Diagnostic Imaging

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound

What is contrast ultrasound?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an advanced and now well-established international imaging technique: it has been successfully administered to over 3 million patients worldwide , proving to be safe and effective.

This is a standard ultrasound scan with the addition of an ultrasound contrast agent , consisting of small gas bubbles (a special type of air called sulfur hexafluoride) administered intravenously in a very small dose (about 1,2 cc). This allows for a much more detailed and accurate visualization of the vascularization of internal organs and any lesions.

In which cases is it performed?

CEUS ultrasound is primarily used to investigate abnormalities discovered during a traditional ultrasound , such as lesions, spots, or liver nodules of unknown origin. In just a few minutes, it allows us to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant and whether further investigations (such as CT, MRI, or biopsy) are necessary.

If the lesion is benign, the examination allows the diagnostic process to be closed without further investigations.

This technique is very useful for observing in detail the organs of the abdomen such as the liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, aorta and bladder, and for:

Monitor tumor progression and evaluate response to oncological treatments
Study aneurysms or vascular alterations

Thanks to its speed and reliability, it often allows you to avoid more complex or invasive tests.

What can you see with contrast medium?

The contrast liquid allows you to:

Observe in real time vascularization of the lesions
Detect even very small tumors
Distinguish between injuries benign and malignant with greater precision
Assess the status of inflammation, infections or vascular diseases

Thanks to CEUS ultrasound, it is possible to obtain immediate diagnostic answers , without exposure to radiation and in complete safety.

How to prepare for an ultrasound?

One of the great advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasound is that it does not require any special preparation:

Fasting is not necessary
No blood tests are required
It can be performed in the same session as a normal ultrasound, without the need for separate appointments.

Any specific instructions will be provided to you at the time of booking.

How is a CEUS performed?

A first traditional ultrasound scan of the organ to be investigated is performed. A small amount of contrast medium (1.2 cc of sulfur hexafluoride) is administered intravenously. The radiologist observes the distribution of the contrast within the organ in real time, recording any anomalies.

The test is painless, non-invasive, and does not cause any significant discomfort.

How long does the exam last?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound takes about 20-30 minutes . The time may vary slightly depending on the area being examined and the patient's response, but the entire exam is completed quickly, even during the same traditional ultrasound session.

What are the risks of using contrast media?

Ultrasound contrast media is one of the safest available in diagnostic imaging.

It is eliminated through the respiratory tract and not through the kidneys, and is therefore also suitable for patients with renal insufficiency who cannot undergo CT or MRI scans with contrast.

Side effects are very rare, and lower than those of contrast agents used in other methods.

Serious complications are extremely rare : they occur in less than 1 case in 10.000 examinations, with an estimated incidence of 0,0086 %.

Who can have CEUS ultrasound?

This test can be performed by the vast majority of patients. It is contraindicated only in cases of severe respiratory failure . During pregnancy, it is performed only if strictly necessary.