Detection of hepatic metastases from carcinoid tumor: prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Sep;54(9):2040-6. doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0570-x. Epub 2008 Nov 26.

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to prospectively compare unenhanced ultrasonography (US) to contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in the detection of hepatic metastases from carcinoid tumor. Thirty patients with carcinoid tumor prospectively underwent US, CEUS, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differences in sensitivity at US and CEUS were compared using a combination of the results of MR imaging, fine-needle biopsy, and follow-up imaging. Lesion conspicuity was assessed subjectively for US and CEUS. Seventeen patients had a total of 69 hepatic metastases. The addition of CEUS improved the detection of individual metastases from 47 (Se 68%; 95% CI: 57.0, 79.0) to 68 (Se 99%; 99% CI: 96.7, 100.0). Contrast enhancement improved the subjective conspicuity of metastases in 85% of patients. CEUS showed one more metastasis than did MRI in one patient, and MRI showed one more than did CEUS in one patient. CEUS is more sensitive than US in the detection of carcinoid liver metastases.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / secondary
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phospholipids*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride