Charakterisierung ungeklärter fokaler Leberläsionen und Detektion bzw. Ausschluss von Lebermetastasen mittels Low-Mechanic-Index-Sonographie unter Verwendung des Echosignalverstärkers SonoVue

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with SonoVue could characterize focal liver lesions (FLLs) and could find liver-metastases (LMs) at patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Material and methods: 25 patients with 25 FLLs (collective A) and 18 patients with CRC with 16 LMs (collective B) were examined by CEUS with SonoVue using low mechanical index, nonlinear imaging techniques. In collective A each lesion was characterized as malignant or benign and given specific lesion type diagnosis, if possible. In collective B each patient was evaluated to LMs. Both at baseline ultrasound (US) and after SonoVue administration (CEUS). The final diagnosis was achieved by histopathology obtained from biopsy or surgical specimens, or by typical manifestation on contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. Results: In collective A the CEUS characterized more FLLs (18/25) than baseline US (10/25). In collective B the CEUS detected more LM (9/16) than baseline US (6/16). Conclusion: CEUS with SonoVue could improve differentiation between malignant and benign FLLs, and also provides improved lesion type diagnosis. CEUS could raise the number of detection of LMs in patients with CRC.