Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in deep angiomyxoma using a biplane transrectal probe:A case report

BACKGROUND Deep angiomyxoma(DAM)is a very rare tumor type.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is considered the best imaging modality for diagnosing DAM.Computed tomography(CT)is used mainly to assess the invasion range of DAM.The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of DAM is still controversial.Through a literature review,we summarized the current state of ultrasonic examination for DAM and reported for the first time the contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)features of DAM seen using a biplane transrectal probe.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old woman presented with a sacrococcygeal mass that had gradually increased in size over the previous 6 mo.MRI and CT examinations failed to allow a definite diagnosis to be made.Transperineal core needle biopsy(CNB)guided by transrectal ultrasound and CEUS was suggested after a multidisciplinary discussion.Grayscale ultrasound of the lesion showed a layered appearance with alternating hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns.Transrectal CEUS showed a laminated distribution of the contrast agent that was consistent with the layered appearance of the tumor on grayscale ultrasound.We performed transperineal CNB of the enhanced area inside the tumor under transrectal CEUS guidance and finally made a definitive diagnosis of DAM through histopathology.The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted transabdominal surgery combined with transperineal surgery for large pelvic tumor resection and pelvic floor peritoneal reconstruction.No recurrence or metastasis was found at the ninemonth follow-up.CONCLUSION Transrectal CEUS can show the layered perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent,guiding subsequent transperineal CNB of the enhanced area within the DAM.

Quantitative evaluation of colorectal tumour vasculature using contrast-enhanced ultrasound:Correlation with angiogenesis and prognostic significance

BACKGROUND Ultrasound is a vital tool for the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer(CRC).Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)is a non-invasive,safe,and cost-effective method for evaluating tumour blood vessels,that play a crucial role in tumour growth and progression.AIM To explore CEUS’s role in the quantitative evaluation of CRC blood vessels and their correlation with angiogenesis markers and prognosis.METHODS This study prospectively enrolled 100 patients with CRC confirmed by histo-pathology.All patients received preoperative CEUS examinations.Quantitative parameters,such as peak intensity(PI),time to peak(TTP),and area under the curve(AUC),were derived from time-intensity curve(TIC)analysis.Tumour tissue samples were obtained during surgery and examined immunohistochem-ically to assess the expression of angiogenesis markers,including vascular endo-thelial growth factor(VEGF)and microvessel density(MVD).The correlation between CEUS parameters,angiogenesis markers,and clinicopathological features was evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.RESULTS Quantitative CEUS parameters(PI,TTP,and AUC)showed significant correlations with VEGF expression(P<0.001)and MVD(P<0.001),indicating a strong link between tumour blood vessels and angiogenesis.Increased PI,reduced TTP,and expanded AUC values were significantly related to higher tumour stage(P<0.001),lymph node metastasis(P<0.001),and distant metastasis(P<0.001).Furthermore,these parameters were recognized as independent predictors of overall survival and disease-free survival in multivariate analysis(P<0.001).CONCLUSION CEUS has a high potential in guiding treatment planning and predicting patient outcomes.However,more com-prehensive,multicentre studies are required to validate the clinical utility of CEUS in CRC management.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound on Different Types of Knee Osteoarthritis in the Elderly

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external therapy on knee osteoarthritis patients with different TCM constitutions using musculoskeletal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and to explore the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in knee joint diseases. Methods: A total of 57 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2019 to May 2021 were collected, and they were divided into qi stagnation and blood stasis type group (23 cases) and cold-dampness obstruction type group (34 cases) according to the traditional Chinese medicine method. All patients were given acupuncture combined with TCM fumigation and washing. All patients underwent musculoskeletal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography before and after treatment, observed and recorded relevant data, and compared the treatment effects between the two groups. Results: 85.96% (49/57) of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients had suprapatellar bursa effusion, 42.1% (24/57) had iliotibial band bursae effusion, some of which had poor sound transmission, and thickened synovium was seen in most effusions, 33.33% (19/57) had osteophyte formation. Compared with before treatment, the depth of suprapatellar sac effusion in the Qi stagnation and blood stasis type group decreased after treatment (P Conclusion: Musculoskeletal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of TCM external therapy on KOA for different TCM constitutions. Dynamic observation of synovial lesions of knee osteoarthritis provides a valuable imaging method for evaluating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System:Lights and shadows in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocellular carcinoma diagnosis

BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)is considered a secondary examination compared to computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),due to the risk of misdiagnosing intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).The introduction of CEUS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(CEUS LI-RADS)might overcome this limitation.Even though data from the literature seems promising,its reliability in real-life context has not been well-established yet.AIM To test the accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS for correctly diagnosing HCC and ICC in cirrhosis.METHODS CEUS LI-RADS class was retrospectively assigned to 511 nodules identified in 269 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis.The diagnostic standard for all nodules was either biopsy(102 nodules)or CT/MRI(409 nodules).Common diagnostic accuracy indexes such as sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)were assessed for the following associations:CEUS LR-5 and HCC;CEUS LR-4 and 5 merged class and HCC;CEUS LR-M and ICC;and CEUS LR-3 and malignancy.The frequency of malignant lesions in CEUS LR-3 subgroups with different CEUS patterns was also determined.Inter-rater agreement for CEUS LI-RADS class assignment and for major CEUS pattern identification was evaluated.RESULTS CEUS LR-5 predicted HCC with a 67.6%sensitivity,97.7%specificity,and 99.3%PPV(P<0.001).The merging of LR-4 and 5 offered an improved 93.9%sensitivity in HCC diagnosis with a 94.3%specificity and 98.8%PPV(P<0.001).CEUS LR-M predicted ICC with a 91.3%sensitivity,96.7%specificity,and 99.6%NPV(P<0.001).CEUS LR-3 predominantly included benign lesions(only 28.8%of malignancies).In this class,the hypo-hypo pattern showed a much higher rate of malignant lesions(73.3%)than the iso-iso pattern(2.6%).Inter-rater agreement between internal raters for CEUS-LR class assignment was almost perfect(n=511,k=0.94,P<0.001),while the agreement among raters from separate centres was substantial(n=50,k=0.67,P<0.001).Agreement was stronger for arterial phase hyperenhancement(internal k=0.86,P<2.7×10-214;external k=0.8,P<0.001)than washout(internal k=0.79,P<1.6×10-202;external k=0.71,P<0.001).CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS is effective but can be improved by merging LR-4 and 5 to diagnose HCC and by splitting LR-3 into two subgroups to differentiate iso-iso nodules from other patterns.

Ultrasound features of hepatocellular adenoma and the additional value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound

BACKGROUNI）： Hepatocellular adenoma （HCA） is a rare benign tumor of the liver. It is of clinical importance to dif- ferentiate HCA from other liver tumors, especially hepatocel- lular carcinoma （HCC）. This study aimed to evaluate the char- acteristic features of HCA by conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound （CEUS） findings. METHODS： Twenty-six patients （10 males and 16 females; mean age 36.2＋5.0 years） with 26 histopathologically proven HCAs were retrospectively identified. According to the maxi- mum diameter of HCAs, they were divided into three groups： 〈30 mm, 30-50 mm, and 〉50 mm. Ultrasound examinations were performed with C5-2 broadband curved transducer of Philips iU22 unit （Philips Bothell, WA, USA）. For each lesion, a dose of 2.4 mL SonoVue~ （Bracco Imaging Spa, Milan, Italy） was injected as a quick bolus into the cubital vein. Lesions＇ echogenicity, color-Doppler flow imaging and contrast en- hancement patterns were recorded. RESULTS： Grayscale ultrasound revealed that most of HCAs were hypoechoic （73.1%, 19/26）. Spotty calcifications were detected in 26.9% （7/26） of the lesions. Color-Doppler flow imaging detected centripetal bulky color flow in 46.2% （12/26） of the HCAs. CEUS showed that 73.1% （19/26） of the HCAs displayed as rapid, complete and homogenous enhancement, and 53.8% （14/26） showed decreased contrast enhancement in the late phase. There was no significant difference in enhance- ment patterns among different sizes of HCAs （P〉0.05）. Centripetal enhancement with subcapsular tortuous arteries was common in larger HCAs.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in association with serum biomarkers for differentiating combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma(CHC)is a rare type of primary liver cancer.Due to its complex histopathological characteristics,the imaging features of CHC can overlap with those of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).AIM To investigate the possibility and efficacy of differentiating CHC from HCC and ICC by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LI-RADS)and tumor biomarkers.METHODS Between January 2016 and December 2019,patients with histologically confirmed CHC,ICC and HCC with chronic liver disease were enrolled.The diagnostic formula for CHC was as follows:(1)LR-5 or LR-M with elevated alphafetoprotein(AFP)and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9);(2)LR-M with elevated AFP and normal CA19-9;or(3)LR-5 with elevated CA19-9 and normal AFP.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated to determine the diagnostic value of the criteria.RESULTS After propensity score matching,134 patients(mean age of 51.4±9.4 years,108 men)were enrolled,including 35 CHC,29 ICC and 70 HCC patients.Based on CEUS LI-RADS classification,74.3%(26/35)and 25.7%(9/35)of CHC lesions were assessed as LR-M and LR-5,respectively.The rates of elevated AFP and CA19-9 in CHC patients were 51.4%and 11.4%,respectively,and simultaneous elevations of AFP and CA19-9 were found in 8.6%(3/35)of CHC patients.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the aforementioned diagnostic criteria for discriminating CHC from HCC and ICC were 40.0%,89.9%,58.3%,80.9%,76.9%and 0.649,respectively.When considering the reported prevalence of CHC(0.4%-14.2%),the positive predictive value and NPV were revised to 1.6%-39.6%and 90.1%-99.7%,respectively.CONCLUSION CHCs are more likely to be classified as LR-M than LR-5 by CEUS LI-RADS.The combination of the CEUS LI-RADS classification with serum tumor markers shows high specificity but low sensitivity for the diagnosis of CHC.Moreover,CHC could be confidently excluded with high NPV.

Blood perfusion of the contralateral testis evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in rabbits with unilateral testicular torsion

The changes of blood perfusion of contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion remain controversial.In this study,28 New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into five groups.Group A(n=8),the control group,underwent a sham operation on the unilateral testis without inducing testicular torsion.In groups B,C,and D(n=5 each),unilateral testicular torsion was induced,and,after 3,6 or 24 h,respectively,detorsion was performed.In group E(n=5),permanent unilateral testicular torsion was applied.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to observe the blood perfusion of the contralateral testis at the following stages:pre-torsion(preopration),immediately post-torsion(postopration),pre-detorsion,immediately post-detorsion,and late-stage post-detorsion(6-12 h post-detorsion in groups B-D)or at a similar time point(15-21 h post-torsion in group E).Time-intensity curves were generated,and the following parameters were derived and analyzed:arrival time,time to peak intensity,peak intensity,and half-time of the descending peak intensity.The analysis revealed that blood perfusion of the contralateral testis increased immediately after testicular torsion on the opposite side(P<0.05),which increased with prolonged testicular torsion of the other testis.This research demonstrated that contrast-enhanced ultrasound was valuable in evaluating blood perfusion of the contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion.

Clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in improving diagnostic accuracy rate of transthoracic biopsy of anteriormedial mediastinal lesions

Objective： To evaluate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound（CEUS） in transthoracic biopsy of anterior-medial mediastinal lesions.Methods： A total of 123 patients with anterior or middle mediastinum lesions required ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy for pathological diagnosis. Among them, 72 patients received CEUS examinations before biopsy. After CEUS, 8 patients were excluded from biopsy and the rest 64 patients underwent biopsy（CEUS group）. During the same period, 51 patients received biopsy without CEUS examination（US group）. The ultrasonography characteristics, the number of biopsy puncture attempts, diagnostic accuracy rate and the incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results： A large portion of necrosis area or superficial large vessels was found in 8 patients, so the biopsy was cancelled. The internal necrosis was demonstrated in 43.8% of the lesions in CEUS group and in 11.8% of US group（P0.001）. For thymic carcinoma, CEUS increased the detection rate of internal necrosis and pericardial effusion than conventional ultrasound（62.5% vs. 18.8%, P=0.012; 56.3% vs. 12.5%, P=0.023）. The average number of punctures in CEUS group and US group was 2.36±0.70 and 2.21±0.51 times, respectively（P0.05）. The diagnostic accuracy rate of biopsy in CEUS group（96.9%, 62/64） was significantly higher than that in US group（84.3%, 43/51）（P=0.022）. In US group, 2 patients suffered from mediastinal bleeding（3.9%）, while no major complications occurred in CEUS group.Conclusions： CEUS examination provided important information before transthoracic mediastinum biopsy and improved diagnostic accuracy rate in biopsy of anterior and middle mediastinum lesions than conventional ultrasound.

Detection and characterization of murine colitis and carcinogenesis by molecularly targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound

AIM To study mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule-1(MAd CAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-targeted contrast enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) for the assessment of murine colitis and carcinogenesis. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were challenged with 3% dextran sodium-sulfate(DSS) for three, six or nine days to study the development of acute colitis. Ultrasound was performed with and without the addition of unspecific contrast agents. MAd CAM-1-targeted contrast agent was used to detect and quantify MAd CAM-1 expression. Inflammatory driven colorectal azoxymethane(AOM)/DSS-induced carcinogenesis was examined on day 42 and 84 using VEGF-targeted contrast agent. Highly specific tissue echogenicity was quantified using specialized software. Sonographic findings were correlated to tissue staining, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to quantify the degree of inflammation and stage of carcinogenesis. RESULTS Native ultrasound detected increased general bowel wall thickening that correlated with more progressed and more severe DSS-colitis(healthy mice: 0.3 mm ± 0.03 vs six days DSS: 0.5 mm ± 0.2 vs nine days DSS: 0.6 mm ± 0.2, P < 0.05). Moreover, these sonographic findings correlated well with clinical parameters such as weight loss(r2 = 0.74) and histological damage(r2 = 0.86)(P < 0.01). In acute DSS-induced murine colitis, CEUS targeted against MAd CAM-1 detected and differentiated stages of mild, moderate and severe colitis via calculation of mean pixel contrast intensity in decibel(9.6 d B ± 1.6 vs 12.9 d B ± 1.4 vs 18 d B ± 3.33, P < 0.05). Employing the AOM/DSSinduced carcinogenesis model, tumor development was monitored by CEUS targeted against VEGF and detected a significantly increased echogenicity in tumors as compared to adjacent healthy mucosa(healthy mucosa, 1.6 d B ± 1.4 vs 42 d, 18.2 d B ± 3.3 vs 84 d, 18.6 d B ± 4.9, P < 0.01). Tissue echogenicity strongly correlated with histological analysis and immunohistochemistry findings(VEGF-positive cells in 10 high power fields of healthy mucosa: 1 ± 1.2 vs 42 d after DSS start: 2.4 ± 1.6 vs 84 d after DSS start: 3.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Molecularly targeted CEUS is a highly specific and noninvasive imaging modality, which characterizes murine intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis in vivo.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using SonoVue mixed with oral gastrointestinal contrast agent to evaluate esophageal hiatal hernia: Report of three cases and a literature review

BACKGROUND Due to a thicker abdominal wall in some patients,ultrasound artifacts from gastrointestinal gas and surrounding tissues can interfere with routine ultrasound examination,precluding its ability to display or clearly show the structure of a hernial sac(HS)and thereby diminishing diagnostic performance for esophageal hiatal hernia(EHH).Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)imaging using an oral agent mixture allows for clear and intuitive identification of an EHH sac and dynamic observation of esophageal reflux.CASE SUMMARY In this case series,we report three patients with clinically-suspected EHH,including two females and one male with an average age of 67.3±16.4 years.CEUS was administered with an oral agent mixture(microbubble-based SonoVue and gastrointestinal contrast agent)and identified a direct sign of supradiaphragmatic HS(containing the hyperechoic agent)and indirect signs[e.g.,widening of esophageal hiatus,hyperechoic mixture agent continuously or intermittently reflux flowing back and forth from the stomach into the supradiaphragmatic HS,and esophagus-gastric echo ring(i.e.,the“EG”ring)seen above the diaphragm].All three cases received a definitive diagnosis of EHH by esophageal manometry and gastroscopy.Two lesions resolved upon drug treatment and one required surgery.The recurrence rate in follow-up was 0%.The data from these cases suggest that the new non-invasive examination method may greatly improve the diagnosis of EHH.CONCLUSION CEUS with the oral agent mixture can facilitate clear and intuitive identification of HS and dynamic observation of esophageal reflux.

Correlation of Enhancement Degree on Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound with Histopathology of Carotid Plaques and Serum High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy

This study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of the enhancement degree on contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) with the histopathology of carotid plaques and the serum high sensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) levels in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy(CEA). Carotid CEUS was performed preoperatively in 115 patients who would undergo CEA, and the enhancement degree of the carotid plaques was evaluated by both the visual semiquantitative analysis and the quantitative time-intensity curve analysis. Serum hs-CRP levels were detected using the particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay also before the operation. Additionally, the carotid plaque samples were subjected to histopathological examination postoperatively. The density of neovessels and the number of macrophages in the plaques were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that among the 115 patients, grade 0 plaque contrast enhancement was noted in 35 patients, grade 1 in 48 patients and grade 2 in 32 patients. The degree of plaque enhancement, the density of neovessels, the number of macrophages, and the hs-CRP levels were highest in the grade 2 patients. Correlation analysis showed that the enhancement degree of the carotid plaques was closely related to the immunohistochemical parameters of the plaques and the serum hs-CRP levels. It was suggested that the carotid plaque enhancement on CEUS can be used to evaluate the vulnerability of carotid plaques.

Clinical Value of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Focal Liver Lesions

To explore the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound （CEUS） in differentiating benign and malignant focal liver lesions （FLLs） with SonoVue, CEUS was used to examine 113 patients with focal liver lesions （FLLs） in our hospital during July 2005 to December 2006. All the patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT （CECT） or contrast-enhanced MRI （CEMRI）. Except for patients with focal fatty sparings （n=18） and with hemangiomas （n=8）, all the patients were confirmed by operation or ultrasonic-guided liver puncture biopsy. A sulfur hexafluoride gas-based contrast agent was used with a MI of 0.15 to 0.17. Forty-eight cases of malignant FLLs, including 30 hepatocellular carcinomas （HCCs）, 2 cholangiocarcinomas and 16 metastatic tumors, were detected. Seventy-eight cases of benign FLLs, including 33 hemangiomas, 9 focal nodular hyperplasias （FNHs）, 19 focal fatty sparings, 5 abscesses, 7 regenerative nodules and 2 inflammatory pseudo-tumor, were involved. The contrast pattern of benign and malignant FLLs was quite different. CEUS has higher specificity and sensitivity than conventional ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant FLLs.

Application of Shear Wave Elastography and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Objective To explore the clinical value of ultrasound shear wave elastography(SWE)and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in transrectal prostate biopsy.Methods A total of 54 patients(average age:67.79±12.01 years)in the experimental group underwent transrectal prostate biopsy under the guidance of SWE,while 46 patients(average age:69.22±11.54 years)in the control group underwent transrectal prostate biopsy guided by CEUS.Results There were a total of 451 needles,with an average of 8.35±1.67 needles per patient in the experimental group,and a total of 462 needles,with an average of 10.04±1.33 needles per patient in the control group.The difference in puncture times between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the positive detection rate,sensitivity or specificity between the two groups(P>0.05),but there was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between the two groups(P<0.05).The E_(mean)and E_(max)of prostate cancer were significantly higher in the experimental group than in benign prostatic hyperplasia(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of E_(mean)was 0.752(S.E.=0.072,95%CI=0.611-0.894,P=0.007),and the best cutoff value was 47.005 kPa.Conclusion In summary,both SWE-and CEUS-guided transrectal prostate biopsy can help find the focus and guide the puncture,and improve the positive detection rate.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis of gallbladder adenoma

BACKGROUND：Gallbladder adenoma is a pre-cancerous neoplasm and needs surgical resection.It is difficult to differentiate adenoma from other gallbladder polyps using imaging examinations.The study aimed to illustrate characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound（CEUS）and its diagnostic value in gallbladder adenoma.METHODS： Thirty-seven patients with 39 gallbladder adenoma- toid lesions （maximal diameter _〉10 mm and without metastasis） were enrolled in this study. Lesion appearances in conventional ultrasound and CEUS were documented. The imaging features were compared individuaUy among gallbladder cholesterol polyp, gallbladder adenoma and malignant lesion. RESULTS： Adenoma lesions showed iso-echogenicity in ul- trasound, and an eccentric enhancement pattern, ＂fast-in and synchronous-out＂ contrast enhancement pattern and homo- geneous at peak-time enhancement in CEUS. The homogenic- ity at peak-time enhancement showed the highest diagnostic ability in differentiating gallbladder adenoma from cholesterol polyps. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy and Youden index were 100%, 90.9%, 92.9%, 100%, 95.8% and 0.91, respectively. The characteristic of continuous gallbladder wall shown by CEUS had the highest diagnostic ability in differentiating adenoma from malignant lesion （100%, 86.7%, 86.7%, 100%, 92.9% and 0.87, respectively）. The characteristic of the eccentric enhance- ment pattern had the highest diagnostic ability in differenti- ating adenoma from cholesterol polyp and malignant lesion, with corresponding indices of 69.2%, 88.5%, 75.0%, 85.2%, 82.1% and 0.58, respectively.CONCLUSIONS： CEUS is valuable in differentiating gallbladder adenoma from other gallbladder polyps （〉_10 mm in diameter）. Homogeneous echogenicity on peak-time enhancement, a continuous gallbladder wall, and the eccentric enhancement pattern are important indicators of gallbladder adenoma on CEUS.

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and enhanced magnetic resonance for breast nodules

In the current study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of conventional ultrasound（US）, contrastenhanced US（CEUS）, combined US and CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） in detecting focal solid breast lesions. Totally 117 patients with 120 BI-RADS category 4A-5 breast lesions were evaluated by conventional US and CEUS, and MRI, respectively. SonoVue was used as contrast agent in CEUS and injected as an intravenous bolus; nodule scan was performed 4 minutes after bolus injection. A specific sonographic quantification software was used to obtain color-coded maps of perfusion parameters for the investigated lesion, namely the time-intensity curve.The pattern of contrast enhancement and related indexes regarding the time-intensity curve were used to describe the lesions, comparatively with pathological results. Histopathologic examination revealed 46 benign and 74 malignant lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US in detecting malignant breast lesions were 90.14%, 95.92%, and 92.52%, respectively. Meanwhile, CE-MRI showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88.73%, 95.92%, and91.67%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for combined US and CEUS in discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions was 0.936, while that of MRI was 0.923, with no significant difference between them, as well as among groups. The time-intensity curve of malignant hypervascular fibroadenoma and papillary lesions mostly showed a fast-in/fast-out pattern, with no good correlation between them（kappa 〈0.20）. In conclusion, the combined use of conventional US and CEUS displays good agreement with MRI in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.

Novel model combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound with serology predicts hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Surgery is the primary curative option in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,recurrence within 2 years is observed in 30%–50%of patients,being a major cause of mortality.AIM To construct and verify a non-invasive prediction model combining contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS)with serology biomarkers to predict the early recurrence of HCC.METHODS Records of 744 consecutive patients undergoing first-line curative surgery for HCC in one institution from 2016–2018 were reviewed,and 292 local patients were selected for analysis.General characteristics including gender and age,CEUS liver imaging reporting and data system(LIRADS)parameters including wash-in time,wash-in type,wash-out time,and wash-out type,and serology biomarkers including alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,platelets,and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)were collected.Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the independent prognostic factors for tumor recurrence.Then a nomogram called CEUS model was constructed.The CEUS model was then used to predict recurrence at 6 mo,12 mo,and 24 mo,the cut-off value was calculate by X-tile,and each C-index was calculated.Then Kaplan-Meier curve was compared by logrank test.The calibration curves of each time were depicted.RESULTS A nomogram predicting early recurrence(ER),named CEUS model,was formulated based on the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis.This nomogram incorporated tumor diameter,preoperative AFP level,and LIRADS,and the hazard ratio was 1.123(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.041-1.211),1.547(95%CI:1.245-1.922),and 1.428(95%CI:1.059-1.925),respectively.The cut-off value at 6 mo,12 mo,and 24 mo was 100,80,and 50,and the C-index was 0.748(95%CI:0.683-0.813),0.762(95%CI:0.704-0.820),and 0.762(95%CI:0.706-0.819),respectively.The model showed satisfactory results,and the calibration at 6 mo was desirable;however,the calibration at 12 and 24 mo should be improved.CONCLUSION The CEUS model enables the well-calibrated individualized prediction of ER before surgery and may represent a novel tool for biomarker research and individual counseling.

Role for contrast-enhanced ultrasound in assessing complications after kidney transplant

Kidney transplantation(KT)is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease.Despite their rate has reduced over time,post-transplant complications still represent a major clinical problem because of the associated risk of graft failure and loss.Thus,post-KT complications should be diagnosed and treated promptly.Imaging plays a pivotal role in this setting.Grayscale ultrasound(US)with color Doppler analysis is the first-line imaging modality for assessing complications,although many findings lack specificity.When performed by experienced operators,contrast-enhanced US(CEUS)has been advocated as a safe and fast tool to improve the accuracy of US.Also,when performing CEUS there is potentially no need for further imaging,such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging,which are often contraindicated in recipients with impaired renal function.This technique is also portable to patients’bedside,thus having the potential of maximizing the cost-effectiveness of the whole diagnostic process.Finally,the use of blood-pool contrast agents allows translating information on graft microvasculature into time-intensity curves,and in turn quantitative perfusion indexes.Quantitative analysis is under evaluation as a tool to diagnose rejection or other causes of graft dysfunction.In this paper,we review and illustrate the indications to CEUS in the post-KT setting,as well as the main CEUS findings that can help establishing the diagnosis and planning the most adequate treatment.

Interobserver agreement for contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver imaging reporting and data system:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver malignancy.From the results of previous studies,Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LIRADS)on contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)has shown satisfactory diagnostic value.However,a unified conclusion on the interobserver stability of this innovative ultrasound imaging has not been determined.The present metaanalysis examined the interobserver agreement of CEUS LI-RADS to provide some reference for subsequent related research.AIM To evaluate the interobserver agreement of LI-RADS on CEUS and analyze the sources of heterogeneity between studies.METHODS Relevant papers on the subject of interobserver agreement on CEUS LI-RADS published before March 1,2020 in China and other countries were analyzed.The studies were filtered,and the diagnostic criteria were evaluated.The selected references were analyzed using the“meta”and“metafor”packages of R software version 3.6.2.RESULTS Eight studies were ultimately included in the present analysis.Meta-analysis results revealed that the summary Kappa value of included studies was 0.76[95%confidence interval,0.67-0.83],which shows substantial agreement.Higgins I2 statistics also confirmed the substantial heterogeneity(I2=91.30%,95%confidence interval,85.3%-94.9%,P<0.01).Meta-regression identified the variables,including the method of patient enrollment,method of consistency testing,and patient race,which explained the substantial study heterogeneity.CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS demonstrated overall substantial interobserver agreement,but heterogeneous results between studies were also obvious.Further clinical investigations should consider a modified recommendation about the experimental design.

High-frame-rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of liver metastasis of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Liver metastasis of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is rare.Most reports mainly focus on its treatment and approaches to surgical resection,while details on its contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)findings are lacking.The diagnosis and imaging modalities for this condition remain challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old Chinese man presented with mild signs and symptoms of the digestive tract.He underwent routine examinations after GIST surgery.Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 2.3 cm hepatic space-occupying lesion.All the laboratory test results were within normal limits.For further diagnostic confirmation,we conducted high frame rate CEUS(H-CEUS)and found a malignant perfusion pattern.Heterogeneous concentric hyper-enhancement,earlier wash-in than the liver parenchyma,and two irregular vessel columns could be observed at the periphery of the lesion during the arterial phase.Ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy was used to confirm the diagnosis of the lesion as liver metastasis of duodenal GIST.Imatinib was prescribed after biopsy,and the patient’s clinical course was monitored.CONCLUSION H-CEUS is useful for detecting microcirculation differences,wash-in patterns,and vascular morphogenesis and diagnosing liver metastasis of duodenal GIST.

Application of Intraoperative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Resection of Brain Tumors

Objective:To investigate the value of routine intraoperative ultrasound(IU)and intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound(ICEUS)in the surgical treatment of brain tumors,and to explore the utilization of ICEUS for the removal of the remnants surrounding the resection cavity.Methods:In total,51 patients who underwent operations from 2012 to 2018 due to different tumors in the brain were included in this study.The clinical data were evaluated retrospectively.IU was performed in all patients,among which 28 patients underwent ICEUS.The effects of IU and ICEUS on tumor resection and recurrence were evaluated.