Contrast ultrasound imaging and its veterinary clinical applications

The concept of contrast enhancement has significantly extended the usefulness of ultrasound imaging in human medicine and medical research and the persistence and efficacy of ultrasound contrast agents has been improved and specific imaging sequences have been developed. Contrast ultrasound provides Doppler and grey-scale enhancement. Doppler examinations are improved when studying deep or small vessels and vessels with low flow velocities. In the last few years, contrast ultrasound has also been introduced in veterinary medicine. Its usefulness has been shown in diseases of the liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, lymph nodes and superficial tumours. [Vet World 2009; 2(7.000): 284-285]