Niccolo Faccioli MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mirko D'Onofrio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessio Comai MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Pozzi Mucelli, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this study was to assess the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the evaluation of benign focal liver lesions (BFLL) and pancreatic lesions (PL) in terms of cost saving in the management of a radiology department’s resources.

In a 5 year period a decision making model of patients with suspected BFLL and a decision making model of patients with suspected PL after a US examination who subsequently underwent a CEUS examination were constructed. We analysed the cost effectiveness of CEUS, considering whether or not Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance (MR) were crucial for diagnosis. For suspected benign liver lesions, 526 patients were considered. For pancreatic lesions 554 Patients were considered.

After CEUS examination 271 angiomas, 61 focal nodular hyperplasias and 194 fat spared areas or focal fatty areas were diagnosed, sparing 307 CT or MR examinations. CEUS permitted to be sure on the nature of the pancreatic lesion, sparing a CT examination if the lesion was cystic, or a MR examination if the lesion was solid. The cost of a CEUS examination was 94.7 € (150.93$), of a CT was 143.77 € (227.87 $), and of a MR was 191.29 € (303.19 $). CEUS examinations allowed to save 57027.33 € (90388.31 $) in the diagnosis of BFLL, and 52727.33 € (83572.81 $) in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

This cost analysis shows that CEUS is the least expensive second-line diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of BFLL, and can lead to a saving in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, if performed after basal US, sparing the cost of a CT or a MR examination depending on the nature of the lesion.

Contrast enhanced ultrasonography can lead to a saving in the radiology department's resources.

Faccioli, N, D'Onofrio, M, Comai, A, Pozzi Mucelli, R, How the Use of Ultrasonographic Contrast Media May Lead to a Saving in the Management of a Radiology Department’s Resources.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6020268.html