[Comparison of a high-end ultrasound system with a spiral CT scanner in screening for liver metastases].

AIM

To assess prospectively the sensitivity of a high-end ultrasound system in comparison to a spiral computed tomographic scanner in screening for liver metastases.

METHOD

88 consecutive patients with malignant diseases were examined using gray-scale sonography and contrast enhanced two-phase spiral computed tomography during arterial dominant and portal venous phase. For both methods all focal lesions of the liver were reported.

RESULTS

99 focal lesions of the liver were detected by gray-scale sonography and/or two-phase spiral computed tomography. The sensitivity for gray-scale sonography was 93.9% (93 of 99 lesions) and for two-phase spiral computed tomography (71.7% (71 of 99 lesions), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Screening for liver metastases should be performed by using a diagnostic method with a high sensitivity. Gray-scale sonography with a high-end ultrasound system fulfill' these requirements.