Crohn's pericarditis identified with point‐of‐care ultrasonography: A case report

We report the case of a 71‐year‐old male with Crohn's disease, shortness of breath, and chest pain that highlights cardiac involvement in inflammatory bowel disease and the role of point‐of‐care ultrasonography using an alternate cardiac ultrasound window in making the diagnosis of Crohn's pericarditis. The role of ultrasonography in diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease focuses primarily on intestinal pathology. Cardiac involvement is a rare but clinically impactful extraintestinal manifestation, the diagnosis of which benefits from ultrasonography if the clinician performing and interpreting the exam is aware of the possibility and understands the potential value of whole‐body ultrasonography as part of a physical exam.     

Monitoring of central retinal artery and vein with color doppler ultrasound during heart surgery as an alternative to transcranial doppler ultrasonography: A case report

Cardiac surgery can have severe neurologic complications. The noninvasive monitoring of intracranial circulation during heart surgery is usually performed with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. We present the case of a 66‐year‐old man who underwent elective cardiac surgery for aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft, in whom monitoring was performed by simultaneously assessing blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery and vein. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42 :112–115, 2014     

Utility of Fetal Echocardiography After Normal Cardiac Imaging Findings on Detailed Fetal Anatomic Ultrasonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of fetal echocardiography (FE) after normal fetal cardiac imaging findings during detailed fetal anatomic ultrasonography (FAU). Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort review of obstetric ultrasonographic studies from November 2001 through July 2005. We identified women with a singleton gestation with increased risk for congenital heart disease who received FAU performed by a maternal‐fetal medicine specialist at 16 to 20 weeks' gestation with subsequent FE. These records were compared with newborn outcomes. Results. Of 789 pregnancies that had FAU and FE, 481 had satisfactory cardiac imaging. Of those, only 1 fetus had abnormal FE findings. After delivery, 4 of the 480 neonates with normal FAU and FE findings had a diagnosis of a heart defect. Conclusions. Fetal echocardiography does not substantially increase the detection rate of major cardiac anomalies after normal findings on detailed FAU performed by a maternal‐fetal medicine specialist.     

A Primary Care Ultrasound Fellowship: Training for Clinical Practice and Future Educators

As ultrasound devices become smaller, more portable, and more user friendly, there is now widespread use of this technology by physicians of all specialties, yet there are currently few structured opportunities for ultrasound education outside of emergency and critical care medicine. Anticipating the rising educational demand in the primary care specialties, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine created a primary care ultrasound fellowship in 2011, the first yearlong training program in point‐of‐care ultrasonography for graduates of internal medicine, medicine‐pediatrics, pediatrics, and family medicine residencies. This paper reviews the history of point‐of‐care ultrasonography fellowships and then provides an overview of the primary care ultrasound fellowship.     

Thyroid Volumetric Quantification

Objective. Thyroid volume quantification is an important parameter for radiotherapy dosing in cases of major thyroid diseases such as thyroiditis and carcinoma. In clinical practice, this calculation is performed by means of ultrasonography on the basis of an ellipsoid formula obtained from the 3 axes. The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of volume calculation between B‐mode ultrasonography and volumetric ultrasonography (VUS). Methods. Between April and May 2007, 27 consecutive patients selected for thyroidectomy were prospectively evaluated. One expert ultrasound operator calculated each thyroid volume with standard B‐mode ultrasonography on the basis of the 3 axes of each lobe, and then the patients were analyzed with an offline workstation equipped with volumetric probes (VUS). On the offline workstation, 2 separate blinded operators (VUS1 and VUS2) calculated the thyroid volume with virtual organ computer‐aided analysis. Data acquired were then compared with pathologic anatomy (PA). Results. The mean time for B‐mode analysis was 6 minutes, whereas VUS analysis needed a mean time of 16.5 minutes. Interobserver variability between the median VUS1 and VUS2 measurements was 0.36 mL (interquartile range [IQR], ?0.79 to 0.37 mL; P < .156). The median variability between B‐mode ultrasonography and PA was ?9.6 mL (IQR, ?16.7 to 1.5 mL; P < .001), and that between VUS and PA was ?2.87 mL (IQR, ?11.97 to 9.51 mL; P = .019). The overall performance of B‐mode ultrasonography in comparison with PA was ?29.1% (IQR, ?47.5% to ?5.9%), and that of VUS in comparison with PA was ?6.3% (IQR, ?26.3 to 13.7%; P < .001). Conclusions. Volumetric ultrasonography is a valid tool that compares better with PA than does B‐mode ultrasonography.     

Three‐Dimensional Ultrasonography‐Based Virtual Cystoscopy of the Pediatric Urinary Bladder

Objective. The purpose of this study was to validate the feasibility and potential of 3‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS)‐based virtual cystoscopy in the pediatric urinary bladder. Methods. Twenty patients (age range, newborn–14 years) underwent urinary tract ultrasonography and 3DUS of the urinary bladder. From this data set, virtual cystoscopy was reconstructed for visualization of the inner bladder surface. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography was compared with 2‐dimensional ultrasonographic (2DUS) findings, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) results, and reports from cystoscopy or surgery when available. Results. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography was feasible in all patients. Data quality was sufficient for virtual cystoscopy without major motion artifacts. The 3DUS results matched all other findings; particularly, 3DUS superiorly visualized the ureteral ostium and the bladder neck configuration; in 5 patients, 3DUS depicted pathologically shaped ostia not detected by 2DUS. This correlated with the presence of vesicoureteral reflux on VCUG. Performing virtual cystoscopy added 1 minute to the investigation time (range, 0.5–2 minutes) and 3 minutes for postprocessing and viewing (range, 2–5 minutes). Conclusions. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography‐based virtual cystoscopy is feasible in the pediatric urinary bladder without sedation. It reveals surface information not accessible by 2DUS, improving detection of pathologic conditions such as atypically shaped ureteral ostia. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography‐based cystoscopy may become a valuable adjunct to 2DUS of the pediatric urinary tract, improving selection criteria for further imaging such as VCUG, and potentially may help reduce the need for endoscopic cystoscopy. However, these preliminary results still have to be confirmed in prospective studies with larger patient numbers.     

Contrast‐enhanced transoral carotid ultrasonography for the diagnosis and follow‐up of extracranial internal carotid artery dissection: A case report

A 56‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital because of amaurosis fugax. The carotid angiogram showed irregularly stenotic lesions of the left and right internal carotid arteries (ICAs), suggestive of dissection. Follow‐up evaluation was performed by transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) with contrast enhancement (CE), which yielded better vessel lumen and intramural hematoma visualization than color Doppler imaging. CE‐TOCU is useful for evaluating ICA dissections that extends to the high cervical portion.     

Spontaneous Left Main Coronary Artery Dissection and the Role of Intravascular Ultrasonography

Objective. Spontaneous left main coronary artery (LMCA) dissection is a rare event with an unknown incidence and high risk of sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of LMCA dissection is often challenging given the limitations of 2‐dimensional angiography. The 3‐dimensional perspective of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) is often indispensable in confirming or excluding the diagnosis of spontaneous LMCA dissection. We report 2 cases of spontaneous LMCA dissection with unique angiographic presentations wherein IVUS was essential in defining the extent of LMCA involvement and facilitated the subsequent referral for emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods. Two patients presented to our facility with acute coronary syndrome prompting coronary angiography, which was notable for an unusual angiographic appearance of the LMCA. Intravascular ultrasonography was performed in each case, revealing spontaneous LMCA dissection. Results. Intravascular ultrasonography permitted the prompt diagnosis and aided in definitive surgical intervention in our 2 cases of spontaneous LMCA dissection. Conclusions. Intravascular ultrasonography is a useful adjunctive imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of spontaneous LMCA dissection.     

彩超检查对肺栓塞诊断与溶栓后评估的价值

目的 探讨彩超检查对肺动脉栓塞的诊断与溶栓治疗后评估的临床价值。     

What Does 2‐Dimensional Imaging Add to 3‐ and 4‐Dimensional Obstetric Ultrasonography?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography adds diagnostic information to that provided by the examination of 3-dimensional/4-dimensional (3D/4D) volume data sets alone. METHODS: Ninety-nine fetuses were examined by 3D/4D volume ultrasonography. Volume data sets were evaluated by a blinded independent examiner who, after establishing an initial diagnostic impression by 3D/4D ultrasonography, performed a 2D ultrasonographic examination. The frequency of agreement and diagnostic accuracy of each modality to detect congenital anomalies were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-four fetuses with no abnormalities and 45 fetuses with 82 anomalies diagnosed by 2D ultrasonography were examined. Agreement between 3D/4D and 2D ultrasonography occurred for 90.4% of the findings (123/136; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.834; 95% confidence interval, 0.774-0.879). Six anomalies were missed by 3D/4D ultrasonography when compared to 2D ultrasonography (ventricular septal defect [n = 2], interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation [n = 1], tetralogy of Fallot [n = 1], horseshoe kidney [n = 1], and cystic adenomatoid malformation [n = 1]). There were 2 discordant diagnoses: transposition of the great arteries diagnosed as a double-outlet right ventricle and pulmonary atresia misinterpreted as tricuspid atresia on 3D/4D ultrasonography. One case of occult spinal dysraphism was suspected on 3D ultrasonography but not confirmed by 2D ultrasonography. When compared to diagnoses performed after delivery (n = 106), the sensitivity and specificity of 3D/4D ultrasonography (92.2% [47/51] and 76.4% [42/55], respectively) and 2D ultrasonography (96.1% [49/51] and 72.7% [40/55]) were not significantly different (P = .233). CONCLUSIONS: Information provided by 2D ultrasonography is consistent, in most cases, with information provided by the examination of 3D/4D volume data sets alone.     

Sonazoid‐Enhanced Ultrasonography for Evaluation of the Enhancement Patterns of Focal Liver Tumors in the Late Phase by Intermittent Imaging With a High Mechanical Index

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enhancement patterns of focal liver tumors in the late phase of Sonazoid‐enhanced ultrasonography by intermittent imaging with a high mechanical index (MI). Methods. A total of 142 patients with 208 lesions, including 109 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 61 metastases, 30 hemangiomas, and 8 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs), were enrolled in this prospective study. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with intermittent scanning at 2 frames per second (MI, 0.7–1.2) was conducted in the late phase (>5 minutes after bolus intravenous injection of the perflubutane‐based contrast agent Sonazoid; Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan). Two blinded readers classified the enhancement patterns of the lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of the dominant enhancement patterns and inter‐reader agreement were assessed. Results. A combination of diffuse enhancement with intratumoral vessels and intratumoral vessels alone yielded sensitivity of 85% (average of both readers), specificity of 88%, and a PPV of 88% for HCC. For metastasis, a combination of peripheral ringlike enhancement with peritumoral vessels and peripheral ringlike enhancement with intratumoral vessels yielded sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 95%, and a PPV of 85%. For hemangiomas, a combination of peripheral nodular enhancement with peritumoral vessels and peripheral nodular enhancement without peritumoral vessels yielded sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 99%, and a PPV of 92%. Diffuse enhancement with spoked wheel arteries yielded sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 100%, and a PPV of 87% for FNHs. Good inter‐reader agreement was achieved. Conclusions. Sonazoid‐enhanced ultrasonography using intermittent imaging with a high MI can potentially be used for evaluating the enhancement patterns of focal liver tumors in the late phase.     

Behavior of Hepatocellular Adenoma on Real‐time Low‐Mechanical Index Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography With a Second‐Generation Contrast Agent

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior of histologically proven hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) on low‐mechanical index (MI) contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Methods. A review of the databases from 4 academic hospitals revealed 18 patients (15 female and 3 male; mean age, 40 years; range, 25–71 years) with 25 histologically proven HCA lesions who were studied with CEUS at a low MI (0.04–0.1). Results. Twenty‐four of 25 lesions (96%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.5%–99.3%) showed high‐intensity enhancement, scored as 3 on a scale of 0 to 3, whereas only 1 lesion (4%; 95% CI, 0.7%–19.5%) was scored as 2. The time of peak enhancement ranged between 10 and 19 seconds (average, 13 seconds). All but 1 of the 25 lesions (96%; 95% CI, 80.5%–99.3%) showed early homogeneous and centripetal enhancement during the hepatic arterial phase. No portal venous phase enhancement was observed in any lesion because all showed rapid wash‐out (100%; 95% CI, 86.7%–100%). Twenty lesions (80%; 95% CI, 60.9%–91.1%) were found to be isoechoic to slightly hypoechoic during the portal phase, and 19 (76%; 95% CI, 56.6%–88.5%) were isoechoic to mildly hypoechoic, whereas 7 (24%; 95% CI, 11.5%–43.4%) were hypoechoic during the late phase. Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is an effective technique for identifying the microvascular and macrovascular characteristics of HCA. Typically, HCA shows early (10–19 seconds) and centripetal enhancement during the arterial phase and isoechogenicity or mild hypoechogenicity during the portal phase, remaining slightly hypoechoic or isoechoic during the late phase in most cases.     

Application of 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography to Imaging the Fetal Anal Canal

Objective. Ultrasonography has been applied previously to the assessment of the fetal anal canal. We aimed to examine the potential of 3‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in the evaluation of the fetal anal canal and to obtain normal fetal anal canal measurements. Methods. Patients were recruited from an unselected population of gravidas with known gestational age (by dates or first‐trimester ultrasonography) and without known fetal anomalies presenting for fetal evaluation in the ultrasound units of 2 tertiary care centers between 16 and 39 gestational weeks. In addition to the ordered scan, 3DUS imaging of the fetal anal canal was performed. Transverse and sagittal views and volumes were obtained. Measurements of the fetal anal canal anteroposterior diameter, lateral diameter, and length were performed in transverse and sagittal planes, respectively, and scatterplots of these dimensions were created. Measurements were performed and repeated on raw data sets by 2 independent observers, and the results were analyzed to estimate interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Results. A total of 186 patients were examined for this study at 16 to 39 weeks' gestation (mean, 27.4 weeks). The anteroposterior diameter of the fetal anal canal in this study group ranged from 4 to 21 mm (mean, 11.2 mm; SD, ±3.5 mm), whereas the lateral diameter ranged from 7 to 18 mm (mean, 9.1 mm; SD, ±3.0 mm). The length of the fetal anal canal in this study group ranged from 3 to 24 mm (mean, 14.3 mm; SD, ±3.8 mm). Conclusions. Ultrasonographic assessment of the fetal anal canal with 3DUS is feasible. Scatterplots were created for internal anal sphincter width and length measurements from 16 to 39 weeks' gestation. Larger studies are necessary to establish nomograms of these measurements and their application to the evaluation of pathologic cases. We speculate that 3DUS assessment of the fetal anal canal may improve detection rates of disorders involving this system.     

Ultrasound‐Guided Diagnosis and Injection of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve with an Anatomical Variation

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). There are many variations in the course of the LFCN. A 55‐year‐old woman presented with pain and tingling sensations on the anterolateral aspect of her left thigh. Physical examination revealed hypoesthesia of the proximal anterolateral thigh on the left side. During the electrodiagnostic study, sensory nerve action potential of the LFCN could not be obtained on both sides. Through those clinical and electrophysiological findings, we prediagnosed the case as MP and planned to perform diagnostic nerve block. For the injection to perform, ultrasonography was used. During the ultrasonographic evaluation, the left LFCN was visualized lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Then ultrasound‐guided nerve block with 2 cc lidocaine 2% for diagnostic purpose was performed in this region. Immediately after the injection, the patient's complaints relieved completely, and hence the patient was diagnosed as having MP with an LFCN anatomical variation. Two months later her complaints persisted, and ultrasound‐guided LFCN injection with 2 mL of lidocaine 2% + 1 cc of betametazone was performed. One month after the second injection, her complaints were relieved markedly and she resumed her daily activities. In conclusion, the course of the LFCN is quite variable. We present a relatively rare anatomical variation of the LFCN, crossing lateral to the ASIS, diagnosed with ultrasonography. Ultrasonography can be performed to visualize the LFCN, especially a nerve with an anatomical variation.     

Role of Ultrasonography in Early Gestation in the Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defects

Objective. The purpose of this series was to determine the sensitivity of ultrasonography in early gestation (UEG) using nuchal translucency (NT) and the 4‐chamber view (4CV) in the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects (CHDs). Methods. This was a retrospective chart review of all patients presenting for UEG between 2002 and 2009. At our center, a survey of fetal anatomy is performed at the time of the NT assessment at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days. A second‐trimester scan (STS) is done at 20 to 23 weeks and a third‐trimester scan at 32 to 35 weeks. Suspected cases of CHDs were evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist. All neonates were examined at birth by a pediatrician, and when clinically indicated, fetal echocardiography was performed. Results. A total of 1370 fetuses were scanned. Congenital heart defects were identified in 8 (0.6%). Nuchal translucency was above the 95th percentile for gestational age (GA) in 6 of 8, and the 4CV was abnormal in 6 of 8. Ultrasonography in early gestation detected 75% fetuses with CHDs, and 25% were detected by an STS. Conclusions. Our study emphasizes the importance of UEG in the detection of CHDs. In this small unselected low‐risk population, UEG detected 75% of CHDs. Nuchal translucency was above the 95th percentile for GA, the 4CV was abnormal, or both in all 8 cases with CHDs.     

High‐Definition Flow Doppler Ultrasonographic Technique to Assess Hepatic Vasculature Compared With Color or Power Doppler Ultrasonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new high‐definition flow (HDF) Doppler technique and to compare its performance with those of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) for assessment of hepatic vasculature in native and transplanted livers. Methods. High‐definition flow was invented as a high‐resolution bidirectional PDU technique. We obtained CDU, PDU, and HDF images of the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein from 60 patients. They were divided into 2 groups: a liver transplantation group (group 1, n = 10) and a native liver group (group 2, n = 50). Two radiologists independently reviewed the cine images and graded them using a 4‐point scale in terms of the clarity of the vessel margin and degree of depiction of the HA, flow filling, and flash artifacts. The degree of differentiation between the HA and PV was also evaluated. Flow directionality was recorded, and interobserver agreement was finally analyzed. Results. Moderate to almost perfect agreement was achieved between radiologists for all parameters of each ultrasonographic technique. High‐definition flow was significantly superior to both CDU and PDU with respect to all analyzed items except the degree of flash artifacts (P < .05). With regard to flash artifacts, CDU was significantly better than either PDU or HDF. High‐definition flow provided directional information, as did CDU. Conclusions. The HDF technique provides better resolution for depicting hepatic vessels as well as their margins with less blooming compared with conventional Doppler ultrasonography in both native and transplanted liver. It also provides solid directional flow information. One point of concern, however, is the frequency of flash artifacts compared with that on CDU.     

Renal Cell Carcinoma and Renal Angiomyolipoma

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from renal angiomyolipoma (RAML). Methods. One hundred nineteen patients with 126 renal lesions (33 RAMLs and 93 RCCs) who had undergone CEUS were retrospectively studied. All of the lesions were histopathologically or clinical proved. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography was performed using low–acoustic power modes and a sulfur hexafluoride–filled microbubble contrast agent. The baseline sonograms and CEUS images were retrospectively analyzed in consensus by 2 radiologists. The tumor echogenicity, enhancement patterns, and degree of enhancement at different phases were evaluated. The diagnostic efficacy of CEUS in differentiating the two diseases was computed and compared. Results. On CEUS, the features of wash‐out from hyperenhancement or isoenhancement to hypoenhancement over time (observed in 3.0% of RAMLs and 71.0% of RCCs; P < .001), heterogeneous enhancement (observed in 12.1% of RAMLs and 74.2% of RCCs; P < .001), and an enhanced perilesional rim (observed in 3.0% of RAMLs and 79.6% of RCCs; P < .001) achieved significant difference between RCCs and RAMLs. Early wash‐out and heterogeneous enhancement or peritumoral rim enhancement yielded the highest diagnostic capability in differentiating RCC from RAML. The corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 88.2% (82 of 93), 97.0% (32 of 33), 98.8% (82 of 83), 74.4% (32 of 43), and 90.5% (114 of 126), respectively. Conclusions. The CEUS features of early wash‐out, heterogeneous enhancement, and an enhanced peritumoral rim highly suggest RCC, whereas homogeneous enhancement and prolonged enhancement are characteristic manifestations of RAML. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is valuable in differentiating RCC from RAML.     

Three‐Dimensional Ultrasonography of the Fetal Vermis at 18 to 26 Weeks' Gestation

Objective. The purpose of this study was to establish the normality of the fetal vermis, ie, the time of appearance of the primary fissure, as well as its measurements between 18 and 26 weeks' gestation, using 3‐dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. Methods. A prospective cross‐sectional study of normal singleton pregnancies was conducted. Examinations were performed with high‐resolution transabdominal ultrasonography using the axial plane in 173 fetuses between 18 and 26 weeks' gestation. Postprocessing measurements of the fetal vermis were done with 4‐dimensional software using static volume contrast imaging and tomographic ultrasound imaging in the C‐plane. Detection of the primary fissure was evaluated in all cases, and the time of appearance was documented. Results. Adequate vermis measurements were obtained in 173 fetuses. Vermian length as a function of gestational age was expressed by regression equations, and the correlation coefficients were found to be highly statistically significant (P < .001). The normal mean ± 2 SD for each gestational week was defined. The primary fissure was observed at 24 weeks' gestation in all cases, at 22 weeks in 94% of cases, and as early as 18 weeks in 40%. Conclusions. This 3D study documents the appearance of the primary fissure and presents the normal range of vermian measurements, confirming normal development of the fetal vermis starting as early as 18 weeks' gestation. It also shows an easy method for visualizing the vermis with 3D ultrasonography at every gestational week regardless of fetal presentation.     

Laparoscopic Ultrasonography–Assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling in Patients Evaluated for Stomach Cancer Recurrence

Objective. The precise localization of target lymph nodes during laparoscopic biopsy can often be technically challenging. The purpose of this series was to report 2 patients who successfully underwent laparoscopic para‐aortic lymph node sampling with the assistance of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS). Methods. We describe 2 patients previously treated for gastric cancer who later had suspicious retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy detected by computed tomography. They received LUS‐assisted lymph node biopsies for histologic evaluation. Results. Laparoscopic ultrasonography precisely localized the target lymph nodes, which measured 1.4 and 1.5 cm, respectively, in both patients. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach and target lymph node sampling were successfully performed. No procedure‐related technical difficulties or immediate complications occurred. The 2 patients were histologically proven to have nodal tumor recurrence and tuberculous lymphadenopathy, respectively. Conclusions. Precise localization of a small lymph node located deep in the abdomen can be readily performed by intraoperative LUS.     

Clinical Application of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Superficial Lymphadenopathy

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differential diagnosis of superficial lymphadenopathy. Methods. Ninety‐four superficial enlarged lymph nodes in 94 patients were studied by conventional ultrasonography (gray scale and color Doppler) and CEUS. Contrast‐enhanced sonograms were analyzed using contrast‐specific quantification software. All of the results were compared with pathologic diagnoses. Results. Of the 94 lymph nodes examined, 44 were benign and 50 were malignant (33 metastases and 17 lymphomas). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional ultrasonography in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant nodes were 51%, 47%, and 55%, respectively. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed intense homogeneous enhancement in 39 of 44 benign lymph nodes, inhomogeneous enhancement in 32 of 33 metastases, and intense homogeneous enhancement and absence of perfusion in 9 of 17 and 6 of 17 lymphomas, respectively. The sensitivity specificity, and accuracy of CEUS were 84%, 79%, and 80%. After time‐intensity curve gamma variates were calculated, the area under the curve of the benign lymph nodes was greater than those of the metastatic lymph nodes and lymphomas (P < .01). Conclusions. These results indicate that the use of CEUS and contrast‐specific software has a higher degree of diagnostic accuracy than conventional ultrasonography for evaluations of superficial lymphadenopathy. The contrast enhancement patterns and time‐intensity curves provide valuable diagnostic information for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lymph nodes.