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The aim of the study described here was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound point shear wave elastography using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) in peripheral pulmonary consolidations (PPCs). A total of 87 patients with PPCs diagnosed from April to December 2020 were included retrospectively in the study. The inclusion criteria were (i) a PPC1 cm; (ii) valid ARFI measurements; and (iii) confirmation of the diagnosis of a PPC by histocytological examination and/or clinical and radiological follow-up. The presence of pleural effusions and mean ARFI velocities (MAVs) of PPCs were evaluated. To examine the MAV for potential cutoff values between benign and malignant PPCs, a receiver operating characteristic analysis was implemented. In total, 48 of 87 PPCs (55.2%) were accompanied by pleural effusions. Benign PPCs had significantly lower MAVs than malignant PPCs (1.82 ± 0.97 m/s vs. 3.05 ± 0.73 m/s, p0.001). Selecting 2.21 m/s as a cutoff value yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 89.7% and 75.9%, respectively, in diagnosing malignant PPCs (area under the curve = 0.852, 95% confidence interval: 0.773-0.931). In summary, ARFI elastography may be an additional non-invasive tool for differentiating benign from malignant PPCs. Furthermore, the feasibility of using ARFI elastography in PPCs associated with pleural effusions was proved. However, there is some degree of overlap between different disease entities, and diagnosis should always take into account the clinical background.

Purpose To evaluate B-mode ultrasound (B-US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) patterns of focal splenic incidentalomas (FSIs), and to correlate ultrasound patterns with benignity and malignancy via histologic examination and/or the clinical course. Materials and Methods Between 2004 and 2021, 139 consecutive patients with an FSI detected by B-US were investigated additionally with CEUS. On CEUS, the arterial enhancement (AE) of the FSI (hyperenhancement, isoenhancement, hypoenhancement, and absent enhancement) was analyzed. Subsequently, the malignancy rate according to different B-US echo patterns and CEUS perfusion patterns was determined. Results The final diagnosis of FSI was malignant in 9/139 (6.5%) and benign in 130/139 (93.5%) cases. The hypoechoic and hyperechoic lesions on B-US with arterial hyperenhancement on CEUS and the echogenic cystic or complex lesions on B-US with predominantly absent enhancement on CEUS were benign in 54/54 (100%) cases. 6/37 (16.2%) hypoechoic lesions on B-US with arterial hypo-/isoenhancement on CEUS and 3/48 (6.3%) of hyperechoic lesions on B-US with an arterial hypo-/isoenhancement on CEUS were malignant. Conclusion Based on these results, FSIs reveal different malignancy rates depending on the B-US und CEUS patterns, and classification according to these B-US and CEUS patterns may be helpful in further evaluation of an FSI.

Portal Venous Gas (PVG) provides an important differential diagnosis in the diagnose of intrahepatic reflexogenic structures. This review article is intended to provide an overview of the current literature on the detection of PVG, its special forms and important differential diagnoses, it also shows possibilities for the diagnostic procedure in the case of sonographic detection of PVG.

ZusammenfassungDie Ultraschalldiagnostik ist in vielen klinischen Situationen das Verfahren der ersten Wahl für die abdominelle Bildgebung. Neben dem Graustufenbild (B-Modus) und den klassischen Dopplerverfahren ermöglichen die kontrastmittelverstärkte Sonografie (CEUS), die Elastografie und die Fettquantifizierung eine multimodale Charakterisierung von Organen und Gewebestrukturen. Panorama- und 3D-Verfahren sowie Bildfusion haben die Befunddarstellung erweitert. Die Entwicklung tragbarer Kleingeräte führt zu einer Erweiterung der Einsatzmöglichkeiten der konventionellen Ultraschalldiagnostik.In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden moderne sonografisch relevante Verfahren diskutiert sowie Geräteklassen und Stufenkonzepte beschrieben und anhand der wissenschaftlichen Evidenz bewertet. Ferner werden Hinweise zu Qualitätsstandards für die abdominelle Ultraschalldiagnostik vermittelt.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In den Leitlinien onkologischer Krankheitsbilder wird zur bildgebenden Diagnostik vorrangig ein PET-CT, CT und MRT gefordert. Der Stellenwert der Sonografie ist unklar. Fragestellung Ziel der Arbeit ist es, den Stellenwert des Ultraschalls in der Hämatologie und Onkologie in einem universitären interdisziplinären Ultraschallzentrum zu analysieren. Material und Methoden Von Januar bis April 2017 wurden 5019 Ultraschalluntersuchungen durchgeführt. In n = 1506 (30 %) Fällen lag eine hämatologische (H) oder onkologische (O) Problemstellung vor. Die retrospektive Auswertung der Ultraschallanforderungen und Ultraschallbefunde erfolgte hinsichtlich: 1. H/O-Fragestellung, 2. Zuweiser, 3. Untersuchungsmodalität, 4. Organuntersuchung, und 5. Klinischer Hintergrund. Ergebnisse H/O-Fragestellung betrafen: Screeninguntersuchungen (165; 11 %), Primärdiagnostik (508; 34 %), Ausbreitungsdiagnostik (92; 6 %), Therapieansprechen (264; 18 %), Nachsorge (100; 7 %) und akute Probleme (377; 25 %). Die untersuchten Fälle waren ambulant (675; 44,8 %) oder stationär (831; 55,2 %). Neben dem B-Bild Ultraschall (100 %) kamen kontrastmittelunterstützte Sonografie (162; 11 %) und Interventionen (79; 5 %) zum Einsatz. Ultraschalluntersuchungen des Abdomens wurden am häufigsten angefordert (1033; 69 %). Diskussion Diese unizentrische Studie zeigt, dass Ultraschalldiagnostik einen breiten Einsatz bei hämatologischen und onkologischen Patienten einnimmt. Die größte Bedeutung des Ultraschalls liegt in der primären Tumordiagnostik und bei akuten Therapie- und/oder erkrankungsassoziierten Komplikationen.

INTRODUCTION To describe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the differentiation of malignant from benign parietal pleural lesions (PPLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2005 to June 2019, 63 patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed PPLs were investigated by CEUS. On CEUS, the extent of enhancement (EE; marked or reduced/absent) and the homogeneity of enhancement (HE; homogeneous or inhomogeneous) were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS In total, 24/63 lesions were benign, and 39/63 lesions were malignant. On CEUS, 11/24 benign and 36/39 malignant lesions showed a marked enhancement. A marked enhancement was significantly more frequently associated with malignancy compared with benign lesions (p

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the value of B-mode lung ultrasound (LUS) for the early diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in nonhospitalized COVID-19 suspected cases in a population with a low prevalence of disease. METHODS: From April 2020 to June 2020, in an ambulatory testing center for COVID-19-suspected cases, 297 subjects were examined by LUS before a nasopharyngeal swab was taken for a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. The following LUS findings were defined as pathological ultrasound findings and were analyzed: the presence of 1) pleural effusion, 2) B-lines, 3) fragmented visceral pleura, 4) consolidation, and 5) air bronchogram in the consolidation. The LUS findings were compared with the RT-PCR test results. RESULTS: The result of the RT-PCR test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was positive in 11 and negative in 286 subjects, and the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the study participants was 3.7%. On LUS, a pathological finding could be detected in 56/297 (18.9%) study participants. The LUS revealed a sensitivity of 27.3%, a specificity of 81.5%, a positive predictive value of 5.4%, a negative predictive value of 96.7%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 79.9% for the identification of COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: For the identification of COVID-19 infection, LUS is highly sensitive to the patient spectrum and to the prevalence of the disease. Due to the low diagnostic performance in nonhospitalized COVID-19 cases in low-prevalence areas, LUS cannot be considered to be an adequate method for making a diagnosis in this group.

ZusammenfassungDas Immundefizienzsyndrom der funktionellen Hyposplenie/Asplenie ist weitgehend unerkannt. Die Goldstandardprozedur stellt die Technetium-99m-Szintigrafie von hitzedenaturierten Erythrozyten (TSZ) sowie der Nachweis von pitted Erythrozyten oder Howell-Jolly-Körperchen (HJB) dar. Erste Arbeiten weisen darauf hin, dass dieses Krankheitsbild mit einer kleinen Milz assoziiert ist. Ziel der vorliegenden Übersicht ist es, den Stellenwert der B-Bild-Sonografie und der kontrastunterstützten Sonografie bei der Immunschwäche der Hyposplenie darzustellen.

The immunodeficiency syndrome of functional hyposplenia/asplenia is frequently unrecognized. The gold standard procedure for the diagnosis of this disease is technetium-99m scintigraphy of heat-denatured erythrocytes and the detection of pitted erythrocytes or Howell-Jolly bodies. Initial work suggests that this clinical presentation is associated with a small spleen. The aim of this review is to describe the value of B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the identification of immunodeficiency caused by functional hyposplenism.Das Immundefizienzsyndrom der funktionellen Hyposplenie/Asplenie ist weitgehend unerkannt. Die Goldstandardprozedur stellt die Technetium-99m-Szintigrafie von hitzedenaturierten Erythrozyten (TSZ) sowie der Nachweis von pitted Erythrozyten oder Howell-Jolly-Körperchen (HJB) dar. Erste Arbeiten weisen darauf hin, dass dieses Krankheitsbild mit einer kleinen Milz assoziiert ist. Ziel der vorliegenden Übersicht ist es, den Stellenwert der B-Bild-Sonografie und der kontrastunterstützten Sonografie bei der Immunschwäche der Hyposplenie darzustellen.

The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) is addressing the issue of incidental findings (IFs) with a series of publications entitled "Incidental Imaging Findings-The Role of Medical Ultrasound." IFs are less commonly encountered in the spleen than in many other abdominal organs but remain a frequent dilemma in clinical practice. A histological diagnosis is rarely necessary for patient management. Many IFs, such as secondary spleens and splenic cysts, are harmless and do not require any further investigation. The diagnosis of many other focal splenic lesions is, however, often problematic. The following overview is intended to illustrate a variety of incidentally detected spleen pathologies such as size variants, shape variants, secondary spleens, focal splenic lesions and splenic calcifications. It should aid the examiner in establishing the diagnosis. Moreover, it should help the ultrasound practitioner decide which pathologies need no further investigation, those requiring interval imaging and cases in which immediate further diagnostic procedures are required.

B-mode ultrasound (B-US) is the standard imaging modality to evaluate pleural effusion. The value of B-US for assessing the malignancy of a pleural effusion (PE) is limited. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT) and thoracoscopy are the methods of choice to evaluate an effusion. The aim of this Pictorial Essay is to demonstrate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a method in addition to B-US and CT for the evaluation of PE taking into account the clinical background. The characteristic patterns of pleural pathologies, effusion morphology, and associated lung parenchymal consolidations are presented.

ZusammenfassungAufgrund der relativ hohen Komplikationsrate wird die Notwendigkeit einer Milzbiopsie kontrovers diskutiert. Bei der Indikationsstellung sind der klinische Hintergrund und die bereits erfolgte Diagnostik zu berücksichtigen. Anhand der Anamnese, der bildgebenden Verfahren und des sonografischen Verlaufs sind unterschiedliche klinische Szenarien vorstellbar. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, die Indikation einer Milzbiopsie unter Beachtung unterschiedlicher klinischer Szenarien zu beschreiben.

ZusammenfassungDie allogene hämatopoietische Stammzelltransplantation (allo-SZT) stellt eine komplexe Therapie mit vielen auch gastrointestinalen Nebenwirkungen und Komplikationen dar. Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und Behandlung von mit allo-SZT assoziierten Komplikationen ist daher von großer Bedeutung, um das Überleben dieser Patienten zu verbessern. Die Sonografie stellt eine schnell verfügbare Methode dar, die am Krankenbett durchgeführt werden kann. In den Händen eines sonografieerfahrenen Untersuchers können wichtige transplantationsbedingte Komplikationen sofort diagnostiziert oder ausgeschlossen werden. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, den diagnostischen und klinischen Wert von Ultraschall vor, während und nach der allo-SZT darzustellen.

Purpose To describe the clinical awareness and acceptance of ultrasound-diagnosed acute epiploic appendagitis (EA) and their importance to avoid unnecessary therapeutic and imaging measures. Patients and Methods The data were obtained of n=54 patients with acute, localized, peritonitic pain and EA diagnosed by B-mode ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination from November 2003 to September 2020. All examinations were performed by a German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) Level III qualified examiner. Based on documentation by the treating physicians, the clinical awareness and acceptance of EA diagnosis was determined in all patients and compared between subgroups diagnosed before 2013 and from 2013 onwards. In 2013, a local educational training program regarding the diagnosis of and therapy for EA was initiated for physicians. Results In all patients, EA was sonographically diagnosed by a DEGUM level III qualified examiner. At enrollment, EA was mentioned as a suspected clinical diagnosis in n=1/54 (1.9%) patient. Furthermore, in n=39/54 (72.2%) cases, the EA was documented and accepted by the treating physicians at the time of patient discharge as the final clinical diagnosis. The clinical acceptance was significantly higher from 2013 onwards compared with before 2013 (p0.05). Conclusion In our retrospective study, we showed that awareness and acceptance of the disease EA are low. Low diagnostic acceptance of EA by the clinician leads to unnecessary therapeutic and imaging measures and is a general problem related to rare diseases in the healthcare system.

Diffuse large-cell B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy. About 30-40% of the patients will not be cured by standard Rituximab (R)-CHOP-like immune-chemotherapy, and many of them experience relapse and eventually succumb to their disease. Enhancing first-line efficacy in patients at higher risk, among them many elderly, is key to improve long-term outcomes. Numerous attempts to combine R-CHOP with targeted agents failed in large randomized phase III trials. The addition of Ibrutinib enhanced survival in younger patients, but increased toxicity across all age groups, especially in the elderly. Older DLBCL patients impose particular challenges, since they often present with more advanced disease, and exhibit treatment-relevant comorbidities. ImbruVeRCHOP trial aims at identifying patients who need that benefit from rationally augmented first-line regimens without experiencing overt toxicity and detecting their molecular signatures of response. This first analysis presents encouraging feasibility, safety, and preliminary response data in elderly high-risk DLBCL patients.

Chloromas, also referred to as myeloid sarcomas, describe rare extramedullary tumor aggregates of malignant myeloid progenitor cells. The aim of this study was investigate the diagnostic features and characteristics of chloromas using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Between July 2007 and April 2021, 15 patients with 20 myeloid neoplasms and suspected chloroma manifestations were examined using B-mode US (B-US) and CEUS. Clinical data and B-US (echogenicity, border, size) and CEUS (hyper-, iso-, hypo- or complex enhancement) characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined. In B-US, the chloromas were most frequently hypo-echoic (n = 15, 75%). In addition, a hyperechoic (n = 2, 10%) or echocomplex (n = 3, 15%) presentation was observed. On CEUS, 7 chloromas (35%) had an arterial hyperenhancement, 8 (40%) an iso-enhancement and 3 (15%) a complex enhancement. Two chloromas (10%) did not exhibit any enhancement. We describe for the first time CEUS and B-US patterns of chloromas. They are typically hypo-echoic on B-US and have a strong iso- or hyperenhancement on CEUS, which may help in the differential diagnosis of some unclear masses (e.g., hematoma, abscess) in patients with myeloid neoplasias. Nevertheless, histology is necessary for a reliable diagnosis.

This study described the frequency of malignant synchronous focal liver lesions (FLLs) in patients with newly diagnosed non-hematologic malignant disease.From June 2013 to January 2017, 434 patients with synchronous FLLs and newly diagnosed underlying malignant disease were included in the study. The diagnosis of the FLLs was made by histology and/or contrast-enhanced imaging. The final medical report was used for analysis in the study.Of the 434 liver lesions, 258 (59.4%) were malignant and 176 (40.6%) benign. All malignant lesions were metastases. The benign liver lesions were comprised of 93 cysts (21.4%), 52 hemangiomas (12.0%), 20 focal fatty sparing (4.6%), 4 focal nodular hyperplasia (0.9%), 3 unspecified benign lesions (0.7%), 2 regenerative nodules (0.5%), 1 calcification (0.2%), and 1 adenoma (0.2%). Diseases with the highest percentage frequency of synchronous malignant FLLs were cholangiocarcinoma with 86.7%, neuroendocrine tumor with 72.7%, and pancreatic carcinoma with 72.0%. Gastric carcinoma (33.3%), breast carcinoma (44.4%), and urothelial cell carcinoma (45.5%) were the diseases with the lowest percentage frequency of synchronous malignant FLLs.In total, the frequency of malignant synchronous FLLs in newly diagnosed non-hematologic malignant disease was 59.4%. In particular, cholangiocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor, and pancreatic carcinoma were the diseases with the highest rate of synchronous malignant FLLs.ZIEL: Beschreibung der Häufigkeit maligner synchroner fokaler Leberläsionen (FLLs) bei Patienten mit neu diagnostizierter nichthämatologischer maligner Erkrankung.Von Juni 2013 bis Januar 2017 wurden 434 konsekutive Patienten mit synchronen FLLs und neu diagnostizierter maligner Grunderkrankung in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Diagnose der FLLs wurde durch Histologie und/oder Kontrastmittelbildgebung gestellt. Der finale Arztbrief wurde für die Analyse in der Studie verwendet.Von den 434 Leberläsionen waren 258 (59,4%) maligne und 176 (40,6%) benigne. Alle bösartigen Läsionen waren Metastasen. Bei den gutartigen Leberläsionen handelte es sich um 93 Zysten (21,4 %), 52 Hämangiome (12,0 %), 20 fokale Fettverteilungsstörung (4,6 %), 4 fokale noduläre Hyperplasien (0,9 %), 3 nicht näher spezifizierte gutartige Läsionen (0,7 %), 2 regenerative Knötchen (0,5 %), 1 Verkalkung (0,2 %) und 1 Adenom (0,2 %). Erkrankungen mit der höchsten prozentualen Häufigkeit von synchronen malignen FLLs waren das cholangiozelluläre Karzinom mit 86,7%, der neuroendokrine Tumor mit 72,7% und das Pankreaskarzinom mit 72,0%. Magenkarzinom (33,3%), Mammakarzinom (44,4%) und Urothelzellkarzinom (45,5%) waren die Erkrankungen mit der geringsten prozentualen Häufigkeit synchroner maligner FLLs.Insgesamt betrug die absolute Häufigkeit von malignen synchronen FLLs bei neu diagnostizierten nichthämatologischen malignen Erkrankungen 59,4 %. Insbesondere cholangiozelluläre Karzinome, NETs und das Pankreaskarzinom zeigten die höchste Rate an malignen synchronen fokalen Leberläsionen.

PURPOSE This retrospective study aimed to describe the B-mode lung ultrasound (B-LUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) follow-up patterns of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) in patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism (PE). PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 27 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PE and PPLs over 5 mm from October 2009 to November 2018 were included retrospectively in the study. The inclusion criteria were performance of a baseline CEUS examination, a short-term B-LUS and CEUS follow-up, and a long-term B-LUS follow-up of PPLs. The homogeneity of enhancement of PPLs (homogeneous/inhomogeneous/absent) on CEUS and the presence and size of PPLs on B-LUS were evaluated. RESULTS A total of n = 25/27 (92.6%) lesions showed absent or inhomogeneous enhancement during baseline examination or short-term follow-up, indicating impaired perfusion. On short-term CEUS follow-up, 9/27 cases (33.3%) showed a pattern shift. On B-LUS long-term follow-up, 26/27 lesions (96.3%) were detectable for an average of 10 weeks (range 3-32 weeks). The size of reference lesions was significantly reduced at the time of the final follow-up examination (P

OBJECTIVES Here we asked, whether contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enables to judge early treatment response in malignant lymphoma as a potential guidance for further treatment. METHODS From May 2017 to May 2018, 21 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma were examined by B-mode ultrasound (B-US) and CEUS at fixed early time points after commencing therapy (days [d] 0, 15 and 30 after therapy start) and contrast enhancement patterns in target lymphoma lesions were quantified using Bracco-VUE Box® (DCE-US). To estimate the potential value of CEUS-enhancement patterns for early response prediction, patients were grouped according to their best achieved actual response into complete remission (CR) patients, partial remission (PR) patients or progressive disease (PD) patients. RESULTS Between d0, d15 and d30, CR-patients showed a median lymphoma shrinking by 34% in B-US. PD-patients experienced a median lymphoma size reduction by 44% on day 15, but lymphoma mass again increased by 20% between d15 and d30. In contrast, the median CEUS enhancement intensity, as assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) was increasing at d15 in CR and PD patients (CR to 152%, PD: to 126%), but decreased at d30 to 14% in CR patients and 22% in PD patients. CONCLUSIONS While early response assessment using B-US might be useful to predict treatment response in lymphoma, CEUS and DCE-US-although often feasible-do not provide additional value in this regard.

Purpose: To describe the perfusion patterns of peripheral organizing pneumonia (POP) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and their correlation with vascularization patterns (VPs) represented by immunohistochemical CD34 endothelial staining. Methods: From October 2006 until December 2020, 38 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed POPs were standardized-examined by CEUS. The time to enhancement (TE; classified as an early pulmonary-arterial [PA] pattern of enhancement vs. delayed bronchial-arterial [BA] pattern of enhancement), the extent of enhancement (EE; classified as marked or reduced), the homogeneity of enhancement (HE; classified as homogeneous or inhomogeneous), and the decrease of enhancement (DE; classified as rapid washout [

Purpose: To evaluate the value of CEUS in differentiating malignant from benign pleural effusions (PEs). Methods: From 2008 to 2017, 83 patients with PEs of unknown cause were examined using B-mode thoracic ultrasound (B-TUS), CEUS, and cytological examination. The extent of enhancement of the pleural thickening, the presence of enhancement of septa or a solid mass within the PE, and the homogeneity of the enhancement in the associated lung consolidation, were examined. Subsequently, the diagnostic value of cytology, B-TUS, and CEUS in differentiating malignant from benign PEs was determined. Results: With CEUS, markedly enhanced pleural thickening and inhomogeneous enhanced lung consolidation were significantly more frequently associated with malignancy (p < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, the use of CEUS increased the sensitivity from 69.2 to 92.3 in patients with initial negative cytology but clinical suspicion of malignant PE; it also increased the specificity from 63.0 to 90.0, the positive predictive value from 69.2 to 92.3, the negative predictive value from 63.0 to 90.0, and the diagnostic accuracy from 66.7 to 87.5, in the evaluation of PE malignancy. Conclusion: The use of clinically based B-TUS and CEUS as a complementary method to cytological evaluation may be beneficial for evaluating a PE of unknown cause. CEUS patterns of enhanced pleural thickening and inhomogeneous enhanced lung consolidation may suggest a malignant PE.

Little is known about the imaging of omental pathologies. The aim of the current study was to determine the value of B-mode ultrasound (B-US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant omental pathologies. A retrospective evaluation (2008-2017) was performed in 44 patients (median 65,5 years, mean 64 years [47-83], 27 male, 17 female) with histological (40/44 [91 %]) or cytological (4/44 [9 %]) proven omental lesions. Clinical signs and final diagnosis, size, B-US and CEUS findings, and complications were analyzed. Omental thickening was in n = 36 (81.8 %) of the cases malignant (mOL) and in n = 8 (18.2 %) benign (bOL). Twenty-six (59.1 %) patients had ascites (n = 24 [66.7 %] mOL, n = 2 [25 %] bOL). The average tumor thickness was 23 mm (24 mm in mOL, 20 mm in bOL). Interventional complications were not observed. The majority of omental lesions are malignant. The differentiation between a malignant or benign cause of thickening is not possible by any imaging method. CEUS is helpful to determine vital tissue before biopsy. Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy allows final diagnosis of omental thickening if 10 mm and should be performed prior to the more invasive and complicative diagnostic laparoscopy. Über die Bildgebung omentaler Verdickungen ist wenig bekannt. Ziel der Studie war die Analyse B-Bild sonografischer Befunde (B-US) und Kontrastmittel-sonografischer Muster (CEUS) omentaler Raumforderungen (RF). Retrospektive Analyse (2008–2017) von 44 Patienten (Median 65.5 Jahre, im Mittel 64 Jahre [47–83], 27 männlich, 17 weiblich) mit histologisch (40/44 [91 %]) oder zytologisch (4/44 [9 %]) gesicherten omentalen Läsionen. Klinische Symptome, definitive Diagnose, Größe, B-US- und CEUS-Charakteristika sowie Komplikationen wurden analysiert. N = 36 (81,8 %) der RF waren maligne (mORF) und n = 8 (18,2 %) benigne (bORF). N = 26 (59,1 %) der Patienten hatten Aszites (n = 24 (66,7 %) mOL, n = 2 (25 %) bOL). Die mittlere Tumorgröße betrug 23 mm (24 mm in mOL, 20 mm in bOL). Es wurden keine Komplikationen dokumentiert. Die meisten omentalen Verdickungen sind maligne. Die bildgebende Differenzierung benigner und maligner ORF ist nicht möglich. CEUS erlaubt die Erkennung von vitalem Tumorgewebe vor Biopsie. Die sonografisch gezielte Biopsie ist treffsicher und komplikationsarm bei Läsionen 10 mm und sollte vor diagnostischer Laparoskopie durchgeführt werden.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this case series is to evaluate the diagnostic potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), suspicious pleural lesions, and negative computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). PATIENTS/METHODS Between January 2017 and January 2018, we examined patients with an intermediate or a high-risk Wells score and a negative CTPA with lung B-mode ultrasound (LUS). In a total of six patients, pleural defects were identified and further examined by CEUS. Nonenhancing lesions or those with inhomogeneous enhancement were considered to be suspicious for an embolic event and biopsied for histological validation. The data analysis was retrospective. RESULTS In LUS, the lesions had an average size of 2.4 cm (range 2-3 cm). Five were hypoechoic and one was complex. The shape was wedge shaped (n = 5) or round (n = 1), and the number was solitary (n = 4) or multiple (n = 2) with dorsobasal localization (n = 6). Three lesions were nonenhancing, and three had an inhomogeneous enhancement with areas with complete absence of enhancement. The histological examination showed pulmonary infarction in all six cases, and in one patient also cells of a lung carcinoma. CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrates the diagnostic potential of CEUS for detecting peripheral pulmonary infarction in patients with clinically suspected PE and negative CTPA scan regarding PE. A histological validation or a narrow follow-up might be warranted in some cases.

Patients who develop severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) have a higher risk for invasive fungal infection (IFI). At our center, fluconazole prophylaxis is standard and upfront mold-effective prophylaxis performed only in patients with specific risk constellations. A total of 290 patients undergoing alloSCT between May 2002 and August 2011 were analyzed. Patients were regarded as high-risk if they suffered from acute GvHD II-IV° or extensive chronic GvHD. The 2-year incidence of an IFI after alloSCT was 8.97% (26/290) in the entire cohort and 7.78% (7/90) in the high-risk group. Mortality due to IFI was 3.85% (1/26) without including a high-risk patient. In the multivariate analysis a pre-transplant fungal infection was the only significant risk factor for developing an IFI after alloSCT (HR = 5.298; p = .001). A fluconazole prophylaxis in patients with GvHD after alloSCT is feasible in facilities with HEPA filtration and high awareness of clinical signs for IFI.

Objectives This prospective study aimed to evaluate the value of B‐mode lung ultrasound (LUS) for the early diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection in nonhospitalized COVID‐19 suspected cases in a population with a low prevalence of disease. Methods From April 2020 to June 2020, in an ambulatory testing center for COVID‐19‐suspected cases, 297 subjects were examined by LUS before a nasopharyngeal swab was taken for a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test. The following LUS findings were defined as pathological ultrasound findings and were analyzed: the presence of 1) pleural effusion, 2) B‐lines, 3) fragmented visceral pleura, 4) consolidation, and 5) air bronchogram in the consolidation. The LUS findings were compared with the RT‐PCR test results. Results The result of the RT‐PCR test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was positive in 11 and negative in 286 subjects, and the prevalence of COVID‐19 infection in the study participants was 3.7%. On LUS, a pathological finding could be detected in 56/297 (18.9%) study participants. The LUS revealed a sensitivity of 27.3%, a specificity of 81.5%, a positive predictive value of 5.4%, a negative predictive value of 96.7%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 79.9% for the identification of COVID‐19 infection. Conclusions For the identification of COVID‐19 infection, LUS is highly sensitive to the patient spectrum and to the prevalence of the disease. Due to the low diagnostic performance in nonhospitalized COVID‐19 cases in low‐prevalence areas, LUS cannot be considered to be an adequate method for making a diagnosis in this group.

Sound reflection from bony structures and from air-filled lung parenchyma limits transcutaneous B-mode thoracic ultrasound of the mediastinum. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax are the primary overview imaging modalities for mediastinal pathologies. However, pathological processes originating from the mediastinum can be sonographically visualized and evaluated in the presence of displacing or infiltrative growth. The aim of this pictorial essay is to demonstrate contrast-enhanced ultrasound as a method complementing B-mode ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of mediastinal tumors, taking into account the clinical background. The characteristic perfusion patterns of mediastinal pathology are presented.

Due to the relatively high complication rate, the necessity of a spleen biopsy is controversially discussed. In establishing its indication, the clinical background and performed diagnostics must be considered. Based on the medical history, imaging procedures and sonographic course, different clinical scenarios are conceivable. The aim of this review is to describe the indications of splenic biopsy considering various clinical scenarios.Aufgrund der relativ hohen Komplikationsrate wird die Notwendigkeit einer Milzbiopsie kontrovers diskutiert. Bei der Indikationsstellung sind der klinische Hintergrund und die bereits erfolgte Diagnostik zu berücksichtigen. Anhand der Anamnese, der bildgebenden Verfahren und des sonografischen Verlaufs sind unterschiedliche klinische Szenarien vorstellbar. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, die Indikation einer Milzbiopsie unter Beachtung unterschiedlicher klinischer Szenarien zu beschreiben.

PURPOSE To describe the perfusion patterns of peripheral pulmonary granulomatous lesions (PPGLs) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and their correlation with vascularization patterns (VPs) represented by immunohistochemical (CD34) endothelial staining. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 2007 until September 2020, 10 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed PPGLs were investigated by CEUS. The time to enhancement, classified as early pulmonary-arterial (PA) pattern of enhancement versus delayed bronchial-arterial (BA) pattern of enhancement, the extent of enhancement, classified as marked or reduced, the homogeneity of enhancement, classified as homogeneous or inhomogeneous, and the decrease of enhancement, classified as rapid washout (

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a complex therapeutic procedure causing significant morbidity and mortality, including the gastrointestinal tract. Early diagnosis and treatment of HCT-associated complications are, therefore, of utmost importance to improve overall HCT outcome. Sonography can be a powerful diagnostic tool and is easily accessible at the bedside of HCT patients. In the hands of a sonography-experienced physician, it allows for instant diagnosis and can also rule out several important transplant-associated complications. Here we review available evidence on the diagnostic and clinical value of ultrasound prior, during and after HCT.Die allogene hämatopoietische Stammzelltransplantation (allo-SZT) stellt eine komplexe Therapie mit vielen auch gastrointestinalen Nebenwirkungen und Komplikationen dar. Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und Behandlung von mit allo-SZT assoziierten Komplikationen ist daher von großer Bedeutung, um das Überleben dieser Patienten zu verbessern. Die Sonografie stellt eine schnell verfügbare Methode dar, die am Krankenbett durchgeführt werden kann. In den Händen eines sonografieerfahrenen Untersuchers können wichtige transplantationsbedingte Komplikationen sofort diagnostiziert oder ausgeschlossen werden. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, den diagnostischen und klinischen Wert von Ultraschall vor, während und nach der allo-SZT darzustellen.

PURPOSE: To describe perfusion patterns of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) in COVID-19 patients using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2020 until July 2020, 11 consecutive patients with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 and PPLs sized over 5 mm were investigated by B-mode ultrasound (B-US) and CEUS. The homogeneity of enhancement (homogeneous and inhomogeneous) was examined retrospectively using CEUS. An inhomogeneous enhancement was defined as a perfused lesion with coexisting non-perfused areas (NPA). RESULTS: On B-US, all 11 patients showed an interstitial syndrome (B-lines) with PPLs between 0.5 and 6 cm. On CEUS, all cases showed peripheral NPA during the complete CEUS examination. One patient underwent a partial lung resection with subsequent histopathological examination. The histological examination showed vasculitis, microthrombus in the alveolar capillary, and small obliterated vessels. CONCLUSION: In our case series, PPLs in patients with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection presented a CEUS pattern with NPA during the complete CEUS examination. Our findings suggest a peripheral pulmonary perfusion disturbance in patients with COVID-19 infection. In 1 case, the histopathological correlation with the perfusion disturbance in the PPL was proven.

The evaluation of lymph nodes (LNs) using ultrasound requires a high level of clinical and sonographic competence. This “pictorial essay” is intended to illustrate eye-catching examples of relevant “clinical-sonographic visual diagnoses” of LNs. We provide typical images and take-home messages of eye-catching features to illustrate the featured publications.The first part includes “important differential diagnoses of eye-catching features of suspected lymphadenopathy” and “benign lymphadenopathy”. The second part will include “Eye-catching features of malignant lymphadenopathy, both carcinoma and lymphoma”

Objectives To determine contrast enhancing features of mediastinal masses (ML) using transcutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods Retrospective analysis of n = 58 patients with histologically confirmed ML, which were examined in the period from October 2005 to February 2018 using transcutaneous B-mode ultrasound and CEUS. In n = 29 (50%) histological confirmation was performed by ultrasound guided core-needle biopsy. The lesions were evaluated using CEUS in regard to the enhancement pattern (hyper-, iso-, hypoenhancement, non-enhancement, homogenous, inhomogenous) compared to enhancement of the spleen as an in vivo reference. Results N = 53 (91.4%) of ML were malignant (m) (lymphoma n = 36, metastasis n = 11, thymoma n = 2, teratoma n = 1, sarcoma n = 2, seminoma n = 1). In n = 5 (8.6%) cases there was a benign (b) histology (thyroid tissue n = 2, thymus residue n = 1, ganglioneurinoma n = 1, scar tissue: n = 1). In ultrasound, n = 53 (91.4%; (48 = m, 5 = b)) were hypoechoic, n = 5 (8.6%, (5 = m,0 = b)) hyperechoic. In CEUS, n = 35 lesions presented an arterial isoenhancement (60.3%; 33 = m, 2 = b). An arterial hypoenhancement had n = 21 (36.2%, (20 = m,1 = b)), and no enhancement showed n = 2 (3.5%, (0 = m, 2 = b) of the ML. A parenchymal isoenhancement was observed in n = 1 (1.7%, (1 = m, 0 = b)), a hypoenhancement in n = 54 (93.1%; 51 = m, 3 = b) of the patients and almost no enhancement in n = 3 ML (5.2%, (1 = m, 2 = b).) The enhancement was homogeneous in n = 26 (44.8%, (25 = m,1 = b)) cases, in n = 31 (53.5%, (28 = m,3 = b)) inhomogeneous and n = 1 (1.7%) benign lesion was exclusively cystic. Conclusion In CEUS, mediastinal tumor formations showed variable arterial enhancement, followed by parenchymal hypoenhancement (wash-out).

The B-mode imaging and color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) techniques are continued by the introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) consequently. However, the limitations of this approach do not differ from all other modalities.

Purpose: In contrast to splenomegaly, the clinical value of a small spleen (hyposplenia) is unclear. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has not been investigated systematically in hyposplenia. Methods: Between February 2005 and January 2017, 43 patients with hyposplenia (< 7 × 3 cm) were examined by B-mode ultrasound (US) and CEUS. A retrospective data analysis was performed. Results: A total of 39 (91%) patients had an underlying disease (UD; allogenic stem cell transplantation, n = 16; autoimmune-diseases, n = 7; sickle cell anemia, n = 5; solid tumors, n = 5; others, n = 6). In 4 (9%) cases, hyposplenia was an incidental finding. The echogenicity of the spleen was normal (homogeneous, isoechogenic) in 17 (39.5%) and abnormal in 26 (60.5%) cases (inhomogeneous, n = 26 and hyperechoic, n = 9). In CEUS, 21 (49%) patients presented a normal isoenhancement. An abnormal enhancement was detected in 22 (51%) patients with UD (arterial/parenchymal inhomogeneous, n = 1; no [arterial, n = 3 and parenchymal, n = 6]; reduced [arterial, n = 8 and parenchymal, n = 15]). Conclusions: Hyposplenia is a rare pathologic finding and often associated with hematological/oncological and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, altered B-mode US appearance and a pathological CEUS pattern are frequently found. However, the clinical implication, especially regarding splenic function remains obscure to date.

Here, we describe the appearance and pattern of pulmonary lymphoma on B-mode imaging and with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). From July 2009 to December 2015, 6 patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed lymphoma of the lung were examined by B-mode imaging, followed by CEUS. A retrospective analysis of the imaging data was performed with respect to the time to enhancement, pulmonary artery (PA) and bronchial artery, echogenicity (hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic), and homogeneity (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) of the contrast enhancement. On B-mode imaging, all 6 pulmonary lymphoma lesions were hypoechoic. Five cases had PA enhancement, and 1 case had bronchial artery enhancement on CEUS imaging. Strikingly, all 6 patients had isoechoic arterial contrast enhancement. In the parenchymal phase, 3 of the lymphoma lesions showed hypoechoic contrast enhancement, and 3 showed isoechoic enhancement. Pulmonary lymphomas are hypoechoic on B-mode imaging. With CEUS, all patients had predominant PA contrast enhancement in the arterial phase with variable parenchymal contrast enhancement. Thus, definite differentiation from other malignant or benign pulmonary lesions cannot be achieved by CEUS.

Introduction Both B-mode ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are well established procedures when diagnosing traumatic splenic ruptures (TSR). To date, there are no data about CEUS patterns in spontaneous splenic ruptures (SSR). It remains unknown whether TSR and SSR differ with respect to clinical characteristics, B-mode and CEUS characteristics. Patients and Methods Between 12/2003 and 2/2010, n=33 SSRs and n=29 TSRs were diagnosed in a tertiary referral center. All patients were examined with B-mode and CEUS, and clinical data and the outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results Patients with SSR were significantly older than patients with TSR (62 years vs. 44 years; p=0.01). The 4-week mortality was significantly higher in SSR than in TSR (36% vs. 0%; p=0.001). No differences between the grading of TSR and SSR could be shown in B-mode or in CEUS. Notably, CEUS was significantly superior to B-mode with respect to the grading of splenic ruptures (p=0.01). Therefore, therapeutic management was influenced by CEUS. Conclusion There are differences between SSR and TSR, especially concerning clinical data (age, course of disease and mortality). Regarding the sonographic pattern, SSR and TSR show identical grading. When splenic rupture is suspected, CEUS should always be performed to identify patients at risk who require interventional procedures.

Detection of mesenteric masses (MM) by 2 D ultrasound often causes a diagnostic dilemma, and histological confirmation is required for definite diagnosis. The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the diagnosis of MMs has not been investigated before. Here, we retrospectively evaluate 2D-mode and CEUS patterns of 69 patients with histologically confirmed MMs. Between January 2006 and January 2016, n = 69 patients were included in the study. Histopathological data, clinical data, 2D-mode ultrasound and CEUS enhancement were retrospectively analyzed. More than half of the MMs (n = 47/69, 68 %) revealed a malignant histology. The size of the MM, inflammation markers and clinical symptoms did not correlate with the histological outcome. 2 D mode revealed n = 46 (67 %) lesions as hypoechoic, n = 14 (20 %) as hyperechoic, and n = 9 (13 %) with a complex echo pattern. Hypoechogenicity and complex echo patterns as well as regular borders of MMs were significantly associated with malignancy (p 0.05). On CEUS, malignant MMs showed arterial hyperenhancement (n = 11/47, 23 %), isoenhancement (n = 25/47, 52 %) and hypoenhancement (n = 7/47, 15 %). The majority of malignant MMs (n = 42/47, 89 %) revealed parenchymal hypoenhancement. Benign masses revealed arterial hyperenhancement in n = 1/22 (5 %), isoenhancement in n = 8/22 (36 %), and hypoenhancement in n = 10/22 (45 %). The majority of lesions showed parenchymal hypoenhancement (n = 19/22, 86 %). Hypoechogenicity and complex echogenicity in 2 D mode, irregular borders, and parenchymal wash-out were more often associated with malignancy. However, CEUS did not help to subclassify malignant MMs according to their histological entity.ZIEL: Der Stellenwert der kontrastunterstützten Sonografie (KUS) zur Beurteilung von mesenterialen Raumforderungen (mRF) ist bisher nicht systematisch untersucht worden. In dieser Arbeit werden 69 Patienten mittels B-Bild Sonografie und KUS retrospektiv analysiert. Die histopathologischen Befunde, klinische Daten, B-Bild- und KUS Daten von n = 69 Patienten mit mRF wurden über den Zeitraum von 10 Jahren (Januar 2006-Januar 2016) ausgewertet. Maligne mRF wurden in n = 47/69 (68 %) gefunden. Weder die Größe, Laborwerte, noch die klinische Symptomatik korrelierte mit der Dignität. In der B-Bild Sonografie zeigten sich n = 46 (67 %) mRF echoarm, n = 14 (20 %) echoreich und n = 9 (13 %) mit einem komplexen Echomuster. Echoarmes und komplexes Echomuster, als auch scharfe Begrenzung der mRF waren signifikant häufiger mit Malignität assoziiert (p 005). In der KUS zeigten maligne mRF ein arterielles Hyperenhancement (n = 11/47, 24 %), ein Isoenhancement (n = 25/47, 52 %) und ein Hypoenhancement (n = 7/47, 15 %). Ein Großteil der malignen mRF waren durch ein parenchymales Hypoenhancement gekennzeichnet (n = 42/47, 89 %). Gutartige mRF zeigten ein Hyperenhancement in n = 1/22 (5 %), ein Isoenhancement in n = 8/22 (36 %) und ein Hypoenhancement in n = 10/22 (45 %). Die Mehrzahl der benignen mRF wiesen ein parenchymales Hypoenhancement (n = 19/22, 86 %) auf. Echoarme und komplexe mRF, scharfe Begrenzung und parenchymales wash out sind signifikant häufiger mit Malignität assoziiert. Die KUS scheint jedoch keine Subklassifizierung der histologischen Entitäten zu erlauben.

ZusammenfassungIn der Tumordiagnostik, insbesondere in der Ausbreitungsdiagnostik bei Tumorpatienten, stellt die Sonografie im Zeitalter moderner Schnittbildverfahren (Computertomografie (CT)/Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT)/Positronenemissionstomografie (PET-CT)) überwiegend eine additive Untersuchungsmethode dar, da die Methode u. a. durch Interobservervaribilität und Schallbedingungen limitiert ist. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, spezielle onkologische Fragestellungen an die Sonografie herauszuarbeiten und die Anforderungen an die Sonografie und den Stellenwert der Methode in der Diagnostik von Tumorerkrankungen im Zeitalter von CT, MRT und PET-CT darzustellen. Grundsätzlich sind Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Sonografie in der Primärdiagnostik, Ausbreitungsdiagnostik, der Beurteilung des Therapieansprechens und in der Tumornachsorge zu differenzieren. Diese werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Leitlinien der European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) und der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e. V. 1 sowie der Anforderungen im klinischen Alltag erörtert.

Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a severe complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Its diagnosis is difficult, and ultrasound (US) has not been proven to be of additional diagnostic value. In the work described here, we prospectively analyzed the hepatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) pattern before and after allo-SCT and correlated these results with the pre-allo-SCT VOD risk factors, clinical VOD findings and conventional US findings. Thirty consecutive patients who underwent allo-SCT and had at least one VOD risk factor were studied. B-Mode US and CEUS were longitudinally performed at defined time points before and after allo-SCT. The 1-min hepatic enhancement (OMHE) in CEUS was standardized to splenic enhancement and quantified using optical density (OD) measurement software. A hypo-OMHE was arbitrarily defined as pathologic (pOMHE) if the OD of the liver was less than 90% compared with the mean splenic OD. Twenty-one patients (70%) had a pOMHE, the occurrence of which peaked at day 10 after allo-SCT. The number of pre-treatment VOD risk factors significantly differed between the pathologic and non-pathologic OD groups. Together, patients undergoing allo-SCT frequently exhibit a pathologic hepatic CEUS pattern, which can be quantified by OD measurement and is suggestive of pre-clinical VOD or other hepatic pathologies.

Objectives Whole surgical lymph node excision (SNE) is considered the standard diagnostic method in the primary diagnosis of lymphadenopathy (LA) suspected of malignancy. Ultrasound-guided full core needle biopsy (UFCNB) offers an alternative method to SNE. This study examined the accuracy of UFCNB in the diagnosis of unexplained LA in 793 cases. Methods From January 2006 to June 2015, a total of 793 cases of LA of unknown origin received a UFCNB. The lymph nodes were located peripherally (68%) or abdominally (32%). The final diagnoses from histopathologic examinations were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 245), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 53), solid nonlymphocytic lymph node metastases (n = 359), and benign LA (n = 136). The results of the biopsies were retrospectively evaluated with regard to sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy. Results In the total collective of 793 biopsies, the sensitivity of UFCNB was 94.4%; the specificity was 97.8%; and the diagnostic accuracy was 95.0%. In the subgroups, the following results were obtained: non-Hodgkin lymphoma (sensitivity, 97.2%), Hodgkin lymphoma (sensitivity, 88.7%), metastases (sensitivity, 93.3%), and benign LA (specificity, 97.8%). In 17 cases (2.2%), an additional rebiopsy of the lymph node was needed, and in 85 cases (10.7%), an additional SNE was performed. Conclusions Due to the diagnostic accuracy of 95.0% in the total collective, UFCNB seems to be an alternative diagnostic procedure to the standard procedure of SNE for LA of unknown origin. A prospective comparative study to definitively clarify the diagnostic value of UFCNB compared to SNE in the unexplained LA is warranted.