Contrast-enhanced US for the Interventional Radiologist: Current and Emerging Applications

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ultrasound (US) is a widely used tool in interventional radiology.
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is gaining traction, particularly with recent FDA approvals for liver applications.
• Microbubble contrast agents have unique properties for diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an introduction and overview of CEUS for interventional radiologists.
• To highlight the role of CEUS before, during, and after common oncologic and vascular interventions.
• To discuss the physical principles, protocols, and implementation logistics of CEUS.

Main Methods:

• Overview of CEUS principles and applications.
• Discussion of CEUS use in specific interventional procedures (biopsy, ablation, TACE, hemorrhage control, TIPS, etc.).
• Exploration of CEUS as a therapeutic vehicle.

Main Results:

• CEUS enhances procedure guidance, preprocedure evaluation, and treatment response assessment.
• CEUS can be utilized across a spectrum of oncologic, vascular, and nonvascular interventions.
• Microbubble agents offer potential for drug delivery, thrombolysis, and vascular flow augmentation.

Conclusions:

• CEUS adoption by interventional radiologists can improve patient care and procedural outcomes.
• CEUS has the potential to serve as a therapeutic platform.
• Early adoption by the interventional radiology community will drive innovation and novel procedure development.