Oral and I.V. contrast enhanced ultrasonography of the digestive tract--a useful completion of the B-mode examination: a literature review and an exhaustive illustration through images.
Contrast enhanced ultrasonography, using i.v. and/or oral/rectal contrast agents, represents a technical development of the US method, which has proved its applicability in the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the normal and pathological circulatory bed, as well as of the digestive lumen. The use of microbubbles and harmonics opens a new horizon in the detection and characterization of the inflammatory and tumoral conditions of the digestive tract. The interpretation of the data requires corroboration with the grey scale aspect of the examined lesion/area, as well as with the clinical context of the case and the results of other diagnosis techniques. The purpose of this paper is to review the main applications of CEUS in digestive tract pathology by analyzing the significant literature and guidelines in the light of our personal experience and demonstrating it through suggestive images.
3rd Surgery Clinic, "Octavian Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Anatomy and Embryology Department, "Iuliu Hatienganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Cristian
C
Neciu
Ultrasonography Department, 3rd Medical Clinic, "Octavian Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "Iuliu Hatienganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.E-mail:rbadea@umfcluj.ro.
Radu
R
Badea
Ultrasonography Department, 3rd Medical Clinic, "Octavian Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "Iuliu Hatienganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Liliana
L
Chiorean
Anatomy and Embryology Department, "Iuliu Hatienganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Alexandru Florin
AF
Badea
Anatomy and Embryology Department, "Iuliu Hatienganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Iulian
I
Opincariu
D000284:Administration, Oral; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride