Contrast enhanced ultrasound should be the initial radiological investigation to characterise focal liver lesions

Abstract

Our study shows that CEUS has a high sensitivity and specificity for characterising focal liver lesions. CEUS has advantages over CT and MRI of a high degree of safety, good patient tolerance and often availability at the time of initial detection. We therefore suggest that CEUS should be used as the initial study in the characterisation of FLLs. The study should be followed, as appropriate, by CT and MRI or PET studies. Biopsy, with its risks of tumour seeding and false negative results should only be considered after review of the imaging studies and full MDT discussion.