Endocavitary Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Ultrasound is a crucial daily imaging modality.
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) rivals CT and MRI in many applications.
• Ultrasound contrast agents can be administered intravenously or endocavitarily.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of endocavitary ultrasound contrast agent applications in radiology.
• To illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of clinical endocavitary CEUS.
• To inform about the current and potential daily use of endocavitary CEUS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of endocavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound applications.
• Analysis of clinical use cases, advantages, and disadvantages.
• Focus on routine radiological practice.

Main Results:

• Endocavitary CEUS is a safe method, easily learned by trained professionals.
• It enables examinations comparable to CT and fluoroscopy without radiation exposure.
• The technique is versatile, applicable to various body cavities and orifices.
• Primarily used for interventions like puncture and drainage, offering high-resolution visualization.
• Voiding urosonography and salivary duct visualization are also noted applications.

Conclusions:

• Endocavitary CEUS expands ultrasound's diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
• It is a safe method for patient diagnosis and management.
• Particularly beneficial for patients with contraindications to radiation or contrast agents, or with limited mobility.