[Pitfalls in contrast-enhanced liver sonography: consequences for the practice]

Radiologe. 2005 Jun;45(6):529-43. doi: 10.1007/s00117-005-1228-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced sonography performed as phase inversion harmonic imaging is a promising new technique for detection and characterization of hepatic foci. It has been reported that malignant liver tumors can be differentiated from benign entities with almost 100% sensitivity and that diagnosis of the type is possible with an accuracy of over 90%. The following report describes seven of our own cases and then compares the results we obtained with current knowledge, followed by a discussion. In summary, most hepatic lesions can be correctly characterized by supplemental use of enhanced sonography; practitioners should nevertheless be aware of atypical phenomena to be able to critically evaluate the findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Microbubbles*
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media