A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Evaluating Adnexal Lesions
摘要
To study and compare the number, size, location, and character of adnexal lesions identified by CEUS and MRI and correlate the results with gross intra-operative and histopathological findings.
BackgroundCEUS is a newly emerging diagnostic modality. It involves the administration of intravenous contrast agents consisting of microbubbles. The distinguished acoustic properties of the gas in the microbubble enable it to produce high-frequency harmonics that enhance the ultrasound images. CEUS provides the ability to detect intralesional microvascularity. It can produce real time imaging and thus can be used during interventional procedures.
MethodsIt was a prospective observational study with a sample size of 150 study subjects. The contrast agent used in our study is commercially known as Sonovue, which is made of Sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles.
Results150 cases of adnexal masses were studied. There was no significant difference between CEUS and MRI reports with respect to the size of the lesions as shown by a t-test (t = 0.06, p = 0.53) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.96, p = 0.001). Disagreement regarding character of the lesion was seen only in a few number of cases. Gross per-operative findings and histopathology reports showed 100% concordance with the investigative results.
Conclusion150 subjects with adnexal masses were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was found between CEUS and MRI findings with regard to size, character, location, intra-operative appearance and histopathological results of the lesions. Thus we can conclude that CEUS can be considered an effective alternative to MRI for the evaluation of adnexal lesions.