Ultrasound Elastography for Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions

Abstract

Focal liver lesions (FLL) are typically detected by conventional ultrasound or other imaging modalities. After the detection of FLL, further characterization is essential, and this can be done by contrast-enhanced imaging techniques, e.g., contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or by means of biopsy with histological evaluation. Elastographic techniques are nowadays integrated into high-end ultrasound systems and their value for the detection of severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis has been shown in studies and meta-analyses. The use of an ultrasound elastographic technique for the differentiation of malignant and benign liver tumors is less well-established. This review summarizes the current data on utility and performance of ultrasound elastography for the characterization of FLL.

Zusammenfassung

Fokale Leberläsionen (FLL) werden typischerweise durch konventionellen Ultraschall oder andere bildgebende Verfahren detektiert. Eine weitere Charakterisierung erfolgt durch kontrastverstärkte bildgebende Verfahren, z. B. kontrastverstärkter Ultraschall (CEUS) und Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT), oder durch Biopsie mit histologischer Untersuchung. Elastografische Techniken werden heute routinemäßig in Ultraschallsysteme integriert und ihr Wert für die Erkennung der fortgeschrittenen Leberfibrose und -zirrhose wurde in Studien, Metaanalysen und Leitlinien belegt. Weniger etabliert ist der Einsatz elastografischer Techniken zur Differenzierung bösartiger und gutartiger Lebertumoren. Dieser Review fasst die aktuellen Daten zur Bedeutung der Ultraschall-Elastografie zur Charakterisierung von FLL zusammen.

Schlüsselwörter

Elastografie - fokale Leberläsionen - Lebertumoren - Steifheit - Ultraschall

Keywords

Elastography - focal liver lesions - liver tumors - stiffness - Ultrasound

Publication History

Received: 25 November 2021

Accepted: 06 October 2022

Article published online:
14 December 2022

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