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Notes: Abstract Background. Pneumatosis intestinals (PI) represents gas in the bowel wall. The appearance of PI using high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) has not been well described. Objective. The purpose of this report is to describe a new ultrasound sign of pneumatosis seen in three patients. This sign, called the “circle sign”, is indicative of bubbles of gas within the circumference of the bowel, producing an appearance of a continuous echogenic ring on ultrasound. Further studies of the sonographic characteristics of pneumatosis were performed with an in vitro model. Materials and methods. HRUS was performed prospectively in three patients demonstrating extensive PI radiographically. The appearance of the gas was characterized and the behavior of the intramural bubbles was studied when the bowel was compressed with the ultrasound transducer. Either CT scan or pathologic correlation was obtained in all patients. Experimental models of PI using air injected into the wall of sausage casing were developed. Results. The presence of echogenic gas bubbles within the circumference of the wall of the bowel seen with HRUS was shown to represent pneumatosis intestinalis at histologic examination or by CT scanning in the three study patients. In vitro studies confirmed the clinical impression that the use of compression is helpful in distinguishing intramural from intraluminal air. Conclusion. The presence of echogenic gas bubbles in the wall of the bowel, often seen as a circle within the circumference of the bowel, may be helpful in diagnosing PI on ultrasound using HRUS.

Notes: Abstract Background. There is a need for reliable monitoring of workforce trends in the field of pediatric radiology by the Society for Pediatric Radiology. In addition, the Society should periodically assess itself as to its mission and relevance to its members via membership surveys.¶Objective. The Membership Committee of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, 1999, conducted a 54-question survey to determine the makeup of its members, job profiles, satisfaction with services of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, and its official journal, Pediatric Radiology.¶Materials and methods. Seven hundred fifty surveys were given to active members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology in the United States and Canada. There were 275 surveys returned for an overall response of 37 %.¶Results. Mean age of members is 48 years with 99 % of respondents working. Membership is 34 % female and 66 % male. Women members of the Society are younger (45 vs 49 years, P = 0.0012) and work less hours (47.8 vs 51.0, P = 0.0135) than men. Fifty-seven percent of respondents practice in a freestanding children's hospital, 29 % in a “children's hospital within a hospital,” and 14 % are in community hospitals or an office-based practice. Eighty-two percent of the responding pediatric radiologist's time is spent in performing examination on children, with only 18 % spent on adult work or administration. Forty-eight percent work at more than one office. Sixty-one percent worked evenings or weekends, excluding night call. Two hundred twenty-two of 275 respondents had received a Certificate of Added Qualification. The meeting “for CME credit” was considered the most important benefit of Society membership. Most respondents read select articles in Pediatric Radiology. There was sentiment to decrease esoteric case reports in favor of review articles. Only 19 % of respondents submitted their articles to Pediatric Radiology initially.¶Conclusion. Pediatric radiologists are a diverse membership with the common goal of advocating for healthcare and imaging in children. Survey information given to the leadership of the Society will help the organization remain responsive to its members.