Magic Microbubbles
The introduction of a new generation of microbubbles has created opportunities for ultrasound, and this is particularly true in the liver, where study of the arterial, venous and sinusoidal phases with an agent such as SonoVue at low ultrasound power levels (Iow mechanical index, MI) provides unique information. Similar diagnostic advantages can be obtained in diseases of the kidneys, spleen and pancreas. In the breast some reports have been promising but, thus far, for small parts in general the clinical value of contrast media seems less obvious at present.
Fig. 7: Advanced Dynamic Flow picks out a liver metastasis. In this patient with a known colorectal carcinoma that had been resected, a follow-up ultrasound scan at one year revealed an enlarged liver which was diffusely heterogeneous in texture (A).
This article was first published in the VISIONS, issue 3/2002, a publication of Toshiba Medical Systems
27.08.2007
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