Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of uterine tumors

Objective To explore the value of contrast agent (SonoVue) and real-time gray-scale contrast tuned imaging (CnTI) technology in the diagnosis of uterine tumor. Methods Thirty-eight patients with uterine tumor confirmed by pathology were studied by contrast-enhanced ultrasound with SonoVue and CnTI. The contrast agent was given in bolus intravenously. The perfusion process and the sonographic characteristics of the lesions were observed. Results The perfusion of agent was from exterior to interior and showed peripheral enhancement especially in the pseudo-capsule of uterine myoma. The myoma showed homogeneous enhancement with earlier wash-out than capsule. The degenerative area demonstrated no agent perfusion. The feeding artery from uterus depicted clearly in subserous and submucous myomas. The nutritious arteries were enhanced earliest in the cervix cancer and endometrial carcinoma. Both of the tumors were heterogeneously enhanced with earlier wash-out than uterine tissue. Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed clearly the boundary and interior degeneration of myoma as well as the invasive degree of endometrial carcinoma and cervical cancer, which could improve the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of uterine tumors.