Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the pancreas.
Ultrasound is often the first examination performed in patients with suspicion of pancreatic disease. The introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has led to great developments in the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Dynamic observation of an enhancement allows a highly sensitive evaluation of any perfusion of the abdominal organs. Study of the pancreas is a new and promising application of CEUS, and can be used to characterize pancreatic lesions visible with conventional ultrasonography (US). This article reviews the clinical and surgical applications of CEUS in different pancreatic diseases and in their management.
Faccioli
Niccolò
N
Department of Radiology, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. nfaccioli@sirm.org
Crippa
Stefano
S
Bassi
Claudio
C
D'Onofrio
Mirko
M
D021441:Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media; D018293:Cystadenoma, Serous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media