Real-time contrast-enhanced and real-time virtual sonography in the assessment of benign liver lesions.
Imaging techniques, in particular ultrasonography, have led to great advances in clinical hepatology in the past few decades. The introduction of second-generation contrast agents and the development of contrast specific techniques have opened new prospects in the detection and characterization of liver lesions. New hybrid imaging techniques that combine in real-time transabdominal ultrasound with other cross-sectional imaging techniques (CT or MR) might add even more valuable information in the cases with focal lesions. The aim of this review is to describe the role of real-time contrast-enhanced and real-time virtual sonography in the assessment of benign liver lesions.
Sandulescu
Larisa
L
Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares Str. 2, Craiova, Romania. larisasandulescu@yahoo.com
Saftoiu
Adrian
A
Dumitrescu
Daniela
D
Ciurea
Tudorel
T
D018248:Adenoma, Liver Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media; D020518:Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media