Sonovue In Ultrasound

Although the use of contrast is not heavily spread in ultrasound, through studies it has been noted that contrast use in sonography has proven to be helpful in diagnostic imaging. CEUS which is short for contrast enhanced ultrasonography in some cases has been able to distinguish a variety of issues, from determining a benign or malignant lesion, to determining muscle injuries.
According to Sconfienza, malignant tumors are presented with several sonographic appearances including the following “rich neovascularization, vessels with irregular course, arteriovenous shunts that can increase blood flow velocity” therefore, contrast improves the visualization of vascularity which is crucial to distinguish in a tumor.1 A brand of contrast called Sonovue is administered through the basilic or cephalic vein.1 However, it has been noted that along with the benefits Sonovue has presented, it does comes with possible risks. Sonovue appears to be more fatal causing adverse events to patients who are initially in an unstable condition, and to those with cardiovascular disease states Dijkmans.2 Due to the adverse
The results showed the difference between the injury through conventional ultrasound versus contrast-enhanced ultrasound. According to Hotfiel, the examination of the injury by conventional ultrasound was not clear and was difficult to differentiate it from surrounding tissue. However, with contrast-enhanced ultrasound he states it “demonstrated a well delineated, circumscribed area of impaired perfusion with hypo-enhancement compared with the surrounding muscles”.3 Proving that there is beneficial use for contrast in sonographic