Abstract
BACKGROUND: Radiologic imaging, especially ultrasound has an important role in the assessment of gallbladder alteration. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an easy and fast imaging technique that overcomes the limitations of greyscale ultrasonography. It is a safe tool that can be used as an additional imaging modality in order to elucidate and differentiate gallbladder pathological findings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study analysis is to assess the diagnostic performance of CEUS in gallbladder alterations and compare the results to the histopathological findings. METHODS: A total of 17 patients between 2009 and 2017 with uncertain gallbladder appearance were retrospectively analysed. A single experienced physician with more than fifteen years' experience performed CEUS examinations by applying a second-generation blood pool agent (SonoVue (R), Bracco, Milan, Italy). Archived images were interpreted by the same physician and compared to the histopathological findings. RESULTS: CEUS results, when correlated to the respectively pathologic findings, presented a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. All patients were successfully examined without any adverse reaction. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the excellent results in this study acknowledged that CEUS is a feasible alternative tool to differentiate gallbladder pathologic alterations.
Item Type: | Journal article |
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Faculties: | Medicine |
Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health |
ISSN: | 1386-0291 |
Language: | English |
Item ID: | 80819 |
Date Deposited: | 15. Dec 2021, 14:55 |
Last Modified: | 15. Dec 2021, 14:55 |