Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a type of ultrasound imaging that uses a contrast agent to improve the quality of the images. This type of imaging is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.
When is contrast-enhanced ultrasound performed?
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is typically performed when a standard ultrasound is not able to provide enough information to make a diagnosis. It is also used to monitor the progression of a medical condition or to assess the effectiveness of a treatment.
Who performs a contrast-enhanced ultrasound?
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is typically performed by a radiologist or a sonographer.
How does contrast-enhanced ultrasound work?
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound works by using a contrast agent, such as a gas or a liquid, to improve the quality of the images. The contrast agent is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and then circulated throughout the body. The contrast agent helps to make the images clearer and more detailed.
What happens during a contrast-enhanced ultrasound?
During a contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the patient will be asked to lie on a table and the ultrasound transducer will be placed on the patient’s body. The contrast agent will then be injected into the patient’s bloodstream and the ultrasound images will be taken.
Routine Ultrasound
A routine ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses sound waves to create images of the body. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses a contrast agent to improve the quality of the images. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions.
How do I prepare for the test?
Before a contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the patient should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking, as some medications can interfere with the contrast agent. The patient should also inform their doctor of any allergies they may have, as some contrast agents can cause allergic reactions.
What are the risks of this test?
The risks of contrast-enhanced ultrasound are generally mild, but there is a risk of more serious side effects.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include nausea, vomiting, and itching.
Moderate Side Effects
Moderate side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and hives.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
How often do side effects from the contrast occur?
Side effects from the contrast agent are rare, but they can occur. The risk of side effects increases with the amount of contrast agent used.
When should I know the results of the test?
The results of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound will typically be available within a few days.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/contrast-enhanced-ultrasound/about/pac-20384717
2. RadiologyInfo. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=ceus
3. American College of Radiology. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Contrast-Enhanced-Ultrasound
Keywords: contrast-enhanced ultrasound, CEUS, ultrasound imaging, contrast agent, side effects