Clinical Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using High-Frequency Linear Probe in the Detection of Small Colorectal Liver Metastases

Publication date: Available online 14 October 2017
Source:Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
Author(s): Si Qin, Yao Chen, Xiao-yin Liu, Wen-jie Cheng, Jun-li Yu, Wen-jing Zhang, Qing-ling Jiang, Yi-min Wang, Yan-ling Wen, Guang-jian Liu
To compare the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using high-frequency linear and convex probes in the detection of small colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). A total of 85 patients with 143 small CRLMs were evaluated. High-frequency ultrasound (US) and CEUS detected significantly more superficial lesions within 60 mm below the skin than a convex probe (p < 0.05). The detection rate decreased in the chemotherapy group, especially when using a convex probe for US (p < 0.05). By combining convex and linear probes, detection rates of US and CEUS were significantly higher than that of a convex or a linear probe alone (p < 0.05). High-frequency US and CEUS helped to improve detection of small CRLMs and reduce the influence of chemotherapy. For patients with a high risk of CRLMs and those after chemotherapy, we recommend first scanning the liver by using a convex probe and subsequently screening the surface area of the liver and suspicious small lesions by using a linear probe.



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