Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and 3D reconstruction for assessment of the deep inferior epigastric perforator / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) vessels in patients with breast reconstruction flaps by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) reconstruction techniques.Methods Conventional ultrasound,CEUS and 3DUS were used to evaluate DIEP vessels of breast reconstruction flaps in 43 patients before surgical procedures.The identification,localization and spatial relationship of DIEP vessels were analyzed with conventional ultrasound,CEUS and 3DUS methods.The findings of CEUS and 3DUS were compared to conventional ultrasound and surgical outcome.Results Compared to CDFI,40 cases (93％) were observed more clearly with CEUS,and were showed more accurately than conventional ultrasound.41 cases (95％) could be displayed wonderfully in 3D ultrasound.Perforators which were detected by ultrasound were confirmed in the surgery and the transferred flaps survived completely.Conclusions Perforators can be displayed more clearly and located more accurately by CEUS and 3DUS.CEUS and 3DUS could play a very important role in the preoperative navigation of the DIEP than conventional ultrasound.