title: Hybrid ultrasound imaging techniques (fusion imaging).
abstract: Visualization of tumor angiogenesis can facilitate non-invasive evaluation of tumor vascular characteristics to supplement the conventional diagnostic imaging goals of depicting tumor location, size, and morphology. Hybrid imaging techniques combine anatomic [ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] and molecular (single photon emission CT and positron emission tomography) imaging modalities. One example is real-time virtual sonography, which combines ultrasound (grayscale, colour Doppler, or dynamic contrast harmonic imaging) with contrast-enhanced CT/MRI. The benefits of fusion imaging include an increased diagnostic confidence, direct comparison of the lesions using different imaging modalities, more precise monitoring of interventional procedures, and reduced radiation exposure.
authors.affiliation: Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Craiova 200638, Romania. larisasandulescu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Daniela Larisa
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Sandulescu
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dumitrescu
authors.forename: Ion
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rogoveanu
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saftoiu
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography