biostudies-literatureUnknown12(7)Lottspeich CThis study aimed to evaluate the potential diagnostic value of a novel, sonographic, B-Flow (BFl)-based sign ("flashlight sign", FLS) for the detection of wall-adherent, floating arterial structures (WAFAS). The FLS, characterized by a fast moving, very bright, intraluminal signal, was detected in 28 patients with WAFAS. We divided this cohort into three subgroups according to the affected vascular segments: (1) peripheral arteries (<i>n</i> = 10); (2) native abdominal aorta (<i>n</i> = 8); and (3) abdominal aorta after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR; <i>n</i> = 10). Clinical characteristics were analyzed and BFl-findings were compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Seven patients (25%) suffered from arterial embolism downstream to the FLS (EVAR, <i>n</i> = 4; native abdominal aorta, <i>n</i> = 1; peripheral arteries, <i>n</i> = 2). WAFAS of the abdominal aorta (native or after EVAR), as indicated by the FLS, were visible by CEUS and CTA in 60% and 93.3%, respectively. Based on the largest cohort (to this point) of patients with WAFAS, we propose a clinically useful, BFl-based sonographic sign for the detection of these underrated arterial pathologies in the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)1708https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9319488biostudies-literatureThe Flashlight-Sign: A Novel B-Flow Based Ultrasound Finding for Detection of Intraluminal, Wall-Adherent, Floating Structures of the Abdominal Aorta and Peripheral Arteries.PMC9319488Hoffmann UCzihal MLottspeich CPuhr-Westerheide DStana JfalseThe Flashlight-Sign: A Novel B-Flow Based Ultrasound Finding for Detection of Intraluminal, Wall-Adherent, Floating Structures of the Abdominal Aorta and Peripheral Arteries.This study aimed to evaluate the potential diagnostic value of a novel, sonographic, B-Flow (BFl)-based sign ("flashlight sign", FLS) for the detection of wall-adherent, floating arterial structures (WAFAS). The FLS, characterized by a fast moving, very bright, intraluminal signal, was detected in 28 patients with WAFAS. We divided this cohort into three subgroups according to the affected vascular segments: (1) peripheral arteries (<i>n</i> = 10); (2) native abdominal aorta (<i>n</i> = 8); and (3) abdominal aorta after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR; <i>n</i> = 10). Clinical characteristics were analyzed and BFl-findings were compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Seven patients (25%) suffered from arterial embolism downstream to the FLS (EVAR, <i>n</i> = 4; native abdominal aorta, <i>n</i> = 1; peripheral arteries, <i>n</i> = 2). WAFAS of the abdominal aorta (native or after EVAR), as indicated by the FLS, were visible by CEUS and CTA in 60% and 93.3%, respectively. Based on the largest cohort (to this point) of patients with WAFAS, we propose a clinically useful, BFl-based sonographic sign for the detection of these underrated arterial pathologies in the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jul2025-04-18T22:47:16.518Z2022-08-05T07:01:02.02ZS-EPMC93194883588561110.3390/diagnostics12071708