[Contrast enhanced color Doppler sonogram of liver tumors: a color-filled pattern in the late phase]

In the present report, a "color-filled pattern", the late phase effect in the intra-venous contrast enhanced color Doppler sonography is introduced, using SH/TA-508 as the contrast agent. This pattern is defined as an image of a tumor area filled with color in contrast to the surrounding liver. After contrast enhancement, the detectability of a "feeding artery" increased. And also "color filled pattern" appeared in 14 of the 21 hepatocellular carcinomas but none of the nine other liver tumors. In conclusion, contrast enhancement increases the detectability of a "feeding artery" and improves the sensitivity for HCC with color Doppler sonography. A "color-filled pattern" is also effective in the diagnosis of HCC because it requires no technical skill and shows high specificity.