超声造影技术在肝脏局灶性病变诊断中的应用

目的 探讨实时谐波超声造影在肝脏局灶性病变诊断中的应用价值.方法 采用实时谐波超声造影技术对31例肝脏局灶性病变进行检查,并比较不同病变的肝脏超声造影增强特点.结果 恶性病变患者增强开始时间、峰值时间、减退时间、持续时间均早于良性病变患者（P＜0.05）,良恶性患者动脉期、门脉期和延迟期病变增强方式也有所不同.结论 超声造影能反映组织血流动力学的改变,对肝脏良恶性病变的诊断及鉴别诊断具有重要的临床应用价值.     

Role of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Primary Hepatic Lymphoma

Objective. Ultrasonography is the first examination performed for screening of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can help discriminate between HCC and other lesions. Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL), even if rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLLs). Few data are available in the literature about the role of CEUS in the diagnosis of PHL; we tried to determine whether CEUS could have a role in this setting. Methods. we describe 2 cases of primary non‐Hodgkin lymphoma of the liver associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The first patient was a 62‐year‐old man who was an HBV‐inactive carrier, and the second was a 58‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes and chronic HBV hepatitis. Results. in both cases, ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic liver lesion (4 and 3 cm, respectively) with irregular margins in segment 4 of the liver. On CEUS, these lesions were inhomogeneously hyperenhanced in the arterial phase and hypoenhanced in the portal and late phases. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) in both patients showed slight hyperenhancement in the arterial phase and hypoenhancement in the remaining phases. Needle biopsy showed marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue type in both patients. Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography and CT did not help us differentiate PHL from HCC; in fact, in both cases we saw the characteristic findings of primary HCC. Primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare condition, but it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of FLLs. We stress the important role of liver biopsy when imaging indicates HCC in patients without underlying cirrhosis.     

The Nodular Form of Hepatic Tuberculosis

Objective. The purposes of this study were to describe the ultrasonographic findings in hepatic tuberculosis (TB) after administration of a second‐generation sulfur hexafluoride–filled microbubble contrast agent and to correlate these findings with pathologic characteristics. Methods. Twenty‐four hepatic TB lesions in 15 patients were studied with conventional ultrasonography (CUS) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Pathologic characteristics of the lesions were evaluated and were then correlated with enhancement patterns. Results. The appearance of hepatic TB on CUS was variable and nonspecific with respect to the shape, echogenicity, and boundary of the lesions. The diameters of the lesions obtained from CEUS were statistically larger than those from CUS, with largest diameters ± SD of 4.2 ± 1.8 and 3.1 ± 1.9 cm, respectively. During the arterial phase, 13 of 24 lesions (54.2%) showed a rapidly and markedly enhanced rim with a hypoenhanced or nonenhanced center; 9 of 24 lesions (37.5%) showed transient enhancement of the whole lesion with inconsistent intensities. During the portal phase, most lesions showed distinct wash‐out of the contrast agent and maintained a hypoechoic appearance. Pathologic studies confirmed that the different appearances of hepatic TB on CEUS were related to the different pathologic stages of the lesions. Conclusions. Findings of hepatic TB on CEUS may be helpful in differentiating the diagnosis from other hepatic focal lesions. Correlation with pathologic findings would enrich the understanding of CEUS findings in hepatic TB.     

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.     

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.     

超声造影诊断肝局灶性病变在县市级医院的应用

目的探讨超声造影对肝脏局灶性病变的诊断价值以及超声造影技术在县市级医院的可行性。方法125例常规超声检查不能完全明确诊断的肝脏局灶性病变患者,采用造影剂SonoVue进行超声造影。分析研究不同性质的肝脏局灶性病变在不同时相的增强表现。结果不同性质的肝脏局灶性病变都有其特征性的增强模式．从而有助于鉴别诊断。与增强CT或增强MRI对照,大多数病灶有相似的增强变化规律。超声造影的诊断准确率达到94．4％（118／125）。结论超声造影技术可明显提高对肝脏局灶性病变的诊断水平,而且在县市级医院开展此技术是可行的。     

肝局灶性病变超声造影:参照欧洲指南1015例临床报告

目的评价欧洲医学和生物学超声协会联盟关于超声造影应用指南的作用和意义。方法采用造影剂SonoVue和低机械指数连续成像方法的超声造影技术，参照欧洲指南，总结鉴别诊断864例肝局灶性病变和监测151例局部消融治疗的经验。结果病灶动脉期呈现高或等增强、至延迟期消退为低或无增强，在良性病变中占16．6％（43／258），恶性肿瘤中为96．7％（522／540）（P=0．000）。以延迟期仍保持高或等增强、或3个时相均无增强判定为良性病变，敏感性86．3％（270／313），43例假阴性中炎性假瘤、炎性肉芽肿和肝脓肿占31例（72．1％）。以延迟期消退为低或无增强判定为恶性肿瘤，敏感性96．2％（530／551），21例假阴性全部为肝细胞性肝癌（21／444，4．7％）。超声造影判定消融治疗局部疗效的敏感性87．5％，特异性97．7％，准确性95．5％；检出局部复发的敏感性89．5％，特异性95．0％，准确性92．3％。结论欧洲指南是一个很好的指导超声造影应用的规范，值得重视和推荐使用，但对炎症类病变的增强规律还有待进一步总结补充。     

Can contrast-enhanced ultrasonography characterize focal liver lesions and differentiate between benign and malignant,thus providing a one-stop imaging service for patients?

Purpose

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) displays high sensitivity and specificity in characterizing focal liver lesions (FLLs). We attempted to determine how often CEUS provides an unequivocal diagnosis of FLLs that does not require additional imaging studies.

Materials and methods

Seventy-three patients with 146 FLLs were scanned with B-mode, Doppler, and contrast-enhanced US (2 × 2.4 ml SonoVue, low MI, 4–6 MHz curved array transducer, Toshiba Aplio/Siemens–Acuson Sequoia). Data were digitally stored and transferred to a work station with the GE PACS system. Images were reviewed by a consultant radiologist experienced in CEUS and interpreted in accordance with the criteria for characterizing FLLs published by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Diagnoses were compared with those based on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) findings if these were available. However, our aim was to assess the frequency with which CEUS provided diagnoses that were considered reliable enough to exclude the need for other imaging studies. Therefore, the CEUS diagnoses were not necessarily confirmed by other methods.

Results

Based on CEUS findings alone, 130/146 (89.0%) FLLs could be classified as benign or malignant, and in 118/146 (80.8%) cases, the lesion could be specifically identified. The other 28/146 (19.2%) FLLs could not be characterized based on CEUS data alone. In 58 (80.8%) of the 73 patients with multiple FLLs, CEUS findings were sufficient to establish the benign vs. malignant nature of all the patient''s lesions; in 51/73 (69.9%) patients, all the lesions could also be characterized with CEUS. In the remaining cases, at least one lesion required additional imaging to determine whether it was malignant (14/73, 19.2%) or to establish its identity (22/73, 30.1%). In 4/73 (5.5%) patients, CEUS revealed additional lesions not detected on B-mode US.

Conclusions

CEUS alone was sufficient to classify 89.0% of the FLLs as benign or malignant, and in 80.8% it was also regarded as sufficient to identify the lesion. It served as a one-stop diagnostic test for 80.8% of the patients, reducing the need for CT–MR scans and providing savings in terms of radiation exposure, time, and money.keywords: Ultrasound, Contrast agents, Focal liver lesions, Cost benefit     

Liver tumor characterization--comments and illustrations regarding guidelines

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a well established diagnostic imaging technique for a variety of indications and applications. One of the most important applications is in the liver where it is frequently a first-line technique for the detection and diagnosis (characterization) of focal liver lesions (FLLs). In this setting the accurate differentiation of benign lesions from malignant lesions is critical to ensure that the patient undergoes the appropriate therapeutic option. In this article the role of CEUS in the characterization of FLLs is described on the basis of recently published guidelines, in particular in terms of the enhancement patterns of the most common FLLs, e. g. hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma and their differentiation from malignant lesions.     

Focal Hypoechoic Tumors of Fatty Liver

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of focal hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver using conventional ultrasonography and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Methods. Sixty‐four hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver in 52 patients were examined by both conventional ultrasonography and CEUS. Contrast pulse sequencing and a sulfur hexafluoride contrast agent were used for CEUS. The enhancement patterns were evaluated in real time. Results . Hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver showed posterior echo enhancement, including 71.4% (25 of 35) of hemangiomas, 73.3% (11 of 15) of metastases, and 50.0% (3 of 6) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on conventional ultrasonography. During the early arterial phase, 62.5% (5 of 8) of focal nodular hyperplasia lesions showed a central spoked wheel enhancement pattern, whereas the remaining 37.5% (3 of 8) showed eccentric spoked wheel enhancement. During the arterial phase, 97.1% (34 of 35) of hemangiomas showed peripheral enhancement and centripetal fill‐in, including ringlike peripheral enhancement (12 of 35), small nodular peripheral enhancement (19 of 35), and massive irregular peripheral enhancement (3 of 35). In total, 76.5% (26 of 34) of hemangiomas were completely filled in. All HCCs showed complete enhancement from 9 to 24 seconds during the arterial phase and began to wash out from 21 to 114 seconds. During the arterial phase, 40.0% (6 of 15) of metastases showed ringlike enhancement; 26.7% (4 of 15) showed slight hyperenhancement; 13.3% (2 of 15) showed hyperenhancement quickly; and the remaining 20.0% (3 of 15) showed heterogeneous hyperenhancement. All metastatic tumors began to wash out from 25 to 40 seconds. In total, 92.2% (59 of 64) of focal hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver were diagnosed as the correct pathologic type with CEUS. Conclusions. With CEUS, characterization of hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver is greatly improved.     

The current status of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in China

This review article provides an overview of the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in China. Currently, the only licensed contrast agent is SonoVue, a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent. In combination with a low mechanical index contrast-specific imaging mode, SonoVue-enhanced CEUS can be used to visualize the micro and macro-vasculature continuously. Since 2004, CEUS has been widely used in China in various clinical scenarios. The authors compared CEUS with baseline ultrasound or contrast-enhanced computed tomography with regard to characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs). On CEUS, heterogeneous or homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and washout in the portal/late phase are typical findings for hepatocellular carcinoma. The enhancement features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, infected FLLs, focal fatty infiltration, focal fatty sparing, complex cystic FLLs, and uncommon benign FLLs were carefully depicted. CEUS was also used for patient selection in ablation therapy and evaluation of response to ablation for liver cancer. The utility of three-dimensional CEUS of the liver was also explored. In non-liver use, CEUS in hilar cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, breast, and prostate was initially investigated. In addition, CEUS was used in interventional procedures such as CEUS-guided hemostatic injection, intraoperative CEUS in neurosurgery, and evaluation of response to high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids. The Chinese experience has resulted in increased use of CEUS.     

Characterization of focal liver lesions using contrast-enhanced sonography with a low mechanical index mode and a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent

PURPOSE: To characterize focal liver lesions (FLLs) using real-time contrast-enhancedsonography (CEUS) with a low mechanical index mode and a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent. METHODS: CEUS was performed in 190 patients with FLLs, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 107), liver metastasis (n = 21), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) (n = 7), liver hemangioma (n = 37), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) (n = 11), regenerative nodule (n = 6) and liver lipoma (n = 1). The cadence contrast pulse sequencing technique and the contrast agent SonoVue(R) were used for CEUS examination. The enhancement patterns during the arterial, portal, and late phases were evaluated. RESULTS: HCC showed hyperenhancement in 100 (93.5%) of 107 nodules during the arterial phase and hypoenhancement in 102 (95.3%) during the late phase. Liver metastases showed homogeneous enhancement in 8 of 21 (38.1%) nodules and a peripheral regular rim-like enhancement in 11 of 21 (52.4%) nodules during the arterial phase and marked hypoenhancement in 16 of 21 (76.2%) nodules during the late phase. ICC exhibited irregular rim-like enhancement in 4 of 7 (57.1%) nodules during the arterial phase and hypo-enhancement in 7 of 7 (100%) nodules during the late phase. Hemangioma showed peripheral nodular hyperenhancement, and progressive centripetal enhancement was seen in 35 of 37 (94.6%) lesions during the arterial phase. All 11 cases of FNH exhibited homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and hyperenhancement (n = 1) or isoenhancement (n = 9) during the late phase. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, respectively, were 88.8%, 89.2%, and 91.3% for HCC; 81%, 100%, and 100% for liver metastasis; 57.1%, 100%, and 100% for ICC; 94.6%, 100%, and 100% for liver hemangioma; and 90.9%, 97.8%, and 71.4% for FNH. CONCLUSIONS: Low-mechanical index CEUS permits real-time, complete assessment of vascularity in FLLs, which in turn facilitates their characterization.     

Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Assessing the Vascularity of Liver Metastases

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the capability of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonog‐raphy (CEUS) and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in evaluating the vascularity of liver metastases. Methods. Both CEUS and CECT examinations were performed on 70 patients with liver metastases, which were from colon carcinoma in 31, rectal carcinoma in 17, pancreatic carcinoma in 5, and others in 17. In patients with multiple lesions, the most easily observed lesion was selected as the target lesion for evaluation of vascularity. Results. Peak enhancement of the target lesion during the arterial phase was characterized as hyperenhancement, isoenhancement, hypo‐enhancement, and nonenhancement in 61 (87.1%), 6 (8.6%), 3 (4.3%), and 0 (0%) patients on CEUS, respectively, and in 52 (74.3%), 8 (11.4%), 8 (11.4%), and 2 (2.9%) on CECT. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed more lesions with hyperenhancement than CECT (P < .01). The enhancement pattern during the arterial phase was homogeneous, inhomogeneous, and rimlike in 30 (42.9%), 16 (22.9%), and 24 (34.2%) patients on CEUS and in 13 (18.6%), 8 (11.4%), and 49 (70%) on CECT. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography revealed more lesions with homogeneous enhancement than CECT (P < .01). Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed dysmorphic vessels in 33 patients (47.1%) during the arterial phase, whereas CECT showed dysmorphic vessels in 27 (38.6%; P < .01). Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed hypervascular lesions in 58.6% of patients, whereas CECT showed hypervascular lesions in 12.9% (P < .01). Conclusions. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography was superior to CECT in assessing the vascularity of liver metastases.     

超声造影对少罕见局灶性肝病变的诊断价值

目的探讨超声造影对少罕见局灶性肝病变（FLL）的诊断价值及“快进快出”造影模式对少罕见FLL超声造影的诊断价值。 方法回顾分析2012年1月至2019年8月在华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院就诊的FLL患者的超声造影资料，人群发病率＜0.05%的病变纳入本研究少罕见FLL组，共纳入61个少罕见FLL病灶，其中33个病灶经MRI/CT检查。以病理结果为金标准，采用四格表评价超声造影、MRI/CT检查以及两者联合对少罕见FLL良恶性的诊断效能，并采用χ²检验比较不同检查方式之间诊断准确性的差异。 结果61个少罕见FLL中，超声造影正确诊断病灶良恶性的敏感度为51.9%（28/54）、特异度为85.7%（6/7）、阳性预测值为96.6%（28/29）、阴性预测值为18.8%（6/32）、诊断准确性为55.7%（34/61）。33个同期行MRI/CT检查的少罕见FLL，超声造影良恶性诊断的诊断准确性略高于MRI/CT检查（48.5% vs 39.4%），但差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。超声造影+MRI/CT联合对少罕见FLL良恶性诊断的准确性（69.7%）高于单独MRI/CT检查或超声造影，差异均具有统计学意义（χ²=6.111，P=0.013；χ²=3.070，P=0.046）。对于呈现“快进快出”造影模式的少罕见FLL，超声造影诊断符合率为18.8%（6/32）。实际工作中，超声医师结合临床表现与实验室检查后超声诊断原始报告的诊断符合率为56.3%（18/32），高于单独超声造影诊断，差异具有统计学意义（χ²=9.600，P=0.002）。 结论超声造影对少罕见FLL具有一定诊断价值，与MRI/CT联合应用可提高诊断准确性。对于“快进快出”造影模式的少罕见FLL的诊断，结合临床表现与实验室检查有助于提高诊断符合率。     

Usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal pseudotumors

Background: Within the term “pseudotumors” are grouped some renal anatomic variations that may simulate a focal renal lesion at ultrasonography. Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using a second-generation contrast agent in the diagnosis of renal pseudotumors. Methods: We retrospectively retrieved CEUS examinations performed in 24 patients for characterization of suspected renal pseudotumor, in which conventional and power Doppler US study had been unable to confidently exclude a neoplasm. The considered criterion to define the diagnosis of renal pseudotumor was the demonstration of the same perfusion and reperfusion after microbubble breakage in both pseudotumor and surrounding parenchyma during early and late corticomedullary phase. In all patients, multiphase CT or dynamic MRI was available, representing a standard of reference for this study. In cases of CT or MRI diagnosis of renal lesion, final diagnoses were obtained with percutaneous renal biopsy or with surgery. Results: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography diagnosis was concordant with MR or CT images in all cases. Conclusion: In our experience CEUS shows complete concordance with CT and MRI in the characterization of all 24 pseudotumors considered dubious at conventional and power Doppler US. The appropriate use of CEUS can reduce the need for contrast-enhanced CT or dynamic MRI in this item.     

超声造影鉴别睾丸占位性病变良恶性的价值

目的：探讨超声造影（contrast-enhanced ultrasound，CEUS)在睾丸占位性病变良恶性鉴别诊断中的价值。 方法：回顾性分析我院术前经CEUS检查并术后经病理证实的81例睾丸占位性病变的CEUS特征，通过比较不同性质睾丸占位性病变的CEUS特征来鉴别其良恶性，并采用多因素二元Logistic回归分析各项CEUS指标来预测睾丸占位性病变的恶性风险程度。 结果：睾丸占位性病变的增强边界、始增速度、增强后病灶大小差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05），增强均匀程度、增强水平、廓清速度差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。二元Logistic回归分析筛选出3个与睾丸占位性病变恶性相关的CEUS特征，依次是增强边界不清、快进、增强后病灶范围增大。 结论： CEUS对鉴别睾丸占位性病变的良恶性具有重要价值。     

含脂质肝癌超声造影表现与MRI表现的对照研究

目的 总结含脂质肝癌的超声造影表现,并与其MRI表现进行比较。方法2010年7月至2012年12月解放军第三О二医院收治的MRI双回波序列成像提示病灶内含有脂质成分的17例肝细胞癌患者,共17个病灶。其中15例患者经增强MRI和增强CT确诊,另2例患者经手术病理证实。分析其常规超声、超声造影及增强MRI的表现。超声造影与增强MRI诊断结果的一致性采用Kappa分析进行检验。结果本组17个病灶二维超声显示9个病灶呈不均质低回声,5个病灶呈低回声;其中13个病灶边界清晰,4个病灶边界欠清晰;彩色多普勒超声观察11个病灶内部无明显血流信号,5个病灶周边可见血流信号,1个病灶可见丰富血流信号。超声造影动脉期15个病灶快速高增强,1个病灶同步等增强,1个病灶轻度增强;门脉期10个病灶廓清,1个病灶呈同步等增强,1个病灶轻度增强;延迟期16个病灶廓清,1个病灶呈等增强;其中6个病灶内存在斑片状、不规则的三期无增强区域。超声造影诊断符合率为82％（14／17）,MRI诊断符合率为88％（15／17）,两者一致性检验的Kappa值为0．628,超声造影与MRI诊断结果一致性较好。结论含脂质肝癌病灶内部或周边始终可见三期无增强区域;含脂质肝癌超声造影的某些特征对于诊断含脂质肝癌具有一定的参考价值。     

虚拟导航超声造影与常规超声造影定位检测肝局灶性病变的比较

目的 比较虚拟导航超声造影与常规超声造影检出二维超声显示困难肝局灶性病变的差异,探讨虚拟导航超声造影的应用价值.方法 47个CT或MR提示但二维超声无法显示的肝局灶性病变,分别行虚拟导航超声造影和常规超声造影,对比两种造影方法的病灶检出率.结果 常规超声造影和虚拟导航超声造影的病灶检出率分别为 36.2%(17/47)和 78.7%(37/47),后者明显高于前者(P<0.01).虚拟导航超声造影时图像融合成功率达100%,平均对位用时5 min.当病灶位于肝边缘受肋骨或肺气影响、肝实质背景杂乱及病灶异常灌注时相较短或灌注差异不明显时,虚拟导航超声造影比常规超声造影更容易定位并检出病灶.结论 虚拟导航超声造影可明显提高二维超声无法显示肝局灶性病变的造影检出率.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate virtual navigation assisted contrast-enhanced ultrasound(VN-CEUS) by comparing VN-CEUS with routine CEUS in detecting focal liver lesion(FLL) invisible in B-mode ultrasound(BUS).Methods Forty-seven FLLs invisible in BUS were identified by CT/MR,and received VN-CEUS and routine CEUS respectively.Results The detection rate of VN-CEUS and routine CEUS were 78.7%(37/47) and 36.2%(17/47),the former was much higher than the later (P<0.01).In all the cases,fusion of CT/MR with ultrasound was achieved successfully and average time for image fusion was 5 min.compared with routine CEUS,VN-CEUS could more easily find FLLs shadowed by lung or ribs,FLLs in inhomogeneous liver background,and FLLs with brief or inapparent abnormal enhancement.ConclusionsVN-CEUS can greatly improve the detection rate of FLL that was invisible in BUS.     

Contrast enhanced ultrasound in diagnosing liver lesion that spontaneously disappeared: A case report

BACKGROUNDFocal liver lesions (FLLs) are abnormal masses that are distinguishable from the surrounding liver parenchyma, solid or cystic and may be benign or malignant. They are usually detected incidentally on abdominal examinations. The classification of FLLs is very important as it directly determines the diagnosis and treatment of patients.CASE SUMMARYA 46-year-old male patient was admitted into the hospital with tarry stool, during the investigation of this issue an incidental FLL was detected. Upon further investigation of this “incidentaloma” computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging reached contradictory conclusions. The lesion was then further investigated using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with an initial diagnosis of idiopathic FLL was acquired and observation of the FLL over time need for final diagnosis, however in the follow up the FLL disappeared spontaneously.CONCLUSIONCEUSs value for characterization of FLLs is undeniable, especially when other methods produce inconsistent results, is undeniable but with its limitations. Why and how the FLL disappeared is not known, and can be only hypothesized it was a pseudolesion.