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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Apr 16, 2014; 6(4): 121-127
Published online Apr 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i4.121
Current status and future applications of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography
Hon Chi Yip, Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Charing Ching Ning Chong, James Yun Wong Lau
Hon Chi Yip, Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Charing Ching Ning Chong, James Yun Wong Lau, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Hon Chi Yip, Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Charing Ching Ning Chong, James Yun Wong Lau, Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Author contributions: Yip HC, Teoh AYB and Chong CCN performed the literature search and data review; Yip HC, Teoh AYB and Lau JYW wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, FRCSEd (Gen), Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4th floor, Clinical Science Building, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. anthonyteoh@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
Telephone: +852-26322627 Fax: +852-26377974
Received: December 19, 2013
Revised: February 16, 2014
Accepted: March 3, 2014
Published online: April 16, 2014
Processing time: 121 Days and 14.4 Hours
Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is currently an integral investigation of many gastrointestinal disorders. It has been shown to have a higher efficacy than conventional computed tomography in detection and characterization of small lesions especially in the pancreas. Much effort has been put to further improve the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of EUS. One of the major advances is the utilization of contrast agents for better delineation of the vascularity and tissue perfusion of the target lesion. This article describes the basic principles of ultrasound contrast agents and the different modalities used in contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) including contrast-enhanced Doppler EUS (CED-EUS) and contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS). In addition, the current applications of contrast enhanced EUS in different gastrointestinal conditions were discussed. Furthermore, the future development of hybrid approaches combining CE-EUS with other imaging modalities and the potential therapeutic aspect of using it as a vector for drug delivery were also discussed.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasonography; Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography; Advanced endoscopic ultrasonographic imaging

Core tip: This article provides a focused update on the current applications of contrast enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent advances and future developments in contrast enhanced EUS are discussed.