Malignancies after liver transplantation: Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of malignancies after liver transplantation.

A total of 23 patients with suspicious liver masses after liver transplantation with initial imaging series between September 2006 and September 2015 were statistically analysed. CEUS and CT were compared in their diagnosis of malignancy with CT being the gold standard. Out of 23 patients 9 patients showed malignant masses in CT, which could also be detected in 7 out 9 of cases using CEUS.

CEUS showed a sensitivity of 77.8%, a specificity of 100.0%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100.0% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87,5% in comparison with CT being the gold standard. In 2 cases CT showed a malignancy, contrary to the CEUS examination that was reported as normal.

CEUS seems to be an alternative option for the evaluation of malignant masses in liver transplant patients. CEUS shows a high specificity and PPV in the detection of malignant liver masses.