Learning objectives
To review the commonest pathologic conditions that cause infarcts of the liver, spleen and kidneys. To show the basic technique for performing a successful Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) examination for imaging these entities. To compare baseline unenhanced US to CEUS findings. To explain CEUS advantages: feasibility, short performance time, absence of radiation exposure, no effect on renal function, almost no anaphylactoid reactions and low cost.
Background
Solid abdominal organ infarcts are commonly seen in everyday practice. Patients are asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain. US is usually the first imaging modality to be used but infarcts may be missed. CEUS is excellent for infarct detection, improving baseline, non-enhanced, US imaging and detecting lesions not seen before contrast injection.
Findings and procedure details
Review of underlying pathophysiology leading to infarcts in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Explanation of findings of infarcts on US pre and post injection of contrast agents. Outline of differences of infarct appearance depending on the affected organ and time of evolution. Presentation of cases with hepatic, splenic and renal infarcts, with patient history and findings on baseline unenhanced US and CEUS. Comparison of images pre and post US contrast agent injection in order to appreciate the added value of CEUS, either to set a...
Conclusion
CEUS is usually sufficient to detect infarcts. Additional, more sophisticated examinations can often be avoided.
Personal information and conflict of interest
T. Fragkouli:
Nothing to disclose
D. Cokkinos:
Nothing to disclose
P. Ampatzis:
Nothing to disclose
C. Sierrou:
Nothing to disclose
A. Logotheti:
Nothing to disclose
T. Dimitriou:
Nothing to disclose
S. Tsolaki:
Nothing to disclose
E. Tavernaraki:
Nothing to disclose
I. kalogeropoulos:
Nothing to disclose
References
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McKenney MG, McKenney KL, Compton RP, et al. Can surgeons evaluate emergency ultrasound scans for blunt abdominal trauma? J Trauma 1998; 44: 649-653.
Nores M, Phillips EH, Morgenstern L, et al. The clinical spectrum of splenic infarction. Am Surg 1998; 64: 182–188.
Goerg C, Schwerk WB. Splenic infarction: Sonographic patterns, diagnosis, follow-up and complications. Radiology 1990; 174(3 Pt 1): 803-807.
Balcar I, Seltzer SE, Davis S, et al. Computed-tomography patterns...