[Vascularization patterns in focal liver lesions: comparison of plain and signal-enhanced amplitude-modulated color duplex ultrasonography].

PURPOSE

Morphology of focal liver lesions was studied by power Doppler. Plain images and images after i.v. application of galactose-based microbubbles (Levovist, Schering AG) were compared.

METHODS

21 patients with focal liver lesions were studied by power Doppler before and after application of the signal enhancer.

RESULTS

In lesions that showed short pulsations in plain studies, vascular structures were visible after application of the signal enhancer. In hepatocellular carcinomas, multiple arteries with small diameter became visible. Peripheral veins were detected in metastases. A large feeding artery was detected in 1/2 haemangiomas with flow and in a focal nodular hyperplasia.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to plain amplitude-modulated colour-coded duplex ultrasound, vascular patterns of focal liver lesions were more clearly visible after injection of a signal-enhancer.