Contrast-enhanced ultrasonograpic findings in pancreatic tumors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to present the potentials and limits of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the characterization of pancreatic tumors, usually hypoechoic or cystic at B-mode ultrasound.


CONCLUSIONS
As regards hypoechoic lesions at B-mode ultrasound, CEUS often can distinguish among adenocarcinoma, islet cell tumor and serous microcystic adenoma. As regards cystic lesions, CEUS in most cases doesn't add significative diagnostic information; therefore CT, MR or endoscopic US are almost always necessary for their proper characterization.
Recaldini
Chiara
C
Department of Radiology, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, 21100 Varese, Italy. chiarec@libero.it
Carrafiello
Gianpaolo
G
Bertolotti
Elena
E
Angeretti
Maria Gloria
MG
Fugazzola
Carlo
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media