Abstract

RAMIREZ GUTIERREZ DE VELASCO, Alfredo et al. Microbubble-contrast ultrasound for the non-invasive diagnosis of hepatocarcinoma. Acta méd. Grupo Ángeles [online]. 2020, vol.18, n.1, pp.67-70.  Epub Mar 22, 2022. ISSN 1870-7203.  https://doi.org/10.35366/92003.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) was approved in 2016 for its use in hepatic lesions. Ever since its approval, it has been used for the diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with a similar sensitivity and specificity than Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance. The microbubles are administered intravenously and have pulmonary elimination, which makes them an ideal study for patients with chronic kidney disease. CEUS allows us to evaluate hepatic lesions in real time with their different contrast phases, and recognize the specific features of HCC that according to the LI-RADS classification (Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System), it can be diagnosed with high accuracy. CEUS has many advantages and disadvantages for the diagnosis and follow up of HCC, they should all be taken into consideration during the evaluation of these patients and consider CEUS as a valuable diagnostic tool.

Keywords : Hepatocarcinoma; contrast ultrasound; microbubbles; LI-RADS.