Technical aspects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations: Tips and tricks
Issue title: Selected Presentations held at the 33th Annual Conference of the German Society for Clinical Microcirculation and Hemorheology, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, 14-15 November, 2014
Affiliations: Bracco Imaging Deutschland GmbH, Global Marketing Ultrasound, Konstanz, Germany
Note: [] Corresponding author: C. Greis, Bracco Imaging Deutschland GmbH, Global Marketing Ultrasound, Konstanz, Germany. Tel.: +49 7531 3631 240; Fax: +49 7531 3631 290; E-mail: christian.greis@bracco.com
Abstract: Ultrasound contrast agents have substantially extended the clinical value of ultrasound, allowing the assessment of blood flow and distribution in real-time down to microcapillary level. Selective imaging of contrast agent signals requires a contrast-specific imaging mode on the ultrasound scanner, allowing real-time separation of tissue and contrast agent signals. The creation of a contrast image requires a specific interaction between the insonated ultrasound wave and the contrast agent microbubbles, leading to persistent oscillation of the bubbles. Several technical and procedural parameters have a significant influence on the quality of CEUS images and should be controlled carefully to obtain good image quality and a reliable diagnosis. Achieving the proper balance between the respective parameters is a matter of technical knowledge and experience. Appropriate training and education should be mandatory for every investigator performing CEUS examinations.
