Ultrasound with microbubble contrast agents to assess tissue vascularity
Expansion
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Purpose
Improves lesion characterisation; enhances sensitivity for small tumours and metastases
Clinical Context
CEUS uses 2 to 10 microgram microbubbles lasting 4 to 6 minutes. Liver CEUS shows hepatocellular carcinoma with arterial enhancement and portal or delayed washout. Approved for ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Related Terms
- CT
- MRI
- Duplex ultrasound
Key Points
- CEUS shows enhancement kinetics aiding hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis (arterial phase enhancement plus washout in cirrhotic liver)