Vito Cantisani MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ugo D'Ambrosio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chiara Marigliano, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Isabella Guerrisi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paolo Ricci MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Passariello MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the efficacy of CEUS in the characterization of indeterminate hepatic lesions detected at 64-slice MDCT

From September 2007 to September 2008, 120 patients with gastrointestinal cancer, with a total of 144 lesions ≤ 1.5 cm detected but not characterized at biphasic 64-slice MDCT were evaluated with color-Doppler US and Low-mechanical index-contrast-enhanced US after a bolus administration of 2.4 mL of second generation contrast medium. Two independent experts in CEUS evaluated the videos in consensus. To confirm the diagnosis of the lesions, patients underwent enhanced-MRI (N=60,) biopsy (N=12) or follow-up for, at least, 6 months (N=48). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated.

The final diagnoses were: 60 cysts, 40 hemangiomas, 39 metastases, 4 focal fatty areas,and HCC. In 18 patients US was able to characterize 20 lesions as simple cysts, thus avoiding CEUS examinations. Indeed, CEUS correctly diagnosed 114/124 lesions. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were: 90%, 90.6%, and 90.3%, respectively.

CEUS is an effective tool for the characterization of small indeterminate hepatic lesions detected at oncologic follow-up with 64 slices CT. Indeed, according to the preliminary results, CEUS may be considered a valuable and less expensive alternative to enhanced-MRI as second level imaging modality.

CEUS, according to the preliminary results, may be considered, a valuable second-level imaging modality, with reduced Patients costs.

Cantisani, V, D'Ambrosio, U, Marigliano, C, Guerrisi, I, Ricci, P, Passariello, R, Indeterminate Hepatic Lesions Detected at 64-slice MDCT in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumor: May CEUS Be Effective as Problem-solving Imaging Modality?.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8001371.html