Abstract
Since the second-generation ultrasound contrast agent Sonazoid® has a stable shell, it enables visualization of the urologic vasculature for a long period of time. We therefore evaluated changes in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of urological organs. It is used for the diagnosis of renal function by enhancing small normal blood vessels. Also, pathological changes in blood vessels are diagnosed by enhancing abnormal vessels. Furthermore, it is applied to spread of renal function and prostatic function and is used for graft function and pharmacological evaluation, respectively. The blood-flow distribution and tumor itself in the case of renal and prostatic tumors are also enhanced. It is expected that effective use of the ultrasound contrast agent will increase the diagnostic rate of renal cell carcinoma and the positive rate of prostate biopsy and lessen the number of biopsy sites.
