2023 Volume 50 Issue 6 Pages 395-400
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a powerful tool to detect viable tumor lesions effectively because of the higher diagnostic sensitivity of images; however, it is difficult to evaluate microvascular perfusion quantitatively. Alternatively, time intensity curve (TIC) parameters measured using CEUS have been compared as quantitative analysis for blood perfusion. There are two major analysis methods using TIC: wash-in and wash-out curve and flash replenishment curve. Unfortunately, there is a big fluctuation of intensity in decibel according to the depth and/or size of the region of interest on CEUS, and it is also inevitable that curve fitting analysis runs the risk of error on TIC parameters according to the CEUS examination time. Basically, it is difficult for physicians to identify the degree of change in blood flow based on analysis of TIC parameters. Meanwhile, the epoch-making new technology, Contrast Vector Imaging®, has been launched. It can directly measure microvascular perfusion by quantitative imaging analysis of Sonazoid bubble tracking. Recently, anti-tumor therapeutic strategies have been developed. We need to establish a standard technique for quantitative assessment of microvascular perfusion on CEUS, which is expected to contribute significantly to early tumor response assessment of anti-tumor therapies in the future.
