Advanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Therapy ›› 2022, Vol. 6 ›› Issue (2): 39-47.doi: 10.37015/AUDT.2022.220017

• Review Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Emerging Applications of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Trauma

Brenda E. Tester, BS, MSa, Ji-Bin Liu, MDb, John R. Eisenbrey, PhDb,*(), George Koenig, MDc   

  1. a Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
    b Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
    c Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
  • Received:2022-04-18 Revised:2022-04-30 Online:2022-06-30 Published:2022-06-26
  • Contact: John R. Eisenbrey, PhD, E-mail:john.eisenbrey@jefferson.edu

Abstract:

The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has expanded over the past decade to include a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. These include urgent clinical situations that require timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With the introduction of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), CEUS provides increased sensitivity and specificity over conventional ultrasound. Within the trauma setting, CEUS benefits include point of care imaging and an ability to monitor perfusion in real-time. Additionally, UCAs are non-nephrotoxic, and can be used when contrast enhanced CT is contraindicated. In this review, we discuss recent advancements of CEUS within trauma settings.

Key words: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Computed tomography; Abdominal trauma; Critical care; Bleeding