title: [Possibilities of sonographic image fusion: Current developments].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For diagnostic and interventional procedures ultrasound (US) image fusion can be used as a complementary imaging technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Image fusion has the advantage of real time imaging and can be combined with other cross-sectional imaging techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  With the introduction of US contrast agents sonography and image fusion have gained more importance in the detection and characterization of liver lesions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fusion of US images with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates the diagnostics and postinterventional therapy control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In addition to the primary application of image fusion in the diagnosis and treatment of liver lesions, there are more useful indications for contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in routine clinical diagnostic procedures, such as intraoperative US (IOUS), vascular imaging and diagnostics of other organs, such as the kidneys and prostate gland.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), Regensburg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. Dirk.Clevert@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: D-A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Clevert
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique / Q000639:trends*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Image fusion; Indications; Prostate biopsy; Real time imaging