Improved Detection of Focal Liver Lesions with Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound

Abstract

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has improved detection and characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and mild washout are indicative of HCC in liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, the ability of CEUS performed by high-frequency linear transducer and intraoperative contrast enhanced ultrasound (CE-IOUS) in detection of small hepatic lesions are superior to that of trans-abdominal CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI. Therefore, CEUS is an effective supplement of contrast-enhanced CT/MRI to detect small HCCs and liver metastases.