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Limitations of characterization of hepatic hemangiomas using a sonographic contrast agent (Levovist) and power Doppler ultrasonography.
Author(s) -
Kim T K,
Han J K,
Kim A Y,
Choi B I
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.1999.18.11.737
Subject(s) - medicine , power doppler , radiology , contrast (vision) , doppler effect , ultrasonography , hemangioma , magnetic resonance imaging , ultrasound , angioma , nuclear medicine , vascular disease , surgery , physics , astronomy , artificial intelligence , computer science
Power Doppler ultrasonography using a sonographic contrast agent (Levovist) was evaluated in 20 patients with hepatic hemangiomas with a 2‐4 MHz convex transducer according to a standardized examination protocol (pulse repetition frequency, 1000 Hz; medium wall filter; power Doppler gain, 50 to 85%). Enhancement patterns were assessed and were compared with those on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (n = 11) or computed tomography (n = 9). The most common enhancement pattern was dotlike or linear enhancement located predominantly at the periphery of the tumor (15 cases, 75%). Diffuse homogeneous enhancement was seen in one case (5%). No definite contrast enhancement was evident in four cases (20%). The enhanced area on ultrasonograms was smaller than that on dynamic MR images or CT scans in 18 cases (90%). A transient centripetal fill‐in pattern was identified in six cases (30%). Persistent enhancement until 300 s was not seen in any case. Therefore, specific diagnosis of hemangioma with power Doppler ultrasonography and contrast agent may not be possible.