iRADiX

In broad terms, diagnostic imaging offers the clinical investigator two principal types of information. Most imaging techniques provide information on macrosopic structure, by revealing the anatomy of organs and the morphology of lesions. A second major focus of imaging techniques is the circulatory system, in particular the vascularity of tissues and their perfusion by blood. Future diagnostic imaging modalities, currently used only in research settings, can provide information at the molecular level, such as the concentration of metabolites and the tissue density of proteins (e.g. receptors, enzymes).

Ultrasound (USG) provides information on both macroscopic structure and blood circulation. The capabilities of ultrasound can be improved and expanded by the use of a contrast agent, which does much more than simply improve the signal-to-noise ratio or compensate for inadequate instrumentation!

The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in liver imaging is very well established. However, its application in other organs is still controversial.

Herein I will describe a series of clinical examples to illustrate some of the varied uses of contrast-enhanced ultrasound beyond the common application in the study of focal liver lesions.