The added value of real-time harmonics contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography for the characterisation of pancreatic diseases in routine practice

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2010 Mar;19(1):99-104.

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasonography is an imaging method used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. The differentiation between inflammatory tumor-like masses and pancreatic adenocarcinoma still remains difficult. Contrast enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CEH-EUS) is a new technique, recently available in commercial use and less evaluated. It is used to characterize the microcirculation in pancreatic disorders--hypervascularized masses such as neuroendocrine tumors or hypovascularized masses such as adenocarcinomas--and to better visualize the necrotic areas in acute pancreatitis and the vascularisation of mural nodules and septa in pancreatic cystic lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endosonography*
  • Humans
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Pseudocyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • Contrast Media