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Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound with carbon dioxide microbubbles as adjunct to arteriography of liver tumors

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Abstract

Purpose

The goal of the study is to evaluate utility of contrast enhanced ultrasound (US) with carbon dioxide microbubbles in evaluation of hepatic lesions.

Methods

Twenty eight patients with single or multiple t hepatic lesions (11 hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 hemangiomas, 5 metastases, 1 adenoma, 1 focal nodular hyperplasia, 2 regenerative nodules) were examined. US exam was performed during intraarterial injection of 10 ml of CO2 through the same catheter employed for liver arteriography. The US exam was videotaped in its salient phases. Characteristics of enhancement were evaluated and correlated with histological findings or patient follow up.

Results

Sonographic angiography clearly demonstrated vascularization of the lesions. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hemangioma, metastases, focal nodular hyperplasia, and regenerative nodules had very characteristic patterns. The injection of CO2 allowed detection of small additional nodules.

Conclusion

Sonographic angiography can improve characterization and staging of hepatic tumors. Low cost and the simplicity of the technique should encourage further experimentation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto di Radiologia, Università di Torino, Via Genova 3, I-10126, Torino, Italy

    Andrea Veltri, Simona Capello, Barbara Faissola, Francesco Spalluto, Sergio Farinet & Maurizio Grosso

Authors
  1. Andrea Veltri
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  2. Simona Capello
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  3. Barbara Faissola
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  4. Francesco Spalluto
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  5. Sergio Farinet
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  6. Maurizio Grosso
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Veltri, A., Capello, S., Faissola, B. et al. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound with carbon dioxide microbubbles as adjunct to arteriography of liver tumors. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 17, 133–137 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00195505

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00195505

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