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Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

Ultrasound technique using intravascular microbubble contrast agents to characterize tissue perfusion patterns in real time without ionizing radiation.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) uses intravenously administered microbubble contrast agents 1-10 microns in diameter that resonate at ultrasound frequencies producing dramatically enhanced blood pool visualization while remaining purely intravascular without extravasation.

Contrast agents include SonoVue/Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride), Definity (perflutren lipid), and Sonazoid (perflubutane); microbubbles are stable for 4-6 minutes after IV injection and metabolized by the lungs without renal excretion making them safe in renal impairment.

Clinical applications — characterization of focal liver lesions (hepatocellular carcinoma, FNH, hemangioma, metastases), renal mass evaluation, vascular access patency, EVAR endoleak detection, pediatric applications (vesicoureteral reflux, blunt abdominal trauma), and intraoperative use for hepatic surgery planning.

Symptoms

Suspected liver lesion requiring characterization
Renal mass with indeterminate features on conventional imaging
Suspected EVAR endoleak after aortic stent graft
Vesicoureteral reflux evaluation in children
Vascular access patency assessment
Bowel ischemia and inflammatory bowel disease activity
Patients with contrast allergy or renal failure

Risk Factors

Renal impairment limiting iodinated CT contrast
Iodinated contrast allergy or anaphylaxis history
Pediatric population avoiding radiation
Pregnancy avoiding ionizing radiation
Severe pulmonary hypertension (relative contraindication)
Right-to-left cardiac shunts (caution)
Known hypersensitivity to microbubble agents

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Indeterminate liver or kidney mass on conventional imaging
  • Cirrhotic liver surveillance with new lesion
  • Renal failure precluding CT or MRI contrast
  • Suspected vascular complications after aortic surgery
  • Pediatric urinary reflux evaluation
  • Bowel inflammation activity assessment
  • Need for real-time perfusion imaging during procedures

Treatment Methods

01
IV insertion and microbubble agent injection (1-2.4 ml bolus)
02
Continuous real-time scanning during arterial, portal, late phases
03
Dual-display technique with tissue and contrast modes
04
Quantitative perfusion analysis with time-intensity curves
05
Adverse reaction monitoring (rare anaphylaxis 1:7000)
06
Multiple bolus injections for repeated assessment
07
Image archiving with standardized reporting (LI-RADS)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.