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BACKGROUND: The continuous development of ultrasound techniques increasingly enables better description and visualization of unclear lesions. New ultrasound systems must be evaluated with regard to all these diagnostic possibilities. METHODS: A multifrequency C1-7 convex probe (SC7-1M) with the new high-end system Resona A20 Series was used. Modern technologies, including HiFR CEUS, SR CEUS and multimodal tissue imaging with shear wave elastography (SWE), fat evaluation and viscosity measurements (M-Ref) were applied. RESULTS: Of n = 70 (mean value 48,3 years±20,3 years, range 18–84 years) cases examined, a definitive diagnosis could be made in n = 67 cases, confirmed by reference imaging and/or follow-up. Of these, n = 22 cases were malignant changes (HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) n = 9, CCC (cholangiocellular carcinoma) n = 3, metastases of colorectal carcinomas or recurrences of HCC n = 10). In all 12 cases of HCC or CCC, the elastography measurements using the shear wave technique (with values >2 m/s to 3.7 m/s) showed mean values of 2.3±0.31 m/s and a degree of fibrosis of F2 to F4. In n = 14 cases, changes in the fat measurement (range 0.51 to 0.72 dB/cm/MHz, mean values 0.58±0.12 dB/cm/MHz) in the sense of proportional fatty changes in the liver were detected. In the 4 cases of localized fat distribution disorders, the values were >0.7 dB/cm/MHz in the sense of significant fatty deposits in the remaining liver tissue. Relevant changes in the viscosity measurements with values >1.8 kPa were found in n = 31 cases, in n = 5 cases of cystic lesions with partially sclerosing cholangitis, in n = 13 cases of malignant lesions and in n = 9 cases post-interventionally, but also in n = 4 cases of benign foci with additional systemic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The results are promising and show a new quality of ultrasound-based liver diagnostics. However, there is a need for further investigations with regard to the individual aspects, preferably on a multi-center basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Finding solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) during thoracic surgery, especially during minimally invasive procedures, remains a major challenge. Moreover, in cases of unclear focal findings, the frozen section result must be waited for, which influences the surgical procedure. Therefore, we are investigating for the first time the use of intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (Io-CEUS) in minimally invasive thoracic surgery to, on the one hand, visualize unclear SPNs, and on the other hand, to characterize the SPNs directly before surgical resection. In the future, Io-CEUS could make "live histology" possible in thoracic surgery, which may influence the surgeon's intraoperative decisions and the extent of lung resection. Background: The intraoperative detection of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) continues to be a major challenge, especially in minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). The location, size, and intraoperative frozen section result of SPNs are decisive regarding the extent of lung resection. This feasibility study investigates the technical applicability of intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (Io-CEUS) in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Methods: In this prospective, monocentric clinical feasibility study, n = 30 patients who underwent Io-CEUS during elective minimally invasive lung resection for SPNs between October 2021 and February 2023. The primary endpoint was the technical feasibility of Io-CEUS during VATS. Secondary endpoints were defined as the detection and characterization of SPNs. Results: In all patients (female, n = 13; mean age, 63 ± 8.6 years) Io-CEUS could be performed without problems during VATS. All SPNs were detected by Io-CEUS (100%). SPNs had a mean size of 2.2 cm (0.5–4.5 cm) and a mean distance to the lung surface of 2.0 cm (0–6.4 cm). B-mode, colour-coded Doppler sonography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were used to characterize all tumours intraoperatively. Significant differences were found, especially in vascularization as well as in contrast agent behaviour, depending on the tumour entity. After successful lung resection, a pathologic examination confirmed the presence of lung carcinomas (n = 17), lung metastases (n = 10), and benign lung tumours (n = 3). Conclusions: The technical feasibility of Io-CEUS was confirmed in VATS before resection regarding the detection of suspicious SPNs. In particular, the use of Doppler sonography and contrast agent kinetics revealed intraoperative specific aspects depending on the tumour entity. Further studies on Io-CEUS and the application of an endoscopic probe for VATS will follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic cervical lymph nodes are a frequent finding in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). If a non-surgical approach is primarily chosen, a therapy response evaluation of the primary tumor and the affected lymph nodes is necessary in the follow-up. Supplementary contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to precisely visualize the microcirculation of the target lesion in the neck, whereby malignant and benign findings differ in their uptake behavior. The same applies to many other solid tumors. For various tumor entities, it has already been shown that therapy monitoring is possible through regular contrast-enhanced sonography of the primary tumor or the affected lymph nodes. Thus, in some cases, maybe in the future, a change in therapy strategy can be achieved at an early stage in the case of non-response or, in the case of therapy success, a de-escalation of subsequent (surgical) measures can be achieved. In this paper, a systematic review of the available studies and a discussion of the potential of therapy monitoring by means of CEUS in HNSCC are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the head and neck area, a large proportion of clinically relevant fistulas occur in childhood. The present case describes the use of contrast enhanced ultrasound with intraductal administration of the contrast medium for preoperative visualization of the fistula duct in the case of a second brachial cleft fistula. This provided the surgeon with important additional information, such as the detailed course of the fistula and its relation to the large vessels of the neck. The method can help to improve surgical planning, reduce radiation exposure and to avoid imaging under general anesthesia, especially in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To examine to what extent the high frame rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (HiFR) diagnostic enables the conclusive diagnosis of liver changes with suspected malignancy. MATERIAL/METHODS: Ultrasound examinations were performed by an experienced examiner using a multifrequency probe (SC6-1) on a high-end ultrasound system (Resona 7, Mindray) to clarify liver changes that were unclear on the B-scan. A bolus of 1–2.4 ml of the Sulphur hexafluoride ultrasound microbubbles contrast agent SonoVue™ (Bracco SpA, Italy) was administered with DICOM storage of CEUS examinations from the early arterial phase (5–15 s) to the late phase (5–6 min). Based on the image files stored in the PACS, an independent reading was performed regarding image quality and finding-related diagnostic significance (0 not informative/non-diagnostic to 5 excellent image quality/confident diagnosis possible). References were clinical follow-up, if possible, comparison to promptly performed computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, in some cases also to histopathology. RESULTS: We examined 100 patients (42 women, 58 men, from 18 years to 90 years, mean 63±13 years) with different entities of focal and diffuse liver parenchymal changes, which could be detected in all cases with sufficient image quality with CEUS and with high image quality with HiFR-CEUS. Proportionally septate cysts were found in n = 19 cases, scars after hemihepatectomy with local reduced fat in n = 5 cases, scars after microwave ablation in n = 19 cases, hemangiomas in n = 9 cases, focal nodular hyperplasia in n = 8 cases, colorectal metastases in n = 15 cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in n = 11 cases, Osler disease in n = 8 cases. The size of lesions ranged from 5 mm to 200 mm with a mean value of 33.1±27.8 mm. Conclusive diagnoses could be made by the experienced investigator in 97/100 cases with CEUS, confirmed by reference imaging, in parts by histopathology or follow-up. The image quality for HiFR CEUS was rated with a score of 3 to 5; 62 cases were assessed with an average of good (4 points), 27 cases with very good (5 points), and in 11 cases (3 points) still satisfactory despite aggravated acoustic conditions. The specificity of HIFR-CEUS was 97%, the sensitivity 97%, the positive predictive value 94%, the negative predictive value 99% and the accuracy 97%. CONCLUSION: HIFR-CEUS has demonstrated has demonstrated an improved image quality resulting in a high diagnostic accuracy. In the hands of an experienced investigator, HiFR-CEUS allows the assessment of focal and diffuse unclear liver parenchymal changes on B-scan and dynamic assessment of microcirculation in solid and vascular changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the success of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in prostate cancer and to differentiate between reactive changes and tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective pilot study of 50 patients after irreversible electroporation (IRE) in prostate cancer between 50–79 years (mean age 65 years). Each patient received a transabdominal sonography using a 1–6 MHz convex matrix probe. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed after i.v. bolus injection of 2.0 ml sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles. DICOM loops were continuously stored up to one minute. Parametric images were calculated by integrated perfusion analysis software. A comparison was drawn to a follow-up MRI six months after ablation. RESULTS: While 13 patients showed local recurrence, 37 patients were successfully treated, meaning no local recurrence within six months after ablation. 18 patients showed signs of prostatitis after IRE. Tumorous changes were visually characterized by dynamic early nodular hypervascularization with fast and high wash-in. Correspondingly, nodular red and yellow shades were seen in parametric imaging. All patients with remaining tumor were correctly identified with CEUS and parametric imaging. After IRE there is a relevant decrease in tumor microcirculation in all patients, as seen in more purple shades of the prostate. The sensitivity for detecting residual tumor with CEUS compared to MRI was 76%, the specificity was 81%. The corresponding positive predictive value (PPV) was 73% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 83%. CONCLUSION: CEUS and parametric imaging enable a critical analysis of post-ablation defects after IRE for prostate cancer even with a transabdominal approach. Remaining tumor can be detected with the help of pseudo-colors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Aim of this study was to firstly describe reproducible, objective perfusion parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) kinetics of parathyroid gland adenoma (PA) using perfusion analysis software (VueBox®, Bracco, Italy). Thereby the efficiency of quantitative CEUS for characterization of PA should be evaluated comparing US to postoperative histopathological findings after PA resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 42 patients with symptoms/lab work suggestive of pHPT presented a parathyroid gland lesion in B-mode US, which was consequently analyzed by dynamic CEUS. CEUS was performed by one experienced examiner after i.v.-injection of max. 2.4 ml sulphurhexaflouride microbubbles saving digital DICOM cine loops (up to 25 s) and images. PA were evaluated during arterial, venous and late phase (up to 3 min.) for perfusion characterization. A retrospective, blinded VueBox® perfusion analysis of arterial phase of 28/42 PA was performed by a second, independent examiner placing 3 ROIs manually in the PA (center, rim of PA, surrounding thyroid gland tissue) to objectify findings. US findings were correlated to postoperative histology after PA resection. RESULTS: Out of 42 patients with PA findings in CEUS, perfusion analysis could be performed in 28/42 cases only as some CEUS cine loops had too much moving. In three cases the second examiner could not detect PA retrospectively, in 25 cases PA were characterized correctly resulting in a sensitivity rate of 89.3 %. VueBox® perfusion analysis confirmed that PA present a persisting hypervascularization of the rim with higher TTP (mean 7.93 s centrally, 8.36 s rim-sided), mTT (mean 56.6 s centrally, 64.5 s rim-sided) and lower PE (mean 10542.93 rm2 centrally, 8909.21 rm2 rim-sided) peripherally followed by a central wash-out during later phases. RT was comparable in all defined regions. CONCLUSION: VueBox® analysis of parathyroid gland CEUS examinations seemed to be a valuable tool for quantification of a PA's perfusion and can help to detect and localize hyperfunctional parathyroid glands prior to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IO-SE in comparison to IO-CEUS for the differentiation between malignant and benign liver lesions. Material and Methods: In a retrospective diagnostic study IO-CEUS and SE examinations of 49 liver lesions were evaluated and compared to histopathological examinations. Ultrasound was performed using a multifrequency linear probe (6–9 MHz). The loops of CEUS were evaluated up to 5 min. The qualitative characterization of IO-SE was based on a color coding system (blue = hard, red = soft). Stiffness of all lesions was quantified by a specific scaling of 0–6 (0 = low, 6 = high) using 7 ROIs (2 central, 5 peripheral). Results: All malignant lesions displayed a characteristic portal venous washout and could be diagnosed correctly by IO-CEUS. 3/5 benign lesions could not be characterized properly either by IO-CEUS or IO-SE prior to resection. Thus for IO-CEUS sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy were 100%, 40%, 94%, 100% and 94%. Lesion sizes were between 8 and 59 mm in diameter. Regarding the IO-SE, malignant lesions showed a marked variability. In qualitative analysis, 31 of the malignant lesions were blue colored denoting overall induration. Thirteen malignant lesions showed an inhomogenous color pattern with partial indurations. Two of the benign lesions also displayed overall induration. The other benign lesions showed an inhomogenous color mapping. Calculated sensitivity of the SE was 70.5%, specificity 60%, PPV 94%, NPV 18.75%, and accuracy 69%. Conclusion: IO-CEUS is useful for localization and characterization of liver lesions prior to surgical resection whereas IO-SE provided correct characterization only for a limited number of lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To show the feasibility of a combination of the advantages of modern contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with the technique of arterioportography to achieve the highest sensitivity of all different modalities. Material and methods: Ten patients (9 m, 1 f, age 52-73 years) with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver cirrhosis (8 ethyl toxic, 2 hepatitis) were included before transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE). In all patients during a 6-week period a double enhanced MRI (Gd-DTPA and SPIO) was performed. Before TACE a bolus <2 mL ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan, Italy) was injected over a selectively placed catheter in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and ultrasound of the liver (2.5-4 MHz, LOGIQ 9; GE Healthcare) was performed in arterioportographic phase (US-AP). Two independent readers evaluate number, size and localisation of detected lesion in MRI and US-AP. Additional diagnostic quality of both modalities was determined using a 4-point scale (1: excellent-4: not diagnostic). Differences were analysed for significance using a t-test. Interobserver variability was calculated (κ-value). Result: In all 10 patients (100 %) US-AP was feasible. Diagnostic quality was in all cases between 1-2 for both modalities and readers (MRI standard deviation (SD) -0.51, Sono-AP SD -0.421). US-AP detected with 33.5 vs. 24.5 lesions, significant more lesions than double enhanced MRI (p < 0.022). The interobserver variability was κ -0.965 for MRI and κ -0.898 for US-AP. Conclusion: US-AP for detection of liver lesions is feasible. Using this technique significantly more lesions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma could be detected in comparison to MRI with liver-specific contrast agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the vascularization and the perfusion within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) including treatment-related changes with contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound (US). Materials and methods: Twenty-six biopsy-verified HCC lesions (size between 2.5–8 cm, median 3.8 cm) in 20 patients were examined with unenhanced and CE vascular US techniques immediately before selective angiography for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as well as immediately after TACE using all of the following modalities: color-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS), power Doppler imaging (PDI), CE pulse inversion harmonic imaging with PDI (PIHI+PDI), and CE coded harmonic angiography (CHA). In CE US studies, perflutren protein-type A microspheres were administered as contrast agent in a single 0.5 ml i.v. bolus diluted in 20 ml 0.9% NaCl. Selective arteriograms and CE computed tomographies were taken for reference purposes. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Intratumoral vessels could be visualized before TACE in 11/26 lesions (42%) with CCDS; in 15/26 (58%) with PDI; in 23/26 (88%) with CE CHA; in 26/26 (100%) with CE PIHI+PDI. Following TACE, the sensitivities were calculated as follows: CCDS 33%; PDI 55%; CE CHA 77%; and CE PIHI+PDI 100%. The corresponding negative predictive values were 74% for CCDS; 81% for PDI; 89% for CE CHA and 100% for CE PIHI+PDI. During the capillary phase, contrast enhancement could be observed in the CHA mode only. Conclusion: CE US by means of PIHI+PDI and CHA enables reliable visualization of residual tumor following TACE equivalent to that which is attained with angiography and Contrast Harmonic Imaging with Power Doppler, if perflutren microspheres are used as contrast agent in a single low-dose bolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to be familiar with the typical imaging features of the uncommon or even extremely rare focal liver lesions (FLL). Current guidelines of the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) is aimed at assessing the usefulness of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the management of various FLL. In this review, we aim to summarize the ultrasound and CEUS characteristics with literature review of some extremely rare benign FLL, which might be helpful for improving diagnostic efficiency clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The external perfusion software (VueBox™) for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), enables the quantitative analysis of micro-vascularization within non-cystic lesions in terms of characterization and detection. This review summarizes our work about parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, liver, prostate and other tissues as well as original studies in the use of parametric perfusion imaging. Useful perfusion parameters are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved detection and characterization of common focal liver lesions (FLL) are the main topics of the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) guidelines on the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). On state-of-the-art CEUS imaging, to create a library of rare FLL, especially concerning their atypical imaging characteristics, might be helpful for improving clinical diagnostic efficiency. In this review, we aim to summarize the ultrasound and CEUS features of rare benign FLL. Currently there are limited reports and images published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been used as an additional imaging technique in order to clarify rare focal splenic lesions (FSL). CEUS is a safe and cost-effective modality for assessment of perfusion. OBJECTIVE: To validate contrast enhancement pattern and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in unclear FSL. METHODS: CEUS examinations of the spleen in 50 patients between 2012 and 2018 were included in the study. Examinations were performed using B-mode, colour-coded Doppler ultrasound (CCDS) and CEUS after injection of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles and interpreted in consensus by two experienced radiologists. Reference standard was defined as histopathological report and clinical course (treatment response, long term follow up). RESULTS: All patients were successfully examined by CEUS without an adverse reaction. CEUS presented the correct differentiation of benign and malignant alterations in 49/50 (98%). Lesion washout was found in all malignant but also 16.7% of all benign lesions. Matched to the histopathological report and clinical follow up, CEUS represented a sensitivity of 100% (95% -CI, 57–100), a specificity of 98% (95% -CI, 88–100), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% (95% -CI, 44–97) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (95% -CI, 92–100). CONCLUSION: CEUS may provide additional information by visualization of dynamic contrast enhancement pattern to differentiate benign and malignant lesions. Nevertheless, established criteria for malignancy (early enhancement or washout) in FSL should be considered with caution since they are also found in benign lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To explore the potential added value of dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) using VueBox® software for the diagnosis of small solid thyroid nodules (≤1.0 cm). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and it was performed at two hospitals from January 2020 to October 2020. B mode ultrasound and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images were obtained for 79 small solid thyroid nodules (≤1.0 cm) confirmed by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology results in 79 consecutive patients (55 women and 24 men, median age: 41 years). The CEUS time-intensity curves (TICs) of thyroid nodules and surrounding parenchyma were created by VueBox® software (Bracco, Italy). The CEUS quantitative parameters were obtained after curve fitting. The diagnostic performance of CEUS and DCE-US was evaluated and compared. The weighted kappa statistic (κ) was performed to assess the interobserver agreement and consistency between the diagnosis of CEUS and DCE-US. RESULTS: Among the 79 thyroid nodules, 56 (70.9 %) were malignant and 23 (29.1 %) were benign lesions. Hypoenhancement during the arterial phase of CEUS was associated with malignancy (P < 0.001), with an AUC of 0.705 (sensitivity 71.4 %, specificity 69.6 %). Among all CEUS quantitative parameters, the peak enhancement (PE), wash-in rate (WiR), and wash-out rate (WoR) of DCE-US in malignancies were significantly lower than those in benign nodules (P = 0.049, P = 0.046, and P = 0.020, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of PE, WiR, and WoR were 0.642 (sensitivity 65.2 %, specificity 67.9 %), 0.643 (sensitivity 43.5 %, specificity 91.1 %), and 0.667 (sensitivity 69.6 %, specificity 69.6 %) in differentiation between benign and malignant small solid thyroid nodules (≤1.0 cm), respectively. Comparing the quantitative parameters of DCE-US between small solid thyroid nodules and surrounding normal thyroid parenchyma, the PE, WiAUC, WiR, wash-in perfusion index (WiPI), WoAUC, WiWoAUC, and WoR of the nodules were significantly lower than those of normal thyroid tissue (P = 0.008, P < 0.001, P = 0.037, P = 0.009, P = 0.003, P = 0.002, P = 0.049, respectively). A total of 16 (20.3 %) nodules showed isoenhancement during the arterial phase of CEUS, while the median PE ratio of surrounding tissue and thyroid nodules was 1.70 (IQR: 1.33–1.89). CONCLUSIONS: VueBox® is a helpful tool for the evaluation of dynamic microvascularization of thyroid nodules, and DCE-US using VueBox® perfusion analysis could provide added values for differential diagnosis of small solid thyroid nodules (≤1.0 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate multiparametric ultrasound, to achieve a better understanding of the baseline characteristics of suspected cervical lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer before induction chemotherapy or chemoradiation. Methods: From February 2020 to April 2021, our complete ultrasound examination protocol was carried out on clinically evident malignant lymph nodes of histologically proven HNSCC in the pre-therapeutic setting. Results: A total of 13 patients were eligible for analysis. Using elastography, irregular clear hardening in areas in the center of the lymph node could be detected in all cases. Elastographic Q-analysis showed a significantly softer cortex compared to the center and surrounding tissue. The time–intensity curve analysis showed high values for the area under the curve and a short time-to-peak (fast wash-in) in all cases compared to the surrounding tissue. A parametric evaluation of contrast enhanced the ultrasound in the early arterial phase and showed an irregular enhancement from the margin in almost all investigated lymph nodes. These results show that the implementation of comprehensive, multiparametric ultrasound is suitable for classifying suspected lymph node metastasis more precisely than conventional ultrasound alone in the pre-therapeutic setting of HNSCC. Thus, these parameters may be used for improvements in the re-staging after chemoradiation or neoadjuvant therapy monitoring, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) enables quantification of tumor perfusion. VueBox is a platform independent external software using DICOM cine loops which objectively provides various DCE-US parameters of tumor vascularity. This review summaries its use for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of liver tumors. The existing literature provides evidence on the successful application of Vuebox based DCE-US for characterization and differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions, as well as on its use for monitoring of local ablative therapies and of modern systemic treatment in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact and procedural input of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography on surgical decision making during the procedure and consequently the outcome after hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 50 consecutive patients, who underwent HPB surgery from 04/2018 to 07/2018 were prospectively collected for this study. During surgery, IOUS with a high-resolution ultrasound device using CEUS after bolus injection of 2.4–5 ml dulphur hexafluoride microbubbles using a 6–9 MHz probe and a share wave and strain elastography was performed by an experienced examiner. Process and time analysis were carried out using mobile phone timer. RESULTS: The IOUS with CEUS and elastography correctly identified 42 malignant tumors and 4 benign lesions. In 3 cases, the examination provided false positive result (identifying 3 benign lesions as malignant) and in 1 case a malignant lesion was incorrectly assessed as benign (sensitivity 97,7%, specificity 57,1%, PPV 93,3% and NPV 80%). The specific question by the surgeon could be answered successfully in 98% of the cases. In 76% of the cases, there was a modification (42%) or a fundamental change (34%) of the planned surgical approach due to the information provided by the IOUS. Within the last group, the IOUS had a major impact on therapy outcome. In 7 patients an additional tumor resection was required, in 5 patients the tumor was assessed as inoperable, and in total in 5 patients an intraoperative RFA (4/5) or postoperative RITA (1/5) was required. Regarding procedural input, there was only a slight, but significant difference between the transport and set-up times before the intraoperative use (mean: 14 min 22 s) and the return transport (mean 13 min 6 s), (p = 0,038). The average examination time was 14 minutes, which makes only one third of the overall time demand. CONCLUSION: Combination of IOUS with CEUS and elastography in oncological HPB surgery provides valuable information that affects surgical decision-making. The procedural input of about 45 minutes seems to be a good investment considering the improvement of the surgical procedure and a significant modification of the therapy approach in the majority of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound (HRU) for the detection of hepatic metastases of breast cancer in a humanized tumour mouse (HTM) using clinical standard technology. In addition, the efficiency of standard contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) [microbubbles of sulphur hexafluoride] and CEUS using a novel VEGFR2-targeted contrast agent [BR55®] was examined. METHODS: A total of 14 HTM were sonographically examined twice. In addition to a human immune system, the animals developed hepatic tumour lesions after intrahepatic injection of BT-474 breast cancer cells. Digital cine loops from the arterial phase (15–35 sec), the portal venous phase (35–90 sec) and the late phase (3–15 min) of the entire liver were analysed. Data were correlated to histopathology. RESULTS: After 9 months, half of the mice (7/14) revealed the development of hepatic breast cancer metastases. The detection limit was 1 mm tumour diameter. In particular, the use of targeted contrast media reduced the needed tumour diameter and helped to precisely classify tumour tissue. In 93% (13/14), the findings of ultrasound could be approved by histological examination by the pathologist. CONCLUSIONS: This study in HTM demonstrated the high feasibility of tumour specific contrast media and standard HRU contrast agents to detect early liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS) has been frequently used in assessment of cystic renal lesions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the Bosniak classification in CEUS compared to CT and MRI in a multi-center setting. METHODS: Bosniak classification in CEUS examinations of cystic renal lesions were compared to imaging findings in computed-tomography (ceCT) and magnetic-resonance-imaging (ceMRI). Imaging results were correlated to histopathological reports. All examinations were performed by experts (EFSUMB level 3) using up-to-date CEUS examination-protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 173 cystic renal lesions were compared to subgroups CT (n = 87) and MRI (n = 86). Using Bosniak-classification 64/87 renal cysts (73.6%) were rated equal compared to CT with upgrade of four lesions (4.6%) and downgrade of 19 lesions (21.8%) by CT (Intra-class-correlation [ICC] coefficient of 0.824 [p < 0.001]). CEUS compared to MRI, presenting different scoring especially in classes Bosniak IIF (n = 16/31) and Bosniak III (n = 16/28) with an ICC coefficient of 0.651 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CEUS can visualize even finest septal and small nodular wall enhancement, which may result in an upgrade of cystic lesions into a higher Bosniak class compared to CT or MRI. Thus, a modification of the Bosniak classification on CEUS may reduce unnecessary biopsies and surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology position paper reviews the diagnostic potential of ultrasound contrast agents for clinical decision-making and provides general advice for optimal contrast-enhanced ultrasound performance in musculoskeletal issues. In this domain, contrast-enhanced ultrasound performance has increasingly been investigated with promising results, but still lacks everyday clinical application and standardized techniques; therefore, experts summarized current knowledge according to published evidence and best personal experience. The goal was to intensify and standardize the use and administration of ultrasound contrast agents to facilitate correct diagnoses and ultimately to improve the management and outcomes of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been used as an additional imaging technique in order to evaluate focal liver lesions. CEUS is easy and fast to perform, overcomes the limitations of B-mode US. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in focal liver lesions (FLL) with unclear findings on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, 146 patients with at least one FLL underwent additional CEUS of the liver to clarify inconclusive cross-sectional imaging findings. Ultrasonography was performed using B-mode imaging and CEUS after injection of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles (second-generation contrast agent) within two months after ceMRI or ceCT and interpreted by an experienced radiologist (EFSUMB level 3). Histopathological reports, long-term follow-up or clinical course served as reference standard. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of the 146 patients had malignant and 108 benign FLL. Overall, CEUS had 92% sensitivity (95% -CI, 79–97) and 98% specificity (95% -CI, 93–99) with an AUC of 0.95 in correctly characterizing the lesion as malignant or benign. Sensitivity increased to 98% (95% -CI, 96–100) for benign lesions and decreased to 92% (95% -CI, 78–98) for malignant lesions. CEUS showed the highest diagnostical accuracy in lesion <1 cm with an AUC of 1.000, while the lowest accuracy was achieved in lesions >2 cm with an AUC of 0.924 due to a decreasing specificity of 86% (95% -CI, 87–100). CONCLUSION: CEUS correctly distinguished malignant from benign FLL in cases with inconclusive cross-sectional imaging findings and achieved high levels of diagnostic accuracy. CEUS has added diagnostic value especially in small lesions ≤1 cm while specificity remains limited in larger lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been used as an additional imaging technique in order to clarify testicular findings. CEUS is easy and fast to perform, overcomes the limitations of B-mode US. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of unclear testicular pathologies. METHODS: CEUS examinations of 45 patients with unclear testicular pathologies between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Examinations were performed using B-mode, colour Doppler (CCDS) and CEUS after injection of contrast agent (SonoVue®, Bracco) and interpreted by an experienced radiologist (EFSUMB level 3). Reference standard was defined as histopathological report and clinical course. RESULTS: Overall 19 patients presented with a neoplastic lesion, whereas 14 were malignant. Matched to the histopathological report and clinical follow up, CEUS represented a sensitivity of 93% (95% -CI, 69–99), a specificity of 94% (95% -CI, 80–98), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 87% (95% -CI, 62–96) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (95% -CI, 83–99). CONCLUSION: CEUS is an accurate additional tool to differentiate between testicular alterations when B-mode US and CCDS are uncertain. CEUS may provide additional information and detect early enhancement in small tumor lesions when CCDS comes to its limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evaluation of the post-interventional success following irreversible electroporation (IRE) using a new color coded perfusion quantification software with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with malignant lesions of the liver. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with 68 malignant liver lesions underwent IRE. All malignant lesions were investigated with CEUS before and within 24 hours following IRE to detect residual tumor tissue. The parameters analyzed by color coded perfusion quantification software were: the peak enhancement (pE), time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (mTT), rise (Ri) and wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC). Perfusion in the center, the margins of the lesions and in the surrounding liver were evaluated using these parameters. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with complete ablation showed significantly different changes between the center and the margin of the lesions for WiAUC (p<0.05) and pE (p<0.01). Also significant differences were noted between the center of the lesions and the surrounded tissue for the same parameters (p<0.01). In the completely ablated metastatic lesions, significant differences were found between the center of the lesion and the margins (p < 0.01) and between the center of the lesion and the surrounding liver (p < 0.05) for WiAUC. mTT, TTP and Ri showed no significant changes between the center of the lesions, margin of the lesions or surrounding tissue. Also, no significant differences were found for these parameters in the different regions of interest for HCC or the metastatic lesions with partial ablation success. Conclusion: CEUS with perfusion imaging is a valuable supporting tool for the post-interventional evaluation of liver lesions following IRE. Focus should be placed on the peak enhancement (pE) and the wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Evaluation of the post-interventional success following ablative techniques (radiofrequency and microwave) using a new color coded perfusion quantification software with CEUS in patients with primary and secondary liver malignancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 75 patients (60 males, 15 females, age 24–84 years, mean 62.7 years) with 128 malignant liver lesions were included in this study. Between 01/2013 and 06/2018, the therapeutic interventional procedure in 88 lesions was MWA, in 40 lesions RFA. All patients underwent CEUS using a convex multifrequency probe (1–6 MHz) following application of 1–2.4 ml sulphur hexaflouride microbubbles, before and within 24 hours following RFA and MWA to detect residual tumor tissue. Postprocessing of the stored DICOM loops from 15 sec up to 1 min using a perfusion quantification software regarding peak enhancement (pE), time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (MTT), rise time (Ri) and Wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC) in the center of the lesion, the border area and periphery was performed. RESULTS: In patients treated with RFA, pE differences between center of the lesion vs. surrounding liver were found to be statistically extremely significant (p < 0.001), differences between center of the lesion and margin were also statistically significant (p < 0.01). mTT, TTP, WiAuC and Ri showed no significant difference between center, margin or surrounding liver. In patients treated with MWA, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for pE, Ri and mTT regarding the differences between center of lesion and surrounding tissue. WiAuC and TTP showed no significant differences between center, margin or surrounding liver. CONCLUSION: CEUS with perfusion imaging is a valuable supporting tool for post-interventional success control following RFA and MWA of primary and secondary liver maligancies. Focus should be placed upon pE following MWA and pE, Ri and mTT following RFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evaluation of an external color coded perfusion quantification software with CEUS for the post-interventional success control following TACE in patients with HCC. Material and methods: 31 patients (5 females, 26 males, age range 34–82 years, mean 66.8 years) with 59 HCC lesions underwent superselective TACE using DSM Beads between 01/2015 and 06/2018. All patients underwent CEUS by an experienced examiner using a convex multifrequency probe (1–6 MHz) within 24 hours following TACE to detect residual tumor tissue. Retrospective evaluation using a perfusion quantification software regarding pE, TTP, mTT, Ri and WiAUC in the center of the lesion, the margin and surrounding liver. Results: In all lesions, a post-interventional visual reduction of the tumor microvascularization was observed. Significant differences between center of the lesion vs. margin and surrounding liver were found regarding peak enhancement (867.8 ± 2416 center vs 2028 ± 3954 margin p<0.005) and center 867.8 ± 2416 vs 2824 ± 4290 surrounding liver, p<0.0001)). However, no significant differences were found concerning Ri, WiAuC, mTT and TTP. Conclusion: CEUS with color- coded perfusion imaging is a valuable supporting tool for post-interventional success control following TACE of liver lesions. Peak enhancement seems to be the most valuable parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is marked by arteriovenous fusion comprising hepatic vascular malformations (HVaMs) with the chance of bleeding. Aims: We investigated HVaMs in HHT patients by combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with perfusion imaging quantification to be able to sub-classify a high risk cohort of asymptomatic HHT patients. Methods: The imaging characteristics on CEUS in 34 patients (aged 21–84 years; mean 58.9) with HHT were retrospectively evaluated. Real-time contrast harmonic imaging, sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubbles and motion adjustment were utilized. Cine loops of the liver were digital stored, perfusion was quantified using a software reading DICOM data`s. Results: HVaMs were diagnosed in 31 out of 34 patients. Significant uppermost peak enhancement (PE), wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC) and wash-in perfusion index (WiPI) were identified in the shunt region (100%), next in the hilar region (PE 32.6%; WiAUC 33.9%; WiPI 34.1%), and the lowest in the hepatic parenchyma (PE 10.2%; WiAUC 12.0%; WiPI 9.5%). The perfusion parameters in the shunt region compared to the other regions were significantly increased in one subgroup of patients. Consistent with this, the intrahepatic portal vein diameter and Buscarini grading was significantly higher, while portal vein peak velocity was significantly lower in this patient subset. By statistical analysis, we could correlate PE and WiPI to these clinical parameters, while WiAUC showed no clinical association. Conclusions: For the first time we combined CEUS findings with motion adjustment software to quantitative determine perfusion parameters of a cohort of HHT patients. Hereby, we could identify a subset of HHT patients with two markedly increased parameter values in the shunt region compared to the hilus/hepatic parenchyma. This could contribute to sub-classify a high-risk group of HHT patients with therapeutic indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) analyse tissue vascularization. We evaluated if CEUS can provide comparable information as DCE-MRI for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and prediction of its aggressiveness.Material and Methods: A post-hoc evaluation of 92 patients was performed. In each patient CEUS and DCE-MRI parameters of the most suspicious lesion identified on MRI were analysed. The predictive values for discrimination between benign lesions, low-/intermediate- and high-grade PCa were evaluated. Results of targeted biopsy served as reference standard (benign lesions, n=51; low- and intermediate-grade PCa [Gleason grade group 1 and 2], n=22; high-grade PCa [≥ Gleason grade group 3], n=19).Results: In peripheral zone lesions of all tested CEUS parameters only time to peak (TTPCEUS) showed significant differences between benign lesions and PCa (AUC 0.65). Of all tested DCE-MRI parameters, rate constant (Kep) was the best discriminator of high-grade PCa in the whole prostate (AUC 0.83) and in peripheral zone lesions (AUC 0.89).Conclusion: DCE-MRI showed a superior performance for detection of PCa and prediction of its aggressiveness. CEUS and DCE-MRI performed better in peripheral zone lesions than in transition zone lesions.Key Points: • DCE-MRI gathers information about vascularization and capillary permeability characteristics of tissues. • DCE-MRI can detect PCa and predict its aggressiveness. • CEUS also gathers information about vascularization of tissues. • For detection of PCa and prediction of aggressiveness DCE-MRI performed superiorly. • Both imaging techniques performed better in peripheral zone lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Facial paralysis causes excruciating impairments including facial asymmetry, limited eye closure, oral incontinence and social dysfunction. Modern plastic surgical reconstructions render favorable results with well-perfused dynamic muscle flaps. Post-operative tissue monitoring is a critical determinant for success. Contrastenhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography have proven superior properties to evaluate tissue perfusion in various organs. We evaluated their role for functional muscle flaps positioned at the sub-skin level in facial palsy patients. METHODS: From 2016-2017 five patients received muscle flap reconstructions. Flaps included four free transplants and one pedicled transfer. Postoperatively tissue vitality and blood flow were assessed with CEUS. One experienced examiner using linear probes (6--9, 6--15 MHz) and bolus injections of Sulphur-hexafluoride microbubbles evaluated tissue perfusion. Using the time intensity curve- (TIC)-analysis measurements were recorded for TTP (time to peak) and AUC (Area under curve). Tissue elasticity was assessed with ultrasound elastography. RESULTS: All flaps were successful and showed no major complications. TTP-values in flap tissue showed slightly decreased values of 35.12±33.99 s and 25.04±10.86 s compared to surrounding tissue with 19.88±6.94 s. AUC-analysis however revealed higher values of 292.25±169.52 RU and 274.51±115.88 RU than surrounding tissue with 150.90±40.21 RU. Elastography demonstrated predominantly elastic flap tissue whereas surrounding tissue confirmed a slightly harder tissue quality. CEUS in combination with elastography verified tissue vitality and blood flow in a safe and reproducible manner. CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative perfusion monitoring in muscle flaps positioned at a sub-skin level may be performed superiorly by CEUS and elastography in a quick, reproducible and minimally-invasive fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The plantar fasciitis is a common disease with a high prevalence in public and a frequent cause of heel pain. OBJECTIVE: In our pilot study, we wanted to characterise the feasibility of shear-wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of the plantar fasciitis. METHODS: 23 cases of painful heels were examined by B-Mode ultrasound, Power Doppler (PD), shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound before anti-inflammatory radiation. Time-intensity-curves were analysed by the integrated software. The results for area-under-the-curve (AUC), peak, time-to-peak (TTP) and mean-transit-time (MTT) were compared between the plantar fascia and the surrounding tissue. RESULTS: All cases showed thickening of the plantar fascia, in most cases with interstitial oedema (87.0%). Shear wave elastography showed inhomogeneous stiffness of the plantar fascia. 83.3% of cases showed a visible hyperperfusion in CEUS at the proximal plantar fascia in comparison to the surrounding tissue. This hyperperfusion could also be found in 75.0% of cases with no signs of vascularisation in PD. AUC (p = 0.0005) and peak (p = 0.037) were significantely higher in the plantar fascia than in the surrounding tissue. CONCLUSION: CEUS and shear wave elastography are new diagnostic tools in the assessment of plantar fasciitis and can provide quantitative parameters for monitoring therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To identify the indications for CEUS in renal imaging in an interdisciplinary ultrasound department. METHODS: 102 CEUS examinations of the kidney in 82 patients between September 2014 and July 2016 were analysed regarding the indication for ultrasound. CEUS was performed by one experienced sonographer agent after bolus injection of 1.0 up to 2.4 ml sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles using multifrequency probes with Contrast Harmonic imaging. RESULTS: CEUS of the kidney was performed in patients from 20 to 87 years. 44% of the patients had a stage 3 of chronic kidney disease and higher 38% of the patients had undergone a renal transplantation. No adverse events were observed. 54% of examinations were requested by nephrologists. The remaining by surgeons, oncologists or gastroenterologists. In 47% the objectives were the evaluation of complex renal cysts, in 31% the analysis of kidney perfusion, in 19% the assessment of solid renal masses. The remaining were perirenal tumours (2%) and infection (1%). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS is a good diagnostic alternative for patients with impaired renal function, complicated cysts, infections, solid renal lesions and after renal transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating vascular autonomization of pedicled and microvascular free flaps for soft tissue reconstruction in the head and neck area by means of postoperative quantitative measurement of dynamic contrast values obtained with contrast-enhanced ultrasound. METHODS: 8/18 patients underwent lip reconstruction with a pedicle flap, 10 patients reconstruction of other parts of the head with a microvascular free transplant. Ultrasound examinations were conducted within the 1st postoperative week and 4 weeks after surgery. After the intravenous bolus of the ultrasound contrast agent, examinations were carried out for 30 sec without compression followed by 30 sec with compression of the vascular pedicle in bolus and flash kinetics. Digital cine loops were analyzed off-line with a quantification software (VueBox™) to determine the Rise Time (RT) between flap tissue with and without compression. RESULTS: Measurements showed increasing autonomous perfusion, independent of the vascular pedicle. No transplant was lost, but 4/10 patients with a microvascular flap and 1/8 patients with a pedicle flap developed postoperative complications. RT values for the pedicled and microvascular flaps obtained under compression differed significantly between the 1st and the 4th week (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Reliable neovascularization was achieved 4 weeks postoperatively. CEUS showed to be a useful method for assessing the degree of autonomization of pedicle and microvascular free flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with a new real-time imaging fusion technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with multi-slice detection computed tomography (CT) in comparison to conventional post-interventional follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 patients with HCC (26 male, ages 46-81 years) were evaluated 24 hours after TACE using CEUS with ultrasound volume navigation and image fusion with CT compared to non-enhanced CT and follow-up contrast-enhanced CT after 6-8 weeks. Reduction of tumor vascularization to less than 25% was regarded as 'successful' treatment, whereas reduction to levels >25% was considered as 'partial' treatment response. Homogenous lipiodol retention was regarded as successful treatment in non-enhanced CT. RESULTS: Post-interventional image fusion of CEUS with CT was feasible in all 40 patients. In 24 patients (24/40), post-interventional image fusion with CEUS revealed residual tumor vascularity, that was confirmed by contrast-enhanced CT 6-8 weeks later in 24/24 patients. In 16 patients (16/40), post-interventional image fusion with CEUS demonstrated successful treatment, but follow-up CT detected residual viable tumor (6/16). Non-enhanced CT did not identify any case of treatment failure. Image fusion with CEUS assessed treatment efficacy with a specificity of 100%, sensitivity of 80% and a positive predictive value of 1 (negative predictive value 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Image fusion of CEUS with CT allows a reliable, highly specific post-interventional evaluation of embolization response with good sensitivity without any further radiation exposure. It can detect residual viable tumor at early state, resulting in a close patient monitoring or re-therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the diagnostic value of quantification of liver tumor microvascularization using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) measured continuously from the arterial phase to the late phase (3 minutes). Material and Methods. We present a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with malignant (n = 13) or benign (n = 7) liver tumors. The tumors had histopathologically been proven or clearly identified using contrast-enhanced reference imaging with either 1.5 T MRI (liver specific contrast medium) or triphase CT and follow-up. CEUS was performed using a multifrequency transducer (1-5MHz) and a bolus injection of 2.4mL sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles. A retrospective perfusion analysis was performed to determine TTP (time-to-peak), RBV (regional blood volume), RBF (regional blood flow), and Peak. Results. Statistics revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between benign and malignant tumors in the RBV, RBF, and Peak but not in TTP (p = 0.07). Receiver operating curves (ROC) were generated for RBV, RBF, Peak, and TTP with estimated ROC areas of 0.97, 0.96, 0.98, and 0.76, respectively. Conclusion. RBV, RBF, and Peak continuously measured over a determined time period of 3 minutes could be of valuable support in differentiating malignant from benign liver tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluation of two complementary methods, i.e. luminescence ratiometric oxygen imaging (LROI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for postoperative evaluation of the perfusion of osseocutaneous fibular free flaps used for mandibular reconstructions. Patients and methods: 15 patients with microvascular re-anastomosed osseocutaneous fibular flaps were included in this trial. Perfusion of the cutaneous part of the flap was determined by measuring a fluorescent oxygen sensor foil covering the flap's skin surface with a handheld fluorescence-microscope. The sensor contains a reservoir of oxygen that is consumed by the tissue, which corresponds to the perfusion status of a flap. Measurements were done before explantation, after successful anastomosis and 1 day after surgery. Additionally, flap perfusion was qualitatively evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in 13 out of 15 patients. Ultrasound examinations were carried out with a high resolution linear probe after an intravenous bolus injection of 2.4 ml SonoVue® within the first 14 days after surgery. Results: Out of the 15 harvested and transplanted flaps, 3 showed microcirculatory problems on the first postoperative day. All complications were detected by LROI prior to clinical signs. For LROI, we were able to confirm the threshold slope value of 0.3 for differentiating between well perfused and compromised flaps as suggested in our previous study. CEUS showed qualitatively detectable bone perfusion in the 13 measured flaps. 2 flaps that were lost on the second and third postoperative day were also lost for CEUS control. The flap survival rate was 87%, and the complication rate was 33%. Conclusion: LROI has been proven to deliver reproducible objective results for monitoring cutaneous flaps. In addition, CEUS is a promising method for evaluating the microcirculation of the deeper parts (such as bone) of osseocutaneous flaps. Both methods supplement each other, thus allowing the monitoring of all levels of osseocutaneous flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) represents a new diagnostic tool to localize pathological parathyroid glands. The aim of this study was to differentiate the capability of CEUS as first-line or complimentary modality for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. Methods: Sixty patients with pHPT were admitted to the University Hospital Regensburg between 8/2009 and 3/2011. Conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using a linear probe (6-9 MHz, LOGIQ E9/GE) was performed in all patients preoperatively. The sensitivity of CEUS was analyzed to determine its potential as first line or complimentary diagnostic procedure. Results: Using CEUS 98.3% of all pathological glands could be detected in the correct quadrant whereas conventional ultrasonography (70%) (p < 0.001) revealed less sensitivity. In all patients CEUS indicated a correct side localization of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland. The advantage of CEUS was the detection of the early dynamic on the capillary level immediately after contrast injection. Overall, CEUS permit minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy in 45 patients. 15 patients required conventional procedure due to concomitant goiter. All patients showed normal calcium and parathyroid hormone serum levels three months after surgery. Conclusions: CEUS represents a highly sensitive diagnostic modality for localization of pathologic parathyroid glands in patients with pHPT. Nevertheless, it can only be recommended as first-line diagnostic procedure in specialized clinical centers with experienced investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been an emerging diagnostic modality for the detection of acute gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, broad clinical usage has been partially limited by its high dependence on the expertise of an experienced examiner. Thus, the aim of this study was to facilitate detection of acute GI GvHD by implementing false color-coded parametric imaging of CEUS. As such, two inexperienced examiners with basic knowledge in abdominal and vascular ultrasound analyzed parametric images obtained from patients with clinical suspicion for acute GvHD in a blinded fashion. As diagnostic gold standard, histopathological GvHD severity score on intestinal biopsies obtained from lower GI tract endoscopy was performed. The evaluation of parametric images by the two inexperienced ultrasound examiners in patients with histological confirmation of acute GI GvHD was successful in 17 out of 19 patients (89%) as opposed to analysis of combined B-mode ultrasound, strain elastography, and CEUS by an experienced examiner, which was successful in 18 out of 19 of the patients (95%). Therefore, CEUS with parametric imaging of the intestine was technically feasible and has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic tool for rapid and widely accessible detection of acute GvHD in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]