title: Endocavitary contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)--work in progress.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the benefit concerning localisation, measurement and visualisation of complications of drained fluid collections in the abdomen by applying ultrasound contrast agent via drainage catheters. In addition, to investigate the usefulness of CEUS in applying the agents in the biliary tract or when given orally.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single drop of SonoVue® was added to 0.9 % saline solution and instilled via drainage catheters. Location, dimensions and complications of drained fluid collections were recorded and compared to the results of sonographic examination using saline solution alone and fluoroscopic examination using iodinated contrast agents. The biliary system was visualised by applying the solution via nasobiliary drains or via ERC catheterisation. Orally administered solutions consisted of one drop of SonoVue® in 50 ml aqua.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Admixture of an ultrasound contrast agent to saline solution facilitates position monitoring of the drains in fluid collections and provides reliable information on the dimensions of the drained collection. Complications like fistulae to the biliary system, blood vessels, small or large intestine or to the peritoneal cavity are precisely displayed. The biliary system is shown in detailed description. Orally administered, the contrast agent is visible after intake long unto the colon. Insufficient anastomoses or spontaneous perforations become detectable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of ultrasound contrast agents via drainage catheters provides substantial information on location and dimensions of drained fluid collections and their communication with surrounding organ structures. The biliary system can be visualised. Oral administration is feasible and provides important additional information.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum am Steinenberg, Steinenbergstraße 31, Reutlingen, Germany. heinzmann_al@klin-rt.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heinzmann
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leitlein
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kubicka
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Blank
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002404:Catheterization; D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride