45). There were significant overestimation for L I (17.75%) and L II (31.14%) and underestimation for L III (-15.28%) and L VI (-98%) from the values reported by the phantom manufacture. Conclusion:Phantom ultrasound pSWE is reproducible within and between operators, and between Philips ultrasound scanners; further studies using different ultrasound systems and transducers are required.

Background: Phantom studies are widely used to assess variability in measurements. This study aimed to assess the reliability and accuracy of point Shear Wave elastography (pSWE) measurements of an elasticity phantom. Methods: Measurements were obtained by an experienced certified clinical sonographer at three different depth levels in kPa, using a curvilinear 5-1MHz transducer of the EPIQ7 ultrasound imaging system. Results: A total of 180 pSWE measurements were obtained at three different depth levels (three cm, five cm, and seven cm) of the phantom background. The mean CV of pSWE was low at all depths (3 cm: 8.8%; 5 cm: 7%; 7 cm: 7.2%). There was a significant difference between measurements at depths of 3 cm vs. 7 cm (MD: −0.85, 95% CI −1.5, −0.11, p = 0.024) and measurements at depths 5 cm vs. 7 cm (MD: −1.1, 95% CI −1.7, −0.47, p = 0.001). An overestimation of mean pSWE measurements at a depth of 7 cm was noted compared to the manufacturer’s value (2.7%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Superficial phantom SWE measurements in this study had low variability compared to deep measurement. pSWE measurements at deep levels can be overestimated.

The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic has not only created massive public health issues, it has also produced excessive psychological disorders in healthcare professionals, including radiology staff. The aim of this study is to assess the risk perception and mental health of radiology staff in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher asked radiology staff to complete an online Google Forms questionnaire, between June 10, 2020 and June 17, 2020, which contained demographic data and self-designed questions related to anxiety, insomnia, depressive symptoms, and mental health services during the pandemic. A total of 168 radiology staff participated in the study. The results indicated that 53.05% and 57.14% of the participants were experiencing mild to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Moreover, 47.02% of the participants were experiencing insomnia symptoms. Among all the participants, only 16.61% had received psychological materials from their hospital during the pandemic, while 22.02% had accessed online psychological assistance techniques. The health of roughly one-third (30.95%) of the participants was worse than it had been before the pandemic. COVID-19 is a source of mental health disorders for healthcare professionals, particularly radiology staff. The findings of this study indicate that more than 70% of radiology staff in Saudi Arabia are concerned about insufficient protective measures and the risk of infection. In addition, a large percentage of them have experienced mental health disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Regular mental healthcare services are required to decrease the negative impact of the pandemic and enhance the overall mental health of the radiology staff.