Current and future perspectives of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in nephrology

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is becoming an ultrasound device with many diagnostic applications. Employment of microbubbles as contrast media agents has allowed dynamic evaluation of micro- and macrovessels strengthening the characterization of ultrasonographic lesions not valuable with Power and Color Doppler analysis. CEUS does not involve ionizing radiations, then it's not harmful for kidney function. CEUS seems to be particularly helpful in distinguishing between benign cysts and malignancies according to Bosniak's classification. CEUS can also be applied to diagnose ischemic or traumatic issues, renal artery stenosis, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and urinary infections or traumatic injuries and for kidney graft evaluation. Further perspectives for CEUS lie in oncology for post-ablation kidney surveillance and in nanobubbles devices.