Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the pancreas – current state of the method, indications, performance, limitations

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is a relatively new technique,currently used for liver tumors diagnosis. Contrast agents are composed of stabilized micro-bubbles that fi ll the vascular supply. Lately, the method has also been used in the assessment of pancreatic disorders. Pulse inversion harmonic imaging allows the assessment of the hypervascularised masses as neuroendocrine tumors, of the hypoperfused masses as adenocarcinomas or of the necrotic areas in acute pancreatitis. Also, this technique allows a better assessment of the pancreatic tumors resectability and the identifi cation of septa inside cystic lesions. In addition, it is highly accurate in detecting liver metastases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may represent a convenient
alternative to contrast CT for selected cases.