title: Contrast enhanced ultrasound of renal masses. A reappraisal of EFSUMB recommendations and possible emerging applications.
abstract: The main imagistic method for characterization of renal lesions is contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Disadvantages of CECT are a contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal impairment, allergic reactions and high costs. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) evaluation of hepatic and non-hepatic lesions is a relatively new, but increasingly utilised, diagnostic method. In 2011 the European Federation of Societies of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) updated the Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Practice of CEUS and included in the recommendation the renal pathology. However, there are several possible new indications that have not been discussed (pyelocaliceal masses and renal vein thrombosis) and several issues that remain controversial such as the differentiation of benign and malignant tumours or the differentiation of lymphoma and metastasis. This study aims to review literature data, as well as reveal the latest findings in the field of renal CEUS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology; Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Zeno
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sparchez
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology; Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. pia-radu@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Pompilia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Radu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Mihaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sparchez
authors.affiliation: Urology Department, Cluj-Napoca County Hospital, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Nicolae
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Crisan
authors.affiliation: Oncological Institute, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kacso
authors.affiliation: Oncological Institute, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Petrut
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D005060:Europe; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media