title: The current role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging in the evaluation of renal pathology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  By using a microbubble contrast agent and contrast-specific imaging software, the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is able to depict the micro and macrocirculation of the target organ.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the peer reviewed literature was done regarding the current role of ultrasound CEUS imaging in the evaluation of renal pathology with reference to the diagnosis of renal ischaemia, in the characterization of complex cystic lesions and in those with equivocal enhancement at CT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CEUS provides information on tissue perfusion and may play a role in kidney mass characterization similar to the role of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. In this context, the characterization of cystic lesions is probably the most consolidated field of application of contrast agents on kidney ultrasound imaging. Finally, CEUS provides a good alternative to CT, especially in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The usefulness of CEUS in these applications is confirmed by extensive literature production and this article focuses on the potential clinical applications of recent advances in CEUS technology in urology.
authors: Departmento of Urology, Trieste University, Ospedale Cattinara, Via Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy. siracus@units.it
authors: Salvatore
authors: S
authors: Siracusano
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Bertolotto
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Ciciliato
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Valentino
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Liguori
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Visalli
references: Radiology. 2003 Feb;226(2):417-24
references: 12563135
references: Abdom Imaging. 2010 Apr;35(2):241-5
references: 19194642
references: Eur Radiol. 1999;9 Suppl 3:S338-42
references: 10602924
references: Biochim Biophys Acta. 2008 Mar;1778(3):794-809
references: 17961505
references: Ultraschall Med. 2008 Feb;29(1):28-44
references: 18270887
references: Abdom Imaging. 2009 Mar-Apr;34(2):225-34
references: 18682877
references: Abdom Imaging. 2007 Jan-Feb;32(1):21-8
references: 17420958
references: Eur Radiol. 2005 Dec;15 Suppl 5:E109-16
references: 18637238
references: Eur Radiol. 2010 Aug;20(8):1812-21
references: 20204642
references: Radiology. 2005 Aug;236(2):441-50
references: 16040900
references: Radiology. 2007 Apr;243(1):158-65
references: 17392251
references: World J Urol. 2004 Nov;22(5):316-22
references: 15300390
references: Stroke. 2007 May;38(5):1508-14
references: 17379828
references: BJU Int. 2008 Feb;101(3):341-4
references: 17941932
references: Ultrasound Q. 2006 Mar;22(1):53-66
references: 16641794
references: Ultrasound Med Biol. 2006 Sep;32(9):1369-75
references: 16965977
references: Ultrasound Med Biol. 1991;17(2):179-85
references: 2053214
references: Transplant Proc. 2009 May;41(4):1214-5
references: 19460520
references: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Oct;191(4):1233-8
references: 18806170
references: Eur Radiol. 2008 Feb;18(2):376-83
references: 17851664
references: Eur J Radiol. 2009 May;70(2):242-53
references: 19272727
references: Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2010 Dec;82(4):232-7
references: 21341570
references: Radiol Med. 2009 Oct;114(7):1080-93
references: 19774445
references: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2000 Feb;174(2):323-31
references: 10658699
references: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Oct;191(4):1239-49
references: 18806171
references: J Ultrasound Med. 2005 Dec;24(12):1635-40
references: 16301719
references: Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008 Jun 30;60(10):1153-66
references: 18486268
references: Eur J Radiol. 2007 Feb;61(2):310-4
references: 17097844
references: Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2008;39(1-4):171-8
references: 18503122
references: Abdom Imaging. 2010 Dec;35(6):750-6
references: 19844755
references: AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2006 May;186(5):1361-7
references: 16632732
references: Urology. 2005 Sep;66(3):484-8
references: 16140062
references: Radiol Clin North Am. 2003 Sep;41(5):963-78
references: 14521204