- Review the different appearances of cystic abdominal lesions on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). - Illustrate key imaging findings that help in the differentiation between of solid and cystic lesions, malignant and non-malignant or provide a more accurate diagnosis.

The cysts in the solid organs of the abdomen are more common in the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. These cysts may be classified as congenital or acquired types. The congenital cyst may occur associated to congenital cystic diseases (von Hippel-Lindau, autosomical polycystic kidney disease, polycystic liver disease, cystic fibrosis) and acquired cysts are caused by infection or trauma. Collections may also be found in the abdominal and pelvis cavity after surgery. There are some cystic masses that mimic true cysts as abscesses or cystic...

One of the most important contributions of the use of CEUS in abdominal pathology is its ability to detect enhancement since this property allows the identification of the cystic or solid components and visualize the vascularity of the internal nodules, septa and cystic wall. We illustrate examples of abdominal cystic lesions in different areas including liver, spleen, pancreas, renal, mesentery and abdominal cavity, gastrointestinal tract or gynecologic organs. Key findings will be discussed. LIVER PATHOLOGY -The most common non neoplastic benign lesions of the liver...

CEUS allows a fast and noninvasive differentiation between the benign and malignant nature of cystic lesions into a wide range of situations, based on patterns of enhancement of the wall, the homogeneity, the presence of septa, mural nodules or internal solid components, similar to the assessment made with CT or MRI studies, but with the advantage of its availability and absence of radiation. Thus, CEUS helps to plan patient management and the different therapeutic strategies and may likewise serve as baseline study for injuries that...

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