Keywords:
Musculoskeletal soft tissue, Oncology, Ultrasound, Ultrasound-Power Doppler, Contrast agent-intravenous, Neoplasia
Authors:
A. De Marchi, S. Pozza, E. Brach del Prever, P. De Petro, P. Balocco, R. Piana, A. Linari, C. Faletti; Turin/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-0983
Conclusion
The inhomogenous CEUS enhancement pattern with avascular areas and the rapid vascular flow can be related with malignancy (Fig.
7,
8).
Also in our experience the absence of the contrast uptake is a good negative predictor for malignancy (Fig.
9) [4].
Other CEUS patterns are more frequent in benign lesions; rapid arterial flow in benign masses is present when hemangioma or artero-venous malformation are present.
These preliminary results suggest that CEUS can facilitate a rapid and easy identification of masses potentially malignant,
therefore CEUS could be considered as a first level exam,
before more complex and expensive imaging.
If core needle biopsy is indicated,
CEUS study could increase the sensitivity and sensibility [5,
6].
Further investigations with a larger cohort of patients is mandatory.
We know that this technique has several limitations: it comes with a specific learning curve and requires an appropriate ultrasound device.
The advantages are that it is not expensive,
it does not require irradiation and it uses a non allergic contrast agent.
This study shows several bias like the choice of the patient in this retrospective study and the visual analysis of the contrast uptake even if it is the first stage in a practical application.