November 27, 2021 — Abdominal Radiology

Abstract

Purpose
To determine the indications for CEUS for renal mass evaluation.

Methods
This retrospective, single-center, IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant study analyzed data from 303 consecutive patients scheduled for a renal CEUS to determine the indications for the examination. A chart review was performed from 05/01/2020 through 05/31/2021 on all patients who received a renal CEUS. The patient demographics were extracted as well as the motivating factor for ordering the examination.

Results
From the 303 patients, 114 were referred because of an indeterminate mass seen on CT and 28 were referred for long-term follow-up of a mass defined as benign or malignant was identified on CT. 9 patients were referred for a CEUS follow-up due to an indeterminate mass on MRI and 6 patients were referred for long-term follow-up of a mass defined as benign or malignant on MRI. 34 patients were referred for follow-up for characterization of a lesion seen on unenhanced ultrasound. 48 patients and 21 patients were referred for long-term follow-up of a previously observed benign or malignant lesion, respectively, seen on CEUS. CEUS was ordered in 21 patients to follow-up a partial nephrectomy and 5 patients for follow-up of a thermal ablation. 7 patients were referred because of a clinical finding.

Conclusion
The main reason for a renal CEUS referral is to characterize a mass which could not be characterized on CT or MRI. Another main indication is for long-term follow-up of lesions to decrease radiation dose. Referrals due to inability to receive CT or MRI contrast or renal insufficiency were minor indications.

Authors: Diana Kazimierski1; Michael Vanes2; Cynthia L. Peterson2,3; Richard G. Barr1

1 Department of Radiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
2 Southwoods Imaging, 7623 Market Street, Youngstown, OH, USA
3 Kent State University, Salem Campus, Salem, USA

Read full text at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03370-8