Contrast enhanced ultrasound of the kidneys: what is it capable of?
One of the many imaging uses of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is studying a wide variety of kidney pathology, due to its ability to detect microvascular blood flow in real time without affecting renal function. CEUS enables dynamic assessment and quantification of microvascularisation up to capillary perfusion. The objective of this paper is to briefly refresh basic knowledge of ultrasound (US) contrast agents' physical properties, to study technical details of CEUS scanning in the kidneys, and to review the commonest renal indications for CEUS, with imaging examples in comparison to baseline unenhanced US and computed tomography when performed. Safety matters and limitations of CEUS of the kidneys are also discussed.
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Demosthenes D
DD
Cokkinos
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Eleni G
EG
Antypa
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Maria
M
Skilakaki
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Despoina
D
Kriketou
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Ekaterini
E
Tavernaraki
Radiology Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ypsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece.
Ploutarchos N
PN
Piperopoulos
D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media