Color Mapping using Ultrasound System-integrated Perfusion Software for Evaluation of Focal Liver Lesions: A Possible First Step for More Independent Reading.

Abstract

To assess the value of using integrated parametric ultrasound software for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) of liver tumors. 107 patients with liver tumors were studied. CEUS were performed to detect focal lesions. Parametric images were based on continuous CINE LOOPs, from the early-arterial phase (15 s) to the portal-venous phase (1 min) generated by perfusion software. The evaluations of the parametric images and their dignity for liver lesions were performed independently by an experienced and a less-experienced investigator. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging scans or histological analysis were used as references. High parametric image quality were obtained in all patients. Among the patients, 44% lesions were benign, 56% were malignant. The experienced investigator correctly classified 46 of 47 (98%) as benign, and 60 of 60 (100%) as malignant tumors based on the parametric images. The less-experienced investigator correctly classified 39 of 47 (83%) as benign, and 49 of 60 (82%) malignant tumors, acheaving a high statistical accuracy of 98% with this type of diagnostic. Parametric imaging for grading the malignant degree of tumor may be a good complement to existing ultrasound techniques and was particularly helpful for improving the assessments of the less-experienced examiner.