OMICS Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a relatively recent imaging technique for assessing a wide variety of clinical indications, the majority of which includes scheduled examinations. Nevertheless, CEUS can also be performed for emergency imaging also. The commonest urgent clinical applications of CEUS include abdominal solid organ trauma, infections and infarcts, scrotal and penile emergencies, as well as cervical, splanchnic and peripheral vessel imaging. Patients can be scanned with minimal delay at their bedside, with no ionising radiation or anaphylactic reaction and renal failure risks. CEUS can offer alternative imaging to CT and MR, saving radiation, time and money. This presentation will briefly refresh knowledge of ultrasound contrast agents? physics, describe CEUS performing technique, its various urgent indications and limitations and will present imaging examples of emergency cases on CEUS in comparison to baseline ultrasound, CT and MR. Pitfalls and safety will also be discussed. It should be especially interesting for American Radiologists awaiting the expected FDA approval of CEUS in the United States.

Biography

Demosthenes D. Cokkinos is a Radiologist, working with Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound since 2003. In his Department, over 40 patients are scanned with this technique every month, many of which for emergency clinical situations. He has published more than 25 papers in international medical journals, the majority of the most recent ones written on the technique of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound.