Abstract
Background Ultrasound as a non-ionizing imaging procedure is one of the most important diagnostic
procedures in everyday clinical practice. The technology is widely used. Due to constant
technical innovations, sonographic procedures, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound
(CEUS), sonoelastography, new microvascular Doppler modalities and, as an example
of interventional procedures, sonographically controlled microwave ablation (MWA),
are becoming increasingly important in diagnostic imaging and interventional medicine
alongside CT and MRI. However, this also requires greater expertise, specialization
and qualification on the part of users.
Method This review article provides information about the range of technical innovations
in ultrasound in recent years and describes the underlying technology, the clinical
applications, and their diagnostic value. These are presented in the context of the
current literature, explaining their advantages and disadvantages and their clinical
value.
Results and Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), microvascular Doppler modalities, fusion imaging
and elastography complement B-scan ultrasound and conventional Doppler procedures
for various problems. Microwave ablation (MWA) has a firm place as an ablative procedure
for local tumor therapy in different organ systems and can be performed under ultrasound
guidance. Thanks to new developments, the possibilities of ultrasound are now greater
than ever. Knowledge of the technology, indications, and possible applications of
newer procedures is essential for adequate patient care.
Key Points:
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows an increase in sensitivity and specificity
in the assessment of parenchymal lesions.
-
CEUS allows the microperfusion to be visualized and quantified. For larger vessels,
CEUS is an important instrument in diagnosing endoleak after stenting.
-
Microvascular Doppler techniques with clutter suppression algorithms allow a more
accurate representation of the smallest vessels than regular color or power Doppler.
-
Elastography of the liver in diffuse hepatopathies is a noninvasive diagnostic tool
to exclude higher grade fibrosis/cirrhosis.
-
Microwave ablation (MWA) also offers sonographically controlled ablation of tumors.
Citation Format
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Kloth C, Kratzer W, Schmidberger J et al. Ultrasound 2020 – Diagnostics & Therapy:
On the Way to Multimodal Ultrasound: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Microvascular
Doppler Techniques, Fusion Imaging, Sonoelastography, Interventional Sonography .
Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 23 – 32
Key words
B-scan - contrast-enhanced ultrasound - elastography - interventional - doppler ultrasonography
