Ultraschall Med 2007; 28 - V_15_1
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-989130

Detection of hepatic metastases from colorectal tumours: prospective evaluation of US versus Sonovue low-mechanical index (MI) real time contrast-enhanced US as compared with 64 slice-CT or BOPTA-MRI

V Cantisani 1, P Ricci 1, E Pagliara 2, G Alfano 1, U D'Ambrosio 1, R Passariello 1, FM Drudi 1
  • 1Policlinico Umberto I, University La Sapienza, Radiological Sciences, Rome, Italy
  • 2University Campus Biomedico, Radiological Sciences, Rome, Italy

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate US and low-MI CEUS for the detection of hepatic metastases from colorectal tumours by using 64 slice spiral CT or BOPTA-MRI as reference imaging modality.

Methods and materials: From February to December 2006, 112 patients with colorectal tumours (72 males, 40 females; mean age 62.5 years; range 41–78) with known hepatic lesions were prospectively evaluated with US and CEUS, and compared with contrast-enhanced 64-slice spiral CT and/or BOPTA-MRI. A follow-up for more than 6 months by using CT, MRI or intraoperative biopsy (45 patients) was considered the gold standard. McNemar test was then calculated to compare US, and CEUS sensitivity and specificity

Results: CEUS improved US sensitivity and specificity for the detection of individual metastases from 58% to 94% (P <.001) and from 45% to 91%, respectively, especially for lesions <1cm (p<0.001). Sensitivity of US, CEUS, CT and MRI in the patients who underwent intraoperative US were 50%, 88%, 89%, and 91%, respectively.

Conclusions: CEUS is significantly more accurate than US and roughly comparable with CT and BOPTA-MRI in the detection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Therefore, in the evaluation of patients with suspected hepatic metastases from colorectal tumour, US examination must be performed after contrast administration