The added value of real-time harmonics contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography for the characterisation of pancreatic diseases in routine practice

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasonography is an imaging method used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. The differentiation between inflammatory tumor-like masses and pancreatic adenocarcinoma still remains difficult. Contrast enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CEH-EUS) is a new technique, recently available in commercial use and less evaluated. It is used to characterize the microcirculation in pancreatic disorders--hypervascularized masses such as neuroendocrine tumors or hypovascularized masses such as adenocarcinomas--and to better visualize the necrotic areas in acute pancreatitis and the vascularisation of mural nodules and septa in pancreatic cystic lesions.