Contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Updates to Article Attributes
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) involves the administration of intravenous contrast agents containing microbubbles of perfluorocarbon or nitrogen gas. The bubbles greatly affect ultrasound backscatter and increase vascular contrast in a similar manner to intravenous contrast agents used in CT and MRI 1. Examples of ultrasound contrast agents available commercially include SonoVue (Bracco).
CEUS has the advantage over contrast-enhanced MRI and CT in patients with contraindications such as renal failure or contrast allergy. CEUS also allows for dynamic and repeat examinations.
An individual microbubble is estimated to measure approximately 6 micrometersmicrometres, compared to a human erythrocyte measuring approximately 9 micrometersmicrometres. Microbubbles are therefore not filtered in the lungs since they are equivalent in size to red blood cells. Microbubbles are different than the agitated saline used in echocardiographic "bubble studies".
Non-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound
More common method
- dynamic evaluation of the vascularity of a target lesion, most commonly in the liver or kidney, may be useful in diagnosis
- used to measure organ perfusion, which can be useful in diagnosing diffuse processes (e.g. cirrhosis)
Targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Contrast agents designed to bind to specific molecules, which are then targeted at tissues expressing that substance.
-<p><strong>Contrast-enhanced ultrasound</strong> (<strong>CEUS</strong>) involves the administration of intravenous contrast agents containing <a href="/articles/microbubbles">microbubbles</a> of perfluorocarbon or nitrogen gas. The bubbles greatly affect ultrasound backscatter and increase vascular contrast in a similar manner to intravenous contrast agents used in CT and MRI <sup>1</sup>. Examples of ultrasound contrast agents available commercially include SonoVue (Bracco).</p><p>CEUS has the advantage over contrast-enhanced MRI and CT in patients with contraindications such as renal failure or contrast allergy. CEUS also allows for dynamic and repeat examinations. </p><p>An individual microbubble is estimated to measure approximately 6 micrometers, compared to a human erythrocyte measuring approximately 9 micrometers. Microbubbles are therefore not filtered in the lungs since they are equivalent in size to red blood cells. Microbubbles are different than the agitated saline used in echocardiographic "bubble studies".</p><h5>Non-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound</h5><p>More common method</p><ul>- +<p><strong>Contrast-enhanced ultrasound</strong> (<strong>CEUS</strong>) involves the administration of intravenous contrast agents containing <a href="/articles/microbubbles">microbubbles</a> of perfluorocarbon or nitrogen gas. The bubbles greatly affect ultrasound backscatter and increase vascular contrast in a similar manner to intravenous contrast agents used in CT and MRI <sup>1</sup>. Examples of ultrasound contrast agents available commercially include SonoVue (Bracco).</p><p>CEUS has the advantage over contrast-enhanced MRI and CT in patients with contraindications such as renal failure or contrast allergy. CEUS also allows for dynamic and repeat examinations. </p><p>An individual microbubble is estimated to measure approximately 6 micrometres, compared to a human erythrocyte measuring approximately 9 micrometres. Microbubbles are therefore not filtered in the lungs since they are equivalent in size to red blood cells. Microbubbles are different than the agitated saline used in echocardiographic "bubble studies".</p><h5>Non-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound</h5><p>More common method</p><ul>
Image 5 Ultrasound (Oblique) ( create )
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