Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the evaluation of gallbladder diseases

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been used as an additional imaging technique to conventional ultrasound in order to clarify gallbladder findings, CEUS is easy and fast to perform, overcomes the limitations of gray-scale ultrasonography and is a safe tool. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective mono-center analysis study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEUS in the assessment of gallbladder disease by comparing its results with additional CT findings. METHODS: A total of 24 patients between 2009 and 2017 with unclear gallbladder appearance were retrospectively analysed. The contrast agent administered was a second-generation blood pool agent (SonoVue (R), Bracco, Milan, Italy). Examinations were performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist with more than fifteen years' experience. RESULTS: 24 patients were successfully examined without any adverse reaction. CEUS presented a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 100.0%, a positive predictive value of 100.0% and a negative predictive value of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the excellent results in this study acknowledged that CEUS is a feasible alternative tool to differentiate gallbladder pathologic alterations.