Phase inversion harmonic imaging versus contrast-enhanced power Doppler sonography for the characterization of focal liver lesions.
OBJECTIVE
We compared contrast-enhanced power Doppler sonography (CEPD) and phase-inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) in the assessment of liver lesion vascularity and characterization of focal liver lesions.


METHODS
We examined 101 focal liver lesions by CEPD and PIHI using Optison as echo-enhancing agent. Amount and architecture of lesion vascularity and the kinetics of contrast enhancement in the lesions were analyzed. A tumor diagnosis was assessed after each examination.


RESULTS
Analysis of tumor vascularity was not possible in 30 liver lesions (30%) due to motion or blooming artifacts by CEPD. Vascularity was detected in 61% of liver lesions by CEPD and in 95% by PIHI. PIHI identified significantly more tumor vascularity pattern (93%) than CEPD (57%). Specific lesion diagnosis based on PIHI led to correct results in 92% compared to 59% by CEPD.


CONCLUSIONS
PIHI is highly efficient in detecting tumor vascularity and is superior to CEPD in characterizing focal liver lesions.
Strobel
Deike
D
Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medicine I, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. deike.strobel@med1.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Raeker
Sabine
S
Martus
Peter
P
Hahn
Eckhart Georg
EG
Becker
Dirk
D
D018248:Adenoma, Liver Cell / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016477:Artifacts; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008224:Lymphoma, Follicular / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
D003287:Contrast Media