Journal article
The ultrasound-assisted physical examination in the periodic health evaluation of the elderly
The Journal of family practice, Vol.49(7), pp.628-632
07/01/2000
PMID: 10923573
Abstract
Background: Except for specific procedures such as blood pressure measurement, the conventional physical examination (PE) does not have sufficient sensitivity to be useful as part of the periodic health evaluation. Ultrasound has demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity in numerous studies but has been too expensive to be widely employed in health screening. The purpose of our study was to determine whether an examination in which conventional and ultrasound techniques are blended and applied by a primary care physician might be feasible and useful in the periodic health evaluations of senior citizens.
Methods: Seventy-two patients presenting to a community-based family physician for periodic health evaluations received an ultrasound-assisted physical examination (USA-PE) from a second family physician. The results were reported to the primary physician, and the outcomes were tracked for periods of up to 2 years.
Results: Twenty-two of the 72 patients (31%) had abnormalities found by the USA-PE that were not apparent during the conventional PE. Five of these patients (7%) had serious conditions that received prompt treatment with apparent benefit. Findings included endometrial carcinoma, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid stenosis, hydronephrosis, and urinary retention.
Conclusions: The USA-PE found more abnormalities in this group of patients than conventional PE. Whether it can improve outcomes for senior citizens undergoing periodic health evaluations in a cost-effective manner is yet to be determined.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The ultrasound-assisted physical examination in the periodic health evaluation of the elderly
- Creators
- Timothy Siepel - Box 447, United StatesDavid S Clifford - Box 447, United StatesPaul A James - Box 447, United StatesTimothy M Cowan - Box 447, United States
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Journal of family practice, Vol.49(7), pp.628-632
- PMID
- 10923573
- NLM abbreviation
- J Fam Pract
- ISSN
- 0094-3509
- Number of pages
- 5
- Comment
- Has comment: Friedell BN. Ultrasound-assisted physical examination. J Fam Pract. 2001 Feb;50(2):182, 185. PMID: 11219571.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/01/2000
- Academic Unit
- Family and Community Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9985217035302771
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