The Expanding Role of Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatobiliary Disease.
Since its introduction into clinical practice in the 1980s, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been described as a good imaging modality for the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, differential diagnosis of certain lesions based only on B-mode ultrasound images can be challenging. Clinical use of ultrasound contrast agents has expanded the utility of EUS from that of detection to characterization of pancreatobiliary lesions based on the enhancement features of contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS). Current low mechanical index techniques for CE-EUS using second-generation contrast agents have a number of distinct advantages over conventional diagnostic modalities in evaluating pancreatobiliary lesions, including real-time assessment of perfusion pattern, availability, and the absence of exposure to radiation. This article describes the technical aspects of CE-EUS and reviews the expanding indications in pancreatobiliary diseases and further development of this technique.
Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
Jun-Ho
JH
Choi
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Dong Wan
DW
Seo
D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008488:Medical Illustration; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media
Biliary tract; Contrast; Endosonography; Pancreas