Dirk-Andre Clevert MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Annie Horng MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sabine Weckbach MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The diagnosis of ischemic injury by B-mode-sonography is difficult in many cases. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether additional examination with the contrast enhanced ultrasound with SonoVue could improve the sonographic diagnosis of ischemic injury in comparison to MS-CT.

25 patients with 28 proven infarction in the abdominal organs in MS-CT where additionally examine with native B-mode ultrasound and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) after injection of 1.2 – 1.6 cc of SonoVue (Bracco, Italy) i. v.. The SonoVue-examinations were performed using the S 2000 or Sequoia 512 (Siemens / Acuson, Mountain View) systems, by using the CPS-software.

Native B-mode-ultrasound detected demarcation of ischemic lesions in only 13 of the 28 organs. In contrast, SonoVue-enhanced ultrasound diagnosed ischemic lesions in all organs 28/28. In one patient contrast enhanced ultrasound find subcapsular microinfarction. The feeding vessel and the complete occlusion of the hepatic artery could be improved seen by using CEUS. The infarction size correlated well with MS-CT.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound seems to be more sensitive in the diagosis of tissue infarctions that conventional B-mode ultrasound. In our institution it is used as an additional examination technique to MSCT in indistinctive cases. Especially in patients with contraindications for CT contrast agents (e.g. due to renal failure or severe allergy) as well as in hemodynamically compromised patients and due to its bedside availability CEUS provides a good alternative to MSCT.  

Contrast enhanced ultrasound seems to be more sensitive in the diagosis of tissue infarctions that conventional B-mode ultrasound.

Clevert, D, Horng, A, Weckbach, S, Reiser, M, Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound versus MS-CT in the Diagnosis of Infarction of the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8012342.html