Endocavitary contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)--work in progress

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Accurate assessment of drained fluid collections and their complications is crucial for patient management.
• Conventional imaging methods may have limitations in visualizing complex anatomical relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast agents via drainage catheters for abdominal fluid collections.
• To assess CEUS for visualizing the biliary tract and its application with oral administration.

Main Methods:

• SonoVue® contrast agent mixed with saline was instilled via drainage catheters.
• Abdominal fluid collections, dimensions, and complications were assessed.
• Biliary system visualization was performed via nasobiliary or ERC catheters; oral administration involved SonoVue® in aqua.

Main Results:

• CEUS via catheters accurately monitored drain positions and collection dimensions.
• CEUS precisely displayed complications such as fistulae to various organs and the peritoneal cavity.
• Detailed visualization of the biliary system and detection of anastomotic issues or perforations with oral administration were achieved.

Conclusions:

• CEUS via drainage catheters offers substantial information on fluid collections and their organ communications.
• CEUS is effective for biliary system visualization.
• Oral CEUS administration is feasible and provides valuable additional diagnostic information.