Focal liver lesions: Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound

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doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2007.07.026 Copyright © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved.

Focal liver lesions: Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Rettenbacher aDepartment of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria Received 27 July 2007; revised 28 July 2007; accepted 30 July 2007. Available online 27 September 2007.

Abstract

The introduction of microbubble contrast agents and the development of contrast-specific techniques have opened new possibilities in liver imaging. Initially, only intermittent imaging with Doppler detection was available. Second-generation contrast agents and low mechanical index real-time scanning techniques are decisive advances that enable convenient liver examinations with high sensitivity and specificity. Hepatic lesions usually show typical perfusion and enhancement patterns through the various contrast phases, which help their characterization. Several published studies and the daily clinical routine show that, as opposed to conventional ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced US can substantially improve detection and differentiation of focal liver lesions. Today, contrast-enhanced US is the dynamic imaging modality of choice for differentiation of focal liver lesions. Contrast uptake patterns of the most relevant liver lesions, as well as important clinical indications are presented and discussed.

Keywords: Ultrasound; Contrast agent; Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Focal liver lesion; Liver disease

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European Journal of Radiology Volume 64, Issue 2, November 2007, Pages 173-182 Ultrasound Imaging Special Issue