Demosthenes D. Cokkinos MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Eleni Antypa, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Despina Kriketou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Santroninos Demetrios Papadakis MD, MSc, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stavroula Athanasopoulou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ploutarhos A Piperopoulos MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To prepare USA Radiologists for the long awaited FDA approval on the use of ultrasound contrast agents. To introduce basic knowledge of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and review physics, indications, contraindications and limitations. To suggest strategies for training doctors and organising departmental staff in order to facilitate the introduction of CEUS in an Imaging Department with no previous experience.

CEUS is used in many countries worldwide, solving many diagnostic problems. In the USA, it is currently not performed due to FDA regulations, a situation expected to change shortly. This presentation proposes simple steps facilitating CEUS introduction in a Department with no previous knowledge. These include knowledge of physics, presenting the technique to clinicians, initial scanning of patients with simple diagnostic questions, contacting application specialists for technical aid, scheduling CEUS exams at session beginning or end, placing IV catheters in advance, minimising clip storing to avoid memory load, transferring clips-images to PCs, reviewing scans on workstations, applying hands-on training to interns and performing next day reporting. Contraindications, limitations and safety matters are also examined.

By following simple organising and training measures, CEUS can be introduced in everyday clinical practice.

Cokkinos, D, Antypa, E, Kriketou, D, Papadakis, S, Athanasopoulou, S, Piperopoulos, P, USA Are You Ready? Basic Knowledge of Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Beginners, while Waiting for the FDA Approval.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13014272.html