Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
What is Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound?
The term contrast enhancement in the radiology field is an omnipresent term. It suggests a method of emphasizing the clear difference between adjacent structures on imaging by analyzing contrast agents. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is another form of advanced ultrasound with no evidence of nephrotoxicity.
The procedure involves managing the intravenous contrast agent consisting of microbubbles of gas while performing on the patient. It provides better and clearer visuals of organs and blood vessels present within the abdomen and pelvis area.
Why is it used ?
The contrast-enhanced ultrasound procedure is used to diagnose, monitor, and image blood perfusion inside organs. The technology also allows doctors to measure blood flow rate, prominently in the heart and other organs. It helps to distinguish or contrast particular areas inside the body which are surrounded by several tissues. The technology improves the visibility of specific organs and tissues.
The main reason for carrying out the procedure are:
- To get a clear image of organs after trauma, injury, or infection.
- To detect the difference between a tumor and sludge.
- To monitor a known abnormality for changes in size or structure.
How is the procedure done?
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound diagnosis medical conditions. Like any other routine ultrasound, it also creates images using sound waves. The entire procedure is somewhat similar to routine ultrasound. The radiologist uses gel on your selective part and moves the transducer wand at different angles. Through this wand, sound waves travel inside your body and come back forming a clear image on the monitor. These images can show blood flowing inside a patient’s blood vessels.
The procedure enables doctors and radiologists to detect abnormalities in the organs or vessels.
What are the benefits of contrast-enhanced ultrasound?
Here are the key benefits of contrast-enhanced ultrasound:
- The procedure is 100% safe for patients who are allergic to CT and MRI contrast radiation.
- The complete procedure takes about 30 minutes or less
- No closed or dark room is required to undertake the procedure. The machinery makes no noise or disturbance as well
- No prior lab testing for renal or liver function
- Provides doctors with a clear view of diagnosed organs that doctors are unable to see on MRI or non-contracted CT
What are the risks associated with adult echocardiography?
Any form of procedure that involves radiation has a certain level of risk to the patient's body. Here are the few risks of contrast-enhanced ultrasound:
- The patient might have an allergic reaction to radiation coming from the machinery or equipment
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