Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Interventions

Abstract

PurposeUltrasound contrast-enhancing agents have gained an important role in abdominal and thoracic ultrasound. They refine diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Interventions guided by CEUS have been described in the abdomen, and its significance concerning thoracic interventions shall be shown.Material & MethodsDuring difficult interventions on the thorax, i.v. contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed in addition to conventional B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound. If indicated, chest tubes were placed. A single drop of SonoVue® was added to 0.9% saline solution and instilled via the drainage catheter. The sonographic findings were documented.ResultsIn difficult interventions on the thorax, the i.v. application of contrast agents is of great benefit. The application of contrast agents via a chest tube reliably shows its localisation, especially its malposition. Insufficient drainage therapy, i.e. in loculated effusions, can be proven.ConclusionApplication of diluted ultrasound contrast agent via drainage catheters significantly facilitates difficult interventions on the thorax and provides considerable additional information. PurposeUltrasound contrast-enhancing agents have gained an important role in abdominal and thoracic ultrasound. They refine diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Interventions guided by CEUS have been described in the abdomen, and its significance concerning thoracic interventions shall be shown. Ultrasound contrast-enhancing agents have gained an important role in abdominal and thoracic ultrasound. They refine diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Interventions guided by CEUS have been described in the abdomen, and its significance concerning thoracic interventions shall be shown. Material & MethodsDuring difficult interventions on the thorax, i.v. contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed in addition to conventional B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound. If indicated, chest tubes were placed. A single drop of SonoVue® was added to 0.9% saline solution and instilled via the drainage catheter. The sonographic findings were documented. During difficult interventions on the thorax, i.v. contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed in addition to conventional B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound. If indicated, chest tubes were placed. A single drop of SonoVue® was added to 0.9% saline solution and instilled via the drainage catheter. The sonographic findings were documented. ResultsIn difficult interventions on the thorax, the i.v. application of contrast agents is of great benefit. The application of contrast agents via a chest tube reliably shows its localisation, especially its malposition. Insufficient drainage therapy, i.e. in loculated effusions, can be proven. In difficult interventions on the thorax, the i.v. application of contrast agents is of great benefit. The application of contrast agents via a chest tube reliably shows its localisation, especially its malposition. Insufficient drainage therapy, i.e. in loculated effusions, can be proven. ConclusionApplication of diluted ultrasound contrast agent via drainage catheters significantly facilitates difficult interventions on the thorax and provides considerable additional information. Application of diluted ultrasound contrast agent via drainage catheters significantly facilitates difficult interventions on the thorax and provides considerable additional information.