B-Flow and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Features of Subcutaneous Masses and Nodular Lesions in Dogs.

Simple Summary: Subcutaneous lesions are common in dogs. This prospective study aims to compare various ultrasound techniques for investigating subcutaneous lesions and to assess their effectiveness in distinguishing between benign and malignant neoplasia. Dogs were included and ultrasound cine-loops were achieved in B-mode, Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, B-flow and CEUS. Vascularisation highlighted through B-flow and CEUS were classified into five patterns. The vascular patterns obtained with B-flow and CEUS were compared to the histological diagnosis of the subcutaneous lesions. A total of 24 dogs and 30 subcutaneous lesions were included and divided into three groups: non-neoplastic, benign tumours and malignant tumours. CEUS and B-flow were able to help in the differentiation of benign tumours from malignant tumours and achieved an excellent agreement. B-flow and CEUS displayed similar ability to evaluate different patterns and could be helpful in the evaluation of subcutaneous lesions. Subcutaneous lesions in dogs are common in clinical practice. This prospective clinical study aims to compare B-flow and CEUS for the characterization of subcutaneous lesions evaluating their usefulness to distinguish benign subcutaneous lesions from malignant ones. Dogs were enrolled and ultrasound cine-loops were achieved in B-mode, Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, B-flow and CEUS. Lesions vascularisation highlighted through B-flow and CEUS were classified into five patterns: P1, absence of contrast uptake; P2, enhancement only in the peripheral area of the lesion; P3, thin (<2 mm) and few vessels (<5/field); P4, thicker (>2 mm) and more numerous vessels (>5/field); P5 enhancement with a reticular aspect and both thick and thin bands inside. Patterns highlighted with B-flow and CEUS were compared to a histological diagnosis of subcutaneous lesions. A total of 24 dogs and 30 subcutaneous nodules were included and divided into three groups: 3 non-neoplastic, 16 benign tumours and 11 malignant tumours. There was a statistically significant difference for B-flow and CEUS to differentiate benign tumours from malignant tumours. B-flow and CEUS had an excellent agreement. B-flow and CEUS displayed similar ability to evaluate different patterns and could be helpful in the evaluation of subcutaneous nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]