Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for extrahepatic lesions: preliminary experience.
Ultrasound imaging (US) is a convenient, inexpensive and non-invasive investigation. Its use is limited by low sensitivity in the detection of a number of parenchymal lesions, especially those produced by trauma, such as infarctions. Contrast enhancement with SonoVue improves the sensitivity of ultrasound in the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions to such an extent, that it may replace computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Preliminary experience suggests that SonoVue-enhanced sonography may be useful in the detection of lesions in which blood flow is severely reduced as compared to surrounding parenchyma, such as infarctions, lacerations, hematomas, necrotic tissue and non-vascular cysts, especially in the spleen, kidney and pancreas. This technique can also rule out occlusion of the superior mesenteric, splenic and portal veins, and dilation of the biliary tree. Clinical trials comparing contrast-enhanced sonography with contrast-enhanced computed tomography are warranted to establish the role of this inexpensive and non-invasive technique in the routine work-up of patients with abdominal trauma or presenting with sudden flank pain.
Thorelius
Lars
L
Department of Radiology, Linköping University Hospital, 58185 Linkoping, Sweden. lars@thorelius.com
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010743:Phospholipids; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride