Diagnostic value of oral SonoVue in contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of stomach: A preliminary study / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of oral SonoVue in contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of stomach, so as to pave a way for future clinical research and application. Methods: Four patients with pathologically-confirmed advanced gastric cancer underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of stomach using the following 3 contrast strategies oral intake of Chinese herb solution, oral intake of SonoVue solution and intravenous injection of SonoVue. The 3 sonograms of each patient were reviewed, in a blind manner, by 9 ultrasound specialists taking into consideration of the following 6 indications the clearness of tumor on the gastric internal surface, the appearance of tumor ulceration, the appearance of tumor intrusion, width of tumor infiltration, depth of tumor infiltration, and gastric obstruction severity. The findings were statistically analyzed and the diagnostic value of oral SonoVue for gastric diseases was assessed. Results: Oral intake of SonoVue solution obtained the best sonogram among the 3 contrast strategies. The inter-observers variability was minimal for sonograms of patients in oral SonoVue group considering the first 3 and the last indications mentioned above; the variability was minimal for sonograms of patients who received intravenous injection of SonoVue considering metastasis degree and infiltration depth. Conclusion: Oral gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination using oral SonoVue is stable in demonstrating gastric cancer. The quality of sonograms using oral SonoVue is better than that using oral Chinese herbs.