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European Radiology

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26-07-2022 | Ultrasound | Interventional

The benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in biopsies for focal liver lesions: a retrospective study of 820 cases

Authors: Jia-Xin Huang, Cai-Gou Shi, Yan-Fen Xu, Juan Fu, Yuan Zhong, Long-Zhong Liu, Xiao-Qing Pei

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2022

Abstract

Objective

This study compared the performance between ultrasound (US)- and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS)–guided liver biopsies and evaluated the benefit of CEUS in percutaneous biopsy for focal liver lesions (FLLs).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 820 patients with FLLs, who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy in our center between 2017 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether US (n = 362) or CEUS (n = 458) used before a biopsy. The two groups were compared based on specimen adequacy for pathological diagnosis and diagnostic accuracy of liver biopsy. Stratification analysis was performed based on lesion and protocol characteristics to provide detailed information for selecting the imaging guidance for biopsy.

Results

Compared with the US group, the CEUS group yielded more acceptable samples (97.6% vs. 99.4%, p < 0.05) and improved diagnostic accuracy (92.6% vs. 96.4%, p < 0.05), and achieved better sensitivity (92.5% vs. 96.2%, p < 0.05) for liver biopsies, especially in FLLs ≥ 5 cm, heterogeneous hypoechoic FLLs, or FLLs with an obscure boundary. The CEUS group showed significantly higher accuracy compared with the US group pertaining to single-puncture biopsies (100% vs. 92.7%, p < 0.05) or biopsies with punctures ≤ 2 (97.6% vs. 94.3%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CEUS achieved an enhanced success rate for sampling and diagnostic accuracy of liver biopsies, especially in FLLs ≥ 5 cm, heterogeneous hypoechoic FLLs, or FLLs with an obscure boundary. CEUS can be used to decrease the number of punctures needed, which might increase the safety of liver biopsy.

Key Points

• CEUS can help confirm an adequate biopsy site, increasing the sampling success rate and diagnostic accuracy of the liver biopsy.

• CEUS can be used to decrease the number of punctures needed to improve the safety of liver biopsy.

• It is recommended to use CEUS guidance for liver biopsies, especially with FLLs ≥ 5 cm, heterogeneous hypoechoic FLLs, or FLLs with an obscure boundary.

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Title: The benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in biopsies for focal liver lesions: a retrospective study of 820 cases
Authors: Jia-Xin Huang
Cai-Gou Shi
Yan-Fen Xu
Juan Fu
Yuan Zhong
Long-Zhong Liu
Xiao-Qing Pei
Publication date: 26-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2022
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-022-08988-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in biopsies for focal liver lesions: a retrospective study of 820 cases

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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