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

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.