Intravenous and Intracavitary Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation and Management of Complicated Pediatric Pneumonia

Pediatric pneumonia can be complicated by necrotizing pneumonia or a parapneumonic effusion either in the form of an empyema or a clear effusion. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography represent well‐established modalities for evaluation of complicated pediatric pneumonia. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was recently introduced and is gaining increasing acceptance in pediatric imaging. In this case series, we present our initial experience with both intravenous and intracavitary use of CEUS in children with complicated pneumonia. Intravenous CEUS accurately and confidently showed necrotizing pneumonia and delineated pleural effusions, whereas intracavitary CEUS accurately identified the chest catheter location and patency and showed the presence of loculations, suggesting the use of fibrinolytics.     

Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Guidance for Interventional Procedures

Since its introduction, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained an important role in the diagnosis and management of abdominal and pelvic diseases. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound can improve lesion detection rates as well as success rates of interventional procedures when compared to conventional ultrasound alone. Additionally, CEUS enables the interventionalist to assess the dynamic enhancement of different tissues and lesions, without the adverse effects of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, such as exposure to ionizing radiation and nephrotoxicity from iodinated contrast material. This review article describes the various applications and advantages of the use of CEUS to enhance performance of ultrasound‐guided interventions in the abdomen and pelvis.     

Use of Ultrasound Contrast Agents in Relation to Percutaneous Interventional Procedures: A Systematic Review and Pictorial Essay

The aim of this article is to provide an inventory of the use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in relation to percutaneous interventional procedures. The article is structured into a systematic literature review followed by a clinical part relating to percutaneous CEUS‐guided procedures. A literature search identified 3109 records. After abstract screening, 55 articles were analyzed and supplemented with pictorial material to explain the techniques. In conclusion, the best‐evidenced indications for CEUS‐guided interventions are biopsy and ablation of inconspicuous or B‐mode–invisible tumors, intraprocedural ablation control and follow‐up, as well as percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage procedures.     

超声造影与常规超声鉴别诊断附件区肿块的比较研究

目的 比较常规超声和实时超声造影对附件区肿块的鉴别诊断性能.方法 对137例附件区肿块行常规超声和实时超声造影检查.两位超声医师(受试者)对检查结果独立作出诊断,用ROC曲线评估常规超声和实时超声造影对附件区肿块的鉴别诊断性能,Kappa值评估受试者之间的一致性.结果 ROC曲线显示两位受试者得到的曲线下面积:常规超声分别为0.731和0.738,超声造影分别为0.891和0.903(P＜0.01).超声造影能明显提高判别病变良恶性的准确性.受试者之间的一致性超声造影高于常规超声,κ值分别为0.893和0.681.两位受试者对附件区病变的诊断正确率常规超声分别为73.2％和74.2％,超声造影分别为90.7％和91.2％(均P＜0.01).结论 实时超声造影可明显提高超声对附件区病变的鉴别诊断能力.     

Guidelines and Good Clinical Practice Recommendations for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Liver – Update 2012: A WFUMB-EFSUMB Initiative in Cooperation with Representatives of AFSUMB,AIUM, ASUM,FLAUS and ICUS

Initially, a set of guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004 dealing only with liver applications. A second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some non-liver applications. Time has moved on, and the need for international guidelines on the use of CEUS in the liver has become apparent. The present document describes the third iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast specific imaging techniques. This joint WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative has implicated experts from major leading ultrasound societies worldwide. These liver CEUS guidelines are simultaneously published in the official journals of both organizing federations (i.e., Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology for WFUMB and Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for EFSUMB). These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of all currently clinically available ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). They are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.     

Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging to Detect the First Draining Lymph Node (FDLN) in a Swine Model

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) to detect the first draining lymph node (FDLN) in a swine model and to determine whether the distance from the contrast agent injection site to the FDLN has any affect on the ability to detect contrast‐enhanced FDLNs. Methods. Thirteen swine (25–32 kg) were anesthetized during examinations and euthanized afterward. In every swine, 1 mL of a sulfur hexafluoride microbubble ultrasound contrast agent was bilaterally injected subcutaneously below a mammilla. The examined distances varied from 6 to 36 cm. The contrast‐enhanced lymphatic channels were visualized with low–mechanical index CEUS and mapped from the injection site to the FDLN. After CEUS was performed, blue dye was injected in the same locations as the contrast agent, and dye‐guided surgery was used to localize the FDLNs. To ensure the lymph node detected with the blue dye technique was the same found with CEUS, it was scanned again to confirm contrast enhancement. Results. After 26 injections, 22 inguinal FDLNs were detected with CEUS and the blue dye technique. After 4 injections in 2 swine, contrast‐filled lymphatic channels were identified with a course running toward the neck. In all cases but 1, the FDLNs received the contrast agent within 5 minutes. Conclusions. In this swine model, it was possible to use CEUS to locate the FDLNs. In these preliminary experiments, the distances from the contrast agent injection site to the FDLN did not affect the ability to detect the contrast‐enhanced FDLNs.     

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.     

常规超声联合超声造影与单纯常规超声对乳腺良恶性肿瘤鉴别价值的比较

目的 探讨超声造影技术在乳腺肿瘤鉴别诊断中的价值. 方法 通过对经病理证实的197例乳腺肿瘤病例(共198个病灶)分析,比较常规超声与常规超声联合超声造影诊断结果的差异. 结果 198个病灶中,病理结果显示良性病灶101个、恶性病灶97个.常规超声联合超声造影在对恶性肿块诊断中的灵敏度为84.5％、特异度为90.0％、准确率为87.4％,所得数据均略优于单纯常规超声(灵敏度为78.4％、特异度为88.1％、准确率为83.3％),但差异无统计学意义.结论 超声造影的应用不能提高超声对乳腺肿瘤良恶性的鉴别能力.     

Revised Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Solid Hypo-Echoic Thyroid Nodules Graded with the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System

The use of ultrasound in differentiation of benign and malignant solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules is a dilemma in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the revised value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differentiating solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS).The study included 135 patients with 135 nodules confirmed by fine-needle aspiration and/or surgery. Every nodule underwent both conventional US and CEUS. Binary logistic regression analysis for conventional US features revealed that irregular shape, microcalcification and height greater than width were significant malignant predictive features. Binary logistic analysis for CEUS features indicated that hetero-enhancement, slow wash-in, an ill-defined enhancement border and fast wash-out were significantly associated with malignancy. The areas under the curve of the TI-RADS, CEUS and the combination were 0.806, 0.934 and 0.950, respectively. CEUS is a potentially useful tool in the differentiation of solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules.     

超声造影联合弹性成像对甲状腺影像报告和数据系统4类甲状腺结节的诊断价值

目的探讨超声造影、弹性成像单独及二者联合对甲状腺影像报告和数据系统（TI-RADS）4类结节的诊断价值。 方法收集2011年11月至2016年8月在首都医科大学宣武医院行常规超声检查,且分类为TI-RADS 4类的137例甲状腺结节患者共159个结节,分别行超声造影及弹性成像检查,以术后病理结果为"金标准",建立超声造影及二者联合诊断甲状腺结节的多因素Logistic回归方程,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线比较超声造影、弹性成像及二者联合的诊断价值。得出超声造影、弹性成像及联合诊断的敏感度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及漏诊率。 结果甲状腺恶性结节患者的超声造影特征多表现为：低增强、不均匀性增强、不完全或无环状增强及达峰时间晚于周边组织,差异均有统计学意义（χ²=24.378、69.194、29.434、7.375,P均<0.01）。联合诊断时,增强均匀度、有无环状增强及弹性评分进入Logistic回归方程,是诊断结节的独立指标。联合诊断的ROC曲线下面积（0.921±0.023）,大于超声造影和弹性成像单独诊断的ROC曲线下面积（分别为0.88±0.029、0.80±0.038）。联合诊断有较高的敏感度、准确度、阴性预测值及较低的漏诊率（分别为92.1%、86.2%、84.6%与7.9%）。 结论超声造影联合弹性成像可显著提高TI-RADS 4类甲状腺结节的诊断效能,有较高的临床应用价值。     

CDFI与超声造影联合检测对甲状腺结节良恶性鉴别诊断的价值

【目的】分析彩色多普勒血流显像（CDFI）与超声造影（CEUS）对良恶性甲状腺结节的超声诊断特征,为其鉴别诊断提供参考。【方法】回顾性分析本院2013年6月至2015年9月手术治疗的132例甲状腺结节患者超声诊断资料,以术后病理结果为金标准,观察良恶性结节内CDFI显示的血流形态、血流丰富程度,CEUs增强模式和增强强度特征;比较两种方法单独诊断及联合诊断的准确性。【结果】CDFI显示良恶性甲状腺结节血流形态及血流丰富程度比较差异具有显著性,良性结节血流形态以Ⅰ／Ⅱ型为主,血流丰富程度以0～1级居多,而恶性结节血流形态多为ⅢjⅣjV型,血流丰富程度多为2～3级（P〈0．05）;CEUS显示良恶性甲状腺结节增强模式和增强强度比较差异具有显著性,良性结节增强模式多为环状周边增强,增强强度多为稀疏增强,而恶性结节增强模式以弥漫性整体增加居多,增强强度多为高增强（P〈0．05）;TIC曲线定量分析,良性甲状腺结节AT、TTP、△I参数高于恶性甲状腺结节,但IPI、PPI、8参数低于恶性甲状腺结节（P〈0．05）。CDFI与CEUS联合诊断准确性、敏感性、特异性、阳性和阴性预测值均高于单独诊断。【结论】良恶性甲状腺结节CDFI特征较明显,但微小病灶的鉴别诊断有一定难度,CEUS可提高血流检出率,二者联合具有较高的临床价值。     

Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Assessment of Uterine Fibroids: A Feasibility Study

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an innovative ultrasound technique capable of visualizing both the macro- and microvasculature of tissues. In this prospective pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of using CEUS to visualize the microvasculature of uterine fibroids and compared CEUS with conventional ultrasound. Four women with fibroids underwent gray-scale ultrasound, sonoelastography and power/color Doppler scans followed by CEUS examination. Analysis of CEUS images revealed initial perfusion of the peripheral rim, that is, a pseudo-capsule, followed by enhancement of the entire lesion through vessels traveling from the exterior to the interior of the fibroid. The pseudo-capsules exhibited slight hyper-enhancement, making a clear delineation of the fibroids possible. The centers of three fibroids exhibited areas lacking vascularization, information not obtainable with the other imaging techniques. CEUS is a feasible technique for imaging and quantifying the microvasculature of fibroids. In comparison with conventional ultrasound imaging modalities, CEUS can provide additional diagnostic information based on the microvasculature.     

Burned‐Out Testis Tumors in Asymptomatic Infertile Men: Multiparametric Sonography and MRI Findings

Multiparametric testicular ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were analyzed in a series of 10 infertile asymptomatic men presenting with pathologically confirmed burned‐out testicular tumors. Color/power Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), shear wave elastography (SWE), contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and MRI were performed on 10, 5, 6, and 7 patients, respectively. All lesions appeared as a hypoechoic and hypovascular nodular area at CDUS, SWE, CEUS CDUS, and CEUS (if performed). Shear wave elastography showed a stiffer nodular area compared with the surrounding/contralateral tissues (13 versus 2 kPa); MRI revealed a well‐delineated nodular area in hypointense signal on T2, a high apparent diffusion coefficient value, and a lack of enhancement.     

实时超声造影在肝癌射频消融治疗前的应用研究

目的　探讨肝癌射频消融（RFA）前实时超声造影对确定消融范围和选择治疗方案的应用价值。方法　对RFA前239例肝癌患者315个病灶进行常规超声和低机械指数（MI〈0．2）实时超声造影检查（造影剂为Sono　Vue）,比较分析肝癌常规超声与超声造影的图像差异及其对确定消融范围和选择治疗方案的影响。结果　192个病灶（60．9％）超声造影后肿瘤大小测值较造影前明显增大（P〈0．01）,其中163个病灶设计消融范围较超声造影前明显扩大,29例因肿瘤≥6cm而改为手术切除;125个病灶（39．7％）超声造影后肿瘤形态更加不规则（P〈0．01）,其中16例因显示形态不规则的肿瘤邻近重要结构而改为手术切除。结论　与常规超声比较,RFA前超声造影可以更清晰、更准确地显示肝癌的大小、形态和浸润范围,为确定消融范围和选择治疗方案提供可靠的依据。     

奇异值分解滤波对超声造影超微血管成像图像质量的影响

目的 评价奇异值分解(SVD)滤波对超声造影(CEUS)超微血管成像(SMI)图像质量的影响。方法 对1例疑诊肝血管瘤患者行常规二维超声及CEUS检查,对图像进行SVD滤波处理,根据算法获取基于CEUS的SMI图像;比较经SVD滤波处理的CEUS SMI与二维声像图及原始CEUS图像的信噪比(SNR)、对比组织比(CTR)及分辨率等参数的差异。结果 相比二维声像图及原始CEUS图像,经SVD滤波处理的CEUS SMI可显示更多微血管网络,并支持测量血管间的距离。二维声像图、CEUS及CEUS SMI的SNR分别为7.56、17.65及22.43 dB,CTR分别为1.12、7.56及16.34 dB;CEUS SMI的SNR及CTR明显高于二维声像图及CEUS。结论 SVD滤波可提升肝脏CEUS SMI图像质量。     

EFSUMB guidelines 2011: comments and illustrations

The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) introduced the first guidelines on the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in 2004. This EFSUMB document focused mainly on liver applications. However, new applications extending beyond the liver were subsequently developed. Therefore, in the update of the clinical recommendations on the use of CEUS by the EFSUMB, applications in other organs were also described and published in 2008. Increased interest in recent years in the CEUS technique and in the application of CEUS in novel fields has resulted in CEUS indications and applications for nearly all organ systems. As a result, the EFSUMB initiated a new update of the guidelines in 2011 to include this additional knowledge. Some of the indications are established, whereas others are preliminary. The latter indications are categorized as emergent CEUS applications since the available evidence is insufficient for general recommendation. This article focuses on comments, illustrations and examples of the application of CEUS in the pancreas, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, adrenals, lymph nodes, perineum, and hepatobiliary system. The potential for endoscopic ultrasound to highlight the importance of CEUS in the daily routine is also addressed.     

Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Tomographic 3-D Ultrasound Against Rotational Angiography Imaging Immediately After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

This proof of principle study assesses the utility of contrast-enhance ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced tomographic 3-D ultrasound (CEtUS), as an intra-procedural imaging tool after endovascular-aneurysm repair (EVAR), compared with rotational angiography. A total of 20 consecutive patients undergoing infra-renal EVAR underwent immediate post-deployment rotational angiography, followed by CEUS and CEtUS scans. Outcomes were presence of endoleak, renal artery patency and endograft deformity. CEUS and CEtUS detected 12 endoleaks, 8 of which were not detected by rotational angiography. CEUS and CEtUS classify 7 or 8 type IIb endoleaks not detected by rotational angiography. CEUS/CEtUS could not identify 12 and 13 renal arteries, respectively, detected by rotational angiography. Rotational angiography and CEtUS both identified 1 endograft limb deformity, corrected immediately. CEUS and CEtUS are more sensitive to type II endoleak than rotational angiography, although there is a lower detection of renal arteries. CEUS or CEtUS has the utility for immediate post-EVAR endoleak detection where reduction of contrast agent is indicated.     

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Assisted Surgery of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: Analysis of Technical Benefits and Intra-operative Microbubble Distribution Characteristics

Intra-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a relatively standardized procedure in brain neurosurgery, but it is still underused in spinal cord and intramedullary tumor evaluation. We reviewed and analyzed the intra-operative data from a surgical series of patients harboring intramedullary spinal cord tumors who underwent surgery under CEUS guidance. CEUS was performed in 12 patients (age range: 13–55 y); all lesions had ill-defined boundaries or peritumoral cysts at preliminary intra-operative B-mode ultrasound. CEUS highlighted the tumors in all cases. The contrast agent's spinal distribution revealed different phases (arterial, peak, washout), as observed in the brain, but these appeared to be slower and less intense. In our experience, intra-operative CEUS allows surgeons to assess spinal cord perfusion and highlight intramedullary tumors in real time. As for other imaging modalities, ultrasound contrast agents add valuable information over baseline imaging, and their use should be fostered to better understand microbubble distribution dynamics.     

常规超声和超声造影对肝脏局灶性病变定性诊断的有用性评估

目的评估常规超声(B型超声 彩色多普勒超声)和超声造影(CEUS)在肝脏局灶性病变(FLL)定性诊断中的有用性。方法模拟日常超声检查工作情景检测常规超声和CEUS对305例FLL的定性诊断性能和诊断者的信心强度。CEUS采用造影剂SonoVue和对比脉冲序列成像技术。结果常规超声和CEUS的诊断正确率对肝细胞性肝癌分别为86.8%、88.6%,对转移性肝癌分别为97.6%、99.2%。对肝内胆管癌、血管瘤、局灶性结节增生、肝硬化结节、不均匀脂肪肝和其他病变,诊断正确率常规超声为26.2%～71.9%,CEUS为46.4%～92.9%,可相应提高19～25个百分点。对所有病变,CEUS均较大幅度地增强了诊断者的信心强度。结论在病灶回声表现典型、同时存在有力支持诊断的临床资料和伴随声像的条件下,常规超声定性诊断FLL的准确程度与CEUS相当,并不一定需要做造影检查。如不具备上述条件,CEUS是值得推荐的。     

超声造影对肝复杂囊性病变的诊断性能和一致性研究

目的 评估超声造影诊断肝复杂囊性病变的应用价值.方法 65例患者中的67个肝复杂囊性病变接受了普通超声和超声造影检查,两位超声医师(一位年资高者和一位年资低者)独立阅片,应用ROC曲线评估普通超声和超声造影判断肝复杂囊性病变良恶性的诊断价值,Kappa值检验评估年资高及年资低者之间的一致性.结果 ROC曲线显示年资高者和年资低者得到的曲线下面积在普通超声分别为0.917和0.774(P=0.044),在超声造影分别为0.935和0.922(P=0.420).普通超声和超声造影的曲线下面积在年资高者差异无统计学意义(0.917对0.935,P=0.380),在年资低者差异有统计学意义(0.774对0.922,P=0.047).超声造影明显提高了诊断肝复杂囊性病变良恶性的特异性、准确性和阳性预测值(均P＜0.01).普通超声和超声造影对具体病变的正确诊断率在年资高者分别为26.9%(18/67)和76.1%(51/67),在年资低者分别为28.4%(19/67)和58.2%(39/67)(均P＜0.001).受试者之间的一致性超声造影较普通超声高,Kappa值分别为0.774(95%置信区间:0.688～0.860)和0.325(95%置信区间:0.214～0.436).结论与普通超声相比,超声造影显著提高了鉴别诊断肝复杂囊性病变良恶性的能力和对具体病变的诊断能力,并且提高了观察者间的一致性.