Ultrasonographic contrast agents versus sonoelastography in digestive diseases
Modesto Varas-Lorenzo1, Fernando Muñoz-Agel, Esteban Cugat-Andorra
1Unit of Echo-Doppler and Echoendoscopy, and Digestive Surgery, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain. varas@dr.teknon.es
Ultrasonographic contrast enhancement offers valuable diagnostic insights for conventional and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). This review contrasts its applications with current EUS-sonoelastography techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Endoscopic procedures
Background:
- Conventional ultrasonography and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) are established diagnostic tools.
- Ultrasonographic contrast enhancement (UCE) has emerged as a valuable adjunct.
- EUS-sonoelastography represents a newer modality for tissue characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical indications for UCE in conventional and endoscopic ultrasonography.
- To compare the utility of UCE with current applications of EUS-sonoelastography.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ultrasonographic contrast enhancement.
- Review of current literature on EUS-sonoelastography.
- Comparative analysis of indications and applications.
Main Results:
- UCE provides enhanced visualization of blood flow and tissue perfusion in various clinical scenarios.
- Specific indications for UCE in conventional and EUS are detailed.
- EUS-sonoelastography offers complementary information on tissue stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonographic contrast enhancement remains a relevant and indicated technique in ultrasonography and EUS.
- The choice between UCE and EUS-sonoelastography depends on the specific diagnostic question.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
