Looking Beyond the Retina: What the Optic Nerve Can Tell Us About Sleep Apnea

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When most people think about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), they think about snoring, daytime fatigue, or cardiovascular risk. But sleep apnea is much more than a nighttime breathing disorder. Repeated drops in oxygen levels can affect tissues throughout the body, and the eyes may be one of the places where those effects become visible.

For sonographers and ultrasound professionals, this raises an interesting question: can ultrasound help reveal subtle changes associated with sleep apnea before more significant complications develop?

The optic nerve has become an area of growing interest in this conversation. As the pathway that carries visual information from the eye to the brain, the optic nerve is highly sensitive to changes in blood flow and oxygen delivery. Conditions that repeatedly expose the body to intermittent hypoxia, such as OSA, may place this delicate structure under considerable stress over time.

Ocular ultrasound offers a practical way to evaluate the optic nerve. The examination is noninvasive, relatively accessible, and provides real-time measurements that can be incorporated into clinical assessment. Traditionally, optic nerve ultrasound has been used in a variety of neurologic and ophthalmologic applications, but researchers are beginning to explore its value in understanding systemic diseases as well.

Recent findings suggest that the relationship between sleep apnea and eye health may be more complex than previously appreciated. While the overall size of the globe appears largely unaffected by the severity of OSA, the optic nerve may tell a different story. Evidence indicates that optic nerve thickness decreases as sleep apnea becomes more severe, highlighting a potential structural consequence of chronic nocturnal oxygen deprivation.

What makes this especially noteworthy is the connection to the physiologic burden of the disease. Researchers observed that thinner optic nerves were associated with measures of nighttime oxygen deficiency, including the amount of time patients spent with low oxygen saturation levels during sleep. Even after accounting for factors such as age and body mass index, indices commonly used to characterize sleep apnea severity remained independently associated with optic nerve thickness.

These observations reinforce an important concept: the consequences of OSA are not limited to the airway. The cumulative effects of intermittent hypoxia may extend to structures that depend on consistent oxygen delivery and vascular support. For clinicians, that means eye-related changes could potentially serve as another window into disease burden.

Although ocular ultrasound is not a diagnostic test for sleep apnea, these findings illustrate how imaging can contribute to a broader understanding of patient health. Sonographers often encounter opportunities to observe systemic disease manifestations in unexpected places. As research continues to explore the intersection of sleep medicine, ophthalmology, and ultrasound, the optic nerve may emerge as a valuable imaging biomarker worthy of greater attention.

For ultrasound professionals, this area of study also highlights the expanding role of sonography beyond traditional applications. As imaging technology advances and researchers continue identifying new clinical correlations, ultrasound may increasingly help characterize conditions that affect multiple organ systems.

The takeaway is simple: sleep apnea does not stop at the airway. Its effects can reach far beyond the lungs and upper respiratory tract, potentially influencing structures as delicate as the optic nerve. Understanding those connections may ultimately improve how clinicians monitor disease severity, assess risk, and appreciate the full-body impact of chronic sleep-disordered breathing.

This post was inspired by research published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine,“Optic Nerve Thickness Assessed by Ocular Ultrasonography in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association with Disease Severity and Nocturnal Hypoxemia.” (https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.70381).

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

Proposed Federal Grant Changes Could Impact Research, Conferences, & Publications

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Public Comment Period Open Through July 13 

Over the last few weeks, a growing conversation has been taking shape around a major policy proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This proposed rule could fundamentally reshape how federally funded research is awarded, conducted, and shared across the United States, and could affect everything from grant processes to public access to scientific findings. 

As an organization dedicated to advancing ultrasound through research, education, and best practices, with patient safety at the center, the AIUM is monitoring this proposal and engaging with peer organizations during the public comment period. This is a set amount of time during which the public can review and provide feedback on a proposed government rule, regulation, or policy before it is finalized. This policy proposal comment period is open through July 13 at 11:59 pm ET. 

Individuals may choose to submit a comment and share their perspective about the proposal. Tens-of-thousands of comments have already been submitted from across the research, education, health care, and nonprofit communities. Input from clinicians, researchers, educators, and medical professionals can help provide real-world context on how proposed changes may affect patient care, research, education, and scientific collaboration.  

As a nonpartisan, nonprofit association, the AIUM does not take political positions. At the same time, this proposal has significant implications for the medical and scientific community, including AIUM members. AIUM’s Executive Committee of the Board believes it is important that members are aware of the opportunity to engage in the public comment process. 

What Are the Proposed Changes?  

For a summary of key changes in the proposal, read more here. Here are a few of the main takeaways: 

  • Increased political oversight of grants: Political appointees would review and approve all discretionary awards, and funding decisions must align with administration priorities, potentially overriding scientific merit. 
  • Peer review no longer central: Expert peer review becomes advisory only, weakening a long-standing foundation of U.S. research funding. 
  • New, unclear standards: Grants must meet an undefined “Gold Standard Science” requirement, creating uncertainty and broad discretion in approvals. 
  • Risk to ongoing research: Active grants could be terminated mid-project without cause if priorities change. 
  • Restrictions on research topics: Institutions could face risk even for separately funded activities. 
  • Limits on international collaboration: New restrictions make global research partnerships more difficult and require additional approvals. 
  • Expanded eligibility scrutiny: Applicants may be denied based on affiliations or perceived viewpoints. 
  • Increased administrative burden: New compliance requirements, including mandatory E-Verify for grant personnel. 

What are the Direct Impacts on AIUM Members?  

While this proposal will impact the medical space writ-large, here are ways that this will directly impact the AIUM, the organization’s members, and the AIUM’s nonprofit services. 

  • Research & Funding: Greater uncertainty in funding decisions and project continuity and shift from merit-based evaluation to policy-driven considerations. 
  • Conferences & Education: Conference attendance would require advance agency approval written into grants and reduced flexibility to present findings, collaborate, and stay current. 
  • Journals & Publishing: Publication costs (including open access fees) would be generally unallowable and journal subscriptions may not be covered by grant funds, which would create potential barriers to sharing and advancing ultrasound research. 
  • Professional Engagement: Society memberships require prior approval and justification, and there may be potential limits on participation in organizations like the AIUM.  
  • Scientific Communication: New restrictions on public communication and outreach, and “issue advocacy” rules may limit how findings are shared. 

Why Do These Proposed Changes Matter? 

These proposed changes represent a significant shift in how scientific research is funded and managed in the U.S., moving away from independent, peer-reviewed processes toward increased centralized oversight. For the ultrasound community, this could directly affect innovation and research progress, educational opportunities and collaboration, publication and dissemination of new knowledge and ultimately, quality of care and patient safety. 

How Can I Take Action and Make a Public Comment? 

The public comment period is open through July 13. AIUM members, and everyone interested in this topic, have an opportunity to help shape the outcome. Below are some tips on how to create an effective public comment.  

  • Begin with your background and expertise. Briefly describe your experience with federal grants, including the types of grants you’ve worked with or administered. 
  • Reference specific section numbers. For each point you make, include the relevant section of the proposed rule (e.g., [200.205]). You do not need to comment on every part of the rule.  
  • Provide concrete details and impacts. Go beyond simply stating support or opposition. Share specific facts, data, or examples that explain how the proposed changes would affect you, your work, or your broader community.  
  • Highlight your unique perspective. Individual, well-supported comments are more impactful than generic or template responses. Emphasize your personal experience and insights to help decision-makers understand the real-world implications. 
  • Maintain a professional and respectful tone. Keep your comments clear, constructive, and fact-based. Professional communication helps ensure your feedback is taken seriously and effectively considered. 

For this proposal, the public comment period is open through July 13 at 11:59 pm ET. You may submit a comment here. 

The AIUM’s Commitment 

As this proposal continues to develop, the AIUM remains committed to engaging with peer organizations and advocating for policies that support innovation, transparency, and patient safety. The AIUM will provide timely updates and insights, helping you stay informed and prepared for any changes that may impact your work and the broader research landscape. 

The AIUM Executive Committee, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), Laurel, MD.

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Rethinking Fetal Heart Screening in Pregnancies With Diabetes

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Pregnancy can come with many extra layers of care, especially for patients with pregestational diabetes—meaning diabetes that existed before pregnancy began. One of the biggest concerns in these pregnancies is the increased risk of congenital heart disease (CHD), or heart problems a baby is born with. Because of this risk, many guidelines recommend that all of these pregnancies include a fetal echocardiogram, a specialized ultrasound focused only on the baby’s heart.

But is that always necessary?

A new study suggests that in some settings, there may be another way.

Researchers looked at how a selective referral program worked for pregnant patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at a large, experienced medical center. Instead of automatically sending every patient for a fetal echocardiogram, the team used detailed anatomy ultrasounds first. These routine scans included expanded views of the baby’s heart and were performed by highly trained ultrasound professionals. If something looked unusual, or if the images weren’t clear enough, the patient would then be referred for the more specialized heart exam.

The goal was simple: find out whether this approach could still catch serious heart problems before birth.

The findings were encouraging.

The study showed that all of the major heart conditions in the babies were identified before delivery, even though only a portion of patients went on to receive a fetal echocardiogram. This suggests that when detailed anatomy scans are performed carefully and by experienced teams, they may be enough to spot the most serious concerns.

Some smaller or less serious heart differences were not found until after birth. However, these were minor issues that did not require urgent treatment and are often difficult to detect before delivery.

This distinction matters.

Not every heart difference has the same impact. Some conditions need immediate care after birth, while others may simply need monitoring over time. The study’s selective approach focused on making sure the most urgent and life-changing conditions were found early.

Why is this important?

Fetal echocardiograms are valuable, but they also require specialized equipment, trained staff, and time. In many healthcare systems, these resources are limited. Reducing unnecessary referrals could help shorten wait times and improve access for patients who need these exams most.

It may also help reduce stress for expectant parents. Being referred for additional testing can create anxiety, even when everything turns out normal. A strong initial screening process may help avoid some of that uncertainty.

The study also highlights the importance of ultrasound quality. The success of this selective system depended on advanced imaging techniques and experienced sonographers and physicians. That means this approach may not work the same way in every clinic or hospital. Centers with fewer resources or less specialized training may still benefit from universal fetal echocardiograms for these higher-risk pregnancies.

For now, this research adds to a growing conversation in maternal-fetal care: how can healthcare teams provide the best care while also using resources wisely?

The answer may not be one-size-fits-all. But studies like this show that with the right expertise and technology, more personalized approaches to prenatal care may be possible.

Want to learn more? Read the full study in the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s (AIUM’s) Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jum.70324

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AIUM members always have full access to the journal; not a member? Join here.

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

The Newborn Hip: What We Can’t Feel, We Can See on Ultrasound

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At first glance, a newborn appears perfectly healthy. There is no pain, no deformity, nothing to raise concern. Yet beneath that calm exterior, the hip joint may be quietly unstable, a subtle condition with lifelong consequences if not detected early.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most important conditions we need to detect early in pediatric imaging. It represents a spectrum, from mild acetabular shallowness to complete dislocation of the femoral head. While many cases resolve spontaneously, others silently progress, leading to gait abnormalities, chronic pain, and early osteoarthritis if missed.

This is where ultrasound changes the story.

Unlike radiography, ultrasound allows us to see the neonatal hip before ossification begins. It provides a dynamic, real-time assessment, not just of the hip anatomy, but also of stability. In fact, it can mimic clinical maneuvers such as the Barlow test by applying gentle stress during examination, to assess whether the femoral head remains seated or slips out of the acetabulum.

Timing matters. Ultrasound is the modality of choice before 4–6 months of age, when the femoral head is still largely cartilaginous. But performing it too early—before 6 weeks—can lead to overdiagnosis due to physiological laxity caused by maternal hormones. Knowing when to scan is therefore just as important as knowing how.

A standard ultrasound examination relies on two key views:

  • Coronal view at rest: evaluates acetabular morphology
  • Transverse flexion view (with or without stress): assesses joint stability
Ultrasound image of the hip joint anatomy, showing structures such as the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, iliac bone, femoral head, and surrounding cartilage.
Source: Robben S, Smithuis R. Radiology Assistant (https://radiologyassistant.nl/pediatrics/hip/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip-ultrasound)

To bring objectivity into assessment, the Graf method is the widely used technique. By identifying key anatomical landmarks (the iliac line, triradiate cartilage, and labrum), we measure two angles:

  • Alpha (α) angle: reflects the bony roof of the acetabulum
  • Beta (β) angle: reflects the cartilaginous roof

A normal hip typically shows an α angle ≥60° and β angle <55°. Deviations from these values help classify hips into types ranging from normal (Type I) to dislocated (Type IV). But beyond the numbers, what matters most is understanding what they represent: how well the femoral head is supported and how stable the joint truly is.

Screening strategies vary worldwide. Some healthcare systems advocate universal ultrasound screening, while others rely on selective screening based on risk factors such as breech presentation, family history, or associated musculoskeletal deformities. Interestingly, ultrasound can detect significantly more abnormalities than clinical examination alone.

But beyond protocols and measurements lies a bigger question:

How many cases are we missing simply because they look “normal” at birth?

Ultrasound gives us a unique opportunity, not just to diagnose, but to prevent. Early detection allows for simple, non-invasive treatments like harnessing, often avoiding surgery altogether.

As clinicians and sonographers, we are not just capturing images, we are shaping outcomes.

So the next time you scan a newborn hip, ask yourself:

Are you just measuring angles, or are you changing a life?

Dr. Dina Elraggal is a Radiology resident at the Medical Research Institute at Alexandria University in Egypt.

This posting has been edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this posting are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of their employer or the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

A New Way Ultrasound May Help Protect High-Risk Pregnancies

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Pregnancy is a time of careful monitoring, especially when there are concerns about a baby’s growth. One condition doctors watch closely is fetal growth restriction (FGR). This happens when a baby is not growing as expected in the womb, which can increase the risk of complications before and after birth. 

To keep both mother and baby safe, healthcare providers rely on different tools to track what’s happening during pregnancy. Ultrasound is one of the most important of these tools. It allows doctors to see inside the body in real time and monitor how both the baby and the mother are doing. Now, newer approaches to ultrasound are offering even more insight, especially in pregnancies affected by FGR. 

Looking Beyond the Baby 

Traditionally, ultrasound exams in cases of FGR focus mainly on the baby, measuring growth, checking movement, and evaluating blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord. While these are still essential, researchers are beginning to look more closely at changes in the mother’s body as well. 

One area of interest is the blood flow near the eye, specifically in a vessel called the ophthalmic artery. This artery supplies blood to the eye and surrounding structures, but it can also reflect what’s happening more broadly in the body’s circulation. 

Using Doppler ultrasound, which shows how blood is moving through vessels, doctors can observe patterns in this artery. Changes in blood flow here may signal that the body is under stress or adjusting in response to pregnancy complications like FGR. 

What the Eye Can Reveal 

So why focus on the eye? It turns out that the blood vessels around the eye can provide clues about overall blood flow and pressure changes in the body. In pregnancies affected by FGR, the body may adapt in ways that alter how blood is distributed. 

By studying these patterns, clinicians may gain a better understanding of how severe the condition is and how it might progress. This could be especially helpful in identifying pregnancies that need closer monitoring or earlier intervention. 

Another Clue: The Optic Nerve Sheath 

In addition to blood flow, ultrasound can also be used to look at a structure called the optic nerve sheath. This is a protective covering around the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. 

Why does this matter? Because changes in this area can sometimes reflect shifts in pressure within the body, including the head. While this might sound unrelated to pregnancy, these pressure changes can be part of how the body responds to complications. 

By measuring the optic nerve sheath, doctors may be able to gather additional information about a patient’s condition, adding another layer to their overall assessment. 

What This Means for Patient Care 

The most important takeaway is that ultrasound is becoming an even more powerful tool in managing high-risk pregnancies. By looking at both blood flow patterns and subtle physical changes, clinicians may be able to: 

  • Better identify which pregnancies are at higher risk 
  • Monitor how conditions like FGR are evolving 
  • Make more informed decisions about timing of delivery 
  • Potentially improve outcomes for both mother and baby

This approach doesn’t replace traditional ultrasound exams—it builds on them. By combining multiple sources of information, healthcare providers can get a more complete picture of what’s happening. 

A Step Toward Earlier Detection 

One of the biggest challenges with FGR is knowing when to act. Deliver too early, and the baby may face complications related to prematurity. Wait too long, and the risks from poor growth may increase. 

New ultrasound techniques like these may help doctors find that balance more effectively. Even small improvements in early detection and monitoring can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. 

Moving Forward 

While more research is still needed, this work highlights an important shift in how ultrasound is used in pregnancy care. Instead of focusing only on the baby, clinicians are increasingly looking at the bigger picture, including how the mother’s body is responding. 

This broader perspective may lead to earlier warnings, better decision-making, and ultimately safer pregnancies. 

For more detailed information, see the original article in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jum.16660 

Seeing the Unseen: What Early-Career Ultrasound Users Should Know in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I still remember the first time an ultrasound image “clicked.” What initially felt like abstract shades of gray suddenly became a living story of anatomy, physiology, and possibility. I remember thinking that, finally, I was able to see what my mentors already knew and understood. For early-career ultrasound users in obstetrics and gynecology, that moment will come. And when it does, it transforms not just how you practice, but how you connect with patients. 

Ultrasound is more than a diagnostic tool in our field; it is an extension of the clinical exam, a real-time window into pregnancy, and often the first introduction a patient has to their baby. Few modalities in medicine combine technical precision with such profound emotional impact. 

Early on, ultrasound can feel humbling. Images may seem ambiguous, probe movements counterintuitive, and workflows complex. That’s normal. Ultrasound is an acquired skill that is both cognitive and tactile. It requires learning how to see, but also how to look. 

Start with fundamentals: 

  • Understand probe orientation and spatial relationships. 
  • Learn systematic approaches to scanning (e.g., standard planes in first-trimester and anatomic surveys). 
  • Correlate what you see with embryology and anatomy. 

This is critical. Repetition is key. The more scans you perform, the more pattern recognition develops. Also, it’s absolutely essential not to just “read” images but to perform the scans yourselves. When you have done enough scans that are normal, you begin to recognize what is not normal. What once required intense concentration becomes intuitive. Importantly, seek feedback, review images with experienced sonographers and faculty, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Ultrasound is a team sport. 

For early-career clinicians, three areas deserve focused attention: 

1. Image Acquisition Before Interpretation 
A common pitfall is rushing to interpret before mastering image quality. A poorly obtained image can lead to misdiagnosis. Learn how to optimize depth, gain, and probe position. A clean, well-oriented image is the foundation of everything that follows. 

2. Standardization and Discipline 
Follow established protocols. Whether performing a dating scan, nuchal translucency, or detailed anatomic survey, consistency ensures completeness and safety. Checklists are not a crutch, they are a safeguard. 

3. Clinical Integration 
Ultrasound findings should never exist in isolation. Integrate them with patient history, lab results, and clinical context. For example, a borderline fetal growth parameter means something very different in a low-risk patient versus one with hypertension or prior fetal growth restriction. 

Ultrasound in obstetrics is uniquely powerful because it often informs immediate and consequential decisions. From confirming viability to diagnosing fetal anomalies, placental disorders, or multiple gestations, your scan can change the trajectory of care in real time. 

With that power comes responsibility: 

  • Recognize your limits and escalate when needed. 
  • Document thoroughly and accurately. 
  • Communicate clearly with both patients and colleagues.

Equally important is how we convey findings. Ultrasound is often performed in the presence of the patient, creating moments of vulnerability and anticipation. Early-career users should develop not only technical skills, but also communication skills, such as how to balance transparency with sensitivity, and how to navigate uncertainty with professionalism. 

Few areas of medicine demonstrate the impact of imaging as vividly as obstetrics and gynecology. Ultrasound allows us to: 

  • Diagnose ectopic pregnancies and prevent life-threatening complications. 
  • Establish accurate gestational dating, which underpins nearly every obstetric decision. 
  • Detect fetal anomalies early, enabling counseling, intervention, and informed planning. 
  • Monitor fetal growth and well-being, guiding timing of delivery. 
  • Evaluate placental location and pathology, critical for preventing hemorrhage and optimizing outcomes. 

But beyond clinical metrics, ultrasound builds connection. It is often the first time a patient sees their pregnancy visualized—a moment that can anchor trust and engagement in care. 

If you are early on your ultrasound journey, be patient with yourself. Mastery does not happen overnight. But know that every scan you perform is building a skill set that is both highly technical and deeply human. 

Ultrasound teaches us to slow down, to observe carefully, and to respect the complexity of what we cannot see with the naked eye. In obstetrics and gynecology, it also reminds us that we chose this field to care for patients at some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. 

Joanne Stone, MD, is Professor and System Chair, and Ellen and Howard C. Katz Chair in the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 

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This posting has been edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this posting are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of their employer or the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson’s Disease: New Noninvasive Treatment Options

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can dramatically impact quality of life. While medication remains the first-line therapy for most patients, many people eventually experience symptoms that are no longer well controlled with medication, such as tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and medication-related dyskinesia.

Focused ultrasound as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease recently received new attention when Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, detailed her focused ultrasound treatment for Parkinson’s-related tremor on TODAY, People.com, and other outlets, helping raise awareness of this emerging option.

Background

In the U.S., focused ultrasound has been helping to address a critical treatment need for years. This therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tremor-dominant PD in 2018. Three years later, the FDA expanded its 2018 approval to include the treatment of mobility, rigidity, and dyskinesia symptoms.  

New Advances: Bilateral Treatment and New Target

In 2025, patients with PD benefitted from another significant step forward when the FDA approved bilateral focused ultrasound treatment. This approval meant that patients with certain expressions of PD now had the option to receive treatment on both sides of their brain in two sessions at least six months apart. This staged approach is designed to improve symptom control on both sides of the body while maintaining patient safety. The expansion is important because PD commonly affects both sides of the body, particularly as symptoms progress.

The latest approval is also different in that it specifically applies to targeting the brain’s pallidothalamic tract (PTT). Treating this target allows physicians to address a broader range of advanced motor symptoms, including rigidity and dyskinesia, in addition to tremor. This represents an important evolution in focused ultrasound therapy, expanding its potential benefit for patients with more complex or progressed Parkinson’s disease.

Additional Information for Patients

It is important to note that these current approved uses of focused ultrasound only address the symptoms of PD; they are not a cure for the primary disease. But for certain patients who need to address difficult symptoms, focused ultrasound offers a noninvasive alternative to surgery with a lower risk of complications and lower cost.

Patients who are interested in focused ultrasound for PD should talk to their neurologist about whether they may be a candidate for focused ultrasound. As of April 2026, staged bilateral treatment targeting the PTT is not covered by Medicare, although various parties are working toward reimbursement.

Treatment primarily targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus for Parkinsonian tremor is currently covered by Medicare in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Treatment targeting the globus pallidus for Parkinsonian dyskinesia is covered by Medicare in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.  

Patients with medication-resistant movement disorders can take a short quiz on the Insightec website to see if they may be candidates. They can also speak with a program engagement team member at Insightec to learn more by calling 1-800-704-6797.

Tim Meakam, MD, is Co-Director of the Research and Education Team at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.

How Doctors Use Ultrasound to Spot Dangerous Fluid After a Child Is Hurt

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When children are seriously hurt in accidents, doctors need to act fast. One of the biggest worries after a child is hurt in the belly area is internal bleeding (blood that collects deep inside where you can’t see it). This type of bleeding can be life-threatening but hard to detect just by looking at the child or doing a physical exam.

That’s where a tool called FAST, short for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, comes in. FAST is a type of ultrasound test used in emergency care to quickly look for problem areas inside the body. It’s safe, it doesn’t use radiation like X-rays or CT scans, and it gives doctors real-time pictures of what’s happening inside.

One important part of FAST is checking the pelvis, the lower part of the belly area, for what doctors call “free fluid.” In trauma patients, free fluid almost always means blood from an injury. The more fluid that’s there, the more likely that serious internal bleeding is happening. But not all fluid is easy to see or measure, especially when the amount is small. So how well can doctors actually estimate the amount of fluid when they look at the ultrasound screen?

How reliable are doctors when they make a quick judgment by eye, or gestalt, about fluid volume on a pelvic FAST exam in children? Can doctors consistently recognize when there’s enough fluid to be concerning versus when the fluid is minor and probably not dangerous.

  • Doctors who are trained in ultrasound do a good job of distinguishing between larger amounts of fluid and smaller amounts. In other words, experienced clinicians can reliably tell when the fluid is significant enough to warrant concern versus when there is just a little bit.
  • The challenge is with very small amounts of fluid. When the fluid is minimal, doctors are less consistent in their estimates. Small amounts of fluid can be subtle on ultrasound, and even experienced eyes may disagree about what they see.

Why This Matters for Children Hurt in Accidents

When a child arrives at the emergency department after an accident, time is of the essence. FAST exams are often done right at the bedside so that decisions about further care, like whether to get a CT scan or go straight to surgery, can be made quickly.

The fact that doctors trained in point-of-care ultrasound can reliably spot significant fluid means that FAST remains a valuable tool in pediatric trauma care. It helps teams identify children who may need urgent intervention without waiting for longer, more complicated tests.

At the same time, small volumes of fluid are harder to judge, which highlights the limits of quick visual estimation. In cases where only a little fluid shows up, doctors may need to be cautious and consider other clinical signs, or use additional imaging tools when possible.

Improving Ultrasound Use in Emergencies

Understanding the strengths and limits of physician judgment can help hospitals train their teams better and make more informed decisions about when to rely on FAST and when to follow up with more detailed imaging.

In a field where every second counts and where radiation exposure is a real concern, especially in children, having reliable, fast, bedside tools like FAST is a big advantage. Knowing how well those tools work in the hands of real doctors helps make pediatric trauma care safer and more effective.

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

To read more about the FAST exam in pediatric patients, check out this article from the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM):

A Potential Pitfall of Using Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma in Pediatric Trauma – Baer Ellington – 2019 – Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine – Wiley Online Library

Advancing Ultrasound Through Innovation: AIUM’s Voice on Capitol Hill

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As the AIUM continues our commitment to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound, we are taking important, new steps into the world of advocacy. While this work is still relatively new for our organization, our approach is clear: remain firmly nonpartisan, stay aligned with our mission, and engage thoughtfully in conversations that shape the future of imaging and patient care. Our recent efforts demonstrate our growing readiness to be an active, informed voice on behalf of you, our members, the ultrasound community at large, and the patients and individuals we serve directly and indirectly. 

As we complete our current stretch of advocacy in Washington, D.C., I want to share how the AIUM’s recent efforts positioned us for meaningful and influential conversations with policymakers recently. 

In Summer 2025, the AIUM Board of Governors approved a structured, objective process for evaluating when and how we engage in advocacy. This framework has guided our actions, ensuring that every step we take aligns with our mission and strategic priorities. 

Using this tool, in the face of suggested cuts of 40% and more to imaging research and development in the United States, the AIUM joined more than 400 organizations in November 2025 to request a full restoration of NIH funding for FY26 in the federal appropriations process. That collective effort had a measurable impact: when the FY26 appropriations minibus was signed in February 2026, Congress not only rejected proposed NIH cuts but increased funding to $47.22B, a $216M increase over FY25. 

Our momentum continued when we were invited to support the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Ad Hoc Group’s FY27 NIH funding recommendation of $51.3B—an 8.7% increase over FY26. Just last month, I approved our participation and the AIUM signed that letter of support. At the time, 257 organizations had already publicly supported the request, and we continue to monitor developments as the FY27 process moves forward. 

Now, we turn toward our recent advocacy moment. 

The AIUM’s Recent Hill Days: March 24–25 in Washington, D.C. 

This year’s activities, organized by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research, provided the AIUM with a significantly expanded platform to highlight the value of ultrasound, the importance of imaging research, and the need for strong, sustained NIH FY27 funding. The AIUM joined with 14 other imaging and radiology-focused organizations to advocate for uninterrupted funding, national investment in ultrasound and imaging advances, and highlight the benefits that ultrasound provides as a safe, effective, and portable diagnostic and therapeutic modality.  

A group of eight professionals posing together on a city street with the U.S. Capitol in the background, surrounded by trees.
Various members from our Hill Day coalition.

Kevin Haworth, PhD, FAIUM, FASA, who is an AIUM Fellow and Board Member, and I were joined by 50+ other individuals from across the organizations participating, representing a broad range of imaging expertise, modalities of interest, and from academic, non-profit, medical, and commercial sectors. 

Here is an outline of our time on Capitol Hill: 

March 24 – Full Day of Congressional Meetings  

Hill Day itself included a full schedule of congressional discussions, including targeted outreach to legislative offices from Vermont and Ohio, which are Kevin and my home states, respectively. The organizers also paired my group with visits to the offices of Wisconsin lawmakers. 

My group was able to speak to the offices of both Vermont and both Wisconsin senators, and the Vermont At-Large representatives, as well as the Representative from Wisconsin OH-05. Kevin was able to meet directly with Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, as well as the office of Senator Bernie Moreno. Kevin also held conversations with Representative Shontel Brown of OH-11, and briefly visited the offices of Representatives Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Warren Davidson (OH-08).

These conversations allowed us to share firsthand how ultrasound improves patient outcomes, strengthens access to care, and supports high-value clinical practice across diverse medical settings. This was also our moment to voice clear support for robust NIH FY27 investment.

Three men in business attire posing for a photo in an indoor setting with a blue backdrop.
Kevin Haworth (a current AIUM Board member), Jonathan Dillman (a former Board member), and Senator Jon Husted of Ohio.

March 24 – Evening: Medical Imaging Technology Showcase 

A man in a suit uses a handheld ultrasound device while examining an image on a tablet in a conference setting.
Kevin Haworth demonstrating tablet-based ultrasound imaging.

That evening, we shifted further from policy to demonstration. At the Medical Imaging Technology Showcase, Kevin educated attendees about ultrasound and attendees were able to explore ultrasound imaging innovations firsthand. And thanks to the kind support of EchoNous of a portable, tablet-based ultrasound machine, we even had the opportunity to conduct live educational demonstrations for at least two of the Congressional staffers during the visits. This hands-on engagement helps ground our policy priorities in real-world applications, offering a powerful complement to the day’s meetings.

March 25 – Academy Research Roundtable: AI-Driven Advances in Imaging 

Our Hill activities concluded with the Academy’s Research Roundtable, with the morning session this year focusing on AI-driven advances in imaging. This discussion explored how emerging technologies are reshaping diagnostics, improving efficiency, and expanding clinical capability, further underscoring the importance of sustained federal investment in imaging research and innovation. The afternoon sessions explored strategies to strengthen the talent pipeline, supporting researchers across their career stages while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Two men standing outside the American Association for the Advancement of Science building, with a stone wall featuring the organization's name.
Kevin Haworth and David Jones at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

My Reflection on Our Time on Capitol Hill 

Together, these three days reflect the full spectrum of what advocacy can be: preparation, conversation, demonstration, and collaboration. The AIUM’s presence in Washington underscores our commitment to advancing ultrasound, supporting research, and ensuring that policymakers understand the essential role imaging plays in modern healthcare.  

If you have any feedback on this topic specifically, or on whether the AIUM should do more or less nonpartisan advocacy in the future, please reach out to me at president@aium.org.  

I am proud to represent our organization and to continue our work to elevate the impact of ultrasound nationwide. 

 
David C. Jones, MD, FAIUM  
President, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 
AIUM Member since 1993  
Director, University of Vermont Medical Center Fetal Diagnostic Center  
Professor of Obstetrics, Midwifery, Gynecology and Reproductive Science 
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine 
Larner College of Medicine 
University of Vermont, Burlington  

An Open Invitation to Attend the AIUM’s 2026 Convention

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As a perinatologist, long-time AIUM member since 1993, and President of the organization, I want to invite you to join us at the upcoming 2026 AIUM Annual Convention: The Ultrasound Event—a gathering that continues to remind me why I first fell in love with ultrasound and with this organization. Every year, I leave the convention inspired by the innovation, collaboration, and passion that define the AIUM community.

This year, we are honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Professor Alison Noble CBE FRS FREng. A global leader in biomedical engineering and the Technikos Professor at the University of Oxford, Professor Noble has pioneered interdisciplinary advances at the intersection of artificial intelligence and medical imaging. Her group’s influential work in ultrasound AI—now used in clinics around the world—embodies the forward‑thinking innovation that defines our field. Her leadership across major scientific organizations further underscores the vision she brings to this year’s program.

This Convention is more than an opportunity to earn CME credits or hear world-class presentations. It is a chance to come together as physicians, sonographers, scientists, and students dedicated to advancing the field of medical ultrasound. In these unpredictable times, our ability to learn from one another, share discoveries, and strengthen our community has never been more important.

To all of our members of any professional title, background, or area of focus, I want to share what makes this meeting truly special to me. One of the things that makes the AIUM Annual Convention different to me is how well-rounded and interdisciplinary it is. Whether you’re a radiologist refining your diagnostic precision, a sonographer looking to expand into musculoskeletal ultrasound, a scientist presenting new research in therapeutic ultrasound, or someone just beginning to explore the fundamentals, this is the place to learn from each other. That cross-functionality is our greatest strength; it is where innovation happens. At last year’s convention, I listened as an obstetrician colleague compared notes with a dentist on imaging techniques, each walking away with new ideas they could apply in their own practice. It’s that spirit of curiosity, openness, and collaboration that makes the AIUM Convention unlike any other in the medical field.

A special note that I want to highlight: Please bring your students and trainees to Philadelphia. I am proud to have championed a special “In-Training” registration rate this year, and we want to those in training to become more involved. Help us mentor the next generation of ultrasound professionals, and let’s introduce them to the AIUM early in their career.

Philadelphia is the perfect backdrop for connection, exploration, and inspiration. I attend every year not only to stay at the forefront of science, but because the AIUM community truly feels like home.

I hope you’ll check out the program and register today. Together, let’s continue advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine—one conversation, one idea, and one connection at a time.

With appreciation and excitement, I invite you to join me.

David Jones, MD, FAIUM
President, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
AIUM member since 1993
Director, University of Vermont Medical Center Fetal Diagnostic Center
Professor of Obstetrics, Midwifery, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Larner College of Medicine
University of Vermont, Burlington