The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis of liver tumors in newborns

Czech version

Authors: Pršo Marek ¹; Michnová Zuzana ¹; Kozár Marek ²; Pršová Linda ¹; Zúbriková Lýdia ¹; Havlíčeková Zuzana ¹; Kosorínová Daniela ¹; Murgašová Michaela ¹; Pršo Kristián ³; Bánovčin Peter ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika detí a dorastu, Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave, Jesseniova lekárska fakulta v Martine, Univerzitná nemocnica Martin ¹; Neonatologická klinika, Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave, Jesseniova lekárska fakulta v Martine, Univerzitná nemocnica Martin ²; Ústav farmakológie, Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave, Jesseniova lekárska fakulta v Martine ³
Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2023; 78 (4): 210-214.
Category: Case Report
doi: https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2023/037

Overview

Aim: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a novel diagnostic method that enables dynamic imaging of tissues in real time with recording characteristic pattern of bearing contrast agent in liver lesion. The aim of the authors is to point out the importance of this imaging modality in the differential diagnosis of liver tumors in newborns through the presentation of two case reports.

Methodology: After intravenous application of microbubble contrast agent with exclusively intravascular distribution the signal intensity is recorded in the individual phases of the examination in liver lesion and its surroundings. During the arterial phase the vascularization of the lesion is evaluated, in the portal and late phase is possible to specify the dignity of the liver lesion more precisely.

Results: Two newborns with liver tumors underwent CEUS examination with the aim of closer characterization of the lesion. Based on the CEUS in these newborns were diagnosed hemangioma and hepatoblastoma. We did not observe any adverse effects related to the intravenous administration of the contrast agent.

Conclusion: According to our expiriences so far is CEUS a suitable diagnostic method in differential diagnosis of liver tumors also at patients of neonatal age. Realization and interpretation of results reguire trained medical staff.

Keywords:

Neonatology – liver tumors – diagnostics – CEUS – contrast-enhanced ultrasound

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