Dennis B Rouw MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

David Blom MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric J Van der Jagt MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Matthijs Oudkerk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To describe enhancement patterns of hypervascular liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumours (carcinoid).

Twenty-one metastases (median lesion size 2,2 cm )were studied. All patients were studied with ATL 5000 equipment, with baseline-B mode and color Doppler and at low mechanical index (0.1-0.3) immediately after intravenous administration of Sonovue (dose 2.4-4.8 ml) for the first 3 minutes, during which the arterial (early: <20 sec and late: 25-30 sec) portal and equilibrium phase were observed. The exam was recorded digitally for off-site assessment by 2 observers. Patterns of enhancement were assessed for each lesion.

All lesions showed enhancement during arterial phase. In 16 lesions the enhancement was homogenous, in 5 inhomogenous. The enhancement was particularly strong in the early arterial phase of 15/21 (74%) lesions compared to the delayed arterial phase (when most of the lesions showed a peripherial rim of enhancement). All lesions had a washout during portal venous phase becoming hypoechoic to the surrounding liver during equilibrium phase.

Hypervascular metastases of neuroendocrine origin enhance during the early arterial phase. Classification of patterns of enhancement can help in differential diagnosis.

Rouw , D, Blom , D, Van der Jagt , E, Oudkerk, M, Enhancement Patterns with Dynamic Contrast-enhanced US Studies of Hypervascular Liver Metastases of Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoid): Significance of Early Arterial Phase.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4411002.html