Contribution of 3‐Dimensional Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) Compared With 2‐Dimensional CEUS in the Analysis of Liver Tumors

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the vascular characteristics of liver tumors on 3-dimensional (3D) and 2-dimensional (2D) contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). The clinical value of these CEUS methods in the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors was evaluated and compared. METHODS: A total of 126 liver tumors were examined by conventional ultrasonography (US), 2D CEUS, and dynamic 3D CEUS (frequency range, 1-6 MHz; focusing ability, 2-25 cm in depth; mechanical index, 0.09). Dynamic 3D CEUS images were postprocessed with high-resolution intelligent tomographic technology. The sensitivity and specificity of the CEUS methods in differentiating benign and malignant liver tumors were compared, as were the vascular characteristics (including the number and spatial relationships of the tumor vessels, such as origin and continuity) of the tumors in the arterial phase. RESULTS: The imaging methods did not significantly differ in their sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign and malignant liver tumors (P > .05). Dynamic 3D CEUS was significantly better than 2D CEUS in revealing the vascular characteristics of the tumors (P < .05). The vascular morphologic characteristics of benign and malignant hepatic tumors in the arterial phase of dynamic 3D CEUS using intelligent tomographic technology differed significantly (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic 3D CEUS of liver tumors provides a more intuitive and comprehensive view of the spatial relationships of their blood vessels, including their peripheral and internal distribution. The volume information obtained with dynamic 3D CEUS combined with intelligent tomographic technology can improve the US-based diagnosis of liver tumors and thus guide their treatment.