Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterisation of hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on CT in chronic liver diseases

Authors:
  • MTM Takahashi
    M Takahashi
  • HIH Ishibashi
    H Ishibashi
  • MYM Yoshikawa
    M Yoshikawa
  • OYO Yokosuka
    O Yokosuka
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Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this prospective study was to elucidate the efficacy of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to characterise focal hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT in chronic liver diseases. Methods: The study population included 22 patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, who between them had 27 focal hepatic lesions smaller than 20 mm (mean 13.9±3.4) that appeared non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perflubutane microbubble agent (Sonazoid, 0.0075 ml kg–1) was performed prior to ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, and intensity analysis was done for hepatic lesions in the early phase (−60 s) and late phase (600 s post injection). Results: All seven early-phase hyperenhanced lesions were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 20 lesions iso- or hypoenhanced during the early phase consisted of 11 regenerative nodules (RNs) and 9 HCCs. HCC was more frequent in early-phase hyperenhanced lesions than in iso- or hypoenhanced lesio...

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