Contrast enhanced ultrasound: A review of radiology applications

Abstract

Ultrasound contrast agents have been used for decades in Europe and Asia for cardiac and abdominal imaging and are now being more commonly utilized in the United States for radiology applications. Our article reviews the basics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound including how the contrast agent works, advantages and disadvantages, as well as pearls and pitfalls to help the radiologist efficiently integrate this technology into day-to-day clinical practice. We also discuss the diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions as well as off-label applications such as evaluation of renal masses.

Keywords: Contrast enhanced ultrasound; Liver; Renal; Ultrasound contrast agent.