Diagnostic values of contrast-enhanced ultrasonograph in liver metastasis

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonograph(CEUS) and timing characters in liver metastasis.Methods Forty-seven patients with established primary malignancy examined by conventional ultrasound and CEUS with low mechanical index.The perfusion and echogenicity of liver metastasis were investigated using contrast tuned imaging(CnTI).The perfusion patterns of liver metastasis were analyzed.Results In 47 patients,148 liver metastases were found by conventional ultrasound and 357 by CEUS.According to lesion characters,three contrast enhancement patterns were seen,which were type Ⅰcharacterized by peripheral ring-like enhancement during the arterial phase and hyperechoic appearance during the portal venous phase and the late phase,typeⅡcharacterized by bolus-enhanced quickly and hyperechonic appearance,and type Ⅲ characterized by breadcircle enhancement during the arterial phase and hyperechoic appearance during the portal venous phase and the late phase.ConclusionCnTI can improve the diagnostic rate of liver metastases.The enhancement patterns of liver metastasi is related to primary lesion and blood perfusion.