[Vascularization of fibroadenomas: contrast harmonic imaging compared with contrast-enhanced power doppler].

PURPOSE

To compare contrast material-enhanced harmonic power Doppler ultrasonography (CHI) with conventional contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound (CPD) in depicting the vascularity of fibroadenomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with fibroadenomas (aged 19-61 years) underwent conventional contrast-enhanced and harmonic power Doppler US. According to a standardized examination protocol, serial dynamic scans were obtained before and at 30, 90 and 150 seconds after injection of contrast agent. Video-taped scans were independently reviewed by three blinded readers with regard to parameter artifacts, degree of Doppler signal enhancement, demarcation of vessels and extent of vessel visualization.

RESULTS

The number of intratumoral power Doppler signals depicted was similar with both techniques at 30-90 seconds after contrast administration; however, after 90 seconds, CPD depicted significantly more intratumoral signals than did CHI (p < 0.0001). CHI was superior to CPD with regard to "blooming" or motion-related artifacts (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

CHI balances the increased susceptibility of CPD to interference from clutter artifacts and thus allows the depiction of vessels that may have been obscured on CPD at similar system settings.