Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Focal Hepatic Lesions: When to Use and How to Differentiate Lesions?

Ultrasound Q. 2020 Sep;36(3):224-234. doi: 10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000475.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used effectively to evaluate focal hepatic lesions and offers unique advantages over computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Serial vascular filling patterns of focal hepatic lesions during arterial, portal, and late phases can provide unique information on lesion characterization and differentiation. Sensitive depiction of arterial hypervascularity and analysis of washout pattern are clues for differentiation of several indeterminate hepatic nodules on conventional ultrasound and computed tomography/magnetic resonance. In this report, we present cases demonstrating clinical applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of focal hepatic lesions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media