Bibliographic review about the usefulness of ultrasound contrast media in the study of renal masses.
OBJECTIVE
The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a novel technique that informs us in real time of renal perfusion and microcirculation.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature about its use in the study of renal masses in order to show their actual clinical performance in this condition.


RESULTS
This technique is useful in the differential diagnosis of pseudotumors, characterization and monitoring of small renal masses, the study of complex renal cysts and controlling the progression of renal masses that underwent ablative treatments. Like any diagnostic technique has some limitations on usage;its rapid contrast wash, being operator-dependent, require some experience and need special software to be correctly interpreted.


CONCLUSIONS
The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a useful and economic technique for the study and differential diagnosis of the renal masses.
Urology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Spain. esm_75@hotmail.com
Enrique
E
Sanz Mayayo
Vital
V
Hevia Palacios
Fernando
F
Arias Fúnez
Sara
S
Alvarez Rodríguez
Rafael
R
Rodríguez-Patrón Rodríguez
Teodoro
T
Mayayo Dehesa
Francisco Javier
FJ
Burgos Revilla
D000359:Aftercare; D018207:Angiomyolipoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D045423:Microbubbles; D008833:Microcirculation; D012079:Renal Circulation; D012984:Software; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media