Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Focal Liver Lesions

Like no other technique before, US contrast agents have revolutionized diagnostic ultrasound. Since its advent in 1996, the diagnostic abilities have expanded greatly and diagnostic confidence has been taken to a new level, comparable and sometimes even superior to CT and MRI. The European ultrasound societies developed guidelines on the use of US contrast agents in liver diseases in 2004. These guidelines have been updated and expanded in 2009 (www.efsumb.com). Although the emphasis is still on liver diseases, it is accepted that US CA also adds a great deal of diagnostic value in extra hepatic organ diseases, as well as in renal disorders.

The following educational presentation concentrates on Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Focal Liver Lesions. Dr. Weskott introduces several cases by presenting the findings in standard imaging modes (B-Mode, Color Doppler) first, asks you to choose ‘your diagnosis’ from possible options and finally demonstrates how CEUS helped to make the correct diagnosis.

Dr. Hans-Peter Weskott, MD

is the Assistant Medical Director and Head of the Central Ultrasound Lab at General Hospital Siloah, Hannover where approximately 16,000 exams are performed annually. He received his medical doctorate degree from Medical University Lübeck in 1979. Dr. Weskott has contributed over 300 submissions for national and international meetings and congresses. He is also the author of several book chapters on general Ultrasound and Contrast- Enhanced Ultrasound, as well as co-author of the EFSUMB Guidelines 2004 and 2008 for the use of CEUS. He started using US contrast agent in April 1996. He is a member of the following professional societies:

  • German Society of Internal Medicine (BDI),
  • Chinese Society of of Vessels and Superficial Organs Ultrasound,
  • Honorable Member of the Hungarian Radiologic Society.
  • He is member of the Executive Board of the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM).

Dr. Weskott is also responsible for lecturing educational international courses, and the promotion of doctorate students at the General Hospital Siloah. His areas of interest include Doppler and non-Doppler techniques for flow imaging and quantification, ultrasound contrast agents, intraoperative ultrasound, interventional, 3-D and 4-D imaging.