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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the pancreas
Mirko D’Onofrio, Anna Gallotti, Francesco Principe, Roberto Pozzi Mucelli, Department of Radiology, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
Author contributions: D’Onofrio M, Gallotti A, Principe F and Pozzi Mucelli R contributed equally to this work; D’Onofrio M and Gallotti A designed, performed and wrote the paper; Principe F organized the paper; Pozzi Mucelli R revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Mirko D’Onofrio, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona 37134, Italy. mirko.donofrio@univr.it
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Received: February 12, 2010
Revised: March 8, 2010
Accepted: March 15, 2010
Published online: March 28, 2010
Revised: March 8, 2010
Accepted: March 15, 2010
Published online: March 28, 2010
Abstract
The introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has led to major improvements in the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound (US). The innovative use of CEUS for study of the pancreas has created the need for a definition of the most frequent dynamic features of solid and cystic masses. CEUS is less expensive compared to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and is able to significantly improve the accuracy of US, allowing better characterization and staging of pancreatic pathologies.