Gut Liver.  2015 Nov;9(6):707-713. 10.5009/gnl15077.

The Expanding Role of Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatobiliary Disease

• Choi JH
• Seo DW

• KMID: 2377926
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5009/gnl15077

Abstract

Since its introduction into clinical practice in the 1980s, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been described as a good imaging modality for the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, differential diagnosis of certain lesions based only on B-mode ultrasound images can be challenging. Clinical use of ultrasound contrast agents has expanded the utility of EUS from that of detection to characterization of pancreatobiliary lesions based on the enhancement features of contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS). Current low mechanical index techniques for CE-EUS using second-generation contrast agents have a number of distinct advantages over conventional diagnostic modalities in evaluating pancreatobiliary lesions, including real-time assessment of perfusion pattern, availability, and the absence of exposure to radiation. This article describes the technical aspects of CE-EUS and reviews the expanding indications in pancreatobiliary diseases and further development of this technique.

Keyword

Endosonography; Contrast; Pancreas; Biliary tract

MeSH Terms

Biliary Tract Diseases/diagnosis/*ultrasonography
*Contrast Media
Diagnosis, Differential
Endosonography/*methods
Humans
Medical Illustration
Pancreatic Diseases/diagnosis/*ultrasonography
Contrast Media