In addition, considering that its objectivity

is inferior, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is still positioned as a supplemental diagnostic modality. With regard to second-generation ultrasound contrast media, studies using SonoVue and Optison, which are not yet approved in Japan, were selected for this search, and Sonazoid, which is commonly used in Japan at present, was not included. Because I-BET-762 cost Sonazoid has a sustained contrast effect, improvement of the diagnostic performance and objectivity is expected. Accumulation of relevant evidence is anticipated in the future. CQ15 Are contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and real-time virtual sonography (RVS) useful as guides for local therapy? Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

and RVS are useful as guides for local therapy (contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, grade B; RVS, grade C1). In local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, the number of treatment sections is significantly lower, and the number of patients showing satisfactory response to therapy after single treatment was higher in the group receiving the therapy under Levovist-enhanced ultrasonographic guidance than in a group receiving the therapy without the ultrasonographic guidance (LF100621 level 1). It was reported that when RVS (an apparatus system that displays RG7204 solubility dmso the same CT plane image as the ultrasound plane image at the same time)-guided ablation was performed for hepatocellular carcinomas that could scarcely be recognized or identified by usual ultrasonography, more accurate and effective ablation of the lesions was possible (LF120832 level 3). Among the articles published until June 2007, there are a small number of reports examining the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and RVS for local ablation therapy. After July 2007, reports have been published that show the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and RVS as guides for local ablation therapy. Because Sonazoid, which allows continuous observation, has become available selleck for use, the usefulness of these procedures is expected to increase in the future. CQ16 Is contrast-enhanced

ultrasonography useful for assessment of the therapeutic effect of TACE and local therapy? Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is useful for assessment of the therapeutic effect of TACE and local therapy. (grade B) Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography detects the remaining vascularity in TACE sections at a high sensitivity, so that it is useful for assessing therapeutic effect and predicting the risk of recurrence (LF100241 level 1, LF103162 level 1, LF107793 level 1, LF108104 level 3). However, there are also reports suggesting that its sensitivity is superior to that of contrast-enhanced CT (LF100241 level 1, LF107793 level 1), and reports suggesting that there is no difference between the two (LF108104 level 3).