Synonyms
Contrast‐enhanced sonography of the liver; Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (US) of the liver
Definition
The use of ultrasound (US) microbubble contrast agents combined with contrast‐specific imaging techniques for the detection and characterization of liver disease (mainly tumors).
Introduction
Although often the first‐line modality for liver imaging, conventional US without the use of contrast agents has a limited role in the diagnosis of liver tumors. Its ability to detect and characterize focal liver lesions is generally inferior to that of other cross sectional imaging modalities [computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)].
The advent of microbubble contrast agents has greatly enhanced the role of US in liver imaging. Both detection and characterization of liver lesions can be considerably improved by the use of US contrast agents.
US Contrast Agents for Liver Imaging
US contrast agents consist of microbubbles (cross reference) which are less than 10 μm in...
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Bibliography
Albrecht T, Blomley M, Bolondi L et al (2004) Guidelines for the use of contrast agents in ultrasound. Ultraschall Med Jan 2004 25:249–256
Albrecht T, Blomley MJ, Burns PN et al (2003) Improved detection of hepatic metastases with pulse‐inversion US during the liver‐specific phase of SHU 508A: multicenter study. Radiology 227:361–370
Konopke R, Kersting S, Saeger HD et al (2005) Detection of liver lesions by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound—comparison to intraoperative findings. Ultraschall Med 26:107–113
Quaia E, Calliada F, Bertolotto M et al (2004) Characterization of focal liver lesions with contrast‐specific US modes and a sulfur hexafluoride‐filled microbubble contrast agent: diagnostic performance and confidence. Radiology 232:420–430
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© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York
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Albrecht, T. (2008). Contrast Media, Ultrasound, Hepatic. In: Baert, A.L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Diagnostic Imaging. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-35280-8_629
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-35280-8_629
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-35278-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-35280-8
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